JP7539734B2 - GAME SYSTEM, GAME PROGRAM AND GAME CONTROL METHOD - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game system, a game program, and a game control method for posting information for displaying images including game characters.

Conventionally, a mechanism for viewing data that reproduces the game content of other users is known (Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-239990 A

In a game that has a mechanism for posting information to display images that include game characters, it would be beneficial to be able to increase interest without compromising the ease of posting.

One of the objectives of some aspects of the present invention is to provide a game system, game program, and game control method that can increase the interest of a game that has a mechanism for posting information to display images including game characters, without compromising the ease of posting.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a game system including a terminal device having an input unit and a display unit, and a server, the game system including: a generation unit that generates first posted information for displaying an image including a game character associated with a user using the terminal device, the first posted information including medium information indicating a game medium associated with the game character; a posting permission condition management unit that manages posting permission conditions including conditions related to the medium information; a display control unit that causes an image indicating the first posted information that satisfies the posting permission conditions among the first posted information to be displayed on the display unit as a posting candidate; a posting processing unit that selects a posting target from the candidates based on an operation on the input unit; and a posting management unit that manages the first posted information of the posting target so that it can be viewed by other users.

Another aspect of the present invention is a game program that includes an input unit and a display unit, and causes a computer that communicates with a server to execute the following steps: generating first posted information, which is posted information for displaying an image including a game character associated with a user who uses the computer, and includes medium information indicating a game medium associated with the game character; acquiring posting permission conditions including conditions related to the medium information; displaying, on the display unit, an image indicating the first posted information that satisfies the posting permission conditions among the first posted information as a posting candidate; selecting a posting target from the candidates based on an operation on the input unit; and requesting the server to manage the first posted information of the posting target so that it can be viewed by other users.

Another aspect of the present invention is a game control method executed by a game system including a terminal device having an input unit and a display unit, and a server, the game control method including the steps of: generating first posted information for displaying an image including a game character associated with a user using the terminal device, the first posted information including medium information indicating a game medium associated with the game character; managing posting permission conditions including conditions related to the medium information; displaying an image indicating the first posted information among the first posted information that satisfies the posting permission conditions as a posting candidate on the display; selecting a posting target from the candidates based on an operation on the input unit; and managing the first posted information of the posting target so that it can be viewed by other users.

1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a game system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a user terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a game server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a game server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the game system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the game system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of user information according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of character information according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of item information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of card information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of posted information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of posting permission conditions according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of a user terminal in a basic part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a basic part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a basic part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a basic part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of a user terminal in a character viewing part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of a user terminal in a playback part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a playback part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a playback part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a playback part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a playback part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of a user terminal in a post selection part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a post selection part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a post selection part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of a user terminal in a post viewing part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a post viewing part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a post viewing part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in the post viewing part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a post viewing part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of a user terminal in a shop part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a shop part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a shop part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a shop part according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a playback part according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a post selection part according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a post selection part according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a post viewing part according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a shop part according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a shop part according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Embodiment 1]
(Configuration of Game System 1)
1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system 1 according to this embodiment. The game system 1 (system) includes a user terminal 10-1 (computer, terminal device), a user terminal 10-2, ..., a user terminal 10-N, and a game server 30 (server). These devices are connected via a network NW including the Internet. Since the user terminals 10-1, 10-2, ..., and 10-N have the same configuration, when there is no particular need to distinguish between them, the descriptions such as "-1", "-2", etc. will be omitted and they will be described as user terminals 10.

The user terminal 10 is a computer used by a user. Examples of user terminals 10 include PCs (Personal Computers), tablet PCs, mobile phones such as smartphones and feature phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), stationary game consoles, and portable game consoles.

The game server 30 is a computer (device) with server functions for providing games to the user terminal 10. The game server 30 provides the user terminal 10 with a game that progresses while communicating with the game server 30. The game may be any game that has been pre-installed on the user terminal 10.

(Hardware Configuration of User Terminal 10)
2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the user terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. The user terminal 10 includes, for example, a processor 11, a communication unit 12, an input unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a display unit 15, and communicates with a game server 30 and other devices connected via a network NW via the communication unit 12. These components are connected to each other via a bus 17 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The processor 11 includes integrated circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and executes various programs stored in the storage unit 14 to control each part of the user terminal 10.

The communication unit 12 includes, for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) port, a digital input/output port such as USB, and wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The input unit 13 is, for example, configured as a touch panel integrated with a display, and various instructions are input by user operation. The input unit 13 may also be other input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, or microphone.

The display unit 15 is a display that displays information such as images and text, and is configured to include, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display panel.

The storage unit 14 includes, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM), and stores various information and images processed by the user terminal 10, as well as programs (including game control programs). Note that the storage unit 14 is not limited to being built into the user terminal 10, but may be an external storage device connected via a digital input/output port such as a USB. The user terminal 10 may also be configured to include hardware components such as a speaker, an audio output terminal, a camera, a gyro sensor, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving module (not shown).

(Hardware Configuration of Game Server 30)
3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the game server 30 according to this embodiment. The game server 30 includes, for example, a processor 31, a communication unit 32, an input unit 33, and a storage unit 34, and communicates with a plurality of user terminals 10 and other devices connected via a network NW via the communication unit 32. These components are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus 35. The processor 31 executes a game control program stored in the storage unit 34, and provides a game that can be played on a plurality of user terminals 10.

The communication unit 32 is configured to include, for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) port, a digital input/output port such as USB, wireless communication such as WiFi (registered trademark), etc., and communicates with multiple user terminals 10 and other devices via the network NW based on the control of the processor 31.

The input unit 33 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, a microphone, or other input device.

The storage unit 34 includes, for example, a HDD, an EEPROM, a RAM, and the like, and stores the game control program, the application program, various setting information and history information necessary for the game, and the like. Note that the storage unit 34 is not limited to being built into the game server 30, but may be an external storage device connected via a digital input/output port such as a USB. The storage unit 34 may also be an external storage device physically separated from the game server 30, or may be connected to the game server 30 via a communication network such as the Internet. The game server 30 may also be configured to include hardware components such as a display unit, a speaker, and an audio output terminal (not shown).

(Functional configuration of user terminal 10)
Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 shows the data stored in the storage unit 14 and the control unit 100, which is a functional configuration realized by the processor 11 executing the game program stored in the storage unit 14, and omits the other components shown in Fig. 2.

The memory unit 14 stores a game program, game information, user information, first posted information, second posted information, and posting permission conditions. The game information is data that the control unit 100 references to execute the game. The user information is data associated with a user. The first posted information is posted information generated by the control unit 100 of the terminal itself. The second posted information is posted information generated by another terminal. The posting permission conditions are conditions necessary for posting the first posted information to the game server 30.

The control unit 100 includes a posting information generation unit (generation unit) 101, a posting permission condition acquisition unit 102, a generated posting information display unit (display control unit) 103, a posting processing unit 104, a posting information acquisition unit 105, an acquired posting information display unit (display control unit) 106, an evaluation processing unit 107, a game media display unit (display control unit) 108, an exchange request unit (game media selection unit) 109, a game progression unit 110, and an association change unit 111.

(Functional configuration of game server 30)
Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the game server 30 according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 shows data stored in the storage unit 34 and a control unit (server control unit) 300 which is a functional configuration realized by the processor 31 executing a server program stored in the storage unit 34, and omits other components shown in Fig. 3.

The memory unit 34 stores a server program, user information, posting information, and posting permission conditions. User information is stored in the memory unit 34 for each user terminal 10. The posting information includes the posting information posted from each user terminal 10 to the game server 30.

The control unit 100 of the user terminal 10 and the control unit 300 of the game server 30 exchange data so that the user information stored in the storage units 14 and 34 is consistent. That is, as an example, when the control unit 100 updates the user information, the control unit 100 transmits the updated user information to the game server 30 via the communication unit 12. As another example, when the control unit 300 updates the user information, the control unit 300 transmits the updated user information to the user terminal 10 via the communication unit 32. Note that some or all of the user information may be set to be updateable only by the control unit 100. Also, some or all of the user information may be set to be updateable only by the control unit 300.

The control unit 300 includes a posting permission condition management unit 301, a posting management unit 302, a reward granting unit (granting unit, evaluation acquisition unit) 303, and an exchange unit 304.

(Game Overview)
The game system 1 provides a mechanism for posting information for displaying an image including a game character during a game. The genre of the game is not limited to a specific genre, and the game may be of any genre as long as the game features a game character that can be represented as an image.

Game characters are, for example, people, animals, plants, robots, etc., but are not limited to these, and may represent any concept as long as they are game characters that can be represented as images.

Posted information for displaying an image including a game character refers to information that enables a computer (user terminal 10) to display an image including a game character on its display unit (display unit 15) by referencing the posted information. The posted information may include the image including the game character itself, or may include data referenced to generate an image including a game character (for example, three-dimensional model data and virtual camera information).

A game character may be associated with a game medium. Examples of game medium associated with a game character include game medium that is related to the appearance of the game character, game medium that is related to the behavior of the game character, etc.

Examples of game media related to the appearance of a game character include, but are not limited to, game items that specify the shape or color of all or part of a game character (hairstyle, hair color, etc.), various outfits that a game character can wear (tops, skirts, pants, dresses, underwear, coats, nightwear, swimsuits, etc.), and various clothing accessories (headgear, footwear, accessories, etc.). Examples of game media related to the behavior of a game character include game media that correspond to the motion of a game character, game media that correspond to the voice of a game character, etc. Depending on the combination of game media associated with a game character, the posted information for displaying an image including the game character will change in various ways. Other game media include game tickets, in-game currency, etc.

(Processing Flow of Game System 1)
In such a game, in order to increase interest without compromising the ease of posting, the game system 1 comprises a user terminal 10 equipped with an input unit 13 and a display unit 15, and a game server 30, and is equipped with a posting information generation unit 101 that generates first posting information for displaying an image including a game character associated with a user using the user terminal 10, the first posting information including medium information indicating the game medium associated with the game character, a posting permission condition management unit 301 that manages posting permission conditions including conditions related to the medium information, a generated posting information display unit 103 that causes the display unit 15 to display an image showing first posting information that satisfies the posting permission conditions among the first posting information as a posting candidate, a posting processing unit 104 that selects a posting target from the candidates based on an operation on the input unit 13, and a posting management unit 302 that manages the first posting information of the posting target so that it can be viewed by other users.

