JP7759364B2 - program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program .

In games that allow the synthesis of so-called items and equipment, there are known programs that can generate output information for displaying on a user's terminal device a quest selection screen that includes a list of quests in which the material items needed for synthesis can be obtained (see Patent Document 1). The quest selection screen clearly displays quests that the user has opened and those that have not, allowing the user to easily determine whether or not a quest in which the necessary material items can be obtained is opened.

JP 2019-193695 A

However, while such programs display quests that allow the necessary material items to be acquired, starting the quest requires the user to perform selection and start operations, which can be cumbersome. While the above-mentioned patent document 1 describes the invention as being directed at material items, this problem is not limited to material items needed for synthesis; it also applies to other items and similar objects that the user needs, leaving a wide range of improvements desirable. Furthermore, if a user needs multiple items and the quests that can be obtained for each material are different, the user must repeat a series of operations multiple times, such as displaying a quest selection screen for each material, selecting a quest, and starting the quest. This so-called routine work reduces the user's motivation to play the game and reduces their interest.

An object of the present invention is to provide a program that can improve user convenience and prevent the user's interest from declining.

To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is configured as follows:

a determination means for determining whether or not the objects possessed by the user lack the material objects necessary for generating the third object; and a second selection means for, when it is determined that the material objects are lacking, selecting an event in which the missing material objects can be determined as the first object, in accordance with the user's situation, without the selection operation; and if the material objects are not lacking, displaying a first operation image relating to an operation for generating the third object on a predetermined display screen. If the material objects are not lacking, displaying a second operation image relating to an operation for generating the third object on a predetermined display screen. If the material objects are lacking, displaying a second operation image relating to an operation for starting the event selected by the second selection means without displaying the first operation image.

According to the program of the present invention, it is possible to improve user convenience and prevent the user's interest from declining.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the overall configuration of an information processing system. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the hardware configuration of a server and a user terminal. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the functional configuration of a server and a user terminal. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a portal stage PS. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a party screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a training screen. An explanatory diagram showing each part of the training screen. An explanatory diagram showing each part of the training screen. An explanatory diagram showing each part of the training screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a confirmation window. An explanatory diagram showing the flow of the training presentation. An explanatory diagram showing the flow of the training presentation. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an alternative button. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a material acquisition screen. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific control process. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the training screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a modified training screen. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a modified training screen.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment is merely one aspect for explaining the present invention, and the numerical values and other information shown in the embodiment are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations will be assigned the same reference numerals wherever possible, and redundant explanations will be omitted, and elements not directly related to the present invention will not be illustrated.

(Configuration of information processing system S)
1, the information processing system S according to this embodiment is a so-called client-server system constructed by connecting a server 100 and a user terminal 200 via a network 300. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a game is provided by the information processing system S.

The information processing system S according to this embodiment functions as an information processing device that provides a game through the cooperation of a server 100 and a user terminal 200. The server 100 and the user terminal 200 are responsible for executing various game functions and controlling the game's progress, and the various functions and games described above are executed through the cooperation of the server 100 and the user terminal 200.

The server 100 is connected to multiple user terminals 200 via a network 300 so that they can communicate with each other. Each user terminal 200 can send and receive various information to and from the server 100 via the network 300. Each user terminal 200 can also send and receive various information to and from other user terminals 200 via the network 300 and the server 100. The server 100 stores various information (e.g., user information) for each user (hereinafter referred to as a player) playing a game using a user terminal 200, and can also store various information related to the game. Based on input operations from the user terminal 200, the server 100 can perform processes such as updating the stored information and transmitting (downloading) images and various information to the user terminal 200. Note that each user terminal 200 may be able to send and receive various information directly between user terminals 200 without going through the network 300 or the server 100, using its own wireless communication function.

The network 300 is composed of the Internet, a mobile phone network, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a dedicated line, etc. The server 100 and the user terminal 200 are connected wirelessly or by wire via the network 300.

