JP7776756B2 - Information processing method, information processing system, and program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an information processing method, an information processing system, and a program.

Patent document 1 discloses a program that eliminates lost opportunities to acquire items, etc., related to skipped game progress management units in games where the player progresses by playing game progress management units such as stages, maps, and chapters in order, such as stage-clear type games.

When this program detects a skip operation input, it skips the current game stage and proceeds with the game. At this time, the program sets up an opportunity to acquire the following items in the skipped game stage: (1) objects such as items, weapons, and clothing; (2) parameter values such as points and experience points; and (3) special actions such as techniques, skills, and magic, which would have been acquired if the skipped game stage had been played. These are regarded as lost opportunity rewards, and the program sets up an opportunity to acquire these items in the skipped game stage.

JP 2017-012424 A

However, there is still room for improvement in the functionality of the above-mentioned publicly known technologies.

In light of the above circumstances, this disclosure aims to provide technology that can provide users with a more engaging experience.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is provided. This information processing method includes the following steps: In the game control step, progress of a game consisting of multiple quests is controlled. The quest has a first part and a second part. The first part is a part in which the user can view a story related to the quest using text, audio, video, or a combination of these. The second part is a part in which the quest progresses as the user operates the player character. In the display step, visual information that can identify unread quests is displayed in response to a first input from the user. An unread quest is a quest that was previously played with at least a portion of the first part omitted.

This disclosure makes it possible to provide users with a more engaging experience.

1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information processing device 2 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an activity diagram showing an example of a flow of processing executed by the information processing system 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a top screen 5 in a game. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a game screen 6a. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a game screen 6b. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a game screen 6c. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a game screen 6d. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a setting screen 7a. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a setting screen 7b. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a viewing screen 8a. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a viewing screen 8b. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a viewing screen 8c. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a viewing screen 8d.

[Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

The program for realizing the software featured in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, may be provided as a downloadable medium from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is launched on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

In this embodiment, the term "unit" can also include, for example, hardware resources implemented by circuits in the broad sense, and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. This embodiment handles a variety of information, which can be represented, for example, by physical signal values representing voltage and current, high and low signal values as a collection of binary bits consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations can be performed on circuits in the broad sense.

In a broad sense, a circuit is a circuit realized by at least an appropriate combination of a circuit, circuitry, processor, memory, etc. In other words, it includes application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (e.g., simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), etc.

1. Description of the Game Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. In the information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1, an information processing device 2 and a plurality of game devices 3 are communicably connected to each other via a communication network 11, and a game is executed on the game devices 3. In other words, the information processing system 1 is an information processing system consisting of at least one device.

The game according to this embodiment is an online game executed by the information processing system 1. In this game, a user of the game device 3 controls one or more player characters to act in a virtual game space, and pits the player characters against enemy characters, which are non-player characters. A character is also an example of an object.

The above-described games are played using a game device 3, which may be a home game console such as a PlayStation (registered trademark), a portable game console such as a Nintendo Switch (registered trademark), or an electronic device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet device.

2. Overview of Information Processing System 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the information processing system 1 is composed of an information processing device 2 and multiple game devices 3. The information processing device 2 stores game programs and game data, and manages the game data of the game devices 3 (for each account information described below). The information processing device 2 is composed of, for example, a server. Each of the multiple game devices 3 has the same configuration. Note that in this embodiment, a system is composed of one or more devices or components. Therefore, for example, the information processing device 2 or game device 3 described below alone can also be an example of the information processing system 1.

The game device 3 executes a predetermined game based on user operations. To do so, the game device 3 receives (specifically, downloads and installs) a game program and game data from the information processing device 2 via the communications network 11. Each user is assigned account information, including identification information and a password, that is associated with the game device 3. This account information is transmitted from the game device 3 to the information processing device 2 at login and is used for user authentication on the information processing device 2.

After user authentication, the information processing device 2 and game device 3 become able to communicate with each other. After logging in, the game device 3 receives data necessary for game progress (data related to the game progress status) from the information processing device 2, and then progresses the game while outputting game images and sounds to the display 4a and speaker 4b based on user operations.

2.1 Hardware Configuration Hereinafter, each hardware configuration of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

<Information processing device 2>
1, the information processing device 2 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The communication unit 21 and the storage unit 22 are electrically connected to the control unit 23 via a communication bus 20.

The communication unit 21 is a so-called network interface that is communicatively connected to each game device 3 via a communication network 11 such as the Internet or a LAN. Main information received by the information processing device 2 via the communication unit 21 includes game program download request information, gacha lottery requests in response to user operations, quest execution requests, autoplay execution/end requests, account information, game data, etc. Main information transmitted by the information processing device 2 via the communication unit 21 includes information confirming that the game program has been received by the game device 3, information related to game media obtained through gacha, etc.

The storage unit 22 is composed of a hard disk drive (HDD), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 22 stores various programs, including part of the game program according to this embodiment, as well as various game-related data.

Specifically, for example, the storage unit 22 stores a user DB and a lottery list. The user DB stores, for each identification number of a user playing the game, information such as the user name, user rank, status information related to the player character operated by the user, the amount of consumable media usable in the virtual game space, and information related to parameters, all associated with the user. The lottery list is used for a lottery process commonly known as gacha, and includes multiple pieces of information related to game media to be selected. The lottery list associates information related to the game media (such as name, ability parameters, rarity, and level) with the selection rate in the lottery. Furthermore, the ability parameters include, for example, combat power, HP, attack power, defense power, intelligence, and speed if the game media is a player character.

The control unit 23 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of its own device, the information processing device 2. In particular, the control unit 23 realizes various functions related to its own device, the information processing device 2, by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 22. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically realized by the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, and each of the functional units described below can be executed. Note that the control unit 23 is not limited to being single, and implementation may include multiple control units 23 for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

Examples of information processing executed by the control unit 23 include payment settlement processing, user account authentication processing, and gacha lottery selection processing. Payment settlement processing is executed, for example, based on a request for payment necessary to restore a predetermined amount of in-game parameters. User account authentication processing is executed, for example, using user identification information received from the game device 3. Gacha lottery selection processing is processing in which, in response to a gacha lottery request, one or more game media are selected by lottery from a lottery list based on the selection probability for each game medium. According to the gacha lottery selection processing, information about the selected game media and the identification information of the user who performed the operation that sent the lottery request are associated in the user DB, and the user is thereby awarded the game media that they won as a result of their own gacha draw.