Here, the posting processing unit 104 selecting a certain piece of first posted information as a posting target and the posting management unit 302 managing the first posted information of the posting target so that it can be viewed by other users are also described as "posting" the certain piece of first posted information. According to the game system 1, the first posted information can be generated and posted. At this time, since there are posting permission conditions, the game system 1 can give the user the purpose of posting new posted information that conforms to the posting permission conditions, thereby improving interest. Furthermore, the user terminal 10 shows, as candidates for posting, the first posted information generated by the user terminal 10 that satisfies the posting permission conditions, so that the user can easily recognize posted information that conforms to the posting permission conditions. This makes it possible to achieve both increased interest and ease of posting.

Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the game system 1 according to this embodiment. To simplify the explanation, Figure 6 shows only a part of the processing flow in the user terminal 10-1 used by the user, the user terminal 10-2 used by the other user, and the game server 30. Note that in this embodiment, the explanation will be centered on the user terminal 10-1 of the user terminals 10. Therefore, the user terminal 10-2 will be described as "other user terminal" 10-2, and the posted information generated in the user terminal 10-1 will be described as the first posted information, and the posted information generated in the other user terminal 10-2 will be described as the second posted information.

The game system 1 can identify the user using the user terminal 10-1 as follows. As one example, the control unit 100 of the user terminal 10-1 may accept input of a user ID via the input unit 13 when starting a game. In this case, the control unit 100 of the user terminal 10-1 and the control unit 300 of the game server 30 identify the user based on the input user ID. As another example, the control unit 100 of the user terminal 10-1 may identify the user using the user terminal 10-1 as a specific user, and the control unit 300 of the game server 30 may identify the user based on the unique identification number of the user terminal 10-1.

In step S100, the posting information generation unit 101 generates first posting information, which is posting information for displaying an image including a game character associated with a user, and includes medium information indicating a game medium associated with the game character.

A game character associated with a user refers to a game character that is associated with the user who uses the user terminal 10-1 and managed by the control unit 100 of the user terminal 10-1 and the control unit 300 of the game server 30. Note that a user may be associated with only one game character, or multiple game characters.

Step S100 may be executed by the posting information generation unit 101 at any timing, but as an example, the posting information generation unit 101 may execute it in conjunction with a process of generating an image including a game character, such as taking a picture of the game character with a virtual camera, to allow the user to easily recognize the generation of the first posting information. In step S200, the posting information generation unit 101 of the other user terminal 10-2 generates the second posting information in the same manner as in step S100.

In step S300, the posting permission condition management unit 301 of the game server 30 sets posting permission conditions including conditions related to the medium information, and stores them in the memory unit 34. The medium information is information included in the first posting information that indicates the game medium associated with the game character. Examples of conditions related to the medium information include (i) whether the game medium indicated by the medium information includes a game card, (ii) whether the game medium indicated by the medium information includes a specific type of game item, (iii) whether the game medium indicated by the medium information includes a predetermined number of game items with specific attributes, and (iv) whether the game medium indicated by the medium information includes a specific game medium.

The type of game item distinguishes between groups of game items that can be used interchangeably. In other words, game items of the same type can be used interchangeably. The attributes of a game item are parameters that indicate the properties of a game item, and a game item may have multiple types of attributes.

The posting permission conditions may include one or more conditions, and may include conditions other than the above-mentioned conditions related to the medium information as long as the conditions relate to the first posting information.

In addition, the posting permission condition management unit 301 may, as an example, set different posting permission conditions for each specified period.

In step S102, the posting permission condition acquisition unit 102 of the user terminal 10-1 acquires the posting permission conditions from the posting permission condition management unit 301 of the game server 30 via the communication unit 12 and the communication unit 32. In detail, as an example, when the posting permission condition acquisition unit 102 requests the posting permission conditions from the posting permission condition management unit 301 via the communication unit 12, the posting permission condition management unit 301 provides the posting permission conditions to the posting permission condition acquisition unit 102 via the communication unit 32. This allows the posting permission condition acquisition unit 102 to acquire the posting permission conditions. In step S202, similar to step S102, the posting permission conditions provided by the posting permission condition management unit 301 are acquired by the posting permission condition acquisition unit 102 of the other user terminal 10-2.

In step S104, the generated posted information display unit 103 of the user terminal 10-1 causes the display unit 15 to display an image indicating, as a candidate for posting, the first posted information that satisfies the posting permission conditions acquired by the posting permission condition acquisition unit 102, among the first posted information generated by the posting information generation unit 101. In one aspect, the generated posted information display unit 103 causes the display unit 15 to display the first posted information generated by the posting information generation unit 101 in a different display mode depending on whether or not the posting permission conditions are satisfied, or together with an accompanying image indicating whether or not the posting permission conditions are satisfied in at least one of the cases where the posting permission conditions are satisfied and where they are not satisfied. In this way, the game system 1 allows the user to recognize the first posted information that satisfies the posting permission conditions as a candidate for posting.

As an example, the generated post information display unit 103 may (i) display the first post information that satisfies the posting permission conditions on the display unit 15 in a display manner indicating that it is a candidate for posting, (ii) display the first post information that does not satisfy the posting permission conditions on the display unit 15 in a display manner indicating that it is not a candidate for posting, (iii) display the first post information that satisfies the posting permission conditions on the display unit 15 together with an accompanying image indicating that it is a candidate for posting, or (iv) display the first post information that does not satisfy the posting permission conditions on the display unit 15 together with an accompanying image indicating that it is not a candidate for posting.

The display mode indicating that the information is a candidate for posting is not particularly limited, but as an example, the generated posting information display unit 103 may display on the display unit 15 an image in which an icon indicating that the information is a candidate for posting is superimposed on the first posting information. The display mode indicating that the information is not a candidate for posting is not particularly limited, but as an example, the generated posting information display unit 103 may display on the display unit 15 an image showing the first posting information in a light gray color (grayed out). The accompanying image indicating that the information is a candidate for posting is not particularly limited, but as an example, the generated posting information display unit 103 may display on the display unit 15 an image in which an icon, character string, or button for posting the first posting information indicating that the information is not a candidate for posting is arranged in the vicinity of the first posting information. The accompanying image indicating that the information is not a candidate for posting is not particularly limited, but as an example, the generated posting information display unit 103 may display on the display unit 15 an image in which an icon, character string, or button for posting the first posting information indicated in a light gray color (grayed out) is arranged in the vicinity of the first posting information.

The generated posting information display unit 103 may display an image displaying a list of a plurality of pieces of first posting information on the display unit 15, or may display an image displaying the first posting information individually on the display unit 15. In one embodiment, the generated posting information display unit 103 may display an image displaying a list of a plurality of pieces of first posting information on the display unit 15, and then display an image displaying the first posting information individually on the display unit 15 based on an operation on the input unit 13. In this case, the generated posting information display unit 103 may (i) display an image showing the first posting information that satisfies the posting permission condition as a posting candidate on the display unit 15 only when displaying the list, (ii) display an image showing the first posting information that satisfies the posting permission condition as a posting candidate on the display unit 15 only when displaying individually, or (iii) display an image showing the first posting information that satisfies the posting permission condition as a posting candidate on the display unit 15 when displaying either type of information.

In step S204, the generated posted information display unit 103 of the other user terminal 10-2, similar to step S104, displays, on the display unit 15 of the other user terminal 10-2, an image showing, as a candidate for posting, the second posted information generated in step S200 that satisfies the posting permission conditions acquired in step S202.

In step S106, the posting processing unit 104 of the user terminal 10-1 (i) selects the first posted information to be posted from among the posting candidates displayed on the display unit 15 by the generated posted information display unit 103 based on the operation on the input unit 13 of the user terminal 10-1, and (ii) provides the selected first posted information to the posting management unit 302 of the game server 30 via the communication unit 12 and the communication unit 32. As an example, when the posting processing unit 104 provides the first posted information to be posted to the posting management unit 302 via the communication unit 12 and the communication unit 32, the posting management unit 302 of the game server 30 stores the first posted information to be posted in the storage unit 34 as posted posted information. The posting management unit 302 manages the posted posted information so that it can be viewed by other users. As an example, as described later, the posting management unit 302 provides the posted posted information (the above-mentioned first posted information to be posted) to the posting information acquisition unit 105 of the other user terminal 10-2.

In step S206, the posting processing unit 104 of the other user terminal 10-2, similar to step S106, selects the second posted information to be posted from the posting candidates displayed on the display unit 15 in step S204 based on an operation on the input unit 13 of the other user terminal 10-2, and provides the selected second posted information to the posting management unit 302. As described above, the posting management unit 302 manages the posted posted information so that it can be viewed by other users. As an example, as described below, the posting management unit 302 provides the posted posted information (the above-mentioned second posted information to be posted) to the posting information acquisition unit 105 of the user terminal 10-1.

In step S108, the post information acquisition unit 105 of the user terminal 10-1 acquires the second post information provided to the post management unit 302 by the post processing unit 104 of the other user terminal 10-2 in step S206 from the post management unit 302 via the communication unit 12 and the communication unit 32. As an example, when the post information acquisition unit 105 requests the second post information from the post management unit 302 via the communication unit 12 and the communication unit 32, the post management unit 302 provides the second post information to the post information acquisition unit 105 of the user terminal 10-1 via the communication unit 32.

In step S208, the posting information acquisition unit 105 of the other user terminal 10-2 acquires from the posting management unit 302 the first posting information provided to the posting management unit 302 by the posting processing unit 104 of the user terminal 10-1 in step S106, similar to step S108.

In one embodiment, the control unit 100 of the user terminal 10-1 may be configured to display the second posted information acquired from the posting management unit 302 on the display unit 15, accept input of an evaluation of the second posted information, and notify the posting management unit 302 of the evaluation.

