JP7745914B2 - Program, game processing method, and game device - Google Patents

Description

Patent Act Article 30, Paragraph 2 applies 1. Act 1 Store publication date: August 21, 2019 / End user start date: August 28, 2019 Publication location (a) Application download service operated by Apple (App Store) URL: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/id938506958 (b) Application download service operated by Google (Google Play) URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.konami.pawapuroapp 2. 2. Act 2 Date of publication in the application: August 22, 2019 Published application: The application "Jikkyo Powerful Pro Baseball" launched in Act 1 3. Act 3 Date of publication on the website: August 22, 2019 Website URL: https://asc.s.konaminet.jp/asc/pawasma/webpage/news/event_championroad/2019_summer/rule_SpeedKnock_W83RYtJu.php?set_user_id=0 4. Act 4 Date of publication: September 1, 2019 Place of publication: Fan Festa in Tokyo 5. Act 5 Date of publication: September 1, 2019 Place of publication: Power Champion 2019 Tokyo Tournament 6. 7. Act 6 Date of publication on website: September 1, 2019 Website URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DtVAjMBato https://www.openrec.tv/live/mlrllmwwmrg 7. Act 7 Date of publication in application: September 29, 2019 Published application: The application "Jikkyo Powerful Pro Baseball" launched in Act 1 8. Act 8 ▲1▼ Date of publication on website: September 29, 2019 ▲2▼ URL of website: https://asc.s.konaminet. jp/asc/pawasma/webpage/news/event_championroad/2019_baseball/rule_SpeedKnock_IutvreqP.php?set_user_id=0 9. Action 9 Release date November 4, 2019 Release location Fan Festa in Osaka

Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applies 10. Act 10 Date of publication in the application: December 24, 2019 Published application: The application "Jikkyo Powerful Pro Baseball" launched in Act 1 11. Act 11 Date of publication on the website: December 24, 2019 Website URL: https://asc.s.konaminet.jp/asc/pawasma/webpage/news/event_championroad/2019_final/rule_SpeedKnock_oiyqfv4L.php?set_user_id=0 12. Act 12 Date of publication on the website: January 10, 2020 Website URL: https://www. openrec.tv/live/wez9yl4pj8l 13. Act 13 Release Date: January 11, 2020 Release Location: Fan Festa FINAL 14. Act 14 Release Date: January 11, 2020 Release Location: Power Chan 2019 Finals 15. Act 15 Website Posting Date: January 11, 2020 Website URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRvLcxBYC2Q&feature=emb_logo https://www.openrec.tv/live/d1rn5o2mkrv 16. Act 16 Store publication date: January 14, 2020 Publication location: (a) Application download service operated by Apple (App Store) URL: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/id938506958 (b) Application download service operated by Google (Google Play) URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.konami.pawapuroapp

Patent Act Article 30, Paragraph 2 applies 17. Act 17 Date of posting in application: January 14, 2020 Published application: "Jikkyo Powerful Pro Baseball" application launched in Act 16 18. Act 18 Date of posting on website: January 14, 2020 Website URL: https://asc.s.konaminet.jp/asc/pawasma/webpage/news/event_minibattle/01/rule_SpeedKnock_pHW0UmcX.php?set_user_id=0

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

For example, in a baseball game, when a fielder is to move in the direction of a batted ball to catch it, it is known that an area specifying the direction in which the fielder should move is displayed and the degree of success of the movement operation performed by the user is evaluated (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

GameWith, [Power Pro App] Tips for Defensive Controls in Chalesta League 3 [Power Pro], [online], June 7, 2019, Power Pro Strategy Team, [Retrieved August 19, 2019], Internet <URL: https://powerpro.gamewith.jp/article/show/105948>

For example, when compared to the play of real fielders, fielders are required to move in the direction of the batted ball as quickly as possible. Taking this into consideration, it would be more interesting to require the user to perform a movement operation as quickly as possible after the batter hits the ball in a game.

One of the objectives of some aspects of the present invention is to provide a program, game processing method, and game device that can enable the realization of a game that requires the user to perform movement operations as quickly as possible.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a program, a game processing method, and a game device that enable the effects described in the embodiments below to be achieved.

One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a program executed by a computer included in a device that processes a game based on user operations, the program causing the computer to function as: a reception unit that receives user operations; a display control unit that displays an object having an indicator that indicates the direction in which the user should operate; a determination unit that determines whether the user's operation direction relative to the instruction direction is within a predetermined directional range corresponding to the instruction direction; and a change unit that gradually reduces the directional range during an acceptance period in which user operations relative to the instruction direction can be accepted; the display control unit displays the indicator in a display mode that indicates the directional range and changes the display mode of the indicator in response to the gradual reduction in the directional range.

One aspect of the present invention is a game processing method executed by a computer included in a device that processes a game based on user operations, the game processing method comprising the steps of: accepting user operations; displaying an object having an indicator indicating a direction in which the user should operate; determining whether the user's operation direction relative to the indication direction is within a predetermined directional range corresponding to the indication direction; and gradually reducing the directional range during an acceptance period in which user operations relative to the indication direction can be accepted; in the displaying step, the indicator is displayed in a display mode that indicates the directional range, and the display mode of the indicator is changed in response to the gradual reduction in the directional range.

One aspect of the present invention is a game device that processes a game based on user operation, and includes: a reception unit that receives user operation; a display control unit that displays an object having an indicator that indicates the direction in which the user should operate; a determination unit that determines whether the user's operation direction relative to the instruction direction is within a predetermined directional range corresponding to the instruction direction; and a change unit that gradually reduces the directional range during a reception period in which user operation relative to the instruction direction can be accepted, where the display control unit displays the indicator in a display mode that indicates the directional range and changes the display mode of the indicator in response to the gradual reduction in the directional range.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game image of the knock practice game according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing directional regions in the first embodiment. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of changes in a region over time according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of character information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of directional region setting information according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed in relation to a knock practice game according to the first embodiment. 10 is a basic flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed in relation to a knock practice game according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a normal ball process according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a jump ball process according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a spike ball process according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a "don't move" ball process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a guide image according to a second modified example. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a guide image according to a third modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example of a guide image according to a fourth modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second example of a guide image according to the fourth modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third example of a guide image according to the fourth modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example of an arc-shaped guide image according to a sixth modified example. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a second example of an arc-shaped guide image according to the sixth modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example of a linear guide image according to a sixth modified example. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a second example of a linear guide image according to the sixth modified example. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a third example of a linear guide image according to the sixth modified example. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a fourth example of a linear guide image according to the sixth modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a polygonal guide image according to a sixth modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a change in a guide image according to a seventh modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a change in a guide image according to an eighth modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example of a change in a guide image according to a ninth modified example. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a second example of a change in a guide image according to the ninth modified example.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[1. Game Overview]
First, an overview of an example of a game executed in the game system according to this embodiment will be described. The game according to this embodiment is a game played using multiple characters. Characters are game characters such as people, animals, and objects (e.g., vehicles) that appear in the game, and are displayed as images (character images) on the game screen. Specifically, the example of the game according to this embodiment is a baseball game that includes a training part and a competition part.

The training part is a game part in which characters corresponding to players are trained. In the training part, the abilities of the characters can be improved by training the characters.
The battle part is a game part in which a team including the characters trained in the training part as players competes against an opposing team in a baseball game.

Figure 1 shows an example of a home screen. The home screen is a screen that displays a home image corresponding to the main menu that is the starting point of this game. The home screen G100 shown in the figure displays icons P110, P120, P130, P140, P150, P160, P170, and P180 that function as controls that accept user operations. Each icon is associated with a process that is executed in response to accepting an operation to select the icon.

The icon P110 displays "development" and is associated with a process related to the development part. When the icon P110 is selected, the development part process is executed.
The icon P120 displays "Match" and is associated with a process related to the battle part. When the icon P120 is selected, the process for the battle part is executed.
Icon P130 displays "Character List" and is associated with a character display process for displaying a list of owned characters. The user can acquire and own characters through a lottery process, which will be described later. When icon P130 is selected, the character display process is executed.

The icon P140 displays "My Team" and is associated with a team process that displays information about the team that the user has trained in the training part and performs various settings for the team. When the icon P140 is selected, the team process is executed.
The icon P150 displays "lottery" and is associated with a lottery process in which the character that the user will acquire is determined by lottery. When the icon P150 is selected, the lottery process is executed.
The icon P160 displays "Shop" and is associated with a purchase process for purchasing and acquiring items, etc. by consuming game value, such as points. When the icon P160 is selected, the purchase process is executed.
When an operation to end the game is performed, the game ends.

Icon P170 displays "Special," and processing for the special part is executed, which allows players to play specific games that make up part of the game. For example, special parts include games that focus on specific elements of baseball (such as knock practice games), and games that combine gameplay that is not directly related to the rules of baseball (such as bingo). Games in these special parts are smaller-scale games (mini-games, mini-battles) compared to the battle part and training part. When icon P170 is selected, processing for the special part is executed.

Icon P180 displays "Tournament" and is associated with the processing of the tournament part in which matches are played in a tournament. When icon P180 is selected, the processing of the tournament part is executed. For example, players are ranked (e.g., national ranking) based on the results of playing the knock practice game in the special part mentioned above, and players who rank high in this national ranking are granted the right to participate in the tournament.

[2. About the knock practice game]
The special part includes a knocking practice game as part of the game. In the knocking practice game, the user causes a character selected as a target for development to perform knocking practice. In the knocking practice game, the user controls the character selected as a target for development to play a game in which the character catches a ball hit by the knocker.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a game screen G200 of the knocking practice game.
The game screen G200 displays a game space simulating the grounds of a baseball stadium. A fielder character C1 and a knocker character C2 are displayed in the game space. The viewpoint in the game space is set so that the knocker character C2 is viewed from behind the fielder character C1. In the game space, a batter's box is located at the back of the game space above the game screen G200, and a defensive area is located at the front of the game space below the game screen G200. In other words, the knocker character C2 is displayed at the top of the game screen G200, and the fielder character C1 is displayed at the bottom of the game screen G200. The ball B hit by the knocker character C2 is displayed as moving from the back of the game space to the front, that is, from the direction of the knocker character C2 at the top of the game screen G200 to the direction of the fielder character C1 at the bottom of the game screen G200.

The game screen G200 has an information presentation area AR10. Game information related to the knock practice game is displayed in the information presentation area AR10. For example, the game information displayed may include information indicating that it is a knock practice game, the points earned in the game, and the number of balls remaining in the game. The points earned are points awarded based on the evaluation of the operation performed by the user to catch the knocked ball B.

In addition, the information presentation area AR10 may display, for example, the cumulative points (point cumulative value) awarded based on the evaluation of each catch made so far. The point cumulative value is awarded to the fielder character C1, but since the user is controlling the fielder character C1, it can also be seen as a parameter awarded to the user.

The number of remaining balls refers to the number of knocks remaining in a knock practice game, out of a total of 30 knocks that can be taken.

The direction of arrival of the ball B hit by the knocker character C2 is, for example, any lateral direction with the front of the fielder character C1 as the reference point. The direction of arrival of the ball B is determined, for example, randomly, for each knock.
The user determines the direction from which ball B is coming in response to the knocker character C2 hitting ball B. Then, as an operation to have the fielder character C1 catch ball B, the user performs an operation (movement operation) to specify the direction in which fielder character C1 should move in response to the direction from which ball B is coming. The movement operation becomes available in response to the knocker character C2 hitting ball B.

In this embodiment, the movement operation is a flick operation on the game screen G200 displayed on the touch panel monitor. The movement operation may be a swipe operation or a slide operation other than a flick operation. In other words, any operation means for the movement operation may be used as long as it specifies the direction in which the fielder character C1 should be moved. The starting point of a touch operation such as a flick operation is preferably the position where the fielder character C1 is positioned on the game screen G200, but it may be different from the position where the fielder character C1 is positioned, or it may be both the position where the fielder character C1 is positioned and a position different from that position.

As described above, the ball B hit by the knocker character C2 is displayed as moving from the top of the game screen G200 toward the fielder character C1 below. Therefore, by using touch operations starting from the position where the fielder character C1 is positioned, the user's touch operations will less likely obstruct the upper part of the fielder character C1 on the game screen G200, improving the user's visibility of the display of the ball B moving in the game space, and ultimately improving operability of the game.

The movement operation will be described in more detail. The game screen G200 in the figure shows the state of the ball B at the timing when it is knocked by the knocker character C2 in one knock.
When the ball B is knocked by the knocker character C2 and starts to move toward the fielder character C1, a guide image G starts to be displayed on the game screen G200 at the feet of the fielder character C1 to guide the direction to be indicated by the movement operation.
The guide image G guides the player in the direction (optimal direction) that is required to be specified by a movement operation according to the direction of arrival of the ball B hit by the knocker character C2. The guide image G has a circular (donut-shaped) shape to visually indicate the optimal direction centered on the feet of the fielder character C1. In the figure, the guide image G is displayed in an elliptical shape due to the viewpoint relative to the game space, but is circular when viewed from above the ground surface.

Figure 3 shows a guide image G placed on the game screen G200, viewed from above the ground surface. The guide image G includes four areas - a first area AR11, a second area AR12, a third area AR13, and a fourth area AR14 - that divide the circumference of a circular (donut-shaped) circle, and each area is color-coded. As an example, the first area AR11 is white, the second area AR12 is yellow, the third area AR13 is green, and the fourth area AR14 is red. In the figure, the color coding is represented schematically by the density of the halftone dots.

One first area AR11 is arranged. Two second areas AR12 are arranged on either side of the first area AR11. Two third areas AR13 are arranged on either side of the area consisting of the first area AR11 and two second areas AR12. At least one of the first area AR11, second area AR12, and third area AR13 is displayed as an indicator indicating the direction in which the user should operate. The area in the guide image G other than the first area AR11, second area AR12, and third area AR13 becomes the fourth area AR14.

The first area AR11 is an area that indicates the direction (optimal direction) that is required to be specified by a movement operation based on the center point O, corresponding to the direction of arrival of the ball B hit by the knocker character C2.
If the direction indicated by the user's movement operation is included in the first area AR11, it is determined that the catching was successful in the best possible condition, and the evaluation of the movement operation (operation evaluation) is set to the first level, the highest of five levels. In this case, the game screen G200 displays an image of the fielder character C1 catching the ball B, for example, head-on. In other words, the first area AR11 corresponds to a determination area for determining the operation evaluation to be the first level.
The first area AR11 is assigned the highest points (an example of a parameter) out of five levels. When the first area AR11 is designated by a movement operation, the fielder character C1 is given the points assigned to the first area AR11.