(Hardware configuration of server 100)
2, the server 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, memory 120, storage unit 130, communication unit 140, input unit 150, output unit 160, and input/output interface 170. Hereinafter, the CPU 110, memory 120, storage unit 130, communication unit 140, input unit 150, output unit 160, and input interface 170 of the server 100 will also be referred to as the server CPU 110, server memory 120, server storage unit 130, server communication unit 140, server input unit 150, server output unit 160, and server input/output interface 170, respectively.

The server CPU 110 performs various processes, such as executing various game functions and progressing the game, in accordance with the programs and data stored in the server memory 120.

The server memory 120 is composed of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various programs and data used to execute various game functions and process game progress. The server CPU 110 and server memory 120 are connected to each other via a server internal bus (not shown).

The server storage unit 130 is composed of a hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), etc., and stores various programs and data. The programs and data stored in the server storage unit 130 are read (loaded) into the server memory 120 by the server CPU 110.

The server communication unit 140 is composed of a communication interface, etc., and transmits and receives information such as various data and programs to and from the user terminal 200 via the network 300. In the server 100, the server communication unit 140 receives various information from the user terminal 200, and the received information is stored in the server memory 120 or the server storage unit 130. In addition, information regarding the results of various processes executed by the server CPU 110 is transmitted to the user terminal 200 by the server communication unit 140.

The server input unit 150 is composed of a keyboard, mouse, etc. Based on input operations using the server input unit 150, various processes are executed, such as storing various programs and data in the server memory 120 and server storage unit 130, and updating the various stored programs and data.

The server output unit 160 is composed of a display capable of displaying text, images, etc., a speaker capable of outputting sound, etc. The contents of various processes executed based on input operations by the server input unit 150 are output by the server output unit 160.

The server storage unit 130, server communication unit 140, server input unit 150, and server output unit 160 are connected to a server input/output interface 170, which is connected to a server internal bus (not shown).

(Hardware configuration of user terminal 200)
Examples of the user terminal 200 include a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a portable game console, a stationary game console installed in a store or at home, etc. In this embodiment, a case where a smartphone is used as the user terminal 200 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 200 has a CPU 210, memory 220, storage unit 230, communication unit 240, input unit 250, output unit 260, input/output interface 270, etc. Hereinafter, the CPU 210, memory 220, storage unit 230, communication unit 240, input unit 250, output unit 260, and input/output interface 270 of the user terminal 200 will also be referred to as the terminal CPU 210, terminal memory 220, terminal storage unit 230, terminal communication unit 240, terminal input unit 250, terminal output unit 260, and terminal input/output interface 270, respectively.

Note that the terminal CPU 210, terminal memory 220, terminal storage unit 230, terminal communication unit 240, terminal input unit 250, terminal output unit 260, terminal internal bus (not shown), and terminal input/output interface 270 have substantially the same configurations and functions as the server CPU 110, server memory 120, server storage unit 130, server communication unit 140, server input unit 150, server output unit 160, server internal bus 170, and server input/output interface 170, respectively, and therefore detailed explanations will be omitted with some exceptions.

In the user terminal 200, the terminal CPU 210 and terminal memory 220 are connected to each other via a terminal internal bus (not shown), and the terminal storage unit 230, terminal communication unit 240, terminal input unit 250, and terminal output unit 260 are connected to a terminal input/output interface 270, which is connected to the terminal internal bus (not shown). The user terminal 200 also performs various processes, such as executing various game functions and progressing through the game, in accordance with the programs and data stored in the terminal memory 220. The user terminal 200 also receives various information from the server 100 via the terminal communication unit 240, and the received information is stored in the terminal memory 220 or the terminal storage unit 230. Information regarding the results of the various processes executed by the terminal CPU 210 is also transmitted to the server 100 by the terminal communication unit 240.

The terminal input unit 250 may be configured, for example, with a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, controller, physical buttons, etc., which can input operations to the user terminal 200, and may be mounted on the user terminal 200 itself, or may be provided separately from the user terminal 200 and connected to the user terminal 200 via a connection cable, etc. The terminal input unit 250 may also be a microphone capable of voice input, or an acceleration sensor capable of detecting the tilt, movement, vibration, etc. of the user terminal 200 and inputting the detected information. In this embodiment, the user terminal 200 is equipped with a touch panel 262 which functions as both the terminal input unit 250 and the terminal output unit 260.

(Functional configuration of information processing system S)
Next, the functional configuration of the information processing system S will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The server memory 120 of the server 100 and the terminal memory 220 of the user terminal 200 store programs for executing the above-described games, various information related to the games, information related to users, game data, etc. The server CPU 110 of the server 100 executes the stored programs to cause the server 100 to function as a data transmission/reception unit 182, a storage processing unit 184, and a game control unit 186. The terminal CPU 210 of the user terminal 200 executes the stored programs to cause the user terminal 200 to function as a data transmission/reception unit 280, a storage processing unit 282, an operation control unit 284, a game control unit 286, and a screen control unit 288.

Note that these are just examples of functional units, and the server 100 and user terminal 200 have various other functional units in addition to those listed above. Furthermore, each functional unit may be provided on either the server 100 or the user terminal, and functional units that perform the same role may be provided in both the server 100 and the user terminal 200.

The data transmission/reception unit 182 of the server 100 and the data transmission/reception unit 280 of the user terminal 200 both transmit and receive various information and data between the server 100 and the user terminal 200. For example, when the data transmission/reception unit 182 of the server 100 receives login information for logging into the game from the user terminal 200 when the application is launched, it transmits to the user terminal 200 information about the user corresponding to the login information (e.g., account name, etc.), information about the game (information about the character used, items and currency possessed, equipment possessed, Petmons befriended, game progress information, etc.), and game data (data such as various setting information necessary to construct a virtual space (game space)).

The storage processing unit of the server 100 stores various information and data received from the user terminal 200 in the server storage unit 130.

The storage processing unit 282 of the user terminal 200 stores various information and data received from the server 100 in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230.

The operation control unit 284 of the user terminal 200 accepts and controls player operations input by the terminal input unit 250 via the touch panel 262. The operation control unit 284 detects the type of input operation from the player's operation position and operation direction. Examples include touch operations, tap operations, slide operations, swipe operations, flick operations, pinch-in/out operations, etc. It is also capable of detecting long presses and touch-off operations.

The game control unit 186 of the server 100 and the game control unit 286 of the user terminal 200 both control the overall progress of the game. Specific examples of each control will be explained below, focusing on the control by the game control unit 286. It goes without saying that the control performed by the game control unit 286 may also be performed by the game control unit 186 of the server 100.

The game control unit 286 constructs a virtual field as a game space (virtual space) based on the game data, and places character objects such as player characters, NPCs, enemy monsters, and pet monsters, as well as structural objects such as various buildings and structures including trees, mountains, stones, and rocks. The game control unit 286 controls the game space and these objects placed in the game space. For example, it changes the weather, day/night, etc. within the game space, causes objects to perform specific actions, and changes their color, shape, etc.

The game control unit 286 progresses the game by treating the input operations detected by the operation control unit 284 as instructions from the player. For example, it may interpret touch and tap operations on various icons as "confirm" or "select" operations and perform the corresponding processing, or it may interpret drag and swipe operations as "move" operations and perform processing to move the player character.

The game control unit 286 controls the virtual camera that captures images of the game space. Specifically, the position, orientation, and angle of the virtual camera are specified to define the area of the game space that the player can view as a viewing area. The game control unit 286 sends instructions to the screen control unit 288 to display the defined area of the game space and various objects placed within this area. The game control unit 286 adjusts the virtual camera and updates and controls the viewing area so that it follows the actions and movements of the player character. Note that the position, orientation, and angle of the virtual camera may be freely adjustable in response to player operations.

The screen control unit 288 of the user terminal 200 controls the various screens displayed on the touch panel 262 based on various data stored in the terminal memory 220 and the terminal storage unit 230. The screen control unit 288 generates images in accordance with instructions from the game control unit 286 and displays them on the touch panel 262. The screen control unit 288 displays a UI (User Interface) superimposed on the viewing area, such as icons, buttons, status displays, menu screens, and maps of the game space, which are used to operate the game and display game information.

(Outline of the game provided by the information processing system S and control processing)
The game provided by the information processing system S according to this embodiment is an action RPG game in which the player character controlled by the user cooperates with his or her companion pet monster (hereinafter also referred to as Petmon) to complete quests and progress through episodes that form the main story within a virtual field (game space) constructed with natural objects such as fields, rivers, and oceans, and man-made objects such as various buildings, and the game progresses as the player character and his or her companion pet monster (hereinafter also referred to as Petmon) cooperate to complete quests and progress through episodes that form the main story.
The following description will be given taking as an example a case where the configuration according to this embodiment is applied to the above game.

When playing a game for the first time, the user installs a dedicated game application on the user terminal 200 in advance and registers the user with the server 100 (for example, registering information such as a user ID and a player name to be used in the game). When the application is then launched, the game control unit 286 receives various data stored in the server 100 and instructs the screen control unit 288 to display images related to the game. The screen control unit 288 receives instructions from the game control unit 286 and generates and displays corresponding images.

Figure 4 shows the portal stage PS displayed on the touch panel 262.

The screen control unit 288 receives instructions from the game control unit 286 and displays the portal stage PS on the touch panel 262. As shown in FIG. 4, the portal stage PS displays various icons 10, 20, 30, and 40 along with the virtual pad VP and the player character P controlled by the user. The portal stage PS is constructed in the game space as a village that serves as the player's base, and functions as a so-called out-game. In addition to facilities such as shops and Petmon training facilities (not shown), NPCs and the like are also located there, and the player can control the player character P to use each facility and converse with the NPCs (Non-Player Characters).

The virtual pad VP has a roughly circular operation area V1 displayed on the left side of the touch panel 262, and indicators V2 to V5 displayed on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of area V1. The operation control unit 284 is capable of detecting the coordinates touched by the user within the operation area V1. The operation control unit 284 calculates the user's operation direction based on the detected coordinates and the origin O. The game control unit 286 controls the movement of the player character P in accordance with the operation direction calculated by the operation control unit 284.

Icon 10 is an icon for quests. When icon 10 is tapped, the game control unit 286 controls the display of a quest screen (not shown). The quest screen displays currently playable quests as well as episodes in list format.

While quests are not necessarily required to progress through the main story, they can allow players to acquire useful equipment and materials, and can also lead to sub-stories involving player character P, his companion characters, and other NPCs. Note that clearing certain quests may be a prerequisite for progressing through the main story (episodes). Quests also function as events in this invention.

Episodes form the main story of the game, and progress in stages, divided into chapters, for example, from Chapter 1 to Chapter 10. The game control unit 286 controls the game so that the user taps (selects) the desired quest or episode from the list on the quest screen (not shown), and starts the selected quest in response to a tap (start) of the "Quest (Episode) Start" button (not shown). Quests and episodes function as what is known as in-game events. Episodes also function as events in the present invention. In the following description, quests and episodes may be collectively referred to simply as "quests."

Icon 20 is an icon for search. The game control unit 286 performs control to display a search screen (not shown) in response to a tap operation on icon 20. The search screen displays a currently playable search area. The game control unit 286 performs control to start the selected search in response to a tap operation (selection operation) on a search area and a tap operation (start operation) on a "search start" button (not shown).

In exploration, players can freely wander around areas (regions on the virtual field) provided for quests and episodes, and gather materials and experience points. It is also possible to provide areas that can only be played in exploration (for example, shrines and temples) and enemy monsters that only appear in exploration (for example, rare monsters and rare bosses), thereby providing material items and reward items that can only be obtained by playing exploration. Explorations also function as events in this invention. In the following description, quests, episodes, and explorations may be collectively referred to simply as "quests."

Icon 30 is an icon for training. When icon 30 is tapped, the game control unit 286 controls the display of a training screen (not shown). The training screen displays the Petomon that you currently have as your companion. Additionally, by selecting training or breeding from the training screen, you can train your Petomon to strengthen its parameters, or breed Petomon with other Petomon to create new Petomon.

Icon 40 is an icon for a party. In response to a tap operation on icon 40, the game control unit 286 performs control to display a party screen 41 as shown in FIG. 5. On the party screen 41, as shown in FIG. 5, a formation button 42, a character strengthening button 43, a training button 44, and a back button 45 are displayed.

The organization button 42 is a button for organizing a party. The game control unit 286 controls the display of a party organization screen (not shown) in response to a tap on the organization button 42. In this game, a party of up to three characters can be formed to take on quests and episodes. Each character can also have one of their befriended pet monsters as their partner. On the party organization screen, it is possible to organize the characters and petmons to make up a party. Furthermore, characters in this game can equip themselves with weapons, accessories, and other equipment to improve their attack and defense power and obtain various additional effects. On the party organization screen, it is also possible to change each character's weapons, accessories, etc.

The character strengthening button 43 is a button for strengthening the player character P and companion characters. The game control unit 286 controls the display of a character strengthening screen (not shown) in response to a tap on the character strengthening button 43. On the character strengthening screen, any character can be strengthened by spending experience points earned by clearing quests and episodes and defeating enemy monsters.

The refinement button 44 is a button for combining equipment such as weapons and accessories. In this embodiment, the game control unit 286 can execute a process (generation control) for combining objects possessed by the player to generate a new object (third object). In this embodiment, this process is referred to as "refining." Objects used in refinement include objects called material objects. Material objects are objects possessed by the player (second objects) that can be used for refinement. These include items obtained during quest play, reward items (first objects) obtained upon clearing a quest, and equipment items such as weapons and accessories purchased by the player from a shop provided within the virtual field. Note that, hereinafter, "reward items" may also be simply referred to as "rewards," and "equipment items" may also be simply referred to as "equipment." In response to a tap on the refinement button 44, the game control unit 286 controls to display a refinement screen 50 such as that shown in FIG. 6. Note that while refinement screen 50 is the screen for refining weapons, the screen for refining accessories is designed in a similar way, so we will use refinement screen 50 for explanation.

On the training screen 50, a category screen corresponding to a weapon category can be selected. As shown in Figure 6, there are four category screens available: sword category screen 52, axe category screen 54, spear category screen 56, and staff category screen 58. Since each category screen has a common format, the sword category screen 52 shown in Figure 6 will be used for explanation.

The sword category screen 52 includes a visual display section 60, a material display section 66, a recipe display section 72, a currency display section 81, a name display section 82, and a start forging button 83.

As shown in Figure 7A, the visual display section 60 displays a weapon object 62 and a star object 64. The weapon object 62 displays a visual image of the weapon after it has been refined. The star object 64 indicates the rarity of the weapon, with the more stars there are, the more difficult it is to obtain.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the material display section 66 has five frames: frame 67, frame 68, frame 69, frame 70, and frame 71. Each frame displays one type of material object (hereinafter referred to as a material item) required for refinement. For example, in frame 67, an image of material A is displayed in image display section 67a, the currently possessed quantity is displayed in possessed quantity display section 67b, and the required quantity of material A required for refinement is displayed in required quantity display section 67c. The same applies to frames 68, 69, and 70, so their explanations are omitted. Furthermore, when there is no corresponding material object data, as in frame 71, only the outer edge is displayed as a blank (indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 7B). Depending on the difficulty of obtaining the material item, the rarity level may also be displayed. For example, image display section 67a displays two star objects 64 side by side, indicating that material A has a rarity level of 2.

Material items can be obtained from defeated enemy monsters, treasure chests placed on the virtual field, through gathering or excavation that can be performed depending on the area of the virtual field, from NPCs, or through events that occur when certain conditions are met. However, they are not limited to these. For example, they may be obtained as a reward for completing a quest or the like. In this case, material items that can only be obtained by completing a quest or the like (so-called rare materials, which are set to be relatively rare) may be included. Furthermore, it may be possible to obtain "recipes" required to refine equipment or "cain," the in-game currency. These material items may also be obtained outside of the in-game environment described above. For example, they may be awarded by meeting certain conditions in the so-called offline environment, or they may be awarded as prizes in gacha games, or as gifts in login bonuses or campaigns.

