JP2024109933A - Server System - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new setup as a position game regarding selection and impartation of a game medium based on a player's movement content within an actual space, and to provide a server system or the like capable of increasing fun of a game.

SOLUTION: A server device 10 is configured so as to detect movement from a first point to a second point in an actual space on the basis of a player's present position within an actual space, execute a game using a virtual space correlated with the actual space on the basis of the player's detected movement, execute selection processing for selecting at least one item from a selection object group composed of multiple game media when equipping a given execution condition based on th player's detected movement within the actual space, impart the selected item to a player, and set specifications prescribed when executing selection processing on the basis of a game parameter that is changed following a player's detected movement within the actual space.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a server system, a game system, a program, etc.

In recent years, network systems have become known that provide users with communication-based networking services known as social networking services (hereinafter referred to as "SNS").

On such social networking services, online games known as social games are offered, and each user plays various games such as fighting games, combat games, or RPGs with other users via a portable information and communication terminal device such as a smartphone.

Also, there is a known type of location game in which location information measured by a portable information and communication terminal device is used as the player's location to progress through a given game.

In particular, games have recently become known in which the characters used in the game change depending on the distance traveled between two points in real space or the amount of time that has passed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Specifically, such games are configured to change the parameters of a character that are granted at a first location and that can be acquired at a second location depending on the distance and time between two locations and the attributes of the two locations.

JP 2019-170966 A

However, in the game described in Patent Document 1, although movement in real space is linked to the character changes that can be acquired, there is no control based on the movement content in the selection and acquisition of game media such as game items, and there is still room for improvement to make it more interesting as a location-based game.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a new mechanism for location-based games regarding the selection and allocation of game content based on the player's movements in real space, and to provide a server system and the like that can increase the entertainment value of the game.

(1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides
A server system that uses a player's position in a real space to execute a given game on a terminal device of the player, comprising:
a receiving means for receiving current position information indicating a current position of the player in real space transmitted from the terminal device;
a detection means for detecting movement of the player from a first point in a real space to a second point in the real space different from the first point;
a game control means for executing the game using a virtual space based on the detected movement of the player from a first point in the real space to a second point in the real space;
a selection control means for executing a selection process for selecting at least one game medium from a selection target group consisting of a plurality of game media related to the game to be selected, when a given execution condition based on the detected movement of the player within the real space is satisfied, and for granting the selected game medium to the player;
a setting means for executing a specification setting process for setting specifications to be defined when the selection process is executed, based on game parameters of the game that change in accordance with the detected movement of the player in the real space;
a provision means for providing information about the game, including information about the provided game content, to the terminal device;
Equipped with
The selection control means
The selection process is executed based on the set specifications.

With this configuration, the present invention can provide a game that is executed in a virtual space in conjunction with the player's movements in real space, and can control the selection and allocation of game media such as game items based on the content of the movements.

The present invention therefore makes it possible to gather players at specific locations through a game, such as to attract customers to a specific store, facility, or area, and also provides a new mechanism for location-based games in terms of the selection and allocation of game media based on the movements of players within the real space, thereby making the game more entertaining.

The "location" is preferably a store or location, but does not have to be a specific location such as a road or an address.

The "given execution conditions based on the detected movement of the player in the real space" include, for example, not only that the player has moved from a first point to a second point in the real space, but also that the distance of the movement is a predetermined distance (or is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance or is less than a predetermined distance) and that the time required for the movement is within a predetermined time, and also include conditions related to game processing in the virtual space that change in conjunction with the movement.

In particular, the "conditions of the game processing in the virtual space that change with the movement" include, for example,
(A1) A movement of an object (which may be a player character, a character associated with the player, or the player's own avatar) placed in the virtual space is executed in association with the movement;
(A2) In the virtual space, when moving in the virtual space in association with moving from a first point to a second point in the real space, the moving distance in the virtual space is a predetermined distance (or is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance or is equal to or less than the predetermined distance); and
(A3) A travel time in the virtual space when moving in the virtual space in conjunction with a movement from a first point to a second point in the real space is within a predetermined time;
However, it is preferable that the virtual space corresponds to the real space.

When the virtual space is associated with the real space in this manner, this includes that movement has been performed from a first point in the virtual space corresponding to a first point in the real space to a second point in the virtual space corresponding to a second point in the real space, that the distance traveled by this movement is a predetermined distance, and that the travel time of this movement is within a predetermined time.

The above "given execution conditions" may also include other conditions as additional conditions, such as an object (including a player) having a specified item (including in-game currency), a specified task being performed, or having a specified number of points or experience points.

Furthermore, the "game medium" is preferably, for example, an item used in the game, but may also be a virtual game medium used in the game, such as a game card. In particular, in the case of a game card, it is a character such as a player character, an item such as a weapon, in-game currency, tool, or life energy possessed by each character, or a medium for defining the character or item.

In addition to the above, the "selection process" may include, for example, a lottery process in which a game medium selected automatically by lottery from a selection group is given to the player, or a process in which a game medium selected by a predetermined method, such as a player's instruction, is given to the player.

In addition, the "given game" may include various types of games, such as competitive games (fighting games and sports games), RPGs, shooting games, racing games, or simulation games.

Furthermore, the "game parameters in the game that change in accordance with the movement of the player in the detected real space" include not only the game parameters set for the player, but also parameters of objects placed in the virtual space.

(2) The present invention also provides
The selection control means
The selection process is executed when the detected movement of the player in the real space or a game process that changes in accordance with the movement is executed within a given period of time, assuming that the execution condition is met.

With this configuration, the present invention can execute a selection process if the player visits a second location within a given period, such as within three days of visiting or departing from a first location, so it can also control the timing of a player's visit to a specific location, such as a specific store, facility, or area.

Therefore, the present invention can be used not only to attract customers to a specific location, but also to control congestion at that location.

(3) The present invention also provides
The virtual space is formed in correspondence with the real space,
The game control means
Placing an object in the virtual space;
controlling, in association with movement of the player in the real space, movement of the object from a first point in the virtual space corresponding to the first point in the real space to a second point in the virtual space corresponding to the second point in the real space;
The selection control means
The selection process is executed when a condition regarding movement of the object from a first point to a second point in a virtual space is satisfied as the execution condition.

With this configuration, the present invention allows the player's real space and virtual space to be associated with each other,
Movement in the real space can be accurately reflected in the virtual space, a game can be provided that is executed in the virtual space by linking the game with movement in the real space, and the selection and allocation of game media such as game items can be controlled based on the content of the movement.

The present invention therefore provides a new mechanism for location-based games in terms of the selection and allocation of game content based on the player's movements within the real space, thereby making the game more entertaining.

Note that each point in the virtual space may be formed as a point unrelated to the real space, or, if the "virtual space" is formed in correspondence with the "real space" based on an actual map or the like, it may be formed as a point with the same name, attributes, characteristics, etc. as a point in the real space.

(4) The present invention also provides
The game parameters include:
an attribute-related parameter that changes based on an attribute of at least one of the first point and the second point in the real space or the virtual space;
a distance-related parameter that changes based on a distance in the real space from the first point to the second point in the real space or the virtual space;
A time-related parameter that changes based on a travel time from the first point to the second point in the real space or the virtual space; and
an event-related parameter that changes in response to a game event that occurs during the movement from the first point to the second point in the virtual space;
The configuration includes at least one parameter of:

With this configuration, the present invention can change parameters based on the movement of objects in virtual space, the situation of each game, or the attributes of a location, making it possible to control the execution of selection processes in a variety of variations and to increase the interest of the game as a location-based game.

In addition, in the case of a store or facility, "attributes" may include, for example, category (food and drink, convenience store, general merchandise, clothing, department store, etc.), business hours, and area (e.g., postal code).

And "attribute-related parameters" are parameters that change depending on, for example, whether the attributes of multiple locations match or don't match, and the number of matching locations.

"Distance-related parameters" are parameters that change depending on, for example, the total distance traveled between points, the straight-line distance from the first point to the last point, or the shortest route.

"Time-related parameters" are parameters that change depending on, for example, the total travel time between points and the average travel time between points.

Furthermore, "event-related parameters" are parameters obtained by participating in an event that occurs while traveling from a first location to a second location, or when the player reaches the second location.

And "game events" include, for example, defeating enemy characters that appear within the virtual space, performing given actions such as talking to, receiving, buying and selling, and handing over characters that appear within the virtual space, finding specific items such as treasure items, contacting friends who are registered as friends within the game, and performing given actions via SNS.

(5) The present invention also provides
The setting means:
The specifications include setting at least one of the following: the number of game media that make up the selection group; the types of game media that make up the selection group; the selection probability selected to be given to the player for each game medium that makes up the selection group; the number of game media to be selected; the attributes of the selected game media; the number of times the selection process is executed; and parameters held in the game by the player or the character controlled by the player that are consumed when executing the selection process.

With this configuration, the present invention can change the specifications of the selection process, making it possible to control the execution of the selection process in a variety of variations and improving the interest of the game as a location game.

Note that the "number of game media selected" refers to, for example, the number of game items selected by each selection process when multiple selection processes are executed in one activation, or the number of game items selected by all of one or more selection processes selected in one activation.

In addition, "parameters held in the game by the player or the character operated by the player and consumed when a selection process is executed" refers to parameters held in the game by the player or the character operated by the player, such as in-game currency, character life energy, number of points, etc., consumed when a selection process is executed one or more times with one activation, or these parameters consumed when each selection process is executed when multiple selection processes are executed with one activation.

(6) The present invention also provides
an event control means for controlling execution of a given game event in the virtual space during movement of the player from a first point in the real space to a second point in the real space;
The setting means:
The specification setting process is executed based on game parameters of the game that change in response to the execution of the event.

With this configuration, the present invention can change game parameters such as the amount of in-game currency, items, lives, experience points, etc. acquired, the number of enemies defeated, and the number of points acquired due to events, based on game events that occur in the virtual space while moving from a first location to a second location, such as defeating an enemy character that appears in the virtual space at a point midway between a first location and a second location during movement, or talking to a character that appears in the virtual space.

Therefore, the present invention can control the execution of the selection process in a variety of variations while making the position game more interesting.

(7) The present invention also provides
an event control means for controlling execution of a given game event in the virtual space during movement of the player from a first point in the real space to a second point in the real space;
The selection control means
The execution condition when the selection process is executed is controlled based on the status of the game event.

With this configuration, the present invention can change whether or not to execute a selection process, or the conditions for executing a selection process, based on a game event in the virtual space that occurs during movement from a first point to a second point, such as defeating an enemy character that appears in the virtual space at a midpoint between a first point and a second point during movement, or talking to a character that appears in the virtual space.

For example, the present invention allows the execution of a selection process at the second location if 10 enemy characters are defeated at a point midway between a first location and a second location during movement, and also allows the execution of a selection process that allows the selection of S-rare game media when a total of 20 enemy characters are defeated, in a case where only normal game media is normally selected.

The present invention therefore closely links the positional elements of a positional game with the selection process, thereby enhancing the interest of the positional game.

(8) The present invention also provides
The providing means comprises:
The information regarding the execution condition for executing the selection process is provided to the terminal device in order to notify the player.

Therefore, when executing the selection process, the present invention can support the player in making decisions regarding the player's destination, the player's deadline for movement, or whether or not a game event is to be executed.

(9) The present invention also provides a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of:
The providing means is configured to provide to the terminal device information relating to the specifications that are expected to change depending on the game parameters in order to notify the player.

With this configuration, the present invention can support the player in making decisions regarding the player's destination, the player's movement deadline, or whether or not a game event is to be executed when executing the selection process.

(10) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides
A program for executing a given game using a player's position in real space, comprising:
a receiving means for receiving current position information indicating a current position of the player in a real space;
a detection means for detecting movement of the player from a first point in a real space to a second point in the real space different from the first point;
a game control means for executing the game using a virtual space based on the detected movement of the player from a first point in the real space to a second point in the real space;
a selection control means for executing a selection process for selecting at least one game medium from a selection target group consisting of a plurality of game media related to the game to be selected, when a given execution condition based on the detected movement of the player within the real space is satisfied, and granting the selected game medium to the player; and
a setting means for executing a specification setting process for setting specifications to be defined when the selection process is executed, based on game parameters of the game that change in accordance with the detected movement of the player in the real space;
The computer functions as
The selection control means
The selection process is executed based on the set specifications.

With this configuration, the present invention can provide a game that is executed in a virtual space in conjunction with the player's movements in real space, and can control the selection and allocation of game media such as game items based on the content of the movements.

The present invention therefore makes it possible to gather players at specific locations through a game, such as to attract customers to a specific store, facility, or area, and also provides a new mechanism for location-based games in terms of the selection and allocation of game media based on the movements of players within the real space, thereby making the game more entertaining.

(11) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides
A game system for executing a given game using a player's position in a real space, comprising:
a receiving means for receiving current position information indicating a current position of the player in a real space;
a detection means for detecting movement of the player from a first point in a real space to a second point in the real space different from the first point;
a game control means for executing the game using a virtual space based on the detected movement of the player from a first point in the real space to a second point in the real space;
a selection control means for executing a selection process for selecting at least one game medium from a selection target group consisting of a plurality of game media related to the game to be selected, when a given execution condition based on the detected movement of the player within the real space is satisfied, and for granting the selected game medium to the player;
a setting means for executing a specification setting process for setting specifications to be defined when the selection process is executed, based on game parameters of the game that change in accordance with the detected movement of the player in the real space;
Equipped with
The selection control means
The selection process is executed based on the set specifications.

With this configuration, the present invention can provide a game that is executed in a virtual space in conjunction with the player's movements in real space, and can control the selection and allocation of game media such as game items based on the content of the movements.

The present invention therefore makes it possible to gather players at specific locations through a game, such as to attract customers to a specific store, facility, or area, and also provides a new mechanism for location-based games in terms of the selection and allocation of game media based on the movements of players within the real space, thereby making the game more entertaining.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of a game system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates functional blocks of a server device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a terminal device according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining a selection process executed based on player position information in one embodiment and a specification setting process for setting the specifications thereof. FIG. 13 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining a selection process executed based on player position information in one embodiment and a specification setting process for setting the specifications thereof. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of a game process including a specification setting process and a selection process executed by the server device of one embodiment.

The present embodiment will be described below. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[1] Game System First, an overview and a general configuration of a game system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of the game system 1 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 of this embodiment is configured such that a server device 10 that provides game services and terminal devices 20 (e.g., terminal devices 20A, 20B, and 20C) can be connected to the Internet (an example of a network).

By accessing the server device 10 from the terminal device 20, the player can obtain a game from the server device 10 via the Internet and play the game. Furthermore, by accessing the server device 10 from the terminal device 20, the player can play the game while communicating with other players.

In particular, the server device 10 is an information processing device capable of providing a service that allows players to play games using terminal devices 20 that are communicatively connected via the Internet.

The server device 10 can also function as an SNS server that provides a communication-type service. An SNS server refers to, for example, an information processing device that provides a service that allows communication between multiple players.

In addition, when the server device 10 functions as an SNS server, for example, it is capable of providing games known as social games that are executed using the operating environment (API (Application Programming Interface), platform, etc.) of the SNS that it provides.

Specifically, the server device 10 may provide games in a server-client format via the terminal device 20, or may provide games provided on the web browser of the terminal device 20, such as browser games (games that can be started by simply opening the installation site in a web browser) created in various languages, such as HTML, FLASH (registered trademark), CGI, PHP, shockwave, Java (registered trademark) applet, and JavaScript (registered trademark).

Unlike existing online games, social games include games that do not require dedicated client software and can be played with just a web browser and an SNS account. The server device 10 is also configured to connect to other players' terminals (smartphones, PCs, game consoles, etc.) via a network, and provide online games in which players can simultaneously share the same game progress online.

On the other hand, the server device 10 may be composed of one (device, processor) or multiple (devices, processors).

In addition, information such as game information stored in the memory area of the server device 10 (the memory unit 140 described below) may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (an intranet or the Internet), and when functioning as an SNS server, information such as the player information storage unit 146 stored in the memory area may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (an intranet or the Internet).

Specifically, the server device 10 of this embodiment receives input information based on the operation of a player of the terminal device 20 (i.e., a player who executes a game), and performs game processing based on the received input information.

Then, the server device 10 transmits the game processing result to the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 is configured to perform various processes to provide the game processing result received from the server device 10 to the terminal device 20 so that it can be viewed by the player.

The terminal device 20 is an information processing device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS, a computer, a game device, a PDA, a portable game machine, an image generating device, etc., and is a device that can be connected to the server device 10 via a network such as the Internet (WAN) or a LAN. The communication line between the terminal device 20 and the server device 10 may be wired or wireless.

The terminal device 20 also has a web browser capable of viewing web pages (data in HTML format). That is, the terminal device 20 has a communication control function for communicating with the server device 10, and a web browser function for controlling display using data received from the server device 10 (web data, data created in HTML format, etc.) and transmitting player operation data to the server device 10.

For example, the terminal device 20 may acquire necessary information from the server device 10, such as game information about other players during a match, execute game processing based on a game application stored in a memory area (the memory unit 270 described later), and may also execute various processes for providing a game screen to the player, thereby allowing the player to play the game.

For example, the terminal device 20 may transmit player operation data to the server device 10 while acquiring game control information provided by the server device 10, executing a predetermined game process, and executing a game based on the game process.

In particular, when the terminal device 20 executes game processing based on game control information provided by the server device 10, when the terminal device 20 makes a request to the server device 10 to play a specific game, the terminal device 20 is connected to the game site of the server device 10 and the game is started.

The terminal device 20 is configured to use the API as necessary to cause the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server to perform a specified process, or to obtain the player information storage unit 146 managed by the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server to execute a game.

[2] Server Device Next, the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the server device 10 of this embodiment. Also, the server device 10 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) of Fig. 2 are omitted.

The server device 10 includes an input unit 120 for use in administrator and other input, a display unit 130 for performing predetermined displays, an information storage medium 180 in which predetermined information is stored, a communication unit 196 for communicating with terminal devices 20 and others, a processing unit 100 for executing processes mainly related to the game to be provided, and a storage unit 140 for storing various data mainly used in the game.

The input unit 120 is used by a system administrator or the like to input game-related settings and other necessary settings and data. For example, the input unit 120 in this embodiment is configured with a mouse, keyboard, etc.

The display unit 130 displays an operation screen for the system administrator. For example, the display unit 130 in this embodiment is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like.

The information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions are realized by optical disks (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disks (MO), magnetic disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, or memory (ROM), etc.

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (e.g., terminals, other servers, or other network systems), and its functions are configured by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc.

The memory unit 140 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, etc., and its functions are realized by a RAM (VRAM) etc. The information stored in the memory unit 140 may be managed by a database.

In addition to the main memory unit 142, the memory unit 140 of this embodiment includes:
(A1) a game data storage unit 144 for storing game information indicating information related to the game to be provided, such as various table data;
(A2) a player information storage unit 146 in which player information indicating information about each player is stored; and
(A3) an item information storage unit 148 in which game items owned by each player as game media are stored as item information in association with each player;
It has the following features.

In particular, the game data storage unit 144 stores information about points in real space for detecting the player's movements in real space during the game (hereinafter also referred to as "point information"), various data for constructing the virtual space, information about game items provided to the player (including initial values), and standard specifications for the selection process for selecting the game items to be granted to the player.

For example, the location information includes, for each specific location indicating a specific place or area such as a store or facility in the real world, or a road or an arbitrary address in the real world, location information indicating the longitude and latitude in the real world, information about each location such as the store type, business format, opening hours, and area (zip code), location attribute information including location specification information for specifying the player's movement related to the game in the real world for each location, and coordinate information indicating the coordinate position in the virtual space associated with each location, which are registered in advance.

And the location specific information is
(B1) a first point designated to function as a movement starting point for identifying a player's movement with respect to a game; and
(B2) A second point indicating that the second point functions as a travel stop (hereinafter simply referred to as a "stop"), a travel end point (hereinafter referred to as a "destination"), or both;
The attribute information indicates that the travel location functions as a travel destination, and two pieces of attribute information, (B1) and (B2), may be registered in one travel location attribute information.

In addition, for example, various data for constructing a virtual space includes information for associating points (hereinafter also referred to as "virtual space points") corresponding to each point in the above-mentioned real space (hereinafter also referred to as "real space points") with the real space points. However, coordinate information indicating coordinates in a virtual space that is different from the real space may be stored as information on each virtual space point.

The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main memory unit 142 in the memory unit 140 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs.

The processing unit 100 performs various processes of this embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores programs for causing a computer to function as each part of this embodiment (programs for causing a computer to execute the processes of each part).

For example, the processing unit 100 (processor) controls the entire server device 10 based on a program stored in the information storage medium 180, and performs various processes such as controlling the transfer of data between each unit. In addition, the processing unit 100 performs processes to provide various services in response to requests from terminals.

Specifically, the processing unit 100 of this embodiment has at least a communication control unit 101, a Web processing unit 102, a game management unit 103, an item management unit 104, a player position management unit 105, a selection processing unit 106, a timer management unit 110, and an information provision unit 111.

For example, the communication control unit 101 of this embodiment constitutes the receiving means of the present invention, and the game management unit 103 constitutes the game control means and event control means of the present invention. Also, for example, the player position management unit 105 of this embodiment constitutes the detection means of the present invention, and the selection processing unit 106 constitutes the selection control means and setting means of the present invention. Furthermore, for example, the information provision unit 111 of this embodiment constitutes the provision means of the present invention.

The communication control unit 101 performs processing to transmit and receive data to and from the terminal device 20 via the network. That is, the server device 10 performs various processing based on information received from the terminal device 20, etc. by the communication control unit 101. In particular, the communication control unit 101 of this embodiment performs processing to transmit a game screen to the terminal device 20 of a player based on a request from the terminal device 20 of the player.

The web processing unit 102 functions as a web server. For example, the web processing unit 102 performs a process of transmitting data in response to a request from a web browser 211 installed in the terminal device 20, and a process of receiving data transmitted by the web browser 211 of the terminal device 20, via a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

In this embodiment, the server device 10 is described as having a function as an SNS server, but the server device 10 may be formed as a server for the game and a server for the SNS separately. Also, the game processing of this embodiment may be performed in part or in whole by the server device 10, or in part by the terminal device 20.

The game management unit 103 works in conjunction with the terminal device 20, and executes game processing for each player related to games such as role-playing games (RPGs), shooting games, fighting games, or location-based games based on player operations input via the terminal device 20.

In particular, the game management unit 103 grants game items (including characters and abilities) to be used in the game to each player, for example as electronic game cards, based on the player's instructions or at a timing appropriate to the game progress (before the game starts or during the game).

The game management unit 103 then works in conjunction with the terminal device 20 to progress the game based on the game items owned by each player and the position of each player in real space.

Specifically, the game management unit 103 executes the game using the set player character and game items based on the player's operations input via the terminal device 20 and the player's current position in real space.

On the other hand, the game management unit 103 controls given events in the virtual space in conjunction with the player's movements in the real space.

Game events include, for example, defeating enemy characters that appear in the virtual space, performing given actions such as talking to, receiving, buying and selling, and handing over characters that appear in the virtual space, finding specific items such as treasure items, contacting friends who are registered as friends in the game, and performing given actions via SNS.

The item management unit 104 registers the items given to the player as game cards in the item information storage unit 148 and manages them.

In particular, the item management unit 104 assigns or changes items based on the player's current location in real space or points visited, and stores the assigned or changed items in the item information storage unit 148.

Note that granting an item includes allowing the player to acquire the item, having the player make a reservation to acquire the item and then having the player acquire the item a specified period of time after the timing of grant (e.g., three days or ten days later) or when specified conditions are met (e.g., visiting a specific real-world location, acquiring a specific item, or clearing a specific stage), and also the player simply making a reservation to acquire the item.

The player position management unit 105 acquires the current position information (i.e., player position information) of each player transmitted from the terminal device 20 at a predetermined timing, and stores it as player position history information in the player information storage unit 146 in association with the current time acquired from the timer management unit 110.

The selection processing unit 106 executes a selection process to select an item, such as executing a lottery process (gacha) to select an item for the player to acquire from a plurality of items, at a given timing during the game, including the timing when the player visits a specified point in real space (a timing specified during the game, such as when a stage specified in the game is cleared or when a specified item is discovered while moving through the virtual space in the game, or a timing instructed by the player based on point consumption).

The selection processing unit 106 also sets the selection process specifications in advance for each player based on the player's current location information.

The timer management unit 110 has a timer function and is used to manage the progress of the game, including player position information and game card position information.

In particular, the timer management unit 110 outputs the current time or a preset time to each unit based on a request from the player position management unit 105, the item management unit 104, or each of the other units. The timer management unit 110 is also used to synchronize with each terminal device.

The information providing unit 111 generates various game information (including information about game items and information about the movement of objects placed in the virtual space) to allow the terminal device 20 to process the game, and provides this information to the corresponding terminal device 20.

In particular, the information providing unit 111 provides information for displaying information about the mission on the relevant terminal device 20 at a given timing as game information to the terminal device 20.

[3] Terminal Device Next, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the terminal device 20 of this embodiment. Also, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (parts) of Fig. 2 are omitted.

The current location detection unit 250 detects the current location of the terminal device 20 at each predetermined timing and generates location information indicating the current location.

For example, the current position detection unit 250 detects satellite signals (GPS signals) transmitted from GPS satellites (not shown) while recognizing the positions of the GPS satellites at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 5 seconds). The current position detection unit 250 then calculates (i.e., detects) the coordinate values (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the current position of the terminal device 20 itself based on the detected GPS signal, and provides the coordinate values to the processing unit 200 as current position information.

The input unit 260 is a device for inputting input information from the player, and outputs the player's input information to the processing unit 200. In this embodiment, the input unit 260 includes a detection unit 262 that detects the player's input information (input signal). The input unit 260 may be, for example, a lever, a button, a steering wheel, a microphone, a touch panel display, a keyboard, or a mouse.

The memory unit 270 serves as a work area for the processing unit 200, the communication unit 296, etc., and its functions can be realized by a RAM (VRAM) or the like. In this embodiment, the memory unit 270 includes a main memory unit 271 used as a work area, and an image buffer 272 in which the final display image, etc. are stored. Note that some of these may be omitted.

The information storage medium 280 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by optical disks (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disks (MO), magnetic disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, or memory (ROM), etc.

The processing unit 200 performs various processes of this embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 280. The information storage medium 280 can store programs for causing a computer to function as each part of this embodiment (programs for causing a computer to execute the processing of each part).

In this embodiment, the programs and game data for causing a computer to function as each part of this embodiment, which are stored in the information storage medium 180 and memory unit 140 of the server device 10, are received via a network, and the received programs and data are stored in the information storage medium 280. The programs and data received from the server device 10 may also be stored in the memory unit 270. The case where a network system is operated by receiving programs and data in this manner is also included within the scope of the present invention.

The display unit 290 outputs the image generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, HMD (head mounted display), etc. The sound output unit 292 outputs the sound generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, etc.

The communication unit 296 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (e.g., other terminals, servers), and its functions can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc.

The processing unit 200 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, display control, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on the current location information from the current location detection unit 250, information about the game acquired from the server device 10 via the communication unit 296, input information acquired from the input unit 260, or programs, etc.

The processing unit 200 performs various processes using the main memory unit 271 in the memory unit 270 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 200 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs.

The processing unit 200 includes a communication control unit 210, a web browser 211, a game processing unit 212, a display control unit 213, a game screen control unit 214, a current position management unit 215, a drawing unit 220, and a sound processing unit 230. Note that some of these may be omitted.

The communication control unit 210 performs processing to transmit and receive data to and from each of the server devices 10. The communication control unit 210 also performs processing to store data received from the server device 10 in the storage unit 270, to analyze the received data, and to control processing related to the transmission and reception of other data.

The communication control unit 210 may store and manage the destination information (IP address, port number) of the server in the information storage medium 280. The communication control unit 210 may then communicate with the server device 10 when it receives input information from the player to start communication.

In particular, the communication control unit 210 transmits player identification information and operation information to the server device 10, and receives data related to the player information storage unit 146 (player's web page, game screen, etc.) from the server device 10.

The communication control unit 210 may transmit and receive data to and from the server device 10 at a predetermined cycle, or may transmit and receive data to and from the server device 10 when input information is received from the input unit 260. In particular, the communication control unit 210 of the present embodiment performs a process of receiving a game screen from the server device 10.

The web browser 211 is an application program for viewing web pages (game screens), and downloads HTML files, image files, etc. from the web server (server device 10), analyzes the layout, and controls the display. The web browser 211 also sends data to the web server (server device 10) using input forms (links, buttons, text boxes, etc.).

The web browser 211 of this embodiment can realize a browser game. For example, the web browser 211 may execute a program written in JavaScript (registered trademark), FLASH (registered trademark), Java (registered trademark), or the like, received from a web server (server device 10).

The terminal device 20 can display information from a web server specified by a URL via the Internet using the web browser 211. For example, the terminal device 20 can display a game screen (data such as HTML) received from the server device 10 using the web browser 211.

The game processing unit 212 works in conjunction with the server device 10 to perform various game calculation processes. For example, this includes processing to start the game when a game start condition is met, processing to progress the game, and processing to end the game when a game end condition is met.

The game processing unit 212 may then perform processing to place and set various objects (objects constructed from primitives such as polygons, free-form surfaces, or subdivision surfaces) representing display items such as player characters, buildings, stadiums, cars, trees, pillars, walls, and maps (terrain) in the object space.

The object space here refers to a virtual space, and includes both two-dimensional space and three-dimensional space. Two-dimensional space is, for example, a space in which an object is placed using two-dimensional coordinates (X, Y), and three-dimensional space is, for example, a space in which an object is placed using three-dimensional coordinates (X, Y, Z).

The game processing unit 212 also controls the sending and receiving of various information at login, and executes game processing, including executing game processing based on the player's operations when playing a game in real time in conjunction with the server device 10.

The display control unit 213 also performs processing to display the game screen generated by the game screen control unit 214 on the display unit 290. For example, the display control unit 213 may display the game screen using the web browser 211.

The current position management unit 215 acquires the current position information for each predetermined period obtained from the current position detection unit 250, stores it as history information in the main memory unit 271, and transmits it to the server device 10 as player position information at a predetermined timing in conjunction with the server device 10 during execution of the game processing.

The drawing unit 220 performs drawing processing based on various processes (e.g., game processing) performed by the processing unit 200, thereby generating an image, which is output to the display unit 290 by the display control unit 213. The image generated by the drawing unit 220 may be a so-called two-dimensional image, or a so-called three-dimensional image.

The sound processing unit 230 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed in the processing unit 200, generates game sounds such as background music, sound effects, or voice, and outputs them to the sound output unit 292.

[4] Processing Method of the Present Embodiment [4.1] Overview Next, the selection process executed based on the player position information of the present embodiment and the specification setting process for setting the specifications thereof will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are diagrams for explaining the selection process executed based on the player position information of the present embodiment and the specification setting process for setting the specifications thereof.

The server device 10 of this embodiment is configured to link with the terminal device 20 and provide the player character, other characters, the game space or parts of it, game parameters, background music, and the game scenario to the terminal device 20.

The server device 10 is configured to allow players to use the terminal device 20 to play games such as fighting games, combat games, RPGs, shooting games, racing games, or simulation games.

The server device 10 is also configured to acquire current position information indicating the current position of each player in real space from the terminal device 20, and provide the terminal device 20 with a game that is executed in a virtual space formed in correspondence with the real space, linked to the movement of each player in the real space, based on the acquired current position of each player.

The server device 10 is configured to control the selection of game items as game media and their provision to the player based on the player's movements in real space or the movements of objects in the virtual space associated with the movements.

In particular, the server device 10 of the present embodiment is a device for causing a terminal device 20 of a player to execute a given game by utilizing the position of the player in real space,
(A1) receiving current position information indicating a current position of a player in real space transmitted from the terminal device 20;
(A2) detecting movement of the player from a first point in real space (hereinafter also referred to as a "first point in real space") to a second point in real space different from the first point in real space (hereinafter also referred to as a "second point in real space");
(A3) executing a game using a virtual space associated with the real space based on the detected movement of the player from a first point in the real space to a second point in the real space;
(A4) when a given execution condition based on the detected movement of the player in the real space is satisfied, executing a selection process to select at least one item from a selection target group consisting of a plurality of game contents related to the game to be selected, and granting the selected item to the player;
(A5) executing a specification setting process for setting specifications to be defined when the selection process is executed, based on game parameters in the game that change in accordance with the detected movement of the player in the real space;
It has a configuration.

The server device 10 controls the movement of an object from a first point in the virtual space corresponding to a first point in the real space (hereinafter also referred to as the "first point in the virtual space") to a second point in the virtual space corresponding to a second point in the real space (hereinafter also referred to as the "second point in the virtual space"), in accordance with the player's movement within the real space, and is configured to execute a selection process when a condition regarding the movement of the object from the first point in the virtual space to the second point in the virtual space is met as a given execution condition.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, a case is assumed in which a player visits multiple second real-space locations in sequence from a first real-space location, and each time the player visits a second real-space location, multiple game items having various ranks, such as normal, rare, or S rare, are configured as selection targets, and one game item is selected by lottery (e.g., gacha) from a selection target group in which the probability of winning each item is specified.

In this case, we also assume that each time a player visits a second location in real space that has attributes (store type: convenience store α) matching those of the first location SP10 in real space, the parameter for the number of visits is changed, and the probability of winning an S rare is changed to a multiplier obtained by multiplying the base probability of winning by the number of visits.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, when the server device 10 first reaches the second point SP20A in the real space of the store type convenience store α, the specification is to double the standard winning probability of 1% for the S Rare A game item belonging to the selection target group to 2%, and execute a selection process as a lottery process based on the selection target group including the S Rare A game item with a winning probability of 2%.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the server device 10 reaches the second real-space point SP20B whose store type is convenience store α after the second real-space point SP20, the specification is to triple the standard winning probability of 1% for S Rare A game items belonging to the selection target group to 3%, and execute a selection process as a lottery process based on the selection target group including the S Rare A game items whose winning probability is now 3%.

In this way, during game execution, the server device 10 sets the specifications for the selection process of the selection target group and executes the selection process based on the set specifications each time the player visits a second location in real space whose store type is convenience store α until the time limit is reached, until a predetermined number of second locations in real space are visited, or until a specific location is passed, or until the location game is ended.

As shown in FIG. 5, the server device 10 is configured such that each point in the virtual space corresponds to a corresponding point in the real space, and when the player P moves in the real space, the player character PC arranged in the virtual space moves in correspondence with the current position of the player P (specifically, the current position of the terminal device 20).

In this embodiment, this configuration allows players to gather at a specific location through the game, such as attracting customers to a specific store, facility, or area, and also provides a new mechanism for location-based games in terms of the selection and allocation of game content based on the movements of players within the real space, thereby making the game more entertaining.

In the following embodiment, the game media will be described as game items used in the game, but they may also be virtual game media used in the game, such as game cards.

[4.2] Movement Detection Processing in Real Space and Object Movement Control Processing in Virtual Space Next, the player movement detection processing in the real space and object movement control processing in the virtual space in this embodiment will be described.

(Player movement detection process in real space)
During execution of the game, the player position management unit 105 detects, for each player, the movement of the player from a first point in real space to a second point in real space based on the current position information of each player transmitted from the terminal device 20.

Specifically, when flag information indicating that the player is moving (hereinafter also referred to as "moving state information") is not registered in the player information storage unit 146, the player position management unit 105, upon receiving current position information transmitted from the terminal device 20, identifies the player's current position from the received current position information, and determines whether the identified current position is a predetermined first position based on the identified current position and the position information stored in the game data storage unit 144.

For example, the player position management unit 105 detects location information that uses location information with the same latitude and longitude as the identified current location, or latitude and longitude that are recognized to be in the same range, and determines whether the identified current location can be registered as the first location in real space as the movement start point, based on the location attribute information included in the detected location information.

Then, when the player position management unit 105 determines that the player's current position is the first point in real space, it determines that the player has started moving, and registers the first position in real space as the movement start point in the player information storage unit 146, while registering flag information indicating that the player is moving as movement status information in the player information storage unit 146.

In this embodiment, the current position of a player when instructed or contacted by another player may be registered as the first point in real space, or the current position of a player when an enemy character in a game is defeated, a predetermined score or experience points are reached, a task is completed, or a specific item is obtained may be registered as the first point in real space.

On the other hand, when the player position management unit 105 receives current position information transmitted from the terminal device 20 in a case where movement status information has already been registered in the player information storage unit 146, it identifies the current position of the player from the received current position information, detects location information using location information with the same latitude and longitude as the identified current position, or latitude and longitude that are recognized to be in the same range, and determines whether the identified current position can be registered as a second location for a stopover or destination based on the location attribute information included in the detected location information.

Then, when the player position management unit 105 determines that the player's current position is the second point in real space, it registers the second point in real space as a waypoint or destination in the player information storage unit 146, assuming that the player has reached a waypoint or destination during movement, and maintains the player's movement status information if it is a waypoint, or deletes the player's movement status information if it is a destination.

In this embodiment, similar to the first point in real space, the current position of the player when instructed or contacted by another player may be registered as the second point in real space, or the current position of the player when an enemy character in the game is defeated, a predetermined score or experience points are reached, a task is completed, or a specific item is obtained may be registered as the second point in real space.

(Processing for controlling movement of objects in virtual space)
The game management unit 103 forms a virtual space based on the data stored in the game data storage unit 144 .

In particular, the game management unit 103 may form a virtual space having points with the same names, attributes, and characteristics as points in the real space based on a map of the real space, or may form a virtual space unrelated to the real space by forming and including points in the real space that correspond to points in the point information registered in the game data storage unit 144. However, when a virtual space is formed unrelated to the real space, the point information specifies coordinate information indicating the coordinates in the virtual space of each point in the virtual space, and the game management unit 103 forms the virtual space based on the coordinate information.

Meanwhile, the game management unit 103 controls the movement of an object from a first point in the virtual space that corresponds to a first point in the real space to a second point in the virtual space that corresponds to a second point in the real space in accordance with the player's movement in the real space as described above.

In particular, the game management unit 103 may use the player character, a character associated with the player (game item), or the player's own avatar as an object.

[4.3] Selection Process and Accompanying Grant of Game Items Next, the selection process and the accompanying grant of game items in this embodiment will be described.

(Outline of selection process)
When a given execution condition based on the detected movement of the player in real space during execution of the game is met, the selection processing unit 106 executes a selection process to select at least one game item from a selection target group consisting of a plurality of game items related to the game to be selected, either randomly, based on the player's instructions, or in accordance with the progress of the game, and grants the selected game item to the player.

In particular, the selection processing unit 106 executes the selection process when the player's movement from a first point in real space to a second point in real space meets a predetermined condition, or when the game processing in the virtual space that changes as the player moves from the first point in real space to the second point in real space meets a predetermined condition, assuming that the given execution condition is met.

The given execution conditions in this embodiment may include other conditions as additional conditions, such as an object (including a player) having a specified item (including in-game currency), a specified task being performed, or having a specified number of points or experience points.

On the other hand, the selection processing unit 106 performs a selection process in which a selection target group having a plurality of selectable game items is formed according to the determined specifications, as described below, and a lottery process is performed in which a game item is automatically selected from the formed selection target group by lottery based on the probability of winning for each selectable game item, or a process is performed in which a game item selected by a predetermined method, such as an instruction from the player, is granted to the player.

In addition, the selection processing unit 106 selects, as game items,
(B1) As described above, items to be equipped or set to the player character operated by the player in the game, such as weapons, tools, life energy, or 1-up, (B2) characters that can be added as player characters,
(B3) in-game currency, or
(B4) The ability to be set for the player character,
etc. are used for the selection process.

In this embodiment, instead of game items, virtual game media to be used in the game, such as game cards, may be selected and provided.

In particular, such game cards specify characters such as player characters, items such as weapons, in-game currency, tools, and life energy possessed by each character, or the characters and items themselves.

In addition, in this embodiment, when a game item is granted, it is granted so that the relevant player can use it in the game at the time of granting, but it may be granted so that it can be used at a given time in the game after the time of granting, or it may not be granted and may be set so that it can be used by the relevant player.

(Selection process when movement in real space meets given execution conditions)
The selection processing unit 106 may execute a selection process when the player moves from a first point in real space to a second point in real space, or when the distance moved from the first point in real space to the second point in real space is a predetermined distance (or is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance or less than the predetermined distance).

In addition, the selection processing unit 106 may execute the selection process if the travel time required to travel from a first point in real space to a second point in real space is within a predetermined time, assuming that a given execution condition is met.

In particular, the selection processing unit 106 may execute the selection process when the player visits a specific location, such as a specific store, facility, or area, in order to control not only the activation of the specific location, such as attracting customers, but also to control congestion at the location. For example, the selection processing unit 106 may execute the selection process when the player visits a second location in real space within a given period, such as within three days after visiting or departing from a first location in real space.

In this embodiment, the selection processing unit 106 may use multiple second points in the real space to determine whether or not given execution conditions are met for the movement, travel distance, and travel time.

In other words, the selection processing unit 106 may execute the selection process when a movement that has visited multiple second locations in the real space, or a distance or movement time that has visited multiple second locations in the real space, satisfies a given execution condition.

The selection processing unit 106 may also execute the selection process not only when any of the movement, distance, or travel time between one or more points in the real space meets a given execution condition, but also when two or more of these each meet a given execution condition.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when conditions related to game processing in the virtual space that change as the player moves from a first point in the real space to a second point in the real space are met, it may be determined that given execution conditions are met and a selection process may be executed.

(Selection process when game process in virtual space satisfies given execution conditions)
The selection processing unit 106 may execute a selection process when an object (i.e., the object may be a player character or a character associated with the player, or the player's own avatar) placed in the virtual space moves from a first point in the virtual space to a second point in the virtual space in conjunction with the player's movement from a first point in the real space to a second point in the real space, or when the movement is executed and given execution conditions are met.

In particular, the selection processing unit 106 may execute a game in the virtual space in conjunction with the player's movement in the real space, provide a new mechanism for a location-based game, and increase the interest of the game, by controlling the timing of the player's visit to a specific location, such as a specific store, facility, or area, in the same way as in the real space, and may execute a selection process based on the movement of an object placed in the virtual space from a first location in the virtual space to a second location in the virtual space, or on given execution conditions based on the movement, in order to not only stimulate the specific location, but also to control congestion at the location, etc.

For example, the selection processing unit 106 may execute the selection process by determining that a given execution condition based on the movement of an object in the virtual space is met when the distance from a first point in the virtual space to a second point in the virtual space is a predetermined distance (or is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance or is less than or equal to the predetermined distance).

Also, for example, if the travel time from a first point in the virtual space to a second point in the virtual space is within a predetermined time, the selection processing unit 106 may execute the selection process, assuming that a given execution condition based on the object's movement in the virtual space is met.

In this embodiment, the selection processing unit 106 may use multiple second locations in the virtual space, as in the real space, to determine whether or not given execution conditions are met for the movement, travel distance, and travel time.

In other words, the selection processing unit 106 may execute the selection process when travel has been made to visit multiple second locations in the virtual space, and when the distance or travel time required to visit multiple second locations in the virtual space satisfies a given execution condition.

The selection processing unit 106 may also execute the selection process not only when a given execution condition is met for any of the movement, distance, or travel time between points in one or more virtual spaces, but also when a given execution condition is met for two or more of these.

On the other hand, when the execution of a given game event in the virtual space is controlled during the movement of an object placed in the virtual space from a first point in the virtual space to a second point in the virtual space accompanying the movement of the player from a first point in the real space to a second point in the real space, the selection processing unit 106 may control the execution conditions based on the status of the game event.

In this case, the game management unit 103 controls the execution of a given game event in the virtual space while an object such as a player character is moving from a first point in the virtual space to a second point in the virtual space in association with the player's movement from a first point in the real space to a second point in the real space.

For example, the game management unit 103 controls game events in the virtual space that occur at a given point during movement from a first point to a second point, such as an event of defeating an enemy character (mid-boss) that appears in the virtual space, an event of talking to a character that appears or an event of receiving a present, an event of drawing a fortune (if the given point is a shrine), an event of obtaining a placed item, an event of completing a task, or a mini-game event, at a given point, such as a mid-point between a first point in the virtual space and a second point in the virtual space.

The game management unit 103 may execute an event using multiple locations, not just one location in the virtual space.

Then, the selection processing unit 106, in conjunction with the game management unit 103, determines whether or not the execution conditions are met during the execution of one game event, during the execution of multiple linked events, after the end of one game event, or after the end of multiple events, depending on the status of one game event or multiple events.

For example, the selection processing unit 106 executes the selection process when a given execution condition is met when an enemy character (mid-boss) that appears is defeated, when a character that appears is spoken to and a given present is received, when a lucky fortune is drawn in a fortune-telling event (if the given location is a shrine), when a specific item placed in the virtual space is obtained, when a given task is accomplished, or when a given result is achieved in a mini-game event.

[4.4] Specification Setting Process Next, a specification setting process for setting the specifications when executing the selection process in this embodiment will be described.

(Overview of the specification setting process)
The selection processing unit 106 manages game parameters in the game that change in accordance with the movement of the player in real space detected by the player position management unit 105, and executes a specification setting process that sets specifications to be defined when the selection process is executed based on the game parameters.

In particular, the selection processing unit 106 sets the specifications for the selection process based on game parameters, such as parameters of objects placed in the virtual space, in addition to game parameters set by the player.

Specifically, the selection processing unit 106 selects the following as game parameters:
(A1) an attribute-related parameter that changes based on an attribute of at least one of a first point and a second point in a real space or a virtual space;
(A2) a distance-related parameter that changes based on a distance in a real space from a first point to a second point in a real space or a virtual space;
(A3) a time-related parameter that changes based on a travel time from a first point to a second point in a real space or a virtual space;
(A4) An event-related parameter that changes in response to a game event that occurs during movement from a first point to a second point in the virtual space, or
(A5) The sum of two or more parameters of (A1) to (A4),
is used.

The specifications of the selection process are associated with the attributes of the game parameters (type, rank, characteristics, and abilities) or with each game parameter that defines the attributes, and the selection processing unit 106 manages the game parameters during movement, and when the second point in the real space is reached, determines the specifications of the selection process based on the managed game parameters and executes the selection process.

For example, when reaching a second point in real space, the selection processing unit 106 determines specifications indicating the rarity (rank) and number of game items included in the selection process based on attribute-related parameters, and executes the selection process for the relevant player based on the determined specifications.

The selection processing unit 106 may manage multiple game parameters as described above, and may control a specification item in the selection process associated with at least one game parameter based on at least one game parameter including the game parameter and other game parameters.

Specifically, in this case, a specification item in the selection process is associated with each game parameter or each combination of two or more game parameters, and the content for the specification item in the selection process is preset for each game parameter or each combination of two or more game parameters.

In this case, as described above, the selection processing unit 106 selects an item of the specifications in the selection process associated with a specific managed game parameter or game parameters including two or more specific game parameters at the start of the first point in real space or during the movement from the first point in real space to the second point in real space, and sets the content of the item in the selected specifications based on the specific managed game parameter or two or more game parameters.

(Attribute-related parameters)
The selection processing unit 106 manages attribute-related parameters that change as the player moves within the real space, and executes a specification setting process that sets specifications to be defined when the selection process is executed, based on the attribute-related parameters.

In particular, the attribute-related parameters used are parameters that change depending on whether the attributes of the first location and the second location (including multiple locations) match or do not match (specifically, the various attributes indicated by the location attribute information), and the number of matching locations.

Specifically, in the case of stores and facilities, the attribute-related parameters used are parameters that change depending on whether or not the attributes of each point match, and the number of points that match, such as category (food and drink, convenience, general goods, clothing, department stores, etc.), business hours, and area (e.g., postal code).

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the selection processing unit 106 manages attribute-related parameters that count the number of visits each time a second location in real space that has the same attributes as a first location in real space is visited during a position game, and executes a specification setting process that sets the specifications to be specified when executing the selection process based on the attribute-related parameters.

(Distance related parameters)
The selection processing unit 106 manages distance-related parameters that change in accordance with the movement of the player in real space during the position-based game, and executes a specification setting process that sets specifications to be defined when executing the selection process based on the distance-related parameters.

In particular, distance-related parameters include parameters that change depending on the total distance traveled between points in real space, the straight-line distance from the first point to the last point, and the shortest route.

For example, during a positional game, the selection processing unit 106 manages distance-related parameters indicating a straight-line distance or a route distance (the distance actually traveled) from a first point in real space, and executes a specification setting process that sets specifications to be specified when executing the selection process based on the distance-related parameters each time a second point in real space is visited.

The selection processing unit 106 manages distance-related parameters that change with the movement of objects such as the player character in the virtual space during the position-based game, and executes a specification setting process that sets the specifications that are specified when the selection process is executed based on the distance-related parameters.

In this case, the distance-related parameters used are parameters that change depending on the total distance traveled between points in the virtual space, the straight-line distance from the first point to the last point, or the shortest route.

(Time related parameters)
The selection processing unit 106 manages time-related parameters that change in accordance with the movement of the player in real space during the position-based game, and executes a specification setting process that sets specifications to be defined when executing the selection process based on the time-related parameters.

In particular, time-related parameters used are parameters that change depending on the total travel time between points in real space and the average travel time between points.

For example, the selection processing unit 106 manages a time-related parameter indicating the time taken to reach a second point in real space from a first point in real space during a positional game, and executes a specification setting process that sets the specifications to be specified when executing the selection process based on the time-related parameter each time the second point in real space is visited.

When the time progression differs between the real space and the virtual space, the selection processing unit 106 manages time-related parameters that change with the movement of objects such as the player character in the virtual space that correspond to the movement of the player in the real space during the position-based game, and executes a specification setting process that sets the specifications that are specified when the selection process is executed based on the time-related parameters.

(Event related parameters)
The game management unit 103 controls the execution of a given game event in the virtual space while an object such as a player character is moving from a first point in the virtual space to a second point in the virtual space in response to the player's movement from a first point in the real space to a second point in the real space.

The selection processing unit 106 then manages event-related parameters that change in accordance with the movement of the player in real space during that movement, and executes a specification setting process that sets the specifications that are defined when the selection process is executed based on the event-related parameters.

For example, the game management unit 103 controls game events in the virtual space that occur at a given point during movement from a first point to a second point, such as an event of defeating an enemy character (mid-boss) that appears in the virtual space, an event of talking to a character that appears, an event of receiving a gift, an event of drawing a fortune (if the given point is a shrine), an event of obtaining a placed item, an event of completing a task, or an event of a mini-game, at a given point, such as a mid-point between a first point in the virtual space and a second point in the virtual space.

The game management unit 103 may execute an event using multiple locations, not just one location in the virtual space.

On the other hand, the selection processing unit 106, in conjunction with the game management unit 103, varies the event-related parameters during the execution of one game event, during the execution of multiple linked events, after the end of one game event, or after the end of multiple events, depending on the status of one game event or multiple events.

Specifically, the event-related parameters refer to parameters used in game events during movement or when reaching a second location, such as defeating an enemy character that appears in the virtual space, performing a given action such as talking to, receiving, or handing over a character that appears in the virtual space, finding a specific item such as a treasure item, contacting a friend registered as a friend in the game, and performing a given action via SNS.

For example, the selection processing unit 106 manages event-related parameters that count the number of enemy characters that appear in the virtual space that are defeated between a first point in the real space and a second point in the real space (i.e., between the first point in the virtual space and the second point in the virtual space) during a position game, and executes a specification setting process that sets the specifications that are specified when executing the selection process based on the event-related parameters each time the second point in the real space is visited.

In addition, for example, the selection processing unit 106 controls various parameters such as points, experience points, and in-game currency obtained by defeating an enemy, points, experience points, and in-game currency obtained by performing a given action, and the rank of an acquired item (normal, rare, S rare, etc.), as event-related parameters.

(Selection process specifications)
Based on the above parameters, the selection processing unit 106 selects the following as specifications:
(B1) the number of game items constituting the selection target group;
(B2) The types of game items that make up the selection target group;
(B3) a selection probability for each game item constituting a selection target group, the selection probability being selected to be awarded to the player;
(B4) The number of game items selected by each selection process when the selection process is executed multiple times with one activation, and the number of game items selected by all of the one or more selection processes selected with one activation,
(B5) the attributes of the selected game item;
(B6) The number of times the selection process is executed,
(B7) parameters held by a player or a character operated by the player in the game, such as in-game currency, character life energy, number of points, etc., consumed when one or more selection processes are executed with one activation, or, when multiple selection processes are executed with one activation, these parameters consumed when each individual selection process is executed, or, (B8) a combination of (B1) to (B7),
Set.

For example, let's assume that the number of rare items is increased as the number of game items that make up the selection group based on the above parameters.

In this case, the selection processing unit 106 increases the number of rare items constituting the selection target group by +1 each time the value of the distance-related parameter increases by a predetermined distance (e.g., 5 km), each time the value of the time-related parameter becomes a predetermined time earlier (5 minutes) than the target time (e.g., 1 hour), or each time the value of the event-related parameter indicating the number of enemies defeated increases by a predetermined number (e.g., 10).

Also, for example, it is assumed that the rank of the game item in question, which is a type of game item that constitutes a selection target group, is changed based on the above parameters.

In this case, the selection processing unit 106 increases the proportion of rare items that make up the selection target group (e.g., by 5%) each time the value of the distance-related parameter increases by a predetermined distance (e.g., 5 km), each time the value of the time-related parameter becomes a predetermined time earlier (5 minutes) than the target time (e.g., 1 hour), or each time the value of the event-related parameter indicating the number of enemies defeated increases by a predetermined value (e.g., 10).

Furthermore, for example, it is assumed that the selection probability (i.e., selection probability) of the game items that make up the selection target group is changed based on the above parameters, so that the selection probability of a rare item is changed.

In this case, the selection processing unit 106 doubles the probability of winning the rare item that constitutes the selection target group each time the value of the distance-related parameter increases by a predetermined distance (e.g., 5 km), each time the value of the time-related parameter becomes a predetermined time earlier (5 minutes) than the target time (e.g., 1 hour), or each time the value of the event-related parameter indicating the number of enemies defeated increases by a predetermined number (e.g., 10).

In addition to the above, for example, consider a case where the number of game items selected from the selection group is changed based on the above parameters.

In this case, the selection processing unit 106 increases the number of game items selectable in one selection process by a predetermined number (e.g., +1) each time the value of the distance-related parameter increases by a predetermined distance (e.g., 5 km), each time the value of the time-related parameter becomes a predetermined time earlier (e.g., 5 minutes) than the target time (e.g., 1 hour), or each time the value of the event-related parameter indicating the number of enemies defeated increases by a predetermined number (e.g., 10).

Also, for example, consider a case in which the attributes (specifically, abilities) of a game item selected from a selection group are changed based on the above parameters.

In this case, the selection processing unit 106 changes the ability (attack ability) of the game item selected in the selection process (e.g., increases the value of the attack ability by +10) each time the value of the distance-related parameter increases by a predetermined distance (e.g., 5 km), each time the value of the time-related parameter becomes a predetermined time earlier (5 minutes) than the target time (e.g., 1 hour), or each time the value of the event-related parameter indicating the number of enemies defeated increases by a predetermined number (e.g., 10).

[4.5] Modifications Next, modifications of the present embodiment will be described.

(Presentation of execution conditions for selection process)
The information providing unit 111 provides the terminal device 20 with information on the execution conditions for executing the selection process in order to support the player in making a decision regarding the execution of the selection process.

Specifically, the information providing unit 111 receives the following as information on the execution conditions for executing the selection process:
(A1) information indicating a type of selection process to be executed at a second point in real space based on a first point in real space (a type of game card to be selected, a type of execution condition, and a location of the second point);
(A2) Information indicating whether or not the execution conditions at the current time during movement have already been met;
(A3) The current status of the execution conditions (distance to the second point, travel time from the first point, remaining time until the time limit for reaching the second point),
(A4) When the execution conditions are controlled based on the status of a game event, information on the execution conditions of the game event, such as the number of enemies to be defeated or the number of enemies already defeated, the type of game card from which an item should be acquired or the type of game card already acquired, the location where the game event will occur and guidance information thereto (route, remaining distance, estimated time to arrive), and the type of action at the event occurrence location, or
(A5) Advice on (A1)-(A4), such as "Go to a location with the same attributes as the first location in the real world" or "Go to a certain convenience store within an hour";
Notification information (display control information and audio guidance information) is generated to notify the player of the above.

Then, the information providing unit 111 provides the generated notification information to the terminal device 20 of the corresponding user.

(Presentation of selection process specifications)
The information providing unit 111 provides the terminal device 20 with information regarding the specifications that are expected to change depending on the game parameters at the start of or during movement from a first point in real space to a second point in real space, in order to inform the player.

Specifically, the information providing unit 111 generates notification information (display control information or audio guidance information) to inform the player of the type of selection process based on game parameters such as the travel distance, travel time, arrival time or arrival time to the second point in real space, the probability of selecting a high-rank or high-level game card, or the number of game cards to be selected, while corresponding the information on the specifications that are expected to change depending on the game parameters.

For example, the information providing unit 111 generates notification information (display control information and audio guidance information) to inform the player that the probability of winning an S Rare (rank) will change in the selection process executed at the second point in real space depending on the travel time and travel distance, or that the probability of winning an S Rare (rank) will change if the player defeats a mid-boss at a specified point during travel or if the player draws a fortune at a shrine and gets a great fortune.

Then, the information providing unit 111 provides the generated notification information to the terminal device 20 of the corresponding user.

[5] Operation in this embodiment (game processing including specification setting processing and selection processing)
Next, the operation of the game processing including the specification setting processing and the selection processing executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of game processing, including specification setting processing and selection processing, executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment.

This operation will be explained using a case where a lottery process is executed as a selection process, where a plurality of second locations in the real space are visited, and each time a second location in the real space whose attributes (store type) match those of the first location in the real space is visited, the parameter for the number of visits is changed, and the probability of winning an S rare is changed to a multiplier obtained by multiplying the base probability of winning by the number of visits.

That is, this operation will be described as progressing the game by using location information having location attribute information indicating the attributes of a pre-specified store type (for example, Company A convenience store).

Furthermore, this action is an action executed by each player, and will be described as an action performed by a specific player (hereinafter, referred to as a "specific player").

Furthermore, this operation is configured with a plurality of game items having various ranks such as normal, rare, or S rare as selection targets, and a selection target group to be used in the selection process in which the probability of winning each is specified is set in advance.

Note that this operation assumes that a specific player is logged into the game, but that the movement status information and location information registered in the player information has been reset and initialized.

First, when the game management unit 103 receives current location information of a specific player transmitted from the terminal device 20 of the specific player (step S101), the player location management unit 105 searches for location information registered in the game data storage unit 144 based on the received current location information, and determines whether there is location information that has latitude and longitude that are the same or are determined to be the same as the real-space position indicated by the received current location information (i.e., the player's current location (latitude and longitude)), and has a specific store type and attribute information that can be selected as a first location (step S102).

At this time, if the player position management unit 105 determines that the received current position of the player is the same or is identical, and determines that location information having a specific store type and attribute information selectable as a first location is registered in the game data storage unit 144, it proceeds to processing in step S103, and if it determines that location information having that attribute information is not registered in the game data storage unit 144, it ends this operation.

Next, if the player position management unit 105 determines that the received current position of the player is the same or is identical, and that location information having a specific store type and attribute information selectable as a first location is registered in the game data storage unit 144, it turns on the movement status information in the player information of the specific player (moving state) and registers the location information in the player information as location information for the first location in real space (step S103).

Next, the game management unit 103 places the player character at a first point in the virtual space that corresponds to the first point in the real space, and starts a movement game for the player character to a second point in the virtual space (step S104).

Until the game ends, the player position management unit 105 receives current position information of a specific player from the specific player's terminal device 20 at any time to identify the position of the player character in the virtual space, and the game management unit 103 executes various games based on the identified player character's position in the virtual space.

In this case, the game management unit 103 also receives operation information of a specific player from the terminal device 20 as necessary, and progresses the game according to the received operation information.

Next, the game management unit 103 determines whether to end the game when a given ending condition is met, such as a player's operation or a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first location was registered (step S105).

At this time, if the game management unit 103 determines that the termination condition is met, it terminates this operation, and if it determines that the termination condition is not met, it proceeds to processing of step S106 and repeats the processing of step S105 until it receives current position information of a specific player transmitted from the terminal device 20 of that specific player.

Next, when the game management unit 103 receives the current location information of a specific player transmitted from the terminal device 20 of the specific player (step S106), the player location management unit 105 searches for location information registered in the game data storage unit 144 based on the received current location information, and determines whether there is location information that has latitude and longitude that are the same or are determined to be the same as the real-space position indicated by the received current location information (i.e., the player's position (latitude and longitude)), and has a specific store type and attribute information that can be selected as a second location (step S107).

At this time, if the player position management unit 105 determines that the received player position is the same or is identical, and that location information having a specific store type and attribute information selectable as a second location is registered in the game data storage unit 144, it proceeds to processing in step S108, and if it determines that location information having that attribute information is not registered in the game data storage unit 144, it proceeds to processing in step S105.

Next, if the selection processing unit 106 determines that the location information is registered in the game data storage unit 144 and has attribute information that is identical to or can be selected as a specific store type and a second location, it adds "+1" to the number of visits parameter indicating the number of visits to the second location (step S108).

Next, the selection processing unit 106 sets the specifications of the selection process based on the number of visits parameter (step S109).

Specifically, the selection processing unit 106 sets the relative winning probability of a game item having an S-rare rank among multiple game items preset as selection targets in the selection process to the number of visits. Note that, when multiple game items having an S-rare rank are set as selection targets in the selection process, the selection processing unit 106 may multiply each of the winning probabilities of game items having an S-rare rank by the number of visits, or may multiply the total winning probability of game items having an S-rare rank by the number of visits.

Next, the selection processing unit 106 executes a selection process based on the selection target group for which specifications have been set, awards the one game item that has been won to the specific player (step S110), and proceeds to the processing of step S105.

The selection processing unit 106 then registers the information about the granted game items in the game item information for the specific player.

[6] Others The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, a term cited in the description of the specification or drawings as a term with a broad meaning or synonymous meaning can be replaced with a term with a broad meaning or synonymous meaning in other descriptions of the specification or drawings.

This embodiment may be applied to various games, for example, competitive games such as sports games such as baseball games, soccer games, and basketball games, role-playing games, and other simulation games.

In addition, in this embodiment, each game may be provided to the terminal device 20 by a single server device 10, or a server system may be constructed by linking multiple server devices 10 to provide each game to the terminal device 20.

In addition, in this embodiment, the present invention may be realized by a single game device (game system) that has the functions of the server device 10, i.e., a device (standalone) that operates independently without relying on other devices such as a server device.

For example, such a game device (game system) includes:
(A1) A game system for executing a given game using a player's position in a real space, comprising:
(A2) receiving current location information indicating a current location of a player in real space;
(A3) detecting movement of the player from a first point in a real space to a second point in the real space different from the first point;
(A4) executing a game using a virtual space associated with the real space based on the detected movement of the player from a first point in the real space to a second point in the real space;
(A5) executing a selection process for selecting at least one game medium from a selection target group consisting of a plurality of game media related to the game to be selected when a given execution condition based on the detected movement of the player in the real space is satisfied, and granting the selected game medium to the player;
(A6) executing a specification setting process for setting specifications to be defined when the selection process is executed, based on game parameters in the game that change in accordance with the detected movement of the player in the real space;
(A7) It has a configuration for executing selection processing based on set specifications.

The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations with the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effect). The present invention also includes configurations that replace non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments. The present invention also includes configurations that achieve the same effects as the configurations described in the embodiments, or that can achieve the same purpose. The present invention also includes configurations in which publicly known technology is added to the configurations described in the embodiments.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible that do not substantially depart from the novel features and effects of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

10 ... server device 20 ... terminal device 100 ... processing unit 101 ... communication control unit 102 ... Web processing unit 103 ... game management unit 104 ... item management unit 105 ... player position management unit 106 ... selection processing unit 110 ... timer management unit 111 ... information providing unit 120 ... input unit 130 ... display unit 140 ... storage unit 142 ... main storage unit 144 ... game data storage unit 146 ... player information storage unit 148 ... item information storage unit 180 ... information storage medium,
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 196 ... communication unit 200 ... processing unit 210 ... communication control unit 211 ... Web browser 212 ... game processing unit 213 ... display control unit 214 ... game screen control unit 215 ... current position management unit 220 ... drawing unit 230 ... sound processing unit 250 ... current position detection unit 260 ... input unit 262 ... detection unit 270 ... storage unit 271 ... main storage unit 272 ... image buffer 280 ... information storage medium 290 ... display unit 292 ... sound output unit 296 ... communication unit

Claims (1)

A server system that uses a player's position in a real space to execute a given game on a terminal device of the player, comprising:
a receiving means for receiving current position information indicating a current position of the player in real space transmitted from the terminal device;
a detection means for detecting movement of the player from a first point in a real space to a second point in the real space different from the first point;
a game control means for executing the game using a virtual space based on the detected movement of the player from a first point in the real space to a second point in the real space;
a selection control means for executing a selection process for selecting at least one game medium from a selection target group consisting of a plurality of game media related to the game to be selected, when a given execution condition based on the detected movement of the player within the real space is satisfied, and for granting the selected game medium to the player;
a setting means for executing a specification setting process for setting specifications to be defined when the selection process is executed, based on game parameters of the game that change in accordance with the detected movement of the player in the real space;
a provision means for providing information about the game, including information about the provided game content, to the terminal device;
Equipped with
The selection control means
A server system which executes the selection process based on the set specifications.

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