In step S110, the acquired posted information display unit 106 of the user terminal 10-1 causes the display unit 15 to display an image including a game character associated with another user based on the second posted information acquired by the posted information acquisition unit 105. The acquired posted information display unit 106 may (i) cause the display unit 15 to display an image displaying a list of images including game characters associated with another user, (ii) cause the display unit 15 to display an image displaying an individual image including a game character associated with another user, or (iii) cause the display unit 15 to display an image displaying a list of images including game characters associated with another user, and then cause the display unit 15 to display an image displaying an individual image including a game character associated with another user based on an operation on the input unit 13.

In step S210, the acquired posted information display unit 106 of the other user terminal 10-2, similar to step S110, displays an image including a game character associated with the user based on the first posted information acquired in step S208 on the display unit 15 of the other user terminal 10-2.

In step S112, the evaluation processing unit 107 of the user terminal 10-1 accepts input of an evaluation of the second posted information from the user based on an operation on the input unit 13. As an example, the evaluation processing unit 107 notifies the post management unit 302 of the input evaluation of the second posted information via the communication unit 12 and the communication unit 32. The post management unit 302 stores the evaluation in the memory unit 34 in association with the second posted information to be evaluated. As an example, the post management unit 302 may store the cumulative number of evaluations in the memory unit 34 in association with the second posted information to be evaluated.

In step S212, the evaluation processing unit 107 of the other user terminal 10-2 accepts input of evaluations of the first posted information from other users based on operations on the input unit 13 of the other user terminal 10-2, similar to step S112. As an example, the evaluation processing unit 107 notifies the posting management unit 302 of the input evaluation of the first posted information. The posting management unit 302 associates the evaluation with the first posted information to be evaluated and stores it in the storage unit 34. In this way, the game system 1 realizes interaction between users and can provide users with an incentive to post posted information, thereby increasing interest.

In one embodiment, in step S110, the acquired posted information display unit 106 of the user terminal 10-1 may display a portion of the second posted information managed by the posting management unit 302 on the display unit 15 as evaluation candidates, and the evaluation processing unit 107 of the user terminal 10-1 may accept an input of an evaluation for at least one of the evaluation candidates based on an operation on the input unit 13. As an example, the posting management unit 302 provides information indicating a portion of the second posted information managed by the posting management unit 302 to the acquired posted information display unit 106, and the acquired posted information display unit 106 displays an image indicating the second posted information indicated by the provided information as an evaluation candidate on the display unit 15. The evaluation processing unit 107 accepts an input of an evaluation for at least one of the second posted information of the evaluation candidates based on an operation on the input unit 13. In this way, the game system 1 can encourage users to input evaluations by displaying limited second posted information and accepting evaluation inputs.

In one embodiment, the control unit 300 of the game server 30 may be configured to award a reward to the user.

In step S302, the reward granting unit 303 of the game server 30 grants a reward to the user. As an example, the reward granting unit 303 may grant the user a reward determined according to the number of evaluations received by the evaluation processing unit 107 of the user terminal 10-1. This allows the game system 1 to provide users with an incentive to input evaluations, promoting interaction between users and increasing interest.

The reward granting unit 303 may also, as an example, obtain ratings entered by other users for the first posted information managed by the posting management unit 302, and grant the user a reward determined according to the ratings. This allows the game system 1 to provide users with an incentive to post posted information, thereby increasing interest.

The reward granting unit 303 may grant a reward to a user when the number of evaluations entered by the user for the second posted information or the evaluations by other users for the first posted information exceeds a predetermined threshold. The reward granting unit 303 may grant a reward to a user when the number of evaluations entered by the user for the second posted information or the evaluations by other users for the first posted information reaches a predetermined rank in the ranking among users. The reward granting unit 303 may grant a reward to a user when the total of points determined according to the number of evaluations entered by the user for the second posted information, points determined according to the number of posts by the user of the first posted information, and points determined according to the evaluations by other users for the first posted information exceeds a predetermined threshold.

The reward granting unit 303 may also grant rewards to other users, determined according to the number of evaluations entered by the other users on the second posted information, the number of posts of the second posted information by the other users, and the evaluations made by the users on the first posted information, etc.

In one embodiment, the evaluation processing unit 107 may limit the acceptance of evaluation input in step S112 depending on the number of times the posting processing unit 104 has selected a posting target in step S106. As an example, the evaluation processing unit 107 may (i) calculate the upper limit of the number of times the evaluation can be input from the number of times the posting processing unit 104 has selected a posting target (hereinafter also referred to as the "number of posts") using a predetermined table or a predetermined formula, or (ii) lift the limit on the number of times the evaluation can be input when the number of posts exceeds a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the evaluation processing unit 107 may lift the limit on the input of the evaluation if the posting processing unit 104 has selected a posting target at least once. In this way, the game system 1 can improve the balance between posts and evaluation inputs and promote interaction between users.

In one embodiment, the posting processing unit 104 may limit the selection of a posting target in step S106 depending on the record of the evaluation processing unit 107 accepting evaluation input in step S112. As an example, the posting processing unit 104 may (i) calculate the upper limit of the number of postings from the number of evaluation inputs using a predetermined table or a predetermined formula, or (ii) lift the limit on the number of postings when the number of evaluation inputs exceeds a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the posting processing unit 107 may lift the limit on the selection of a posting target if the evaluation processing unit 107 accepts an evaluation input at least once. This allows the game system 1 to improve the balance between postings and evaluation inputs and promote interaction between users.

In one embodiment, the game system 1 may be configured to provide a mechanism for a user to exchange a desired game item for game media owned by the user.

Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow in the game system 1 according to this embodiment. To simplify the explanation, Figure 7 shows only a part of the processing flow in the user terminal 10-1 used by the user and the game server 30.

In step S120, the game medium display unit 108 of the user terminal 10-1 displays an image showing multiple game media on the display unit 15. In one embodiment, the game medium display unit 108 may display an image showing whether each game medium is involved in the fulfillment of the posting permission condition on the display unit 15. A game medium "contributes to the fulfillment of the posting permission condition" means that when the game medium is included in the game medium indicated by the medium information included in the first posting information, at least a part of the posting permission condition related to the medium information is fulfilled. As an example, when one of the posting permission conditions is a condition that (i) the game medium indicated by the medium information (in other words, the game medium associated with the game character) includes a game medium whose attribute indicating a season is summer, or (ii) the game medium indicated by the medium information includes three or more game media whose attribute indicating a season is summer, the game medium whose attribute indicating a season is summer is involved in the fulfillment of the posting permission condition. Additionally, "displaying an image indicating whether each game medium is involved in satisfying the posting permission conditions" on the display unit 15 means displaying an image showing each game medium in a different display mode depending on whether it is involved in satisfying the posting permission conditions, or an image showing each game medium together with an accompanying image depending on whether it is involved in satisfying the posting permission conditions.

In step S122, the exchange request unit 109 of the user terminal 10-1 selects a game medium to be exchanged from the multiple game media displayed on the display unit 15 by the game medium display unit 108 based on an operation on the input unit 13 of the user terminal 10-1, and requests the game server 30 via the communication unit 12 to exchange the selected game medium for the game medium owned by the user.

In step S320, the exchange unit 304 of the game server 30 provides the user with the game medium to be exchanged in exchange for the game medium owned by the user, based on the request from the user terminal 10-1 in step S122.

As described above, the game system 1 allows the user to easily recognize the game medium required to satisfy the posting permission conditions and accepts the exchange of that game medium for game medium owned by the user, thereby enabling the user to easily post information that satisfies the posting permission conditions.

In one embodiment, in step S120, the game medium display unit 108 may display an image showing each game medium together with attribute information related to the posting permission condition among attribute information showing attributes possessed by each game medium on the display unit 15, instead of displaying an image showing whether each game medium is involved in satisfying the posting permission condition on the display unit 15. "Attribute information related to the posting permission condition among attribute information" refers to attribute information showing attributes that have an effect on whether the posting permission condition is satisfied among attributes possessed by the game medium shown in the medium information. As an example, if one of the posting permission conditions is a condition that (i) the game medium shown in the medium information includes a game medium whose attribute showing the season is summer, or (ii) the game medium shown in the medium information includes three or more game media whose attribute showing the season is summer, the attribute information showing the attribute showing the season is involved in the posting permission condition. In one example, the game medium display unit 108 displays an image showing the attribute information of each game medium by an image, a character string, or the like, near the game medium on the display unit 15.

With the above configuration, the game system 1 allows the user to easily recognize the game medium required to satisfy the posting permission conditions and accepts the exchange of that game medium for game medium owned by the user, thereby enabling the user to easily post information that satisfies the posting permission conditions.

In one embodiment, the control unit 100 may transition to step S120 based on an operation on the input unit 13 after the acquired posted information display unit 106 displays an image including a game character associated with another user based on the second posted information on the display unit 15 in step S110. As an example, the control unit 100 may transition to step S120 based on an operation on the input unit 13 directly from a state in which an image including a game character associated with another user is displayed on the display unit 15. As another example, the acquired posted information display unit 106 may display an image indicating a game medium indicated by the medium information included in the second posted information on the display unit 15 based on an operation on the input unit 13 in a state in which an image including a game character associated with another user is displayed on the display unit 15. Then, the control unit 100 may transition to step S120 based on an operation on the input unit 13 from a state in which a game medium indicated by the medium information included in the second posted information is displayed on the display unit 15.

In this embodiment, in step S120, instead of displaying an image on the display unit 15 indicating whether each game medium is involved in satisfying the posting permission conditions, the game medium display unit 108 displays an image on the display unit 15 indicating that the display mode of the game medium indicated by the medium information included in the second posting information is different from the display mode of other game media.

According to the above configuration, the game system 1 allows users to easily obtain game media that other users have used to satisfy the posting permission conditions, and allows users to easily post posting information that satisfies the posting permission conditions. Furthermore, the game system 1 makes it easy for users to generate new posting information inspired by the posting information of other users, thereby increasing interest.

(Detailed Example of Game System 1)
Next, a more detailed example of the game system 1 will be described. In the following, a case will be described in which the game system 1 provides a love simulation game and the input unit 13 is a touch panel, but this is not intended to limit the invention thereto.

