JP7807684B2 - Information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, in computer games such as online games, a player selects a quest from a variety of quests available within the game and plays the selected quest.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device that, when selecting a quest, which is the unit of play in a game, displays a window that can switch between presenting a gift quest and a window that presents a regular quest, making it easier for the user (player) to select a quest.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-188132

However, Patent Document 1 simply makes it easier for players to select gift quests with high rewards. As a result, when there are multiple playable quests (especially when there are a large number of them), players may not know in what order to play the quests, which could lower the player's motivation to play the quests.

Therefore, an objective of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, information processing method, and program that can increase a player's motivation for quest play.

An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a reception unit that receives from a player a specification of a quest to be played from among a plurality of quests that can be played in any order, a determination unit that determines the play order of the quests included in the plurality of quests based on predetermined criteria, and a presentation unit that presents the determined play order to the player.

According to one aspect of the present invention, by presenting the player with the order in which quests will be played, it is possible to increase the player's motivation to play quests.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information processing system including an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a quest list screen. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a play order display screen. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of functions of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of player information. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of character information. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of quest information. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an information processing flow according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a play order determination process (1). 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a play order determination process (2). 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the play order determination process (3). 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a play order determination process (4).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An information processing device, an information processing method, and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
It should be noted that the embodiment described below is merely an example given to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. That is, the present invention may be modified or improved from the embodiment described below without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention also includes equivalents thereof.

Furthermore, the screen examples described in this specification and drawings are merely examples, and the screen configuration and design, content of the displayed information, and GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc., can be freely designed according to the system design specifications and player preferences, and can be changed as appropriate.

<About the game according to this embodiment>
The communication system shown in FIG. 1 (hereinafter referred to as information processing system S) is a communication system including an information processing device (hereinafter referred to as server 10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and provides a game to a user (hereinafter referred to as a player) who is a player of the game.

A game is content that a player plays by operating a player terminal 12 while viewing a game screen on the player terminal 12 used for gameplay. In this embodiment, the game is an online game (electronic game) provided using the information processing system S. Online games include browser games that use a web browser, social games provided on SNS (Social Networking Service), games that can be played by downloading dedicated application software such as mobile games, and regularly updated online games such as play-by-web (PBW). There are no particular limitations on the genre (classification) of games.

In this embodiment, when a player performs game play operations on the player terminal 12, the player terminal 12 receives game progression data distributed from the game provider's server computer, i.e., the server 10. The player terminal 12 outputs video and audio corresponding to the received data, and the player progresses through the game while checking the output video and audio. The player terminal 12 also transmits data indicating the player's operations to the server 10, and the server 10 transmits game progression data corresponding to the player's operations. This type of data transmission and reception between the server 10 and the player terminal 12 is repeated until the player finishes playing the game.

In the game, players play game units called quests. Quests are played with the goal of clearing them (in other words, meeting the clearing conditions). In this embodiment, multiple quests are set, each with different content (e.g., attributes, difficulty level, enemy characters that appear, clearing conditions, clearing rewards, etc.). Quests are categorized into multiple categories, such as quests that are always available, quests that are held on a pre-set schedule by day of the week or time (quests with a set playable period), and quests that have special play conditions (e.g., level XX or higher). Each quest has one or more stages depending on the difficulty level. Therefore, when selecting a quest to play, the player selects any quest from multiple quests, and if the selected quest has multiple stages, the player selects the stage according to the desired difficulty level. When the player clears a quest, the player can obtain a game object (game content) or other item associated with the cleared quest as a clearing reward. Game objects obtained as a clearing reward for a quest can be used in subsequent quests.

In a game, a player acquires (obtains) and possesses (owns) game objects, which they then use or consume. A game object is an in-game object that a player can use to progress through the game, including quest play, and includes, for example, in-game characters or items.

Characters include playing characters operated by the player, and sub-characters (e.g., enemy characters or auxiliary characters) that are not operated by the player but move automatically according to the game settings, etc. The appearance of the characters is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, living things such as people, animals, and plants, vehicles, machines such as robots, non-mechanical objects, fictional characters such as monsters, or other similar characters. In the following, playing characters will be simply referred to as characters unless otherwise specified.

Each character (including enemy characters) has their own unique personality, and each character is assigned a name, attributes, appearance, and various parameters that indicate their abilities (values related to level, stamina, attack power, special abilities, etc.). These parameters are indicators that affect the progress of the game, and include those expressed numerically, those expressed as ranks written in letters such as "A, B, C...", and those expressed by indicators such as gauges. Furthermore, parameters include those that change as the game progresses, and those that remain constant and unchanging regardless of the progress of the game. In the following, unless otherwise specified, parameters that change as the game progresses will simply be referred to as parameters.

The parameters of each character increase or decrease depending on the type of quest cleared with that character, the number of times cleared, the time of day the quest is played, and other factors. Furthermore, in the game, parameters can be changed (strictly speaking, improved) by using, for example, power-up items or power-up characters. In this embodiment, each character is set with multiple parameters, and each character has parameters for items that are common to all other characters.

Items are used (consumed) by players and include supplies that help or hinder players in the game, as well as payment (in-game currency) that can be exchanged for other items or characters or consumed to play quests.

Players play quests using designated characters. When playing a quest, they specify two or more characters from those available for quest play on a deck creation screen (not shown), and create a deck that includes those designated characters. Here, characters that can be included in a deck, i.e., characters that can be used for quest play, include characters owned by the player, characters that can be borrowed from other players, and characters that are available for use for a limited time. Note that other players here include players who have mutually recognized each other (hereinafter referred to as friends); for example, player A can borrow characters owned by friend player B when creating a deck.

A deck is a team/group consisting of n characters designated by the player before the start of quest play. The number of characters comprising a deck, n, is a natural number greater than or equal to 2 and is not particularly limited. A leader can also be set from among the characters included in the deck. For example, if a newly acquired character is made the leader, recommended deck members can be automatically created; that is, a combination of characters that are compatible with the character set as the leader based on the character's attributes, etc., can be automatically created and displayed on a deck formation screen (not shown).

Each quest is associated with a character or item (hereafter referred to as a specific game object) that provides an advantageous effect to the player when used during play. Advantageous effects include, for example, making the quest easier to complete or increasing the amount of rewards earned for completing the quest. Specifically, this includes cases where the attributes of the specific game object are the same as or compatible with the attributes of the quest, making the quest easier to complete, or cases where the attributes of the specific game object neutralize obstacles placed in the quest or reduce or neutralize damage from enemy characters that appear in the quest (anti-abilities), making the quest easier to complete, etc.

Furthermore, a specific game object may include a specific related game object that is not exactly the same as the specific game object but has some kind of relationship with the specific game object. Specifically, the specific related game object may include a game object before or after growth of the specific game object, a game object that can be combined with the specific game object, a game object that has a different variation (facial expression, hairstyle, posture, clothing, equipment, etc.) from the specific game object, or a game object that has been given a special specification (for example, a Christmas version or an Okinawa version) that is limited to a certain time or region.

A player can freely select a quest to play from among the playable quests, but in this embodiment, the player can also be presented with, for example, a play order of quests that is easiest for the player from among the multiple playable quests, i.e., a play order of quests recommended for each player. Here, a playable quest refers to a quest that is within the playable period if the quest has a set playable period, or a quest for which the player meets the play conditions if the quest has special play conditions set for playing. Note that the play order of the quests presented is merely an example recommended to the player, and the player is not necessarily required to play them in the presented play order.

"Notification" refers to informing the player of the determined play order of quests. Specifically, during game play, a play order display screen G2 (described below) or the like is displayed on the screen of the player terminal 12. At this time, quests for which game objects such as characters owned by the player are set as the reward for completion may be displayed in a distinguishable manner, for example by being grayed out. Notification is not limited to display, and may also be made by audio or the like. Furthermore, even outside of game play, notification may be made each time, for example, when a new play order is determined when a time-limited quest begins, or when a predetermined period specified by the player (described below) has arrived, by displaying a dialog box on the screen of the player terminal 12, or the like (push notification).

The order in which the quests are presented to the player is determined for each player based on, for example, the following predetermined criteria.
(a) Based on the relationship between the reward for clearing the quest and the specific game object, the order of play is determined so that a first quest, in which a specific game object associated with a second quest is awarded as a reward for clearing the quest, precedes the second quest.
Specifically, the play order is determined so that Quest B (corresponding to the first quest), which will be awarded a specific game object associated with Quest A (corresponding to the second quest) as a reward for completing Quest A, comes before Quest A. By playing in accordance with this play order, the player can obtain a game object that can be used as a specific game object in Quest A as a reward for completing Quest B before playing Quest A.
(b) Determining the order of play based on the specific game objects possessed by the players.
Specifically, the play order is determined so that quests associated with game objects possessed by the player as specific game objects come before other quests. By playing in this play order, the player can prioritize quests that are compatible with the play style based on the game objects possessed by the player and that are easy for the player to play. Note that if a player possesses multiple game objects, the play order of the quests may be determined based on the number of specific game objects possessed that are associated with each quest, etc.
(c) The order of play is determined based on the game objects that the players do not own.
Specifically, the play order is determined so that quests in which game objects not yet possessed by the player are associated as completion rewards precede other quests. By playing according to this play order, the player can clear the quests and obtain game objects that the player does not yet possess as completion rewards. Note that, at this time, the play order may not include quests in which game objects possessed by the player are associated as completion rewards, and the play order may be determined from quests in which game objects not yet possessed by the player are associated as completion rewards.
(d) Determine the order of play based on the playable period of the quests.
Specifically, if a playable period is set for a quest, the play order is determined so that quests whose playable period ends earlier come before quests whose playable period ends later. By playing according to this play order, players can play quests efficiently and reduce the number of quests whose playable period ends before they can be played.
(e) The order of play is determined based on the relationship between the predetermined period designated by the player and the playable period of the quest.
Specifically, the play order is determined by giving priority to quests whose playable period falls within the predetermined period specified by the player over other quests. For example, if a player specifies 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM as the predetermined period, a quest whose playable period is 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM will be placed before a quest whose playable period is 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and a quest whose playable period is 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM will not be included in the play order. By playing according to this play order, the player can efficiently play quests within the predetermined period specified by the player.

The order in which quests are played may be determined by any one of the conditions (a) through (e) above, or by combining the conditions (a) through (e) as appropriate. Furthermore, the player's intentions may be reflected when determining the order in which quests are played. For example, the player may specify a quest attribute and then determine the order from among the quests that fall within that attribute, or the player may switch between options (cancel and rearrange) until the order is as desired. Furthermore, the player may specify the first quest to be played, and the order of subsequent quests may be based on that first quest. Furthermore, the player may specify a quest that the player absolutely wants to play, and the recommended order in which quests are played may be determined by including that specified quest somewhere in the order.

The players to whom the play order is presented may be all players, but may also be limited to players who have not played the game for a predetermined period of time, such as players for whom a predetermined period of time has passed since their last login to the game (inactive players), or new players who have just started playing the game or have little gaming experience (beginner players).

Here, referring to Figures 2 and 3, we will explain the transition of screens displayed on the player terminal 12 when presenting the player with the order in which quests are to be played. Figures 2 and 3 are examples of screens displayed on the player terminal 12 operated by the player during game play.

First, as shown in FIG. 2, when selecting a quest, a quest list screen G1 is displayed on the player terminal 12. The quest list screen G1 displays a number of quests available for the player to play, i.e., quest icons 51, arranged side by side. Each quest icon 51 displays the quest title, difficulty level, enemy character (character associated as a reward for clearing the quest), etc., so that the player can recognize the content of the quest. When the player selects the quest they wish to play by tapping or otherwise specifying the quest from among these quest icons 51, the screen transitions to a quest difficulty selection screen (not shown) and then to a quest play screen (not shown), where quest play begins. Note that quests that are outside the playable period or that do not fulfill the play conditions may be hidden so that they cannot be selected by the player, or may be displayed in a special manner, such as by graying out the quest icon 51 or displaying a lock-like symbol, to distinguish them from other playable quests. The quest list screen G1 also displays a play order display button 52 for displaying the recommended play order for quests; when the player taps this play order display button 52 or otherwise requests the display of the play order for quests, the screen transitions to the play order display screen G2 shown in Figure 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the play order display screen G2 is composed of a details display area 53 and a play order display area 54. The details display area 53 displays quest details, such as the character recommended to be set as the deck leader when playing the quest, or the character associated with the quest as a clear reward (an enemy character awarded upon clearing the quest). The play order display area 54 displays the play order of the quest determined based on predetermined conditions.

The play order display screen G2 also displays category tabs 55 for selecting the category of quests to display on the play order display screen G2, and selection buttons 56 for selecting the quest to play. In this embodiment, quests are classified into multiple categories (e.g., α, β, γ), and a recommended play order for quests is determined for each category. For example, if category α contains four quests, quests A to D, a recommended play order for quests in category α (quests B, C, A, D) is determined. Similarly, for categories β and γ, a recommended play order for quests included in categories β and γ, respectively, is determined.

On the play order display screen G2, the player first taps the category tab 55 or similarly selects a category for displaying the play order of quests. For example, if the player operates the category tab 55 to select category α, the play order of quests A through D included in category α, i.e., the recommended play order of quests (quests B, C, A, D), is displayed on the play order display screen G2 (more precisely, in the play order display area 54 on the play order display screen G2). Next, the player performs a right (or left) swipe or similar operation to switch the quest information displayed in the details display area 53 to the quest that comes after (or comes before) the quest displayed in the play order display area 54. That is, the details display area 53 displays quest details, such as characters associated as rewards for completing the quest whose display was switched by the swipe or similar operation. Then, if the player taps the select button 56 or similarly to select the quest to play, the screen transitions to the play screen for the quest currently displayed in the details display area 53, and quest play begins. Note that when transitioning to the quest play screen, you may also go through a quest difficulty selection screen (not shown).

Furthermore, when a player clears all quests in a category, they can also obtain a special clear reward (complete reward) associated with that category. For example, if a player clears all quests A through D in category α, they can obtain the game objects set as the clear rewards for each of quests A through D, as well as a special game object (e.g., a powerful character with high parameters) as the complete reward set for category α. Note that the condition for obtaining the complete reward is to clear all quests in the category, but this may also include clearing the quests in an order different from the presented play order, or may be limited to clearing the quests in the presented play order. Furthermore, the condition for obtaining the complete reward is not limited to clearing all quests in the category, but may also be achieving a predetermined state for all characters associated with the clear rewards for each quest in the category (e.g., achieving a predetermined value for a predetermined parameter by collecting and fusing a predetermined number of such characters).

<Configuration of information processing device and player terminal according to this embodiment>
Next, the configurations of an information processing device and a player terminal 12 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing device according to this embodiment is configured by a computer for distributing game data, specifically a server computer (hereinafter referred to as server 10). The server 10 is an example of a computer, and as shown in FIG. 1 , is communicatively connected to a plurality of player terminals 12 via a network 14, and together with the player terminals 12, forms an information processing system S for a game. The network 14 is a communication line network consisting of, for example, the Internet or a mobile communication network, and may include a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an intranet, Ethernet (registered trademark), etc.

In the information processing system S of this embodiment, the server 10 and player terminals 12 cooperate with each other to progress the game using the above configuration. Specifically, part of the game progression processing is performed on the server 10 side, while part of the graphics processing, etc. is executed on the player terminals 12. For example, the server 10 side executes a program including certain rules, logic, and algorithms. Meanwhile, the player terminals 12 side synchronize with the server 10 and progress the game using the same rules, logic, and algorithms as the program executed on the server 10.

The server 10 is an example of an "information processing device" of the present invention, and is a computer that performs various information processing related to the progress of the game, such as generating and transmitting and receiving data necessary for the game progress; more specifically, in this embodiment, it is an SNS server. The server 10 may be composed of a single computer, or may be composed of multiple computers distributed in parallel. The server 10 may also be a server computer for an ASP (Application Service Provider), SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service). In this case, a series of information processing steps related to the progress of the game (excluding information input and display) are performed by the server 10, and the player terminals 12 only need to input information to be passed to the server 10 and display information distributed from the server 10.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the server 10 has, as hardware devices, a processor 21, a memory 22, a communication interface 23, and a storage 24, which are electrically connected via a bus 25. The server 10 also has installed thereon, as software, an operating system (OS) and a dedicated program for processing information related to the game. These programs correspond to the "program" of the present invention. When the processor 21 operates in accordance with the program, the server 10 functions as an information processing device of the present invention and executes a series of processes related to the progress of the game.
The program of the present invention may be acquired by reading it from a computer-readable recording medium, or may be acquired (downloaded) via a network 14 such as the Internet or an intranet.

The processor 21 may be configured as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), MCU (Micro Controller Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc.

Memory 22 may be composed of semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

The communication interface 23 may be configured, for example, as a network interface card or a communication interface board. The data communication standard used by the communication interface 23 is not particularly limited, and examples include wireless LAN communication based on Wi-Fi (registered trademark), communication using 3G to 5G or later generation mobile communication systems, or communication based on LTE (Long Term Evolution).

The storage 24 may include a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flexible disk (FD), a magneto-optical disk (MO disk), a CD, etc.
The storage 24 may be configured by a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), a Secure Digital card (SD card), a Universal Serial Bus memory (USB memory), or the like. The storage 24 may be built into the server 10 or may be attached to the server main body in an external format. The storage 24 may also be configured by an external computer (e.g., a database server) communicably connected to the server main body. Note that a distributed ledger technology such as a blockchain may be used as a technology for recording various data in order to avoid unauthorized data tampering, etc.

The server 10 distributes information necessary for the progress of the game to each player, and also collects and stores information from each player. The information stored by the server 10 includes information about each player (e.g., player identification information and information about game play history), and information about the game (e.g., character information and quest information). The server 10 also performs various other information processing related to the progress of the game.

A player terminal 12 is a client terminal operated by a player to play the game, and may be, for example, a personal computer, smartphone, mobile phone, tablet device, game console, television set capable of inputting information, or wearable device. Note that for convenience of illustration, four player terminals 12 are shown in Figure 1, but of course, in reality, there will be as many player terminals 12 as there are players playing the game.

The player terminal 12 receives game progression data from the server 10, displays images (video) represented by the data on the player terminal 12's display or on a display device such as a TV connected to the player terminal 12, and outputs audio from speakers, etc. In other words, in this embodiment, the player terminal 12 functions as a display unit and an audio output unit. For example, in addition to a quest play screen (not shown), the player terminal 12 displays a quest list screen G1 and a play order display screen G2, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

The player terminal 12 also accepts operations performed by the player while playing the game, and transmits information corresponding to the operation to the server 10. For example, the player performs a quest designation operation on the player terminal 12 to specify a quest to play from among playable quests, and transmits quest designation information based on the quest designation operation to the server 10. In addition to the above operations, the player also performs operations on the player terminal 12, such as a play order request operation to request the display of the order in which quests are played, a period designation operation to specify a predetermined period, a deck organization operation to organize a deck, and a play operation to play a quest.

<Functions of the information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention>
The configuration of the server 10, which is an information processing device according to this embodiment, will now be described from a functional perspective. As shown in FIG. 4 , the server 10 includes a memory unit 30, an information acquisition unit 31, a display control unit 32, a determination unit 33, an assignment unit 34, a parameter change unit 35, and a game progression unit 36. Of these, the memory unit 30 is implemented by the memory 22 or the storage 24, and the other functional units are implemented by cooperation between the hardware devices that make up the server 10 and programs installed on the server 10. Note that if the server 10 is configured with multiple computers, the above functions may be distributed, with each of the multiple computers performing a different function.
Each functional unit will be described in detail below.

(Storage part)
The storage unit 30 stores information necessary for playing the game, specifically, information about the player, information about characters that the player can use in quest play, information about quests, and the like.

As shown in Figure 5, information about players (player information) is stored for each player, with various pieces of information linked to identification information that identifies each player (such as an identification ID or game account name). For example, player information items include total game play time, the player's rank, owned characters, owned items, game progress such as status and completion history, and identification information of other players who are friends. Player information may also include information other than the above, such as the player's personal information such as contact details, login history (game play date and time, last login date and time, and number of game plays), payment history, and total amount charged.

As shown in Figure 6, information about characters that a player can use in quest play (character information) is stored for each character, with various pieces of information linked to identification information (such as an identification ID) that identifies each character. For example, character information items include the character name, attributes, appearance, abilities (parameters related to level, stamina, attack power, special abilities, etc.), and identification information indicating quests that will produce advantageous effects. Here, each parameter indicating ability includes a current value as well as an initial value and an upper limit value. Furthermore, character information may also include information other than the above, such as identification information indicating the player who owns the character and identification information indicating the quest associated with the character as a reward for completing the character.

As shown in Figure 7, information about quests (quest information) is stored for each quest, with various pieces of information linked to identification information (such as an identification ID) that identifies each quest. For example, quest information items include the quest name, attributes, difficulty level, playable period, the type and number of enemy characters that appear in the quest, identification information indicating specific game objects (specific characters) that exert advantageous effects, and information about rewards for clearing the quest (for example, identification information indicating game objects associated as rewards for clearing the quest). Quest information may also include information other than the above, such as information about play conditions.

(Information acquisition department)
The information acquisition unit 31 also corresponds to the "reception unit" of the present invention, and acquires information (data) based on operations performed by the player on the player terminal 12 while playing the game, by communicating with the player terminal 12. The information acquired by the information acquisition unit 31 includes quest designation information based on a quest designation operation for the player to designate a quest to play from among playable quests, as well as play order request information based on a play order designation request operation, period designation information based on a period designation operation, deck composition information based on a deck composition operation, and play operation information based on play operations. In addition to the above information, the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 31 also includes information based on various selections, designations, instructions, requests, commands, permission or denial, registration, and other input operations performed by the player at each stage of the game.

(Display control unit)
During the game, the display control unit 32 controls the player's player terminal 12 to display information for game progression on the screen of the player terminal 12. Specifically, the display control unit 32 generates display data for displaying the results of information processing by the game progression unit 36 (quest play status), which will be described later, and transmits the generated display data to the player terminal 12 via the network 14.

The display control unit 32 also corresponds to the "presentation unit" of the present invention, and generates display data for displaying the play order of quests determined by the determination unit 33 described below, and transmits the generated display data to the player terminal 12 via the network 14. For example, while the player is selecting a quest to play, the display control unit 32 causes the player terminal 12 to display a screen (play order display screen G2) that reflects the results of information processing by the determination unit 33. At this time, the display control unit 32 may distinguish between quests associated as completion rewards with game objects possessed by the player and quests associated as completion rewards with game objects not possessed by the player.

(Decision unit)
The determination unit 33 executes information processing to determine the order in which quests are played based on predetermined criteria.

Specifically, the determination unit 33 executes the following information processing.
(a) The order in which the quests are played is determined based on the relationship between the specific game object and the reward for completing each quest. That is, the order in which the quests are played is determined so that a first quest in which a specific game object associated with a second quest is awarded as a reward for completing the quest comes before a second quest.
(b) The order of play is determined so that a quest to which a game object possessed by a player is associated as a specific game object precedes other quests.
(c) The order in which the quests are played is determined so that a quest that is set to be associated with a game object that the player does not possess as a reward for completion is placed before other quests.
(d) The order in which the quests are played is determined so that the quest whose playable period ends first is placed before the quest whose playable period ends later.
(e) The order in which quests are played is determined by giving priority to quests whose playable period falls within a predetermined period designated by the player over other quests.

(Granting part)
The granting unit 34 grants a clear reward associated with each quest to a player who has satisfied the clear conditions set for each quest, i.e., to a player who has cleared the quest. Specifically, the granting unit 34 associates the game object granted as the clear reward with the player and stores it in the player information in the storage unit 30.

(Parameter change section)
The parameter change unit 35 changes the parameter settings of characters that the player can use in quest play, depending on the progress of the game, etc. For example, while a quest is being played using a certain character, or after the quest is cleared, the parameter change unit 35 changes the parameter settings of the character (more specifically, the current state or current value, etc.) to reflect the results of processing by the game progression unit 36, which will be described later. Furthermore, when a certain character is strengthened, the parameter change unit 35 changes the parameter settings of the character. Note that parameter setting changes made by the parameter change unit 35 are not limited to those that improve or enhance the current settings, but also include those that worsen or lower the current settings.

(Game Progression Department)
The game progression unit 36 executes information processing necessary for the progression of the game, and specifically progresses the game based on various information acquired by the information acquisition unit 31. For example, the game progression unit 36 moves a character in response to player operations in a quest that the player is playing, and performs effects and the like in response to player operations.

The configuration of the server 10 and the player terminal 12 has been described above. Note that the server 10 and the player terminal 12 generally have various functions in addition to those described above, but here we will only describe the characteristic functions that provide the desired effects in the information processing system S of the present invention, and will not illustrate or describe other known functions.

<Information processing flow according to one embodiment of the present invention>
Next, the flow of information processing (hereinafter referred to as information processing flow) executed in the information processing system S configured as described above will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 12. The information processing flow employs the information processing method of the present invention and is realized by using the information processing system S functioning as a computer system. In other words, each step in the information processing flow corresponds to a component of the information processing method of the present invention. Note that the information processing flow described below is merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the order of steps may be changed within the scope of the present invention.

(Information processing flow)
First, a basic information processing flow relating to the progress of the game will be described. This information processing flow starts when a player logs in to the game, and progresses, for example, along the flow shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, first, the server 10, which is a computer, selects playable quests for each player (S101), and then, through communication with the player terminal 12 operated by the player, presents the player with a list of playable quests by displaying information indicating the content of the selected quests on the player terminal 12 (S102). Specifically, a quest list screen G1 such as that shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the player terminal 12.

Next, when the server 10 acquires play order request information through communication with the player terminal 12 operated by the player and determines that a play order request has been received from the player (S103: YES), the server 10 executes a play order determination process (S104). Details of the play order determination process will be described later.
After determining the play order of the quests in the play order determination process, the server 10 communicates with the player terminal 12 operated by the player, and displays information indicating the determined play order of the quests on the player terminal 12, thereby presenting the play order of the quests to the player (S105). Specifically, the server 10 displays a play order display screen G2 or the like as shown in FIG. 3 on the player terminal 12.
On the other hand, if it is determined that a request for presentation of the play order has not been received from the player (S103: NO), the process proceeds to the next step without executing the processes of S104 and S105.

Next, the server 10 acquires quest designation information based on a quest designation operation that designates a quest to be played through communication with the player terminal 12 operated by the player, and when it determines that the designation of the quest has been accepted (S106: YES), it starts playing the quest (S107). Note that the specific processing and flow of processing after quest play begins are well known, and therefore will not be described here.
When the quest ends, the server 10 determines whether or not the player has cleared the quest (S108), and if it determines that the player has met the clearing conditions and cleared the quest (S108: YES), it grants a clearing reward to the player (S109), and ends the processing.
On the other hand, if the server 10 determines that the player has not met the clearing conditions, i.e., has not been able to clear the quest (S108: NO), the server 10 terminates the process without awarding a clearing reward. Furthermore, if the server 10 determines that it has not received a designation of a quest to be played from the player (S106: NO), the process also terminates.
The above is an example of the information processing flow of the present invention.

(Play order determination process)
Next, an example of the play order determination process will be described with reference to FIGS.
The play order determination process is a process executed by the server 10 (mainly the determination unit 33) in step S104 of the information processing flow. Specifically, it is a process executed before the start of quest play, and determines the play order of quests recommended for each player from among multiple quests. Note that four patterns of play order determination process, namely, play order determination processes (1) to (4), will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 9, first, the server 10, which is a computer, identifies specific game objects associated with each playable quest (S201), and also identifies game objects set as clear rewards associated with each playable quest (S202).
Next, the server 10 selects a quest (first quest) that is associated with a specific game object associated with the quest (second quest) and that is set as a reward for completion (S203). For example, if characters B and C are associated with specific game objects of quest A, the server 10 selects quest B, which is associated with character B and that is set as a reward for completion, and quest C, which is associated with character C and that is set as a reward for completion, as the first quest for quest A.
The server 10 then sets the play order so that the selected first quest comes before the second quest (S204), and ends the process.
The number of first quests for a second quest may be one or more. Furthermore, the first quest may be selected for each of the multiple playable quests, or the first quest may be selected for some of the multiple playable quests.
The above is an example of the play order determination process (1).

In addition, in the play order determination process, the play order of the quests may be determined by a method other than the above.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, first, the server 10, which is a computer, identifies the game objects possessed by the player (S301), and also identifies the specific game objects associated with each playable quest (S302).
Next, the server 10 selects a quest with which the game object possessed by the player is associated as a specific game object (S303). For example, if the player possesses character E, the server 10 selects quest B with which character E is associated as a specific game object.
The server 10 then sets the play order so that the selected quest (for example, quest B) comes before the other quests (S304), and ends the process.
The above is an example of the play order determination process (2).

Furthermore, in the play order determination process, the play order of the quests may be determined by methods other than those described above.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, first, the server 10, which is a computer, identifies game objects possessed by the player (S401), and also identifies each game object set as a completion reward associated with each playable quest (S402).
Next, the server 10 selects a game object that is not included in the game objects owned by the player, i.e., a quest that is set in association with a game object that the player does not own as a reward for completing the game (S403). For example, if the player does not own character C, the server 10 selects quest C that is set in association with character C as a reward for completing the game.
The server 10 then sets the play order so that the selected quest (for example, quest C) comes before the other quests (S404), and ends the process.
The above is an example of the play order determination process (3).

Furthermore, in the play order determination process, the play order of the quests may be determined by methods other than those described above.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, first, the server 10, which is a computer, identifies the playable period set for each quest (S501).
Next, the server 10 acquires period designation information through communication with the player terminal 12 operated by the player, and when it determines that it has accepted the designation of a predetermined period from the player (S502: YES), it selects a quest whose playable period falls within the predetermined period (S503), sets the play order so that the selected quest comes before other quests (S504), and terminates the processing.
On the other hand, if the server 10 determines that it has not received a specified period from the player (S502: NO), it sets the play order so that the quest whose playable period ends first comes before other quests (S505), and ends the process.
The above is an example of the play order determination process (4).

<Other embodiments>
Up to this point, we have explained the information processing device, information processing method, and program of the present invention using specific examples, but the above embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and other embodiments may also be considered.

In the above embodiment, the server computer for distributing game data (i.e., the server 10) functions as the information processing device of the present invention, but this is not limited to this, and some of the functions of the server 10 may be provided in the player terminal 12. For example, some or all of the functions of the determination unit 33 or the game progression unit 36 may be provided in the player terminal 12.

In the above embodiment, player information, etc. is stored on a server computer (i.e., server 10) for distributing game data, but it is also possible to provide a separate database server (not shown) and store the information all together on that database server, or to store it on the player terminal 12 side.

In the above embodiment, no specific game content is mentioned, but an example of a game is one in which a player controls a character to fight enemy characters. Other examples include word games, fighting games, sports games, shooting games, racing games, puzzle games, card games, board games, role-playing games, and simulation games. Games may be individual or team games. Furthermore, games may be played between humans as players, or between humans and a computer (e.g., AI or a robot).

In the above embodiment, a game played by a single player has been described. However, this is not limited to this, and so-called multiplay (hereinafter referred to as cooperative play) may be possible, in which multiple players, such as friends, operate their respective player terminals 12 to play a common quest simultaneously. Cooperative play is carried out through the communication function of each player's player terminal 12, and once a cooperative relationship is formed, the progress of play is synchronized between players playing cooperatively. Cooperative play may be of either type, such as a cooperative play game in which multiple players cooperate, or a competitive game in which players compete against each other.

In the above embodiment, players can generally enjoy all functions free of charge, but some functions may be limited and available for use by paying a specified fee. Furthermore, various conditions may be set to give players who have paid a specified fee (hereinafter referred to as "paying players") an advantage when playing the game. For example, the play order may be presented exclusively to paying players, or multiple play order options may be presented. This fee may be a pay-as-you-go system, or a one-time payment may be valid for the player for a certain period of time (e.g., one month or one year) (subscription).

<Summary>
The main features of the information processing device, information processing method, and program according to the above-described embodiment are as follows.

[1] The information processing device according to this embodiment has a reception unit that receives from the player a specification of a quest to be played from among a plurality of quests that can be played in any order, a determination unit that determines the order in which the quests included in the plurality of quests should be played based on predetermined criteria, and a presentation unit that presents the determined order in which the quests should be played to the player.
According to the information processing device described above, by presenting the player with the order in which to play quests from among a plurality of playable quests, the player can recognize the recommended order in which to play the quests, i.e., which quest order will be easiest for the player, or which quest order will be most advantageous for the player, etc. This can increase the player's motivation to play quests, and ultimately increase the player's satisfaction with the game.

[2] The information processing device further has an awarding unit that, when the player completes a quest, awards to the player a game object that is associated with the quest as a reward for completing the quest and that can be used in subsequent quests.
This allows the player to acquire a game object that can be used in subsequent quests after completing a quest, further increasing the player's motivation to play quests.

[3] In the above-described information processing device, each quest is associated with a specific game object that provides an advantageous effect to the player when used during play, and the determination unit determines the play order so that the first quest, in which the specific game object associated with the second quest is awarded as a reward for completion, comes before the second quest.
As a result, the first quest, which allows the player to acquire a specific game object associated with the second quest as a reward for completing the first quest, is presented before the second quest, allowing the player to recognize the recommended order in which to play the quests, i.e., that playing the first quest before the second quest is easier, thereby further increasing the player's motivation to play the quests.

[4] In the above information processing device, the determination unit determines the play order based on the game objects possessed by the players.
This allows the player to determine the order in which to play quests based on the game objects they own, allowing them to recognize which quests are easiest to play in, based on the compatibility between the game objects they own and the quests, further increasing the player's motivation to play quests.

[5] In the above-described information processing device, each quest is associated with a specific game object that provides an advantageous effect to the player when used during play, and the determination unit determines the play order so that the quest associated with the specific game object included in the game objects possessed by the player is placed before other quests.
This allows the player to see the order in which quests are to be played based on the specific game objects included in the game objects the player owns, allowing the player to recognize which specific game objects they own and the order in which to play the quests most easily, further increasing the player's motivation to play quests.

[6] In the information processing device described above, the determination unit determines the play order so that a quest associated with a game object not yet possessed by the player as a reward for completion is placed before other quests.
This allows the player to easily recognize quests that will allow them to acquire game objects that they do not yet possess, based on the order in which the presented quests are to be played, further increasing the player's motivation to play quests.

[7] In the information processing device described above, the determination unit determines the order of play from among quests that are associated as rewards for completion with game objects that the player does not possess.
This allows the player to easily recognize quests that will allow them to acquire game objects that they do not currently possess, based on the order in which the presented quests are to be played, further increasing the player's motivation to play quests.

[8] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the presentation unit presents in a distinguishable manner quests associated with game objects possessed by the player as a completion reward and quests associated with game objects not possessed by the player as a completion reward.
This allows the player to easily recognize quests that will allow them to acquire game objects that they do not currently possess, based on the order in which the presented quests are to be played, further increasing the player's motivation to play quests.

[9] In the above information processing device, a playable period is set for each quest, and the determination unit determines the play order based on the playable period for each quest.
This allows the player to easily recognize which quests should be played first among the quests with set playable periods based on the play order of the presented quests, further increasing the player's motivation to play quests.

[10] In the above information processing device, the reception unit receives a designation of a predetermined period from the player, and the determination unit determines the play order so that quests whose playable period falls within the predetermined period are placed before other quests.
This allows the player to easily identify, based on the play order of the presented quests, which quests with set playable periods can be played within the specified period that the player has specified, further increasing the player's motivation to play quests.

[11] Furthermore, according to the information processing method of this embodiment, the computer receives from the player a specification of a quest to be played from among a plurality of quests that can be played in any order, and the computer determines the order in which the quests included in the plurality of quests should be played based on predetermined criteria, and presents the determined order to the player.
According to the above information processing method, the player's motivation for playing the quests can be improved by presenting the player with the order in which the quests will be played.

[12] Furthermore, according to the program of this embodiment, the computer receives from the player a specification of a quest to be played from among a plurality of quests that can be played in any order, determines the order in which the quests included in the plurality of quests should be played based on predetermined criteria, and presents the determined order to the player.
According to the above program, by presenting the player with the order in which the quests will be played, it is possible to increase the player's motivation to play the quests.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Server 12 Player terminal 14 Network 21 Processor 22 Memory 23 Communication interface 24 Storage 25 Bus 30 Memory unit 31 Information acquisition unit 32 Display control unit 33 Determination unit 34 Granting unit 35 Parameter change unit 36 Game progression unit 51 Quest icon 52 Play order display button 53 Details display area 54 Play order display area 55 Category tab 56 Selection button G1 Quest list screen G2 Play order display screen S Information processing system

Claims (8)

one or more processors,
Displaying a plurality of quests that can be played in any order so that the player can select which quest to play;
displaying an operation area for requesting the presentation of a recommended order of playing the plurality of quests;
When the player completes the quest, a game object associated with the quest is given to the player as a reward for completing the quest, and the game object can be used in a subsequent quest;
displaying the play order determined based on the game objects possessed by the players;
Information processing device. one or more processors,
Displaying a plurality of quests that can be played in any order so that the player can select which quest to play;
displaying an operation area for requesting the presentation of a recommended order of playing the plurality of quests;
When the player completes the quest, a game object associated with the quest is given to the player as a reward for completing the quest, and the game object can be used in a subsequent quest;
quests associated with game objects possessed by the player as a completion reward and quests associated with game objects not possessed by the player as a completion reward are displayed in a distinguishable manner;
Information processing device. one or more processors display a plurality of quests that can be played in any order so that a player can select a quest to play;
one or more processors display an operation area for requesting presentation of a recommended order of playing the quests for the plurality of quests;
When the player completes a quest, the one or more processors grant the player a game object that is associated with the quest as a reward for completing the quest and that can be used in a quest to be played thereafter;
one or more processors display the play order determined based on game objects owned by players;
Information processing methods. one or more processors display a plurality of quests that can be played in any order so that a player can select a quest to play;
one or more processors display an operation area for requesting presentation of a recommended order of playing the quests for the plurality of quests;
When the player completes a quest, the one or more processors grant the player a game object that is associated with the quest as a reward for completing the quest and that can be used in a quest to be played thereafter;
one or more processors display in a distinguishable manner quests associated with game objects possessed by the player as rewards for completion and quests associated with game objects not possessed by the player as rewards for completion;
Information processing methods. one or more processors,
A process of displaying a plurality of quests that can be played in any order so that a player can select a quest to play;
a process of displaying an operation area for requesting presentation of a recommended order of playing the plurality of quests;
When the player completes a quest, a process of granting the player a game object associated with the quest as a reward for completing the quest, the game object being usable in a subsequent quest;
displaying the play order determined based on game objects possessed by players;
A program that executes the following. one or more processors,
A process of displaying a plurality of quests that can be played in any order so that a player can select a quest to play;
a process of displaying an operation area for requesting presentation of a recommended order of playing the plurality of quests;
When the player completes a quest, a process of granting the player a game object associated with the quest as a reward for completing the quest, the game object being usable in a quest to be played thereafter;
a process for distinguishably displaying quests associated with game objects possessed by the player as a completion reward and quests associated with game objects not possessed by the player as a completion reward;
A program that executes the following. The system includes a server and a terminal, wherein the server:
A plurality of quests that can be played in any order are displayed on the device so that the player can select the quest to play;
displaying on the terminal an operation area for requesting presentation of a recommended order of playing the plurality of quests;
When the player completes the quest, a game object associated with the quest is given to the player as a reward for completing the quest, and the game object can be used in a subsequent quest;
displaying on a terminal the play order determined based on the game objects possessed by the players;
system. The system includes a server and a terminal, wherein the server:
A plurality of quests that can be played in any order are displayed on the device so that the player can select the quest to play;
displaying on the terminal an operation area for requesting presentation of a recommended order of playing the plurality of quests;
When the player completes the quest, a game object associated with the quest is given to the player as a reward for completing the quest, and the game object can be used in a subsequent quest;
quests associated with game objects possessed by the player as rewards for completion and quests associated with game objects not possessed by the player as rewards for completion are displayed on the terminal in a distinguishable manner;
system.