As shown in Figure 7C, the recipe display section 72 includes a recipe count display section 73 and a recipe display area 74. The recipe count display section 73 displays the number of recipes currently owned. The recipe display area 74 displays recipe data showing the details of the recipe. In Figure 7C, four recipe data items 75, 76, 77, and 78 for recipes A through D are displayed. The recipe details include the name and attributes of the sword that can be forged using the recipe. A forging possibility indicator 79 may be displayed above the recipe data, indicating whether forging is possible. The forging possibility indicator 79 indicates that forging is possible for the displayed recipe data. In Figure 7C, the forging possibility indicator 79 is displayed above the three recipe data items 75, 76, and 77 for recipes A through C, indicating that forging based on these recipe data items 75, 76, and 77 is possible. On the other hand, the forging possibility indicator 79 is not displayed above the recipe data item 78 for recipe D, indicating that some materials or conditions are not met, indicating that forging based on recipe data 78 is impossible.

Note that the refinement availability/non-availability indicator 79 may be displayed when refinement is not possible, rather than when refinement is possible. In this case, it is preferable to display a message such as "Refinement not possible!!" Furthermore, the message may be displayed whether refinement is possible or not. Furthermore, recipe data may also display rarity. For example, recipe C displays three star objects 64 in a row, indicating that the rarity of the weapon refined with recipe C is 3. In this embodiment, the higher the rarity number, the relatively higher the weapon's attack power, or the relatively higher the effect given to the player character when equipped. However, rarity may also be determined based on factors other than the weapon's capabilities, such as its cute appearance or its rarity, such as being available only during a campaign. Furthermore, a cursor 80 indicating the currently selected recipe data is displayed in the recipe display area 74.

As shown in Figure 6, the currency display section 81 displays the currency (cain) currently held by the player and the currency (cain) required for refinement side by side.

As shown in Figure 6, the name display section 82 displays the recipe data selected by the cursor 80 and the name of the weapon that will be forged using this recipe data.

The Start Training button 83 is displayed in the lower right corner of the Sword Category screen 52, as shown in Figure 6.

The following explains the forging system in this embodiment, mainly using Figures 8 to 10. Here, we will explain using an example of forging a "sword" weapon.

In this example, refining requires material items including the base sword, a recipe corresponding to the base sword, and Cain. For example, in Figure 6, material A corresponds to the base sword, materials B to D are material items, and recipe C is the recipe corresponding to the base sword. Note that there may be cases where some of these are not required, or where additional special conditions besides these are required.

Here, if it is detected that the number of possessed materials displayed in frames 67-70 exceeds the required number for each material and the start forging button 83 has been tapped, the game control unit 286 instructs the screen control unit 288 to display a confirmation window 84. As shown in FIG. 8, the confirmation window 84 functions as a screen that confirms with the player whether or not to forge, and the player can tap either an affirmative area 85 displaying "I'll do it!" or a negative area 86 displaying "No thanks." When the player taps the affirmative area 85, as shown in FIG. 9A, a start dialogue 87 displaying "Start forging!!" is displayed together with a forging cauldron object 88 resembling a cauldron. After that, after a predetermined animation in which the forging cauldron object 88 rattles and shakes, the weapon object 62 and the forging object name 90 displaying "Triple Sword" are displayed together with a success dialogue 89 displaying "Forging successful!!" as shown in FIG. 9B.

On the other hand, if the number of materials in possession displayed in frames 67-70 is less than the required number for each material, the Start Refining button 83 as shown in Figure 6 will not be displayed, and an alternative button 91 will be displayed. Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, an alternative button 91 displaying "GO TO THE QUEST TO OBTAIN THE MISSING MATERIALS!" will be displayed.

Here, Figure 10 shows the state in which Recipe C has been selected, and the refinement screen 50 is displayed, displaying materials A through D as the material items required to refine the "Triple Sword" associated with Recipe C. Furthermore, the number of materials C in possession is "9," while the number required is "13."

