JP7708464B2 - PROGRAM, INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS AND INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program, an information processing device, and an information processing method.

For home video games, etc., there are known game devices that can save multiple game progresses (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-106776 A

The game device saves multiple intermediate game progresses by storing multiple save data in a storage unit that correspond one-to-one to multiple situations during the game. A user of the game can restart the game from a desired situation by selecting save data that corresponds to a desired situation from among the multiple situations (phases). However, when the number of save data becomes large, it may become difficult for the user to understand which situation each of the multiple save data corresponds to.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and one of the problems it aims to solve is to provide technology that makes it possible to easily grasp the relationship between multiple situations reproduced based on multiple save data.

To solve the above problems, a program according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a processor to function as a display control unit that causes a display unit to display a first icon corresponding to first save data for recreating a first situation of a game, and a second icon corresponding to second save data for recreating a second situation resulting from the progression of the game from the first situation, in a manner that makes it possible to visually recognize the relationship between the first situation and the second situation.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a game system including a terminal device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal device. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of the operation of the terminal device. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a save data management table; 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the terminal device. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a second game process. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a save list screen according to Modification Example 1. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a save list screen according to Modification Example 2. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the save list screen according to the second modification example. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a save list screen according to Modification Example 3. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a save list screen according to Modification Example 4. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a save list screen according to Modification Example 5. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a save list screen according to Modification Example 6. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a save list screen relating to the sixth modification example. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a save list screen according to Modification Example 7. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a save list screen according to Modification Example 8. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a save data management table according to Modification Example 9. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a game system according to Modification Example 11.

Below, the embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in each drawing, the dimensions and scale of each part are appropriately different from the actual ones. In addition, the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention, and therefore various technically preferable limitations are applied, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present invention is limited.

1. Embodiment
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a game system 1 including a terminal device 10 according to an embodiment. The game system 1 has a terminal device 10 capable of executing a predetermined game, and a display device 30 provided in correspondence with the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10 is, for example, an information processing device such as a home game device, a desktop personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. However, the terminal device 10 may also be, for example, an information processing device such as an arcade game device. Furthermore, the home game device may be a portable game device or a stationary game device.

The terminal device 10 is capable of communicating with the display device 30. For example, when the terminal device 10 executes a specific game, it can display an image related to the specific game on a display unit 31 provided in the display device 30. The display device 30 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display, a television set, or a touch panel. The display device 30 may be included in the terminal device 10.

In this embodiment, as an example, a case is illustrated in which the terminal device 10 executes a predetermined game by itself, but the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, the terminal device 10 may execute a predetermined game (a so-called online game) while communicating with another terminal device 10 (not shown) via a network or the like. An example of a predetermined game executed by the terminal device 10 will be described later in FIG. 3 when explaining the outline of the operation of the terminal device 10. Hereinafter, the predetermined game executed by the terminal device 10 may be simply referred to as a game.

The terminal device 10 has a control unit 110 that controls each unit of the terminal device 10, a storage unit 120 that stores various information, a communication unit 130 for performing communication with external devices, an operation unit 140 for accepting operations by a user of the terminal device 10, and an information reading unit 150 for reading information from a recording medium such as an optical disc. The user of the terminal device 10 corresponds to a "game user." Below, the user of the terminal device 10 may also be referred to simply as a user.

The control unit 110 has a game control unit 111, a display control unit 112 (an example of a "display control unit"), and an operation reception unit 113. The game control unit 111 controls the progress of the game executed in the terminal device 10. The game control unit 111 can also store multiple save data SDs in the storage unit 120, each of which corresponds one-to-one to multiple situations during the game, thereby saving multiple intermediate progresses of the game. This allows the user to restart the game from a desired situation by selecting save data SD corresponding to a desired situation from among multiple situations (phases). The game control unit 111 may execute the process of saving the game situation in response to an operation by the user, or may execute it automatically. For example, when the game situation satisfies a predetermined saving condition, the game control unit 111 may execute the process of saving the game situation regardless of an operation by the user. The saving condition may be, for example, that the elapsed time in the game reaches a predetermined elapsed time.

Here, the save data SD is data for reproducing the situation at the time of saving the game when, for example, a process for saving the game situation is executed. In the example shown in FIG. 1, m pieces of save data SD (m is a natural number of 2 or more) are stored in the storage unit 120, but, for example, if the process for saving the game situation has never been executed, the storage unit 120 does not store any save data SD. Also, for example, if the process for saving the game situation is executed only once, the number of save data SD stored in the storage unit 120 may be one. Hereinafter, one of the save data SD1 to SDm may be referred to by adding a subscript such as α, β, or γ to the end of the symbol SD (α, β, and γ are natural numbers between 1 and m). For example, one of the save data SD1 to SDm may be referred to as save data SDα.

As shown in the save list screen G2 in FIG. 3 described later, the icon corresponding to the save data SD has the same suffix (number, α, β, γ, etc.) added to the end of the icon's code ICN as the suffix added to the code SD of the save data SD. Note that hereinafter, icons ICN1 to ICNm that correspond one-to-one to save data SD1 to SDm may be referred to as icons ICN without any particular distinction. Icon ICN is used, for example, as one element of multiple elements that realize a graphical user interface. Specifically, icon ICN may be an object such as an image, figure, or text displayed on the display unit 31.

Returning to FIG. 1 for explanation, the display control unit 112 controls the display unit 31 so that the display unit 31 displays an image related to the game. For example, as shown in a save list screen G2 in FIG. 3 described later, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 31 to display an icon ICNα corresponding to the save data SDα for reproducing a first situation of the game and an icon ICNβ corresponding to the save data SDβ for reproducing a second situation in a manner that allows the relationship between the first situation and the second situation to be visually recognized. The save data SDα for reproducing the first situation is an example of a "first save data", and the icon ICNα corresponding to the save data SDα is an example of a "first icon". The save data SDβ for reproducing the second situation is an example of a "second save data", and the icon ICNβ corresponding to the save data SDβ is an example of a "second icon". The "second situation" is, for example, a situation in which the game has progressed from the first situation.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the display control unit 112 has a display information generation unit 1121 (an example of a "display information generation unit") and an image display control unit 1122 (an example of an "image display control unit"). The display information generation unit 1121 generates display information for displaying images related to the game (for example, a start screen G1, a save list screen G2, and a virtual field screen G3 shown in FIG. 3 described below) on the display unit 31. Then, the image display control unit 1122 causes the display unit 31 to display an image based on the display information generated by the display information generation unit 1121.

When a user operates the operation unit 140, the operation reception unit 113 receives the operation content input by the operation.

The storage unit 120 stores the control program PRG of the terminal device 10. The control program PRG is a program that controls the terminal device 10. In this embodiment, the control program PRG includes an application program (an example of a "program") for the terminal device 10 to execute a game. However, the control program PRG may also include an operation system program for controlling each part of the terminal device 10. Note that the application program may be read from the information reading unit 150 and stored in the storage unit 120, for example, when a user starts a game.

The storage unit 120 also stores the save data SD as described above. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 120 also stores a save data management table TBL. The save data management table TBL stores information indicating the association between the save data SD, etc. Details of the save data management table TBL are described in FIG. 4.

The configuration of the game system 1 and the configuration of the terminal device 10 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1. For example, the terminal device 10 may have a vibration generating unit that vibrates the terminal device 10. In this case, the control unit 110 may control the vibration generating unit so that the vibration generating unit vibrates the terminal device 10 when, for example, the game situation changes to a specific situation. Furthermore, the information stored in the storage unit 120 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1. Next, the hardware configuration of the terminal device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of terminal device 10. Terminal device 10 has a processor 11 (an example of an "information processing device") that controls each part of terminal device 10, a memory 12 that stores various information, a communication device 13 for communicating with an external device that exists outside terminal device 10, an input operation device 14 for accepting operations by a user, and a disk device 15 for reading information from a recording medium.

The memory 12 includes, for example, a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that functions as a working area for the processor 11, and a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) that stores various information such as the control program PRG of the terminal device 10, and functions as a storage unit 120. The memory 12 may be detachable from the terminal device 10. Specifically, the memory 12 may be a storage medium such as a memory card that is detachable from the terminal device 10. The memory 12 may also be, for example, a storage device (e.g., online storage) that is communicatively connected to the terminal device 10 via a network or the like.

The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executes a control program PRG stored in the memory 12, and functions as a control unit 110 by operating in accordance with the control program PRG. For example, the processor 11 operating in accordance with a game-related program stored in the memory 12 functions as a control unit 110 including a game control unit 111, a display control unit 112, and an operation reception unit 113.

The communication device 13 is hardware for communicating with an external device present outside the terminal device 10 via one or both of a wired network and a wireless network, and functions as a communication unit 130. The input operation device 14 is, for example, an operation button, and functions as an operation unit 140 that accepts user operations. The disk device 15 is, for example, an optical disk device, and functions as an information reading unit 150 that reads various information such as a control program PRG recorded on a recording medium such as an optical disk.

The processor 11 may be configured to include hardware such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) in addition to or instead of a CPU. In this case, a part or all of the control unit 110 realized by the processor 11 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP. Next, an overview of the operation of the terminal device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of the operation of the terminal device 10. In Figure 3, an overview of the operation of the terminal device 10 is explained using as an example a case where the game executed on the terminal device 10 is a game in which the user aims to achieve a predetermined goal set in the game by moving the player character CP within a virtual field Fd. However, the game executed on the terminal device 10 is not limited to a game in which the aim is to achieve a predetermined goal.

Here, a "predetermined goal" refers to, for example, defeating a predetermined enemy character CE in the game, acquiring a predetermined item in the game, rescuing a predetermined ally character CB in the game, the user's game play time reaching a predetermined time, or the points (e.g., experience points) acquired by the user in the game reaching a predetermined value, etc. In other words, the user aims to achieve a predetermined goal set in the game by moving the player character CP in the virtual field Fd related to the game.