The second area AR12 is an area that indicates the direction closest to the optimal direction as a direction deviating from the optimal direction.
If the direction indicated by the user's movement operation is included in the second area AR12, it is determined that the catching was successful in the second best condition, and the operation evaluation is assigned to the second level, which is the second highest level out of five levels. In this case, the game screen G200 displays an image of the fielder character C1, for example, jumping to catch the ball B. In other words, the second area AR12 corresponds to a determination area for determining the operation evaluation to be the second level.
The second area AR12 is assigned the second highest points (an example of a parameter) out of five levels. In response to the second area AR12 being designated by a movement operation, the fielder character C1 is awarded the points assigned to the second area AR12.

The third area AR13 is an area that indicates a direction that is deviated from the optimum direction and is the next closest to the optimum direction after the direction indicated by the second area AR12.
If the direction indicated by the user's movement operation is included in the third area AR13, the catching is determined to have been unsuccessful but close, and the operation evaluation is assigned to the third level out of five levels. In this case, the game screen G200 displays an image of the fielder character C1, for example, failing to catch the ball B and dropping it forward. In other words, the third area AR13 corresponds to the determination area for determining the operation evaluation to be the third level.
The third area AR13 is assigned the third point (an example of a parameter) out of five levels. In response to the third area AR13 being designated by a movement operation, the fielder character C1 is given the points assigned to the third area AR13.

The fourth area AR14 is an area that indicates a direction that deviates from the optimal direction.
If the direction indicated by the user's movement operation falls within the fourth area AR14, the catching is determined to be a complete failure, and the operation evaluation is assigned to the fourth level out of five levels. In this case, on the game screen G200, the fielder character C1 is displayed as an image that simulates, for example, being unable to catch up with the ball B. In other words, the fourth area AR14 corresponds to a determination area in which the operation evaluation is determined to be the fourth level.
The fourth area AR14 is assigned the fourth point (an example of a parameter) out of five levels. In response to the fourth area AR14 being designated by a movement operation, the fielder character C1 is given the points assigned to the fourth area AR14.

In the game screen G200, each determination area of the guide image G is set so that the center of the direction from the center point O to the first area AR11 faces in the direction of arrival of the ball B hit by the knocker character C2.
For example, if the direction from which the ball B is coming is to the right of the fielder character C1, then on the game screen G200, each determination area of the guide image G is set so that the center of the direction from the center point O to the first area AR11 points to the upper right according to the direction from which the ball B is coming. Furthermore, if the direction from which the ball B is coming is directly in front of the fielder character C1, then on the game screen G200, each determination area of the guide image G is set so that the center of the direction from the center point O to the first area AR11 points directly upward.

In addition, in this embodiment, a time limit (operation time limit) is set for the movement operation. This operation time limit corresponds to the time from when the ball B is hit by the knocker character C2 until the ball B passes the fielding range of the fielder character C1. In other words, the operation time limit is a period during which the knocker character C2 can accept the user's movement operation for the ball B.
If a movement operation is not performed within the operation time limit, the operation evaluation is the lowest level 5 out of 5. The lowest points (an example of a parameter) out of 5 are assigned to a movement operation not performed within the operation time limit. The lowest points are awarded to the fielder character C1 in response to the movement operation not being performed within the operation time limit. For example, the lowest points may be "zero" (no points awarded).

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the judgment area for each level of operation evaluation is changed as time passes within the operation time limit. Therefore, each of the areas AR11 to AR14 in the guide image G is changed as time passes. For example, by shrinking the judgment area for determining that the operation evaluation is at the first level as time passes, it becomes more difficult as time passes for the direction indicated by the user's movement operation to match the first area AR11 (optimal direction). As a result, the more time passes, the more difficult it becomes to successfully perform a movement operation that specifies the optimal direction.

Furthermore, the judgment area determined to be the second level and the judgment area determined to be the third level may be made to shrink over time. In this case, the judgment area determined to be the fourth level will expand relatively as the other judgment areas shrink. Note that the concept of shrinking a judgment area also includes the disappearance (disappearance) of a judgment area. Furthermore, it is sufficient for the guide image G1 to include at least one judgment area that shrinks over time.

The following is an example of how the first area AR11, second area AR12, and third area AR13 in the guide image G are changed to shrink over time. In this example, the fourth area AR14 is changed to expand relatively over time as the other areas AR11 to AR13 shrink.

4 shows an example of how the areas AR11 to AR14 in the guide image G change over time within the operation time limit. In this example, four guide images G1 to G5 that change in time series are shown.
The guide image G1 shows the state of each of the areas AR11 to AR14 at time t0 when the operation time limit starts.
The guide image G2 shows the state of each of the areas AR11 to AR14 at a certain time t1 after the time t0 when the operation time limit started.
The guide image G3 shows the state of each of the areas AR11 to AR14 at time t2, which is a certain amount of time that has elapsed since time t1.
The guide image G4 shows the state of each of the areas AR11 to AR14 at time t3, which is a certain amount of time that has elapsed since time t2.
The guide image G5 shows the state of each of the areas AR11 to AR14 at time t4 when the operation time limit expires.

As time passes from time t0 to time t1, the state of guide image G1 changes to the state of guide image G2. That is, the first area AR11, second area AR12, and third area AR13 change so as to gradually shrink around the optimal direction. Meanwhile, the remaining fourth area AR14 changes so as to expand as the first area AR11, second area AR12, and third area AR13 shrink.

Then, at time t2, some time after time t1, the first area AR11 disappears, leaving only the second area AR12, the third area AR13, and the fourth area AR14, as shown in guide image G3.

Furthermore, at time t3, a certain amount of time has passed since time t2, the second area AR12 disappears, leaving only the third area AR13 and the fourth area AR14, as shown in guide image G4.

Then, when a certain amount of time has passed since time t3 and the operation time limit expires at time t4, the third area AR13 disappears, leaving only the fourth area AR14, as shown in the guide image G4.
In this way, the determination area that contributes to the operation evaluation gradually decreases as time passes within the operation time limit, so that the difficulty of successfully performing a movement operation that specifies the optimal direction increases as time passes. The determination area that contributes to the operation evaluation includes at least the first area AR11, and in some embodiments, the second area AR12 and the third area AR13.

In the figure, the first area AR11 disappears before the end of the operation time limit, but depending on the example, the first area AR11 may or may not disappear when the operation time limit ends. Even if the first area AR11 disappears before the end of the operation time limit, the timing of its disappearance can be determined arbitrarily. In this case, after the first area AR11 disappears, the remaining second area AR12 and third area AR13 may be further reduced, and, for example, when the operation time limit ends, the second area AR12 may disappear, leaving only the third area AR13 and fourth area AR14.

The first area AR11, second area AR12, third area AR13, and fourth area AR14 described above are determination areas (areas for determining the operation direction) used to determine whether the direction indicated by the user's movement operation is within the directional range corresponding to the indicated direction to be operated by the user. As an example of a display mode indicating the directional range, the areas AR11-AR14 shown in Figures 3 and 4 are displayed. The circumference of the guidance image G is divided into multiple areas AR11-AR14, and the directional range is divided into multiple areas corresponding to these area divisions. In other words, the divided areas AR11-AR14 are displayed in the guidance image G as a display mode indicating each of the multiple divided directional ranges. Hereinafter, the areas AR11-AR14 will be referred to as "directional areas" because they indicate directional ranges.

[3. Setting the area division of the directional area in the initial state]
In this embodiment, the setting of the area divisions of the areas AR11 to AR14 in the guide image G at the start of display (initial state) will be described with reference to FIG. 3 again.

In Figure 3, central angles θ1, θ2, θ3, and θ4 are shown as directional ranges corresponding to each of areas AR11 to AR14 relative to the center point O. Central angle θ1 is the central angle corresponding to the arc of the first area AR11 on the circumference of the guide image G. Central angle θ2 is the central angle corresponding to the arc when the second area AR12, which is arranged to sandwich the first area AR11, is viewed as a continuous area. Central angle θ3 is the central angle corresponding to the arc when the third area AR13, which is arranged to sandwich the first area AR11 and the second area AR12, is viewed as a continuous area. Central angle θ4 is a directional range on the circumference of the guide image G that does not include any of central angles θ1, θ2, or θ3, and is the central angle corresponding to the arc of the fourth area AR14. The area division settings for the directional areas in the initial state (at the start of display) of the guidance image G are set by setting the initial values of the central angles θ1, θ2, θ3, and θ4 of each area AR11 to AR14.

For example, the initial value of central angle θ1 is calculated using the basic and special abilities from the character information of fielder character C1, and the number of consecutive successful catches (an example of the result of an operation) as calculation parameters. Specifically, the initial value of central angle θ1 is set to the value obtained by multiplying 360° by a multiplier set based on the sum of the defensive ability and catching values in the basic abilities, a multiplier set according to the special ability, and a multiplier set according to the number of consecutive successful catches.

In calculating the initial value of central angle θ2, the value obtained by multiplying 360° by a multiplier set based on the defensive ability and running ability of the basic abilities, a multiplier set based on the special ability, and a multiplier set based on the number of consecutive successful catches is set as the initial value of central angle θ2. Furthermore, in calculating the initial value of central angle θ3, the value obtained by multiplying 360° by a multiplier set based on the defensive ability and running ability, a multiplier set based on the special ability, and a multiplier set based on the number of consecutive successful catches is set as the initial value of central angle θ3.
At least one of the initial values of the central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 may be calculated using a parameter different from that used for the other initial values. The initial value of the central angle θ4 is calculated by subtracting the value of the central angle θ3 from 360°.

Furthermore, for any of the central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3, the higher the basic ability, the higher the set magnification.
Furthermore, for any of the central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3, the higher the special ability, the higher the set magnification.
Furthermore, for any of the central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3, the multiplying factor set according to the number of times the ball is successfully caught in succession is set to decrease as the number of times the ball is successfully caught in succession increases.
In other words, the higher the basic ability and special ability of the fielder character C1, the wider the first area AR11, second area AR12, and third area AR13 are set in the initial state, and the narrower the fourth area AR14 is set, making it easier to successfully catch the ball.
On the other hand, the more times the ball is successfully caught in succession, the smaller the areas AR11, AR12, and AR13 are set in the initial state, making it more difficult to successfully catch the ball and increasing the difficulty level.

[4. Setting the speed of change of directional areas]
As explained with reference to Figure 4, the first area AR11, second area AR12, and third area AR13 (i.e., central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3) of the guide image G shrink, and the fourth area AR14 (i.e., central angle θ4) expands as time passes within the operation time limit, so that the directional area (directional range) contributing to the operation evaluation gradually decreases.
Furthermore, the speed at which the directional area (directional range) contributing to the operation evaluation gradually decreases over time (area change speed) is set according to a predetermined parameter (e.g., ability parameter) set for the fielder character C1. The area change speed is the amount of change in the central angle of each of the areas AR11 to AR14 per unit time.

For example, the area change speed is changed depending on the predetermined basic ability of the fielder character C1 and the number of consecutive successful catches. As one specific example, the area change speed is set as follows: The area change speed of the fourth area AR14 is calculated based on the sum of the basic ability values of defensive ability, running ability, and arm strength. This is set as the basic expansion speed, and the expansion speed of the fourth area AR14 is calculated by multiplying the basic expansion speed by a multiplier (coefficient) set according to the number of consecutive successful catches.

After the start of the operation time limit, the fourth area AR14 changes so that the central angle θ4 increases according to the calculated rate of increase. In response to this change in the fourth area AR14, the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13 may change so that the central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 decrease uniformly. That is, as the central angle θ4 increases by 3°, the central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 may each decrease by 3°.
That is, the area change speed, which is the amount of change in the central angle of each of the areas AR11 to AR14 per unit time, is determined by the expansion speed of the fourth area AR14.

By changing the area change speed in this way, the operation time limit will also be changed. In the knocking practice game, by changing the operation time limit in this way, the movement speed of the ball B hit by the knocker character C2 may also be changed.

5. Game System Configuration
Next, the configuration of the game system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.
5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system 1 according to this embodiment. The game system 1 is made up of multiple terminal devices 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-n (n is a natural number) and a server device 30, and these devices are connected via a communication network NW. Because the terminal devices 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-n have the same configuration, they will be described simply as terminal devices 10 unless otherwise distinguished.

The terminal device 10 functions as a game device by executing a game control program. For example, the terminal device 10 is a computer device used by a user, and can be a game console, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet PC, or a mobile phone such as a smartphone or feature phone.

The server device 30 manages the game data and game control program required to execute the game control program on the terminal device 10. For example, the server device 30 is a computer device managed by a game management company, and can also be considered as a system made up of multiple server machines, storage, network switches, routers, firewalls, etc.
The game data managed by the server device 30 is used when the terminal device 10 executes the game control program, or is transmitted to the terminal device 10 in advance and used.
The game data may also include advertising data (information about other games) that is displayed during the game. For example, an image displayed on the screen of the terminal device 10 is part of the game data.
The game control program managed by the server device 30 includes a part of the game control program. The game control program includes not only a program downloaded to the terminal device 10 before the game starts, but also a program downloaded to the terminal device 10 after the game starts.
In addition, the game control program downloaded to the terminal device 10 before the game starts may be managed not by the server device 30 but by a server device that distributes the program that runs on the terminal device 10.

[5-1. Hardware configuration of game terminal]
Next, the configuration of the terminal device 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail.
6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal device 10 according to this embodiment. The terminal device 10 includes, for example, a communication unit 11, an input unit 12, a display unit 13, an audio output unit 14, a storage unit 15, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 16. A general-purpose smartphone can be used as the terminal device 10, and no special hardware is required to execute the game control program, provided that the CPU's processing power is not an issue. In other words, as long as a program appropriately created to match the hardware configuration of the terminal device 10 on which the game control program is executed is used, some of the hardware configuration may differ from that of this embodiment.

The communication unit 11 is a device that performs communication compatible with the communication standards of the communication network NW, such as wireless LAN, wired LAN, and mobile communication (LTE), through which the terminal device 10 and server device 30 can communicate.

The input unit 12 is a device capable of receiving interactive information while a game is being played. Interactive information is, for example, information about a user's operation on the terminal device 10. Examples of the input unit 12 include physical devices that use mechanical operations such as buttons, keyboards, and levers, GUI-based pointing devices (mouse or touch panel), and voice or gesture recognition devices (microphone, camera). The input unit 12 may be configured as an integral part of the terminal device 10, or may be configured as a separate entity connected by wire or wirelessly. The input unit 12 outputs operation signals input based on the operation.