In this case, in the game according to this embodiment, the player can select a quest or the like that will provide the missing material item as a reward. For example, if the player wants to collect material C displayed in the frame 69, the player taps the image display portion 69a (see FIG. 7B) of the frame 69. This displays the "Material Acquisition" screen shown in FIG. 11, which lists quests and the like that offer material C "Great Fluffy Wet Scales" as a reward. The player can then tap the quest start button 96 displayed for the desired quest or the like to start the corresponding quest or the like. This configuration has the advantage of improving user convenience, as it eliminates the need to search the Internet or the like for quests and the like that offer material C. However, this configuration can be inconvenient for players who are unfamiliar with quests and the like and do not know which one is best to select. Furthermore, it can be a hassle for players who need a large number of material items to select a quest or the like each time. Therefore, the game according to this embodiment employs a function that eliminates these disadvantages.

Referring back to Figure 10, when Recipe C is selected, the game control unit 286 executes a determination control to determine whether any material items are missing for the selected recipe data. If the determination control determines that any material items are missing, the game control unit 286 instructs the screen control unit 288 to display an alternative button 91 in place of the refinement start button 83. Additionally, the game control unit 286 executes a specification control to specify, in accordance with the player's situation, quests for which the missing material items can be obtained as a reward. For example, as shown in Figure 11, two exploration quests 92 and 94 and two episodes 93 and 95 are specified as quests for which material C "Great Fluffy Wet Scales" can be obtained as a reward, and which can be played in accordance with the player's progress in the game (progression in the episodes). Furthermore, "player status" can refer to the progress of the game, as well as the player or party's level and proficiency, strong attributes, weak attributes (weaknesses), acquired skills, the characteristics and compatibility of equipment such as weapons and accessories, the presence and quantity of items owned, Petmon's level and proficiency, strong attributes, weak attributes (weaknesses), acquired skills, total experience points and total play time, number of quests cleared, number of quests failed, amount of money spent, etc., as long as it corresponds to values or data that function as parameters related to the player.

When the alternative button 91 is tapped, the game control unit 286 determines which quest to start from among the search quests 92, 94 and episodes 93, 95 identified in the specific control, according to predetermined conditions, and starts the determined quest. This configuration eliminates the need for the player to select a quest each time, shortening the process leading up to the start of a quest, improving convenience for the player and preventing a decline in interest.

The predetermined conditions may be determined randomly, for example, by simple lottery, or, if multiple material items are lacking, priority may be given to quests that offer a greater number or variety of material items. The conditions may also be based on factors similar to the "player's situation" described above, and these factors may be taken into consideration, such as the player's organized party, equipment, attributes, etc., to prioritize quests that are easier to complete. Quests may also be determined in ascending or descending order of difficulty.
Furthermore, if the amount of reward for a determined quest, etc. is fixed, the most efficient quest, etc. for making up for a shortage of material items may be determined. Also, the next quest, etc. to be started may be determined based on the results of a previously executed quest, etc. (for example, the acquisition status of the desired material item, etc.).

Next, the processing flow in this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 12. Here, we will mainly explain the processing related to the above-mentioned training system, and will omit explanations of other processing.

First, when the game control unit 286 transitions to the forging screen, it compares the material items related to the selected recipe with the material items possessed by the player to determine whether any material items are missing (step S1).

If there are missing materials (Y in step S1), determine whether there are any quests for which the missing materials are the reward (step S2).

If there are no missing materials (N in step S1), the process ends.

If it is determined that there is a quest for which the missing material is the reward (Y in step S2), the quest etc. is identified (step S3).

If it is determined that there are no quests that offer the missing materials as rewards (N in step S2), the process is terminated.

(Modification)
A modification of this embodiment will now be described.
In the above embodiment, when the game control unit 286 determines that there are missing material items in its judgment control, it displays an alternative button 91 instead of the refinement start button 83, but this is not limited to this.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , even if the player does not have enough material items, the start training button 83 may remain displayed, but the function of tapping the start training button 83 may change depending on whether or not the player is missing material items. Specifically, if it is determined that there are no missing material items, training begins without any action. However, if there are missing material items, a quest or other activity that may potentially provide the missing material items as a reward is initiated. In this case, since a player may be surprised if they tap the start training button 83 intending to start training but are instead suddenly initiated by a quest or other activity, it is user-friendly and preferable to display a speech bubble 97 as shown in FIG. 14A to warn the player. Instead of a simple warning, a selection window 98 as shown in FIG. 14B may be displayed, allowing the player to select whether or not to start a quest or other activity. The selection window 98 may also display, for example, the minimum number of quests required, the points consumed each time a quest is initiated, and so on. This is useful as a guide for players when there are two or more quests that may provide the missing material items as a reward, or when there are many missing materials and multiple quests must be completed.

Alternatively, the system may be configured to allow the player to select multiple material items they wish to collect, and then specify and start a quest that will provide all of those material items as rewards. In this case, multiple quests may be started. Quests may be repeated consecutively until all of the specified material items are acquired. Note that if multiple quests are to be performed or consecutively, the system may be configured to confirm with the player before the start of those quests whether they really want to start the quests and allow the player to choose whether or not to do so. Furthermore, if multiple material items are selected and no matching quests exist, the system may be configured to display a message to that effect. In such cases, the system may suggest alternatives that best meet the player's wishes.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which a player specified and started a quest that would provide a material item that the player wanted as a reward, but the target is not limited to material items. For example, a quest may be specified and started that would provide an item necessary for progressing through an episode (story). In other words, it is sufficient if the player can select a quest that will provide the item they desire based on their situation. For example, if there are multiple quests that provide an item needed to progress through the game, a tap of a specific start button can identify from these multiple quests a quest that suits the player's situation (e.g., the player's level is appropriate for the difficulty of the quest, the player's attributes, skills, and equipment are advantageous for clearing the quest, etc., including other elements of the "player's situation" described above), and the identified quest can be started. This configuration allows even players who are unfamiliar with games to progress smoothly through the game and prevents a decline in their motivation to play the game.

The processes in the above embodiment and modified examples may be executed by at least one of the server 100 and the user terminal, and the execution timing and device are not particularly limited. Furthermore, the functions of the server 100 may be provided entirely on a single server 100, or may be distributed across multiple servers 100.

In the above embodiment and variant examples, a smartphone was used as the user terminal 200, and the game was run using a dedicated application installed on the user terminal 200, but the type of user terminal 200 and the tools used to run the game are not limited to this. For example, a personal computer may be used as the user terminal 200, or the game may be run using a general web browser.

In the above embodiment and modified example, various information input and selection processes can be performed by tapping or other operations on the smartphone's touch panel 262, but the operation methods for performing these processes are not limited to those described above. For example, if a personal computer is used as the user terminal 200, the above processes may be performed by operations such as clicking, dragging, and dropping with a mouse.

The programs for executing the processes in the above embodiments and modified examples may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and provided as such. Furthermore, the above embodiments, other embodiments, and modified examples may be implemented not as a client-server information processing system S, but as an information processing device that stores the above programs and is capable of standalone execution of processes similar to those of the information processing system S, or as an information processing method that realizes each function and step shown in the flowchart.

S Information processing system 50 Training screen 91 Alternative button 100 Server 200 User terminal 286 Game control unit

Claims (1)

a first selection means for selecting an event in response to a selection operation by a user;
a first starting means for starting the event selected by the selection operation in response to a start operation by a user;
a determination means for determining a first object to be given to the user from among objects associated with the event in response to the user playing the event;
a generating means for executing generation control to generate a new third object from material objects, the third object including at least the first object and a second object possessed by a user;
a determining means for determining whether or not the material object required for generating the third object is insufficient in an object possessed by the user ;
causing the computer to function as a second selection means for, when it is determined that the material object is insufficient, selecting an event in which the missing material object can be determined as the first object , without the selection operation, in accordance with a user's situation ;
a program for displaying, on a predetermined display screen, a first operation image relating to an operation for generating the third object when there is no shortage of the material objects, and for displaying, instead of the first operation image, a second operation image relating to an operation for starting the event selected by the second selection means when there is a shortage of the material objects .