The start screen G1 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display unit 31, for example, when execution of a program related to a game is started. Specifically, the start screen G1 is displayed on the display unit 31 when a user inputs a predetermined start operation to start the game from the input operation device 14. That is, the display control unit 112 causes the start screen G1 to be displayed on the display unit 31 when the operation reception unit 113 receives a predetermined start operation to start the game via the operation unit 140. The start screen G1 is, for example, a screen on which buttons BTN (BTN1, BTN2, BTN3, and BTN4) are displayed as a graphical user interface. Hereinafter, the operation of selecting a button BTN may also be referred to as pressing a button BTN.

Button BTN1 is pressed when the user wants to start a new game, and button BTN2 is pressed when the user wants to resume the game from a saved state. That is, button BTN2 is pressed when the game is to be resumed from where it left off. Button BTN3 is pressed when the user wants to set an item related to the game, or when the user wants to confirm an item related to the game, etc. Button BTN4 is pressed when the user wants to end the program related to the game. That is, button BTN4 is pressed when the user wants to end an operation related to the game.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, an image including text such as "NEW GAME" that is reminiscent of the process executed by pressing the button BTN is displayed as the button BTN on the start screen G1 so that the user can easily understand the process executed by pressing the button BTN. For example, when the button BTN2 represented by an image including the text "LOAD GAME" is pressed, the display control unit 112 causes the save list screen G2 to be displayed on the display unit 31.

The save list screen G2 is a screen that displays a list of save data SD stored in the storage unit 120, for example. For example, when multiple save data SD are stored in the storage unit 120, the save list screen G2 displays multiple icons ICN that correspond one-to-one to the multiple save data SD in a manner that allows the relationship between the multiple save data SD and multiple situations (multiple game situations) that correspond one-to-one to be visually recognized. In the example shown in FIG. 3, an image including characters such as "Save 1" indicating the name of the save data SD is displayed as an icon ICN on the save list screen G2 so that the user can easily grasp the save data SD that corresponds to the icon ICN. Hereinafter, the game situation reproduced based on the save data SDα that corresponds to the icon ICNα may also be referred to as the game situation corresponding to the icon ICNα or the game situation corresponding to the save data SDα.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, a mode is adopted in which the relationship between multiple game situations is displayed using arrows, making the relationship between multiple game situations visible. For example, the game situation corresponding to the icon ICN at the end of the arrow is a situation in which the game has progressed from the game situation corresponding to the icon ICN at the start of the arrow. Specifically, the game situation corresponding to icon ICN2 is a situation in which the game has progressed from the game situation corresponding to icon ICN1. Moreover, the game situation corresponding to icon ICN3 is a situation in which the game has progressed from the game situation corresponding to icon ICN2.

The game situation corresponding to icon ICN4 is a situation in which the game has progressed from the game situation corresponding to icon ICN1, separate from the game situation corresponding to icon ICN2. The game situation corresponding to icon ICN6 is a situation in which the game has progressed from the game situation corresponding to icon ICN1, separate from the game situation corresponding to icon ICN2 and the game situation corresponding to icon ICN4. In other words, the game situation corresponding to icon ICN2, the game situation corresponding to icon ICN4, and the game situation corresponding to icon ICN6 are situations branched off from the game situation corresponding to icon ICN1.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, in addition to the icon ICN, the save list screen G2 displays button BTN5 as a graphical user interface, but button BTN5 does not have to be displayed. Button BTN5 is pressed when the user wants to return the screen displayed on the display unit 31 to the previous screen (start screen G1 in the example shown in FIG. 3). Below, button BTN5 may also be referred to as button BTN without being particularly distinguished from buttons BTN1 to BTN4.

In the save list screen G2, the relationships between multiple game situations can be visually confirmed by arrows or the like, so the user can easily understand what situation each of the multiple save data SD corresponds to. For example, when the user wants to resume the game from the game situation saved immediately before the game situation corresponding to icon ICN8, the user selects icon ICN7, which is the start point of the arrow that ends at icon ICN8. In this case, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 31 to display a virtual field screen G3 based on the game situation reproduced based on the save data SD7 corresponding to icon ICN7.

The virtual field screen G3 is a screen on which a player character CP (more precisely, an image showing the player character CP) operated by the user is displayed in a virtual field Fd related to the game. The user can operate the operation unit 140 to move the player character CP in the virtual field Fd displayed on the virtual field screen G3. The user can also save the game situation by operating the operation unit 140. For example, when the operation reception unit 113 receives a save operation indicating the saving of the game situation via the operation unit 140, the game control unit 111 stores in the storage unit 120 save data SD for reproducing the game situation at the time the save operation was performed. This saves the game situation. After the game situation is saved, the user may continue the game as it is or may end the game. Note that in this embodiment, for example, time in the game passes during the period during which the player character CP or the like is moved to progress the game in the virtual field Fd displayed on the virtual field screen G3.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, a status display image Pg showing the status of the player character CP is displayed on the virtual field screen G3. The status display image Pg includes an image PH showing the physical strength state (hereinafter also referred to as hit points) of the player character CP, and an image PS showing the stamina of the player character CP. In addition to the player character CP, the virtual field screen G3 may also display an enemy character CE (more precisely, an image showing the enemy character CE) that the player character CP must defeat, and an ally character CB (more precisely, an image showing the ally character CB) that cooperates with the player character CP in achieving a predetermined goal related to the game. Either or both of the hit points and stamina of the player character CP are examples of "predetermined parameter values".

Here, in the save list screen G2 shown in FIG. 3, any of the icons ICN1, ICN2, ICN4, and ICN7 that are the starting points of the arrows correspond to the "first icon," and any of the save data SD1, SD2, SD4, and SD7 that correspond one-to-one to the icons ICN1, ICN2, ICN4, and ICN7 correspond to the "first save data." And any of the multiple game situations that correspond one-to-one to the save data SD1, SD2, SD4, and SD7 correspond to the "first situation."

Of the icons ICN2 to ICN8 which are the end points of the arrows, the icon ICN which is the end point of the arrow starting from the icon ICN which corresponds to the "first icon" corresponds to the "second icon." And of the save data SD2 to SD8 which correspond one-to-one with the icons ICN2 to ICN8, the save data SD which corresponds to the icon ICN which corresponds to the "second icon" corresponds to the "second save data." And of the multiple game situations which correspond one-to-one with the save data SD2 to SD8, the game situation which corresponds to the save data SD which corresponds to the "second save data" corresponds to the "second situation."

The "second situation" may be a game situation in which save data SDα for recreating a first situation of the game is stored in storage unit 120, and then the reproduced first situation is progressed using save data SDα read from storage unit 120. Alternatively, the "second situation" may be, for example, a game situation in which save data SDα for recreating a first situation of the game is stored in storage unit 120, and then the game is continued to progress without reading save data SDα from storage unit 120. In other words, the "second situation" may be a situation in which the game is continued to progress from the first situation of the game.

Furthermore, in the save list screen G2 shown in FIG. 3, any of icons ICN2, ICN4 to ICN7 that are the end points of the branching arrows corresponds to the "third icon". Specifically, if any of icons ICN2, ICN4 and ICN6 corresponds to the "second icon", any of icons ICN2, ICN4 and ICN6 other than the icon ICN that corresponds to the "second icon" corresponds to the "third icon". Similarly, if any of icons ICN5 and ICN7 corresponds to the "second icon", any of icons ICN5 and ICN7 other than the icon ICN that corresponds to the "second icon" corresponds to the "third icon". In this case, among save data SD2, SD4 to SD7 that correspond one-to-one to icons ICN2, ICN4 to ICN7, the save data SD that corresponds to the icon ICN that corresponds to the "third icon" corresponds to the "third save data". Furthermore, among the multiple game situations that have a one-to-one correspondence with save data SD2, SD4 to SD7, the game situation that corresponds to the save data SD that corresponds to the "third save data" corresponds to the "third situation."

For example, if icon ICN6 corresponds to the "third icon," then either icon ICN2 or ICN4 corresponds to the "second icon," and icon ICN1 corresponds to the "first icon." In this case, save data SD6 corresponding to icon ICN6 corresponds to the "third save data," and the game situation corresponding to save data SD6 corresponds to the "third situation." Also, for example, if icon ICN7 corresponds to the "third icon," icon ICN5 corresponds to the "second icon," and icon ICN4 corresponds to the "first icon." In this case, save data SD7 corresponding to icon ICN7 corresponds to the "third save data," and the game situation corresponding to save data SD7 corresponds to the "third situation."

The image that the display control unit 112 displays on the display unit 31 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 3. For example, the button BTN4 does not need to be displayed on the start screen G1. Next, the save data management table TBL will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the save data management table TBL. The save data management table TBL has records that correspond one-to-one with all the save data SD stored in the storage unit 120. The records in the save data management table TBL include save data identification information, original save data identification information, save data name, save date and time, and hit points. In Figure 4, the save data identification information, original save data identification information, save data name, save date and time, and hit points are explained using an example in which eight save data SD (SD1 to SD8) that correspond one-to-one with the eight icons ICN (ICN1 to ICN8) displayed on the save list screen G2 shown in Figure 3 are stored in the storage unit 120.

The save data identification information is information for identifying the save data SD stored in the storage unit 120. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the value indicated by the save data identification information corresponds to the last number of the code SD of the save data SD shown in FIG. 3 and the like. For example, the save data identification information "0001" indicates save data SD1, and the save data identification information "0002" indicates save data SD2. Below, the game situation reproduced based on the save data SD indicated by the save data identification information may also be referred to as the game situation corresponding to the save data identification information.

The original save data identification information is save data identification information corresponding to the save data SD for reproducing the game situation that is the basis for the game situation corresponding to the save data identification information. For example, in the record corresponding to save data SD1, since there is no game situation that is the basis for the game situation corresponding to save data identification information "0001" (the game situation corresponding to save data SD1), information indicating that the original game situation does not exist ("-" in FIG. 4) is stored as the original save data identification information.