To further expand on the above, "game media" refers to electronic data representing elements related to a game, such as the name of the character used as the player character and items (weapons, armor, tools) used by the player character in the virtual game space. Users can obtain game media through direct purchase, completing quests, or through a lottery system known as gacha. Obtained game media is stored and managed in a user DB in association with the identification information of the user who has acquired the game media. Furthermore, "gacha" is a method in which an information processing device 2 randomly selects game media from a lottery list based on a predetermined selection rate. The selected game media is then granted to the user's game device 3. "Granting game media selected through gacha to a user/owning the user" is synonymous with "associating/being associated with the game media selected through the lottery process with identification information identifying the user."

<Game Device 3>
A display 4a, a speaker 4b, and an input device 4c are externally connected or built into the game device 3. The game device 3 also has a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a control unit 33, a graphics processing unit 34a, an audio processing unit 34b, and an operation unit 34c. The communication unit 31, the storage unit 32, the graphics processing unit 34a, the audio processing unit 34b, and the operation unit 34c are electrically connected to the control unit 33 via a communication bus 30.

The communication unit 31 is a so-called network interface that is communicatively connected to the communication network 11 in order to send and receive various data between the game device 3 and the information processing device 2. Main information received by the game device 3 via the communication unit 31 includes account information, download request information for new game data, a gacha execution request, a quest execution request, etc. Main information transmitted by the game device 3 via the communication unit 31 includes new game data sent from the information processing device 2 in response to download request information, information regarding game media selected by lottery processing, etc.

The storage unit 32 is composed of an HDD, SSD, RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 32 stores game data downloaded from the information processing device 2, various programs including part of the game program, account information for the game device 3 itself, user information, etc. The user information is at least a portion of the information in the user DB stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2. The user DB manages a master of the user information, and the storage unit 32 of the game device 3 stores at least a portion of this master information distributed from the information processing device 2.

The control unit 33 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the game device 3 itself. In particular, the control unit 33 realizes various functions related to the game device 3 itself by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 32. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 32 is specifically realized by the control unit 33, which is an example of hardware, and each of the functional units described below can be executed. Note that the control unit 33 is not limited to being single, and implementation may include multiple control units 33 for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

In particular, the control unit 33 is configured to execute the game in accordance with the operation of the input device 4c by the user of the game device 3, which is the device itself. Specifically, the control unit 33 reads data such as virtual game space objects and textures included in the game data from the storage unit 32, or generates two-dimensional or three-dimensional game image information using data received from the information processing device 2. The game image information is processed by the graphics processing unit 34a, and the processed game images are sequentially displayed on the display 4a. In other words, the control unit 33 is configured to control the display of the display 4a and the audio output of the speaker 4b in accordance with the operation of the user of the game device 3, which is the device itself, when executing the game.

The graphics processing unit 34a renders game images, including characters and various objects related to the virtual game space, in animated format in accordance with game image information output from the control unit 33. The graphics processing unit 34a is connected to the display 4a, which may be, for example, an LCD, and the game images rendered in animated format are displayed on the display 4a as a game screen. The audio processing unit 34b is connected to the speaker 4b and plays and synthesizes game audio in accordance with instructions from the control unit 33, outputting this from the speaker 4b. The operation unit 34c is connected to the input device 4c and transmits and receives data related to operation inputs to and from the input device 4c. The user inputs operation signals to the game apparatus 3 by operating the input device 4c. The input device 4c is a general term for a touch panel integrated with the display 4a, an external game pad, a mouse, a keyboard, etc.

2.2 Functional Configuration Next, the functional configuration of the information processing device 2 of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 23 executes various programs stored in the memory unit 22, thereby functioning as a game control unit 231, a reception unit 232, a calculation unit 233, a display control unit 234, and an assignment unit 235. In other words, information processing by software stored in the memory unit 22 is specifically realized by the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 23.

The game control unit 231 is configured to control the progress of the game. As an example, the game control unit 231 controls the progress of a game consisting of multiple quests as game control steps. Preferably, the game control unit 231 executes a quest consisting of multiple parts. Details will be described below.

The reception unit 232 is configured to receive various data. For example, the reception unit 232 receives user account information, game data, input from the user, etc. from the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2 or the game device 3. In this embodiment, the various information received by the reception unit 232 is described as being stored in the storage unit 22.

The calculation unit 233 is configured to perform various information processing calculations related to the information processing device 2.

The display control unit 234 displays various information stored in the memory unit 32 or screens containing such information on the display 4a of the game device 3 in a visible manner. Specifically, the display control unit 234 may generate visual information itself, such as screens, images (e.g., still images or videos), icons, text, etc., generated in a manner visible to humans, or may generate rendering information for displaying the visual information on the display 4a and transmit this, for example.

The granting unit 235 is configured to grant a reward to the user when the quest is completed based on the user's operation as a granting step. Details will be described later.

3. Operational Flow of Information Processing System 1 This section describes the operational flow of the information processing system 1 described above. Incidentally, a game provided by the information processing system 1 is configured to include multiple quests. Each quest is configured to have a first part and a second part. Specifically, the first part is a part in which a user can view a story related to the quest using text, audio, video, or a combination of these. The second part is a part in which the user progresses through the quest by operating the player character PC. Hereinafter, an example of the second part will be a part in which the player controls the player character PC to battle an enemy character EC and aim to complete the quest, and an example of the first part will be a part in which the user can view a story related to each of the second parts. Furthermore, the quest will be described as having a first part followed by a second part, but this is not limited to this.

3.1 Overview of Information Processing Fig. 3 is an activity diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the information processing system 1. Below, the flow of information processing will be outlined with reference to this activity diagram.

First, the display control unit 234 causes the display 4a of the game device 3 to display the top screen 5 (see FIG. 4), which allows the user to input game-related selections through user operation (activity A001). Specifically, the display control unit 234 causes the display 4a of the game device 3 to display a screen on which the user can select one of "Perform a quest," "Change settings," or "View quests."

The reception unit 232 then receives a first input (e.g., a click, tap, swipe, or selection) from the user via the top screen 5, and the display control unit 234 then displays a screen corresponding to the first input. Specifically, when the reception unit 232 receives the first input of "Perform a quest," the display control unit 234 displays a game screen 6a including a list of quests that the user can perform (see FIG. 5). When the reception unit 232 receives the first input of "Change settings," the display control unit 234 displays a settings screen 7 including a list of settings that the user can change (see FIG. 9). When the reception unit 232 receives the first input of "View quests," the display control unit 234 displays a viewing screen 8 including a list of quests that the user can view (see FIG. 11).

