JP7778328B2 - Game system, terminal device, game server, game control method and game program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a game system, a terminal device, a game server, a game control method, and a game program.

Game transfer using a transfer code is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 5978379

Enables you to restore the game.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[1]
A game system comprising a terminal device and a game server, both of which cooperate to progress a game,
the terminal device includes a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
the game server includes a second means for generating a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information,
the game server comprises a third means for storing recovery information for restoring a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
the game server includes a fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device;
the terminal device comprises a fifth means for generating and storing a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code transmitted from the game server;
the terminal device further comprises sixth means for specifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction given to the terminal device by a user;
the terminal device comprises seventh means for transmitting to the game server a recovery request including the recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information;
the game server comprises an eighth means for determining whether to approve the recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the recovery request matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the recovery code included in the recovery request;
the game server comprises a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is permitted;
The terminal device may further comprise a tenth means for restoring the game based on the restoration information.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[2]
A game system comprising a terminal device and a game server, both of which cooperate to progress a game,
the terminal device includes a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
the game server includes a second means for generating a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information,
the game server comprises a third means for storing recovery information for restoring a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
the game server includes a fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device;
the terminal device comprises a fifth means for generating and storing a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code transmitted from the game server;
the terminal device further comprises sixth means for specifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction given to the terminal device by a user;
the terminal device includes seventh means for transmitting a restoration request to the game server, the restoration request including the specified restoration image and the terminal identification information;
the game server comprises an eighth means for determining whether to approve the restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the restoration request matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
the game server comprises a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is permitted;
The terminal device comprises a tenth means for restoring the game based on the restoration information.

[3]
Progression in the game involves obtaining game media,
The fifth means generates the restored image including an image corresponding to the game medium.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[4]
A game system comprising a terminal device and a game server, both of which cooperate to progress a game,
the terminal device includes a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
the game server includes a second means for generating a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code;
the game server comprises a third means for storing recovery information for restoring a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
the game server includes a fourth means for transmitting the restored image to the terminal device;
the terminal device includes a fifth means for storing a restored image transmitted from the game server;
the terminal device further comprises sixth means for specifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction given to the terminal device by a user;
the terminal device includes seventh means for transmitting a restoration request to the game server, the restoration request including the specified restoration image and the terminal identification information;
the game server comprises an eighth means for determining whether to approve the restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the restoration request matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
the game server comprises a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is permitted;
The terminal device comprises a tenth means for restoring the game based on the restoration information.

[5]
In the game system according to any one of [1] to [4], preferably,
the third means stores first status information indicating whether the restored image has been saved in association with the restoration code;
the fifth means transmits storage completion information to the game server in response to the storage of the restored image;
The third means updates the first status information in response to receiving the storage completion information,
The eighth means determines whether or not to permit the game to be restored based on the first status information as well.

[6]
In the game system according to any one of [1] to [4], preferably,
the third means stores second status information indicating whether or not the game has been restored in association with the restoration code;
the tenth means transmits restoration completion information to the game server in response to the restoration of the game;
the third means updates the second status information in response to receiving the restoration completion information;
The eighth means determines whether or not to permit the game to be restored based on the second status information as well.

[7]
In the game system according to any one of [1] to [4], preferably,
the tenth means transmits restoration completion information to the game server in response to the restoration of the game;
The third means deletes the recovery code stored in the storage unit in response to receiving the recovery completion information.

[8]
In the game system according to any one of [1] to [7], preferably,
the second means is capable of generating a plurality of recovery codes for one piece of terminal identification information,
the third means stores a plurality of user accounts in association with one piece of terminal identification information, and stores a recovery code and recovery information in association with each of the plurality of user accounts;
the fifth means is capable of generating a recovery image corresponding to each recovery code;
The sixth means presents two or more of the stored restored images to the user and specifies the restored image selected by the user.

[9]
In the game system according to any one of [1] to [8], preferably,
The sixth means presents to the user the selected restoration image and information corresponding to the restoration information associated with the restoration code associated with the restoration image.

[10]
In the game system according to any one of [1] to [9], preferably,
the fifth means is capable of outputting the restored image from the terminal device to an external device,
The sixth means specifies the restored image by using a camera provided in the terminal device to capture the restored image shown on a medium different from that of the terminal device.

[11]
In the game system according to any one of [1] to [10], preferably,
The restored image includes a QR code.

[12]
In the game system according to any one of [1] to [11], preferably,
When the terminal device is initialized, the terminal identification information is updated.

[13]
In the game system according to any one of [1] to [12], preferably,
the ninth means sets a validity period and transmits the recovery information to the terminal device;
The tenth means restores the game based on the restoration information only within the validity period.

[14]
In the game system according to any one of [1] to [13], preferably,
the game is realized by installing a game program on the terminal device;
The restoration image saved by the fifth means is not deleted even when the game program is uninstalled.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[15]
A game control method in a game system including a terminal device and a game server, in which the two devices cooperate to progress a game, comprising:
The terminal device transmits terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server,
The game server generates a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information,
The game server stores recovery information for restoring the game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
The game server transmits the recovery code to the terminal device,
The terminal device generates and stores a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code transmitted from the game server,
the terminal device specifies the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from the user to the terminal device;
the terminal device transmits to the game server a recovery request including the recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information;
the game server determines whether to permit recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the recovery request matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the recovery code included in the recovery request;
When the game server determines that the game should be restored, the game server transmits the restoration information to the terminal device;
A game control method is provided in which the terminal device restores the game based on the restoration information.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[16]
A game control method in a game system including a terminal device and a game server, the terminal device and the game server cooperating to progress a game, comprising:
The terminal device transmits terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server,
The game server generates a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information,
The game server stores recovery information for restoring the game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
The game server transmits the recovery code to the terminal device,
The terminal device generates and stores a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code transmitted from the game server,
the terminal device specifies the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from the user to the terminal device;
the terminal device transmits to the game server a restoration request including the identified restoration image and the terminal identification information;
the game server determines whether to permit the restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the restoration request matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
When the game server determines that the game should be restored, the game server transmits the restoration information to the terminal device;
A game control method is provided in which the terminal device restores the game based on the restoration information.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[17]
A game control method in a game system including a terminal device and a game server, the terminal device and the game server cooperating to progress a game, comprising:
The terminal device transmits terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server,
The game server generates a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code;
the game server stores recovery information for restoring the game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
the game server transmits the restored image to the terminal device;
the terminal device stores the restored image transmitted from the game server;
the terminal device specifies the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from the user to the terminal device;
the terminal device transmits a restoration request including the identified restoration image and the terminal identification information to the game server;
the game server determines whether to permit the restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the restoration request matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
When it is determined that the game is to be restored, the game server transmits the restoration information to the terminal device;
The terminal device restores the game based on the restoration information.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[18]
A terminal device that progresses a game in cooperation with a game server,
a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
a fifth means for generating and storing a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information, the recovery image being transmitted from the game server;
a sixth means for specifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from a user to the terminal device;
a seventh means for transmitting a recovery request including the recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information to the game server;
A terminal device is provided that is equipped with a tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game, which is sent from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[19]
A terminal device that cooperates with a game server to progress a game,
a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
a fifth means for generating and storing a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information, the recovery image being transmitted from the game server;
a sixth means for specifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from a user to the terminal device;
a seventh means for transmitting a recovery request including the recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information to the game server;
A game program is provided that functions as a tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the game that has progressed, which is sent from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[20]
A terminal device that progresses a game in cooperation with a game server,
transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
generating and storing a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the game server;
Identifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from a user to the terminal device;
transmitting a recovery request to the game server, the recovery request including the recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information;
A game control method is provided in which the game is restored based on restoration information for restoring the game that has progressed, which is sent from the game server when the game server determines that restoration of the game is permitted based on the restoration request.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[21]
A game server that progresses a game in cooperation with a terminal device,
a second means for generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device, the recovery code being transmitted from the terminal device;
a third means for storing recovery information for recovering a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
a fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device;
an eighth means for determining whether to permit recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a recovery request, which is sent from the terminal device and includes the recovery code and the terminal identification information, matches the terminal identification information associated with the recovery code included in the recovery request in the storage unit;
and a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is permitted.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[22]
A game server that cooperates with the terminal device to progress the game,
a second means for generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device, the recovery code being transmitted from the terminal device;
a third means for storing recovery information for recovering a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
a fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device;
an eighth means for determining whether to permit recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a recovery request, which is sent from the terminal device and includes the recovery code and the terminal identification information, matches the terminal identification information associated with the recovery code included in the recovery request in the storage unit;
and a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is permitted.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[23]
A game server that progresses a game in cooperation with the terminal device,
generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device, the recovery code being transmitted from the terminal device;
storing recovery information for recovering the progress of the game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
Sending the recovery code to the terminal device;
determining whether to permit recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a recovery request, which is transmitted from the terminal device and includes the recovery code and the terminal identification information, matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the recovery code included in the recovery request;
There is provided a game control method, in which, when it is determined that the restoration of the game is permitted, the restoration information is transmitted to the terminal device.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[24]
A terminal device that progresses a game in cooperation with a game server,
a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
a fifth means for generating and storing a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information, the recovery image being transmitted from the game server;
a sixth means for specifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from a user to the terminal device;
a seventh means for transmitting a restoration request including the specified restoration image and the terminal identification information to the game server;
A terminal device is provided that is equipped with a tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game, which is sent from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[25]
A terminal device that cooperates with a game server to progress a game,
a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
a fifth means for generating and storing a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information, the recovery image being transmitted from the game server;
a sixth means for specifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from a user to the terminal device;
a seventh means for transmitting a restoration request including the specified restoration image and the terminal identification information to the game server;
A game program is provided that functions as a tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the game that has progressed, which is sent from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[26]
A terminal device that cooperates with the game server to progress the game,
transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
generating and storing a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the game server;
Identifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from the user to the terminal device;
Sending a recovery request to the game server, the recovery request including the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information;
A game control method is provided in which the game is restored based on restoration information for restoring the game that has progressed, which is sent from the game server when the game server determines that restoration of the game is permitted based on the restoration request.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[27]
A game server that progresses a game in cooperation with a terminal device,
a second means for generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device, the recovery code being transmitted from the terminal device;
a third means for storing recovery information for recovering a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
a fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device;
an eighth means for determining whether to permit restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a restoration request, which is transmitted from the terminal device and includes a restoration image corresponding to the restoration code and the terminal identification information, matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
and a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is permitted.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[28]
A game server that cooperates with the terminal device to progress the game,
a second means for generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device, the recovery code being transmitted from the terminal device;
a third means for storing recovery information for recovering a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
a fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device;
an eighth means for determining whether to permit restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a restoration request, which is transmitted from the terminal device and includes a restoration image corresponding to the restoration code and the terminal identification information, matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
and a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is permitted.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[29]
A game server that progresses a game in cooperation with the terminal device,
generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device, the recovery code being transmitted from the terminal device;
storing recovery information for recovering the progress of the game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
Sending the recovery code to the terminal device;
determining whether to permit restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a restoration request, which is transmitted from the terminal device and includes a restoration image corresponding to the restoration code and the terminal identification information, matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
There is provided a game control method, in which, when it is determined that the restoration of the game is permitted, the restoration information is transmitted to the terminal device.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[30]
A terminal device that progresses a game in cooperation with a game server,
a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
a fifth means for storing a restored image associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the game server;
a sixth means for specifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from a user to the terminal device;
a seventh means for transmitting a restoration request including the specified restoration image and the terminal identification information to the game server;
A terminal device is provided that is equipped with a tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the progressed game, which is sent from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[31]
A terminal device that cooperates with a game server to progress a game,
a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
a fifth means for storing a restored image associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the game server;
a sixth means for specifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from a user to the terminal device;
a seventh means for transmitting a restoration request including the specified restoration image and the terminal identification information to the game server;
A game program is provided that functions as a tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the game that has progressed, which is sent from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[32]
A terminal device that progresses a game in cooperation with a game server,
transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
storing a recovery image associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the game server;
Identifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from the user to the terminal device;
Sending a recovery request to the game server, the recovery request including the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information;
A game control method is provided in which the game is restored based on restoration information for restoring the game that has progressed, which is sent from the game server when the game server determines that restoration of the game is permitted based on the restoration request.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[33]
A game server that progresses a game in cooperation with a terminal device,
a second means for generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device, the recovery code being transmitted from the terminal device, and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code;
a third means for storing recovery information for recovering a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
a fourth means for transmitting the restored image to the terminal device;
an eighth means for determining whether to permit restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a restoration request including the restoration image and the terminal identification information, which is transmitted from the terminal device, matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
There is provided a game server including a ninth means for transmitting the restoration information to the terminal device when it is determined that restoration of the game is permitted.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[34]
A game server that cooperates with the terminal device to progress the game,
a second means for generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device, the recovery code being transmitted from the terminal device, and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code;
a third means for storing recovery information for recovering a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
a fourth means for transmitting the restored image to the terminal device;
an eighth means for determining whether to permit restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a restoration request including the restoration image and the terminal identification information, which is transmitted from the terminal device, matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
and a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is permitted.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
[35]
A game server that progresses a game in cooperation with the terminal device,
generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device and transmitted from the terminal device, and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code;
storing recovery information for restoring the progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
transmitting the restored image to the terminal device;
determining whether to permit restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a restoration request, which is transmitted from the terminal device and includes the restoration image and the terminal identification information, matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
There is provided a game control method for transmitting the restoration information to the terminal device when it is determined that the restoration of the game is permitted.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure,
A game system comprising a terminal device and a game server, both of which cooperate to progress a game,
A recovery code associated with terminal identification information that identifies the terminal device is generated,
storing recovery information for restoring the progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
generating and storing a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code;
Identifying the restored image;
generating a recovery request including the identified recovery image or the recovery code corresponding thereto and the terminal identification information;
determining whether to permit the restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the restoration request matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration image included in the restoration request or the restoration code corresponding thereto;
When it is determined that the restoration of the game is permitted, the game system restores the game based on the restoration information.

You can restore the game.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the structure of a storage unit 11. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing information stored in a storage unit 21. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing operation of the game system. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a home screen of the game. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a screen for saving a restored image. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a generated restored image. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing operation of the game system. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining whether recovery is possible; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a restoration request. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a restoration request. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a restoration request. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a data recovery screen. FIG. 9B is a diagram schematically showing a screen displayed after the screen of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9C is a diagram schematically showing a screen displayed after the screen of FIG. 9B. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing information stored in a storage unit 21 according to a first modified example. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing operation of a game system according to a first modified example. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining whether or not recovery is possible according to a first modified example. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing operation of a game system according to a second modified example. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing information stored in a storage unit 21 according to a second modified example. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing operation of the game system. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing operation of the game system.

There is a need to restore a game that has been partially completed. For example, after deleting (uninstalling) an installed game program, there are cases where players want to restart the game from its original state rather than starting over from the beginning. Or, in a game where items are acquired randomly at the start of the game, players may want to repeatedly install and uninstall the game program and restart the game with the best items they have (this is known as a "reset marathon" (rerolling)).

In light of these needs, a method is proposed to easily restore games.

(First embodiment)
1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a game system according to a first embodiment. The game system includes a terminal device 1 and a game server 2 that can communicate with each other. There is no particular limit to the number of terminal devices 1, and the game server 2 may be composed of two or more devices.

The terminal device 1 is any computer used by a user, typically a smartphone or tablet, but may also be a personal computer or dedicated game terminal.

The terminal device 1 may have a memory unit 11, a processor 12, a communication unit 13, a display 14, a touch panel 15, a camera 16, etc. Although not shown, the terminal device 1 may have, as an output interface, a speaker and an output terminal for outputting various data to the outside in addition to the display 14. Furthermore, the terminal device 1 may have, as an input interface, a microphone in addition to the touch panel 15 and camera 16.

Unless otherwise specified, the storage unit 11 may be a storage medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory) built into the terminal device 1, or may be a storage medium such as an SD card (registered trademark) inserted externally into the terminal device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, a game information storage area 111 is provided in part of the storage unit 11. The game information storage area 111 stores a game program for the terminal device 1. Data related to the game realized by this game program, such as information about characters appearing in the game and information about items obtained during the game, is also stored in the game information storage area 111. When the game program is uninstalled (deleted), the data stored in the game information storage area 111 is also deleted.

Returning to Figure 1, the terminal device 1 may have a game control unit 171, a terminal identification information transmission unit 172, a recovery image generation unit 173, a recovery image identification unit 174, a recovery request transmission unit 175, a recovery processing unit 176, etc. Some or all of these units may be realized by the processor 12 executing a game program stored in the memory unit 11. Alternatively, some of these units may be functions of the OS (Operating System) of the terminal device 1. Alternatively, some or all of these units may be implemented by hardware.

The game control unit 171 progresses the game in cooperation with the game server 2. As a specific example, the game control unit 171 progresses the game in response to user operations via an input interface such as the touch panel 15, and outputs the progress of the game from an output interface such as the display 14. The progress of the game is shared with the game server 2. Furthermore, to enable recovery of the game, the game control unit 171 can request the game server 2 to record or update the progress of the game as recovery information (described below).

Game progress is linked to user accounts. Note that user accounts do not necessarily correspond one-to-one with users. For example, a new user account may be created each time a game program is installed. In this case, if a single user repeatedly installs and uninstalls a game program, multiple user accounts will correspond to that single user.

The terminal identification information transmission unit 172 transmits information identifying the terminal device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "terminal identification information") to the game server 2 via the communication unit 13. To prevent the terminal identification information from being misused, it is preferable that the terminal identification information transmission unit 172 encrypts the terminal identification information before transmitting it. It is also more preferable that the terminal identification information transmission unit 172 use a different encryption key each time it transmits the information.

The terminal identification information may be generated by the terminal identification information transmission unit 172 itself, or may be generated by a function of the OS of the terminal device 1. When the terminal device 1 is initialized, it is desirable that the terminal identification information be updated. Furthermore, the terminal identification information is stored in a memory area different from the game information memory area 111 in the memory unit 11 (see Figure 2). Therefore, even if the game program is uninstalled, the terminal identification information will not be lost.

The recovery image generation unit 173 generates and stores a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code (described below) received from the game server 2 via the communication unit 13. The storage location may be the memory unit 11 of the terminal device 1 or an external storage medium. When storing the recovery image in the memory unit 11 of the terminal device 1, it is desirable to store the recovery image in a memory area different from the game information memory area 111 in the memory unit 11 (see Figure 2). This allows the recovery image to be preserved even if the game program is uninstalled by mistake, etc., without being deleted, making recovery possible.

There is a one-to-one correspondence between the recovery code received from the game server 2 and the generated recovery image. As an example, the recovery image may include a QR code, and the recovery code corresponding to the recovery image may be determined by analyzing this. Alternatively, the recovery image and the corresponding recovery code may be stored in the memory unit 11 (preferably in a memory area different from the game information memory area 111).

In addition, the restored image generation unit 173 transmits save completion information to the game server 2 via the communication unit 13 in response to the saving of the restored image.

In response to a request from the user, the recovery image identification unit 174 identifies (acquires) a recovery image to be used to recover the game. The recovery image identification unit 174 then acquires a recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image. As a specific example, the recovery image may include a QR code, and the recovery image identification unit 174 may analyze the QR code included in the identified recovery image to acquire the recovery code. Note that the analysis may not be performed by the recovery image identification unit 174, but may instead be performed using a function of the OS or another application installed on the terminal device 1.

The recovery request sending unit 175 generates a recovery request to restore the game and sends it to the game server 2. This recovery request includes a recovery code corresponding to the recovery image identified by the recovery image identification unit 174 and terminal identification information.

The recovery processing unit 176 recovers the game based on recovery information received from the game server 2 via the communication unit 13.

On the other hand, the game server 2 may have a memory unit 21, a processor 22, a communication unit 23, etc. The game server 2 may also have a game control unit 231, a recovery code generation unit 232, an association unit 233, a recovery code transmission unit 234, a recovery feasibility determination unit 235, a recovery information transmission unit 236, etc. Some or all of these units may be realized by the processor 22 executing a game program for the game server 2 stored in the memory unit 21. Alternatively, some or all of these units may be implemented by hardware.

The game control unit 231 works in cooperation with the game server 2 to progress the game. The game control unit 231 keeps track of the game's progress and generates recovery information to restore the progress of the game. Recovery information is generated for each user account. The recovery information may also be updated as the game progresses. The timing for generating or updating recovery information is arbitrary, and may be, for example, when the game starts and an item is obtained, when a request is made by the user, when a specified event is cleared, at a fixed time, or at a predetermined time.

The recovery code generation unit 232 generates a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information sent from the terminal device 1. The recovery code is a unique code and is composed of character information, such as alphanumeric characters. By generating a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information, it becomes possible to recover the game only on a specific terminal device 1. This makes it more difficult for a third party to steal the recovery code, improving security.

As shown in FIG. 3, the association unit 233 associates the terminal identification information transmitted from the terminal device 1, the user account, the recovery code generated by the recovery code generation unit 232, the recovery information generated by the game control unit 231, and the save status information, and stores them in the memory unit 21. The save status information indicates whether the recovery image corresponding to the recovery code has been saved by the terminal device 1. The save status information is initially set to "unsaved." Thereafter, the save status information is updated to "saved" in response to receiving save completion information transmitted from the terminal device 1.

In the example of Figure 3, terminal identification information T1 is associated with user account U10, recovery code R10, recovery information A, and storage status information "unsaved."

On the other hand, terminal identification information T2 is associated with user account U20, recovery code R20, recovery information B, and storage status information "saved," and is also associated with user account U21, recovery code R21, recovery information C, and storage status information "saved." In this way, it is desirable to associate two or more user accounts, recovery codes, recovery information, and storage status information with one terminal identification information. However, one recovery code, recovery information, and storage status information is associated with one user account.

When performing a reroll, a different user account is set up each time the game program is installed. For example, two user accounts U20 and U21 are set up for terminal device 1 with terminal identification information T2. Therefore, it is desirable for the recovery code generation unit 232 to be able to generate two or more recovery codes for one terminal identification information.

Returning to Figure 1, the recovery code transmission unit 234 transmits the recovery code generated by the recovery code generation unit 232 to the terminal device 1 via the communication unit 23. In detail, the recovery code associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the terminal device 1 is transmitted to the terminal device 1.

When a recovery request is sent from the terminal device 1, the recovery possibility determination unit 235 determines whether to allow the game to be recovered. Specifically, the recovery possibility determination unit 235 makes its determination based on the terminal identification information and recovery code included in the recovery request from the terminal device 1 and the information stored by the association unit 233.

If the recovery possibility determination unit 235 determines that the recovery of the game is permitted, the recovery information transmission unit 236 transmits recovery information associated with the recovery code included in the recovery request to the terminal device 1 via the communication unit 23.

Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation of the game system, illustrating the procedure for generating and saving a recovery image. Although not shown in the figure, the game control unit 171 of the terminal device 1 and the game control unit 231 of the game server 2 cooperate to progress the game, and recovery information is stored in the memory unit 21 at appropriate times.

The terminal identification information transmission unit 172 of the terminal device 1 transmits the terminal identification information (and the user account, if necessary) to the game server 2 (step S11). The timing of transmission is arbitrary, and may be when the game program is installed, when the game is started, when a specific screen (e.g., the home screen) is displayed for the first time, or when a command is received from the user.

When the terminal identification information is received by the game server 2, the recovery code generation unit 232 of the game server 2 generates a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information (step S21). Then, the association unit 233 associates the terminal identification information, user account, recovery code, recovery information, and saved status information and stores them in the memory unit 21 (step S22). Then, the recovery code transmission unit 234 transmits the recovery code to the terminal device 1 (step S23).

Then, the recovery image generation unit 173 of the terminal device 1 generates and saves a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code (step S12). The generation and saving of the recovery image may be performed automatically in response to the terminal device 1 receiving the recovery code, or may be performed based on an operation by the user. When the generation and saving of the recovery image is complete, the recovery image generation unit 173 transmits save completion information (and terminal identification information, if necessary) indicating that the recovery image has been saved to the game server 2 (step S13).

When the save completion information is received by the game server 2, the association unit 233 of the game server 2 updates the save status information associated with the recovery code sent in step S23 to "saved" (step S24).

The generation and saving of restored images will be explained below using game screens as examples. Note that each screen described below is generated, for example, by the restored image generation unit 173 and/or the game control unit 171.

Figure 5A is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the home screen of a game. This home screen is displayed on the display 14, for example, after a game program is executed to launch the game app and a login operation is performed to input a user account, etc. This home screen includes a recovery image save icon 52 for generating and saving a recovery image.

Figure 5B is a diagram schematically illustrating a screen for saving a restored image, which is displayed on the display 14 in response to the user selecting the restore image save icon 52 on the home screen of Figure 5A. The restored image may include a QR code (registered trademark) 64. The restored image may also include any image.

As an example, the recovery image generation unit 173 displays multiple selectable images 61-63 on the display 14. The recovery image generation unit 173 then superimposes the image selected by the user on the original QR code 64 (however, the superimposition is performed in a manner that does not interfere with reading the QR code). As a result, the recovery image generation unit 73 generates a recovery image composed of the image selected by the user and the QR code 64. The multiple images 61-63 displayed here are preferably images that correspond to recovery information (game progress status). The images 61-63 may, for example, be images that correspond to items or characters (game media) obtained as the game progresses, or images that correspond to the ongoing (or completed) scenario.

Including such an image in the recovery image makes it easier for users to intuitively understand the state in which the game will be restored. For example, it is preferable to generate a recovery image that includes items obtained at the start of the game, assuming a reroll. For example, if image 62 is selected in Figure 5B, recovery image 65 is generated and saved, with image 62 superimposed on QR code 64, as shown in Figure 5C.

The images included in the recovery image are arbitrary. For example, the recovery image may include images corresponding to the game or the scenario in the game. If the recovery image includes an image corresponding to the recovery information, the recovery image can be viewed using a general-purpose image viewing app or preview screen without having to run the game program, or even if the game program is deleted. This makes it easy to identify what data (recovery information) the recovery image relates to.

It is also desirable that the screen shown in Figure 5B display important information, etc., as necessary.

A recovery image is generated in this way. Even if you uninstall the game program, the recovery code will not be deleted. Therefore, by keeping the recovery image, you will be able to restore the game using the saved recovery image if you reinstall the game program.

Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation of a game system, illustrating the procedure for restoring a game using a restoration image.

In response to an operation by a user who wishes to restore the game, the restoration image identification unit 174 of the terminal device 1 identifies a restoration image (step S31). The restoration image identification unit 174 then obtains a restoration code corresponding to the identified restoration image (step S32). Furthermore, the restoration request transmission unit 175 transmits a restoration request including the restoration code and terminal identification information to the game server 2 (step S33). Such a restoration request requires a small amount of data, thereby reducing the load on communications.

When a recovery request is received by the game server 2, the recovery feasibility determination unit 235 of the game server 2 determines whether recovery is possible based on the recovery request and the information stored in the memory unit 21 (step S41).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining whether or not recovery is possible.
First, the recovery possibility determination unit 235 acquires the terminal identification information (hereinafter referred to as "first terminal identification information") included in the recovery request. The determination possibility determination unit also acquires the terminal identification information (hereinafter referred to as "second terminal identification information") associated with the recovery code included in the recovery request from the storage unit 21. Then, the recovery possibility determination unit 235 determines whether the first terminal identification information and the second terminal identification information match (step S51).

If they do not match (NO in step S51), the recovery possibility determination unit 235 does not allow the recovery (step S52). This prevents the game from being recovered on a terminal device 1 other than the terminal device 1 that generated the recovery image, thereby improving security.

If there is a match, the recovery feasibility determination unit 235 checks the storage status information associated with the recovery code included in the recovery request in the memory unit 21.

If the storage status information indicates that the recovery image has not been saved (NO in step S53), the recovery possibility determination unit 235 does not allow recovery (step S52). This makes recovery based on a recovery image that has not been saved difficult, and prevents fraud through the forgery of recovery codes or recovery images.

If the storage status information indicates that the restored image has been saved (YES in step S53), the recovery feasibility determination unit 235 approves the recovery (step S54).

The recovery possibility determination unit 235 may check whether the recovery code is stored in the memory unit 21, and if it is not stored, may not allow recovery at that point. This prevents fraudulent recovery using a recovery code that has been tampered with.

Hereinafter, assuming that the information shown in FIG. 3 is stored in the storage unit 21, three cases will be illustrated.
Assume that the recovery request sent from the terminal device 1 includes terminal identification information T3 and recovery code R30, as shown in FIG. 8A. In this case, the first terminal identification information included in the recovery request is T3. Meanwhile, in the storage unit 21, the second terminal identification information associated with the recovery code R30 included in the recovery request is T3. Therefore, the two pieces of terminal identification information match (YES in step S51 in FIG. 8). Furthermore, in the storage unit 21, the storage status information associated with the recovery code R30 is "saved" (YES in step S52 in FIG. 8). Therefore, the recovery feasibility determination unit 235 approves recovery.

Assume that the recovery request sent from terminal device 1 contains terminal identification information T4 and recovery code R30, as shown in Figure 8B. In this case, the first terminal identification information included in the recovery request is T4. Meanwhile, in the memory unit 21, the second terminal identification information associated with the recovery code R30 included in the recovery request is T3. Therefore, the two pieces of terminal identification information do not match (NO in step S51 in Figure 8). Therefore, the recovery feasibility determination unit 235 does not approve the recovery.

Assume that the recovery request sent from terminal device 1 contains terminal identification information T1 and recovery code R10, as shown in Figure 8C. In this case, the first terminal identification information included in the recovery request is T1. Meanwhile, in the memory unit 21, the second terminal identification information associated with the recovery code R10 included in the recovery request is T1. Therefore, the two match (YES in step S51 in Figure 8). However, in the memory unit 21, the saved status information associated with recovery code R10 is "unsaved" (NO in step S52 in Figure 8). Therefore, the recovery feasibility determination unit 235 does not approve the recovery.

In addition, step S53 may be omitted without providing the save status information.

Returning to FIG. 6, if the recovery possibility determination unit 235 approves recovery (YES in step S42), the recovery information transmission unit 236 of the game server 2 refers to the memory unit 21 and transmits recovery information associated with the recovery code included in the recovery request to the terminal device 1 (step S43). For example, in the case of FIG. 8A, recovery information D (FIG. 3) associated with recovery code R30 is transmitted to the terminal device 1.

The recovery information transmission unit 236 may set a validity period and transmit the recovery information to the terminal device 1. The validity period may be, for example, within a predetermined time (e.g., within 15 minutes) from the time of transmission from the game server 2 or reception by the terminal device 1, or may be until a predetermined point in time (e.g., 12:00 on June 1, 2023).

Then, when the recovery information is received by the terminal device 1, the recovery processing unit 176 of the terminal device 1 recovers the game based on the recovery information (step S34). If a validity period is set in the recovery information, the recovery processing unit 176 recovers the game only within the validity period.

Hereinafter, the restoration of a game using a restoration image will be explained with reference to an example game screen.
9A is a diagram showing a typical data recovery screen. This screen is displayed on the display 14 by selecting the menu icon 51 on the home screen of FIG. 5A and then performing an operation for data transfer. The recovery image can be acquired by selecting a recovery image stored in the storage unit 11 or by scanning with the camera 16, and icons 71 and 72 corresponding to the respective methods are displayed.

To select a restored image stored in the memory unit 11, the user selects icon 71. In response to this selection, as shown in Figure 9B, the restored image identification unit 174 displays one or more restored images 81-83 stored in the memory unit 11 on the display 14.

Here, restoration images 81-83 may include images 62, 821, and 831 selected by the user. In the example of Figure 9B, restoration image 81 is restoration image 64 shown in Figure 5C. By including such images 62, 821, and 831 in the restoration images, the user can more easily intuitively understand the state in which the game will be restored.

When one of the recovery images is selected by the user, the recovery image identification unit 174 associates the selected recovery image with information corresponding to the associated recovery information and displays it on the display 14, as shown in FIG. 9C. In the example screen of FIG. 9C, the information corresponding to the recovery information presented includes the last login date and time, parameters (e.g., level) of a main character (e.g., the protagonist character), and at least some of the acquired items (game media) 91-93.

Then, when the data recovery icon 94 is selected by the user in the example screen of Figure 9C, the recovery image selected in Figure 9B is identified by the recovery image identification unit 174.

On the other hand, a restored image can also be selected by scanning with the camera 16 as follows: The restored image generation unit 173 of the terminal device 1 can output the generated restored image to the outside. The output restored image will then be displayed on a medium other than the terminal device 1. For example, it may be displayed on a display other than the display 14 of the terminal device 1, or it may be printed on a paper medium and displayed.

When the scan icon 72 is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 9A, the restored image identification unit 174 activates the camera 16. The camera 16 then captures a restored image displayed on a medium other than the terminal device 1, allowing the restored image identification unit 174 to identify the restored image.

In this way, it is possible to restore the game. By allowing restoration only on the terminal device 1 that generated the restoration image, security is improved. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the user's selection of a restoration image can be simplified, making the restoration process easier. For example, compared to restoration using a takeover code, there is no need to manually enter the takeover code, and there is no need to set a password. Furthermore, because the user can select a restoration image in a short amount of time, power consumption by the terminal device 1 can be reduced.

As a variation of the first embodiment, restoration may not be permitted if the game has already been restored. Two specific variations that do this are described below.

Figure 10A is a diagram schematically illustrating information stored in the memory unit 21 according to the first variant, and corresponds to Figure 3. As shown, the association unit 233 associates the recovery code with the recovery status information and stores it in the memory unit 21. The recovery status information is initially set to "unsaved." Thereafter, the recovery status information is updated to "saved" in response to receiving recovery completion information (described below) sent from the terminal device 1.

Figure 10B is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation of a game system according to the first modified example, and corresponds to Figure 6. Steps S31 to S34 and S41 to 43 in Figure 10B are the same as those in Figure 6. Then, in response to the recovery of the game based on the recovery information (step S34), the recovery processing unit 176 of the terminal device 1 transmits recovery completion information to the game server 2 (step S35). The recovery completion information can also be considered information indicating that the game has been recovered.

When the recovery completion information is received by the game server 2, the association unit 233 of the game server 2 updates the recovery status information associated with the recovery code sent in step S23 to "Recovered" (step S44).

Figure 10C is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining whether recovery is possible according to the first variant, and corresponds to Figure 7. Steps S51 and S52 in Figure 10C are the same as those in Figure 7.

If the terminal identification information (first terminal identification information) included in the recovery request matches the terminal identification information (second terminal identification information) associated with the recovery code included in the recovery request in the memory unit 21 (YES in step S51), the recovery feasibility determination unit 235 checks the recovery status information associated with the recovery code included in the recovery request in the memory unit 21.

If the recovery status information indicates that the game has already been recovered (YES in step S53'), the recovery feasibility determination unit 235 does not allow recovery (step S52).

If the recovery status information indicates that the game has not yet been restored (NO in step S53'), the recovery feasibility determination unit 235 approves the recovery (step S54).

In this way, by storing a recovery code in association with recovery status information indicating whether or not a game has been restored, it is possible to prevent further recovery attempts using the recovery image used for the previous recovery. It is also possible to associate both the save status information (Figure 3) and the recovery status information (Figure 10A) with the recovery code, and determine whether or not recovery is possible based on both sets of status information.

Figure 11A is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation of a game system relating to the second variant, and corresponds to Figure 10B. Steps S31 to S35 and S41 to S44 in Figure 11A are the same as those in Figure 10B. When the recovery completion information is received by the game server 2, the association unit 233 of the game server 2 deletes the recovery code sent in step S23 (step S44').

For example, if the memory unit 21 stores information such as that shown in Figure 3 and the game is restored using recovery code R20, the association unit 233 will delete recovery code R20 as shown in Figure 11B.

As a result, if the recovery code R20 is subsequently sent from the terminal device 1, the recovery possibility determination unit 235 will not allow recovery because the recovery code R20 is not stored in the memory unit 21. By doing this, it is possible to not allow a second recovery using the recovery image used for recovery.

Another variant is described below. After saving the recovery image, it is possible that the game program may be deleted. Therefore, the game server 2 that receives the recovery code may check whether the game program is installed on the terminal device 1 that sent it. If the game program is installed, the processing operation shown in Figure 6 is performed.

On the other hand, when a recovery request is sent from a terminal device 1 from which the game program has been deleted, the game server 2 may direct the terminal device 1 to a website from which the game program can be downloaded. This allows the user to perform the recovery process by selecting a recovery image without having to reinstall the deleted game program in advance, thereby simplifying the recovery procedure.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment described above, a recovery code corresponding to a recovery image is transmitted from the terminal device 1 to the game server 2 (step S33 in FIG. 6). In contrast, in the second embodiment described below, a recovery image is transmitted from the terminal device 1 to the game server 2. Below, the points in common with the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and the explanation will focus on the points that are different from the first embodiment.

The general configuration of the game system may be the same as that shown in Figure 1. However, the processing operation of the recovery request sending unit 175 is different. More specifically, the recovery request sending unit 175 sends a recovery request to the game server 2, which includes the recovery image identified by the recovery image identification unit 174 and terminal identification information.

Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation of a game system, and corresponds to Figure 6 (procedure for restoring a game using a restoration image). The difference from Figure 6 is the part surrounded by the dashed line.

In response to an operation by a user who wishes to restore the game, the restoration image identification unit 174 of the terminal device 1 identifies a restoration image (step S31). The restoration request transmission unit 175 then transmits a restoration request to the game server 2, including the restoration image identified by the restoration image identification unit 174 (rather than a restoration code) and the terminal identification information (step S33').

When the recovery request is received by the game server 2, the recovery possibility determination unit 235 of the game server 2 acquires a recovery code corresponding to the recovery image included in the received recovery request (step S40). As an example, the recovery image includes a QR code, and the recovery possibility determination unit 235 analyzes the QR code included in the recovery image to acquire the recovery code. The recovery possibility determination unit 235 then determines whether recovery is possible based on the acquired recovery code, the terminal identification information included in the recovery request, and the information stored in the memory unit 21 (step S41). A specific example of the determination process may be as shown in Figure 7 (however, in step S51 of the same figure, "recovery code included in the recovery request" should be read as "recovery code corresponding to the recovery image included in the recovery request"). The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the acquisition of the recovery code corresponding to the recovery image (e.g., analysis of the QR code) is performed by the game server 2, not the terminal device 1. This reduces the processing load on the terminal device 1, prevents tampering on the terminal device 1 side, and reduces security risks such as information leaks. Furthermore, since the terminal device 1 is not required to analyze the recovery image, the terminal device 1 does not need an analysis application.

(Third embodiment)
In the first and second embodiments described above, a recovery code is transmitted from the game server 2 to the terminal device 1 (step S23 in FIG. 4), and the terminal device 1 generates a recovery image (step S12 in the same figure). In contrast, in the third embodiment described next, the game server 2 generates a recovery image and transmits it to the terminal device 1. Below, the points in common with the first and second embodiments will be omitted or simplified, and the explanation will focus on the differences from the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game system according to the third embodiment.
1 , the game server 2 has a recovery code/recovery image generation unit 232′ and a recovery image transmission unit 234′ instead of the recovery code generation unit 232 and the recovery code transmission unit 234 of FIG. 1 . The recovery code/recovery image generation unit 232′ generates a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information transmitted from the terminal device 1. Furthermore, the recovery code/recovery image generation unit 232′ generates a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code. Then, the recovery image transmission unit 234′ transmits the generated recovery image to the terminal device 1 via the communication unit 23.

In addition, the terminal device 1 has a restored image storage unit 173' instead of the restored image generation unit 173 in Figure 1. The restored image storage unit 173' stores restored images received from the game server 2 via the communication unit 13.

Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation of the game system, and corresponds to Figure 4 (procedure for generating and saving a recovery image). The difference from Figure 4 is the part surrounded by the dashed line.

The terminal identification information sending unit 172 of the terminal device 1 sends the terminal identification information (and the user account, if necessary) to the game server 2 (step S11).

When the terminal identification information is received by the game server 2, the recovery code/recovery image generation unit 232' of the game server 2 generates a recovery code linked to the terminal identification information, and further generates a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code (step S21'). The association unit 233 associates the terminal identification information, user account, recovery code, recovery information, and save status information and stores them in the memory unit 21 (step S22). Furthermore, the association unit 233 may associate the recovery code and recovery image and store them in the memory unit 21. Then, the recovery image transmission unit 234' transmits the recovery image to the terminal device 1 (step S23').

Then, the restored image storage unit 173' of the terminal device 1 stores the restored image from the game server 2 (step S12'). When the restored image storage unit 173' has completed storing the restored image, it transmits storage completion information (and terminal identification information, if necessary) to the game server 2 indicating that the restored image has been stored (step S13).

When the save completion information is received by the game server 2, the association unit 233 of the game server 2 updates the save status information associated with the recovery code sent in step S23 to "saved" (step S24).

The procedure for restoring a game using a recovery image may be as shown in Figure 10. That is, a recovery request including the recovery image is sent from the terminal device 1 to the game server 2 (step S33' in Figure 10), and a recovery code corresponding to the recovery image is obtained (step S40). If the recovery code and the recovery image are associated and stored in the memory unit 21, the recovery code corresponding to the recovery image may be obtained by referring to the memory unit 21.

In this embodiment, too, the recovery code corresponding to the recovery image is obtained by the game server 2, not the terminal device 1. In addition, in this embodiment, the recovery image does not need to be generated by the terminal device 1. This further reduces the processing load on the terminal device 1, prevents tampering on the terminal device 1 side, and reduces security risks such as information leaks. In addition, since the terminal device 1 is not required to analyze or generate recovery images, the terminal device 1 does not need applications for analysis or image generation.

While the above example illustrates the restoration of a game, the present disclosure can be applied to the restoration of any digital content, not just games. For example, the present disclosure can be applied to restoring activity status in applications that use virtual spaces such as the Metaverse, or restoring a read section in an e-book application. In such cases, images related to the digital content or images related to the progress of the digital content may be used as images corresponding to the restoration information included in the restoration image.

The programs referred to in this specification may be distributed by being recorded non-temporarily on a computer-readable recording medium, by being distributed via a communication line such as the Internet (including wireless communication), or by being distributed in an installed state on any terminal.

The inventions described in this specification are not limited to the individual embodiments described above, and various additions, modifications, combinations and partial deletions are possible as appropriate.

For example, what is described in this specification as a single device (including what is depicted in the drawings as a single device) may be realized by multiple devices. Conversely, what is described in this specification as multiple devices (including what is depicted in the drawings as multiple devices) may be realized by a single device. Alternatively, some or all of the means and functions included in one device (e.g., a game server) may be included in another device (e.g., a terminal device).

Furthermore, parts of one embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments to the extent that no inconsistency arises. Furthermore, not all of the matters described in this specification are essential requirements. In particular, matters described in this specification but not in the claims are optional additional matters.

Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the word "means" in this specification and claims refers to hardware itself (or functions realized by hardware) and does not include humans (or human mental activity).

The applicant is merely aware of the inventions disclosed in the documents listed in the "Prior Art Documents" section of this specification, and the inventions described herein do not necessarily aim to solve the problems of the disclosed inventions. The problems that the claimed inventions attempt to solve should be determined by considering the entire specification. For example, if a specific effect is achieved through a specific configuration in this specification (including cases where this effect is explicitly stated and can be inferred from the configuration), it can also be said that the problem that is the reverse of the specified effect is solved. However, this does not necessarily mean that such a specific configuration is an essential requirement.

1 Terminal device 11 Memory unit 111 Game information memory area 12 Processor 13 Communication unit 14 Display 15 Touch panel 16 Camera 171 Game control unit 172 Terminal identification information transmission unit 173 Recovery image generation unit 173' Recovery image storage unit 174 Recovery image identification unit 175 Recovery request transmission unit 176 Recovery processing unit 2 Game server 21 Memory unit 22 Processor 23 Communication unit 231 Game control unit 232 Recovery code generation unit 232' Recovery code / recovery image generation unit 233 Association unit 234 Recovery code transmission unit 234' Recovery image transmission unit 235 Recovery possibility determination unit 236 Recovery information transmission unit 51 Menu icon 52 Recovery image storage icons 61 to 63, 821, 831 Image 64 QR code 65, 81 to 83 Recovery image 71, 72 Icon

Claims (35)

A game system comprising a terminal device and a game server, both of which cooperate to progress a game,
the terminal device includes a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
the game server includes a second means for generating a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information,
the game server comprises a third means for storing recovery information for restoring a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
the game server includes a fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device;
the terminal device comprises a fifth means for generating and storing a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code transmitted from the game server;
the terminal device further comprises sixth means for specifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction given to the terminal device by a user;
the terminal device comprises seventh means for transmitting to the game server a recovery request including the recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information;
the game server comprises an eighth means for determining whether to approve the recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the recovery request matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the recovery code included in the recovery request;
the game server comprises a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is permitted;
The terminal device comprises a tenth means for restoring the game based on the restoration information. A game system comprising a terminal device and a game server, both of which cooperate to progress a game,
the terminal device includes a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
the game server includes a second means for generating a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information,
the game server comprises a third means for storing recovery information for restoring a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
the game server includes a fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device;
the terminal device comprises a fifth means for generating and storing a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code transmitted from the game server;
the terminal device further comprises sixth means for specifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction given to the terminal device by a user;
the terminal device includes seventh means for transmitting a restoration request to the game server, the restoration request including the specified restoration image and the terminal identification information;
the game server comprises an eighth means for determining whether to approve the restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the restoration request matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
the game server comprises a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is permitted;
The terminal device comprises a tenth means for restoring the game based on the restoration information. Progression of the game involves obtaining game media,
The game system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fifth means generates the restored image including an image corresponding to the game content. A game system comprising a terminal device and a game server, both of which cooperate to progress a game,
the terminal device includes a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
the game server includes a second means for generating a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code;
the game server comprises a third means for storing recovery information for restoring a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
the game server includes a fourth means for transmitting the restored image to the terminal device;
the terminal device includes a fifth means for storing a restored image transmitted from the game server;
the terminal device further comprises sixth means for specifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction given to the terminal device by a user;
the terminal device includes seventh means for transmitting a restoration request to the game server, the restoration request including the specified restoration image and the terminal identification information;
the game server comprises an eighth means for determining whether to approve the restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the restoration request matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
the game server comprises a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is permitted;
The terminal device comprises a tenth means for restoring the game based on the restoration information. the third means stores first status information indicating whether the restored image has been saved in association with the restoration code;
the fifth means transmits storage completion information to the game server in response to the storage of the restored image;
The third means updates the first status information in response to receiving the storage completion information,
5. The game system according to claim 1, wherein said eighth means determines whether or not to permit the game to be restored based also on said first status information. the third means stores second status information indicating whether or not the game has been restored in association with the restoration code;
the tenth means transmits restoration completion information to the game server in response to the restoration of the game;
the third means updates the second status information in response to receiving the restoration completion information;
5. The game system according to claim 1, wherein said eighth means determines whether or not to permit the game to be restored based also on said second status information. the tenth means transmits restoration completion information to the game server in response to the restoration of the game;
5. The game system according to claim 1, wherein said third means deletes the recovery code stored in said storage unit in response to receiving said recovery completion information. the second means is capable of generating a plurality of recovery codes for one piece of terminal identification information,
the third means stores a plurality of user accounts in association with one piece of terminal identification information, and stores a recovery code and recovery information in association with each of the plurality of user accounts;
the fifth means is capable of generating a recovery image corresponding to each recovery code;
5. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the sixth means presents two or more of the stored restored images to the user and specifies a restored image selected by the user. A game system as described in any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein the sixth means presents to the user the selected recovery image and information corresponding to the recovery information associated with the recovery code associated with the recovery image. the fifth means is capable of outputting the restored image from the terminal device to an external device,
5. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the sixth means identifies the restored image by using a camera provided in the terminal device to capture the restored image displayed on a medium other than the terminal device. A game system described in any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein the restored image includes a QR code. A game system as described in any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein the terminal identification information is updated when the terminal device is initialized. the ninth means sets a validity period and transmits the recovery information to the terminal device;
5. The game system according to claim 1, wherein said tenth means restores the game based on said restoration information only within said valid period. the game is realized by installing a game program on the terminal device;
5. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the recovery image stored by said fifth means is not deleted even when said game program is uninstalled. A game control method in a game system including a terminal device and a game server, in which the two devices cooperate to progress a game, comprising:
The terminal device transmits terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server,
The game server generates a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information,
The game server stores recovery information for restoring the game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
The game server transmits the recovery code to the terminal device,
The terminal device generates and stores a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code transmitted from the game server,
the terminal device specifies the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from the user to the terminal device;
the terminal device transmits to the game server a recovery request including the recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information;
the game server determines whether to permit recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the recovery request matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the recovery code included in the recovery request;
When the game server determines that the game should be restored, the game server transmits the restoration information to the terminal device;
The terminal device restores the game based on the restoration information. A game control method in a game system including a terminal device and a game server, the terminal device and the game server cooperating to progress a game, comprising:
The terminal device transmits terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server,
The game server generates a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information,
The game server stores recovery information for restoring the game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
The game server transmits the recovery code to the terminal device,
The terminal device generates and stores a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code transmitted from the game server,
the terminal device specifies the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from the user to the terminal device;
the terminal device transmits to the game server a restoration request including the identified restoration image and the terminal identification information;
the game server determines whether to permit the restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the restoration request matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
When the game server determines that the game should be restored, the game server transmits the restoration information to the terminal device;
The terminal device restores the game based on the restoration information. A game control method in a game system including a terminal device and a game server, the terminal device and the game server cooperating to progress a game, comprising:
The terminal device transmits terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server,
The game server generates a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code;
the game server stores recovery information for restoring the game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
the game server transmits the restored image to the terminal device;
the terminal device stores the restored image transmitted from the game server;
the terminal device specifies the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from the user to the terminal device;
the terminal device transmits a restoration request including the identified restoration image and the terminal identification information to the game server;
the game server determines whether to permit the restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in the restoration request matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
When it is determined that the game is to be restored, the game server transmits the restoration information to the terminal device;
The terminal device restores the game based on the restoration information. A terminal device that progresses a game in cooperation with a game server,
a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
a fifth means for generating and storing a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information, the recovery image being transmitted from the game server;
a sixth means for specifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from a user to the terminal device;
a seventh means for transmitting a recovery request including the recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information to the game server;
a tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the game that has progressed, which is sent from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request. A terminal device that cooperates with a game server to progress a game,
a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
a fifth means for generating and storing a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information, the recovery image being transmitted from the game server;
a sixth means for specifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from a user to the terminal device;
a seventh means for transmitting a recovery request including the recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information to the game server;
and a tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the game that has progressed, which is sent from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request. A terminal device that cooperates with the game server to progress the game,
transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
generating and storing a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the game server;
Identifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from the user to the terminal device;
transmitting a recovery request to the game server, the recovery request including the recovery code corresponding to the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information;
A game control method for restoring a game based on recovery information for restoring a game that has progressed, which is sent from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request. A game server that progresses a game in cooperation with a terminal device,
a second means for generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device, the recovery code being transmitted from the terminal device;
a third means for storing recovery information for recovering a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
a fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device;
an eighth means for determining whether to permit recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a recovery request, which is sent from the terminal device and includes the recovery code and the terminal identification information, matches the terminal identification information associated with the recovery code included in the recovery request in the storage unit;
and a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is permitted. A game server that cooperates with the terminal device to progress the game,
a second means for generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device, the recovery code being transmitted from the terminal device;
a third means for storing recovery information for recovering a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
a fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device;
an eighth means for determining whether to permit recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a recovery request, which is sent from the terminal device and includes the recovery code and the terminal identification information, matches the terminal identification information associated with the recovery code included in the recovery request in the storage unit;
and a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is permitted. A game server that progresses a game in cooperation with the terminal device,
generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device, the recovery code being transmitted from the terminal device;
storing recovery information for restoring the progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
Sending the recovery code to the terminal device;
determining whether to permit recovery of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a recovery request, which is transmitted from the terminal device and includes the recovery code and the terminal identification information, matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the recovery code included in the recovery request;
A game control method, comprising: transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is permitted. A terminal device that progresses a game in cooperation with a game server,
a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
a fifth means for generating and storing a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information, the recovery image being transmitted from the game server;
a sixth means for specifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from a user to the terminal device;
a seventh means for transmitting a restoration request including the specified restoration image and the terminal identification information to the game server;
a tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the game that has progressed, which is sent from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request. A terminal device that cooperates with a game server to progress a game,
a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
a fifth means for generating and storing a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information, the recovery image being transmitted from the game server;
a sixth means for specifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from a user to the terminal device;
a seventh means for transmitting a restoration request including the specified restoration image and the terminal identification information to the game server;
and a tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the game that has progressed, which is sent from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request. A terminal device that cooperates with the game server to progress the game,
transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
generating and storing a recovery image corresponding to a recovery code associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the game server;
Identifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from the user to the terminal device;
Sending a recovery request to the game server, the recovery request including the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information;
A game control method for restoring a game based on recovery information for restoring a game that has progressed, which is sent from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request. A game server that progresses a game in cooperation with a terminal device,
a second means for generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device, the recovery code being transmitted from the terminal device;
a third means for storing recovery information for recovering a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
a fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device;
an eighth means for determining whether to permit restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a restoration request, which is transmitted from the terminal device and includes a restoration image corresponding to the restoration code and the terminal identification information, matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
and a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that recovery of the game is permitted. A game server that cooperates with the terminal device to progress the game,
a second means for generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device, the recovery code being transmitted from the terminal device;
a third means for storing recovery information for recovering a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
a fourth means for transmitting the recovery code to the terminal device;
an eighth means for determining whether to permit restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a restoration request, which is transmitted from the terminal device and includes a restoration image corresponding to the restoration code and the terminal identification information, matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
and a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is permitted. A game server that progresses a game in cooperation with the terminal device,
generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device, the recovery code being transmitted from the terminal device;
storing recovery information for recovering the progress of the game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
Sending the recovery code to the terminal device;
determining whether to permit restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a restoration request, which is transmitted from the terminal device and includes a restoration image corresponding to the restoration code and the terminal identification information, matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
A game control method, comprising: transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is permitted. A terminal device that progresses a game in cooperation with a game server,
a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
a fifth means for storing a restored image associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the game server;
a sixth means for specifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from a user to the terminal device;
a seventh means for transmitting a restoration request including the specified restoration image and the terminal identification information to the game server;
a tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the game that has progressed, which is sent from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request. A terminal device that cooperates with a game server to progress a game,
a first means for transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
a fifth means for storing a restored image associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the game server;
a sixth means for specifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from a user to the terminal device;
a seventh means for transmitting a restoration request including the specified restoration image and the terminal identification information to the game server;
and a tenth means for restoring the game based on recovery information for restoring the game that has progressed, which is sent from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request. A terminal device that cooperates with the game server to progress the game,
transmitting terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device to the game server;
storing a recovery image associated with the terminal identification information transmitted from the game server;
Identifying the restoration image in response to a game restoration instruction from a user to the terminal device;
Sending a recovery request to the game server, the recovery request including the identified recovery image and the terminal identification information;
A game control method for restoring a game based on recovery information for restoring a game that has progressed, which is sent from the game server when the game server determines that recovery of the game is permitted based on the recovery request. A game server that progresses a game in cooperation with a terminal device,
a second means for generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device, the recovery code being transmitted from the terminal device, and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code;
a third means for storing recovery information for recovering a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
a fourth means for transmitting the restored image to the terminal device;
an eighth means for determining whether to permit restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a restoration request including the restoration image and the terminal identification information, which is transmitted from the terminal device, matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
A game server comprising a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is permitted. A game server that cooperates with the terminal device to progress the game,
a second means for generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device, the recovery code being transmitted from the terminal device, and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code;
a third means for storing recovery information for recovering a game that has progressed, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
a fourth means for transmitting the restored image to the terminal device;
an eighth means for determining whether to permit restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a restoration request including the restoration image and the terminal identification information, which is transmitted from the terminal device, matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
and a ninth means for transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is permitted. A game server that progresses a game in cooperation with the terminal device,
generating a recovery code associated with terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device and transmitted from the terminal device, and a recovery image corresponding to the recovery code;
storing recovery information for restoring the progressed game, the terminal identification information, and the recovery code in a storage unit in association with each other;
transmitting the restored image to the terminal device;
determining whether to permit restoration of the game based on whether the terminal identification information included in a restoration request, which is transmitted from the terminal device and includes the restoration image and the terminal identification information, matches the terminal identification information associated in the storage unit with the restoration code corresponding to the restoration image included in the restoration request;
A game control method, comprising: transmitting the recovery information to the terminal device when it is determined that the recovery of the game is permitted.