For example, the game situation corresponding to save data identification information "0002" (the game situation corresponding to save data SD2) is an advanced version of the game situation corresponding to save data identification information "0001". Therefore, in the record of save data SD2, "0001" indicating save data SD1 is stored as the original save data identification information. Below, the game situation reproduced based on the save data SD indicated by the original save data identification information may also be referred to as the game situation corresponding to the original save data identification information.

The save data name is information indicating the name of the save data SD. For example, the save data name may be information that allows a user (person) to identify the save data SD by characters. Specifically, in the record for save data SD1, information indicating the name of save data SD1, "Save 1", is stored as the save data name.

The save date and time is information indicating the date and time when the game status corresponding to the save data identification information was saved, i.e., information indicating the date and time when the save data SD was stored in the storage unit 120. According to the save data management table TBL shown in FIG. 4, save data SD1 is save data SD stored in the storage unit 120 at 15:30 on February 3, 2019.

Hit points are information that indicates the hit points of the player character CP at the time the game situation was saved. For example, the hit points indicate a large value when the player character CP's physical condition is good, and indicate a small value when the player character CP's physical condition is poor.

The data configuration of the save data management table TBL is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4. For example, hit points may be omitted from the information contained in the records of the save data management table TBL. The game control unit 111 may also include information similar to the information contained in the records of the save data management table TBL in the save data SD and store the save data SD in the storage unit 120. In this case, the save data management table TBL does not need to be stored in the storage unit 120. In other words, the method of managing the save data SD is not limited to the method using the save data management table TBL. Next, the operation flow of the terminal device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

Figure 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the terminal device 10. The operation shown in Figure 5 is performed, for example, by executing a program related to the game. For example, the process of step S100 is performed when a user inputs a predetermined start operation to start the game from the input operation device 14. Note that Figure 5 assumes that the start screen G1 described in Figure 3 is displayed on the display unit 31 by the series of processes of steps S100 and S102.

First, in step S100, the display information generating unit 1121 included in the display control unit 112 generates display information for displaying the start screen G1 on the display unit 31. Then, the display control unit 112 advances the process to step S102.

In step S102, the image display control unit 1122 included in the display control unit 112 controls the display unit 31 so that the display unit 31 displays the start screen G1 based on the display information generated in step S100. As a result, the start screen G1 is displayed on the display unit 31. After executing the process of step S102, the display control unit 112 advances the process to step S104.

In step S104, the control unit 110 determines whether or not to start a new game. For example, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the operation reception unit 113 has received a press of the button BTN1 shown in FIG. 3. If the result of the determination in step S104 is negative, the control unit 110 advances the process to step S108. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S104 is positive, the control unit 110 advances the process to step S106.

In step S106, the control unit 110 executes a first game process that progresses the game from the beginning. The first game process will be described later in FIG. 6 when explaining an example of the second game process. When the first game process ends (for example, when the progress of the game ends), the control unit 110 returns the process to step S100.

In step S108, the control unit 110 determines whether or not to resume the game from where it left off. For example, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the operation reception unit 113 has received a press of button BTN2 shown in FIG. 3. If the result of the determination in step S108 is negative, the control unit 110 advances the process to step S112. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S108 is positive, the control unit 110 advances the process to step S110.

In step S110, the control unit 110 executes a second game process for continuing the game from where it left off. The second game process will be described later with reference to Fig. 6. When the second game process ends (for example, when the progress of the game ends), the control unit 110 returns the process to step S100.
In step S112, the control unit 110 determines whether or not to execute the setting of game items. Note that the setting of game items may be, for example, the setting of items related to the game or the confirmation of items related to the game. For example, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the operation reception unit 113 has received the pressing of the button BTN3 shown in FIG. 3. If the result of the determination in step S112 is negative, the control unit 110 advances the process to step S116. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S112 is positive, the control unit 110 advances the process to step S114.
In step S114, the control unit 110 executes a setting process for game items. The setting process for game items may be, for example, a process for setting the contents of items related to the game, or a process for confirming the contents of items related to the game. For example, the control unit 110 executes the setting process for game items based on an operation by the user. When the setting process for game items ends, the control unit 110 returns the process to step S100.
In step S116, the control unit 110 determines whether or not to end the program related to the game. For example, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the operation reception unit 113 has received a press of the button BTN4 shown in FIG. 3. If the result of the determination in step S116 is negative, the control unit 110 returns the process to step S104. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S116 is positive, the control unit 110 advances the process to step S118.
In step S118, the control unit 110 executes a termination process. The termination process is, for example, a process for terminating a program related to the game. Specifically, the termination process may be a process for shutting down the terminal device 10. Alternatively, the termination process may be a process for releasing a working area when a working area has been allocated in the storage unit 120 in order to execute the program related to the game. The operation related to the game ends with the end of the process of step S118. Next, the second game process of step S110 will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

Figure 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the second game process. The process of step S120 is executed, for example, when the result of the determination in step S108 of Figure 5 is positive.

In step S120, the display information generating unit 1121 included in the display control unit 112 references the save data management table TBL stored in the storage unit 120 and generates display information for displaying the save list screen G2 on the display unit 31. For example, when multiple save data SD are stored in the save data management table TBL, the display information generating unit 1121 generates display information for displaying multiple icons ICN that correspond one-to-one to the multiple save data SD.

The display information for displaying the multiple icons ICN includes information for visually confirming the relationship between the multiple save data SD stored in the storage unit 120 and the multiple situations that correspond one-to-one (for example, information for displaying the arrows in the save list screen G2 shown in FIG. 3). For example, the display information generating unit 1121 identifies the relationship between the multiple save data SD stored in the storage unit 120 and the multiple situations that correspond one-to-one based on the original save data identification information included in each record in the save data management table TBL. Then, the display information generating unit 1121 includes information for visually confirming the relationship between the multiple situations identified based on the original save data identification information in the display information for displaying the multiple icons ICN. This generates display information for displaying the multiple icons ICN in a manner that allows the relationship between the multiple game situations to be visually confirmed.

In other words, the display information generating unit 1121 generates display information for displaying an icon ICN corresponding to the save data SD for reproducing the first situation and an icon ICN corresponding to the save data SD for reproducing the second situation in a manner that allows the relationship between the first situation and the second situation in the game to be visually recognized. After executing the process of step S120, the display information generating unit 1121 advances the process to step S122.

In step S122, the image display control unit 1122 included in the display control unit 112 controls the display unit 31 so that the display unit 31 displays the save list screen G2 based on the display information generated in step S120. As a result, the save list screen G2 is displayed on the display unit 31. After executing the process of step S122, the image display control unit 1122 advances the process to step S124.

In step S124, the control unit 110 determines whether or not to read the save data SD from the storage unit 120. For example, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the operation reception unit 113 has received an operation to select one of one or more icons ICN displayed on the save list screen G2. If the result of the determination in step S124 is positive, the control unit 110 proceeds to step S128. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S124 is negative, the control unit 110 proceeds to step S126.

In step S126, the control unit 110 determines whether or not to return the screen displayed on the display unit 31 to the previous screen. For example, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the operation reception unit 113 has received a press of button BTN5 displayed on the save list screen G2. If the result of the determination in step S126 is negative, the control unit 110 returns the process to step S124. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S126 is positive, the control unit 110 ends the second game process. With the second game process finished, the process returns to step S100 in FIG. 5. As a result, the start screen G1, which is the screen immediately before the save list screen G2, is displayed on the display unit 31.

In step S128, the control unit 110 reproduces the game situation selected by the user. Specifically, the game control unit 111 included in the control unit 110 reads out from the storage unit 120 the save data SD corresponding to the icon ICN selected by the user in step S124. The game control unit 111 then reproduces the game situation based on the save data SD read out from the storage unit 120. In addition, the display control unit 112 included in the control unit 110 generates display information based on the game situation reproduced by the game control unit 111, and causes the display unit 31 to display a virtual field screen G3 based on the generated display information. This allows the game to be resumed from the situation desired by the user. After executing the process of step S128, the control unit 110 advances the process to step S130.

In step S130, the control unit 110 updates the game status in response to user operations and the like, and progresses the game. For example, the game control unit 111 moves the player character CP in response to user operations, and progresses the game. In addition, the display control unit 112 generates display information based on the game status progressed by the game control unit 111, and displays a virtual field screen G3, etc. based on the generated display information on the display unit 31. After executing the processing of step S130, the control unit 110 advances the processing to step S132.

In step S132, the control unit 110 determines whether or not to save the game status. For example, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the operation receiving unit 113 has received a save operation indicating that the game status should be saved. Alternatively, in a game in which the game status is automatically saved when the game status satisfies a predetermined save condition, the control unit 110 may determine whether or not the current game status satisfies the save condition. The save condition may be, for example, that the elapsed time in the game reaches a predetermined elapsed time, as described in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the save condition may be that the player character CP passes a predetermined checkpoint. Note that the save condition is not limited to the above examples.

If the result of the determination in step S132 is positive, the control unit 110 proceeds to step S134. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S132 is negative, the control unit 110 proceeds to step S138.

In step S134, the game control unit 111 saves the game status. Specifically, the game control unit 111 stores in the memory unit 120 save data SD for reproducing the game status when the operation acceptance unit 113 accepted the save operation. This saves the game status when the operation acceptance unit 113 accepted the save operation. After executing the process of step S134, the game control unit 111 advances the process to step S136.

In step S136, the game control unit 111 updates the save data management table TBL stored in the storage unit 120. Specifically, the game control unit 111 adds a record related to the save data SD stored in the storage unit 120 in step S134 to the save data management table TBL. As described in FIG. 4, the record added to the save data management table TBL includes the save data identification information related to the save data SD stored in the storage unit 120 in step S134, the original save data identification information, the save data name and the save date and time, and the hit points. In this case, the hit points are, for example, the hit points of the player character CP in the game situation reproduced based on the save data SD stored in the storage unit 120 in step S134, that is, the hit points of the player character CP at the time the game situation is saved. After executing the process of step S136, the game control unit 111 advances the process to step S138.