The display unit 13 is a display that displays information such as images and text, and is configured to include, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display panel. Note that the display unit 13 may be configured as a separate entity from the terminal device 10, and may be, for example, a television, an external monitor, or a head-mounted display (HMD).

The audio output unit 14 is configured to include, for example, a speaker, an audio output terminal that outputs audio to headphones, etc.

The storage unit 15 may include, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a read-only memory (ROM), or a random access memory (RAM), and stores various information, images, programs, etc. used by the terminal device 10 for processing. The storage unit 15 does not have to be built into the terminal device 10; it may also be an external storage device connected via a digital input/output port such as a USB.

The CPU 16 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 15 and controls each part of the terminal device 10. The CPU 16 is an example of a processor that executes processing on the terminal device 10.

The terminal device 10 may also be configured to include a camera, gyro sensor, GPS (Global Positioning System) chip, acceleration sensor, magnetic sensor, ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, and fingerprint sensor (not shown).

5-2. Functional configuration of the game terminal
7 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 10 according to this embodiment. In this diagram, a data storage unit 150 and a control unit 160 are shown as the functional configuration of the terminal device 10. The data storage unit 150 is a functional configuration corresponding to the storage unit 15 shown in FIG. 7. The control unit 160 is a functional configuration realized by the CPU 16 executing a game control program stored in the storage unit 15.

The data storage unit 150 includes a character information storage unit 151 and an area information storage unit 152, which store information necessary for executing game processing corresponding to the knock practice game of this embodiment.

The character information storage unit 151 stores information on a plurality of characters that can be used in the game.
FIG. 8 shows an example of the character information D151 stored in the character information storage unit 151.
The character information D151 is associated with data indicating the character ID, character name, character abilities, and the like.
The character ID is identification information for identifying each character. The character name is the name of the character. Data indicating the abilities of a character includes basic ability data indicating "basic abilities," special ability data indicating "special abilities," etc.
"Basic abilities" are the basic abilities possessed by a character. Basic ability data includes ability parameters such as "rank" and "ability value" corresponding to "defensive ability,""runningability,""armstrength," and "catching.""Defensiveability" is an ability related to defense. For example, the higher the ability value of defensive ability, the faster a character can catch and throw the ball. "Running ability" is the running speed. For example, the higher the ability value of "running ability," the faster the character can run, which increases the probability of an infield hit and the success rate of stealing bases on offense, making it easier to advance bases, and on defense, the defensive range is wider. "Arm strength" is the strength of the shoulder. For example, the higher the ability value of "arm strength," the faster the character can throw the ball and the longer the distance it can be thrown. "Catching" is the ability to avoid errors. The higher the ability value of "catching," the less likely the character will make an error.
"Special abilities" are abilities that a character can have other than basic abilities. The special ability data includes ability parameters that indicate whether or not a character has each specific special ability, such as "Special Ability #1,""Special Ability #2,""Special Ability #3," etc. These ability parameters affect the progress of the game.
Note that this information is merely an example, and the character information D151 may be associated with various information about each character, such as a character image of each character, defensive position, form, and the like.

Returning to FIG.
The area information storage unit 152 stores area setting information. The area setting information is information used in relation to settings related to the guide image G. The settings related to the guide image G here include settings for the initial states of the areas AR11 to AR14 in the guide image G and settings for the area change speed during the operation time limit.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the region setting information D152 stored in the region information storage unit 152. As shown in FIG.
The region setting information D152 in the figure includes first region setting information, second region setting information, third region setting information, and fourth region setting information.

The first area setting information is information used to set the central angle θ1 of the first area AR11 in the initial state of the guide image G. The first area setting information includes continuous magnification information, basic magnification information, and special magnification information.
The continuous magnification information indicates a magnification that is set according to the number of times the ball is successfully caught in succession when setting the central angle θ1.
The basic multiplier information is information indicating a multiplier that is set according to a predetermined basic ability (defensive ability, ball catching) in the character information when setting the central angle θ1. The basic multiplier information may indicate an arithmetic formula for calculating the multiplier using the predetermined basic ability as a variable.
The special multiplier information is information that indicates a multiplier that is set according to the special ability in the character information when setting the central angle θ1.

The second area setting information is information used to set the central angle θ2 of the second area AR12 in the initial state of the guide image G. The second area setting information includes continuous magnification information, basic magnification information, and special magnification information.
The continuous magnification information indicates a magnification that is set according to the number of times the ball is successfully caught in succession when setting the central angle θ2.
The basic multiplier information is information indicating a multiplier that is set according to a predetermined basic ability (defensive ability, running ability) in the character information when setting the central angle θ2. The basic multiplier information may indicate an arithmetic formula for calculating the multiplier using the predetermined basic ability as a variable.
The special multiplier information is information that indicates a multiplier that is set according to the special ability in the character information when setting the central angle θ2.

The third area setting information is information used to set the central angle θ3 of the third area AR13 in the initial state of the guide image G. The third area setting information includes continuous magnification information, basic magnification information, and special magnification information.
The continuous magnification information indicates a magnification that is set according to the number of times the ball is successfully caught in succession when setting the central angle θ3.
The basic multiplier information is information indicating a multiplier that is set according to a predetermined basic ability (defensive ability, running ability) in the character information when setting the central angle θ3. The basic multiplier information may indicate an arithmetic formula for calculating the multiplier using the predetermined basic ability as a variable.
The special multiplier information is information that indicates a multiplier that is set according to the special ability in the character information when setting the central angle θ3.

The setting of the central angle θ4 of the fourth area AR14 in the initial state of the guide image G is determined relatively by the settings of the central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3.
The fourth area setting information is information used to set the enlargement speed of the fourth area AR14. The fourth area setting information includes enlargement speed information and magnification setting information.
The expansion speed information is information for setting a basic expansion speed, and may represent, for example, an arithmetic expression for calculating the basic expansion speed using predetermined basic abilities (defensive ability, running ability, arm strength) in the character information as variables.
The magnification setting information is information that sets a magnification by which the calculated basic magnification speed is multiplied. The magnification setting information is, for example, information that associates a predetermined magnification value with the number of times the ball has been successfully caught in succession.

Referring back to Figure 7 for the explanation, the control unit 160 includes an operation reception unit 161, an initial setting unit 162, a display control unit 163, a determination unit 164, an evaluation unit 165, and a change unit 166 as functional units that realize game processing corresponding to the knock practice game of this embodiment.

The operation reception unit 161 receives operations performed on the input unit 12. The operation reception unit 161 acquires operation signals input to the input unit 12 based on user operations on the various game screens described above. In response to the game processing of the knock practice game, the operation reception unit 161 receives movement operations.

The initial setting unit 162 sets the directional regions in the initial state of the guide image G. For example, the initial setting unit 162 references the character information D151 (see FIG. 8) and the region setting information D152 (see FIG. 9) to determine the directional region initial values based on ability parameters such as basic abilities and special abilities from the character information of the fielder character C1. As a specific example, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, the initial setting unit 162 determines the initial values of the central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 of the first region AR11, second region AR12, and third region AR13, respectively, based on the basic abilities and special abilities of the fielder character C1 and the number of consecutive successful catches. In addition, the initial setting unit 162 determines the initial value of the central angle θ4 of the fourth region AR14 based on the determined initial values of the central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3.

The display control unit 163 displays images corresponding to the aforementioned home screen G100, game screen G200 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), etc. on the display unit 13. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the display control unit 163 displays an image of a knock practice game including a guide image G on the display unit 13 as an image corresponding to the game screen G200. As described above, the guide image G is displayed as an object having a directional area as an indicator indicating the direction in which the user should operate. The display control unit 163 displays the guide image G including a directional area as an example of a display mode indicating the directional range corresponding to the direction in which the user should operate. For example, the display control unit 163 displays multiple directional areas (first area AR11, second area AR12, third area AR13, and fourth area AR14) indicating each of multiple directional ranges divided based on central angles θ1, θ2, θ3, and θ4.

Here, the direction range corresponding to the first area AR11 is the direction range corresponding to the central angle θ1. The direction range corresponding to the second area AR12 is the direction range corresponding to the remainder when the central angle θ1 is subtracted from the central angle θ2. The direction range corresponding to the third area AR13 is the direction range corresponding to the remainder when the central angle θ2 is subtracted from the central angle θ3. The direction range corresponding to the fourth area AR14 is the direction range corresponding to the central angle θ4.

The determination unit 164 determines whether the user's operation direction relative to the indicated direction (operation direction of the movement operation) is within a predetermined directional range corresponding to the indicated direction. For example, the predetermined directional range is a directional range corresponding to the indicated direction of the user's operation, and is a directional range corresponding to at least one of the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13. For example, the determination unit 164 determines whether the direction indicated by the user's movement operation is included in the first area AR11, the second area AR12, the third area AR13, or the fourth area AR14, thereby determining the user's operation direction relative to the indicated direction of the user's operation. The determination unit 164 also determines whether the movement operation was performed within the operation time limit.

The evaluation unit 165 evaluates the operation direction of the movement operation by the user based on the determination result of the determination unit 164. When the evaluation unit 165 determines that the user's operation direction is not included in the first area AR11, the evaluation unit 165 gives the operation direction a lower evaluation than when the operation direction is determined to be included in the first area AR11. When the evaluation unit 165 determines that the operation direction is not included in the first area AR11, it means when the evaluation unit 165 determines that the operation direction is included in the second area AR12, the third area AR13, or the fourth area AR14.
Furthermore, when the evaluation unit 165 determines that the user's operation direction is not included in the first area AR11 or the second area AR12, the evaluation unit 165 gives a lower evaluation than when the user's operation direction is determined to be included in the first area AR11 or the second area AR12. When the evaluation unit 165 determines that the operation direction is not included in either the first area AR11 or the second area AR12, the evaluation unit 165 determines that the operation direction is included in the third area AR13 or the fourth area AR14.
Furthermore, when the evaluation unit 165 determines that the user's operation direction is not included in the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13, the evaluation unit 165 gives a lower evaluation than when the user's operation direction is determined to be included in any of the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13. When the evaluation unit 165 determines that the user's operation direction is not included in the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13, the evaluation unit 165 gives a lower evaluation than when the user's operation direction is determined to be included in ... fourth area AR14.

In other words, if the evaluation unit 165 determines that the user's operation direction falls within the first area AR11, it assigns the highest evaluation (first level). Furthermore, if the evaluation unit 165 determines that the user's operation direction falls within the second area AR12, it assigns the second-highest evaluation (second level) out of five levels. Furthermore, if the evaluation unit 165 determines that the user's operation direction falls within the third area AR13, it assigns the third-highest evaluation (third level) out of five levels. Furthermore, if the evaluation unit 165 determines that the user's operation direction falls within the fourth area AR14, it assigns the fourth-highest evaluation (fourth level) out of five levels. Furthermore, if the determination unit 164 determines that the movement operation was not performed within the operation time limit, the evaluation unit 165 assigns the lowest evaluation (fifth level) out of five levels. For example, depending on these evaluation results, the evaluation unit 165 assigns the user higher points for higher evaluations and lower points for lower evaluations. Note that the evaluation unit 165 may assign zero points in the case of the lowest evaluation (fifth level). In other words, the evaluation unit 165 may not assign any points in the case of the lowest evaluation (fifth level). Furthermore, the evaluation unit 165 may assign the same evaluation to the fourth highest evaluation (fourth level) and the lowest evaluation (fifth level) because both are failed attempts to catch the ball, and may assign low-value points to the user, or may assign zero points.

Note that points are an example of a reward given to a user based on their operation evaluation, and a parameter other than points may also be used. For example, the reward given to a user based on their operation evaluation may be a parameter such as points or coins instead of points.

The change unit 166 executes control related to changes in the display mode of the guidance image G. For example, the change unit 166 gradually reduces the directional range within an operation time limit (acceptance period) during which a user operation (movement operation) on the guidance image G can be accepted. Specifically, the change unit 166 gradually reduces some or all of the central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 in accordance with the passage of time within the operation time limit. For example, the change unit 166 gradually reduces any or all of the central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 to zero by the end of the operation time limit. Furthermore, the change unit 166 gradually increases the central angle θ4 in response to the gradual reduction of some or all of the central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3. For example, the change unit 166 controls the gradual decrease of some or all of the central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3, and the gradual increase of the central angle θ4, at a speed corresponding to the expansion speed based on the expansion speed information of the fourth region AR14 set in the fourth region setting information of the region setting information D152 (FIG. 9). Here, the change unit 166 determines the expansion speed value to be set in the expansion speed information based on ability parameters such as basic abilities and special abilities from the character information of the fielder character C1. Note that this expansion speed (the rate at which the central angle θ4 is gradually increased) corresponds to the rate at which the central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 are gradually decreased (the region change rate).

The display control unit 163 also changes the display mode of each directional area in response to the gradual reduction in the directional range by the change unit 166 as time passes within the operation time limit (see FIG. 4). For example, the display control unit 163 changes the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13 so that at least a portion of them shrinks in response to a gradual reduction in part or all of the central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3. The display control unit 163 also changes the fourth area AR14 so that it expands in response to a gradual reduction in the central angle θ4.

[6. Example of processing procedure]
An example of a processing procedure executed by the terminal device 10 of this embodiment in relation to a knocking practice game will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
For example, in response to a user performing a predetermined operation on the terminal device 10 to instruct the user to play a game using a knock practice game, the CPU 16 causes the display unit 13 to display a game screen G200 corresponding to the knock practice game (step S101).
The CPU 16 also assigns "1" as an initial value to a variable n that indicates the number of times knocking has been performed in the knocking practice game (step S103).

The CPU 16 performs control so that the game screen G200 displays the fielder character C1 waiting for a knock (step S105). At this time, the fielder character C1 is positioned, for example, in a predetermined defensive position on the field.

The CPU 16 generates an image of the initial guide image G (step S121). At this time, the CPU 16 acquires predetermined parameters in the basic abilities and special ability information of the fielder character C1 stored in the character information D151. The CPU 16 also acquires the number of consecutive successful catches in the current knock practice game.
Based on the acquired information and the region setting information D152, the CPU 16 calculates the initial values of central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 for determining the initial first region AR11, second region AR12, and third region AR13. The CPU 16 calculates the central angle θ4 of the fourth region AR14 using the initial values of central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3.
The CPU 16 generates the image of the guide image G based on the central angles θ1, θ2, θ3, and θ4 calculated as described above.

The CPU 16 sets the area change speed (step S123). As described above, the area change speed is the amount of change in the central angle corresponding to each of the areas AR11 to AR14 per unit time, and is determined by the expansion speed of the fourth area AR14. That is, when setting the area change speed, the CPU 16 calculates the expansion speed of the fourth area AR14. For example, the CPU 16 calculates a basic expansion speed based on the sum of predetermined basic abilities (defensive ability, running ability, and arm strength) stored in the character information of the fielder character C1 and the area setting information D152. The CPU 16 calculates the expansion speed by multiplying the calculated basic expansion speed by a multiplying factor (indicated in the area setting information D152) corresponding to the number of consecutive successful catches.
The order of steps S121 and S123 may be changed, or steps S121 and S123 may be executed in parallel.

The CPU 16 starts the operation time limit during which the user's movement operation is accepted (step S125).When starting to count the operation time limit, the CPU 16 calculates the operation time limit.
The operation time limit may be calculated based on the initial value of the central angle θ4 of the fourth area AR14 calculated in step S121 and the expansion speed of the fourth area AR14 calculated in step S123.
That is, the CPU 16 calculates the time required for the guide image G to change from its initial state to only the fourth area AR14, based on the initial value of the central angle θ4 and the enlargement speed. The time calculated in this manner becomes the operation time limit.

The CPU 16 also starts displaying the movement of the ball B (step S127). At this time, the CPU 16 determines the movement direction of the ball B (the direction from which the ball B is coming when viewed from the fielder character C1) and calculates the movement speed of the ball B.
The moving direction of the ball B may be determined in advance according to the number of knocks, or may be determined randomly, for example.
The movement speed of ball B can be calculated, for example, based on the operation time limit calculated in response to step S125 and the distance from the position of knocker character C2 until ball B passes through the defensive range of fielder character C1, which is determined according to the determined movement direction.
The CPU 16 starts displaying the movement of the ball B so that the ball B moves in the moving direction determined as above and at the moving speed calculated as above.

The CPU 16 starts displaying the guide image G (step S129). The CPU 16 first displays the initial state guide image G generated in step S121 at a position corresponding to the fielder character C1. At this time, the CPU 16 positions the initial state guide image G so that the first area AR11 indicates the moving direction of the ball B determined in step S106.
Then, after arranging the guide image G in the initial state, the CPU 16 displays each of the areas AR11 to AR14 in the guide image G so that they are reduced or enlarged at the area change speed set in step S123.
The order of steps S127 and S129 may be changed. Alternatively, steps S127 and S129 may be executed in parallel. In the game screen G200, the timing at which the movement of the ball B starts in step S127 and the timing at which the display of the guide image G starts in step S129 are recognized by the user as being simultaneous.

After the movement of the ball B and the display of the guide image G are started as described above, the CPU 16 determines whether or not a movement operation has been performed (step S141).
If it is determined that no movement operation has been performed (step S141: NO), the CPU 16 determines whether the operation time limit started in step S125 has expired (step S143). If it is determined that the operation time limit has not expired (step S143: NO), the CPU 16 returns to the process of step S141.

Instead of determining whether the operation time limit started in step S125 has ended, it may be determined whether all of the directional areas of the guidance image G have become the fourth area AR14 (red area). That is, in the processing of step S143, it may be determined that the operation time limit has ended when all of the directional areas of the guidance image G have become the fourth area AR14 (red area). Also, it may be determined that the operation time limit has ended when a predetermined percentage or more of the directional areas of the guidance image G have become the fourth area AR14 (red area).

If it is determined that a movement operation has been performed (step S141: YES), the CPU 16 determines the directional area specified by the movement operation (step S147). That is, the CPU 16 determines which of the areas AR11 to AR14 the operation direction of the movement operation falls within. At this time, the CPU 16 determines which of the areas AR11 to AR14 the operation direction of the movement operation falls within, given the arrangement of the areas AR11 to AR14 in the guide image G at the time the movement operation was performed. This determines the directional area specified by the movement operation.

In step S147, the CPU 16 determines which directional area the operation direction of the movement operation falls within, and evaluates the operation direction of the movement operation by the user based on the determination result. For example, as described above, if the CPU 16 determines that the operation direction falls within the first area AR11, it will assign a first level evaluation, and if the CPU 16 determines that the operation direction falls within the second area AR12, it will assign a second level evaluation. Furthermore, if the CPU 16 determines that the operation direction falls within the third area AR13, it will assign a third level evaluation, and if the CPU 16 determines that the operation direction falls within the fourth area AR14, it will assign a fourth level evaluation.

The CPU 16 displays a ball-catching image corresponding to the determination result of step S147 (i.e., the direction of movement) (step S151). The ball-catching image is an image on the game screen G200 showing the fielder character C1 catching ball B. For example, if the CPU 16 determines that the direction of movement falls within the first area AR11, it displays a ball-catching image showing the fielder character C1 catching ball B head-on (a successful catch). If the CPU 16 determines that the direction of movement falls within the second area AR12, it displays a ball-catching image showing the fielder character C1 jumping on and catching ball B (a successful catch). If the CPU 16 determines that the direction of movement falls within the third area AR13, it displays a ball-catching image showing the fielder character C1 missing ball B and dropping it in front of him (a failed catch). Furthermore, if the CPU 16 determines that the direction of the movement operation falls within the fourth area AR14, it displays a catching image showing that the fielder character C1 is unable to catch the ball B (a failed catch).

The CPU 16 also awards points to the user according to the evaluation based on the operation direction determination result of step S147 (step S153). For example, the CPU 16 awards higher points for higher evaluations and lower points for lower evaluations. The CPU 16 adds the value of the points awarded to the user to the user's accumulated point value to update the accumulated point value.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S143 that the operation time limit has expired (step S143: YES), it means that a movement operation was not performed within the operation time limit. In this case, the CPU 16 evaluates the movement operation as a mistake (failed to catch the ball) (step S145). For example, the CPU 16 displays information indicating that the movement operation was a mistake (failed to catch the ball) and does not award points.

The CPU 16 updates the display in the information presentation area AR10 arranged on the game screen G200 in response to the user's operation for the current knock (step S171). Specifically, the CPU 16 changes the display content of the points and remaining number of balls in the information presentation area AR10 in response to the current knock. For example, the CPU 16 changes the display content to the point value updated in step S153. The CPU 16 also changes the display content to decrease the remaining number of balls by one.

The CPU 16 increments the variable n (step S601). The CPU 16 determines whether the variable n incremented in step S601 is greater than the maximum value (step S603). The maximum value of the variable n corresponds to the number of knock practice sessions.
If the variable n is equal to or smaller than the maximum value (step S603: NO), there are still balls remaining to be knocked, and the process returns to step S103.
On the other hand, if the variable n is greater than the maximum value (step S603: YES), the process in FIG.

7. Summary of the First Embodiment
As described above, the terminal device 10 (an example of a game device) according to this embodiment includes an operation reception unit 161 (an example of a reception unit), a display control unit 163, a determination unit 164, and a change unit 166. The operation reception unit 161 receives a user's operation. The display control unit 163 displays a guide image G (an example of an object) having a direction area (e.g., a first area AR11) that is an example of an indicator indicating a direction in which the user should operate. The determination unit 164 determines whether the user's operation direction (operation direction by a movement operation) with respect to the instruction direction is included in a predetermined direction range (e.g., central angle θ1) corresponding to the instruction direction. The change unit 166 gradually reduces the direction range (e.g., central angle θ1) within an operation time limit, which is a period during which a user's operation with respect to the instruction direction can be received. The display control unit 163 displays the above-mentioned direction area (e.g., the first area AR11) in a display mode that indicates the above-mentioned direction range, and changes the display mode of the above-mentioned direction area (e.g., the first area AR11) in response to the gradual decrease in the direction range.

With the above configuration, the terminal device 10 gradually reduces the directional range corresponding to the instruction direction to be operated by the user during the acceptance period in which the terminal device 10 can accept user operations, and changes the directional area (e.g., the first area AR11) indicating the directional range in response to the gradual reduction in the directional range, thereby making it possible to change the difficulty of the user's movement operation. This has the effect of enabling the terminal device 10 to realize a game that requires the user to perform movement operations as quickly as possible by gradually reducing the directional range of the operation direction to be operated by the movement operation.

For example, the directional range is divided into multiple directional ranges (e.g., directional ranges based on central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3) in stages as the user moves away from the indicated direction of operation. The determination unit 164 determines whether the user's operation direction is included in any of the multiple directional ranges. The change unit 166 gradually reduces some or all of the multiple directional ranges (e.g., directional ranges based on central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3) depending on the passage of time within an acceptance period (e.g., operation time limit) during which the user's operation (movement operation) can be accepted. At this time, the display control unit displays a first area AR11, a second area AR12, and a third area AR13 (examples of indicators) as display modes indicating each of the multiple directional ranges, and changes at least a portion of the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13 in response to the gradual reduction of the multiple directional ranges.

With the above configuration, the terminal device 10 gradually reduces the multiple directional ranges, which are divided into stages, over time as the user moves away from the indicated direction during the acceptance period in which the user can perform an operation (movement operation), and changes at least a portion of the first area AR11, second area AR12, and third area AR13, which indicate each of the multiple directional ranges, over time in response to this gradual reduction, thereby making it possible to change the difficulty of the user's movement operation. This allows the terminal device 10 to gradually reduce the directional range of the operation direction to be operated by the movement operation over time, thereby achieving the effect of realizing a game that requires the user to perform the movement operation as early as possible.

The terminal device 10 also includes an evaluation unit 165 that evaluates the operation direction (operation direction by movement operation) based on the determination result of the determination unit 164. If the evaluation unit 165 determines that the operation direction is not included in the direction range (e.g., central angle θ1), it assigns a lower evaluation than when it is determined to be included in the direction range. For example, if the evaluation unit 165 determines that the operation direction is not included in the first area AR11, it assigns a lower evaluation than when it is determined to be included in the first area AR11.

With the above configuration, the terminal device 10 assigns a lower rating to the direction of the user's movement operation as it moves away from the direction indicated by the user (optimal direction). Therefore, the user is more likely to receive a higher rating if they perform the movement operation while the directional range corresponding to the optimal direction is as wide as possible. Therefore, the terminal device 10 can effectively realize a game that requires the user to perform the movement operation as early as possible.

For example, the change unit 166 gradually reduces the direction range (e.g., central angle θ1) so that it becomes zero by the time the acceptance period (e.g., operation time limit) ends. For example, the change unit 166 gradually reduces the first area AR11 so that it becomes zero by the time the acceptance period (e.g., operation time limit) ends.

With the above configuration, if the user's movement operation exceeds the acceptance period (e.g., operation time limit), the terminal device 10 will no longer have a directional range corresponding to the indicated direction (optimal direction) that the user should operate in, thereby achieving the effect of realizing a game that requires the user to perform a movement operation as quickly as possible.

Furthermore, a skill parameter (an example of a first parameter) that affects the progress of the game is set for the fielder character C1 (an example of a game object related to user operation). The change unit 166 determines the speed of gradual reduction when gradually reducing the directional range (e.g., at least a portion of the central angle θ1, the central angle θ2, and the central angle θ3) in accordance with the skill parameter. For example, the change unit 166 determines the speed of area change when gradually reducing at least a portion of the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13 in accordance with the skill parameter.

With the above configuration, the ability of the fielder character C1 affects the speed at which the directional range (e.g., central angle θ1) is gradually reduced. This allows the terminal device 10 to change the difficulty level of the game depending on the results of training the fielder character C1, making the game more entertaining.

The terminal device 10 also includes an initial setting unit 162. The initial setting unit 162 determines the initial values of the above-mentioned directional ranges (e.g., at least a portion of the central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3) based on the ability parameters of the fielder character C1.

With the above configuration, the ability of the fielder character C1 affects the initial value of the directional range (e.g., at least part of the central angle θ1, central angle θ2, and central angle θ3). This allows the terminal device 10 to change the difficulty level of the game depending on the results of training the fielder character C1, making the game more entertaining.

Furthermore, a unit game (e.g., one knock in a knocking practice game) including an acceptance period (e.g., an operation time limit) during which user operation in response to one instruction of the above-mentioned instruction direction can be accepted is played multiple times, and the initial setting unit 162 determines the initial values of the above-mentioned direction range (e.g., at least part of central angle θ1, central angle θ2, and central angle θ3) for the "next unit game" or "some or all of the unit games thereafter" based on the results of a certain unit game.

With the above configuration, the terminal device 10 changes the initial value of the direction range from the next time onwards depending on the user's operation results (e.g., the result of catching the ball), making it possible to change the difficulty level of the game depending on the user's operation results, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

Furthermore, a unit game (e.g., one knock in a knocking practice game) including an acceptance period (e.g., an operation time limit) during which user operation in response to one instruction in the above-mentioned instruction direction can be accepted is played multiple times, and the change unit 166 determines the gradual reduction speed when gradually reducing the above-mentioned directional range (e.g., at least a portion of central angle θ1, central angle θ2, and central angle θ3) in the "next unit game" or "some or all of the next or subsequent unit games" based on the results of a certain unit game. For example, the change unit 166 determines the area change speed when gradually reducing at least a portion of the first area AR11, second area AR12, and third area AR13 in the "next unit game" or "some or all of the next or subsequent unit games" based on the results of a certain unit game.

With the above configuration, the terminal device 10 changes the rate at which the directional range gradually decreases from the next time onwards depending on the user's operation results (e.g., the result of catching the ball), making it possible to change the difficulty level of the game depending on the user's operation results, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game.

In addition, a unit game (e.g., one knock in a knocking practice game) including an acceptance period (e.g., an operation time limit) during which a user's operation in response to one instruction of the instruction direction can be accepted is played multiple times, and the instruction direction instructed for each unit game is selected from a number of predetermined directions.

With the above configuration, the terminal device 10 randomly determines the direction in which the user should operate (the direction in which ball B will arrive) each time, so the user must instantly determine the direction in which to operate each time. This makes the game more entertaining.

In addition, in a knock practice game (an example of a game) in which a fielder character C1 (an example of a game object) is moved in a game space (e.g., a baseball field) based on user operation, the display control unit 163 displays a guide image G (an example of an object) centered on the contact position where the fielder character C1 is touching the ground surface (e.g., the ground) in the game space. The operation reception unit 161 is capable of receiving user operation (movement operation) at least with respect to the contact position.

With the above configuration, the terminal device 10 indicates the direction in which the user should operate, centered on the ground contact position of the fielder character C1, the target of the user's operation. For example, a guide image G is displayed, allowing the user to operate intuitively and improving operability.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In this embodiment, a detailed example of a knocking practice game will be described. The knocking practice game may include multiple types of knocking practice games, each requiring different operations depending on the type of ball hit by the knocker, restrictions on catching, and the like. As described in the first embodiment, a knocking practice game in which a player catches a ball hit by the knocker by moving the ball in the direction of its arrival is called a "normal ball" knocking practice game. In this embodiment, in addition to the "normal ball," the knocking practice game includes three types of balls: a "jump ball," a "spiky ball," and a "stop-moving ball." A "jump ball" is a ball hit by the knocker that must jump to be caught, and the direction of the user's movement operation is limited to the first area AR11. A "spiky ball" is a ball hit by the knocker that has thorns and must be avoided from the oncoming ball. In other words, a "spiky ball" is highly rated when the operation direction is reversed from that of a "normal ball," and the user's operation direction is opposite to the instructed direction. In the "Don't Move Ball" mode, the fielder character C1 must not move for a predetermined time until the ball hit by the knocker arrives. In other words, in the "Don't Move Ball" mode, if the user does not operate the game even when the ball arrives, a high score is awarded, and if the user operates the game, a low score (a mistake) is awarded. Since the user cannot know in advance whether the ball hit by the knocker is a "normal ball," a "jump ball," a "spiky ball," or a "don't move ball," the user must instantly determine the type of ball arriving from the knocker and respond appropriately. This increases the interest of the knocking practice game and prevents it from becoming monotonous.

An example of a processing procedure executed by the terminal device 10 of this embodiment in relation to a knocking practice game will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[Basic flow]
11 shows an example of a basic flowchart of the knocking practice game according to this embodiment. The processes of steps S101, S103, S105, S601, and S603 in this figure are the same as the processes denoted by the same reference numerals in FIG. 10, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

The CPU 16 selects the type of ball to be hit by the knocker (step S111). For example, the CPU 16 randomly selects the type of ball from among a "normal ball," a "jump ball," a "spiky ball," and a "don't move ball."
If the selected ball is not a "jump ball," a "spike ball," or a "don't move ball" (steps S113, S115, S117: NO), the CPU 16 determines that a "normal ball" has been selected and executes normal ball processing (step S200).
If "jump ball" is selected (step S113: YES), the CPU 16 executes jump ball processing (step S300).
If "spiky ball" is selected (step S115: YES), the CPU 16 executes a spiky ball process (step S400).
If "Don't move the ball" is selected (step S117: YES), the CPU 16 executes a "Don't move the ball" process (step S500).

[Normal ball processing flow]
12 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of the normal ball processing (step S200). The processing of steps S221, S223, S225, S227, and S229 in this figure corresponds to the processing of steps S121, S123, S125, S127, and S129 in FIG. 10, and since they are similar processing, a description thereof will be omitted. The guide image G displayed in the normal ball processing includes a first area AR11, a second area AR12, a third area AR13, and a fourth area AR14 (see FIG. 3).

10. The processes of steps S241, S243, S245, and S247 in FIG. 12 correspond to the processes of steps S141, S143, S145, and S147 in FIG.
If it is determined that a movement operation has been performed (step S241: YES), the CPU 16 determines which of the regions AR11 to AR14 the operation direction of the movement operation falls within (step S247). Furthermore, the CPU 16 evaluates the operation direction of the user's movement operation based on the determination result. For example, as described above, if the CPU 16 determines that the operation direction falls within the first region AR11 (white region), it assigns a first level evaluation, and if the CPU 16 determines that the operation direction falls within the second region AR12 (yellow region), it assigns a second level evaluation. Furthermore, if the CPU 16 determines that the operation direction falls within the third region AR13 (green region), it assigns a third level evaluation, and if the CPU 16 determines that the operation direction falls within the fourth region AR14 (red region), it assigns a fourth level evaluation.

If it is determined that the direction of the movement operation falls within the first area AR11 (white area) (step S247: first area (white)), the CPU 16 displays a ball catching image corresponding to the first area AR11 (white area) (step S251). For example, the CPU 16 displays a ball catching image showing the ball B being caught head-on (successful catch). The CPU 16 also awards points to the user corresponding to the first area AR11 (white area) (step S253). For example, the CPU 16 awards the maximum points corresponding to the first level and updates the accumulated point value.

If it is determined that the direction of the movement operation falls within the second area AR12 (yellow area) (step S247: second area (yellow)), the CPU 16 displays a ball catching image corresponding to the second area AR12 (yellow area) (step S255). For example, the CPU 16 displays, as the ball catching image, an image of fielder character C1 jumping for and catching ball B (a successful catch). The CPU 16 also awards points corresponding to the second area AR12 (yellow area) to the user (step S257). For example, the CPU 16 awards the second highest points corresponding to the second level, and updates the accumulated point value.

If it is determined that the operation direction of the movement operation is included in the third area AR13 (green area) (step S247: third area (green)), the CPU 16 displays a ball catching image corresponding to the third area AR13 (green area) (step S259). For example, the CPU 16 displays, as the ball catching image, an image in which the fielder character C1 misses and drops the ball B in front of him (a failed catch). The CPU 16 also awards points corresponding to the third area AR13 (green area) to the user (step S261). For example, the CPU 16 awards the third highest points corresponding to the third level, and updates the accumulated point value.
The CPU 16 may not award points because the ball was not caught successfully.

The CPU 16 displays a ball catching image corresponding to the fourth region AR14 (red region) (step S263). For example, if the CPU 16 determines that the direction of the movement operation is included in the ball catching image (step S247: fourth region (red)), the CPU 16 displays a ball catching image corresponding to the fourth region AR14 (red region) (step S263). For example, the CPU 16 displays, as the ball catching image, a state in which the fielder character C1 is unable to catch the ball B (a failed catch). The CPU 16 also awards points corresponding to the fourth region AR14 (red region) to the user (step S265). For example, the CPU 16 awards the fourth highest points corresponding to the fourth level, and updates the accumulated point value.
The CPU 16 may not award points because the ball was not caught successfully.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S243 that the operation time limit has expired (step S243: YES), that is, if a movement operation was not performed within the operation time limit, the CPU 16 evaluates the movement operation as a mistake (failed to catch the ball) (step S245). For example, the CPU 16 displays information indicating that the movement operation was a mistake (failed to catch the ball) (e.g., "late timing") and does not award points.

Instead of determining whether the operation time limit started in step S225 has ended, it may be determined whether all of the directional areas of the guidance image G have become the fourth area AR14 (red area). That is, in the processing of step S243, it may be determined that the operation time limit has ended when all of the directional areas of the guidance image G have become the fourth area AR14 (red area). Also, it may be determined that the operation time limit has ended when a predetermined percentage or more of the directional areas of the guidance image G have become the fourth area AR14 (red area).

The processing of step S271 corresponds to the processing of step S171 in FIG. 10, and the CPU 16 updates the display of the information presentation area AR10 arranged on the game screen G200 in response to the user's operation in response to the current knock.

[Jump ball processing flow]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of the jump ball processing (step S300). The processing of steps S321, S323, S325, S327, and S329 in this figure corresponds to the processing of steps S121, S123, S125, S127, and S129 in FIG. 10. The guide image G displayed in the jump ball processing includes only the first area AR11 and the fourth area AR14. For example, the first area AR11 may be an area including all of the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13 shown in FIG. 3 by also changing the second area AR12 and the third area AR13 to white.

In the jump ball processing, the CPU 16 displays a jump icon on the game screen G200 to let the user know that it is a "jump ball" (step S331). The jump icon is an icon that displays "jump." Note that the order of the processing of steps S327, S329, and S331 may be changed. Alternatively, the processing of steps S327, S329, and S331 may be executed in parallel. For example, the timing at which the jump icon is displayed on the game screen G200 is a timing that is recognized by the user as being simultaneous with the timing at which the movement of ball B begins in step S327 and the timing at which the display of guide image G begins in step S329.

10. The processes of steps S341, S343, S345, and S347 in FIG. 13 correspond to the processes of steps S141, S143, S145, and S147 in FIG.
If it is determined that a movement operation has been performed (step S341: YES), the CPU 16 determines whether the operation direction of the movement operation falls within the first area AR11 or the fourth area AR14 (step S347). Furthermore, the CPU 16 evaluates the operation direction of the movement operation by the user based on the determination result. For example, as described above, if the CPU 16 determines that the operation direction falls within the first area AR11 (white area), it will assign a first level evaluation, and if it determines that the operation direction falls within the fourth area AR14 (red area), it will assign a fourth level evaluation.

If it is determined that the direction of the movement operation falls within the first area AR11 (white area) (step S347: first area (white)), the CPU 16 displays a ball catching image corresponding to the first area AR11 (white area) (step S351). For example, the CPU 16 displays a ball catching image showing the ball B being caught head-on (successful catch). The CPU 16 also awards points to the user corresponding to the first area AR11 (white area) (step S353). For example, the CPU 16 awards points corresponding to the first level and updates the accumulated point value.

If it is determined that the operation direction of the movement operation is included in the fourth area AR14 (red area) (step S347: fourth area (red)), the CPU 16 displays a ball catching image corresponding to the fourth area AR14 (red area) (step S363). For example, the CPU 16 displays, as the ball catching image, an image in which the fielder character C1 is unable to catch the ball B (a failed catch). The CPU 16 also awards points corresponding to the fourth area AR14 (red area) to the user (step S365). For example, the CPU 16 awards points corresponding to the fourth level and updates the accumulated point value.
The CPU 16 may not award points because the ball was not caught successfully.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S343 that the operation time limit has expired (step S343: YES), that is, if a movement operation was not performed within the operation time limit, the CPU 16 evaluates the movement operation as a mistake (failed to catch the ball) (step S345). For example, the CPU 16 displays information indicating that the movement operation was a mistake (failed to catch the ball) (e.g., "late timing") and does not award points.

Instead of determining whether the operation time limit started in step S325 has ended, it may be determined whether all of the directional areas of the guidance image G have become the fourth area AR14 (red area). That is, in the processing of step S343, it may be determined that the operation time limit has ended when all of the directional areas of the guidance image G have become the fourth area AR14 (red area). Also, it may be determined that the operation time limit has ended when a predetermined percentage or more of the directional areas of the guidance image G have become the fourth area AR14 (red area).

The processing of step S371 corresponds to the processing of step S171 in FIG. 10, and the CPU 16 updates the display of the information presentation area AR10 arranged on the game screen G200 in response to the user's operation in response to the current knock.

As with normal ball processing, a guide image G including the first area AR11, second area AR12, third area AR13, and fourth area AR14 may be displayed, and when determining and evaluating the operation direction of a movement operation, the second area AR12 and third area AR13 may also be determined and evaluated as the first area AR11 (white area).

[Spike Ball Processing Flow]
Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of the thorn ball processing (step S400). The processing of steps S421, S423, S425, S427, and S429 in this figure corresponds to the processing of steps S121, S123, S125, S127, and S129 in Fig. 10. The guide image G displayed in the thorn ball processing includes a first area AR11, a second area AR12, a third area AR13, and a fourth area AR14, similar to the normal ball processing.

In the spiky ball processing, the CPU 16 displays a spiky ball icon on the game screen G200 to allow the user to recognize that it is a "spiky ball" (step S431). The spiky ball icon is an icon that displays an image of a "spiky ball" with thorns. In the spiky ball processing, the user can also recognize that ball B arriving from the knocker has thorns. Note that the order of the processes of steps S427, S429, and S431 may be changed. Alternatively, the processes of steps S427, S429, and S431 may be executed in parallel. For example, the timing for displaying the spiky ball icon on the game screen G200 is a timing that is recognized by the user as being simultaneous with the timing at which ball B (a spiky ball) starts moving in step S427 and the timing at which the display of the guide image G starts in step S429.

10. The processes of steps S441, S443, S445, and S447 in FIG. 14 correspond to the processes of steps S141, S143, S145, and S147 in FIG.
If it is determined that a movement operation has been performed (step S441: YES), the CPU 16 determines which of the areas AR11 to AR14 the operation direction of the movement operation falls within (step S447). Furthermore, the CPU 16 evaluates the operation direction of the user's movement operation based on the determination result. In the thorn ball processing, if the CPU 16 determines that the operation direction falls within any of the first area AR11 (white area), the second area AR12 (yellow area), or the third area AR13 (green area), it assigns a fourth level evaluation, and if it determines that the operation direction falls within the fourth area AR14 (red area), it assigns a first level evaluation.

If it is determined that the direction of the movement operation falls within any of the first area AR11 (white area), second area AR12 (yellow area), and third area AR13 (green area) (step S447: first area (white), second area (yellow), or third area (green)), the CPU 16 displays an image corresponding to the fourth area AR14 (red area) (step S451). For example, the CPU 16 displays an image depicting ball B (spiky ball) colliding with fielder character C1 (failed escape). The CPU 16 also awards points corresponding to the fourth area AR14 (red area) to the user (step S453). For example, the CPU 16 awards points corresponding to the fourth level and updates the accumulated point value. Note that the CPU 16 may not award points because the escape was unsuccessful. Alternatively, the CPU 16 may subtract points from the accumulated points because the escape was unsuccessful.

If it is determined that the direction of the movement operation falls within the fourth area AR14 (step S447: fourth area (red)), the CPU 16 displays an image corresponding to the first area AR11 (white area) (step S463). For example, the CPU 16 displays an image showing that the fielder character C1 has successfully avoided ball B (spiky ball) (successful escape). The CPU 16 also awards points to the user corresponding to the first area AR11 (white area) (step S465). For example, the CPU 16 awards points corresponding to the first level and updates the accumulated point value.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S443 that the operation time limit has expired (step S443: YES), that is, if a movement operation is not performed within the operation time limit, the CPU 16 evaluates the movement operation as a mistake (failed escape) (step S445). For example, the CPU 16 displays information indicating that the movement operation was a mistake (failed escape) (e.g., "late timing") and an image showing ball B (spiky ball) hitting fielder character C1, and does not award points.

Instead of determining whether the operation time limit started in step S425 has ended, it may be determined whether all of the directional areas of the guidance image G have become the fourth area AR14 (red area). That is, in the processing of step S443, it may be determined that the operation time limit has ended when all of the directional areas of the guidance image G have become the fourth area AR14 (red area). Also, it may be determined that the operation time limit has ended when a predetermined percentage or more of the directional areas of the guidance image G have become the fourth area AR14 (red area).

The processing of step S471 corresponds to the processing of step S171 in FIG. 10, and the CPU 16 updates the display of the information presentation area AR10 arranged on the game screen G200 in response to the user's operation in response to the current knock.

[Don't move, ball handling flow]
15 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of the "Don't Move the Ball" process (step S500). The processes of steps S521, S523, S525, S527, and S529 in this figure correspond to the processes of steps S121, S123, S125, S127, and S129 in FIG. 10. The guide image G displayed in the "Don't Move the Ball" process includes only the fourth area AR14. For example, the fourth area AR14 may be the entire area around the circumference of the guide image G in which the first area AR11, second area AR12, and third area AR13 shown in FIG. 3 have also been changed to white and red.

In the "Don't Move Ball" processing, the CPU 16 displays a "Don't Move" icon on the game screen G200 to let the user know that the ball is a "Don't Move" (step S531). The "Don't Move" icon is an icon that displays "Don't Move." Note that the order of the processes of steps S527, S529, and S531 may be changed. Alternatively, the processes of steps S527, S529, and S531 may be executed in parallel. For example, the timing at which the "Don't Move" icon is displayed on the game screen G200 is a timing that is recognized by the user as being simultaneous with the timing at which the movement of ball B begins in step S527 and the timing at which the display of guide image G begins in step S529.

The processing of step S541 in FIG. 15 corresponds to the processing of step S141 in FIG. 10. If the CPU 16 determines that a movement operation has been performed (step S541: YES), the fielder character C1 has moved, and therefore the CPU 16 evaluates the movement operation as a mistake (failed to catch the ball) (step S545). For example, the CPU 16 displays information indicating that the movement operation was a mistake (failed to catch the ball) (for example, "Miss") and does not award points.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S541 that a movement operation has not been performed (step S541: NO), the CPU 16 determines whether a certain amount of time has elapsed since the display of the guide image G (step S549). If the certain amount of time has not elapsed (step S549: NO), the process returns to step S541. If it is determined that the certain amount of time has elapsed (step S549: YES), the CPU 16 assigns a first level evaluation based on the determination result and displays a ball catching image corresponding to the first area AR11 (white area) (step S551). For example, the CPU 16 displays a ball catching image showing the player catching ball B head-on (a successful catch). The CPU 16 also awards points to the user corresponding to the first area AR11 (white area) (step S553). For example, the CPU 16 awards points corresponding to the first level and updates the accumulated point value. Here, the certain amount of time may be an operation time limit.

The processing of step S571 corresponds to the processing of step S171 in FIG. 10, and the CPU 16 updates the display of the information presentation area AR10 arranged on the game screen G200 in response to the user's operation in response to the current knock.

As with normal ball processing, the CPU 16 may display a guide image G including the first area AR11, the second area AR12, the third area AR13, and the fourth area AR14, and if a certain amount of time has passed since the guide image G was displayed without any movement operation being performed, the CPU 16 may evaluate the situation as being at the first level, display a ball catching image corresponding to the first area AR11 (white area), and award points.

As explained above, in the terminal device 10 according to this embodiment, a unit game (e.g., one knock in a knocking practice game) including an acceptance period (e.g., an operation time limit) during which a user's operation in response to a single instruction for the user's operation direction can be accepted is played multiple times, and each of the multiple unit games includes a "normal ball" (an example of a normal game) that should be operated in the indicated direction, and a "spiky ball" (an example of a first special game) that should not be operated in the indicated direction. The evaluation unit 165 gives a high evaluation to a "spiky ball" that causes the display of a spiky ball icon (an example of a first notification), which would not occur with a "normal ball," when the user's operation direction is opposite to the indicated direction.

With the above configuration, the terminal device 10 not only features a "normal ball" that must be operated in the indicated direction, but also a "spiky ball" that receives a high rating when the user operates it in the opposite direction to the indicated direction, making the game more diverse and engaging.

Furthermore, each of the multiple unit games includes a "normal ball" (an example of a normal game) that the user must operate in the indicated direction, and a "don't move ball" (an example of a second special game) that does not require any operation. The evaluation unit 165 gives a high evaluation to a "don't move ball" that displays a "don't move" icon (an example of a second notification) that would not occur with a "normal ball" if the operation reception unit 161 does not accept a user operation during the reception period in which user operation can be accepted (e.g., operation time limit).

With the above configuration, the terminal device 10 includes not only a "normal ball" that must be operated in the indicated direction, but also a "stay-put-still ball" that is highly evaluated if the user does not operate it, making the game more diverse and more entertaining.

[Variations]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the present invention also includes designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. For example, the configurations or processes described in the above-described embodiments can be combined in any manner.

[First Modification]
In setting the initial value of the central angle of each of the regions AR11 to AR14 in the guide image G of the above embodiment, the magnification may be changed according to the number of knocks made, instead of the number of times that the ball is successfully caught in succession. Since the user is given one opportunity to perform a movement operation for each knock, the number of knocks made is an example of the result of the operation.

[Second Modification]
The guide image G in the above embodiment may be configured to include only a portion of each of the regions AR11 to AR14. For example, the guide image G may include only the first region AR11, the second region AR12, and the fourth region AR14, or only the first region AR11 and the fourth region AR14. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a guide image G including only the first region AR11 and the fourth region AR14. The guide image G11 shows the state of the first region AR11 and the fourth region AR14 at the start of display. As time passes, the first region AR11 gradually shrinks around the optimal direction, and the fourth region AR14 gradually expands in accordance with this shrinkage, changing from the state of guide image G11 to the state of guide image G12. Further, as time passes and the operation time limit expires, the first region AR11 may disappear, and the guide image G13 may change to a state in which only the fourth region AR14 remains. The guide image G including only the first area AR11 and the fourth area AR14 corresponds to an example of the guide image G displayed in the jump ball processing. In a typical example of the jump ball processing, the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13 shown in FIG. 3 are all set as the first area AR11 (white area), and the guide image G including only the first area AR11 and the fourth area AR14 is displayed.

[Third Modification]
The number of directional regions (regions AR11 to AR14) included in the guide image G is not particularly limited. In this case, the guide image G may include only one directional region. As an example, only one first region AR11 corresponding to the optimal direction may be arranged in the game screen G200. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a guide image G displaying only the first region AR11. The guide image G21 shows the state of the first region AR11 at the start of display. Note that the dashed line indicates the portion of the guide image G other than the first region AR11 for reference, but is not actually displayed. As time passes, the first region AR11 gradually shrinks around the optimal direction, changing from the state of the guide image G21 to the state of the guide image G22. When further time passes and the operation time limit expires, the first region AR11 disappears, and the guide image G itself is no longer displayed. In this case, the region in which the first region AR11 is not arranged may be assigned, for example, a minimum predetermined number of points (an example of a parameter).

[Fourth Modification]
In the example of the game screen G200 shown in Figure 2, the guide image G is arranged in the form of a ring (donut shape) centered at the feet of the fielder character C1 (i.e., so as to contain the fielder character C1), but the guide image G may also be arranged in a position that does not contain the fielder character C1, as long as the user can recognize the target direction.
18 and 19 show examples of game screens of a knock practice game in which the position of the guide image G is different. In the game screen G300 shown in FIG. 18, the guide image G is located in a lower left position (not at the feet of the fielder character C1) that does not overlap with the fielder character C1. In the game screen G400 shown in FIG. 19, the guide image G is located in a lower left position that does not overlap with the fielder character C1, similar to the example shown in FIG. 18, but the guide image G is displayed in a circular shape viewed from above, rather than the oval shape shown in FIG. 18. This allows for flexible game expression without limiting the display position of the guide image G to the position of the fielder character C1.

In addition, the guide image G may be displayed around the periphery of the game screen rather than around the fielder character C1. Figure 20 shows an example in which the guide image G is displayed around the periphery of the game screen. In the game screen G500 shown in Figure 20, the areas AR11 to AR14 are arranged along the four sides of the periphery of the screen (the innermost edges of the screen). In this case, because they are arranged along the periphery of the screen, the guide image G takes the shape of a rectangular band.

[Fifth Modification]
At least one of the areas AR11 to AR14 may be displayed in the guide image G. The one directional area displayed is not limited to the first area AR11 corresponding to the optimal direction, but may be another directional area. This allows the user to play the game by predicting the other directional areas from the displayed directional area and performing a movement operation.

[Sixth Modification]
The guide image G is not limited to a circular shape, but may be an arc, a straight line, or a polygon, and does not have to be strip-shaped.
In the case of an arc or a straight line, the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13 may be set as the guide image G, and the area other than the guide image G may be set as the fourth area AR14. In this case, as in the case of a circle, at least a part of the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13 may be changed over time.
21 shows an example of an arc-shaped guide image G. The shape of the illustrated guide image G31 is an arc band that includes only the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13. As time passes, the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13 gradually decrease from the state of the guide image G31, and the state of the guide image G32 is changed.
In this case, the fourth area AR14 may be displayed outside the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13 over time. Fig. 22 shows an example in which the fourth area AR14 is displayed over time in an arc-shaped guide image G. The shape of the illustrated guide image G33 is an arc-shaped band that includes only the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13, similar to the shape of the guide image G31 in Fig. 21. As the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13 gradually decrease over time from the state of the guide image G33, the fourth area AR14 is gradually displayed in the gradually decreasing portion, and the state of the guide image G34 is changed.

23 shows an example of a linear guide image G. The illustrated guide image G41 has a band-like shape in which a first region AR11, a second region AR12, a third region AR13, and a fourth region AR14 are arranged horizontally in a straight line. As time passes, the first region AR11, the second region AR12, and the third region AR13 gradually decrease in size from the state of guide image G41, and the fourth region AR14 gradually increases in size in accordance with this decrease, resulting in a change to the state of guide image G42.
Furthermore, in a linear guide image G, similar to the example of the arc shape in Fig. 21 , the guide image G may include only the first region AR11, the second region AR12, and the third region AR13, and the fourth region AR14 may not be displayed and may be an area other than the guide image G. Fig. 24 shows an example of a linear guide image G in which the fourth region AR14 is not displayed. The shape of the illustrated guide image G43 is a linear band that includes only the first region AR11, the second region AR12, and the third region AR13. As time passes, the first region AR11, the second region AR12, and the third region AR13 gradually decrease from the state of the guide image G43, and the state changes to the state of the guide image G44.
In this case, the fourth area AR14 may be displayed outside the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13 over time. Fig. 25 shows an example in which the fourth area AR14 is displayed over time in a linear guide image G. The shape of the illustrated guide image G45 is a linear band that includes only the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13, similar to the shape of the guide image G43 in Fig. 24. As the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13 gradually decrease over time from the state of the guide image G45, the fourth area AR14 is gradually displayed in the gradually decreasing portion, and the state of the guide image G46 is changed.
26 shows an example in which the first area AR11, the second area AR12, the third area AR13, and the fourth area AR14 are arranged in a straight line horizontally in a band-like shape, similar to the example in FIG. 23 , but only the areas other than the first area AR11 change over time. The illustrated guide image G47 is also arranged in a straight line horizontally in a band-like shape, similar to the shape of the guide image G41 in FIG. 23 . From the state of the guide image G47, the second area AR12 and the third area AR13 gradually decrease over time, and as this gradual decrease occurs, the fourth area AR14 gradually increases, changing to the state of the guide image G48. In this way, some of the directional areas do not need to change over time.

If the guide image G is polygonal, the directional area may be set in a strip-shaped area on the side of the polygon, and the directional area may be changed over time in the same way as in the case of a circle.
27 shows an example of a polygonal guide image G. The guide image G51 shown in the figure is an example of a triangular guide image G. In the guide image G51, a first area AR11, a second area AR12, a third area AR13, and a fourth area AR14 are set in a strip-shaped area on three sides. From the state of the guide image G51, the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13 gradually decrease over time, and in accordance with this gradual decrease, the fourth area AR14 gradually increases, thereby changing to the state of the guide image G52.
The guide image G is not limited to a triangle, but may be a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, or the like.

[Seventh Modification]
The speed of change of the area of the central angle θ4 in the guide image G may change over time.
FIG. 28 shows an example of a change in the area change speed in the guide image G. Guide images G61 to G65 show an example of a change in the guide image G over time when the area change speed is constant. In guide images G61 to G65, the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13 gradually decrease at a constant area change speed as time passes from time t0, when the operation time limit begins, to time t4, when the operation time limit ends, and the fourth area AR14 gradually increases in size in accordance with this decrease. On the other hand, guide images G71 to G75 show an example of a change in the guide image G over time when the area change speed gradually increases. As time passes from time t0 to time t4, the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13 gradually decrease, and the rate of decrease gradually increases. As this decrease gradually increases, the rate at which the fourth area AR14 decreases gradually increases.
This allows the user to enjoy the game in a way that an earlier movement operation is more advantageous when the speed of change is increased over time, and allows the user to enjoy the game in a way that a better result can be achieved by specifying the correct direction even if the movement operation is delayed when the speed of change is decreased over time.

[Eighth Modification]
The central angle θ4 in the guide image G may reflect a stepwise change in angle at regular intervals based on the calculated enlargement speed.
29 shows an example in which the directional region in the guide image G changes gradually. In the guide images G81 to G85, the first region AR11, the second region AR12, and the third region AR13 gradually decrease at a constant region change rate as time passes from time t0 to time t4, and the fourth region AR14 gradually increases in accordance with this decrease. Meanwhile, the guide images G91 to G95 gradually change from the state of guide image G91 at time t0 to the state of guide image G92 at time t1, the state of guide image G93 at time t2, the state of guide image G94 at time t3, and the state of guide image G95 at time t4. That is, in the guide images G91 to G95, the first region AR11, the second region AR12, and the third region AR13 gradually decrease in accordance with this decrease at regular intervals, and the fourth region AR14 gradually increases in accordance with this decrease at each time.
This allows the direction area to change in stages, giving the user a gaming element in which they can perform a movement operation while it is still advantageous.

[Ninth Modification]
Furthermore, when the change in the directional region is made gradual as in the eighth modification example, the guide image G may be a polygon with one side being a straight line representing one of the central angles θ1, θ2, or θ3, and the number of sides of the polygon may be increased according to the change in the directional region. This changes the shape of the guide image G, allowing the user to more visually recognize the gradual change.

[Tenth Modification]
Also, only a portion of the directional regions included in the guidance image G may change over time, and some directional regions may remain unchanged.
30 shows an example of a guide image G in which the first area AR11 does not change over time. In the example shown, as time passes, the second area AR12 and the third area AR13 gradually decrease, and the fourth area AR14 gradually increases, in the order of guide images G101 to G104. The first area AR11 does not change.
31 shows an example of a guide image G in which the second area AR12 does not change over time. In the example shown, as time passes, the first area AR11 and the third area AR13 gradually decrease, and the fourth area AR14 gradually increases, in the order of guide images G111 to G114. The second area AR12 does not change.

[Eleventh Modification]
The operation time limit may be set separately, independent of the change in the directional area. For example, the operation time limit may be set to end before or after all of the directional areas in the guide image G change to the fourth area AR14. This allows the user to have a game-like experience of performing a movement operation within the operation time limit other than the change in the directional area.

[Twelfth Modification]
When the operation time limit is set independently of the change in the directional area, the operation time limit may be changed according to at least one of the basic ability and special ability of the fielder character and the number of times the ball has been successfully caught in succession. This allows the user to have a gaming experience in which they can perform a movement operation within an operation time limit that is different from the change in the directional area.

[Thirteenth Modification]
Instead of assigning points (an example of a parameter) according to each of the areas AR11 to AR14 to the directional areas of the guide image G, points may be awarded according to the state of catching the ball that results as a result of the character performing a catching action according to the directional area specified by the movement operation.

[Fourteenth Modification]
In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the speed at which the directional area (directional range) gradually decreases (area change speed) is determined in accordance with the ability parameters of the fielder character C1, but it may also be determined in accordance with the ability parameters of the knocker character C2 instead of or in addition to the fielder character C1. Similarly, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the initial value of the directional area is determined in accordance with the ability parameters of the fielder character C1, but it may also be determined in accordance with the ability parameters of the knocker character C2 instead of or in addition to the fielder character C1.

The ability parameters of the knocker character C2, like the ability parameters of the fielder character C1, are parameters that affect the progress of the game. However, the ability parameters of the knocker character C2 are ability parameters related to hitting. The ability parameters related to hitting include "power," which indicates the force with which the bat hits the ball, and "contact," which indicates the accuracy with which the bat hits the ball. For example, the ability parameters of the knocker character C2 are set to the same values as the ability parameters set in the training part. Furthermore, the ability parameters of the knocker character C2 may be set uniformly in advance or may be set in advance for each character type. Furthermore, the ability parameters of the knocker character C2 may be randomly determined for each game. For example, the gradual decrease speed (area change speed) of the directional area (directional range) or the initial value of the directional area (directional range) may be determined according to the total value of the knocker character C2's power and contact.
The ability parameters of the knocker character C2 are not limited to power and hit, and other ability parameters may be used.

In this way, there is a knocker character C2 (an example of an opponent game object) facing off against the fielder character C1, and the knocker character C2 is set with an ability parameter (an example of a second parameter) that affects the progress of the game. The change unit 166 may determine the speed of gradual reduction when gradually reducing the directional range (e.g., at least a portion of the central angle θ1, the central angle θ2, and the central angle θ3) according to the ability parameter of this knocker character C2. For example, the change unit 166 may determine the area change speed when gradually reducing at least a portion of the first area AR11, the second area AR12, and the third area AR13 according to the ability parameter of this knocker character C2.

With the above configuration, the terminal device 10 determines how quickly the ability of the knocker character C2 gradually reduces the directional range (e.g., at least part of the central angle θ1, central angle θ2, and central angle θ3). This allows the difficulty of the game to change depending on the training results of the opponent game object (e.g., knocker character C2), making the game more entertaining.

As mentioned above, the fielder character C1 (an example of a game object related to a user's operation) is set with ability parameters (an example of a first parameter) that affect the progress of the game. Opposing the fielder character C1 is a knocker character C2 (an example of an opponent game object), and the knocker character C2 is set with ability parameters (an example of a second parameter) that affect the progress of the game. The initial setting unit 162 determines the initial values of the directional range (e.g., at least a portion of the central angle θ1, the central angle θ2, and the central angle θ3) based on at least one of the ability parameters of the fielder character C1 or the ability parameters of the knocker character C2.

With the above configuration, the terminal device 10 determines whether the abilities of the fielder character C1 or the knocker character C2, or both, affect the initial values of the directional range (e.g., at least part of the central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3). This allows the terminal device 10 to change the difficulty of the game depending on either or both of the training results of the fielder character C1 and the training results of the knocker character C2, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the game.

[Fifteenth Modification]
The evaluation unit 165 may provide a bonus evaluation in response to a predetermined number of consecutive user operations resulting in a predetermined evaluation (e.g., a first level evaluation). The bonus evaluation is an evaluation higher than the first level evaluation resulting from a single normal operation. The evaluation unit 165 may provide higher points (bonus points) as the bonus evaluation than the first level evaluation. At this time, the change unit 166 may increase the gradual decrease speed (area change speed) of the directional area (directional range) for the next knock or for some or all knocks thereafter.

In other words, in a terminal device 10 in which a unit game (e.g., one knock in a knocking practice game) including an acceptance period (e.g., an operation time limit) during which a user's operation in response to a single instruction for a direction to be operated by the user can be accepted is played multiple times, the evaluation unit 165 awards a bonus evaluation in accordance with a predetermined number of consecutive evaluations made in multiple unit games. Furthermore, the change unit 166 increases the speed of gradual reduction (area change speed) when gradually reducing the directional range (directional area) in the "next unit game" or "some or all of the next and subsequent unit games."

With the above configuration, the terminal device 10 allows the user to continuously perform operations that earn high ratings, thereby earning higher ratings and increasing the difficulty level of the game, thereby making the game more interesting.

[Modified Example 16]
In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a baseball game has been mainly described, but the configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to games other than baseball games.
For example, in a music game in which operations (timing operations) are performed in accordance with timing specified in accordance with the rhythm of the music, a direction specification element may be combined with the timing operations, as in the movement operations of the above embodiment. Furthermore, the configuration of the above embodiment can also be applied to sports games other than baseball games, such as soccer games, basketball games, and ice hockey games. Furthermore, games to which the present invention is applied can also be used in esports (e-sports).

A program for implementing the functions of the control unit 160 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform the processing of the control unit 160. Here, "loading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program on a computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. A "computer system" may also include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, a dedicated line, or other communication lines. A "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as a floppy disk, optical magnetic disk, ROM, or CD-ROM, as well as storage devices such as a hard disk built into a computer system. Thus, a recording medium storing a program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Recording media also include internal or external recording media accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program code stored on the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the program code executable on a terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored on the distribution server does not matter as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form that is executable on a terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, each downloaded at a different time and then combined on the terminal device, or each part may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a storage medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be a program that realizes some of the functions described above. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already stored on the computer system.

Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control unit 160 described above may be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each of the above functions may be individually implemented as a processor, or some or all of them may be integrated into a processor. Furthermore, the integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be implemented using a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used.

[Note]
From the above description, the present invention can be understood, for example, as follows: It should be noted that, to facilitate understanding of the present invention, reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are conveniently placed in parentheses, but this does not mean that the present invention is limited to the illustrated embodiments.

(Appendix A1) One aspect of the present invention is a program executed by a computer included in a device that processes a game based on a user's operation, the program including: a reception unit (161, S141) that receives the user's operation; a display control unit (163, S129, S229, S329, S429, S529) that displays an object (e.g., a guide image G) having an indicator (e.g., a first area AR11) that indicates the direction in which the user should operate; and a determination unit (163, S129, S229, S329, S429, S529) that determines whether the user's operation direction relative to the indicated direction is within a predetermined directional range (e.g., central angle θ1) corresponding to the indicated direction. and a change unit (166, S123, S129, S223, S229, S323, S329, S423, S429, S523, S529) that gradually decreases the direction range (e.g., central angle θ1) during an acceptance period (e.g., an operation time limit) during which a user's operation for the indicated direction can be accepted, and the display control unit displays the indicator in a display mode (e.g., a first area AR11) that indicates the direction range, and changes the display mode of the indicator in response to the gradual decrease in the direction range.

With the above configuration, the directional range corresponding to the direction the user should operate is gradually reduced during the acceptance period in which user operations can be accepted, and the display mode indicating the directional range changes in response to the gradual reduction in the directional range, making it possible to change the difficulty of the user's movement operation. This has the effect of gradually reducing the directional range of the operation direction that should be operated by the movement operation, thereby achieving a game that requires the user to perform the movement operation as quickly as possible.

(Appendix A2) One aspect of the present invention is the program described in Appendix A1, in which the directional range is divided into a plurality of directional ranges in stages as the direction moves away from the indicated direction, the determination unit determines whether the operation direction is included in any of the plurality of directional ranges, the change unit gradually reduces some or all of the plurality of directional ranges (e.g., directional ranges based on central angles θ1, θ2, and θ3) in accordance with the passage of time within the acceptance period (e.g., operation time limit), and the display control unit displays the indicator in a display mode (e.g., first area AR11, second area AR12, and third area AR13) that indicates each of the plurality of directional ranges, and changes at least a portion of the display mode of the indicator that indicates each of the plurality of directional ranges in response to the gradual reduction of the plurality of directional ranges.

With the above configuration, during the acceptance period in which user operations can be accepted, the number of directional ranges divided into stages is gradually reduced over time as the user moves away from the indicated direction, and the display mode indicating each of the directional ranges changes over time in response to this gradual reduction, making it possible to change the difficulty of the user's movement operation. This has the effect of gradually reducing the range of operation directions that can be operated by movement operations over time, thereby achieving a game that requires the user to perform movement operations as quickly as possible.

(Appendix A3) One aspect of the present invention is a program as described in Appendix A1 or Appendix A2, which further causes the computer to function as an evaluation unit (165, S147, S247, S347, S447) that evaluates the operation direction based on the determination result of the determination unit, and when the evaluation unit determines that the operation direction is not included in the direction range (e.g., central angle θ1, first area AR11), it assigns a lower evaluation to the operation direction than when it is determined that the operation direction is included in the direction range.

With the above configuration, the further the user's movement direction is from the direction the user is supposed to move in (optimal direction), the lower the rating. Therefore, performing movement while the directional range corresponding to the optimal direction is as wide as possible is more likely to result in a high rating. This has the effect of enabling the realization of a game that requires the user to perform movement operations as quickly as possible.

(Appendix A4) One aspect of the present invention is a program described in any one of Appendices A1 to A3, wherein the change unit gradually reduces the directional range (e.g., central angle θ1, first area AR11) so that the directional range becomes zero by the end of the acceptance period (e.g., operation time limit).

With the above configuration, if the user's movement operation exceeds the acceptance period (e.g., operation time limit), the directional range corresponding to the indicated direction (optimal direction) that the user should operate will no longer exist, resulting in the effect of realizing a game that requires the user to perform a movement operation as quickly as possible.

(Appendix A5) One aspect of the present invention is a program described in any one of Appendices A1 to A4, in which a first parameter (e.g., an ability parameter) that affects the progress of the game is set for a game object (e.g., a fielder character C1) related to a user's operation, and the change unit determines the speed of gradual decrease when gradually decreasing the directional range (e.g., central angle θ1, first area AR11) according to the first parameter.

With the above configuration, the ability of a game object (e.g., fielder character C1) related to the user's operation affects the speed at which the directional range (e.g., central angle θ1, first area AR11) is gradually reduced. This allows the difficulty of the game to change depending on the results of training the game object (e.g., fielder character C1), making the game more entertaining.

(Appendix A6) One aspect of the present invention is the program described in Appendix A5, in which there is an opponent game object (e.g., knocker character C2) that faces the game object, and a second parameter (e.g., ability parameter) that affects the progress of the game is set for the opponent game object, and the change unit determines the gradual reduction speed (area change speed) when gradually reducing the directional range (e.g., central angle θ1, first area AR11) in accordance with the second parameter.

With the above configuration, the abilities of the opponent game object (e.g., knocker character C2) affect the speed at which the directional range (e.g., central angle θ1, first area AR11) is gradually reduced. This allows the difficulty of the game to change depending on the results of training the opponent game object (e.g., knocker character C2), making the game more entertaining.

(Appendix A7) One aspect of the present invention is a program described in any one of Appendices A1 to A4, in which a first parameter (e.g., ability parameter) that affects the progress of the game is set for a game object (e.g., fielder character C1) related to a user's operation, an opponent game object (e.g., knocker character C2) exists that faces the game object, and a second parameter (e.g., ability parameter) that affects the progress of the game is set for the opponent game object, and the computer is further caused to function as an initial setting unit that determines initial values for the directional range (e.g., central angle θ1, central angle θ2, central angle θ3) based on at least one of the first parameter (e.g., ability parameter of fielder character C1) or the second parameter (e.g., ability parameter of knocker character C2).

With the above configuration, either or both of the ability of the game object (e.g., fielder character C1) related to the user's operation and the ability of the opponent game object (e.g., knocker character C2) affect the initial value of the directional range (e.g., central angle θ1, first area AR11). This allows the difficulty of the game to change depending on either or both of the development results of the game object (e.g., fielder character C1) and the development results of the opponent game object (e.g., knocker character C2), making the game more entertaining.

(Appendix A8) One aspect of the present invention is a program described in any one of Appendices A1 to A6, in which a unit game (e.g., one knock in a knocking practice game) including the acceptance period (e.g., operation time limit) during which user operation in response to one instruction of the instruction direction can be accepted is repeatedly played multiple times, and the computer is further made to function as an initial setting unit that determines initial values for the direction range (e.g., central angle θ1, central angle θ2, central angle θ3) for the "next unit game" or "some or all of the next and subsequent unit games" based on the result of a certain unit game.

With the above configuration, the initial value of the direction range for the next game and subsequent games changes depending on the user's operation results (e.g., the result of catching the ball), making it possible to change the difficulty level of the game depending on the user's operation results, thereby increasing the game's enjoyment.

(Appendix A9) One aspect of the present invention is a program described in any one of Appendices A1 to A8, in which a unit game (e.g., one knock in a knocking practice game) including the acceptance period (e.g., operation time limit) during which user operation in response to one instruction of the instruction direction can be accepted is played multiple times, and the change unit determines the gradual reduction speed (area change speed) for gradually reducing the directional range in the "next unit game" or "some or all of the next and subsequent unit games" based on the result of a certain unit game.

With the above configuration, the rate at which the directional range gradually decreases from the next time onwards changes depending on the user's operation results (e.g., the result of catching the ball). This makes it possible to change the difficulty level of the game depending on the user's operation results, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game.

(Appendix A10) One aspect of the present invention is a program described in any one of Appendices A1 to A9, in which a unit game (e.g., one knock in a knocking practice game) including the acceptance period (e.g., operation time limit) during which a user's operation in response to one instruction of the instruction direction can be accepted is repeatedly played multiple times, and the instruction direction indicated for each unit game is selected arbitrarily from a plurality of predetermined directions.

With the above configuration, the direction in which the user should operate (the direction from which ball B will arrive) is determined randomly each time, so the user must instantly determine the direction in which to operate each time. This makes the game more entertaining.

(Appendix A11) One aspect of the present invention is the program described in Appendix A3, in which a unit game (e.g., one knock in a knocking practice game) including the acceptance period (e.g., operation time limit) during which a user's operation in response to one instruction of the instruction direction can be accepted is played multiple times, the evaluation unit awards a bonus evaluation in accordance with a predetermined evaluation being given a predetermined number of times in succession in the multiple unit games, and the change unit increases the speed of gradual reduction (area change speed) when gradually reducing the direction range in the "next unit game" or "some or all of the next and subsequent unit games."

With the above configuration, by continuously performing operations that earn high marks, players can earn higher marks and the game's difficulty level increases, making the game more interesting.

(Appendix A12) One aspect of the present invention is a program as described in Appendix A3, in which a unit game (e.g., one knock in a knocking practice game) including the acceptance period (e.g., an operation time limit) during which a user's operation in response to one instruction in the instruction direction can be accepted is repeatedly played multiple times, and each of the multiple unit games includes a normal game (e.g., "normal ball") in which the operation should be performed in the instruction direction, and a first special game (e.g., "spiky ball") in which the operation should not be performed in the instruction direction, and the evaluation unit gives a high evaluation to the first special game in which a first notification (e.g., the display of a spiky ball icon) that cannot occur in the normal game occurs, when the user's operation direction is opposite to the instruction direction.

The above configuration includes not only a standard game in which players must operate in the indicated direction, but also a special game in which players receive a high rating if the user operates in the opposite direction to the indicated direction, making the game more diverse and more entertaining.

(Appendix A13) One aspect of the present invention is a program as described in Appendix A3, in which a unit game (e.g., one knock in a knocking practice game) including the acceptance period (e.g., an operation time limit) during which a user's operation in response to one instruction in the instruction direction can be accepted is repeatedly played a plurality of times, and each of the plurality of unit games includes a normal game (e.g., "normal ball") in which an operation should be performed in accordance with the instruction direction, and a second special game (e.g., "don't move ball") in which no operation should be performed, and the evaluation unit gives a high evaluation if the acceptance unit does not accept a user's operation during the acceptance period in the second special game in which a second notification (e.g., display of a "don't move" icon) that would not occur in the normal game occurs.

The above configuration includes not only a standard game in which the player must operate in the indicated direction, but also a special game in which the player is highly rewarded for not operating the device, making the game more diverse and more enjoyable.

(Appendix A14) One aspect of the present invention is a program described in any one of Appendices A1 to A13, in which, in a game in which a game object (e.g., a fielder character C1) is moved in a game space (e.g., a baseball field) based on a user's operation, the display control unit displays the object (e.g., a guide image G) centered on a contact position where the game object is in contact with a contact surface (e.g., a ground) in the game space, and the reception unit is capable of receiving a user's operation with respect to at least the contact position.

With the above configuration, an object (e.g., guide image G) indicating the direction in which the user should operate is displayed, centered on the ground contact position of the game object (e.g., fielder character C1) that the user is to operate, allowing the user to operate intuitively and improving operability.

(Appendix A15) One aspect of the present invention is a game processing method executed by a computer included in a device that processes a game based on a user's operation, the method comprising the steps of: accepting a user's operation (S141); displaying an object (e.g., a guide image G) having an indicator (e.g., a first area AR11) indicating the direction in which the user should operate (S129, S229, S329, S429, S529); and determining whether the user's operation direction relative to the indicated direction is within a predetermined directional range (e.g., central angle θ1) corresponding to the indicated direction. This is a game processing method that includes steps (S147, S247, S347, S447) and steps (S123, S129, S223, S229, S323, S329, S423, S429, S523, S529) of gradually reducing the directional range (e.g., central angle θ1) during an acceptance period (e.g., an operation time limit) during which user operation for the indicated direction can be accepted, wherein in the displaying step, the indicator is displayed in a display mode (e.g., a first area AR11) that indicates the directional range, and the display mode of the indicator is changed in response to the gradual reduction in the directional range.

With the above configuration, the directional range corresponding to the direction the user should operate is gradually reduced during the acceptance period in which user operations can be accepted, and the display mode indicating the directional range changes in response to the gradual reduction in the directional range, making it possible to change the difficulty of the user's movement operation. This has the effect of gradually reducing the directional range of the operation direction that should be operated by the movement operation, thereby achieving a game that requires the user to perform the movement operation as quickly as possible.

(Appendix A16) One aspect of the present invention is a game device that performs game processing based on user operation, and includes: a reception unit (161) that receives user operation; a display control unit (163) that displays an object (e.g., a guide image G) having an indicator (e.g., a first area AR11) that indicates the direction in which the user should operate; a determination unit (164) that determines whether the user's operation direction with respect to the instruction direction is within a predetermined directional range (e.g., central angle θ1) corresponding to the instruction direction; and a change unit (166) that gradually reduces the directional range (e.g., central angle θ1) within an acceptance period (e.g., operation time limit) in which user operation with respect to the instruction direction can be accepted; and the display control unit displays the indicator in a display mode (e.g., first area AR11) that indicates the directional range and changes the display mode of the indicator in response to the gradual reduction in the directional range.

With the above configuration, the directional range corresponding to the direction the user should operate is gradually reduced during the acceptance period in which user operations can be accepted, and the display mode indicating the directional range changes in response to the gradual reduction in the directional range, making it possible to change the difficulty of the user's movement operation. This has the effect of gradually reducing the directional range of the operation direction that should be operated by the movement operation, thereby achieving a game that requires the user to perform the movement operation as quickly as possible.

The present invention can also be understood as follows, for example.
(Appendix B1) One aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the steps of: accepting an operation to specify a direction (S141); arranging an area (areas AR11 to AR14) to be specified by the operation on the screen (S129); and changing the area over time while the operation is possible (S123, S129).

With the above configuration, the area changes over time, making it possible to change the difficulty of movement operations over time. This has the effect of reducing the area specified by movement operations over time, thereby realizing a game that requires the user to perform movement operations as quickly as possible.

(Appendix B2) One aspect of the present invention is the program described in Appendix B1, in which the changing step changes the speed at which the area is changed over time (area change speed) based on the results of the movement operation (e.g., the number of consecutive successful catches) (step S123).

With the above configuration, the speed at which the area changes is changed depending on the result of the movement operation. This allows the user to change the difficulty level of the game depending on the result of the movement operation, making the game more interesting.

(Appendix B3) One aspect of the present invention is a program as described in Appendix B1 or Appendix B2, in which the changing step changes the speed at which the area is changed over time based on predetermined parameters (e.g., special abilities such as defensive ability, running ability, arm strength, etc. in basic information) set for the character (fielder character C1) associated with the movement operation (step S123).

With the above configuration, the speed at which the area changes is changed depending on the character's parameters. This makes it possible to change the game difficulty based on the character's parameters, making the game more interesting. It also encourages users to enthusiastically train their characters, providing more opportunities for users to play the game.

(Appendix B4) One aspect of the present invention is a program described in any one of Appendices B1 to B3, which further causes a computer to execute the steps of assigning parameters (e.g., points) to each of the areas, and changing a user's parameters (e.g., accumulated points) based on the parameters assigned to the areas corresponding to the direction specified by the operation (S153, S171).

With the above configuration, the user's parameters are changed based on the parameters assigned to the area designated by the user's operation. This encourages the user to designate the area with the goal of making the most advantageous parameter changes possible, increasing the enjoyment of the game.

(Appendix B5) One aspect of the present invention is a program described in any one of Appendices B1 to B4, in which the changing step shrinks at least one area (first area AR11, second area AR12, third area AR13) over time, and expands an area other than the area being reduced (fourth area AR14) over time (S129).

With the above configuration, for example, areas that, if specified by operation, will result in an advantageous outcome for the user, can be made to shrink over time, while areas that, if specified by operation, will result in an unfavorable outcome for the user, can be made to expand over time. In this case, since the likelihood of the user being at a disadvantage increases over time, the user can be even more strongly encouraged to perform a movement operation at an early stage.

(Appendix B6) One aspect of the present invention is a program described in any one of Appendices B1 to B5, in which the changing step changes the initial state of the area based on the result of the operation (S121).

With the above configuration, the initial state of the area is changed depending on the result of the movement operation. By changing the initial state of the area, it is possible to change the difficulty level of the game, making it more interesting to play.

(Appendix B7) One aspect of the present invention is a game processing method including a step (S141) of accepting an operation to specify a direction, a step (S129) of arranging an area to be specified by the operation on the screen, and a step (S123, S129) of changing the area over time while the operation is possible.

(Appendix B8) One aspect of the present invention is a game device that includes an operation reception unit (161) that receives an operation to specify a direction, an arrangement unit (163) that arranges an area on the screen that is the target of the operation, and a change unit (166) that changes the area over time while the operation is possible.

1 Game System, 10 (10-1, 10-2) Terminal Device, 11 Communication Unit, 12 Input Unit, 13 Display Unit, 14 Audio Output Unit, 15 Storage Unit, 16 CPU, 30 Server Device, 150 Data Storage Unit, 151 Character Information Storage Unit, 152 Area Information Storage Unit, 160 Control Unit, 161 Operation Reception Unit, 162 Initial Setting Unit, 163 Display Control Unit, 164 Determination Unit, 165 Evaluation Unit, 166 Change Unit

Claims (6)

A program executed by a computer included in a device that processes a game based on a user's operation,
a reception unit that receives user operations;
a display control unit that displays an object having an indicator that indicates a direction in which a user should operate;
a determination unit that determines whether a user operation has been performed within a period during which a user operation in the instruction direction can be accepted, and determines whether the user operation direction in the instruction direction is within a predetermined direction range corresponding to the instruction direction;
an evaluation unit that evaluates a user's operation based on a determination result by the determination unit;
causing the computer to function as
The display control unit
displaying the indicator in a display mode that indicates the direction range ;
the games include a base game and a first special game;
The evaluation unit
In the normal game, a high evaluation is given when it is determined that the user's operation direction with respect to the instruction direction is included in the direction range, and in the first special game, a high evaluation is given when the user's operation direction with respect to the instruction direction is opposite to the instruction direction.
program. A program executed by a computer included in a device that processes a game based on a user's operation,
a reception unit that receives user operations;
a display control unit that displays an object having an indicator that indicates a direction in which a user should operate;
a determination unit that determines whether a user operation has been performed within a period during which a user operation in the instruction direction can be accepted, and determines whether the user operation direction in the instruction direction is within a predetermined direction range corresponding to the instruction direction;
an evaluation unit that evaluates a user's operation based on a determination result by the determination unit;
causing the computer to function as
The display control unit
displaying the indicator in a display mode that indicates the direction range ;
The games include a base game and a second special game;
The evaluation unit
in the normal game, a high evaluation is given when it is determined that the user's operation direction relative to the instruction direction is included in the direction range, and in the second special game, a high evaluation is given when the reception unit does not receive the user's operation during the reception period.
program. A game processing method executed by a computer included in a device that processes a game based on a user's operation,
accepting a user operation;
displaying an object having an indicator indicating a direction in which the user should operate;
determining whether a user operation in the instruction direction has been performed within a period during which the user operation can be accepted;
determining whether a user's operation direction relative to the instruction direction is within a predetermined direction range corresponding to the instruction direction;
evaluating a user's operation based on the result of the determination;
and
In the displaying step,
displaying the indicator in a display mode that indicates the direction range ;
the games include a base game and a first special game;
In the evaluating step,
In the normal game, a high evaluation is given when it is determined that the user's operation direction with respect to the instruction direction is included in the direction range, and in the first special game, a high evaluation is given when the user's operation direction with respect to the instruction direction is opposite to the instruction direction.
Game processing method. A game processing method executed by a computer included in a device that processes a game based on a user's operation,
accepting a user operation;
displaying an object having an indicator indicating a direction in which the user should operate;
determining whether a user operation in the instruction direction has been performed within a period during which the user operation can be accepted;
determining whether a user's operation direction relative to the instruction direction is within a predetermined direction range corresponding to the instruction direction;
evaluating a user's operation based on the result of the determination;
and
In the displaying step,
displaying the indicator in a display mode that indicates the direction range ;
The games include a base game and a second special game;
In the evaluating step,
in the normal game, a high evaluation is given when it is determined that the user's operation direction relative to the instruction direction is included in the direction range, and in the second special game, a high evaluation is given when no user operation is accepted during the acceptance period.
Game processing method. A game device that performs game processing based on user operations,
a reception unit that receives user operations;
a display control unit that displays an object having an indicator that indicates a direction in which a user should operate;
a determination unit that determines whether a user's operation in the instruction direction has been performed within a period during which the user's operation in the instruction direction can be accepted, and determines whether the user's operation direction in the instruction direction is within a predetermined direction range corresponding to the instruction direction;
an evaluation unit that evaluates a user's operation based on a determination result by the determination unit;
Equipped with
The display control unit
displaying the indicator in a display mode that indicates the direction range ;
the games include a base game and a first special game;
The evaluation unit
In the normal game, a high evaluation is given when it is determined that the user's operation direction with respect to the instruction direction is included in the direction range, and in the first special game, a high evaluation is given when the user's operation direction with respect to the instruction direction is opposite to the instruction direction.
Game device. A game device that performs game processing based on user operations,
a reception unit that receives user operations;
a display control unit that displays an object having an indicator that indicates a direction in which a user should operate;
a determination unit that determines whether a user's operation in the instruction direction has been performed within a period during which the user's operation in the instruction direction can be accepted, and determines whether the user's operation direction in the instruction direction is within a predetermined direction range corresponding to the instruction direction;
an evaluation unit that evaluates a user's operation based on a determination result by the determination unit;
Equipped with
The display control unit
displaying the indicator in a display mode that indicates the direction range ;
The games include a base game and a second special game;
The evaluation unit
in the normal game, a high evaluation is given when it is determined that the user's operation direction relative to the instruction direction is included in the direction range, and in the second special game, a high evaluation is given when the reception unit does not receive the user's operation during the reception period.
Game device.