In the example described below, the game system 1 provides a game that includes a basic part, a character viewing part, a playback part, a post selection part, a post viewing part, and a shop part.

(Data Structure)
First, an example of the data structure of the data used in this game will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of user information according to this embodiment. User information includes, by way of example, information such as "user ID," "character," "owned items," "owned cards," "owned tickets," "number of ratings," and "number of posts." "User ID" is information for identifying a user. "Character" indicates the character ID of a game character associated with the user. "Owned items" indicates the item ID of a game item owned by the user. "Owned cards" indicates the card ID of a game card owned by the user. "Owned tickets" indicates a game ticket owned by the user. "Number of ratings" indicates the number of times the user has input a rating for the second posted information. "Number of posts" indicates the number of times the user has posted the first posted information.

9 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of character information according to the present embodiment. Character information includes, as an example, information such as "character ID", "hairstyle", "hair color", "outfit", "shoes", "accessories", "personality", and "mood". "Character ID" is information for identifying a game character. "Hairstyle", "hair color", "outfit", "shoes", and "accessories" indicate information (item information) that specifies each type of game item associated with a game character. That is, "hairstyle" indicates item information of a game item that specifies the hairstyle of a game character, "hair color" indicates item information of a game item that specifies the hair color of a game character, "outfit" indicates item information of an outfit worn by a game character, "shoes" indicates item information of shoes worn by a game character, and "accessory" indicates item information of an accessory worn by a game character. Note that the types of game items associated with a game character are not limited to these, and various types of game items can be configured to be associated with a game character in addition to or instead of "hairstyle", "hair color", "outfit", "shoes", and "accessories". "Personality" indicates the personality of a game character. "Mood" indicates the mood of a game character. The personality and mood of a game character are parameters that affect the progress of the game. Parameters that affect the progress of the game are not limited to these, and various types of parameters may be included in the character information in addition to or instead of "personality" and "mood."

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of item information according to this embodiment. The item information includes, as an example, information such as "item ID", "type", "name", "description", "attribute 1", "attribute 2", and "attribute 3". "Item ID" is information for identifying a game item. "Type" indicates the type of game item, and is selected from, as an example, "hairstyle", "hair color", "outfit", "shoes", and "accessories", but is not limited to these. "Name" indicates the name of the game item. "Description" indicates the description of the game item. "Attribute 1", "attribute 2", and "attribute 3" are attribute information indicating attributes possessed by the game item, respectively. "Attribute 1", "attribute 2", and "attribute 3" are attribute information indicating different types of attributes, and as an example, "attribute 1" indicates the season, "attribute 2" indicates an atmosphere such as cute or mature, and "attribute 3" indicates the purpose such as uniform, casual clothes, etc., but is not limited to these, and the number of attribute information included in the item information is also not particularly limited.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of card information according to this embodiment. As an example, the card information includes information such as "card information", "name", "description", "level", "motion 1", "motion 2", "voice 1", and "voice 2". "Card ID" is information that identifies a game card. "Name" indicates the name of the game card. "Motion 1" and "Motion 2" each indicate the motion ID associated with the game card. "Voice 1" and "Voice 2" each indicate the voice ID associated with the game card.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the posted information according to this embodiment. The posted information includes, as an example, information such as "post ID", "image", "user", "save date and time", "photograph date and time", "character", "scene (background)", "game medium", "motion", "voice", "camera information", "photograph flag 1", "photograph flag 2", "comment", "favorite flag", and "rating". "Post ID" is information for identifying the posted information. "Image" is an image including a game character. "User" indicates the user who created the posted information. "Save date and time" indicates the real date and time when the posted information was generated. "Photo date and time" indicates the date and time in the game when the posted information was generated. "Character" indicates a game character included in the image. "Scene (background)" indicates the background of the image including the game character. "Game medium" is medium information indicating the game medium associated with the game character. "Motion" and "voice" indicate the motion ID and voice ID associated with the game character when the posted information was generated. "Camera information" indicates information such as the position, angle, and angle of view of the virtual camera when the posted information was generated. "Photography flag 1" and "Photography flag 2" are flags that indicate the state of a game character reflected in the "image." As an example, "Photography flag 1" indicates whether or not the head of a game character is included in the image, and "Photography flag 2" indicates whether or not the entire body of a game character is included in the image. "Comment" is a comment entered by the user when the posted information was created. "Favorite flag" indicates whether or not the user has designated the posted information as a favorite. "Rating" indicates the rating entered by other users for the posted information.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a posting permission condition according to this embodiment. The posting permission condition may include one or more conditions. Examples of conditions included in the posting permission condition include a condition related to the game medium, a condition related to the attributes of the game medium, a condition related to the shooting flag, and other conditions. The condition related to the game medium is a condition related to what kind of game medium is associated with the game character, and an example, but not limited to, a condition that a game card with a voice ID associated with the game character is associated with the game character. The condition related to the attributes of the game medium is a condition related to the attributes of the game medium associated with the game character (for example, at least one of attributes 1 to 3), and an example, but not limited to, a condition that four or more attributes 1 (seasons) of the game items associated with the game character are summer. The condition related to the shooting flag is a condition related to the shooting flag in the posted information, and an example, but not limited to, a condition that the shooting flag 1 (whether or not the head of the game character is included in the image) is YES (the head of the game character is included in the image).

(Basic part)
Next, an example of the processing of the basic part in this game will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 17. In the basic part, one aspect of step S100 for generating the first posted information shown in Figure 6 is executed. The control unit 100 starts the processing of the basic part based on an operation on the input unit 13 while a home image is displayed on the display unit 15. The home image is an image that the control unit 100 causes to be displayed on the display unit 15 before transitioning to each part.

Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the user terminal 10 in the basic part according to this embodiment. Figures 15 to 17 are diagrams showing examples of game images in the basic part according to this embodiment. Note that a game image refers to an image that the control unit 100 causes the display unit 15 to display during execution of the game.

First, the game progression unit 110 executes processing of the basic part (step S10). As an example, the game progression unit 110 causes the display unit 15 to display a game image such as game image G11 shown in FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 15, game image G11 includes a background B11, a game character C11, an object O11 displayed as "Dress up," and an object O12 displayed as "Photograph." In addition, the appearance of game character C11 reflects game items associated with game character C11, such as hairstyle (M11), hair color (M12), and costume (M13).

In processing the basic part, the game progression unit 110 provides the user with interaction using various means with the character C11 displayed on the display unit 15. As an example, the game progression unit 110 may cause the user to input a reply to a message presented to the user by the character C11 into the user terminal 10, or to present a game item to the character C11. By accumulating such interactions, the game progression unit 110 may make the user recognize that their relationship with the character C11 is deepening. In addition, the game progression unit 110 may notify the game server 30 of the game progress in the basic part via the communication unit 12. The reward granting unit 303 of the game server 30 may grant the user game media as a reward in accordance with the notified progress.

At this time, when the control unit 100 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O11 via the input unit 13, it determines that a dress-up operation has been performed (YES in step S12), and proceeds to step S14 to perform the dress-up process.

In step S14, the association change unit 111 causes the display unit 15 to display a game image G12 shown in FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 16, the game image G12 includes an object O13 indicating a list of game items associated with the game character C11, an object O14 indicating a list of specific types of game items owned by the user, an object O15 for specifying the type of game item indicated in the object O14, and an object O16 having a cancel button and an OK button.

When the association change unit 111 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O14 using the input unit 13, it changes the game item touched on the object O14 to the game item shown on the object O13 as the game item provisionally associated with the game character C11, and displays it on the display unit 15.

When the association change unit 111 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O15 via the input unit 13, it changes the type of game item shown on the object O14 to the type touched on the object O15, and displays it on the display unit 15.

When the association change unit 111 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O16 via the input unit 13, it ends the dress-up process in step S14. At that time, if the OK button on the object O16 is touched, the association change unit 111 updates the character information to reflect the provisional change to the game item associated with the game character C11. On the other hand, if the cancel button on the object O16 is touched, the association change unit 111 discards the provisional change to the game item associated with the game character C11.

In addition, when the control unit 100 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the input unit 13 with respect to the object O12 in the game image G11, it determines that a photographing operation has been performed (YES in step S16), and proceeds to step S18 to perform the photographing process.

In step S18, the posting information generation unit 101 executes an example of the process of step S100 shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the posting information generation unit 101 generates the first posting information by capturing an image of a three-dimensional model of the game character C11 in the virtual space with a virtual camera.

First, the posting information generating unit 101 causes the display unit 15 to display a game image G13 shown in FIG. 17. As shown in FIG. 17, the game image G13 includes a game character C11 and an object O17 that is a shooting button.

The posting information generating unit 101 generates an image of the game character C11 in the game image G13 by photographing a three-dimensional model of the game character C11 with a virtual camera in a virtual space. When the posting information generating unit 101 detects that a touch operation such as a swipe operation, pinch-in operation, or pinch-out operation has been performed on the input unit 13, the posting information generating unit 101 changes the position, angle, field of view, etc. of the virtual camera in response to the touch operation, updates the image of the game character C11, and displays it on the display unit 15.

When the posting information generating unit 101 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O17 in the game image G13 via the input unit 13, the posting information generating unit 101 generates first posting information. The posting information generating unit 101 includes at least an image including the game character C11 and medium information indicating the game medium associated with the game character C11 in the first posting information.

That is, the posting information generation unit 101 generates an image including the game character C11 by photographing a three-dimensional model of the game character C11 with a virtual camera, and includes the image in the first posting information. In addition, the posting information generation unit 101 includes information on the game medium associated with the game character C11 in the first posting information.

Note that the post information generation unit 101 may include in the first post information the game items worn by the game character C11 as game media associated with the game character C11 even if the individual game items are not shown in the image captured by the virtual camera, and may further include in the first post information information indicating whether or not the individual game items are shown in the image.

The posting information generating unit 101 may also include parameters defining the virtual camera, such as the position, angle, and angle of view of the virtual camera, as camera information in the first posting information. The posting information generating unit 101 may also include the results of determining whether or not the head and the entire game character C11 are included in the image as shooting flag 1 and shooting flag 2 in the first posting information.