In step S138, the control unit 110 determines whether or not to end the game. For example, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the operation reception unit 113 has received an operation instructing the end of the game. Here, ending the game may, for example, mean ending the progress of the game. Ending the progress of the game may, for example, mean ending play to progress the game.

If the result of the determination in step S138 is negative, the control unit 110 returns the process to step S130 and allows the game to proceed. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S138 is positive, the control unit 110 ends the second game process. In this way, for example, the series of processes in steps S130, S132, and S138 are repeatedly executed until the result of the determination in step S138 is positive. When the second game process ends, the process returns to step S100 in FIG. 5. As a result, the start screen G1 is displayed on the display unit 31.

Now, the first game processing of step S106 shown in FIG. 5 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 6. In the first game processing, the series of processes of steps S120, S122, S124, S126, and S128 in FIG. 6 are omitted from the operations shown in FIG. 6. Also, in the first game processing, before the process of step S130 is executed, initial settings are performed to allow the game to proceed from the beginning. The initial settings may be, for example, a process of determining a player character CP from a plurality of characters. The other operations of the first game processing are the same as those shown in FIG. 6.

The operation of the terminal device 10 is not limited to the examples shown in Figs. 5 and 6. For example, when the first game process of step S106 in Fig. 5 or the second game process of step S110 is completed, the control unit 110 may proceed to step S118 without returning the process to step S100.

The control unit 110 may also determine whether or not to display detailed information about the save data SD corresponding to the icon ICN selected by the user before determining whether or not to read the save data SD from the storage unit 120 in step S124 of FIG. 6. The detailed information about the save data SD may be, for example, the hit points of the player character CP in the game situation reproduced based on the save data SD. In this case, the user can refer to information other than the information displayed on the save list screen G2 to determine the save data SD to read from the storage unit 120.

As described above, in this embodiment, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 31 to display the icon ICNα corresponding to the save data SDα for recreating a first situation of the game, and the icon ICNβ corresponding to the save data SDβ for recreating a second situation in which the game has progressed from the first situation, in a manner that makes it possible to visually confirm the relationship between the first situation and the second situation. This allows the user to easily grasp the relationship between the first situation corresponding to the save data SDα and the second situation corresponding to the save data SDβ.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when there is save data SDγ for recreating a third situation in which the game has progressed from the first situation separately from the second situation, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 31 to display icons ICNα, ICNβ, and ICNγ in a manner that allows the relationship between the first situation and the second situation, and the relationship between the first situation and the third situation to be visually recognized. Note that icon ICNγ is an icon ICN corresponding to save data SDγ for recreating the third situation. In this case, in this embodiment, the user can easily grasp the relationship between the first situation corresponding to save data SDα and the second situation corresponding to save data SDβ, and the relationship between the first situation corresponding to save data SDα and the third situation corresponding to save data SDγ.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the user can easily identify the icon ICN corresponding to the save data SD for reproducing the desired situation from among the multiple icons ICN displayed on the display unit 31.

In this way, in this embodiment, since the terminal device 10 can store multiple save data SD in the storage unit 120, the degree of freedom in replaying the game can be increased. For example, the more save data SD that can be stored in the storage unit 120, the more the user can try and save various plays. Note that if the relationship between the multiple situations reproduced based on the multiple save data SD is not displayed in a visible manner, it may be difficult for the user to grasp what situation each of the multiple save data SD corresponds to when the number of save data SD increases. In this embodiment, as described above, since the relationship between the multiple situations reproduced based on the multiple save data SD is visible, even if the number of save data SD stored in the storage unit 120 increases, the user can easily grasp the relationship between the multiple situations reproduced based on the multiple save data SD. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the number of save data SD stored in the storage unit 120 increases, the user can grasp what situation each of the multiple save data SD corresponds to.

2. Modifications
Each of the above embodiments may be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be appropriately combined within a range that does not contradict each other. In the modified examples exemplified below, the elements whose actions and functions are equivalent to those of the embodiment will be appropriately omitted by using the symbols referenced in the above description.

[Modification 1]
In the above-described embodiment, a case has been exemplified in which a plurality of icons ICN are displayed on the display unit 31 without being particularly associated with events occurring in the game, but the present invention is not limited to such an aspect. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the display control unit 112 may display event information IF indicating events occurring in the game until the game progresses from the first situation to the second situation in association with an icon ICNα or ICNβ on the display unit 31. In this case, the icon ICNα is an icon ICN corresponding to the save data SDα for reproducing the first situation, and the icon ICNβ is an icon ICN corresponding to the save data SDβ for reproducing the second situation.

The event may be, for example, an occurrence related to the progress of the game. For example, the event may be an occurrence that brings about a specific change in the progress of the game. The specific change may be an irreversible change, or a change that is essential for the progress of the game. Specifically, the event may be the capture of a specific fortress in a strategy simulation game, or a confession in a romance simulation game. Alternatively, the event may be a mission with a set of predetermined achievement conditions. The event may also be the game play time exceeding a predetermined time, or the acquisition of a predetermined item. Next, a specific example of the first modification will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a save list screen G2 relating to variant example 1. The save list screen G2 shown in Figure 7 is similar to the save list screen G2 shown in Figure 3, except that event information IFs (IF1 to IF8) are displayed. Therefore, the display of event information IFs will be described in Figure 7.

The star image shown in the save list screen G2 of FIG. 7 indicates that an event has occurred in the game. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 7, event information IF indicating an event that has occurred in the game is displayed on the save list screen G2 using a star image. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the star image displayed as the event information IF includes a letter such as "A" related to the event so that the user can easily understand the event that has occurred in the game. For example, event information IF1 indicates that event A has occurred.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the color of the star indicates the result of the event. Specifically, a white star indicates a successful event, and a black star indicates a failed event. For example, event information IF2 indicates that event B, which occurred after event A, failed, and event information IF3 indicates that event B, which occurred after event A, was successful. Similarly, event information IF4 indicates that event B, which occurred after event A, was successful. For example, event information IF5 indicates that event C occurred before the game progressed from the game situation corresponding to save data SD2 to the game situation corresponding to save data SD3, and that event C was successful. Event information IF6 indicates that event D occurred before the game progressed from the game situation corresponding to save data SD4 to the game situation corresponding to save data SD5, and that event D was successful. Event information IF7 indicates that event D occurred before the game progressed from the game situation corresponding to save data SD4 to the game situation corresponding to save data SD7, and that event D was successful. Event information IF8 indicates that event E occurred before the game progressed from the game situation corresponding to save data SD7 to the game situation corresponding to save data SD8, and that event E failed.

As shown in FIG. 7, for example, when a predetermined event occurs in a game and the game situation after the occurrence of the predetermined event is saved, the display control unit 112 may display event information IF indicating the predetermined event on the save list screen G2. In this case, the display control unit 112 may cause the display unit 31 to display the event information IF indicating the predetermined event such that the display position of the event information IF on the save list screen G2 corresponds to the timing of the occurrence of the predetermined event. The position corresponding to the timing of the occurrence of the predetermined event may be determined based on the elapsed time in the game from the game situation corresponding to the save data SD, or may be determined based on the elapsed time from the actual start time when the game is started from the game situation corresponding to the save data SD. Alternatively, the position corresponding to the timing of the occurrence of the predetermined event may simply be a position corresponding to the order in which the predetermined events occur.

In variant 1, the event information IF is displayed in association with the icon ICN, allowing the user to easily understand what situation the save data SD corresponding to the icon ICN is intended to recreate.

For example, the user can easily understand that events A and B occurred in that order as the game progressed from the game state corresponding to save data SD1 to the game state corresponding to save data SD2. Furthermore, the user can easily understand that, of events A and B that occurred as the game progressed from the game state corresponding to save data SD1 to the game state corresponding to save data SD2, event A was successful and event B was unsuccessful.

Furthermore, for example, the user can easily understand that event A and event B occurred in order as the game progressed from the game state corresponding to save data SD1 to the game state corresponding to save data SD4. And the user can easily understand that both event A and event B, which occurred as the game progressed from the game state corresponding to save data SD1 to the game state corresponding to save data SD4, were successful.

In this way, in variant example 1, the user can easily grasp the status of the game corresponding to the save data SD, and can easily understand, for example, that if he wants to redo event A, he should select icon ICN1, and if he wants to redo event D, he should select icon ICN4.

As shown in FIG. 7, displaying the results of an event on the save list screen G2 is particularly useful when the result of the event has a significant impact on the progress of the game. By displaying the result of the event in association with the event information IF, the user can more accurately grasp the status of the game corresponding to the save data SD. Note that the result of an event is not limited to the success or failure of the event. For example, the result of an event may be the points awarded by the event, or the items acquired by the event, etc.

The display method of the event information IF is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 7. For example, in the save list screen G2 shown in FIG. 7, the event information IF is arranged on the arrow, but it may be arranged on the icon ICN. The event information IF may be displayed using text. The result of the event may not be displayed on the save list screen G2. An upper limit may be set for the number of event information IFs displayed between multiple icons ICN. In this case, the event information IF indicating an event that affects the progress of the game may be preferentially displayed. For example, in a simulation game based on Japanese history, it may be predetermined that the event information IF indicating events such as the Honnoji Incident and the Battle of Sekigahara is preferentially displayed.

[Modification 2]
In the above-described embodiment and the first modified example, a case where a plurality of icons ICN are displayed on the display unit 31 without being particularly associated with a progress division has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to such an aspect. For example, when the progress of a game is divided into a plurality of progress divisions, the display control unit 112 may cause the display unit 31 to display an icon ICNα corresponding to the save data SDα for reproducing a first situation in association with the progress division corresponding to the first situation among the plurality of progress divisions. Similarly, the display control unit 112 may cause the display unit 31 to display an icon ICNβ corresponding to the save data SDβ for reproducing a second situation in association with the progress division corresponding to the second situation among the plurality of progress divisions.

The progression divisions may be divisions that are divided according to the progression order of the game, for example. For example, if the game progresses according to a scenario, the progression divisions may be "chapters," which are progression divisions of the scenario. Alternatively, the progression divisions may be sections that are divided by time in the game. Specifically, the progression divisions may be sections that are divided by predetermined units of time in the game, such as "first year" and "second year." Next, a specific example of variant 2 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9.

Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a save list screen G2 relating to variant example 2. The save list screen G2 shown in Figure 8 is similar to the save list screen G2 shown in Figure 3, except that the icon ICN is displayed in association with the progression division. Figure 8 assumes that the game progresses according to a scenario. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 8, the icon ICN is displayed in association with the "chapter", which is the progression division of the scenario.

For example, the display control unit 112 displays an icon ICNα corresponding to the save data SDα for reproducing the first situation in an area of the display screen of the display unit 31 that is assigned to the progress section corresponding to the first situation. The display control unit 112 also displays an icon ICNβ corresponding to the save data SDβ for reproducing the second situation in an area of the display screen that is assigned to the progress section corresponding to the second situation.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, area AR1 in the save list screen G2 is an area assigned to "Chapter 1" of the game's scenario, area AR2 is an area assigned to "Chapter 2" of the game's scenario, and area AR3 is an area assigned to "Chapter 3" of the game's scenario.

Icon ICN1 is displayed within area AR1, and icons ICN2, ICN3, ICN4, and ICN6 are displayed within area AR2. This allows the user to easily understand that the game situation corresponding to icon ICN1 is in the middle of "Chapter 1", and that the game situation corresponding to each of icons ICN2, ICN3, ICN4, and ICN6 is in the middle of "Chapter 2". Furthermore, icons ICN5, ICN7, and ICN8 are displayed within area AR3. This allows the user to easily understand that the game situation corresponding to each of icons ICN5, ICN7, and ICN8 is in the middle of "Chapter 3".

In this way, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the user can easily grasp how far into the game scenario the game situation corresponding to the icon ICN has progressed. Note that the method of displaying the icon ICN in association with the progress division is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 8. For example, the progress division may be made identifiable by displaying text information that differs according to the progress division in association with the icon ICN. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, the progress division may be made identifiable by varying one or both of the color and shape of the icon ICN according to the progress division.

Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the save list screen G2 relating to variant example 2. The save list screen G2 shown in Figure 9 is similar to the save list screen G2 shown in Figure 3, except that the icon ICN is displayed in association with the progression division. Figure 9 assumes that the game progresses according to a scenario, as in the assumption in Figure 8. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 9, the icon ICN is displayed in association with the "chapter", which is the progression division of the scenario.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, an icon ICN with no shading (e.g., ICN1) indicates that the game status corresponding to the icon ICN is in the middle of "Chapter 1". An icon ICN with light shading (e.g., ICN2, ICN3, ICN4, and ICN6) indicates that the game status corresponding to the icon ICN is in the middle of "Chapter 2". An icon ICN with dark shading (e.g., ICN5, ICN7, and ICN8) indicates that the game status corresponding to the icon ICN is in the middle of "Chapter 3".

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the user can also easily grasp how far the game situation corresponding to the icon ICN has progressed in the game scenario. In other words, in variant example 2, the user can easily grasp how far the game situation reproduced based on the save data SD corresponding to the icon ICN has progressed among multiple progression sections in the game.

[Modification 3]
In the above-described embodiment, the form of modified example 1, and the form of modified example 2, a case where a plurality of icons ICN are displayed on the display unit 31 without being particularly associated with the value of a predetermined parameter in the game has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to such an aspect. For example, the display control unit 112 may determine the display positions of each of the icons ICNα and ICNβ on the display screen of the display unit 31 based on the value of the predetermined parameter when the game is in the first situation and the value of the predetermined parameter when the game is in the second situation. Note that the icon ICNα is an icon ICN corresponding to the save data SDα for reproducing the first situation, and the icon ICNβ is an icon ICN corresponding to the save data SDβ for reproducing the first situation. Next, a specific example of modified example 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a save list screen G2 according to Modification Example 3. The save list screen G2 shown in Figure 10 is similar to the save list screen G2 shown in Figure 3, except that the icon ICN is displayed in association with the value of a predetermined parameter in the game. In Figure 10, it is assumed that the predetermined parameter is the hit points of the player character CP. In the example shown in Figure 10, the display control unit 112 controls the display unit 31 so that the icon ICN is displayed further upwards on the save list screen G2 as the hit points of the player character CP in the game situation corresponding to the icon ICN increase. The image PLV in Figure 10 is an image indicating that the hit points of the player character CP increase further upwards on the save list screen G2.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the hit points of the player character CP are the smallest in the game situation corresponding to icon ICN1, and the hit points of the player character CP are the largest in the game situation corresponding to icon ICN5. For example, when the user wants to consider the size of the hit points of the player character CP when resuming the game, the user can easily determine which of the multiple save data SD should be used by visually checking the display position of the icon ICN, etc. In this way, in variant example 3, when the user wants to consider the value of a specified parameter when resuming the game, the user can easily determine which of the multiple save data SD should be used by visually checking the display position of the multiple icons ICN on the save list screen G2.

The predetermined parameter is not limited to the hit points of the player character CP. For example, the predetermined parameter may be in-game money possessed by the user. Alternatively, the predetermined parameter may be the number or size of occupied territories in a strategy simulation game, or the degree of intimacy with a specific character in a romance simulation game. In other words, the predetermined parameter may be anything that can quantify the state of a game element. The game element may be, for example, a virtual object that exists in a virtual space related to the game. The virtual object that exists in a virtual space related to the game may be a concept that includes, for example, a character related to the game and an object related to the game.

The predetermined parameter may also be selectable by the user from among multiple parameters related to the game.

[Modification 4]
In the above-described embodiment and the first to third modified examples, the positional relationship of the icons ICN on the display screen of the display unit 31 is determined without taking into consideration the order in which the save data SD are stored in the storage unit 120. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the display control unit 112 may display the icons ICNα and ICNβ on the display unit 31 so that the positional relationship of the icons ICNα and ICNβ on the display screen of the display unit 31 corresponds to the order in which the save data SDα and SDβ are stored in the storage unit 120. The save data SDα is the save data SD corresponding to the icon ICNα, and the save data SDβ is the save data SD corresponding to the icon ICNβ. Next, a specific example of the fourth modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a save list screen G2 according to variant example 4. In the save list screen G2 shown in Figure 11, the positional relationship of the multiple icons ICN in the save list screen G2 corresponds to the order in which the multiple save data SD were stored in the storage unit 120. Other display states of the save list screen G2 shown in Figure 11 are similar to the save list screen G2 shown in Figure 3. Figure 11 assumes a case in which the save data SD are stored in the storage unit 120 in the order of the numbers added to the end of the code SD of the save data SD. In the example shown in Figure 11, the display control unit 112 controls the display unit 31 so that the icon ICN corresponding to the save data SD that is more recently stored in the storage unit 120 is displayed in the right direction on the save list screen G2. Note that the display control unit 112 may, for example, determine the display positions of the multiple icons ICN on the save list screen G2 simply based on the time the save data SD was stored in the storage unit 120, without managing the order in which the save data SD was stored in the storage unit 120. Even in this case, the positional relationship of the multiple icons ICN on the save list screen G2 will ultimately correspond to the order in which the multiple save data SD was stored in the storage unit 120.

In variant example 4, for example, the display positions of multiple icons ICN on the save list screen G2 allow the user to easily determine which of the multiple save data SDs corresponds to the game situation that was saved relatively recently.

[Modification 5]
In the above-described embodiment and the embodiments of Modifications 1 to 4, an example in which the icon ICN corresponding to the save data SD stored in the storage unit 120 is hidden is not particularly described, but the display control unit 112 may hide any of the multiple icons ICN. An example of the operation of the terminal device 10 according to Modification 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a save list screen G2 according to variant example 5. In Figure 12, the operation of the terminal device 10 according to variant example 5 will be explained using as an example a case where the user uses the operation unit 140 to perform a hide operation to hide some of the icons ICN out of the multiple icons ICN (ICN1 to ICN8) displayed on the save list screen G2. Note that in Figure 12, it is assumed that icon ICN4 has been designated by the hide operation.

For example, the operation reception unit 113 receives a hide operation to hide some of the icons ICN among the icons ICN1 to ICN8. In this case, the display control unit 112 identifies, among the multiple save data SD (SD1 to SD8), the save data SD5, SD7, and SD8 for reproducing the progress of the game situation based on the game situation reproduced based on the save data SD4 corresponding to the icon ICN4 specified by the hide operation, as the save data SD to be hidden. Then, the display control unit 112 hides the icons ICN5, ICN7, and ICN8 that correspond one-to-one to the save data SD5, SD7, and SD8 to be hidden, among the multiple icons ICN (ICN1 to ICN8) displayed on the save list screen G2.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, in order to allow the user to visually recognize the presence of the hidden icons ICN5, ICN7, and ICN8, icon ICN4 specified by the hide operation is displayed as an image in which multiple icons ICN are superimposed, and is displayed differently from the other icons ICN. Note that the display of icon ICN4 specified by the hide operation and the other icons ICN do not need to be distinguished. In addition, the presence of the hidden icons ICN5, ICN7, and ICN8 may be visually recognized by the user by displaying a dashed arrow or the like starting from icon ICN4 specified by the hide operation.

