Game program, information processing method, and information processing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a new mechanism that does not impair the appeal of a game while eliminating the boredom during a waiting time in a turn-based game. This game program causes at least one processor included in an information processing device to execute: controlling the progress of a turn-based game in which each of a plurality of players plays during the player's turn; receiving a first operation from a first player taking the turn in the turn-based game; displaying, on a display screen, first screen data of the turn-based game which progresses according to the first operation; receiving a second operation from another player during the first player's turn; and displaying, on the display screen, the first screen data and second screen data which is operated according to the second operation.

Description

Game Program, Information Processing Method, and Information Processing Apparatus Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-068971 filed on April 18, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The disclosed technology relates to a game program, an information processing method, and an information processing apparatus.

[0003] Conventionally, turn-based games in which a plurality of players take turns to play have been developed. For example, a game system includes a stationary game apparatus, to which a plurality of portable game apparatuses and a monitor are connected. The game apparatus executes a turn-based game, the game screen of which is displayed on the monitor. A player waiting for their turn in the turn-based game plays a personal game using their game apparatus, the game screen of which is displayed on the screen of the portable game apparatus. It is known that the game apparatus acquires the play results of the personal game, that is, personal ability values, from all the game apparatuses each time a turn ends, and progresses the turn-based game based on the acquired personal ability values and the operation inputs from the players (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-245927

[0005] However, in conventional games, when it is not their own turn, players enjoy games on their personal game apparatuses, which reduces opportunities to watch other players' play displayed on a separate screen in the turn-based game, and the entertaining nature of the turn-based game may be impaired. Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a new mechanism that eliminates the boredom of waiting time in a turn-based game without impairing the entertaining nature of the game.

[0006] A game program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes one or more processors included in an information processing device to perform the following actions: control the progress of a turn-based game played by multiple players when it is their turn; receive a first operation from a first player whose turn it is in the turn-based game; display first screen data of the turn-based game progressing in accordance with the first operation on a display screen; receive a second operation from another player during the first player's turn; and display the first screen data and second screen data operated in accordance with the second operation on the display screen.

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a new mechanism that eliminates the tediousness of waiting times in turn-based games without compromising the enjoyment of the game.

[0008] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a game system according to one embodiment. This block diagram shows an example of a processor according to one embodiment. This figure shows an example of a data structure according to one embodiment. This figure shows an example of a display screen showing a turn-based game screen according to one embodiment. This figure shows an example of a display screen showing a turn-based game screen and a mini-game screen according to one embodiment. This figure shows an example of a display screen showing a turn-based game screen and a settings screen according to one embodiment. This flowchart shows an example of the processing of a game program according to one embodiment. This flowchart shows an example of the processing of a mini-game according to one embodiment.

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, components denoted by the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations.

[0010] [Embodiment] <System Configuration> Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system 1 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the game system 1 includes one or more game devices 10A, B, an information processing device 20, and a display device 30.

[0011] In the game system 1, one or more game devices 10A, B and the information processing device 20 exchange data with each other via a network N. The one or more game devices 10A, B may be any number, and if they are not individually distinguished, they are also referred to as game devices 10. The information processing device 20 may be composed of multiple processing devices (which may include a database).

[0012] In the game system 1, for example, each player inputs operations related to a turn-based game using each game device 10, the information processing device 20 receives these operations, and based on the received operations, displays screen data on a display device 30 that each player can view.

[0013] The game device 10 is an information processing device or processing terminal operated by each player, which provides a game to each player by executing a game program provided by the information processing device 20. Examples of the game device 10 include home, portable, or arcade game devices (which may consist only of a controller), smartphones, tablet terminals, mobile phones, and personal computers. The game device 10 may consist of a main unit and a controller integrated into one unit, or they may be separate.

[0014] The information processing device 20 is an information processing device equipped with one or more processors, and may be, for example, a server on the cloud. The information processing device 20 distributes the game execution results obtained by executing the game program, and / or the game program, to each game device 10.

[0015] The display device 30 is a device that displays image signals transmitted from other devices on a display screen, and may be an independent display device or a display device connected to or mounted on the game device 10. The display device 30 may be connected to the game device 10 by wire or wireless. Alternatively, the display device 30 may be connected to the main body of the game device 10 by wire or wireless and display a play screen corresponding to the operation of one or more separate controllers. The wire connecting the display device 30 and the game device 10 may be an HDMI® cable or the like that transmits video signals and / or audio signals.

[0016] Network N may be, for example, the Internet, an intranet, a LAN, or mobile communications, and may be wired or wireless.

[0017] An example of the configuration of the game device 10 is described below. The game device 10 may include a display device 30, a speaker, operation buttons, a power button, a controller, and / or a communication unit.

[0018] The controller of the game device 10 may be connected to the display device 30 by wire or wireless connection, or it may be detachably connected to the display device 30. The controller may have, for example, an analog stick and / or a number of buttons, and the player can use these to input operations related to turn-based games, etc. The controller may be equipped with an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope, and the detected player movements may be used as operation input.

[0019] The display device 30 of the game device 10 may be a liquid crystal display or a touch panel. If the display device 30 is a touch panel, the player may input operations using their fingers instead of the stick and buttons.

[0020] The display device 30 and / or controller of the game device 10 may have means of communication compliant with Wi-Fi standards, infrared communication, and / or Bluetooth standards, and may send and receive data with the information processing device 20 via wireless connection.

[0021] The display device 30 and / or controller of the game device 10 may each include a processor, and communication processing and / or data processing may be performed by the processor.

[0022] The game device 10 may include an external memory slot and / or a USB port, and may be capable of connecting to additional devices and / or equipment.

[0023] <Overview of Turn-Based Games> Here, we will explain the overview of the disclosed turn-based game. The following explanation assumes that the turn-based game is an online game, but it may also be an offline game.

[0024] Each player operates their respective game device 10 to play a turn-based game. In the turn-based game, each player takes turns inputting actions related to their avatar's behavior, and the game progresses based on the results of these inputs. The operations received by each game device 10 are transmitted to the information processing device 20 via the network N.

[0025] The information processing device 20 acquires the actions of each player and advances the turn-based game according to each action. The information processing device 20 also determines the conditions for initiating a game different from the main turn-based game (for example, also called a "mini-game") during each player's turn, depending on the progress of the turn-based game. The conditions for initiating a mini-game will be described later. If the conditions for initiating a mini-game are met, the mini-game starts on the turn-based game screen, and each player may play the mini-game during other players' turns. A mini-game is a game that differs from the main turn-based game and is completed in a short time. For example, it is expected to end in the time it takes for one round of turns to complete, and includes games that can be played in a short time, such as a few seconds to one minute.

[0026] Furthermore, each player can input operations related to changing their own settings into the game device 10 on the turn-based game screen during another player's turn.

[0027] As described above, each player can operate on the turn-based game screen even during other players' turns, allowing them to enjoy the game without getting bored during turn-based gameplay waiting times.

[0028] Here is an example of a turn-based game. Before the start of the turn-based game, each player selects an avatar to control. Then, the turn-based game begins, and each player spins a roulette wheel on their turn, moving their avatar the number of spaces indicated by the roulette wheel in a board game-like fashion. If the conditions for a mini-game are met during a player's turn, a mini-game separate from the main turn-based game is triggered for the player whose turn it is, and the main turn-based game proceeds to the next player's turn, continuing as usual. At this time, both the main turn-based game and the mini-game are displayed on the same display device 30.

[0029] The advantages of the turn-based game disclosed herein are as follows, for example: - During the waiting time of the turn-based game, players can operate mini-games and / or configure settings, thus reducing the boredom of waiting time during the turn-based game. - Since the first screen data for the turn-based game and the second screen data for setting mini-games and / or configuration information are displayed on the same display device, each player can play their own mini-games, etc., while watching the progress of other players in the turn-based game.

[0030] As an example of the specific procedure for the turn-based game described above, the following procedure is conceivable: 1. The first screen data for the turn-based game is displayed on the display device 30. 2. The information processing device 20 advances each player's turn. 3-1. When the conditions for generating a mini-game are met during each player's turn, the information processing device 20 generates a mini-game, passing the turn to the next player in the turn-based game, and starting the mini-game for the first player whose conditions for generating a mini-game have been met in the mini-game. 3-2. When the information processing device 20 receives an input from the first player to change setting information during another player's turn, the information processing device 20 executes the change to the first player's setting information while continuing the turn-based game. 4. When the conditions for ending the turn-based game are met, the turn-based game ends. The configurations of the information processing device 20 that enable the execution of the turn-based game of this disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0031] <Configuration of Information Processing Device 20> Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device 20 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The information processing device 20 includes one or more processors 210, a communication interface 220, a storage unit 230, and one or more communication buses 250 for interconnecting these components.

[0032] The processor 210 executes a program stored in the storage unit 230, thereby configuring a control unit 211 having the functions of the information processing device 20 of the present disclosure. The control unit 211 may include a first control unit 212, a second control unit 213, and a third control unit 214.

[0033] The first control unit 212 may include a turn-based game control unit 212a, a reception unit 212b, and an output unit 212c. The second control unit 213 may include a mini-game control unit 213a, a reception unit 213b, and an output unit 213c. The third control unit 214 may include a setting information control unit 214a, a reception unit 214b, and an output unit 214c. Examples of the processor 210 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0034] The turn-based game control unit (first control unit) 212a controls the execution of the disclosed turn-based game. For example, the turn-based game control unit 212a controls the progress of the turn-based game played by each of the multiple players when it is their turn.

[0035] The reception unit 212b receives a first action from the first player when it is their turn in a turn-based game. For example, the first player operates the game device 10 (or controller) they are using, and the reception unit 212b receives the content of the first action from the first player. The content of the first action could be, for example, spinning a roulette wheel (or rolling dice) or moving an avatar in a turn-based game.

[0036] The output unit 212c outputs first screen data for a turn-based game that progresses according to the first action of the first player to the display device 30, and displays the first screen data on the display screen of the display device 30.

[0037] For example, the turn-based game control unit 212a advances the turn-based game by spinning a roulette wheel (or rolling dice) or moving an avatar in response to the first action of the first player during a turn, which is received by the reception unit 212b. It then generates first screen data for the turn-based game showing the progress and outputs it to the output unit 212c.

[0038] As a result, the turn-based game control unit 212a advances the turn-based game based on various information received from the player by the reception unit 212b, generates screen data showing the progress, and outputs it to the output unit 212c. For example, the turn-based game control unit 212a controls the actions and effects of each avatar according to the actions of each player, generates screen data showing the content, and outputs it to the output unit 212c.

[0039] The mini-game control unit (second control unit) 213a controls the execution of mini-games during a turn-based game. For example, the mini-game control unit 213a executes a mini-game that occurs at a predetermined timing, even if it is not the player's turn in the turn-based game, in response to an operation received from the player who initiated the mini-game.

[0040] The reception unit 213b accepts a second operation from another player during the first player's turn. For example, the reception unit 212b accepts operations from players other than the first player who are currently playing a mini-game, separately from operations in the turn-based game.

[0041] The output unit 213c outputs second screen data for the mini-game, which progresses in response to a second action by a player other than the first player during their turn, to the display device 30, and displays the second screen data on the display screen of the display device 30.

[0042] For example, the mini-game control unit 213a advances the mini-game in response to a second operation by another player received by the reception unit 213b, generates second screen data for the mini-game showing the progress, and outputs it to the output unit 213c.

[0043] Based on the above, the mini-game control unit 213a advances the mini-game based on various information. When a mini-game occurs, the mini-game control unit 213a advances the mini-game based on various information received from the player by the reception unit 213b, generates screen data showing the progress of the mini-game, and outputs it to the output unit 213c. For example, the mini-game control unit 213a controls the effects of the mini-game in response to the player's actions and generates the corresponding screen data.

[0044] If a mini-game is in progress, output units 212c and 213c output to the display device 30 a first screen data showing the progress of a turn-based game (play screen) and a second screen data that is operated in response to a second action by another player who is not currently taking a turn, respectively, and the first screen data and the second screen data are displayed on the display screen of the display device 30.

[0045] Through the above processing, it becomes possible to provide a game that eliminates the boredom of waiting time in a turn-based game while avoiding impairing the entertaining nature of the game.

[0046] In addition to the processing described above, the receiving unit 213b may further include receiving an operation related to playing another game (mini-game) different from the turn-based game from another player.

[0047] The second operation by another player includes, for example, an operation for clearing the mini-game, and as an example, in a game that has a time limit and is cleared when a predetermined number of executions exceeds a threshold, includes operations such as matching timing, repeating operations, and the like. Further, the mini-game may be executed by another player's avatar or character, or may be executed independently of the avatar or character.

[0048] Through the above processing, in a turn-based game, when it is not the player's own turn, the player can play a game different from the turn-based game and also check the play of other players in the turn-based game, so that the entertaining nature of the game is not impaired.

[0049] The mini-game control unit 213a may further execute, when a generation condition of another game is satisfied during another player's turn, causing the other player to select whether to play the other game.

[0050] For example, the mini-game control unit 213a may control to make another player select whether to play the mini-game and generate the screen data, when the receiving unit 213b receives, as a derivation condition of the mini-game, information that an avatar has reached a mini-game square during another player's turn or information that a predetermined item has been used.

[0051] The output unit 213c may display the generated screen data on the display screen of the display device 30, and the receiving unit 213b may receive an operation from another player regarding whether to play the mini-game.

[0052] Through the above process, players can choose whether or not to play mini-games depending on the situation in the turn-based game, thus avoiding diminishing the enjoyment of the game.

[0053] The reception unit 213b may accept the second operation after the turn has passed to the first player.

[0054] For example, when the reception unit 212b is capable of receiving input from the first player, the reception unit 213b may receive input regarding the selection of whether or not to play another player's mini-game, or input for playing a mini-game.

[0055] By following the above process, the first player can play their turn without having to wait for other players to decide whether or not to play a mini-game or to play their mini-game, thus preserving the enjoyment of the game.

[0056] The reception unit 213b may receive from other players whether or not to terminate another game while they are playing that other game.

[0057] For example, the reception unit 213b may receive an operation to terminate the mini-game from another player playing the mini-game before the time limit for the mini-game expires and / or before the mini-game is cleared, and the mini-game control unit 213a may execute the termination of the mini-game.

[0058] By following the above process, you can end the mini-game when your turn is approaching, so the mini-game does not interfere with the turn-based gameplay and does not diminish the enjoyment of the game.

[0059] The mini-game control unit 213a may further perform the action of reflecting the first result of another game played by a second player, who is included in the other players, into another game played by a third player, who is included in the other players.

[0060] The mini-game control unit 213a may, for example, if the first mini-game is a mini-game in which ingredients are cut, select and execute the content and / or difficulty level of the mini-game to be played by the next player based on the results of other players' mini-games received by the reception unit 213b, so that the second mini-game is a mini-game in which the cut ingredients are stir-fried.

[0061] Through the above process, the content of the mini-games played by each player is related, thus broadening the range of mini-games and improving the overall enjoyment of the game.

[0062] The reception unit 213b may receive operations from multiple other players regarding the play of the same other game during the first player's turn.

[0063] For example, the mini-game control unit 213a may run the same mini-game for multiple other players during the first player's turn, and the reception unit 213b may receive operations for the same mini-game from multiple other players.

[0064] Through the above process, it becomes possible to provide the enjoyment of playing mini-games with multiple people, thereby improving the overall appeal of the game.

[0065] The output unit 213c may vary the display area of ​​the second screen data displayed on the display screen according to the number of players playing the same other game.

[0066] When the mini-game control unit 213a executes the same mini-game for multiple other players during the first player's turn, the output unit 213c may vary the size of the second screen data output to the display device 30 according to the number of other players. For example, the more other players there are, the larger the size of the second screen data may be. Also, if the mini-games played by the other players are the same game, the output unit 203c may connect the display areas of each other player and enlarge the display area that displays the gameplay as a single play area.

[0067] Through the above process, it is possible to select a display area for the mini-game that is appropriate for the number of people playing the mini-game, thus avoiding any loss of enjoyment in the game.

[0068] The mini-game control unit 213a may change the difficulty level of other games depending on the number of players playing those games.

[0069] When the mini-game control unit 213a executes the same mini-game for multiple other players during the first player's turn, the mini-game control unit 213a may change the difficulty of the mini-game according to the number of other players. For example, the difficulty of the mini-game may be increased as the number of other players increases.

[0070] By implementing the above process, it is possible to provide a sense of accomplishment for multiple players to clear challenging mini-games together, without diminishing the enjoyment of the game.

[0071] The turn-based game control unit 212a may change the status of the turn-based game based on the results of other games.

[0072] The turn-based game control unit 212a may change the status of the turn-based game based on the information regarding the results of the mini-game received by the reception unit 212b. For example, when it receives information that the player has cleared the mini-game, it may add points to the turn-based game.

[0073] Through the above process, the results of the mini-games influence the turn-based game, which increases the motivation to complete the mini-games and thus avoids diminishing the enjoyment of the game.

[0074] The control unit 211 may display multiple mode selection screens, including turn-based games, on the display screen, accept an operation from the first player to select a turn-based game, and change the status of the mode selection screen based on the results of other games.

[0075] The control unit 211 may accept an operation to select a mode to play from multiple modes before the start of a turn-based game. For example, it may accept an operation to select a turn-based game from a turn-based game, a mini-game, and / or an item shop. For example, a mini-game is different from the mini-games mentioned above and is a game that is played within a turn-based game.

[0076] Furthermore, the control unit 211 may change the status of the mode selection screen based on the information obtained from the output unit 213c. For example, it may make items available on the mode selection screen based on the results of a mini-game.

[0077] Through the above process, the results of the mini-games influence the mode selection screen, which increases motivation to complete the mini-games and thus improves the overall enjoyment of the game.

[0078] The turn-based game control unit 212a may skip another player's turn if that player is playing another game.

[0079] If the mini-game control unit 213a is running a mini-game, the turn-based game control unit 212a may skip the player's turn in the mini-game, even if the mini-game is running. For example, whether or not the turn-based game control unit 212a skips a turn and proceeds with the turn-based game can be determined by the turn-based game control unit 212a automatically determining whether the player whose turn it is is running a mini-game, or by determining based on information regarding a skip instruction received by the reception unit 212b from the player whose turn it is.

[0080] By implementing the above process, it becomes possible to increase the motivation to clear the mini-game in order to avoid having one's turn skipped, without diminishing the enjoyment of the game.

[0081] The reception unit 214b may accept at least one of the following during the first player's turn: an operation to change the settings of another player's avatar and / or a character associated with that other player, and an operation to use an item possessed by that other player.

[0082] The setting information control unit 214a (second control unit) controls changes to the player's setting information during a turn-based game. For example, even when it is not the player's turn in a turn-based game, the setting information control unit 214a performs changes to the setting information in response to operations received from the player.

[0083] The reception unit 214b accepts a second action from another player during the first player's turn. For example, the reception unit 214b accepts actions from players other than the first player, separately from actions in a turn-based game.

[0084] The output unit 214c outputs second screen data to the display device 30 regarding changes to setting information in response to a second action by a player other than the first player during the turn, and displays the second screen data on the display screen of the display device 30.

[0085] For example, the setting information control unit 214a changes the setting information in response to a second operation by another player received by the reception unit 214b, generates second screen data indicating this situation, and outputs it to the output unit 214c.

[0086] Based on the above, the setting information control unit 214a modifies the player's setting information based on various information and outputs the result to the output unit 214c. For example, the setting information control unit 214a controls changes to avatar settings and the use of items in response to the player's actions, and generates the corresponding screen data.

[0087] When accepting an operation to change setting information, output units 212c and 214c each output to the display device 30 first screen data showing the progress of a turn-based game (play screen) and second screen data that is operated in response to a second operation by another player who is not currently taking a turn, and the first screen data and the second screen data are displayed on the display screen of the display device 30.

[0088] Through the above process, it becomes possible to provide a game that eliminates the tediousness of waiting times in turn-based games without compromising the game's appeal.

[0089] The storage unit 230 stores data necessary for the information processing device 20 to perform information processing. The storage unit 230 may be, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive) provided by the information processing device 20. Alternatively, the storage unit 230 may be a non-temporary recording medium readable by a computer.

[0090] The information processing device 20 may further include a user interface 240. The user interface 240 may include an input device 241 for receiving input operations and an output device 242 for outputting information. Examples of the input device 241 include a controller, keyboard, touch panel, mouse, and microphone. Examples of the output device 242 include a display, touch panel, and speaker.

[0091] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the storage unit 230 provided by the information processing device 20. The storage unit 230 may include user data 231, mode selection screen data 232, turn-based game data 233, mini-game data 234, and / or mini-game data 235.

[0092] User data 231 is data stored in association with the player. User data 231 may include, for example, avatar data 231a, character data 231b, item data 231c, and / or status data 231d. Avatar data 231a is data relating to the avatar controlled by the player. Character data 231b is data relating to the support character associated with the player when playing a turn-based game as a team of the avatar controlled by the player and a character not controlled by the player (also referred to as a "support character"). Item data 231c is data relating to the items possessed by the avatar. Status data 231d is data relating to the game status associated with the avatar in a turn-based game.

[0093] The mode selection screen data 232 is data relating to a screen displayed before the start of a turn-based game, where the player selects a mode to play from several available modes. The mode selection screen data 232 may, for example, be data for displaying options such as a turn-based game, a mini-game, and / or an item shop.

[0094] The turn-based game data 233 is data for running a turn-based game. The turn-based game data 233 may include, for example, stage information for the turn-based game, the order in which each player plays, the actions performed in each turn, the score status of the turn-based game, the estimated time required for each turn, and / or the elapsed time of each turn.

[0095] Mini-game data 234 is data relating to a mini-game that occurs when predetermined conditions are met during the execution of a turn-based game. Mini-game data 234 may include, for example, the type of mini-game, the conditions for triggering the mini-game, the presentation, the scoring criteria, and / or the execution time.

[0096] The mini-game data 235 is data relating to a mini-game that occurs when predetermined conditions are met during the execution of a turn-based game. The mini-game data 235 may include, for example, the type of mini-game, the conditions for the mini-game to occur, the presentation, the scoring criteria, and / or the execution time.

[0097] <An Example of a Turn-Based Game> An example of a turn-based game will be explained using Figures 4 to 6, with the use of a screen. (1) Preparation of the Display Screen and Game Device In one embodiment, the game device 10 and the display device 30 are connected, for example, using a cable. When the power of the display device 30 is turned ON, the control unit 211 executes to display a mode selection screen on the display device 30, and each player selects a turn-based game. When a turn-based game is selected, the control unit 211 may allow the player to select a course to play from multiple courses. After that, the turn-based game is started on the game device 10.

[0098] Before the turn-based game begins, each player selects their avatar and support character. Players may also choose not to select a support character. The selections made by each player are acquired by the control unit 211 and stored in the storage unit 230 for each player.

[0099] (2) Turn-based game start Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for a turn-based game according to one embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 4, the turn-based game is a board game. The goal conditions for the board game are that a predetermined number of turns have passed, or that one of the players reaches a predetermined square when the total points of each player have reached a predetermined number or more. The display screen shown in Figure 4 displays screen data for the turn-based game. For example, the output unit 212c displays a roulette wheel at the bottom center to determine the number of squares the avatar moves, the points earned by each player are displayed at the top, and the total points earned by each player are displayed on the bottom right. When the reception unit 212b receives the roulette wheel operation from the player and the number of squares to move is determined, the turn-based game control unit 212a moves the avatar by the determined number of squares. After the avatar moves, if the conditions for occurrence are met, a mini-game or petit game occurs through the execution of the turn-based game control unit 212a or the petit game control unit 213a.

[0100] (3) Starting a mini-game In one embodiment, when a mini-game occurs, the mini-game control unit 213a may be executed to allow the player to choose whether or not to play the mini-game. If the player chooses to play the mini-game, the mini-game control unit 213a will start the mini-game, and if the player chooses not to play the mini-game, the mini-game will not start. In addition, the mini-game control unit 213a may force the player to play a predetermined mini-game.

[0101] Figure 5 shows an example of a display screen for a mini-game according to one embodiment. The output unit 213c displays the mini-game display screen on the same display screen as the turn-based game, and the display screens for the mini-game and the turn-based game are displayed superimposed or in different areas on the same display screen. In addition, the display screens for the mini-game and the turn-based game may be displayed simultaneously by the output unit 213c or alternately. In the example shown in Figure 5, the display screen for the upper player 3's mini-game is superimposed on the display screen of the turn-based game by the output unit 213c.

[0102] Mini-games can be played during other players' turns. In Figure 5, for example, during player 4's turn, which is controlled by the turn-based game control unit 212a, player 3 is playing a mini-game controlled by the mini-game control unit 213a. While a mini-game is in play, the reception unit 213b may be configured to accept requests from the player to end the mini-game.

[0103] The mini-game control unit 213a may have each player play a mini-game with independent content or a mini-game with related content. Playing a mini-game with related content means, for example, that player 1 plays a mini-game where they chop hamburger ingredients, then player 2 plays a mini-game where they knead hamburger ingredients, and then player 3 plays a mini-game where they cook hamburgers, and the result of each mini-game may influence the content of the next mini-game.

[0104] The content of the mini-games may relate to turn-based games. For example, the execution of the mini-game control unit 213a may result in a mini-game based on the square a player lands on in a board game, or a mini-game in which a player rescues a player who has fallen into a pit in a turn-based game.

[0105] The difficulty level of the mini-game may be determined based on the status of the turn-based game. For example, the difficulty level of the mini-game may be determined by the execution of the mini-game control unit 213a according to the ranking of points in the turn-based game, or it may be determined according to the number rolled on the roulette wheel when the mini-game occurs.

[0106] The execution of the mini-game control unit 213a may allow two or more players to play the same mini-game cooperatively. When two or more players play the same mini-game, the execution of the mini-game control unit 213a may determine the content and / or difficulty of the mini-game according to the number of players, and may also move and / or enlarge the display area of ​​the mini-game on the display screen according to the number of players.

[0107] A mini-game in which two or more players cooperate may be triggered by the execution of the mini-game control unit 213a when the waiting time for players in a turn-based game exceeds a predetermined time. For example, if an event based on a square in a board game occurs during a player's turn, and it is determined that the time remaining until the end of the player's turn exceeds a predetermined time, a mini-game in which two or more other players cooperate may be triggered.

[0108] When a mini-game ends, the status of the turn-based game may be changed by the execution of the turn-based game control unit 212a, for example, by adding points based on the difficulty and / or result of the mini-game. In Figure 5, for example, if player 3 successfully sorts fruit five times in the mini-game, player 3's points will be added by the execution of the turn-based game control unit 212a. Also, depending on the result of the mini-game, the status on the mode selection screen may be changed by the execution of the control unit 211, for example, by obtaining items that can be used on the mode selection screen.

[0109] While a player is playing a mini-game, the turn-based game control unit 212a may be executed to skip the player's turn even when it is their turn.

[0110] (4) Setting Change Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen for setting changes according to one embodiment. The setting change display screen is displayed on the same display screen as the turn-based game by the execution of the setting information control unit 214a, and the setting change and turn-based game display screens are displayed superimposed on each other or in different areas on the same display screen. In addition, the setting change and turn-based game display screens may be displayed simultaneously or alternately by the execution of the setting information control unit 214a. In Figure 6, the setting change display screen for player 2 at the top is displayed superimposed on the turn-based game display screen by the execution of the setting information control unit 214a.

[0111] During another player's turn, a player can perform operations such as changing settings related to their avatar, changing settings related to the avatar's support character, and / or using items they possess. For example, in the example shown in Figure 6, through the execution of the setting information control unit 214a, player 2 can select the bag icon and use an item during player 4's turn.

[0112] (5) Starting a mini-game In one embodiment, when a mini-game occurs as a result of the execution of the turn-based game control unit 212a, all players may be made to participate in the mini-game, or specific players may be made to participate. The mini-game may differ from the mini-game described above in that it is executed as a game in a turn-based game, for example, as a game executed on the main screen of a turn-based game.

[0113] If a player is playing a mini-game when a mini-game occurs, the turn-based game control unit 212a may interrupt the mini-game and resume it after the mini-game ends, or it may cancel the mini-game.

[0114] The turn-based game control unit 212a may, after the mini-game has ended, proceed with the turn-based game so that if the player who is about to start their turn first is in the middle of a paused mini-game, the mini-game control unit 213a may retain data indicating that a mini-game has been paused. For example, the turn-based game control unit 212a may automatically decide whether or not to start a player's turn without resuming their mini-game after the mini-game has ended, based on the presence or absence of data indicating that the player's mini-game has been paused (for example, the progress towards clearing the mini-game) (for example, if the progress towards clearing is at or above a predetermined stage (close to clearing), the mini-game is resumed and the turn is skipped; if the progress is below a predetermined stage, the mini-game is stopped and the turn is executed), or it may decide based on information regarding the turn-based game start instruction received by the reception unit 212b from the player.

[0115] The content and / or difficulty of the mini-games may be determined based on the situation of the turn-based game. For example, the turn-based game control unit 212a may increase the difficulty of the mini-games that occur as each player approaches the goal conditions in the turn-based game.

[0116] Players may be ranked according to the results of the mini-games, and the turn-based game control unit 212a may change the status of the turn-based game, such as by adding points to each player based on the difficulty and / or results of the mini-games.

[0117] <Operation Description> Next, we will explain the operation of the game system 1. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to the information processing device 20 according to one embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 7, each process is executed by the information processing device 20.

[0118] In step S101, the information processing device 20 acquires the mode selection screen data 232 from the storage unit 230 and outputs the mode selection screen to the display device 30.

[0119] In step S102, if the player selects a turn-based game (step S102-YES), the turn-based game is started and the process proceeds to step S103. If the player does not select a turn-based game (step S102-NO), the process waits until the player selects a turn-based game.

[0120] In step S103, the turn-based game control unit 212a of the information processing device 20 acquires the turn-based game data 233 from the storage unit 230 and starts the first player's turn. The reception unit 212b of the information processing device 20 receives the turn-based game operation from the player. The output unit 212c of the information processing device 20 displays the screen data of the turn-based game that has progressed according to the operation on the display device 30.

[0121] In step S104, the mini-game control unit 213a of the information processing device 20 determines whether the conditions for initiating a mini-game are met. If the conditions for initiating a mini-game are met (step S104-YES), the process proceeds to step S105 to start the mini-game. After the mini-game start process, the process proceeds to step S106, and the player's turn ends. If the conditions for initiating a mini-game are not met (step S104-NO), the process proceeds to step S106, and the player's turn ends. The mini-game start process will be explained later using Figure 8.

[0122] In step S107, the turn-based game control unit 212a of the information processing device 20 determines whether the conditions for generating a mini-game are met. If the conditions for generating a mini-game are met (step S107-YES), the process proceeds to step S108, where the mini-game data 234 is retrieved from the storage unit 230 and the mini-game is started. In step S109, when the mini-game ends, the process proceeds to step S110. If the conditions for generating a mini-game are not met (step S107-NO), the process proceeds to step S110. The conditions for generating a mini-game may, for example, be reaching a specific square on the board game. Reaching this square can be either stopping on it or passing through it.

[0123] In step S110, the turn-based game control unit 212a of the information processing device 20 determines whether the turn-based game termination conditions are met. If the turn-based game termination conditions are met (step S110-YES), the turn-based game ends and the process ends. If the turn-based game termination conditions are not met (step S110-NO), the process proceeds to step S111.

[0124] In step S111, the turn-based game control unit 212a of the information processing device 20 starts the next player's turn. The reception unit 212b of the information processing device 20 receives the turn-based game operation from that player. The output unit 212c of the information processing device 20 displays the screen data of the turn-based game that has progressed according to the operation on the display screen of the display device 30. After that, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0125] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the mini-game start process according to one embodiment. In step S201, the mini-game control unit 213a of the information processing device 20 acquires the mini-game data 235 from the storage unit 230.

[0126] In step S202, the mini-game control unit 213a of the information processing device 20 starts the mini-game. The reception unit 213b of the information processing device 20 receives the player's input related to the mini-game. The output unit 213c of the information processing device 20 displays the screen data of the mini-game that has progressed according to the input on the display screen of the display device 30.

[0127] In step S203, while the mini-game is being executed by the mini-game control unit 213a of the information processing device 20, the turn-based game control unit 212a determines whether it is the player's turn during the mini-game. If it is the player's turn (step S203-YES), the process proceeds to step S204, where the turn-based game control unit 212a automatically skips the player's turn, or based on a skip instruction from the player received by the reception unit 213b. If it is not the player's turn during the mini-game (step S203-NO), the player's turn is not skipped, and the process proceeds to step S205.

[0128] In step S205, the mini-game control unit 213a of the information processing device 20 determines whether the mini-game has finished. If the mini-game has finished (step S205-YES), the process proceeds to step S206. If the mini-game has not finished (step S205-NO), the process returns to step S203.

[0129] In step S206, the mini-game control unit 213a of the information processing device 20 changes the status data 231d included in the user data 231 of the storage unit 230 according to the result of the mini-game.

[0130] The above process provides a new mechanism that can eliminate the tediousness of waiting times in turn-based games without compromising the enjoyment of the game. In the flowcharts shown in Figures 7 and 8 above, the order of each step may be changed, any step may be processed in parallel, or any step may be omitted, as long as it does not deviate from the gist of the disclosed technology.

[0131] Although embodiments have been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims, as shown below.

[0132] [Modifications] In the embodiment, the game system 1 was described using a board game as a specific example of a turn-based game. However, it is not limited to turn-based games and can be applied to games in which players may experience waiting times. For example, the game system 1 of this disclosure may accept operations related to playing other games different from the game in question while the game data is being loaded and display them on the display screen, or it may accept operations to change the player's settings while the game data is being loaded and display them on the display screen.

[0133] Furthermore, although in the embodiments described that the components that perform each process in the disclosed technology are provided in the information processing device 20, they may also be provided in the game device 10 after the program is installed.

[0134] The embodiments and modifications described above are illustrative examples for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments and modifications alone. The present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from its essence. Furthermore, the processing on the information processing device side and the game device side may be integrated as appropriate, or processing may be transferred to the other device.

Claims

1. An information processing method comprising one or more processors included in an information processing device, which performs the following actions: controlling the progress of a turn-based game played by multiple players when it is their turn; receiving a first operation from a first player whose turn it is in the turn-based game; displaying first screen data of the turn-based game progressing in accordance with the first operation on a display screen; receiving a second operation from another player during the first player's turn regarding the play of another game different from the turn-based game; and displaying the first screen data and the second screen data of the other game on the display screen.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein accepting the second operation includes accepting, during the first player's turn, at least one of the following operations: an operation to change the settings of the other player's avatar and / or a character associated with the other player, and an operation to use an item possessed by the other player.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising causing one or more processors to cause the other player to choose whether or not to play the other game if the conditions for the other game to occur are met during the other player's turn.

4. The information processing method according to claim 3, wherein accepting the second operation includes accepting the second operation after the turn has changed to the first player.

5. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein receiving the second operation includes receiving from the other player whether or not to terminate the other game while the other game is being played.

6. The information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising causing one or more processors to reflect the first result of the other game played by a second player included in the other players into the other game played by a third player included in the other players.

7. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein receiving the second operation includes receiving operations relating to the play of the same other game from multiple other players during the turn of the first player.

8. The information processing method according to claim 7, wherein displaying the first screen data and the second screen data includes changing the display area of ​​the second screen data displayed on the display screen according to the number of players playing the same other game.

9. The information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising causing one or more processors to change the difficulty level of the other game according to the number of players playing the other game.

10. The information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising causing one or more processors to change the status of the turn-based game based on the results of the other game.

11. The information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising causing one or more processors to display a plurality of mode selection screens, including the turn-based game, on the display screen; to receive an operation from the first player to select the turn-based game; and to change the status of the mode selection screen based on the results of the other games.

12. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein controlling the progress of the turn-based game includes skipping the turn of the other player when that player is playing the other game.

13. A computer-readable non-temporary recording medium that records a program causing one or more processors in an information processing device to perform the following: control the progress of a turn-based game played by multiple players when it is their turn; receive a first operation from a first player when it is their turn in the turn-based game; display first screen data of the turn-based game progressing in accordance with the first operation on a display screen; receive a second operation from other players during the first player's turn; and display the first screen data and second screen data operated in accordance with the second operation on the display screen.

14. An information processing device comprising one or more processors, which performs the following actions: controlling the progress of a turn-based game played by multiple players when it is their turn; receiving a first operation from a first player when it is their turn in the turn-based game; displaying first screen data of the turn-based game progressing in accordance with the first operation on a display screen; receiving a second operation from other players during the first player's turn; and displaying the first screen data and second screen data operated in accordance with the second operation on the display screen.

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