In addition, when the game character C11 is playing a motion or a voice, the posting information generation unit 101 may include the motion ID of the motion or the voice ID of the voice in the first posting information. In this case, the posting information generation unit 101 may further include in the first posting information which frame of the motion it is.

The posting information generating unit 101 may also refer to the user information and game information to obtain the user ID, the real-world date and time when the first posting information is generated, the date and time of the photograph taken in the game, the character ID of the game character C11, and the scene (background) of the virtual space, and include these in the first posting information.

In addition, regarding the scene (background) of the virtual space, when the control unit 100 is executing the AR function, the posting information generating unit 101 may include an image captured by an imaging unit (not shown) of the user terminal 10 in the first posting information as information indicating the scene (background). In addition, the posting information generating unit 101 may accept input of a comment or favorite flag from the user via the input unit 13, and include the same in the first posting information.

When the shooting process is completed, the control unit 100 returns to step S10 and continues processing the basic part.

(Character viewing part)
Next, an example of the processing of the character viewing part in this game will be described with reference to Fig. 18. In the character viewing part, as in the basic part, one aspect of step S100 for generating the first posted information shown in Fig. 6 is executed. The control unit 100 starts the processing of the character viewing part based on an operation on the input unit 13 while the home image is being displayed on the display unit 15.

Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the user terminal 10 in the character viewing part according to this embodiment. First, the game progression unit 110 executes processing of the character viewing part (step S20). Unlike the basic part, in the character viewing part, instead of providing the user with interaction with the character C11, the game system 1 allows the user to freely associate game items owned by the user with the game character C11, allowing the user to confirm changes in the appearance of the game character C11, and playing the voice and motion of the game character C11 based on the game cards owned by the user. As an example, the game progression unit 110 may display a game image similar to the game image G11 shown in Figure 15 on the display unit 15.

At this time, when the control unit 100 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O11 via the input unit 13, it determines that a dress-up operation has been performed (YES in step S22), and proceeds to step S24 to perform the dress-up process.

In step S24, the association change unit 111 performs the dress-up process in the same manner as in step S14. However, the association between the game character C11 and the game medium that the association change unit 111 changes in step S24 is valid only in the character viewing part and does not affect other parts.

In addition, in step S24, the association change unit 111 may associate a motion ID or a voice ID with the game character based on the game card. In step S24, the association change unit 111 causes the display unit 15 to display a game image similar to the game image G12 shown in FIG. 16. At this time, the association change unit 111 adds an item for designating a game card to the object O15. When the association change unit 111 detects that a touch operation is performed on the object O15 with the input unit 13 and that an item for designating a game card in the object O15 has been touched, the association change unit 111 changes the object O14 to indicate a game card owned by the user and displays it on the display unit 15. Then, when the association change unit 111 detects that a touch operation is performed on the object O14 with the input unit 13 and that a game card in the object O14 has been touched, the association change unit 111 associates the motion or voice associated with the touched game card with the game character C11.

When the card information of the game card includes multiple motion IDs or voice IDs, the association change unit 111 may accept a selection of the motion or voice to be associated based on an operation on the input unit 13, and associate the motion ID corresponding to the selected motion or the voice ID corresponding to the selected voice with the game character C11.

As another example, the association change unit 111 may make the second and subsequent motion IDs and voice IDs included in the card information of the game card selectable only when a condition is satisfied that the level of the game card is equal to or higher than a threshold, or that the game item associated with the game character is a specific game item. Note that, as one example, the game progression unit 110 may increase the level of the game card when the user collects multiple copies of the same game card or uses a game medium that allows the user to increase the level.

At this time, the motion ID and voice ID associated with the game character C11 by the association change unit 111 are played by the game progression unit 110 on the game character C11 in step S20.

When the control unit 100 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O12 via the input unit 13, it determines that a photographing operation has been performed (YES in step S26) and proceeds to step S28 to perform the photographing process.

In step S28, the posting information generating unit 101 performs a shooting process, which is an example of the process of step S100 shown in FIG. 6, in the same manner as in step S18. At this time, in step S28, the posting information generating unit 101 includes in the first posting information the motion ID or voice ID that the association changing unit 111 associated with the game character C11 in step S24.

When the shooting process is completed, the control unit 100 returns to step S20 and continues processing the basic part.

(Playback part)
Next, an example of the processing of the playback part in this game will be described with reference to Figures 19 to 23. In the playback part, one aspect of step S104 for displaying posting candidates on the display unit 15 and step S106 for posting shown in Figure 6 is executed. The control unit 100 starts the processing of the playback part based on an operation on the input unit 13 from a state in which a home image is displayed on the display unit 15.

Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the user terminal 10 in the playback part according to this embodiment. Figures 20 to 23 are diagrams showing example game images in the playback part according to this embodiment.

First, the generated posted information display unit 103 displays a list of the first posted information generated by the posted information generation unit 101 (step S30). As an example, the generated posted information display unit 103 displays a game image G14 shown in FIG. 20 on the display unit 15. As shown in FIG. 20, the game image G14 includes an object O18 indicating multiple pieces of first posted information.

When the generated posted information display unit 103 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O18 via the input unit 13, it selects the first posted information touched on the object O18 (step S32).

When the first posted information is selected, the generated posted information display unit 103 executes an example of step S104 shown in FIG. 6. First, the generated posted information display unit 103 determines whether the selected first posted information (hereinafter also referred to as selected first posted information) satisfies the posting permission conditions acquired by the posting permission condition acquisition unit 102 from the game server 30 (step S34). As an example, the generated posted information display unit 103 may determine whether the selected first posted information satisfies the posting permission conditions by referring to each item of the selected first posted information, each item of the item information indicated by the item "game medium" (medium information) of the first posted information, attribute information indicated by "attribute 1", "attribute 2", and "attribute 3" of the item information, etc.

If the selected first posted information satisfies the posting permission condition (YES in step S34), the generated posted information display unit 103 individually displays the selected first posted information with a posting button for performing the posting process enabled (step S36). As an example, the generated posted information display unit 103 displays a game image G15 shown in FIG. 21 on the display unit 15. As shown in FIG. 21, the game image G15 includes an object O19 indicating the selected first posted information, an object O20 indicating a game item indicated by the medium information included in the selected first posted information, and an object O21 which is a posting button. As an example, the object O19 indicates an image including a game character C11 associated with the user based on the selected first posted information.

On the other hand, if the selected first posted information does not satisfy the posting permission conditions (NO in step S34), the generated posted information display unit 103 individually displays the first posted information with the posting button for performing the posting process disabled (step S42). As an example, the generated posted information display unit 103 displays the game image G16 shown in FIG. 22 on the display unit 15. As shown in FIG. 22, the game image G16 includes the above-mentioned objects O19, O20, and O21. The object O21 is shown in light gray (grayed out), indicating that it is disabled.

As described above, the generated posting information display unit 103 can display the first posting information generated by the posting information generating unit 101 that satisfies the posting permission condition as a candidate for posting by displaying the selected first posting information on the display unit 15 together with an accompanying image (enabled object O21 or disabled object O21) indicating whether the selected first posting information satisfies the posting permission condition. That is, when the selected first posting information satisfies the posting permission condition, the generated posting information display unit 103 can cause the user to recognize that the first posting information is a candidate for posting by displaying an enabled posting button (object O21) on the display unit 15 together with the selected first posting information. In addition, when the selected first posting information does not satisfy the posting permission condition, the generated posting information display unit 103 can cause the user to recognize that the first posting information is not a candidate for posting by displaying a disabled posting button (object O21) on the display unit 15 together with the selected first posting information.

The method by which the generated post information display unit 103 displays on the display unit 15 a game image showing the first post information that satisfies the post permission conditions as a post candidate is not limited to this. As an example, the generated post information display unit 103 may display on the display unit 15 a game image showing the first post information that does not satisfy the post permission conditions together with a string such as "Does not satisfy the post permission conditions." In this case, the generated post information display unit 103 may display on the display unit 15 a game image showing the first post information in a different display mode depending on whether the post permission conditions are satisfied, or a game image showing the first post information together with an accompanying image other than the post button (object O21) depending on whether the post permission conditions are satisfied.

When the generated posting information display unit 103 enables and displays the posting button (object O21), the control unit 100 determines that a posting operation has been performed (YES in step S38) when it detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O21 via the input unit 13, and proceeds to step S40 to perform posting processing.

In step S40, the posting processing unit 104 executes an example of the processing of step S106. In step S106, the posting processing unit 104 selects the selected first posted information as the posting target, and provides the selected first posted information to the posting management unit 302 of the game server 30 via the communication unit 12 and the communication unit 32. The posting management unit 302 manages the selected first posted information so that it can be viewed by other users.

Here, in one aspect, when the posting processing unit 104 limits the posting in step S106 depending on the number of times the evaluation processing unit 107 accepts the input of an evaluation in step S112 (the number of times an evaluation is input), as an example, the posting processing unit 104 does not select the selected first posted information as the posting target if the number of posts exceeds the upper limit determined depending on the number of times an evaluation is input. Also in this case, the generated posted information display unit 103 may indicate how many more posts are possible in the game image G15 shown in FIG. 21, and may disable the object O21 if the number of posts has already reached the upper limit.

When the control unit 100 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O20 via the input unit 13 while the game image G15 shown in FIG. 21 or the game image G16 shown in FIG. 22 is being displayed (YES in step S44), the game item touched on the object O20 is treated as a candidate for exchange, and the process transitions to the shop part (step S46). The processing in the shop part will be described later.

In one embodiment, when the control unit 100 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O20 with the input unit 13 while the game image G15 shown in FIG. 21 or the game image G16 shown in FIG. 22 is being displayed, the control unit 100 may display the game item touched on the object O20 as a pop-up on the display unit 15 as shown in FIG. 23. The pop-up object O22 includes an object O23 that is a button for obtaining the game item, and when the control unit 100 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the input unit 13 with the object O23, the control unit 100 may transition to a shop part with the pop-up game item as a candidate for exchange (step S46).

When the individual display, posting process, or shop part of the selected first posted information is completed, the control unit 100 returns to step S30 and continues processing the playback part.

(Post selection part)
Next, an example of the processing of the post selection part in this game will be described with reference to Figures 23 to 25. In the post selection part, as in the playback part, one aspect of step S104 of displaying post candidates on the display unit 15 and step S106 of making a post shown in Figure 6 is executed. The control unit 100 starts the processing of the post selection part based on an operation on the input unit 13 from a state in which a home image is displayed on the display unit 15.

Figure 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of a user terminal in the post selection part according to this embodiment. Figures 24 and 25 are diagrams showing an example of a game image in the post selection part according to this embodiment.

First, the posting permission condition acquisition unit 102 causes the display unit 15 to display the posting permission conditions acquired from the game server 30 (step S50). As an example, the posting permission condition acquisition unit 102 causes the display unit 15 to display a game image G17 shown in FIG. 24. The game image G17 includes an object O22 indicating the posting permission conditions and an object O23 for selecting posted information.

When the control unit 100 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O23 using the input unit 13, the process proceeds to step S52 and displays a list. Note that in a modified example, the control unit 100 may omit step S50 and start processing the post selection part from step S52.

In step S52, the generated posted information display unit 103 executes an example of step S104 shown in FIG. 6. As an example, the generated posted information display unit 103 causes the display unit 15 to display a game image G18 shown in FIG. 25. As shown in FIG. 25, the game image G18 includes an object O24 indicating multiple pieces of first posted information.

The generated posted information display unit 103 displays the object O24 on the display unit 15 so that the first posted information generated by the posted information generating unit 101 that satisfies the posting permission conditions is shown as a candidate for posting. As an example, as shown in FIG. 25, the generated posted information display unit 103 displays a game image G18 on the display unit 15 in which, for the first posted information in the object O24 that does not satisfy the posting permission conditions, it is shown in light gray (grayed out), like the first posted information in the lower right of the figure.

As described above, the generated post information display unit 103 can display, on the display unit 15, a game image showing the first post information generated by the post information generation unit 101 in different display forms depending on whether or not the post permission conditions are satisfied, thereby displaying, among the first post information generated by the post information generation unit 101, the first post information that satisfies the post permission conditions as a candidate for posting.

The method by which the generated posting information display unit 103 displays on the display unit 15 a game image showing the first posting information that satisfies the posting permission conditions as a posting candidate is not limited to this, and the display unit 15 may display the first posting information in a different display mode depending on whether or not the posting permission conditions are satisfied, or a game image showing the first posting information together with an accompanying image depending on whether or not the posting permission conditions are satisfied. As an example, the generated posting information display unit 103 may display on the display unit 15 a game image showing the first posting information that satisfies the posting permission conditions in the object O24 in a display mode in which an icon indicating that posting is possible is superimposed, or may display on the display unit 15 a game image showing the first posting information that satisfies the posting permission conditions together with an icon or character string indicating that posting is possible, or may display on the display unit 15 a game image showing the first posting information that satisfies the posting permission conditions with a different frame depending on whether or not the posting permission conditions are satisfied.

When the generated posted information display unit 103 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O24 via the input unit 13, it selects the first posted information touched on the object O24 (step S54). At this time, the generated posted information display unit 103 selects only the first posted information that satisfies the posting permission conditions.

In step S56, the generated posted information display unit 103 individually displays the selected first posted information (hereinafter referred to as selected first posted information) with the posting button for performing the posting process enabled, similar to step S36.

Next, when the control unit 100 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O21 via the input unit 13, it determines that a posting operation has been performed (YES in step S58) and proceeds to step S60 to perform the posting process.

In step S60, the posting processing unit 104 executes the posting process in the same manner as in step S40. When the individual display of the selected first posted information, the posting process, or the shop part is completed, the control unit 100 returns to step S52 and continues processing the post selection part.

The manner of the list display in step S52 of the post selection part may be applied to the list display in step S30 of the playback part. That is, in step S30, the generated post information display unit 103 may cause the display unit 15 to display a game image that displays, as post candidates, a list of the first post information generated by the post information generation unit 101 that satisfies the post permission conditions.

(Post viewing part)
Next, an example of the processing of the post browsing part in this game will be described with reference to Figures 27 to 31. In the post browsing part, one aspect of step S108 of acquiring second posted information shown in Figure 6, step S110 of displaying the second posted information on the display unit 15, and step S112 of accepting an input of an evaluation are executed. The control unit 100 starts the processing of the post browsing part based on an operation on the input unit 13 from a state in which a home image is displayed on the display unit 15.

Figure 27 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of a user terminal in the post viewing part according to this embodiment. Figures 28 to 31 are diagrams showing example game images in the post viewing part according to this embodiment.

In step S70, the acquired posted information display unit 106 causes the display unit 15 to display a game image displaying a list of the second posted information acquired by the posted information acquisition unit 105 from the game server 30 (step S70). The method of acquiring the second posted information by the posted information acquisition unit 105 is as described in step S108.

The obtained posted information display unit 106 also displays, as an example, a game image G19 shown in FIG. 28 on the display unit 15. The game image G19 includes an object O27 indicating the second posted information, and an object O28 for changing the filtering conditions. The obtained posted information display unit 106 displays, on the display unit 15, a game image indicating the second posted information that has been filtered based on the filtering conditions by the object O27. When the obtained posted information display unit 106 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O28 via the input unit 13 (YES in step S72), the obtained posted information display unit 106 changes the filtering conditions, returns to step S70, and causes the display unit 15 to display the list again.

When the acquired posted information display unit 106 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O27 via the input unit 13, it causes the display unit 15 to display a game image that individually displays the second posted information touched on the object O27. As an example, the acquired posted information display unit 106 causes the display unit 15 to display a game image G30 shown in FIG. 29. The game image G30 includes an object O29 indicating the second posted information, an object O30 for making an evaluation, an object O31 for displaying the second posted information with a character associated with the user, and an object O32 indicating a game item indicated by the medium information included in the second posted information. As an example, the object O32 indicates an image including a game character C12 associated with another user based on the second posted information.

Next, when the evaluation processing unit 107 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O30 via the input unit 13 (YES in step S74), it accepts input of an evaluation for the second posted information indicated by the object O29, and notifies the posting management unit 302 of the game server 30 of the evaluation (step S76). The method of notifying the evaluation by the evaluation processing unit 107 is as described in step S112.

In one embodiment, when the evaluation processing unit 107 limits the input of the evaluation in step S112 depending on the number of times the posting processing unit 104 selected the posting target in step S106 (number of posts), as an example, the evaluation processing unit 107 does not notify the game server 30 of the evaluation if the number of times the evaluation can be input exceeds an upper limit determined depending on the number of posts. In this case, the obtained posting information display unit 106 may indicate how many more times the evaluation can be input in the game image G20 shown in FIG. 29, and may disable the object O30 if the number of times the evaluation can be input has already reached the upper limit.

When the acquired posted information display unit 106 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O31 via the input unit 13 (YES in step S78), it causes the display unit 15 to display a game image showing the second posted information with a character associated with the user (step S80). In one example, the acquired posted information display unit 106 causes the display unit 15 to display the game image 21 shown in FIG. 30. The game image 21 includes an object O33 showing an image including a character C11 associated with the user. The acquired posted information display unit 106 refers to the second posted information, generates an image in which the character C12 associated with another user in the second posted information is replaced with the character C11 associated with the user, and causes the display unit 15 to display the image as the object O33.

When the control unit 100 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O32 via the input unit 13 (YES in step S82), the process transitions to the shop part, with the game item touched on the object O32 being a candidate for exchange (step S84). The process in the shop part will be described later.

In one embodiment, when the control unit 100 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the input unit 13 to the object O32, the control unit 100 may display the game item touched on the object O32 as a pop-up on the display unit 15 as shown in FIG. 23. The pop-up object O22 includes an object O23 that is a button for obtaining the game item, and when the control unit 100 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the input unit 13 to the object O23, the control unit 100 may transition to a shop part with the pop-up game item as a candidate for exchange (step S84).

When the display of the second posted information or the shop part is completed, the control unit 100 returns to step S70 and continues processing the post viewing part.

In one embodiment, the acquired posted information display unit 106 may display on the display unit 15 a game image showing, as evaluation candidates, a portion of the second posted information posted to the game server 30 from other user terminals at any timing, such as the timing when the post viewing part is started for the first time that day, and the evaluation processing unit 107 may accept input of an evaluation for at least one of the evaluation candidates based on an operation on the input unit 13.

That is, the posted information acquisition unit 105 acquires, from the post management unit 302, information indicating a portion of the second posted information managed by the post management unit 302. Then, the acquired posted information display unit 106 displays, as an example, a game image G22 shown in FIG. 31 on the display unit 15. The game image G22 includes an object O34 indicating multiple pieces of second posted information, an object O35 for inputting a rating for each piece of second posted information, and an object O36 indicating a message prompting the input of a rating.

When the evaluation processing unit 107 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O35 on the input unit 13, it notifies the post management unit 302 of the evaluation of the second posted information touched on the object O35.

(Shop part)
Next, an example of the processing of the shop part in this game will be described with reference to Figures 32 to 35. In the shop part, one aspect of step S120 of displaying a list of game media on the display unit 15 and step S122 of requesting exchange of the selected game media shown in Figure 7 is executed. The control unit 100 starts the processing of the shop part based on an operation on the input unit 13 from a state in which a home image is displayed on the display unit 15, and also starts the processing of the shop part from step S46 in the playback part and step S84 in the post browsing part.

Figure 32 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of a user terminal in the shop part according to this embodiment. Figures 33 to 35 are diagrams showing example game images in the shop part according to this embodiment.

When the control unit 100 starts processing the shop part based on an operation on the input unit 13 while the home image is displayed on the display unit 15 (YES in step S90), the game media display unit 108 causes the display unit 15 to display a game image showing multiple game media in the type A format (step S92).

In one embodiment, the game media display unit 108 displays a game image G23 shown in FIG. 33 on the display unit 15. The game image G23 includes an object O37 for specifying the type of game media and an object O38 for indicating multiple game items. The object O38 includes an object O39 for indicating an icon of each game item, an object O40 for indicating an explanation of each game item, and an object O41 for exchanging each game item for game media owned by the user.

The game medium display unit 108 displays on the display unit 15 a game image showing each game medium and indicating whether or not it is involved in satisfying the posting permission conditions. As an example, the game medium display unit 108 may display on the display unit 15 a game image in which a game item involved in satisfying the posting permission conditions, such as object O39 shown in FIG. 33, is marked with an icon indicating that the game item is involved in satisfying the posting permission conditions, but is not limited to this, and may display on the display unit 15 a game image in which the background color of the game item involved in satisfying the posting permission conditions is different from that of other game items. This allows the game medium display unit 108 to easily allow the user to recognize the game media necessary to satisfy the posting permission conditions.

In another aspect, the game media display unit 108 displays a game image G24 shown in FIG. 34 on the display unit 15. The game image G24 includes an object O37 for specifying the type of game media and an object O42 for indicating multiple game items. The object O42 includes an object O43 for indicating an icon of each game item, an object O44 for indicating an explanation of each game item, and an object O41 for exchanging each game item for game media owned by the user.

Compared to game image 23, object O43 in game image 24 does not show the icon shown in object O39 indicating that object O43 is involved in satisfying the posting permission conditions, and instead object O44 shows attribute information showing the attributes of each game item. Then, the game medium display unit 108 refers to the posting permission conditions and causes the display unit 15 to display object O44 as a game image showing attribute information that is involved in the posting permission conditions among the attribute information showing the attributes of each game item. Even in this embodiment, the game medium display unit 108 can allow the user to easily recognize the game media necessary to satisfy the posting permission conditions.

In addition, when the control unit 100 identifies a game item that is a candidate for exchange from step S46 in the playback part and step S84 in the post viewing part and starts processing of the shop part (NO in step S90), the game media display unit 108 causes the display unit 15 to display a game image showing multiple game media in the type B format (step S94).

The game media display unit 108 displays a game image G25 shown in FIG. 35 on the display unit 15. The game image G25 includes an object O37 for specifying the type of game media and an object O45 for indicating multiple game items. The object O45 includes an object O46 for indicating an icon of each game item, an object O40 for indicating an explanation of each game item, and an object O41 for exchanging each game item for game media owned by the user.

The game medium display unit 108 causes the display unit 15 to display a game image showing the game item as a candidate for exchange in a different display manner from other game items. Here, when the control unit 100 identifies the game item as a candidate for exchange from step S84 in the post viewing part and starts processing of the shop part, the game item as a candidate for exchange is the game medium indicated by the medium information included in the second post information. In this way, the game medium display unit 108 allows the user to easily recognize the game medium that another user has used to fulfill the posting permission conditions.

When the exchange request unit 109 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O38, O42, or O45 using the input unit 13, it selects the game item touched on the object O38, O42, or O45 as the item to be exchanged (step S96). Then, the exchange request unit 109 requests the game server 30 to exchange the selected game item for the game medium owned by the user (step S98). The process of step S98 is the same as the process of step S122 shown in FIG. 7.

Note that the object 41 indicates the game medium that is to be exchanged for each game item. If the user does not possess the game medium that is to be exchanged for the game item, the exchange request unit 109 does not make an exchange request.

(Other processing)
Steps S102, S300, and S302 shown in FIG. 6 and step S320 shown in FIG. 7 are as described above.

(Modification)
In addition, as an example, the configuration of the control unit 100 of the user terminal 10, the posting information generating unit 101, the posting permission condition acquiring unit 102, the generated posting information display unit 103, the posting processing unit 104, the posting information acquiring unit 105, the acquired posting information display unit 106, the evaluation processing unit 107, the game medium display unit 108, the exchange request unit 109, the game progression unit 110, and the association changing unit 111 may be partly or entirely included in the control unit 300 of the game server 30. In this case, the control unit 100 of the user terminal 10 transmits an operation on the input unit 13 to the control unit 300 of the game server 30 via the communication unit 12 and the communication unit 32, and displays the game image received from the control unit 300 of the game server 30 via the communication unit 12 and the communication unit 32 on the display unit 15. As a result, even if each of the above components is included in the control unit 300 of the game server 30, it is possible to make them function in the same way as when they are included in the control unit 100 of the user terminal 10.

[Embodiment 2]
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 36 to 41. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated. In this embodiment, an aspect in which the posting permission condition management unit 301 sets a plurality of posting permission conditions will be described.

In this embodiment, the posting management unit 302 sets multiple events. An event may or may not have a period set. The posting permission condition management unit 301 sets posting permission conditions for each event. The posting processing unit 104 provides the first posting information selected as a posting target corresponding to one of the events to the posting management unit 302, and the posting management unit 302 manages the first posting information for each event. The following describes, as an example, a case in which the posting management unit 302 sets event A and event B.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in the playback part according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, in step S36, the generated posting information display unit 103 causes the display unit 15 to display a game image G26 shown in FIG. 36 instead of the game image G15 shown in FIG. 21. In the game image G26, an object O21 for posting, which was one in the game image G15, is included for each posting permission condition. Each posting permission condition corresponds to an event. That is, the object O47 corresponds to event A, and the object O48 corresponds to event B. The posting processing unit 104 provides the first posting information to the posting management unit 302 as a posting target corresponding to the event corresponding to the object touched based on an operation on the input unit 13.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in the post selection part according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, in step S50, the post permission condition acquisition unit 102 causes the display unit 15 to display the game image G27 shown in FIG. 37 instead of the game image G17 shown in FIG. 25. The game image G27 includes an object O49 indicating the post permission condition corresponding to event A, an object O50 for selecting a post target corresponding to event A, an object O51 indicating the post permission condition corresponding to event B, and an object O52 for selecting a post target corresponding to event B. The control unit 100 may (i) detect that a touch operation has been performed on the object O50 on the input unit 13, set the post permission condition corresponding to event A as the post permission condition in embodiment 1, and (ii) detect that a touch operation has been performed on the object O52 on the input unit 13, set the post permission condition corresponding to event B as the post permission condition in embodiment 1, and thereafter perform the post selection part in the same manner as in embodiment 1.

38 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in the post selection part according to this embodiment. In step S52, the generated post information display unit 103 displays the game image 28 shown in FIG. 38 on the display unit 15 instead of the game image G18 shown in FIG. 25. As shown in FIG. 38, the game image G28 includes an object O53 showing a plurality of pieces of first post information. The generated post information display unit 103 displays the object O53 on the display unit 15 as a game image showing the first post information generated by the post information generating unit 101 that satisfies the post permission condition as a post candidate. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 38, the generated post information display unit 103 may display on the display unit 15 a game image showing the object O53 as a game image showing the first post information that satisfies the post permission condition corresponding to the event A by superimposing an icon corresponding to the event A on the object O53, and the first post information that satisfies the post permission condition corresponding to the event B by superimposing an icon corresponding to the event B on the object O53.

Figure 39 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in the post viewing part according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, in step S70, the obtained posted information display unit 106 causes the display unit 15 to display the game image G29 shown in Figure 39 instead of the game image G19 shown in Figure 28. The object O54 included in the game image G29 includes an item for specifying narrowing down the second posted images by an event, in addition to the narrowing down items included in the object O28 included in the game image G19. When the obtained posted information display unit 106 detects that a touch operation has been performed on the object O54 using the input unit 13, it can narrow down the display by the event to which each piece of second posted information corresponds.

Figure 40 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in the shop part according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, in step S92, the game media display unit 108 may cause the display unit 15 to display the game image G30 shown in Figure 40 instead of the game image G23 shown in Figure 33. Unlike the object O39 included in the game image G23, the object O55 included in the game image G30 has an icon superimposed thereon indicating which game item is involved in satisfying the posting permission conditions corresponding to which event. This allows the game media display unit 108 to easily allow the user to recognize the game media required to satisfy the posting permission conditions corresponding to each event.

Figure 41 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in the shop part according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, in step S92, the game medium display unit 108 may cause the display unit 15 to display the game image G31 shown in Figure 41 instead of the game image G24 shown in Figure 34. The game medium display unit 108 causes the display unit 15 to display, for the object O56 included in the game image G31, all of the attribute information indicating the attributes of each game item that is involved in the posting permission conditions corresponding to any of the events. This allows the game medium display unit 108 to easily allow the user to recognize the game media required to satisfy the posting permission conditions corresponding to each event.

〔summary〕
From the above-described exemplary embodiments, the following configurations can be understood. In order to facilitate understanding of each embodiment, reference numerals in the drawings are conveniently placed in parentheses below, but this is not intended to limit the present invention to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

The game system (1) according to one aspect of the present invention is a game system (1) including a terminal device (user terminal 10) including an input unit (13) and a display unit (15), and a server (game server 30). The game system (1) includes a generation unit (post information generation unit 101) that generates first posted information for displaying an image including a game character associated with a user who uses the terminal device (user terminal 10), the first posted information including medium information indicating a game medium associated with the game character, a posting permission condition management unit (301) that manages posting permission conditions including conditions related to the medium information, a display control unit (generated posted information display unit 103, acquired posted information display unit 106, game medium display unit 108) that causes the display unit (15) to display an image showing the first posted information that satisfies the posting permission conditions as a posting candidate, a posting processing unit (104) that selects a posting target from the candidates based on an operation on the input unit (13), and a posting management unit (302) that manages the first posted information of the posting target so that it can be viewed by other users.

The above configuration gives users the purpose of posting new information that conforms to the posting permission conditions, and increases interest. The above configuration also allows users to easily recognize posted information that conforms to the posting permission conditions. This makes it possible to achieve both increased interest and ease of posting.

In the game system (1) described above, the display control unit (generated posted information display unit 103, acquired posted information display unit 106, game media display unit 108) may display the first posted information that satisfies the posting permission conditions as a candidate for posting by displaying the first posted information on the display unit (15) in a different display mode depending on whether the posting permission conditions are satisfied, or together with an accompanying image indicating whether the posting permission conditions are satisfied in at least one of the cases where the posting permission conditions are satisfied and where the posting permission conditions are not satisfied.

The above configuration allows users to easily recognize posted information that complies with posting permission conditions.

In the above-mentioned game system (1), the display control unit (generated posting information display unit 103, acquired posting information display unit 106, game medium display unit 108) displays an image showing multiple game media on the display unit (15), indicating whether each game medium is involved in satisfying the posting permission condition, and the game system (1) may include a game medium selection unit (exchange request unit 109) that selects an item to be exchanged from the multiple game media based on an operation on the input unit (13), and an exchange unit (304) that exchanges the game medium to be exchanged for a game medium owned by the user.

The above configuration allows users to easily recognize the game medium required to satisfy the posting permission conditions, and allows users to exchange that game medium for game medium they own, making it possible for users to easily post information that satisfies the posting permission conditions.

In the game system (1) described above, the display control unit (generated posted information display unit 103, acquired posted information display unit 106, game medium display unit 108) displays an image showing multiple game media on the display unit (15) together with attribute information showing attributes of each game medium that is related to the posting permission condition, and the game system (1) may include a game medium selection unit (exchange request unit 109) that selects an item to be exchanged from the multiple game media based on an operation on the input unit (13), and an exchange unit (304) that exchanges the game medium to be exchanged for a game medium owned by the user.

The above configuration allows users to easily recognize the game medium required to satisfy the posting permission conditions, and allows users to exchange that game medium for game medium they own, making it possible for users to easily post information that satisfies the posting permission conditions.

In the above-mentioned game system (1), the posting management unit (302) manages the second posting information, which is posting information for displaying an image including a game character associated with another user and includes medium information indicating a game medium associated with the game character, so that the user can view it, and the display control unit (generated posting information display unit 103, acquired posting information display unit 106, game medium display unit 108) displays an image including a game character associated with the other user based on the second posting information on the display unit (15), and displays an image showing multiple game media on the display unit (15) based on an operation on the input unit (13), where the display mode of the game medium indicated by the medium information included in the second posting information is different from the display mode of the other game media, and the game system (1) may include a game medium selection unit (exchange request unit 109) that selects an object to be exchanged from the multiple game media based on an operation on the input unit (13), and an exchange unit (304) that exchanges the game medium to be exchanged for the game medium owned by the user.

The above configuration allows users to easily obtain game media that other users have used to satisfy the posting permission conditions, making it possible for users to easily post information that satisfies the posting permission conditions. It also makes it easy for users to generate new posting information inspired by the posting information of other users, thereby increasing interest.

In the game system (1) described above, the posting management unit (302) manages second posting information, which is posting information for displaying an image including a game character associated with another user and includes medium information indicating a game medium associated with the game character, so that the second posting information can be viewed by the user, and the game system (1) may also include an evaluation processing unit (107) that accepts input of an evaluation of the second posting information based on an operation on the input unit (13).

The above configuration allows for interaction between users and gives users an incentive to post information, thereby increasing interest.

In the game system described above, the display control unit (generated posted information display unit 103, acquired posted information display unit 106, game media display unit 108) may cause the display unit (15) to display an image showing a portion of the second posted information managed by the post management unit (302) as evaluation candidates, and the evaluation processing unit (107) may accept input of an evaluation for at least one of the evaluation candidates based on an operation on the input unit (13).

According to the above configuration, it is possible to encourage users to input ratings by displaying limited posted information and prompting them to input ratings.

In the game system (1) described above, the game system (1) may include an awarding unit (reward awarding unit 303) that awards the user a reward determined according to the number of evaluations input.

The above configuration provides users with an incentive to enter ratings, encouraging interaction between users and increasing interest.

In the game system (1) described above, the game system (1) may include an evaluation acquisition unit (reward granting unit 303) that acquires evaluations entered by other users for the first post information managed by the post management unit, and grants the user a reward determined according to the evaluation.

The above configuration can provide users with an incentive to post information, thereby increasing interest.

In the above-mentioned game system (1), the evaluation processing unit (107) may limit the acceptance of the input of the evaluation depending on the track record of the selection of the posting target.

The above configuration improves the balance between posts and rating inputs, promoting interaction between users.

In the game system (1) described above, the posting processing unit (104) may limit the selection of the posting target depending on the track record of receiving the evaluation input.

The above configuration improves the balance between posts and rating inputs, promoting interaction between users.

A game program according to one aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: generating first posted information, which is posted information for displaying an image including a game character associated with a user using a computer (user terminal 10) having an input unit (13) and a display unit (15) and communicating with a server (game server 30), the first posted information including medium information indicating a game medium associated with the game character; acquiring posting permission conditions including conditions related to the medium information; displaying, on the display unit (15), an image indicating the first posted information among the first posted information that satisfies the posting permission conditions as a posting candidate; selecting a posting target from the candidates based on an operation on the input unit (13); and requesting the server (game server 30) to manage the first posted information of the posting target so that it can be viewed by other users.
Execute the command.

The above configuration provides the same effects as the game system described above.

A game control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a game control method executed by a game system (1) including a terminal device (user terminal 10) including an input unit (13) and a display unit (15) and a server (game server 30), and includes the steps of: generating first posted information for displaying an image including a game character associated with a user using the terminal device (user terminal 10), the first posted information including medium information indicating a game medium associated with the game character; managing posting permission conditions including conditions related to the medium information; displaying on the display unit (15) an image indicating the first posted information among the first posted information that satisfies the posting permission conditions as a posting candidate; selecting a posting target from the candidates based on an operation on the input unit (13); and managing the first posted information of the posting target so that it can be viewed by other users.

The above configuration provides the same effects as the game system described above.

[Software or hardware implementation examples]
In the above-described embodiment and each modified example, an example has been described in which the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 and the game server 30 is realized by software. That is, a game program executed by the user terminal 10 to achieve the object of the present invention is stored in the storage unit 14 of the user terminal 10, and the processor 11 of the user terminal 10 reads and executes the program, thereby realizing the functional configuration of the user terminal 10. Also, a server program executed by the game server 30 to achieve the object of the present invention is stored in the storage unit 34 of the game server 30, and the processor 31 of the game server 30 reads and executes the program, thereby realizing the functional configuration of the game server 30.

In this case, the memory unit 14 that stores the game program and the memory unit 34 that stores the server program can be "non-transient tangible media," such as ROM (Read Only Memory), as well as tapes, disks, cards, semiconductor memories, programmable logic circuits, etc.

The game program and server program may also be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the program (such as a communications network or broadcast waves). Another aspect of the present invention may also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

In addition, some or all of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 and the game server 30 may be realized not only by software but also by logic circuits (hardware) formed in integrated circuits (IC chips) or the like.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. The technical scope of the present disclosure also includes embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

1 Game system 10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-N User terminal 11, 31 Processor 12, 32 Communication unit 13, 33 Input unit 14 Display unit 15, 34 Memory unit 17, 35 Bus 30 Game server 100, 300 Control unit 101 Post information generation unit 102 Post permission condition acquisition unit 103 Generated post information display unit 104 Post processing unit 105 Post information acquisition unit 106 Acquired post information display unit 107 Evaluation processing unit 108 Game medium display unit 109 Exchange request unit 110 Game progression unit 111 Association change unit 301 Post permission condition management unit 302 Post management unit 303 Reward granting unit 304 Exchange unit

Claims (5)

A game system including a terminal device including an input unit and a display unit, and a server,
a generation unit that generates first posted information for displaying an image including a game character associated with a user of the terminal device, the first posted information including medium information indicating a game medium associated with the game character;
a posting permission condition management unit that manages posting permission conditions including conditions related to the medium information;
a display control unit that causes an image indicating the first posted information that satisfies the posting permission condition among the first posted information to be displayed on the display unit as a posting candidate;
a posting processing unit that selects a posting target from the candidates based on an operation on the input unit;
a posting management unit that manages the first posted information of the posting target so that other users can view the first posted information;
Equipped with
the first posted information is generated in a part of a game provided by the game system in which the game progresses,
the image showing the candidate post is displayed in a part different from a part in which the game progresses;
Game system. The game system of claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the first posted information that satisfies the posting permission condition as a candidate for posting by displaying the first posted information on the display unit in a different display mode depending on whether the posting permission condition is satisfied, or together with an accompanying image indicating whether the posting permission condition is satisfied in at least one of cases where the posting permission condition is satisfied and where the posting permission condition is not satisfied. the display control unit causes the display unit to display an image showing a plurality of game media, the image indicating whether each game medium is involved in satisfying the posting permission condition;
The game system includes:
a game media selection unit that selects an object to be exchanged from the plurality of game media based on an operation on the input unit;
The game system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an exchange unit that exchanges the game medium to be exchanged for a game medium owned by the user. A computer having an input unit and a display unit and communicating with a server,
generating first posted information for displaying an image including a game character associated with a user of the computer, the first posted information including medium information indicating a game medium associated with the game character;
obtaining posting permission conditions including conditions related to the medium information;
displaying, on the display unit, an image showing the first posted information that satisfies the posting permission condition among the first posted information as a posting candidate;
selecting a posting target from the candidates based on an operation on the input unit;
A step of requesting the server to manage the first posted information of the posting target so that other users can view the first posted information;
Run the command,
the first posted information is generated in a part of a game provided by a game system including the server and the computer, the game being progressed;
the image showing the candidate post is displayed in a part different from a part in which the game progresses;
Game program. A game control method executed by a game system including a terminal device including an input unit and a display unit, and a server, comprising:
generating first posted information for displaying an image including a game character associated with a user of the terminal device, the first posted information including medium information indicating a game medium associated with the game character;
managing posting permission conditions including conditions related to the medium information;
displaying, on the display unit, an image showing the first posted information that satisfies the posting permission condition among the first posted information as a posting candidate;
selecting a posting target from the candidates based on an operation on the input unit;
managing the first posted information of the posting target so that it can be viewed by other users;
Including,
the first posted information is generated in a part of a game provided by the game system in which the game progresses,
the image showing the candidate post is displayed in a part different from a part in which the game progresses;
Game control methods.

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