First, we will explain the case where the reception unit 232 receives the first input of "Perform a quest." In this case, as described above, the display control unit 234 displays the game screen 6a including a list of one or more executable quests. The reception unit 232 then receives an input to select a quest to perform in response to a user's operation on the displayed game screen 6a (activity A002).

Next, the game control unit 231 controls the game to start the selected quest based on the input received by the reception unit 232 (activity A003).

The game control unit 231 then determines whether to skip the first part based on the setting information stored in the memory unit 22 (activity A004). If it is determined based on the setting that the first part should not be skipped, the game control unit 231 executes the first part in a manner that allows the user to view it (activity A005). If it is determined based on the setting that the first part should be skipped, the game control unit 231 skips the first part and progresses the game. In this case, the reception unit 232 receives information that the first part has been skipped. In other words, the target quest is stored in the memory unit 22 of the information processing device 2 as a quest that was played with at least a portion of the first part omitted (activity A006).

Furthermore, when the first part is executed in activity A005, the display control unit 234 displays a game screen 6b on which the first part is executed so that it can be viewed by the user (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, during execution of the first part, visual information (e.g., a button, etc.) for terminating execution of the first part midway is superimposed on the screen. For example, when the user presses a button, execution of the first part may be interrupted. That is, the game control unit 231 controls the execution of the first part based on whether or not there is an input for terminating execution of the first part midway (activity A007). More specifically, for example, by a forwarding operation other than an input for terminating execution, such as tapping on an area other than the button on the screen, the lines constituting the story of the first part are advanced sequentially until they are completed, thereby completing the first part. In other words, if there is no input for terminating execution of the first part midway, the game control unit 231 executes the first part to the end. Furthermore, if there is an input for terminating execution of the first part midway, the game control unit 231 terminates execution of the first part midway and allows the game to proceed. In this case, the target quest is stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2 as a quest that was played with at least a portion of the first part omitted (activity A006). On the other hand, when the story of the first part is progressed to the end by a forward operation (in other words, there is no input to end the execution of the first part midway), and the first part is completed, the target quest is not stored in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2.

The game control unit 231 then controls the game to execute the second part (activity A008). Specifically, the game control unit 231 executes the second part so that the player character PC can be controlled by the user and can battle against the enemy character EC. After the second part ends, the display control unit 234 displays the results of the quest (activity A009). Next, the calculation unit 233 executes processing to determine a reward based on the success or failure of the second part, regardless of whether the first part was skipped (activity A010). Note that the reward here refers to game media that can be used in the game and comes in multiple types, such as items, in-game currency, experience points, etc.

If there is a reward to be awarded to the user, the display control unit 234 displays the reward so that it can be seen by the user. Furthermore, if a reward reception setting has been configured, the display control unit 234 displays visual information corresponding to the setting in association with that reward. The reception setting is a setting regarding the method of receiving the reward, and may be configured according to the type of reward, for example, with a first setting in which the reward becomes usable after being awarded, and a second setting in which the reward becomes unusable until a fourth input is made after being awarded. Specifically, for example, if the second setting is configured for "experience points" among the rewards, the display control unit 234 displays visual information corresponding to the second setting near the area where "experience points" are displayed. This allows the user to visually understand the need to change the reception setting.

Next, the reception unit 232 receives input as to whether to receive a reward or change reward reception settings (activity A011). If input to receive a reward is received, the granting unit 235 grants the reward to the user (activity A012), and the display control unit 234 displays the top screen 5. On the other hand, if input to change reward reception settings is received, the display control unit 234 displays the settings screen 7 on which reward reception settings can be set (activity A013). Details of changing reception settings will be described later.

When the reward reception settings are complete, the granting unit 235 grants the reward to the user (activity A014 and activity A012), and the display control unit 234 displays the top screen 5.

Next, we will explain the case where the reception unit 232 receives the first input for "changing settings" on the top screen 5. In this case, as described above, the display control unit 234 displays the settings screen 7, which includes a list of settings that the user can change. As an example, the settings are various game settings, such as whether or not to skip the first part of the game, and reward reception settings. Reward reception settings will be explained below.

As mentioned above, the reward receiving settings include, for example, at least a first setting and a second setting. The receiving unit 232 accepts a determination or change of the receiving settings for each type of reward in response to user operation (activity A013). Specifically, for example, the receiving unit 232 accepts a determination or change to the first setting for "items" and "in-game currency" among rewards, and accepts a determination or change to the second setting for "experience points."

When the settings for receiving rewards, etc. are complete, the display control unit 234 displays the top screen 5.

Finally, we will explain the case where the reception unit 232 receives the first input for "view quest" on the top screen 5. In this case, as described above, the display control unit 234 displays the viewing screen 8, which includes a list of quests that the user can view. Quests that the user can view include, for example, quests that have been performed in the past, and quests that have not been performed but are available. The display control unit 234 also displays visual information that can identify unread quests from the list of quests (activity A015). In other words, an unread quest is a quest that was previously played with at least a portion of the first part omitted, and the display control unit 234 displays visual information that can identify unread quests in response to the first input from the user as a display step.

The game control unit 231 executes the first part of the quest by accepting a second input for the quest (e.g., a click operation, a tap operation, a swipe operation, a selection operation, etc.) from the user (activity A016). In this case, the game control unit 231 controls the game so that the second part of the quest is not executed. In other words, the visual information that can identify an unread quest is configured to allow the user to enter a second input for the unread quest, and the game control unit 231 executes the first part of the unread quest for which the second input was made, without executing the second part, as a game control step. This method allows the user to understand the story in the first part without having to operate the player character PC in the second part, providing a highly convenient experience for the user.

Finally, when viewing of the quest is complete, the display control unit 234 displays the top screen 5.

In summary, the information processing method according to this embodiment includes the following steps: In the game control step, the progress of a game consisting of multiple quests is controlled. The quest has a first part and a second part. The first part is a part in which the user can view a story related to the quest using text, audio, video, or a combination of these. The second part is a part in which the quest progresses as the user operates the player character. In the display step, visual information that identifies an unread quest is displayed in response to a first input from the user. An unread quest is a quest that was previously played with at least a portion of the first part omitted. The information processing system 1 according to this embodiment also includes at least one processor, such as the control unit 23, that is capable of executing a program to perform each step of the information processing method. The program also causes at least one computer to execute each step of the information processing method. This method or aspect can provide users with a more convenient experience.

3.2 Details of Information Processing The details of the information processing outlined above will be explained using figures.

<Top screen>
Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a top screen 5 in a game. The top screen 5 shown in Fig. 4 has at least an area 501 and buttons 502 to 506. The area 501 is an area in which an avatar AB, which is set by the user himself or randomly, is drawn.

The button 502 labeled "Gacha" is used to conduct a lottery called gacha, as explained in [0023] above, and pressing it transitions the top screen 5 to another screen. The button 503 labeled "Formation" is used to form a team, and pressing it transitions the top screen 5 to another screen. Note that formation here may include selecting characters the user wants to use in the game from the game characters they own, their placement, and the order in which they are used. The button 504 labeled "Perform Quest" is used to play a quest, and pressing it transitions the top screen 5 to a game screen 6. The game screen 6 will be described in more detail separately using Figures 5 to 8. The button 505 labeled "View Quest" is used to view quests, and pressing it transitions the top screen 5 to a viewing screen 8. The viewing screen 8 will be described in more detail separately using Figures 11 to 14. The button 506 labeled "Settings" is used to confirm or change various game settings, and pressing it transitions the top screen 5 to a settings screen 7. Settings screen 7 will be described in more detail later using Figures 9 and 10.

<Game screen>
5 to 8 are schematic diagrams showing examples of the game screen 6. The game screen 6a shown in Fig. 5 is a screen that displays a list of one or more executable quests among the game screens 6, and has at least areas 601 to 604, rectangular buttons 605 to 608, and displays 609 and 610.

Button 605 is configured to have area 601 and display 609. Area 601 is an area where the name of the quest, "1-1 Fire King's Challenge," and an icon corresponding to that quest are displayed. Display 609 depicts "Cleared" as identifiable visual information to correspond to "1-1 Fire King's Challenge" that has already been cleared. Button 605 is configured so that when pressed, the "1-1 Fire King's Challenge" quest is executed.

Button 606 is configured to have an area 602 and a display 609. Area 602 is an area where the name of the quest, "1-2 The One Who Bears the Name of Osa," and an icon corresponding to that quest are displayed. Display 609 depicts "Cleared" as identifiable visual information to correspond to "1-2 The One Who Bears the Name of Osa" that has already been cleared. Button 606 is configured so that when pressed, the quest "1-2 The One Who Bears the Name of Osa" is executed.

Button 607 is configured to have an area 603 and a display 609. Area 603 is an area where the name of the quest, "1-3 Feast of the Strong," and an icon corresponding to that quest are displayed. Display 609 displays "Cleared" as identifiable visual information to correspond to "1-3 Feast of the Strong" that has already been cleared. Button 607 is configured so that when pressed, the quest "1-3 Feast of the Strong" is executed.

Button 608 is configured to have an area 604 and a display 610. Area 604 is an area where the quest name "1-4 Where is the Great Buddha" and an icon corresponding to that quest are displayed. Display 610 depicts "Not Cleared" as identifiable visual information to correspond to "1-4 Where is the Great Buddha" that has not yet been cleared. Button 608 is configured so that when pressed, the quest "1-4 Where is the Great Buddha" is executed.

In this way, by visually checking the game screen 6a, the user can see at a glance which quests they have completed and which quests they have not yet completed.

The game screen 6b shown in Figure 6 is an example of the game screen 6 that depicts the first part to be executed, and includes at least areas 611 to 615 and button 616.

Area 611 displays the name of the quest being performed, "1-4 Where is the Great Buddha?". Areas 612-615 are areas in which text, characters, videos, or a combination of these are rendered, allowing the user to view the story related to the quest. Area 612 renders the text "Kai-san!!!" and a character corresponding to the text, area 613 renders the text "Eh! What! Kai-san? What was that just now..." and a character corresponding to the text, area 614 renders the text "I didn't hear very well what you were saying, but that must have been..." and a character corresponding to the text, and area 615 renders the text "It's one of those genius designs that's popular right now, isn't it?" and a character corresponding to the text. In this manner, the user can view the story related to the quest.

Button 616 has the text "Skip" drawn on it. Button 616 is configured so that pressing it can end the first part in progress. The following explanation will be given assuming that button 616 has been pressed, and part of the first part of "1-4 Where is the Great Buddha?" has been omitted.

Game screen 6c shown in Figure 7 is an example of a screen that depicts the second part of the game screen 6 being executed, and includes at least area 611 and area 617. Area 611 displays the name of the quest being executed, "1-4 Where is the Great Buddha?" Area 617 is an area that depicts the player characters PC and enemy characters EC, and as an example, depicts a scene in which player characters PC consisting of a party of four are battling enemy characters EC, who are monsters. The following explanation will be given assuming that the second part of "1-4 Where is the Great Buddha?" has been cleared.

The game screen 6d shown in Figure 8 is an example of a screen within the game screen 6 that depicts the results of a quest, and includes at least areas 618-624, a display 625, and a button 626.

Area 618 is an area where the quest result is drawn, and it reads "Quest Cleared!!". Area 619 is an area that shows the name of the quest corresponding to the quest result, and it reads "1-4 Where is the Great Buddha?" and an icon corresponding to that quest. Area 620 is an area where the reward given to the user depending on the quest result is drawn, and areas 621-624, display 625, and button 626 are drawn so that they are included in area 620.

Game screen 6d shows the reward that will be awarded to the user upon clearing the second part. As mentioned above, the "1-4 Where is the Great Buddha" quest is played with part of the first part omitted. In other words, in the awarding step, the awarding unit 235 awards a reward to the user when the second part is cleared, regardless of whether the first part of the quest was omitted.

Area 621 is an area that visually indicates to the user that in-game currency will be awarded as a reward, and depicts a mark containing a "Z" representing in-game currency and the amount "50,000" that will be awarded.

Area 622 is an area that visually indicates to the user that a drop item will be awarded as a reward, and depicts "Drop Item" and three types of icons representing each of the target items. Additionally, area 622 depicts display 625. Display 625 is an icon that visually indicates to the user that the reward reception setting is the second setting. By depicting display 625 near the reward to be awarded, the user can recognize that the reward reception setting is the second setting.

Area 623 is an area that visually indicates to the user that a first-time clear reward will be awarded, and displays "first-time clear reward" and two types of icons representing the target items.

Area 624 is an area that visually indicates to the user that experience points will be awarded as a reward, and depicts "experience points" and the amount of "12,000" to be awarded. Furthermore, area 624 depicts display 625. Display 625 is an icon that visually indicates to the user that the reward reception setting is the second setting. By depicting display 625 near the reward to be awarded, the user can recognize that the reward reception setting is the second setting.

Button 626 is depicted as "Receipt Settings" and is configured so that, when pressed, it transitions to settings screen 7, where reward receipt settings can be set. In other words, the reception unit 232 receives reward receipt settings in the reception step after the quest is completed and before the reward is awarded. This method gives the user the opportunity to reconsider their reward receipt settings when receiving the reward, providing a highly convenient experience.

<Settings screen>
9 and 10 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the settings screen 7. The settings screen 7a shown in FIG. 9 is a screen on which the user can determine or change the reward reception settings for quests. The settings screen 7a includes at least areas 701-705, displays 706-707, and buttons 708-709. The user can determine or change the reward reception settings by performing a third input (e.g., a click, tap, swipe, or selection) via the settings screen 7a. In other words, the reception unit 232 receives a third input, including settings related to rewards, as a reception step. Furthermore, the reward reception settings may be set before a quest is performed. In other words, the reward reception settings may be determined in advance according to the type of reward. This method allows the reward reception settings to be set in advance according to the type of reward, providing the user with a highly convenient experience.

The reward reception settings are settings related to the method of receiving the reward, and may include, for example, at least a first setting and a second setting. The first setting allows the reward to be used after it is awarded, while the second setting prevents the reward from being used until a fourth input (e.g., a click, tap, swipe, or select) is made after it is awarded. In other words, the reward reception settings include at least a first setting that allows the reward to be used after it is awarded, and a second setting that prevents the reward from being used until a fourth input is made after it is awarded. This method allows users to set rewards and distinguish between rewards that they want to make available immediately and rewards that they want to put on hold for a while, providing a more convenient experience for users. In particular, some games have a limit on the number of rewards that can be held in a usable state. It is preferable for users to set the first or second setting appropriately for the rewards they have obtained so as not to reach this limit.

Area 701 is an area for determining or changing reward receipt settings for each reward type, and includes areas 702-705, displays 706-707, and buttons 708-709. Area 701 has a table that associates displays 706-707, which depict reward receipt settings, and buttons 708-709 for each of areas 702-705 that indicate reward types.

Area 702 visually indicates to the user that the user can confirm or change the in-game currency receiving setting among the rewards, and is marked with a "Z" symbol, indicating in-game currency. Corresponding to area 702, display 706 is displayed to the right of area 702, along with button 708. Display 706 indicates the selected state of the reward receiving setting and is marked "Receive Immediately." Button 708 is marked with "To Gift Box" and a corresponding icon, and is configured to confirm or change the reward receiving setting when pressed. This allows the user to understand from display 706 that the first setting, in which the in-game currency is usable after the reward is awarded, is selected. Furthermore, pressing button 708 allows the user to understand that the second setting, in which the in-game currency is unusable until further input after the reward is awarded, can be selected. If the user wishes to change the in-game currency receiving setting, pressing button 708 changes the in-game currency receiving setting from the first setting to the second setting. The details of what happens when button 708 is pressed will be described later.

Area 703 visually indicates to the user that the reward selection setting for the first clear reward can be confirmed or changed, and is labeled "First Clear Reward." Corresponding to area 703, display 706 is displayed to the right of area 703, along with button 708. Display 706 indicates the selected status of the reward selection setting and is labeled "Receive Immediately." Button 708 displays "To Gift Box" and a corresponding icon, and is configured to confirm or change the reward selection setting when pressed. This allows the user to understand from display 706 that the first clear reward is in the first setting, which allows the reward to be used after it is awarded. Furthermore, pressing button 708 allows the user to understand that the second setting, which prevents the first clear reward from being used until further input is made after it is awarded, can be changed. If the user wishes to change the first clear reward selection setting, pressing button 708 changes the in-game currency selection setting from the first setting to the second setting. The detailed behavior when button 708 is pressed is substantially the same as when the in-game currency receiving setting is changed from the first setting to the second setting.

Area 704, which is an area visually indicating that the user can confirm or change the drop item reception setting among the rewards, is depicted as "Dropped Item." Corresponding to area 704, display 707 is depicted on the right side of area 704, along with button 709. Display 707 indicates the selected state of the reward reception setting, depicting "To Present Box" and its corresponding icon. Button 709 is depicted as "Receive Immediately" and is configured to confirm or change the reward reception setting when pressed. This allows the user to understand from display 707 that the second setting, in which the dropped item cannot be used after the reward is awarded until further input, is active. Furthermore, by pressing button 709, the user can understand that the first setting, in which the dropped item can be used after the reward is awarded, can be changed. If the user wishes to change the drop item reception setting, pressing button 709 changes the drop item reception setting from the second setting to the first setting. The details of what happens when button 709 is pressed will be described later.

Area 705, which is an area visually indicating that the user can determine or change the experience point reception setting for rewards, is depicted as "Experience Points." Corresponding to area 705, display 707 is depicted to the right of area 705, and button 709 is also provided. Display 707 indicates the selected state of the reward reception setting, depicting "To Present Box" and its corresponding icon. Button 709 is depicted as "Receive Immediately" and is configured to determine or change the reward reception setting when pressed. This allows the user to understand from display 707 that the second setting, in which dropped items cannot be used after being awarded until further input, is selected. Furthermore, by pressing button 709, the user can understand that the first setting, in which dropped items can be used after being awarded, can be selected. If the user wishes to change the experience point reception setting, pressing button 709 changes the experience point reception setting from the second setting to the first setting. The detailed behavior when button 709 is pressed is substantially the same as when the drop item reception setting is changed from the second setting to the first setting.

The settings screen 7b shown in Figure 10 has a configuration similar to that of the settings screen 7a, and shows a state in which user input has been accepted via the settings screen 7a, and reward reception settings have been changed. Specifically, the reception settings for "in-game currency" and "dropped items" among the rewards have been changed.

In more detail, first, on the settings screen 7a, button 708 corresponding to "In-game Currency" depicted in area 702 is pressed. As a result, as shown on the settings screen 7b, display 707 is drawn corresponding to the "In-game Currency" depicted in area 702, and button 709 is provided. Display 707 depicts "To Present Box" and a corresponding icon. Additionally, button 709 depicts "Receive Immediately," and is configured to confirm or change the reward receipt setting when pressed. In this manner, the in-game currency receipt setting is changed from the first setting to the second setting.

Furthermore, on the settings screen 7a, button 709 corresponding to the "Dropped Item" drawn in area 704 is pressed. As a result, as shown in the settings screen 7b, display 706 is drawn corresponding to the "Dropped Item" drawn in area 704, and button 708 is provided. Display 706 is drawn as "Receive Immediately." Furthermore, button 708 is drawn as "To Present Box" and a corresponding icon, and is configured to confirm or change the reward receipt setting when pressed. In this manner, the drop item receipt setting is changed from the second setting to the first setting. In other words, the user can decide the reward receipt setting to the first setting or the second setting via the settings screen 7, and can also change the reward receipt setting from the first setting to the second setting or from the second setting to the first setting.

<Viewing screen>
11 to 14 are schematic diagrams showing examples of the viewing screen 8. The viewing screen 8a shown in Fig. 11 is an example of the viewing screen 8 that displays a list of all quests that the user can view, and has at least areas 801 to 805, buttons 806 to 809, displays 810 to 811, and buttons 812 to 813.

Area 801 has areas 802-805, buttons 806-809, and display 810, and is an area that displays a list of all quests that the user can view.

Button 806 is provided to have area 802. Area 802 is an area that displays the name of the quest, "1-1 Fire King's Challenge," and an icon corresponding to that quest. Pressing button 806 allows the first part of the quest, "1-1 Fire King's Challenge," to be viewed.

Button 807 is configured to have area 803 and display 810. Area 803 is an area where the name of the quest, "1-2 The One Who Bears the Name of Osa," and an icon corresponding to that quest are displayed. Display 810 is rendered as "Unread." In other words, display 810 indicates, as identifiable visual information, that the quest was played with at least part of the first part of "1-2 The One Who Bears the Name of Osa" omitted. Button 807 is configured so that, when pressed, the first part of the quest "1-2 The One Who Bears the Name of Osa" can be viewed.

Button 808 is provided to have area 804. Area 804 is an area that displays the name of the quest, "1-3: Feast of the Strong," and an icon corresponding to that quest. Pressing button 808 allows the first part of the quest, "1-3: Feast of the Strong," to be viewed.

Button 809 is configured to have area 805 and display 810. Area 805 is an area where the quest name "1-4 Where is the Great Buddha" and an icon corresponding to that quest are written. Display 810 is rendered as "Unread." In other words, display 810 indicates, as identifiable visual information, that the quest was played with at least part of the first part of "1-4 Where is the Great Buddha" omitted. Button 809 is configured so that, when pressed, the first part of the quest "1-4 Where is the Great Buddha" can be viewed.

Display 811 is rendered as "Show all," indicating that all quests available for the user to view are rendered in area 801.

Button 812 is configured to be drawn with the words "Unread only" and, when pressed, to draw in area 801 only the unread quests that the user can view.

Button 813 is displayed with the words "Show Related Quests" and, when pressed, displays unread quests and specific quests that the user can view in area 801. Details of specific quests will be described later.

The viewing screen 8b shown in Figure 12 is an example of a screen that displays a list of only unread quests that the user can view. Specifically, the list of only unread quests shows "1-2 The One Who Bears the Name of Osa" and "1-4 Where is the Great Buddha?", which are quests that were played with at least part of the first part omitted. Note that a description of the same configuration as the viewing screen 8a will be omitted.

As an example, accepting user input via viewing screen 8a transitions viewing screen 8a to viewing screen 8b. Specifically, when button 812 is pressed on viewing screen 8a, the rendering of area 801 changes to include areas 803, 805, buttons 807, and 809, as shown on viewing screen 8b. Furthermore, as shown on viewing screen 8b, display 811 is replaced with button 814, and button 812 is replaced with display 815. Button 814 is rendered as "Show all," and when pressed, all quests available to the user are rendered in area 801. Display 815 is rendered as "Unread only," indicating that only unread quests available to the user are rendered in area 801. Note that, as shown on viewing screen 8b, display 810 on viewing screen 8a is not rendered because the only quests displayed in area 801 are unread quests. In other words, the display control unit 234 displays only unread quests as visual information in a display step. This method makes it easy to identify unread quests, providing the user with a highly convenient experience.

The viewing screen 8c shown in Figure 13 illustrates an example screen that displays a list of quests that the user can view, including visual information that distinguishes between unread quests and specific quests. In other words, the display control unit 234, as a display step, visually displays unread quests and specific quests, which are at least some of the quests that have been read. A specific quest is a read quest that satisfies a predetermined condition with respect to an unread quest, and a read quest is a quest whose entire first part has been previously viewed and played. The predetermined condition is that the first part of the specific quest is pre-associated with the first part of an unread quest. The pre-associated relationship means that all or part of the story of a first part is connected and related to all or part of the story of another first part. For example, the first part of the specific quest may include a story that foreshadows the first part of an unread quest. To understand the game's story, it is recommended that the user read each of the related first parts together. This method makes it possible to identify previously read quests that are recommended to be read in conjunction with unread quests, thereby providing a highly convenient experience for the user. It also makes it possible to identify previously read quests that contain stories that are related to unread quests (for example, foreshadowing), thereby providing a highly convenient experience for the user. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the first part of the previously read quest "1-3 The Feast of the Strong" is pre-set to be related to the first part of the unread quest "1-4 Where is the Great Buddha?". In other words, "1-3 The Feast of the Strong" corresponds to a specific quest.

The list of quests shown on viewing screen 8c is rendered so that the user can distinguish "1-2 The One Who Bears the Name of Osa" and "1-4 Where is the Great Buddha?" as unread quests, and so that the user can distinguish "1-3 The Feast of the Strong" as a specific quest. Note that a description of the same configuration as viewing screen 8a will be omitted.

As an example, by accepting user input via viewing screen 8a, viewing screen 8a transitions to viewing screen 8c. More specifically, when button 813 is pressed on viewing screen 8a, the rendering changes to further include display 817, as shown on viewing screen 8c. Furthermore, as shown on viewing screen 8c, display 811 is replaced with button 814, and button 813 is replaced with display 816. Button 814 is rendered as "Show all," and when pressed, all quests available to the user are rendered in area 801. Display 816 is rendered as "Related display," and indicates that a list of quests available to the user is rendered in area 801, including visual information that enables the user to distinguish between unread quests and specific quests.

Display 817 is rendered as "1-4 Related." In other words, display 817 indicates, as identifiable visual information, that the first part of "1-3 The Strong's Banquet" is related to the first part of "1-4 Where is the Great Buddha?"

Viewing screen 8d shown in Figure 14 shows an example screen in which button 808 on viewing screen 8c has been pressed, and the first part of "1-3: The Strong's Feast" corresponding to button 808 is being executed. Viewing screen 8d has at least areas 818-822, display 823, and button 824.

Area 818 displays the name of the quest being performed, "1-3: Feast of the Strong." Areas 819-822 are areas where text, characters, videos, or a combination of these are displayed to allow the user to view the story related to the quest. Area 819 displays the text "Hey, how are you?" and the character corresponding to the text. Area 820 displays the text "Welcome! I'm in great spirits!" and the character corresponding to the text. Area 821 displays the text "Let's have a feast today!" and the character corresponding to the text. Area 822 displays the text "I'm getting ready to go to a tropical country..." and the character corresponding to the text, along with display 817. The text in area 822 is displayed in a bold, underlined font, highlighted compared to the text in areas 819-821. Display 823 is rendered as "1-4 Related," indicating to the user that the content of the text written in area 822 is related to the content of Part 1 of "1-4 Where is the Great Buddha?" In other words, as a game control step, the game control unit 231 progresses the game in such a way that related parts of Part 1 included in the specific quest can be identified. This method makes it easy to identify story parts that may be foreshadowing unread quests, providing the user with a highly convenient experience.

Button 824 is provided and is labeled "Skip." Pressing button 824 allows the first part currently being executed to be terminated midway.

[others]
The information processing system 1 according to the above-described embodiment may be configured as follows.

In the above embodiment, the quest was described as having a first part followed by a second part, but this is not limited to this, and the first part may be provided after the second part.

In the above embodiment, the quest was described as having one first part and one second part, but this is not limited to this, and the quest may be a combination of first and second parts. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first part is a part in which the user can view a story related to the quest using text, audio, video, or a combination of these, and the second part is a part in which the quest progresses by the user operating the player character PC. However, this is not limited to this, and the content of the first and second parts may be composed of various types. For example, a quest may be such that the first part is executed after the second part is executed using a combination of text and audio, and then the first part is executed using video. Furthermore, for example, games in which the player progresses by clearing the second part may include fighting games, action games, shooting games, simulation games, board games, puzzle games, racing games, music games, etc., and multiple second parts of different genres may be combined. Even in such a configuration, it is preferable that the quest includes at least one first part and one second part.

In the above embodiment, the reward receiving setting was described as being able to be set to either the first setting or the second setting, but this is not limited to this, and settings other than the first and second settings may also be able to be set. For example, there may be a setting to immediately discard the reward without receiving it.

In the above embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when changing reward receipt settings after completing a quest and before the reward is awarded, pressing button 626 transitions from the screen depicting the quest results to a screen where reward receipt settings can be configured. However, this is not limited to this. Specifically, for example, receipt settings may be changed individually for each reward on the screen depicting the quest results. As one example, the setting may be changed to the second setting by performing an input (e.g., click, tap, swipe, select, drag-and-drop, etc.) on an icon corresponding to a reward that has been set to the first setting. In the case of a drag-and-drop operation, the setting may be changed to the second setting by dragging the icon corresponding to the reward and dropping it over an icon corresponding to the second setting. As another example, the screen depicting the quest results may be configured to use two areas, one corresponding to the first setting and the other corresponding to the second setting. In this case, the reward receipt settings may be changed by the user moving an icon corresponding to a reward placed in one area to the other area.

In the above embodiment, the reward was described as a game medium. However, the reward is not limited to an object or medium, and may be an advantageous effect or right granted to the user. Rewards may include, for example, digital assets issued as NFTs, virtual currency, game medium usable in the game, or items usable in the virtual space. Furthermore, advantageous effects granted to the user include effects that enhance the user's interest in the virtual space compared to normal times. In other words, advantageous effects include effects that enhance the user's interest in the virtual space through the user's five senses, such as displaying special visual effects on the display 4a, enhancing the image display, generating special background music or sound effects, or adding vibrations to the input device 4c. Furthermore, rights include at least advantageous rights in the real world, such as the right to enter a predetermined lottery, the right to hold a predetermined lottery, the right to pre-order, or the right to a special discount.

In the above embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 13, the identifiable visual information indicating an unread quest is described as a display that shows "Unread" in association with the name of the target quest, but this is not limited to this. Specifically, for example, it may be a mark such as an icon, or the name of the unread quest may be highlighted (for example, the font may be bold, underlined, a different color from other text, highlighted, or a combination of these), or quests other than unread quests may be displayed in an inconspicuous manner (for example, grayed out, etc.).

In the above embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the identifiable visual information indicating a specific quest is described as a display in which a description including "related" is drawn in association with the name of the target quest, but this is not limited to this. Specifically, for example, it may be a display in which a mark such as an icon is added, or the name of the specific quest may be highlighted (for example, a font that is bold, underlined, a different color from other descriptions, highlighted, or a combination of these).

In the above embodiment, four quests were used: "1-1 Challenge from the Fire King," "1-2 The One Who Bears the Name of Osa," "1-3 The Feast of the Strong," and "1-4 Where is the Great Buddha?" However, this is not limited to this, and the game may have a larger number of quests, or may be divided into multiple chapters with each chapter having multiple quests. Furthermore, in a game divided into multiple chapters with each chapter having multiple quests, the specific quest may, for example, correspond to all read quests that belong to the same chapter as the unread quest, or may correspond to read quests that are between an unread quest and other unread quests in the same chapter.

In the above embodiment, the manner in which related portions of the first part included in a specific quest can be identified is described as highlighting the font with bold underlining and displaying a display that includes the word "related," but this is not limited to this. Specifically, for example, if the first part includes audio or is audio only, the audio in the related portions may be emphasized (for example, by increasing the volume or lowering the volume of non-audio content to make the audio easier to hear) or may be emphasized with sound effects. Also, a mark such as an icon may be added, or the font describing the related portions may be highlighted (for example, by bolding the font, underlining it, using a different color from the other text, adding a highlight, or a combination of these).

In the above embodiment, when the first part of a specific quest is executed via the viewing screen 8, it is described without specifying which part of the first part to start from. However, for example, it is also possible to start from a related part, or to execute only the parts before and after the related part.

At least one of the devices included in the information processing system 1 may be installed outside Japan. For example, the information processing device 2 may be installed outside Japan, and a user in Japan may access the information processing device 2 using their own game device 3, or the information processing device 2 may be installed in Japan, and a user outside Japan may access the information processing device 2 using their own game device 3. This type of configuration allows for a more engaging experience to be provided to users through a variety of management formats.

In this embodiment, the game control unit 231, reception unit 232, calculation unit 233, display control unit 234, and assignment unit 235 are described as functional units implemented by the control unit 23 of the information processing device 2, but at least some of these may be implemented as functional units implemented by the control unit 33 of the game device 3. Furthermore, the various information described in the above example may be stored in a distributed manner not only in the storage unit 22 of the information processing device 2, but also in other external devices. In such cases, distributed ledger management based on blockchain or the like may be used.

Furthermore, it may be provided in the following forms:

(1) An information processing method comprising the following steps: a game control step controls the progress of a game consisting of a plurality of quests, wherein the quests have a first part and a second part, the first part being a part in which a user can view a story related to the quest using text, audio, video, or a combination thereof, and the second part being a part in which the quest progresses as the user operates a player character; and a display step displays visual information that can identify unread quests in response to a first input from the user, wherein the unread quests are quests that have been played in the past with at least a portion of the first part omitted.

This method allows users to have a more convenient experience.

(2) In the information processing method described in (1) above, the visual information is configured to allow the user to input a second input for the unread quest, and in the game control step, the first part of the unread quest for which the second input has been made is executed without executing the second part.

This method allows the user to understand the story in the first part without having to operate the player character in the second part, providing a highly convenient experience.

(3) In the information processing method described in (1) or (2) above, in the display step, only the unread quests among the quests are displayed in a listable manner as the visual information.

This method makes it easy to identify unread quests, providing users with a highly convenient experience.

(4) In the information processing method described in (1) or (2) above, the display step displays, as the visual information, the unread quests and specific quests that are at least some of the read quests, from among the quests, wherein the read quests are quests from among the quests whose first parts have been viewed and played in their entirety in the past, and the specific quests are the read quests that satisfy a predetermined condition with respect to the unread quests.

This method allows you to identify read quests that are recommended to be read along with unread quests, providing users with a highly convenient experience.

(5) In the information processing method described in (4) above, the predetermined condition is that the first part of the specific quest is pre-set to be related to the first part of the unread quest.

This method allows users to identify read quests that contain stories that are related to unread quests (for example, foreshadowing), providing a highly convenient experience for users.

(6) In the information processing method described in (5) above, the game control step progresses the game so that the relevant parts of the first part included in the specific quest can be identified.

This method allows users to easily grasp story parts that may be foreshadowing unread quests, providing a highly convenient experience.

(7) In the information processing method described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the granting step further grants a reward to the user when the second part of the quest is cleared, regardless of whether the first part of the quest is skipped or not, and the receiving step receives a third input including settings related to the reward, wherein the settings include at least a first setting in which the reward is usable after being granted, and a second setting in which the reward is unusable after being granted until a fourth input is received.

This method allows you to configure reward settings and separate rewards that you want to be able to use immediately from rewards that you want to put on hold for a while, providing users with a highly convenient experience.

(8) In the information processing method described in (7) above, the setting is determined in advance depending on the type of reward.

This method allows users to pre-configure reward receipt settings by reward type, providing a highly convenient experience.

(9) In the information processing method described in (7) or (8) above, the receiving step receives the settings after the quest is completed and before the reward is awarded.

This method allows users to have the opportunity to reconsider their reward receiving settings when receiving a reward, providing a highly convenient experience.

(10) An information processing system consisting of at least one device, the system having at least one processor capable of executing a program to perform each step of the information processing method described in any one of (1) to (9) above.

This approach allows users to enjoy a more convenient experience.

(11) A program that causes at least one computer to execute each step of the information processing method described in any one of (1) to (9) above.

According to this aspect, it is possible to provide the user with a more convenient experience.
Of course, this is not the case.

Finally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The novel embodiments may be embodied in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. Such embodiments and their variations are intended to fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure, as well as the disclosure and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

1: Information processing system 11: Communication network 2: Information processing device 20: Communication bus 21: Communication unit 22: Memory unit 23: Control unit 231: Game control unit 232: Reception unit 233: Calculation unit 234: Display control unit 235: Granting unit 3: Game device 30: Communication bus 31: Communication unit 32: Memory unit 33: Control unit 34a: Graphics processing unit 34b: Audio processing unit 34c: Operation unit 4a: Display 4b: Speaker 4c: Input device 5: Top screen 501: Area 502: Button 503: Button 504: Button 505: Button 506: Button 6: Game screen 6a: Game screen 6b: Game screen 6c: Game screen 6d: Game screen 601: Area 602: Area 603: Area 604: Area 605: Button 606 : Button 607 : Button 608 : Button 609 : Display 610 : Display 611 : Area 612 : Area 613 : Area 614 : Area 615 : Area 616 : Button 617 : Area 618 : Area 619 : Area 620 : Area 621 : Area 622 : Area 623 : Area 624 : Area 625 : Display 626 : Button 7 : Setting screen 7a : Setting screen 7b : Setting screen 701 : Area 702 : Area 703 : Area 704 : Area 705 : Area 706 : Display 707 : Display 708 : Button 709 : Button 8 : Viewing screen 8a : Viewing screen 8b : Viewing screen 8c : Viewing screen 8d : Viewing screen 801 : Area 802 : Area 803 : Area 804 : Area 805 : Area 806 : Button 807 : Button 808 : Button 809 : Button 810 : Display 811 : Display 812 : Button 813 : Button 814 : Button 815 : Display 816 : Display 817 : Display 818 : Area 819 : Area 820 : Area 821 : Area 822 : Area 823 : Display 824 : Button AB : Avatar EC : Enemy character PC : Player character

Claims (6)

An information processing method, comprising:
It includes the following steps:
In the game control step, the progress of the game consisting of multiple quests is controlled.
the quest has a first part and a second part;
The first part is a part that allows a user to view a story about the quest using text, audio, video, or a combination thereof;
the second part is a part in which the quest progresses by the user operating a player character,
In the display step, visual information for identifying an unread quest is displayed in response to a first input from the user, wherein the unread quest is a quest that has been played in the past with at least a part of the first part omitted,
In the display step, the unread quests and specific quests that are at least some of the read quests are displayed as the visual information, among the quests,
The already-read quest is a quest of which the first part has been read and played in its entirety in the past,
The specific quest is the read quest that satisfies a predetermined condition with respect to the unread quest,
The method , wherein the predetermined condition is that the first part of the specific quest is pre-set to be related to the first part of the unread quest . 2. The information processing method according to claim 1,
the visual information is configured to allow the user to input a second input for the unread quest;
In the game control step, the first part of the unread quest for which the second input has been made is executed without executing the second part. 2. The information processing method according to claim 1,
In the display step, only the unread quests among the quests are displayed in a listable manner as the visual information. 2. The information processing method according to claim 1 ,
In the game control step, the game is progressed so that the relevant part of the first part included in the specific quest can be identified. An information processing system comprising at least one device,
A system comprising at least one processor capable of executing a program to perform each step of the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . A program,
A program causing at least one computer to execute each step of the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .