JP7780100B2 - Information processing system, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act Published on "Play Store" (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.capcom.android.mhpuzzle)

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

Patent Document 1 discloses technology that enhances the enjoyment of puzzle games.

In this puzzle game, player characters are placed in correspondence with predetermined positions on the edge of the board. The puzzle pieces placed on the board include enemy character pieces representing enemy characters. The player inputs a selection path by drawing it in one stroke, starting from a puzzle piece or player character at a predetermined edge position, to select and erase groups of puzzle pieces of the same type or considered to be of the same type from the board. If an enemy character piece is located along the selection path, the player character corresponding to the puzzle piece set as the starting point or the player character set as the starting point will become the attack source and launch an attack on the enemy character represented by the enemy character piece.

JP 2017-055994 A

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

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

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing system is provided. The information processing system includes at least one processor, and the processor is configured to execute a program so that the following steps are performed. In the game control step, the game progresses based on a user's operation. The game includes a quest using a puzzle board including a plurality of pieces. When a first operation is input by the user, a first position on the puzzle board where a first piece is placed is identified. When a second operation is input by the user following the first operation, a second position on the puzzle board where a second piece is placed is identified, thereby moving the first piece from the first position to the second position. When the first piece is moved from the first position to the second position, the puzzle board is updated if the positional relationship between at least one of the first and second pieces and a third piece satisfies a predetermined match condition. The third piece is a piece placed on the puzzle board that is different from the first and second pieces and is involved in satisfying the match condition. The match conditions include a normal match condition and a special match condition different from the normal match condition. The special match condition, when satisfied, is configured to produce an advantageous effect in the progression of the game that differs from when the normal match condition is satisfied. In the display step, when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, visual information is displayed in a manner that makes it possible to identify the third piece involved in satisfying the special match condition, at least before the second operation is accepted.

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

1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a game device 3 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an activity diagram showing an overview of information processing executed by the information processing system 1. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of game screens 5a and 5b on which an example of visual information VI is displayed, among the game screens 5. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of game screens 5c to 5d on which an example of a first operation OP1 and a second operation OP2 and an example of a group of pieces PiG are displayed. 5A to 5F are schematic diagrams of game screens 5e to 5f that display an example of a special piece PiS that has been generated and placed on the puzzle board PB, and an example of the puzzle board PB being updated. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing examples of game screens 5g and 5h on which visual information VI is displayed as a suggestion to move piece Pi in a third direction, among the game screens 5. FIG. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of game screens 6a and 6b on which an example of visual information VI is displayed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The control unit 33 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the game device 3 itself. In particular, the control unit 33 realizes various functions related to the game device 3 itself by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 32. In other words, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 32 is specifically realized by the control unit 33, which is an example of hardware, and each of the functional units described below can be executed. Note that the control unit 33 is not limited to being single, and multiple control units 33 may be provided for each function. A combination of these may also be used. In other words, the information processing system 1 includes at least one processor, and the processor includes a program that causes each of the steps described below to proceed.

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

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

2.2 Functional Configuration Next, the functional configuration of the game device 3 of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the game device 3 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 33 executes various programs stored in the memory unit 32, thereby functioning as a game control unit 331, a reception unit 332, an identification unit 333, a calculation unit 334, and a display control unit 335. In other words, information processing by software stored in the memory unit 32 is specifically realized by the control unit 33, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 33.

The game control unit 331 is configured to control the progress of the game. In other words, as a game control step, the game control unit 331 progresses the game based on user operations. Details will be described later.

The reception unit 332 is configured to receive various data. For example, the reception unit 332 receives user information, game data, input from the user, etc. from the information processing device 2, the memory unit 32, or the operation unit 34c. In this embodiment, the various information received by the reception unit 332 is described as being stored in the memory unit 32.

The identification unit 333 is configured to identify arbitrary information based on input from the user. Details will be described later.

The calculation unit 334 is configured to execute various information processing calculations related to the game device 3.

In the display step, the display control unit 335 displays various pieces of information stored in the memory unit 32 or screens containing such information on the display 4a of the game device 3 in a visible manner. Specifically, the display control unit 335 displays visual information generated in a manner visible to humans, such as screens, images (e.g., still images or videos), icons, text, etc., on the display 4a. The display control unit 335 may also control the game device 3 to receive rendering information for displaying visual information generated by the information processing device 2, and display the visual information on the display 4a. The display control unit 335 may generate the visual information itself generated in a manner visible to humans, or may generate rendering information for displaying the visual information and transmit it, for example.

3. Explanation of Various Information and Terms In this section, an example of a game provided in the information processing system 1 will be described.

The games provided by information processing system 1 include out-games and in-games.

The out-game includes obtaining and developing characters, decorating their appearance, obtaining, purchasing, and disposing of various items, and primarily includes elements that allow the user to prepare for playing the in-game.

In-game elements include quests, mini-games, and other elements that primarily make up the main part of the game. A quest, which is an example of an in-game element, is completed by progressing through the game in response to user operations and satisfying the completion conditions set for that quest. On the other hand, a quest fails to be completed if the end conditions are met without satisfying the completion conditions.

Clearing conditions include, for example, reaching a set goal point, defeating a specific enemy character such as a boss, or winning a battle between characters. Ending conditions include, for example, the stamina of the character controlled by the player falling below a predetermined value and becoming unable to fight, or the expiration of a time limit or a specified number of action turns.

In one embodiment, the game has, as an in-game, a quest using a puzzle board PB that includes multiple pieces Pi. The puzzle board PB has multiple squares Sq on which pieces Pi can be placed, and is configured so that each piece Pi included on the puzzle board PB can be moved based on an operation OP by the user. In other words, the quest in one embodiment is a so-called puzzle game that progresses by rearranging the positions of pieces Pi to satisfy a match condition MC.

An operation OP is an operation for moving a piece Pi included on the puzzle board PB, and may be a click operation, a tap operation, a swipe operation (e.g., an input operation using a single stroke), a selection operation, or a combination of these. In one embodiment, the operation OP includes a first operation OP1 and a second operation OP2. Furthermore, the operation OP is configured to be able to move the piece Pi on the puzzle board PB, for example, in the up-down direction (an example of a first direction), the left-right direction (an example of a second direction), and a direction at 45 degrees to the up-down and left-right directions (an example of a third direction intersecting the first and second directions).

The first operation OP1 is an operation for selecting the first piece Pi1 as the piece Pi to be moved from among the pieces Pi placed on the puzzle board PB. By inputting the first operation OP1, the square Sq on which the first piece Pi1 is located is identified as the first position Pn1. In other words, the first position Pn1 is the position of the square Sq on which the first piece Pi1 is located, which is identified by inputting the first operation OP1. In other words, in one embodiment, the puzzle game is configured so that when the first operation OP1 is input by the user, the square Sq on which the first piece Pi1 is located on the puzzle board PB is identified as the first position Pn1. Note that the first operation OP1 may be an operation for selecting the square Sq on which the first piece Pi1 is located, instead of selecting the first piece Pi1.

The second operation OP2 is an operation for selecting, as the second piece Pi2, a piece Pi arranged in a direction in which the first piece Pi1 can be moved, from among the pieces Pi arranged on the puzzle board PB. By inputting the second operation OP2 following the first operation OP1, the square Sq on which the second piece Pi2 is located is identified as the second position Pn2. In other words, the second position Pn2 is the position of the square Sq on which the second piece Pi2 is located, identified by inputting the second operation OP2. In other words, a puzzle game according to one embodiment is configured such that, when the user inputs the second operation OP2 following the first operation OP1, the square Sq on which the second piece Pi2 is located on the puzzle board PB is identified as the second position Pn2. The puzzle game is then configured such that, by identifying the first position Pn1 and the second position Pn2 based on the operation OP, the first piece Pi1 is moved from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2. Note that if the second operation OP2 is not an operation to select a piece Pi that is positioned in the direction in which the first piece Pi1 can be moved, the second position Pn2 will not be identified. Instead of selecting the second piece Pi2, the second operation OP2 may be an operation to select the square Sq on which the second piece Pi2 is located.

The match condition MC is a condition for progressing through a puzzle game, which is an example of a quest, and is determined, for example, by the arrangement of the pieces Pi. For example, the match condition MC is configured to be satisfied when multiple pieces Pi arranged on the puzzle board PB are arranged in a predetermined sequence. For example, the match condition MC is configured to be satisfied when three or more pieces Pi are aligned. A puzzle game with such a match condition MC is known as a match-3 type puzzle game. Specifically, for example, the match condition MC is that a predetermined number of pieces Pi with the same attribute are arranged consecutively along the vertical direction (an example of the first direction D1) or horizontal direction (an example of the second direction D2) on the puzzle board PB. In this way, by arranging a predetermined number of pieces Pi with the same attribute consecutively, a group of pieces PiG is formed as a collection of pieces Pi that satisfy the match condition MC. In other words, the group of pieces PiG is a group of pieces Pi that satisfy the match condition MC in terms of the positional relationship of the pieces Pi as a result of movement based on the operation OP. The match condition MC includes a normal match condition MC1 and a special match condition MC2 that differs from the normal match condition MC1.

Normal match condition MC1 is a match condition MC that is easier to fulfill than special match condition MC2, and is, for example, a condition in which three pieces Pi are gathered.

Special match conditions MC2 are match conditions MC that are more difficult to satisfy than normal match conditions MC1, such as the requirement that four or more pieces Pi be gathered. In other words, special match conditions MC2 are match conditions MC that include normal match conditions MC1 as a necessary condition. In other words, if a certain group of pieces PiG satisfies special match conditions MC2, that group of pieces PiG will necessarily satisfy normal match conditions MC1, but even if a certain group of pieces PiG satisfies normal match conditions MC1, that group of pieces PiG will not necessarily satisfy special match conditions MC2. Furthermore, when special match conditions MC2 are satisfied, advantageous effects in the progression of the game occur that are different from when normal match conditions MC1 are satisfied. Details of these advantageous effects will be described later.

In a puzzle game, the clearing conditions are to remove a certain number of specific pieces Pi, or to accumulate a certain number of points earned by removing any piece Pi. Examples of ending conditions include the passage of a time limit or manipulating pieces Pi a set number of times.

In one embodiment, the puzzle game is configured to display visual information VI as assistance to make it easier to meet the clearing conditions. The visual information VI is information that displays pieces Pi involved in the match condition MC in an identifiable manner by visually distinguishing between a certain piece Pi or the square Sq on which that piece Pi is located and other pieces Pi or the squares Sq on which those other pieces Pi are located. Pieces Pi involved in the match condition MC are not limited to pieces Pi that form a group of pieces PiG that satisfies the match condition MC as a result of movement based on an operation OP, but may include, for example, pieces Pi other than pieces Pi that form the group of pieces PiG and that are moved by the operation OP. The visual information VI includes match information VI1 and special match information VI2.

Match information VI1 is any information that allows visual distinction between at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 to be selected by the operation OP in order to satisfy the match condition MC, and other pieces Pi. Specifically, for example, match information VI1 is any information that allows visual distinction between the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 involved in satisfying the match condition MC, and other pieces Pi.

Special match information VI2 is information that is drawn in addition to match information VI1 when special match condition MC2 is met, and is information that is drawn in a manner that makes it possible to identify the pieces Pi involved in meeting special match condition MC2. Specifically, for example, special match information VI2 is any information that makes it possible to visually distinguish between the square Sq on which the piece Pi involved in meeting special match condition MC2 is located and the squares Sq on which other pieces Pi are located.

4. Operational Flow of Information Processing System 1 In this section, the operational flow of the information processing system 1 described above will be described.

4.1 Overview of Information Processing First, an overview of the flow of the information processing method executed by the information processing system 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is an activity diagram showing an overview of the information processing executed by the information processing system 1. The results of the processing in each activity included in the information processing described below can be output in a manner that can be recognized by the user using the display 4a or the like, as appropriate. Note that the information processing may include any exception processing not shown. Exception processing includes the interruption of the information processing or the omission of each process. The selection or input performed in the information processing may be based on a user operation or may be performed automatically without relying on a user operation.

First, the display control unit 335 displays on the display 4a a top screen (not shown) that allows the user to input game-related selections through user operation. Next, the reception unit 332 receives input through user operation (e.g., click operation, tap operation, swipe operation, selection operation, etc.), and the display control unit 335 displays a screen corresponding to the input. In the following description, it is assumed that the game screen 5 (see Figures 4 to 7) is displayed based on the input through the user operation.

The display control unit 335 displays the game screen 5 based on the input from the user's operation (activity A001). A puzzle board PB is drawn on the game screen 5. As a result, the game screen 5 is configured so that a quest using the puzzle board PB can be executed. The puzzle board PB is configured so that the first piece Pi1 can be moved by inputting a first operation OP1 followed by a second operation OP2 as operations OP.

First, the game control unit 331 begins accepting an operation OP, which is an operation input from the user via the game screen 5 (activity A002).

Next, the game control unit 331, in parallel with activity A002, initializes the elapsed time t (activity A003) and starts counting the elapsed time t (activity A004). In other words, the elapsed time t indicates the time that has elapsed since the start of accepting operational input from the user.

The game control unit 331 then waits until the user inputs an operation OP (activity A005). Specifically, for example, the game control unit 331 waits until a first operation OP1 and a second operation OP2 following the first operation OP1 are input as the operation OP. In this case, the calculation unit 334 determines whether the count of elapsed time t, which progresses while waiting for the input of an operation OP, exceeds the support time Ts (activity A101). If the count of elapsed time t does not exceed the support time Ts and an operation OP is input, the process proceeds to activity A201. If the count of elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts, the process proceeds to activity A102. In other words, activity A005 is an interruptible process. Below, the process of activity A102 will be described first. The support time Ts is the time until the progress of the puzzle game is supported, for example, until visual information VI is rendered on the puzzle board PB. Specifically, for example, the support time Ts may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 seconds, or may be within a range between any two of the values exemplified here. In the following description, it will be assumed that the support time Ts is set to 5 seconds.

When the count of elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts, the calculation unit 334 determines whether any of the pieces Pi placed on the puzzle board PB would satisfy the special match condition MC2 if moved (activity A102).

If there is a piece Pi arranged on the puzzle board PB that, when moved, satisfies the special match condition MC2, the display control unit 335 displays visual information VI in a manner that allows the user to identify the piece Pi involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2 (activity A103). Specifically, for example, the display control unit 335 displays match information VI1 and special match information VI2 as visual information VI on the puzzle board PB. This allows the user to easily identify the piece Pi to be moved to satisfy the special match condition MC2 from the match information VI1 and the special match information VI2. Specifically, for example, if the special match condition MC2 is satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the square Sq identified as the first position Pn1 to the square Sq identified as the second position Pn2, the display control unit 335 may display special match information VI2 (an example of visual information VI) in a manner that allows the user to identify the third piece Pi3 involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2, at least before accepting the second operation OP2. In this case, the third piece Pi3 is a piece Pi placed on the puzzle board PB that is different from the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 and that is involved in satisfying the match condition MC.

If there are no pieces Pi placed on the puzzle board PB that would satisfy the special match condition MC2 if moved, the calculation unit 334 determines whether there are any pieces Pi placed on the puzzle board PB that would satisfy the normal match condition MC1 if moved (activity A104). In other words, the calculation unit 334 prioritizes determining whether there are any pieces Pi placed on the puzzle board PB that would satisfy the special match condition MC2 if moved, and then determines whether there are any pieces Pi placed on the puzzle board PB that would satisfy the normal match condition MC1 if moved.

If there is a piece Pi placed on the puzzle board PB that, when moved, satisfies the normal match condition MC1, the display control unit 335 displays match information VI1 as visual information VI on the puzzle board PB (activity A105). This allows the user to easily identify the piece Pi to be moved to satisfy the normal match condition MC1 from the match information VI1. Specifically, for example, if the normal match condition MC1 is satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, the display control unit 335 displays the match information VI1 in a manner that makes it possible to identify at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 that contribute to satisfying the normal match condition MC1, before accepting at least the second operation OP2. On the other hand, if there is no piece Pi placed on the puzzle board PB that, when moved, satisfies the normal match condition MC1, the processing of activity A105 is omitted.

When the processing of activity A103 is performed, if there are no pieces Pi placed on the puzzle board PB in the processing of activity A104 that, when moved, satisfy the normal match condition MC1, or when the processing of activity A105 is performed, processing proceeds to activity A106.

The game control unit 331 waits until an operation OP, which is an operational input, is input by the user (activity A106). Specifically, for example, the game control unit 331 waits until a second operation OP2 is input following a first operation OP1 as an operation OP. During this time, the visual information VI displayed in activity A103 or activity A105 continues to be displayed on the puzzle board PB. When an operation OP is input, processing proceeds to activity A201.

Next, we will explain what happens when an operation OP is input during the processing of activity A005 or activity A106, and the processing proceeds to activity A201.

When a second operation OP2 is input following a first operation OP1, the reception unit 332 receives the input of the first operation OP1 and the second operation OP2 (activity A201).

Next, the identification unit 333 identifies the first position Pn1 and the second position Pn2 based on the received input of the first operation OP1 and the second operation OP2 (activity A202).

Furthermore, the game control unit 331 moves the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2 (activity A203). In other words, to summarize the processing of activities A201 to A203, a puzzle game, which is an example of a game, is configured so that when a first operation OP1 is input by the user, the first position Pn1 at which the first piece Pi1 is placed on the puzzle board PB is identified. Furthermore, the puzzle game is configured so that when a second operation OP2 is input by the user following the first operation OP1, the second position Pn2 at which the second piece Pi2 is placed on the puzzle board PB is identified. The puzzle game is then configured so that, once the first position Pn1 and the second position Pn2 have been identified, the first piece Pi1 is moved from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2. Note that if the match condition MC is not satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, the game control unit 331 cancels the movement of the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2 and waits until the user inputs the operation OP again.

Next, based on the movement of the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, the game control unit 331 removes the piece group PiG, which is a collection of pieces Pi that satisfy the match condition MC, from the puzzle board PB (activity A204). The piece group PiG is a group of pieces Pi consisting of at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2, and the third piece Pi3.

The calculation unit 334 determines whether the fulfilled match condition MC is the special match condition MC2 (activity A205). Specifically, for example, the calculation unit 334 determines whether the number of pieces Pi included in the group of pieces PiG to be removed from the puzzle board PB is four or more.

If the special match condition MC2 is met, that is, if the number of pieces Pi included in the group of pieces PiG to be removed from the puzzle board PB is four or more, the game control unit 331 generates a special piece PiS and places it on the puzzle board PB (activity A206). A special piece PiS is a piece Pi that is different from the normal pieces Pi placed on the puzzle board PB and that has an advantageous effect in the progression of the game. Specifically, for example, if a group of pieces PiG is removed in a position adjacent to the special piece PiS, the game control unit 331 not only removes the group of pieces PiG and the special piece PiS, but also removes a piece Pi located in a specified square Sq starting from the square Sq on which the special piece PiS is located.

If the satisfied matching conditions MC do not include the special matching condition MC2, or if the processing of activity A206 is executed, the display control unit 335 displays the updated puzzle board PB (activity A207). Specifically, for example, the puzzle board PB is updated by replenishing the square Sq where the erased piece group PiG was located with a piece Pi. In other words, the puzzle game is configured to update the puzzle board PB by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, when the positional relationship between the third piece Pi3 and at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 satisfies the predetermined matching condition MC. Specifically, for example, the game control unit 331 updates the puzzle board PB by replenishing with a random type of piece Pi.

The calculation unit 334 then determines whether a predetermined condition is met (activity A208). The predetermined condition is either a clear condition or an end condition. If the predetermined condition is not met, processing returns to activity A002, and the puzzle game continues. If the predetermined condition is met, the game control unit 331 ends the puzzle game.

In summary, the information processing method executed by the information processing system 1 includes the following steps. As a game control step, the game control unit 331 progresses the game based on a user operation OP. The game has a quest using a puzzle board PB including a plurality of pieces Pi. The game is configured so that, when a first operation OP1 is input by the user, a first position Pn1 at which a first piece Pi1 is placed on the puzzle board PB is identified. The game is configured so that, when a second operation OP2 is input by the user following the first operation OP1, a second position Pn2 at which a second piece Pi2 is placed on the puzzle board PB is identified, thereby moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2. The game is configured so that, by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, the puzzle board PB is updated when the positional relationship between at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 and the third piece Pi3 satisfies a predetermined match condition MC. The third piece Pi3 is a piece Pi, different from the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2, among the pieces Pi arranged on the puzzle board PB and involved in satisfying the match condition MC. The match condition MC includes a normal match condition MC1 and a special match condition MC2 different from the normal match condition MC1. When the special match condition MC2 is satisfied, an advantageous effect in the progress of the game occurs that is different from when the normal match condition MC1 is satisfied. In the display step, the display control unit 335 displays visual information VI in a manner that allows identification of the third piece Pi3 involved in satisfying the special matching condition MC2, at least before accepting the second operation OP2, when the special matching condition MC2 is satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2. Furthermore, the program according to this embodiment causes at least one computer to execute each of the steps of the information processing system 1. This aspect can provide the user with a more interesting experience.

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

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of game screens 5a and 5b, which display an example of visual information VI, from the game screen 5.

As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, game screens 5a and 5b have areas 501-503, which display information related to the quest. Area 501 displays the name of the quest currently being performed, "1-3 Chase the Phantom Buddha." Area 502 displays the number of operation OPs input by the user up to that point and the number of operation OPs allowed in the currently being performed quest. Here, "0/18" is displayed, indicating that the number of operation OPs input by the user up to that point is 0 and that the number of operation OPs allowed in the currently being performed quest, "1-3 Chase the Phantom Buddha," is 18. Furthermore, area 503 displays an illustration of what will happen when a piece Pi is erased and the number of pieces to be erased (for example, "32"). In other words, the clearing condition for the quest is determined to be met if the user erases 32 pieces Pi of their choice within 18 inputs.

Furthermore, on the game screens 5a and 5b, a puzzle board PB1 is depicted as the puzzle board PB used in the puzzle game. The puzzle board PB1 is composed of a plurality of square cells Sq arranged along a grid (e.g., a square grid). A piece Pi is placed in each of the plurality of cells Sq. The puzzle board PB1 is configured so that each piece Pi placed in the cell Sq can be moved based on an operation OP by the user so as to satisfy the match condition MC.

Furthermore, pieces Pia, which are pieces Pi shown with an illustration of an acorn, are placed on squares Sq1, Sq31 to Sq34, Sq4, Sq61, and Sq62 on the puzzle board PB1. Furthermore, pieces Pib, which are pieces Pi shown with an illustration of a candy, are placed on squares Sq2 and Sq5 on the puzzle board PB1. As an example, Table 1 summarizes example illustrations corresponding to pieces Pia and Pib.

On puzzle board PB1, the square Sq located below and adjacent to square Sq1 is square Sq2, the square Sq located to the left of square Sq2 is square Sq31, the square Sq located to the right of square Sq2 is square Sq32, the square Sq located below and adjacent to square Sq2 is square Sq33, and the square Sq located below and adjacent to square Sq33 is square Sq34. To summarize the positional relationships of the pieces Pi located in these squares Sq, the user can swap the positions of piece Pia located in square Sq1 and piece Pib located in square Sq2 to make piece Pia adjacent to square Sq2 and squares Sq31-Sq34, i.e., in five squares Sq. In this case, five pieces Pia are eliminated, and special match condition MC2 is met.

In addition, on the puzzle board PB1, the square Sq located adjacent to the right of square Sq4 is square Sq5, the square Sq located adjacent above square Sq5 is square Sq61, and the square Sq located adjacent below square Sq5 is square Sq62. To summarize the relative positions of the pieces Pi located in these squares Sq, the user can swap the positions of piece Pia located in square Sq4 and piece Pib located in square Sq5 to make piece Pia adjacent to square Sq5, square Sq61, and square Sq62, i.e., in three squares Sq. In this case, three pieces Pia are eliminated, satisfying normal match condition MC1. In other words, the puzzle board PB1 is configured to allow both an operation OP that moves piece Pi to a positional relationship that satisfies normal match condition MC1 and an operation OP that moves piece Pi to a positional relationship that satisfies special match condition MC2.

Furthermore, on the puzzle board PB1, match information VI1 is rendered in a manner that allows the piece Pia placed on square Sq1 and the piece Pib placed on square Sq2 to be distinguished. Specifically, for example, the match information VI1 on the puzzle board PB1 is composed of visual information showing the piece Pia placed on square Sq1 moving closer to and farther away from square Sq2, and visual information showing the piece Pib placed on square Sq2 moving closer to and farther away from square Sq1. In more detail, the match information VI1 in Figure 4A is composed of visual information showing the piece Pia placed on square Sq1 moving closer to square Sq2, and visual information showing the piece Pib placed on square Sq2 moving closer to square Sq1, as indicated by the arrows in the figure. 4B includes visual information indicating that the piece Pia located on the square Sq1 is moving away from the square Sq2, and visual information indicating that the piece Pib located on the square Sq2 is moving away from the square Sq1, as indicated by the arrows in the figure. In other words, the match information VI1 is configured to suggest to the user, through visual information, that the piece Pia located on the square Sq1 and the piece Pib located on the square Sq2 be swapped. This aspect allows the user to satisfy the match condition MC by swapping the pieces Pi in accordance with the match information VI1, thereby facilitating progress in the puzzle game. In other words, this aspect allows the user to visually identify the pieces Pi involved in satisfying the match condition MC, even if they are taking time to input an operation OP because they are considering which piece Pi to move. In this case, one of the piece Pia placed in square Sq1 and the piece Pib placed in square Sq2 corresponds to the first piece identifiable by the match information VI1 as the visual information VI, and the other corresponds to the second piece identifiable by the match information VI1 as the visual information VI.

To summarize the match information VI1 drawn on the puzzle board PB1, the display control unit 335 displays the match information VI1 as visual information VI in a manner that allows identification of at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 involved in satisfying the match condition MC, when the match condition MC is satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, or when the match condition MC is satisfied by moving the second piece Pi2 from the second position Pn2 to the first position Pn1, at least before receiving the second operation OP2.

Furthermore, on the puzzle board PB1, the special match information VI2 is rendered in a manner that allows the user to distinguish between the piece Pib located on square Sq2 and the piece Pia located on squares Sq31 to Sq34. Specifically, for example, the special match information VI2 on the puzzle board PB1 renders square Sq2 and squares Sq31 to Sq34 visually distinct from the other squares Sq. In particular, the special match information VI2 is configured as visual information that fills in squares Sq2 and squares Sq31 to Sq34. According to this configuration, if the user is taking time to input an operation OP because they are considering which piece Pi to move, the special match information VI2 is rendered in addition to the match information VI1, allowing the user to visually identify the piece Pi involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2. In this case, the pieces Pia placed in squares Sq31 to Sq34 correspond to the third piece Pi3, which can be identified by the special match information VI2 as visual information VI.

To summarize the special match information VI2 depicted on the puzzle board PB1, at least before receiving the second operation OP2, if the match condition MC that is satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2 is the special match condition MC2, or if the special match condition MC2 is satisfied by moving the second piece Pi2 from the second position Pn2 to the first position Pn1, the display control unit 335 further displays the special match information VI as visual information VI in a manner that allows the third piece Pi3 involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2 to be identified. This manner makes it possible to display visual information VI according to the match condition MC that is satisfied, allowing the user to easily understand which match condition MC is satisfied. Preferably, when the special matching condition MC2 is satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, or when the special matching condition MC2 is satisfied by moving the second piece Pi2 from the second position Pn2 to the first position Pn1, the display control unit 335 displays the visual information VI in a manner that enables identification of the second piece Pi2 involved in satisfying the special matching condition MC2, in addition to the third piece Pi3 involved in satisfying the special matching condition MC2, at least before accepting the second operation OP2. According to this embodiment, by identifying the second piece Pi2 and third piece Pi3 involved in satisfying the special matching condition MC2 at least before performing the second operation OP2, it is possible to visually easily grasp the positional relationship that satisfies the special matching condition MC2.

On the other hand, as mentioned above, on the puzzle board PB1, the normal match condition MC1 can be met by swapping the positions of piece Pia, which is located on square Sq4, and piece Pib, which is located on square Sq5. However, visual information VI that identifies piece Pi, which is located on squares Sq4, Sq5, Sq61, and Sq62, is not rendered on the puzzle board PB1. In other words, because match information VI1 and special match information VI2 have already been rendered on the puzzle board PB1 so as to identify piece Pi, which satisfies special match condition MC2, visual information VI that identifies piece Pi, which is located on squares Sq4, Sq5, Sq61, and Sq62, other than the piece Pi, is not rendered. In other words, with respect to the visual information VI shown in FIG. 4, when the puzzle board PB is configured to allow both an operation OP that can move a piece Pi to a positional relationship that satisfies the normal match condition MC1 and an operation OP that can move a piece Pi to a positional relationship that satisfies the special match condition MC2, the display control unit 335 displays the visual information VI to preferentially suggest that the special match condition MC2 will be satisfied. According to this aspect, it is possible to preferentially suggest that the special match condition MC2 will be satisfied over the normal match condition MC1, thereby providing the user with a more interesting experience.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of game screens 5c and 5d, which display examples of the first operation OP1 and second operation OP2, and examples of the piece group PiG. Descriptions of components similar to those in game screen 5a will be omitted.

Figure 5A shows a situation in which a user refers to visual information VI and inputs an operation OP via the game screen 5c. Specifically, for example, Figure 5A shows a situation in which an operation OP is input to swap the positions of piece Pia located on square Sq1 and piece Pib located on square Sq2 so as to satisfy special match condition MC2. In this case, the operation OP involves a first operation OP1 that selects piece Pia located on square Sq1 as the first piece Pi1. Following the first operation OP1, a second operation OP2 is performed that performs a swipe operation starting from the position of square Sq1 selected by the first operation OP1 and ending at the position of square Sq2. Piece Pib located on square Sq2 is selected as the second piece Pi2 by the second operation OP2. Furthermore, by inputting the first operation OP1, the square Sq where first piece Pi1 is located is identified as the first position Pn1. By inputting the second operation OP2 following the first operation OP1, the square Sq where the second piece Pi2 is located is identified as the second position Pn2.

Figure 5B shows a game screen 5d including a puzzle board PB2 in which the first piece Pi1 has moved from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2 as a result of a user operation OP. Specifically, on the puzzle board PB2, the second piece Pi2 is located in the square Sq1 identified as the first position Pn1, and the first piece Pi1 is located in the square Sq2 identified as the second position Pn2. That is, five pieces Pia are adjacent to each other at square Sq2 and squares Sq31-34. The five adjacent pieces Pia form a piece group PiG, a collection of pieces Pi that satisfy the special matching condition MC2. The piece group PiG includes a piece Pia located at squares Sq31-34 as a third piece Pi3 that is positioned to satisfy the special matching condition MC2.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of game screens 5e-5f, which show an example of a special piece PiS that has been generated and placed on the puzzle board PB, and an example of an updated puzzle board PB. Explanations of components similar to those in game screen 5a will be omitted.

Puzzle board PB3 shown in FIG. 6A illustrates a situation in which pieces Pi forming piece group PiG that satisfies special matching condition MC2 are eliminated when special matching condition MC2 is satisfied on puzzle board PB2. Specifically, for example, pieces Pi forming piece group PiG that were placed on square Sq2 and squares Sq31 to Sq34 are eliminated along with an accompanying visual effect. Furthermore, a special piece PiS is generated as a result of the special matching condition MC2 being satisfied, and the generated special piece PiS is placed on square Sq2, which has been identified as the second position Pn2. Note that area 502 on game screen 5e displays "1/18" due to the user inputting an operation OP, indicating that the number of operations OP entered by the user up to that point is one. Furthermore, area 503 on game screen 5e displays "25" due to the removal of pieces Pi. In other words, the user can understand that five pieces Pi have been removed with a single operation OP.

The puzzle board PB4 shown in Figure 6B illustrates a situation in which the puzzle board PB is updated after a piece Pi forming the piece group PiG is erased and a special piece PiS is placed. Specifically, for example, an existing piece Pi is moved from the top to the bottom of the puzzle board PB so that a new piece Pi is placed in the square Sq from which a piece Pi forming the piece group PiG was erased, and a new replacement piece PiR is added to the square Sq before the movement. In this manner, the puzzle board PB is updated. Note that in Figure 6B, the special piece PiS moves from the square Sq where it was generated and placed to the square Sq below when the puzzle board PB is updated, but this is not limited thereto and the special piece PiS may remain in the square Sq where it was generated and placed. In this case, excluding the squares Sq where the special pieces PiS have been generated and placed, the existing pieces Pi are moved from the top to the bottom of the puzzle board PB so that new pieces Pi are placed in the squares Sq where the pieces Pi that make up the piece group PiG have been removed, and new replacement pieces PiR are added to the squares Sq before the movement.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of game screens 5g and 5h on which visual information VI is displayed as a suggestion to move piece Pi in the third direction. Descriptions of components similar to those in game screen 5a will be omitted.

7A and 7B show a puzzle board PB5 in which a new operation OP can be input after the puzzle board PB has been updated. Specifically, for example, pieces Pic, which are pieces Pi illustrated as shells, are placed on squares Sq7, Sq91, and Sq92 of the puzzle board PB5, and pieces Pid, which are pieces Pi illustrated as mushrooms, are placed on square Sq8. As an example, Table 2 summarizes examples of illustrations corresponding to each piece Pi.

In the puzzle board PB5 shown in Figure 7, the square Sq adjacent to square Sq7 on the left is square Sq92, the square Sq adjacent above square Sq92 is square Sq8, and the square Sq adjacent above square Sq8 is square Sq91. To summarize the relative positions of the pieces Pi placed in these squares Sq, the user can swap the positions of the piece Pic placed in square Sq7 with the piece Pid placed in square Sq8, thereby placing the pieces Pic adjacent to squares Sq8, Sq91, and Sq92, i.e., in three squares Sq. In this case, three pieces Pic are eliminated, satisfying the normal match condition MC1. Furthermore, the movement direction of the pieces Pi in this case is at a 45-degree angle relative to the vertical and horizontal directions of the puzzle board PB. In other words, the puzzle game is configured so that the first piece Pi1 can be moved from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2 when the first position Pn1 and the second position Pn2 are adjacent to each other along any one of the following directions: the up-down direction (an example of the first direction D1), the left-right direction (an example of the second direction D2), and a direction at 45 degrees to the up-down and left-right directions (an example of a third direction D3 intersecting the first direction D1 and the second direction D2). According to this aspect, the piece Pi can be moved along the third direction D3 in addition to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, providing the user with a more engaging experience.

Furthermore, on the puzzle board PB5, match information VI1 is rendered in a manner that allows the piece Pic placed on square Sq7 and the piece Pid placed on square Sq8 to be distinguished. Specifically, for example, the match information VI1 on the puzzle board PB5 is composed of visual information showing the piece Pic placed on square Sq7 moving toward and away from square Sq8, and visual information showing the piece Pid placed on square Sq8 moving toward and away from square Sq7. In more detail, the match information VI1 in FIG. 7A is composed of visual information showing the piece Pic placed on square Sq7 moving toward square Sq8, and visual information showing the piece Pid placed on square Sq8 moving toward square Sq7, along the third direction D3 as indicated by the arrow in the figure. 7B includes visual information indicating that the piece Pic located on the square Sq7 is moving away from the square Sq8 along the third direction D3, as shown by the arrows in the figure, and visual information indicating that the piece Pid located on the square Sq8 is moving away from the square Sq7 along the third direction D3. In other words, the match information VI1 is configured to suggest to the user, through visual information, that the piece Pic located on the square Sq7 and the piece Pid located on the square Sq8 be swapped along the third direction D3. The match information VI1, which is the visual information VI in this case, includes information suggesting in which direction, among the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3, at least one of the first piece Pi1 and the second piece Pi2 should be moved to satisfy the match condition MC. According to this aspect, in addition to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, it is possible to suggest to the user the third direction D3, which is difficult for the user to notice, as the direction in which the piece Pi should be moved to satisfy the match condition MC, allowing the user to easily grasp at which position on the puzzle board PB the match condition MC will be satisfied.

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

In the embodiment described above, an example was given in which the special match information VI2 is drawn in such a way that the piece Pib placed on square Sq2 and the pieces Pia placed on squares Sq31 to Sq34 can be distinguished on the puzzle board PB1 in Figure 4, but this is not limited to this. Other examples will be described below using Figure 8.

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of game screens 6a and 6b displaying an example of visual information VI. As shown in Figure 8, game screens 6a and 6b have areas 601-603, and areas 601-603 on game screens 6a and 6b have the same configuration as areas 501-503 on game screens 5a and 5b. Furthermore, a description of the same configuration as game screens 5a and 5b will be omitted.

On the puzzle board PB6, match information VI1 is drawn in a manner that allows the player to distinguish between the piece Pia placed in square Sq1 and the piece Pib placed in square Sq2. Furthermore, on the puzzle board PB6, special match information VI2 is drawn in a manner that allows the player to distinguish between the pieces Pia placed in square Sq1 and squares Sq31 to Sq34. Specifically, for example, the special match information VI2 on the puzzle board PB6 draws square Sq1 and squares Sq31 to Sq34 visually distinct from the other squares. Specifically, the special match information VI2 is composed of visual information that fills in square Sq1 and squares Sq31 to Sq34.

To summarize the special match information VI2 depicted on the puzzle board PB6, when the special match condition MC2 is satisfied by moving the first piece Pi1 from the first position Pn1 to the second position Pn2, or when the special match condition MC2 is satisfied by moving the second piece Pi2 from the second position Pn2 to the first position Pn1, the display control unit 335 may display the visual information VI in a manner that enables identification of the first piece Pi1, which is involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2, in addition to the third piece Pi3, which is involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2, before accepting the first operation OP1. According to this manner, by identifying the first piece Pi1 and third piece Pi3, which are involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2, at least before performing the first operation OP1, it is possible to simultaneously identify both the piece Pi to be moved to satisfy the special match condition MC2 and the positional relationship that will satisfy the special match condition MC2.

In the embodiment described above, the visual information VI, that is, match information VI1 and special match information VI2, are displayed when the count of elapsed time t, which progresses as the player waits for an operation OP to be input, exceeds the support time Ts. However, this is not limited to this. For example, when normal match condition MC1 is met, match information VI1 may be displayed when the count of elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts. When special match condition MC2 is met, match information VI1 may be displayed first when the count of elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts, and then special match information VI2 may be displayed after a predetermined time has passed. Alternatively, when normal match condition MC1 is met, match information VI1 may be displayed when the count of elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts. When special match condition MC2 is met, match information VI1 may be displayed before the count of elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts, and then special match information VI2 may be displayed when the count of elapsed time t exceeds the support time Ts.

When displaying the aforementioned match information VI1, if the puzzle board PB is configured to allow both an operation OP that moves a piece Pi in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 to a positional relationship that satisfies the match condition MC, and an operation OP that moves a piece Pi in the third direction D3 to a positional relationship that satisfies the match condition MC, then it is preferable that the match information VI1 be displayed based on a preset priority.

For example, match information VI1 suggesting that piece Pi be moved in the third direction D3 may be displayed preferentially over match information VI1 suggesting that piece Pi be moved in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. This allows the user to prioritize understanding the third direction D3, which is less noticeable to the user than the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, when moving piece Pi to satisfy match condition MC, thereby improving the user's game proficiency.

Alternatively, for example, match information VI1 suggesting that piece Pi be moved in the first direction D1 or second direction D2 may be displayed preferentially over match information VI1 suggesting that piece Pi be moved in the third direction D3. This allows the user to prioritize understanding the first direction D1 and second direction D2, which are easier to notice than the third direction D3, when moving piece Pi to satisfy match condition MC, allowing the user to easily progress through the game.

Furthermore, for example, the priority for displaying match information VI1 may be determined based on the user's play history. For example, if an operation OP to move piece Pi in the third direction D3 has not been input or has not been input more than a predetermined number of times in the play history, the priority for displaying match information VI1 may be determined so that match information VI1 suggesting moving piece Pi in the third direction D3 is displayed with priority over match information VI1 suggesting moving piece Pi in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. This aspect allows the user to prioritize understanding the third direction D3, which is less noticeable to the user than the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, when moving piece Pi to satisfy match condition MC, thereby improving the user's game proficiency.

Alternatively, for example, the priority for displaying match information VI1 may be determined so that, if an operation OP to move the piece Pi in the third direction D3 has not been input or has not been input more than a predetermined number of times in the play history, match information VI1 suggesting moving the piece Pi in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 is displayed with higher priority than match information VI1 suggesting moving the piece Pi in the third direction D3. This aspect allows the user to prioritize the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, which are easier to notice than the third direction D3, as directions in which to move the piece Pi to satisfy the match condition MC, thereby allowing the user to easily progress through the game. Note that, if an operation OP to move the piece Pi in the third direction D3 has been input more than a predetermined number of times in the play history, there may be no difference in priority between displaying match information VI1 suggesting moving the piece Pi in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 and displaying match information VI1 suggesting moving the piece Pi in the third direction D3.

In the embodiment described above, the special match information VI2 is described as filling in the square Sq in which the piece Pi involved in satisfying the special match condition MC2 is located so that the user can visually identify the piece Pi, but this is not limited to this. For example, the special match information VI2 may be visual information that highlights the frame of the square Sq in which the involved piece Pi is located, or visual information that highlights the involved piece Pi itself.

In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the visual information VI is continuously displayed on the puzzle board PB, but this is not limited to this. For example, after the visual information VI is displayed, a state in which the visual information VI is displayed and a state in which the visual information VI is not displayed may be repeated at a predetermined frequency, or the visual information VI may be hidden when a predetermined time has passed since the visual information VI was displayed.

In the above-described embodiment, the advantageous effect was described using an example in which a special piece PiS was generated and placed on the puzzle board PB, but this is not limited to this and the advantageous effect may be an effect or right that enhances the user's interest in the virtual space compared to normal times. For example, the advantageous effect may be an effect that enhances the user's interest in the virtual space through the user's five senses, such as displaying special visual effects on the display 4a, enriching the image display, generating special background music or sound effects, or adding vibrations to the input device 4c. Furthermore, for example, the right may be an advantageous right in the real world, such as the right to enter a specified lottery, the right to be able to hold a specified lottery, the right to make an advance reservation, or the right to a special discount.

In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the puzzle board PB is configured in a roughly checkerboard shape by including multiple rectangular squares Sq, but this is not limited to this. The shape of the squares Sq may be any shape that allows pieces Pi to be placed thereon, and may be, for example, a polygon (triangle, trapezoid, hexagon, etc.), circle, ellipse, etc. Furthermore, the puzzle board PB may be configured by combining multiple polygonal (triangle, trapezoid, hexagon, etc.), circle, ellipse, etc. squares Sq as long as the match condition MC can be satisfied by moving the pieces Pi placed in the squares Sq. Furthermore, the outer shape of the puzzle board PB is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a rectangle, circle, irregular shape, etc.

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

In this embodiment, the game control unit 331, reception unit 332, identification unit 333, calculation unit 334, and display control unit 335 are described as functional units implemented by the control unit 33 of the game device 3, but at least some of these may be implemented as functional units implemented by the control unit 23 of the information processing device 2. Furthermore, the various information described in the above example may be stored in a distributed manner not only in the memory unit 32 of the game device 3, but also in other external devices. In such cases, distributed ledger management based on blockchain or the like may be used.

Furthermore, it may be provided in the following forms:

(1) An information processing system comprising at least one processor, the processor configured to execute a program so that the following steps are progressed: in the game control step, the game is progressed based on user operations, wherein the game has a quest using a puzzle board including a plurality of pieces; when a first operation is input by the user, a first position on the puzzle board where a first piece is placed is identified; when a second operation is input by the user following the first operation, a second position on the puzzle board where a second piece is placed is identified, thereby moving the first piece from the first position to the second position; and by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, at least one of the first piece and the second piece and The system is configured to update the puzzle board when the positional relationship with three pieces satisfies a predetermined match condition, the third piece being one of the pieces placed on the puzzle board that is different from the first and second pieces and that is involved in satisfying the match condition, the match conditions including a normal match condition and a special match condition that is different from the normal match condition, and when the special match condition is satisfied, an advantageous effect in the progress of the game occurs that is different from when the normal match condition is satisfied, and in the display step, when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, visual information is displayed in a manner that allows the third piece involved in satisfying the special match condition to be identified at least before the second operation is accepted.

This approach allows users to have a more engaging experience.

(2) In the information processing system described in (1) above, in the display step, when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, the system further displays the visual information in a manner that allows the second piece involved in satisfying the special match condition to be identified, at least before accepting the second operation.

In this manner, by identifying the second and third pieces involved in satisfying the special match condition at least before performing the second operation, the player can easily visually grasp the positional relationship that satisfies the special match condition.

(3) In the information processing system described in (1) or (2) above, in the display step, if the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, the system further displays the visual information in a manner that allows the first piece involved in satisfying the special match condition to be identified before accepting the first operation.

In this embodiment, by identifying the first and third pieces involved in satisfying the special matching condition at least before performing the first operation, it is possible to simultaneously identify both the pieces to be moved to satisfy the special matching condition and the positional relationships that will allow the special matching condition to be met.

(4) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (3) above, in the display step, when the puzzle board is configured to allow both an operation to move the pieces to a positional relationship that satisfies the normal match condition and an operation to move the pieces to a positional relationship that satisfies the special match condition, the system displays the visual information to preferentially suggest that the special match condition will be met.

In this manner, it becomes possible to suggest that meeting special match conditions takes priority over meeting normal match conditions, providing users with a more engaging experience.

(5) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (4) above, in the display step, if the match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, at least before receiving the second operation, the visual information is displayed in a manner that makes it possible to identify at least one of the first piece and the second piece involved in satisfying the match condition, and if the match condition satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position is the special match condition, the visual information is further displayed in a manner that makes it possible to identify the third piece involved in satisfying the special match condition.

This aspect makes it possible to display visual information according to the match conditions that are met, allowing the user to easily understand what match conditions are met.

(6) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the matching condition is that a predetermined number of pieces with the same attribute are consecutively placed along a first direction or a second direction on the puzzle board, and the game is configured to allow the first piece to be moved from the first position to the second position when the first position and the second position are adjacent along any one of the first direction, the second direction, and a third direction intersecting the first and second directions.

In this manner, pieces can be moved in a third direction in addition to the first and second directions, providing users with a more engaging experience.

(7) In the information processing system described in (6) above, the visual information includes information suggesting in which of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction at least one of the first piece and the second piece should be moved to satisfy the match condition.

In this manner, in addition to the first and second directions, it is possible to suggest to the user a third direction, which the user may not easily notice, in order to move the pieces to satisfy the match condition, allowing the user to easily grasp at which position on the puzzle board the match condition will be satisfied.

(8) An information processing method including each step of the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (7) above.

This approach allows users to have a more engaging experience.

(9) A program that causes at least one computer to execute each step of the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (7) above.

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

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

1: Information processing system 11: Communication network 2: Information processing device 20: Communication bus 21: Communication unit 22: Memory unit 23: Control unit 3: Game device 30: Communication bus 31: Communication unit 32: Memory unit 33: Control unit 331: Game control unit 332: Reception unit 333: Identification unit 334: Calculation unit 335: Display control unit 34a: Graphics processing unit 34b: Audio processing unit 34c: Operation unit 4a: Display 4b: Speaker 4c: Input device 5: Game screen 5a: Game screen 5b: Game screen 5c: Game screen 5d: Game screen 5e: Game screen 5f: Game screen 5g: Game screen 5h: Game screen 501: Area 502: Area 503: Area 6: Game screen 6a: Game screen 6b: Game screen 601: Area 602: Area 603 : Area D1 : First direction D2 : Second direction D3 : Third direction MC : Matching conditions MC1 : Normal matching conditions MC2 : Special matching conditions OP : Operation OP1 : First operation OP2 : Second operation PB : Puzzle board PB1 : Puzzle board PB2 : Puzzle board PB3 : Puzzle board PB4 : Puzzle board PB5 : Puzzle board PB6 : Puzzle board Pi : Piece Pi1 : First piece Pi2 : Second piece Pi3 : Third piece PiG : Piece group PiR : Replacement piece PiS : Special piece Pia : Piece Pib : Piece Pic : Piece Pid : Piece Pn1 : First position Pn2 : Second position Sq : Square Sq1 : Square Sq2 : Square Sq31 : Square Sq32 : Square Sq33 : Square Sq34 : Square Sq4 : Square Sq5 : Square Sq61 : Square Sq62 : Square Sq7 : Square Sq8 : Square Sq91 : Square Sq92 : Square t : Elapsed time Ts : Support time VI : Visual information VI1 : Match information VI2 : Special match information

Claims (9)

An information processing system,
The method includes at least one processor, the processor being configured to execute a program to perform the following steps:
In the game control step, the game is progressed based on the user's operation, and the game is
It has a quest using a puzzle board containing multiple pieces,
When a first operation is input by the user, a first position on the puzzle board where a first piece is placed is identified,
When a second operation is input by the user following the first operation, a second position on the puzzle board where a second piece is placed is identified, thereby moving the first piece from the first position to the second position;
The puzzle board is updated when the first piece is moved from the first position to the second position such that a positional relationship between at least one of the first piece and the second piece and a third piece satisfies a predetermined matching condition;
the third piece is one of the pieces arranged on the puzzle board that is different from the first piece and the second piece and that is involved in satisfying the matching condition;
the match conditions include normal match conditions and special match conditions different from the normal match conditions,
the special match condition is configured so that, when satisfied, an advantageous effect occurs in the progress of the game that is different from an effect that occurs when the normal match condition is satisfied;
in the display step, when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, visual information is displayed in a manner that enables identification of the third piece involved in satisfying the special match condition at least before accepting the second operation, wherein the visual information includes match information and special match information;
the match information includes information that allows the first piece and the second piece involved in satisfying the match condition to be visually distinguished from other pieces,
the special match information includes information that displays the third piece involved in satisfying the special match condition in an identifiable manner;
In the display step, the system displays the match information when the special match condition is satisfied, and displays the special match information when a predetermined time has elapsed since the match information was displayed. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1 ,
In the display step, when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, the system further displays the visual information in a manner that enables identification of the second piece involved in satisfying the special match condition, at least before accepting the second operation. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1 ,
In the display step, when the special match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, the system further displays the visual information in a manner that enables identification of the first piece involved in satisfying the special match condition before accepting the first operation. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1 ,
In the display step, when the puzzle board is configured to allow both an operation to move the pieces to a positional relationship that satisfies the normal match condition and an operation to move the pieces to a positional relationship that satisfies the special match condition, the system displays the visual information so as to preferentially suggest that the special match condition will be satisfied. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1 ,
In the display step, at least before the second operation is received,
When the match condition is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position, displaying the visual information in a manner that allows identification of at least one of the first piece and the second piece involved in satisfying the match condition;
If the match condition that is satisfied by moving the first piece from the first position to the second position is the special match condition, the system further displays the visual information in a manner that enables identification of the third piece involved in satisfying the special match condition. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1 ,
the matching condition is that a predetermined number of pieces having the same attribute are consecutively arranged along a first direction or a second direction on the puzzle board;
The game is configured to allow the first piece to be moved from the first position to the second position when the first position and the second position are adjacent along any one of the first direction, the second direction, and a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. 7. The information processing system according to claim 6 ,
The system, wherein the visual information includes information suggesting in which direction, among the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction, at least one of the first piece and the second piece should be moved to satisfy the match condition. An information processing method, comprising:
A method comprising the steps of the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . A program,
A program that causes at least one computer to execute each step of the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 .