In this way, in the fifth modification, when one of the plurality of icons ICNs is designated by the user's hide operation in order to hide some of the plurality of icons ICNs, the display control unit 112 identifies the save data SD to be hidden. For example, the display control unit 112 identifies the save data SD for reproducing a progressed situation based on the game situation reproduced based on the save data SD corresponding to the one icon ICN designated by the hide operation among the plurality of save data SD as the save data SD to be hidden. Then, the display control unit 112 hides the icon ICN corresponding to the save data SD to be hidden among the plurality of icons ICNs. In the fifth modification, the icon ICN corresponding to the game situation derived from the game situation corresponding to the icon ICN designated by the user's hide operation is not displayed, so that the visibility of the icon ICN displayed on the save list screen G2 can be improved.

In addition, in variant 5, an icon ICN corresponding to a game situation derived from a game situation corresponding to an icon ICN specified by a hide operation is hidden, so the user does not need to individually specify multiple icons ICN to be hidden. Therefore, variant 5 can simplify the user's operation when hiding some of the icons ICN among the multiple icons ICN displayed on the save list screen G2. Note that multiple icons ICN to be hidden may be individually specified by a user operation. Furthermore, the display control unit 112 may hide the icon ICN specified by a hide operation in addition to the icon ICN corresponding to a game situation derived from the game situation corresponding to the icon ICN specified by a hide operation.

[Modification 6]
In the above-described embodiment and the first to fifth modified examples, the display control unit 112 displays the icon ICN corresponding to the save data SD stored in the storage unit 120 on the display unit 31 without taking into consideration whether the game situation corresponding to the icon ICN satisfies a specific condition, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, when any of a plurality of situations that correspond one-to-one with the plurality of save data SD stored in the storage unit 120 satisfies a specific condition, the display control unit 112 may specify the save data SD for reproducing the situation that satisfies the specific condition from among the plurality of save data SD. Then, the display control unit 112 may display the icon ICN corresponding to the save data SD for reproducing the situation that satisfies the specific condition from among the plurality of icons ICN that correspond one-to-one with the plurality of save data SD stored in the storage unit 120 on the display unit 31 in a manner that can be distinguished from other icons ICN.

The specific condition may be a predetermined condition or a condition set by the user. For example, the specific condition may be that the user possesses a specific item in the game in the game situation reproduced based on the save data SD. Alternatively, the specific condition may be that the player character CP operated by the user has made a specific character (e.g., an ally character CB) his/her ally in the game situation reproduced based on the save data SD. Furthermore, the specific condition may be that a specific event has already occurred in the game situation reproduced based on the save data SD. Next, a specific example of the sixth modification will be described with reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14.

Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a save list screen G2 relating to variant example 6. In Figure 13, it is assumed that, of the eight situations that correspond one-to-one to the icons ICN1 to ICN8 displayed on the save list screen G2, four situations that correspond one-to-one to the icons ICN2, ICN5, ICN7, and ICN8 satisfy a specific situation.

The display control unit 112 identifies save data SD2, SD5, SD7, and SD8 for recreating a situation that satisfies a specific condition from among the multiple save data SD1 to SD8 stored in the storage unit 120. Then, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 31 to display icons ICN2, ICN5, ICN7, and ICN8 that correspond one-to-one to the save data SD2, SD5, SD7, and SD8 for recreating a situation that satisfies a specific condition from among the multiple icons ICN1 to ICN8, so as to be distinguishable from the other icons ICN1, ICN3, ICN4, and ICN6.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, the shaded icons ICN2, ICN5, ICN7, and ICN8 are displayed on the save list screen G2 so that the icons ICN2, ICN5, ICN7, and ICN8 are emphasized compared to the icons ICN1, ICN3, ICN4, and ICN6. The display control unit 112 may control the display unit 31 to darken the display of the icons ICN1, ICN3, ICN4, and ICN6 corresponding to situations that do not satisfy a specific condition, thereby making the icons ICN1, ICN3, ICN4, and ICN6 less noticeable. Alternatively, the display control unit 112 may hide the icons ICN1, ICN3, ICN4, and ICN6 corresponding to situations that do not satisfy a specific condition, as shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the save list screen G2 according to the sixth modified example. In FIG. 14, among the multiple icons ICN1 to ICN8, icons ICN2, ICN5, ICN7, and ICN8 that correspond one-to-one to the save data SD2, SD5, SD7, and SD8 for reproducing a situation that satisfies a specific condition are displayed on the save list screen G2, and the other icons ICN3, ICN4, and ICN6 are hidden. In the example shown in FIG. 14, in order to show that the situations that are the basis of the three situations reproduced based on the save data SD2, SD5, and SD7 are the same, the icon ICN1 corresponding to the save data SD1 for reproducing the situation that is the basis of the three situations is displayed on the save list screen G2 in a manner that is distinguishable from the icon ICN2, etc. However, the icon ICN1 does not have to be displayed on the save list screen G2, like the icons ICN3, ICN4, and ICN6.

In this way, in variant 6, among the multiple icons ICN, the icon ICN corresponding to the save data SD for recreating a situation that satisfies a specific condition is displayed on the save list screen G2 in a manner distinguishable from the other icons ICN. This allows variant 6 to easily allow the user to grasp the save data SD for recreating a game situation that satisfies a specific condition. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the icon ICN corresponding to a situation that does not satisfy a specific condition is not displayed, thereby improving the visibility of the icon ICN displayed on the save list screen G2. Note that information indicating whether or not the game situation satisfies a specific condition may be stored in the save data management table TBL shown in FIG. 4, or may be included in the save data SD.

[Modification 7]
In the embodiment of the above-mentioned modified example 6, an example is given of a case where, among a plurality of icons ICN, an icon ICN corresponding to save data SD for reproducing a situation that satisfies a specific condition is displayed on the save list screen G2 in a manner distinguishable from other icons ICN, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, when a marking operation for attaching a predetermined mark to an icon ICN is performed by a user, the display control unit 112 may display the predetermined mark on the display unit 31 in association with the icon ICN designated by the marking operation. A specific example of modified example 7 will be described with reference to FIG. 15.

Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a save list screen G2 according to variant example 7. For example, when there is a situation to be marked, such as a favorite situation or a situation that is the starting point for multiple retries, the user uses the operation unit 140 to perform a marking operation to attach a mark MK to an icon ICN corresponding to save data SD for reproducing the marked situation. Hereinafter, the save data SD for reproducing the marked situation is also referred to as marked save data SD. Also, the icon ICN corresponding to the marked save data SD is also referred to as marked icon ICN.

For example, when the operation receiving unit 113 receives a marking operation to put a mark MK on an icon ICN, the control unit 110 stores mark information indicating that a mark MK is to be put on the icon ICN to be marked in the storage unit 120 in association with the save data SD to be marked. For example, the control unit 110 may store the mark information in a record that corresponds to the save data SD to be marked among the records in the save data management table TBL shown in FIG. 4, or may include the mark information in the save data SD to be marked.

In FIG. 15, it is assumed that, of the icons ICN1 to ICN8 displayed on the save list screen G2, the icons ICN3 and ICN6 are the icons ICN to be marked. In this case, the display control unit 112 identifies, of the icons ICN1 to ICN8 displayed on the save list screen G2, the icons ICN3 and ICN6 as the icons ICN to be marked based on the mark information. Then, the display control unit 112 causes the display unit 31 to display the icons ICN1, ICN2, ICN4, ICN5, ICN7, and ICN8 without the mark MK, the icon ICN3 with the mark MKa, the icon ICN6 with the mark MKb, and the button BTN5. As a result, the save list screen G2 displays the icons ICN1, ICN2, ICN4, ICN5, ICN7, and ICN8 without the mark MK, the icon ICN3 with the mark MKa, the icon ICN6 with the mark MKb, and the button BTN5.

In this way, in the seventh variant, the mark MK added by the user's will is displayed on the save list screen G2, allowing the user to easily grasp the save data SD for recreating the user's favorite situation, etc. Note that the mark operation by the user may be performed when a save operation indicating the saving of the game situation is performed, or may be performed while the save list screen G2 is displayed. Furthermore, the terminal device 10 may vary the type of mark MK (e.g., color and/or shape) depending on the purpose of adding the mark MK, etc.

[Modification 8]
In the above-described embodiment and the first to seventh modified embodiments, the case where the relationship between multiple game situations is displayed visibly using arrows has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the display control unit 112 may use a line without an arrowhead instead of an arrow to make the relationship between multiple game situations visible. Alternatively, the display control unit 112 may make the relationship between multiple game situations visible by the type of icon ICN (e.g., one or both of color and shape) as shown in FIG. 16.

Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a save list screen G2 according to variant example 8. In the example shown in Figure 16, the relationship between multiple game situations can be visually confirmed by the color and shape of the icon ICN.

In the example shown in FIG. 16, the left half of the icon ICN corresponding to a situation in which one of the multiple game situations has been progressed is displayed in the same color or the same shade of shading as the right half of the icon ICN corresponding to that situation. For example, the three situations that correspond one-to-one to the icons ICN2, ICN4, and ICN6 are situations in which the situation corresponding to the icon ICN1 has been progressed. In this case, the left half of each of the icons ICN2, ICN4, and ICN6 is displayed in the same light shading as the right half of the icon ICN1. Also, since the situation corresponding to the icon ICN3 is a situation in which the situation corresponding to the icon ICN2 has been progressed, the left half of the icon ICN3 is displayed in the same black color as the right half of the icon ICN2. Similarly, the left half of each of the icons ICN5 and ICN7 is displayed in the same dark shading as the right half of the icon ICN4, and the left half of the icon ICN8 is displayed in the same shading as the right half of the icon ICN7 (shading of a shade between the light and dark shading).

In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 16, the situation in which the situation corresponding to icon ICN3, ICN5, ICN6, or ICN8 has been advanced is not currently saved. For this reason, in the example shown in FIG. 16, the shape of the right side of each of icons ICN3, ICN5, ICN6, and ICN8 is made different from the shape of the right side of other icons ICN (e.g., icon ICN2). This allows the user to easily understand that the situation in which the situation corresponding to icon ICN3, ICN5, ICN6, or ICN8 has been advanced is not currently saved in the example shown in FIG. 16. In this way, even in variant example 8, the user can easily understand the relationship between multiple situations reproduced based on multiple save data SD.

[Modification 9]
In the above-described embodiment and the embodiments of Modification 1 to Modification 8, the case where the relationship between the multiple situations reproduced based on the multiple save data SD is managed using the original save data identification information stored in the save data management table TBL has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, when the multiple save data SD are managed using a tree structure in accordance with the multiple icons ICN displayed on the save list screen G2 shown in Fig. 3, the game control unit 111 may specify the relationship between the multiple situations based on position information indicating the position of the save data SD in the tree structure.

Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the save data management table TBL relating to variant example 9. The save data management table TBL shown in Figure 17 is similar to the save data management table TBL shown in Figure 4, except that position information indicating the position of the save data SD in the tree structure is stored instead of the original save data identification information shown in Figure 4. For this reason, in Figure 17, position information is explained using as an example the tree structure of multiple icons ICN displayed on the save list screen G2 shown in Figure 3.

The game control unit 111 manages, for example, the number of save data SD for each generation (hierarchy of the tree structure) of save data SD. For example, save data SD1 is the first generation (root node of the tree structure), so the location information of save data SD1 is "01". The location information of save data SD2 is "0101" because save data SD2 is the first save data SD in the generation in which save data SD1 is the parent. The location information of save data SD4 is "0102" because save data SD4 is the second save data SD in the generation in which save data SD1 is the parent. And the location information of save data SD6 is "0103" because save data SD6 is the third save data SD in the generation in which save data SD1 is the parent.

The location information of save data SD3 is "010101" because save data SD3 is the first save data SD in the generation in which save data SD2 is the parent. The location information of save data SD5 is "010201" because save data SD5 is the first save data SD in the generation in which save data SD4 is the parent. The location information of save data SD7 is "010202" because save data SD7 is the second save data SD in the generation in which save data SD4 is the parent. And the location information of save data SD8 is "01020201" because save data SD8 is the first save data SD in the generation in which save data SD7 is the parent. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the part of the location information of save data SD excluding the last two digits indicates the location information corresponding to save data SD for reproducing the game situation that is the basis of the game situation corresponding to save data SD.

Even in variant example 9, the user can easily grasp the relationship between multiple situations reproduced based on multiple save data SD. Note that the game control unit 111 may store the save data SD in the storage unit 120 with the save data SD including position information indicating the position of the save data SD in the tree structure. Furthermore, the game control unit 111 may store the save data SD in the storage unit 120 with the save data SD including information similar to the information included in the records of the save data management table TBL shown in FIG. 17. In this case, the save data management table TBL shown in FIG. 17 does not need to be stored in the storage unit 120.

[Modification 10]
In the above-described embodiment and the first to ninth modified examples, the terminal device 10 executes a predetermined game by itself, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the game system 1 may have a plurality of terminal devices 10 capable of executing a predetermined game, and a plurality of display devices 30 provided in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of terminal devices 10. In this case, the plurality of terminal devices 10 may execute a predetermined game while communicating with each other via a network NW or the like. The game system 1 may also have a plurality of terminal devices 10 capable of executing a predetermined game, a plurality of display devices 30 provided in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of terminal devices 10, and a server device. The server device may transmit, for example, information about a predetermined game executed by one of the plurality of terminal devices 10 to the other terminal devices 10. This allows the server device to share information about a predetermined game executed by each of the terminal devices 10 among the plurality of terminal devices 10 owned by the game system 1. As a result, a user of one terminal device 10 and a user of another terminal device 10 can cooperate with each other to complete a mission in a specified game, or can play against each other in a specified game.

[Modification 11]
In the above-described embodiment and the first to tenth modified examples, the case where the predetermined game is executed in the terminal device 10 has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The predetermined game may be executed in a component other than the terminal device 10.

18 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a game system 1A according to the modified example 11. The game system 1A has a server device 20A, a terminal device 10A, and a display device 30. The server device 20A can execute a predetermined game and can communicate with the terminal device 10A via the network NW. Specifically, the server device 20A has a control unit 110 that controls each part of the server device 20A, a storage unit 220 that stores various information such as a program related to the predetermined game, and a communication unit 230 for executing communication with an external device such as the terminal device 10A. The terminal device 10A also has a communication unit 130, an operation unit 140, and an information reading unit 150. For example, the server device 20A displays the save list screen G2 shown in FIG. 3 on the display unit 31 via the communication unit 230 of the server device 20A and the communication unit 130 of the terminal device 10A.

[Modification 12]
In the above-described embodiment and the first to eleventh modified examples, a program related to a predetermined game is exemplified as the program, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the program may be a program related to an arbitrary application. In this case, for example, the control unit 110 executes a program related to an arbitrary application to execute a service to be provided to the user. In addition, the terminal device 10 stores a plurality of save data SD for reproducing a plurality of states in the service in the storage unit 120. For example, when the user operates the operation unit 140 to change a first state in the service to a second state, the terminal device 10 may store in the storage unit 120 save data SD for reproducing a second state that occurs based on the first state.

In variant 12, multiple icons ICN are displayed on the save list screen G2 in such a manner that the relationship between the multiple states in the service is visible, allowing the user to easily grasp the relationship between the multiple states reproduced based on the multiple save data SD that correspond one-to-one to the multiple icons ICN. Therefore, in variant 12, the user can grasp what state each of the multiple save data SD corresponds to.

[3. Notes]
From the above description, the present invention can be understood, for example, as follows: In order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, reference symbols in the drawings are conveniently written in parentheses below, but this is not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated aspects.

[Appendix 1]
A program according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a processor (e.g., processor 11) to function as a display control unit (e.g., display control unit 112) that causes a display unit (e.g., display unit 31) to display a first icon corresponding to first save data for recreating a first situation of a game and a second icon corresponding to second save data for recreating a second situation in which the game has progressed from the first situation, in a manner that makes it possible to visually view the relationship between the first situation and the second situation.

According to this aspect, since the relationship between the first situation and the second situation is visible, the user can easily understand the relationship between the first situation reproduced based on the first save data and the second situation reproduced based on the second save data. Therefore, according to this aspect, the user can understand what situation each of the multiple save data corresponds to.

In the above aspect, the "second situation" may be, for example, a game situation in which first save data for recreating a first situation of the game is stored in a storage unit, and the first situation reproduced is progressed using the first save data read from the storage unit. Alternatively, the "second situation" may be, for example, a game situation in which the first save data for recreating a first situation of the game is stored in a storage unit, and the game is continued to progress without reading the first save data from the storage unit. In other words, the "second situation" may be a situation in which the game is continued to progress from the first situation of the game.

In the above aspect, the "relationship between the first situation and the second situation" may be, for example, the relationship between the "first save data" and the "second save data." The "relationship between the first situation and the second situation" may be a relationship in which the second situation occurs based on the first situation.

[Appendix 2]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program as described in Appendix 1, characterized in that, when third save data exists for recreating a third situation in which the game is progressed from the first situation separately from the second situation, the display control unit displays the first icon, the second icon, and a third icon corresponding to the third save data on the display unit in a manner that makes it possible to visually view the relationship between the first situation and the second situation, and the relationship between the first situation and the third situation.

According to this aspect, the relationship between the first situation and the second situation, and the relationship between the first situation and the third situation are visible. Therefore, according to this aspect, the user can easily understand the relationship between the first situation reproduced based on the first save data and the second situation reproduced based on the second save data, and the relationship between the first situation reproduced based on the first save data and the third situation reproduced based on the third save data. Therefore, according to this aspect, the user can understand what situation each of the multiple save data corresponds to.

In the above embodiment, the "third save data" may be, for example, save data for recreating a third situation in which the game has progressed from the first situation reproduced by storing first save data for recreating a first situation in the storage unit in the storage unit, and then using the first save data read from the storage unit. In other words, the "third save data" may be save data for recreating a third situation in which the game has progressed by using the "first save data."

[Appendix 3]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program as described in Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that the display control unit displays event information indicating events that have occurred in the game until the game progresses from the first situation to the second situation, in association with the first icon or the second icon, on the display unit.

According to this embodiment, the event information is displayed in association with the icon, allowing the user to easily understand what situation the save data corresponding to the icon is intended to recreate.

In the above embodiment, the "event" may be, for example, an occurrence related to the progress of the game. For example, the "event" may be an occurrence that brings about a specific change in the progress of the game. The "specific change" may be an irreversible change, or a change that is essential for the progress of the game. Specifically, the "event" may be the capture of a specific fortress in a strategy simulation game, or a confession in a romance simulation game. Alternatively, the "event" may be a mission with a specific achievement condition set. Also, the "event" may be the game play time exceeding a specific time, or the acquisition of a specific item. The event information indicating the event may be displayed using an image or text.

[Appendix 4]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that, when the progress of the game is divided into a plurality of progress sections, the display control unit causes the display unit to associate the first icon with a progress section among the plurality of progress sections that corresponds to the first situation, and causes the display unit to associate the second icon with a progress section among the plurality of progress sections that corresponds to the second situation.

According to this embodiment, the icon is displayed in association with multiple progression sections in the game, so that the user can easily understand to which progression section of the game the game situation reproduced based on the save data corresponding to the icon has progressed.

In the above embodiment, the "progression division" may be, for example, a division that is divided according to the progression order of the game. For example, if the game progresses according to a scenario, the "progression division" may be a "chapter" that is a progression division of the scenario. Alternatively, the "progression division" may be a section divided by time within the game. Specifically, the "progression division" may be a section divided by predetermined units of time within the game, such as "first year" and "second year."

[Appendix 5]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program described in Appendix 4, characterized in that the display control unit displays the first icon in an area of the display screen of the display unit that is assigned to a progress category corresponding to the first situation, and displays the second icon in an area of the display screen that is assigned to a progress category corresponding to the second situation.

According to this embodiment, the same effect as in Appendix 4 can be obtained.

[Appendix 6]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that the display control unit determines the display positions of each of the first icon and the second icon on the display screen of the display unit based on the value of a predetermined parameter when the game is in the first situation and the value of the predetermined parameter when the game is in the second situation.

According to this aspect, the display control unit determines the display positions of the first icon and the second icon on the display screen based on the value of the predetermined parameter in the first situation and the value of the predetermined parameter in the second situation. Therefore, according to this aspect, for example, in a case where the user wants to take into consideration the value of the predetermined parameter when resuming the game, the user can easily know which of the multiple save data is best to use based on the display positions of the icons, etc.

In the above embodiment, the "predetermined parameter" may be anything that can quantify the state of a game element. For example, the "predetermined parameter" may be anything that can quantify the ability of a game element. Specifically, the "predetermined parameter" may be a parameter that changes depending on the game situation. The "parameter that changes depending on the game situation" may be, for example, the amount of in-game money possessed by the user, or the physical strength of a character related to the game. Alternatively, the "parameter that changes depending on the game situation" may be the number or size of territories occupied in a strategy simulation game, or the intimacy with a specific character in a romance simulation game. Here, the "game element" may be, for example, a virtual object that exists in a virtual space related to the game. The "virtual object that exists in a virtual space related to the game" may be, for example, a concept that includes characters related to the game and objects related to the game.

[Appendix 7]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program as described in Appendix 6, characterized in that the specified parameter is selectable from a plurality of parameters related to the game by operation of a user of the game.

According to this aspect, the predetermined parameter can be selected by the user from among multiple parameters related to the game, thereby improving usability for the user.

[Appendix 8]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that the display control unit displays the first icon and the second icon on the display screen of the display unit such that the positional relationship between the first icon and the second icon on the display screen of the display unit corresponds to the order in which the first save data and the second save data are stored in a memory unit (e.g., memory unit 120).

According to this aspect, the positional relationship of the multiple icons on the display screen of the display unit corresponds to the order in which the multiple save data that correspond one-to-one to the multiple icons were stored in the storage unit. Therefore, according to this aspect, for example, the user can easily know which of the multiple save data corresponds to the state of a game that was saved relatively recently.

[Appendix 9]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 8, wherein the display control unit is capable of displaying on the display unit a plurality of icons that correspond one-to-one to a plurality of save data for recreating a plurality of situations including the first situation and the second situation, in a manner that enables the relationship between the plurality of situations to be visually confirmed, and when one of the plurality of icons is specified by an operation of a user of the game in order to hide a portion of the plurality of icons, save data from the plurality of save data for recreating a situation that has progressed based on the situation of the game that is reproduced based on the save data corresponding to the one icon is identified as save data to be hidden, and the icon from the plurality of icons that corresponds to the save data to be hidden is hidden.

According to this aspect, an icon corresponding to a game situation derived from a game situation corresponding to an icon specified by an operation for hiding some of the icons among the plurality of icons is hidden. Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to improve the visibility of the icons displayed on the display unit.

[Appendix 10]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program described in any one of Appendices 1 to 8, wherein the display control unit is capable of displaying on the display unit a plurality of icons that correspond one-to-one to a plurality of save data for recreating a plurality of situations including the first situation and the second situation, in a manner that allows the relationship between the plurality of situations to be visually confirmed, and when any of the plurality of situations satisfies a specific condition, identifies from the plurality of save data a save data for recreating the situation that satisfies the specific condition, and causes from the plurality of icons an icon corresponding to the save data for recreating the situation that satisfies the specific condition to be displayed on the display unit in a manner distinguishable from other icons.

According to this aspect, among the multiple icons, an icon corresponding to save data for recreating a situation that satisfies a specific condition is displayed on the display unit in a manner that is distinguishable from the other icons. Therefore, according to this aspect, the user can easily grasp the save data for recreating a game situation that satisfies a specific condition.

In the above embodiment, the "specific condition" may be a predetermined condition or a condition set by the user. For example, the "specific condition" may be that the user possesses a specific item in the game in the game situation reproduced based on the save data. Alternatively, the "specific condition" may be that the player character operated by the user has recruited a specific character in the game situation reproduced based on the save data. Furthermore, the "specific condition" may be that a specific event has already occurred in the game situation reproduced based on the save data.

[Appendix 11]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention is the program described in Supplementary Note 10, characterized in that the display control unit makes the other icons of the plurality of icons invisible.

According to this embodiment, icons corresponding to situations that do not satisfy certain conditions are not displayed, thereby improving the visibility of icons displayed on the display unit.

[Appendix 12]
An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it includes a display control unit that causes a display unit to display a first icon corresponding to first save data for recreating a first situation of a game and a second icon corresponding to second save data for recreating a second situation resulting from progression of the game from the first situation in a manner that makes it possible to visually view the relationship between the first situation and the second situation.

According to this embodiment, the same effect as in Appendix 1 can be obtained.

[Appendix 13]
In an information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention, a processor displays on a display unit a first icon corresponding to first save data for recreating a first situation of a game, and a second icon corresponding to second save data for recreating a second situation resulting from the progression of the game from the first situation, in a manner that makes it possible to visually see the relationship between the first situation and the second situation.

According to this embodiment, the same effect as in Appendix 1 can be obtained.

[Appendix 14]
A program relating to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a processor to function as a display information generation unit (e.g., a display information generation unit 1121) that generates display information for displaying a first icon corresponding to first save data for recreating a first situation of a game and a second icon corresponding to second save data for recreating the second situation in a manner that enables a relationship between the first situation of the game and a second situation to which the game has progressed from the first situation to be visually confirmed, and an image display control unit (e.g., an image display control unit 1122) that causes an image based on the display information to be displayed on the display unit.

According to this embodiment, the same effect as in Appendix 1 can be obtained.

[Appendix 15]
A program according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a processor to function as a display control unit that displays on a display unit a first icon corresponding to first save data for recreating a first state of a service and a second icon corresponding to second save data for recreating a second state that arises based on the first state in the service, in a manner that makes it possible to visually confirm the relationship between the first state and the second state.

According to this aspect, since the relationship between the first state and the second state is visible, the user can easily understand the relationship between the first state reproduced based on the first save data and the second state reproduced based on the second save data. Therefore, according to this aspect, the user can understand what state each of the multiple save data corresponds to.

1, 1A...game system, 10, 10A...terminal device, 11...processor, 12...memory, 13...communication device, 14...input operation device, 15...disk device, 20A...server device, 30...display device, 31...display unit, 110...control unit, 111...game control unit, 112...display control unit, 113...operation reception unit, 120...storage unit, 130...communication unit, 140...operation unit, 150...information reading unit, 220...storage unit, 230...communication unit, 1121...display information generation unit, 1122...image display control unit.

Claims (4)

The processor,
a display control unit that causes a first icon corresponding to first save data for reproducing a first situation of a game and a second icon corresponding to second save data for reproducing a second situation resulting from the progress of the game from the first situation to be displayed on a display unit in a manner that allows a relationship between the first situation and the second situation to be visually recognized;
Make it work,
The display control unit is
displaying, on the display unit, event information indicating an event that has occurred in the game until the game progresses from the first situation to the second situation, in association with the first icon or the second icon;
determining display positions of the first icon and the second icon on a display screen of the display unit based on a value of a predetermined parameter when the game is in the first situation, a value of the predetermined parameter when the game is in the second situation, and an order in which the first save data and the second save data were stored in a storage unit;
the predetermined parameter is selectable from a plurality of parameters related to the game by an operation of a user of the game;
A program characterized by: a display control unit that causes a display unit to display a first icon corresponding to first save data for reproducing a first situation of a game and a second icon corresponding to second save data for reproducing a second situation resulting from the progress of the game from the first situation, in a manner that allows a relationship between the first situation and the second situation to be visually recognized;
The display control unit is
displaying, on the display unit, event information indicating an event that has occurred in the game until the game progresses from the first situation to the second situation, in association with the first icon or the second icon;
determining display positions of the first icon and the second icon on a display screen of the display unit based on a value of a predetermined parameter when the game is in the first situation, a value of the predetermined parameter when the game is in the second situation, and an order in which the first save data and the second save data were stored in a storage unit;
the predetermined parameter is selectable from a plurality of parameters related to the game by an operation of a user of the game;
An information processing device comprising: The processor:
displaying, on a display unit, a first icon corresponding to first save data for reproducing a first situation of a game and a second icon corresponding to second save data for reproducing a second situation resulting from the progress of the game from the first situation, in a manner that allows a relationship between the first situation and the second situation to be visually recognized;
displaying, on the display unit, event information indicating an event that has occurred in the game until the game progresses from the first situation to the second situation, in association with the first icon or the second icon;
determining display positions of the first icon and the second icon on a display screen of the display unit based on a value of a predetermined parameter when the game is in the first situation, a value of the predetermined parameter when the game is in the second situation, and an order in which the first save data and the second save data were stored in a storage unit;
the predetermined parameter is selectable from a plurality of parameters related to the game by an operation of a user of the game;
1. An information processing method comprising: The processor,
a display information generating unit that generates display information for displaying a first icon corresponding to first save data for reproducing a first situation of a game and a second icon corresponding to second save data for reproducing the second situation in a manner that allows a relationship between the first situation of the game and a second situation resulting from the progression of the game from the first situation to be visually recognized;
an image display control unit that causes an image based on the display information to be displayed on a display unit;
As a display control unit including:
Make it work,
The display control unit is
displaying, on the display unit, event information indicating an event that has occurred in the game until the game progresses from the first situation to the second situation, in association with the first icon or the second icon;
determining display positions of the first icon and the second icon on a display screen of the display unit based on a value of a predetermined parameter when the game is in the first situation, a value of the predetermined parameter when the game is in the second situation, and an order in which the first save data and the second save data were stored in a storage unit;
the predetermined parameter is selectable from a plurality of parameters related to the game by an operation of a user of the game;
A program characterized by: