JP7015440B2 - Information processing device, game control program, and game control method - Google Patents

Description

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

In recent years, communication terminals having a touch panel display such as smartphones have become widespread, and each user owns his / her own communication terminal. Under such circumstances, a service that provides a community-type service to a user on the Internet, that is, a social networking service (hereinafter referred to as "SNS") is known. As one of such SNSs, online games (social games) are provided to users.

In an online game, one user makes a friend request to the other user, and the other user approves the friend request, so that a friend relationship is established between the users. When a friend relationship is established, users in a friend relationship can play a game in a multiplayer mode in which multiple people can play the same stage, quest, or the like.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-59800

In an online game that can be played by multiple players, it is easy for the user to invite a user (friend) who has a friend relationship to play during a period when a limited-time event is held. On the other hand, during the period when the event is not held, the user may find it difficult to invite a friend because there is no chance to invite a friend.

Therefore, the present invention provides a technique for easily inviting a friend to a game.

In a game that can be played by a plurality of players, the information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention sets any friend as a specific friend among one or more friends who are other users registered in association with the first user. When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. The game control unit is provided with a game control unit that produces an effect advantageous for the progress of the game.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily invite a friend to the game.

It is a figure which shows an example of the information processing apparatus in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the network configuration of the game system in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional block of the game system in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the data structure of the database managed by the server in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the cooperative play meter display screen which is displayed after the game stage (or quest) is cleared in the multi-play mode in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific friend notification screen which notifies the specific friend decided by the lottery in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific cooperation play meter display screen which is displayed after the game stage (or quest) is cleared in the multi-play mode in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows that the reward which is displayed when the specific cooperation play meter in this embodiment becomes MAX is acquired. It is a sequence diagram in the case where the host user invites a specific friend as a guest to perform multi-play in the game system of the present embodiment. It is a sequence diagram in the case where the host user invites a specific friend as a guest to perform multiplayer in the game system of the present embodiment, and the specific friend is changed. In the game system of the present embodiment, when a host user invites a specific friend and a friend (not having a friend relationship with the specific friend at the time of invitation) as a guest to perform multiplayer, the friend is the specific friend and a friend. It is a sequence diagram when it becomes a relationship. It is a flowchart of the game control process (host side) in the multi-play mode in Example 1 of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the game control process (host side) in the multi-play mode in Example 2 of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the game control processing (host side) in the multi-play mode in Example 3 of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the game control process (host side) in the multi-play mode in Example 4 of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the game control process (host side) in the multi-play mode in Example 5 of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the game control process (guest side) in the multi-play mode in Example 5 of this Embodiment. It is an example of the block diagram of the hardware environment of the computer which executes the program in this embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The information processing device 1 includes a determination unit 2 and a game control unit 3. As an example of the information processing apparatus 1, a server 15 described later can be mentioned.

In a game that can be played by a plurality of players, the determination unit 2 determines any friend as a specific friend among one or more friends who are other users registered in association with the first user. An example of the determination unit 2 is a specific friend lottery unit 35, which will be described later. Here, the game may be an application program of the game title itself, or may be a "stage", a "quest", or the like to be played in multiplayer in the game title.

When the first user plays the game with a specific friend, the game control unit 3 is advantageous in the progress of the game as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with a friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. Produce an effect. Examples of the game control unit 3 include a friend management unit 34, a meter adjustment unit 36, and a game control unit 37, which will be described later.

With this configuration, it is possible to easily invite friends to the game.

The game control unit 3 controls the first parameter and the second parameter. The first parameter is a parameter accumulated based on the first rule including the condition that the first user and the specific friend play together, and an example thereof includes a specific cooperation play meter described later. The second parameter is a parameter accumulated based on the second rule including playing together with the first user and a friend, and an example thereof includes a cooperative play meter described later. When the first parameter becomes a predetermined value or more, the game control unit 3 may grant a reward under conditions more advantageous than the reward based on the second parameter to at least one of the first user and the specific friend. can.

With this configuration, you can get rewards with more favorable conditions when you play multiplayer with a specific friend, so it is easier to actively invite a specific friend to the game, and the specific friend also invites it. It will be easier to get on.

The determination unit 2 may change the specific friend on a regular basis. When the first specific friend is changed to the second specific friend as the specific friend, the game control unit 3 may eliminate the first parameter accumulated between the first user and the first specific friend.

With this configuration, the specific friend user changes regularly, creating an opportunity to play with different friends.

If the first parameter is not accumulated up to a predetermined value within a predetermined period, the game control unit 3 may change the specific friend to the friend. In this case, the game control unit 3 is based on the second rule including the condition that the value of the first parameter accumulated up to that point is played together by the first user and the friend changed from the specific friend. It may be applied to the accumulated second parameter.

By configuring in this way, the accumulated first parameter is not wasted.

When the number of friends of the first user is less than a predetermined number, the determination unit 2 may not determine the specific friend.

By configuring in this way, it is possible to prevent the specific friend from being fixed for the first user having few friends. Further, it is assumed that an unauthorized user registers a friend between his / her own terminals and obtains a reward according to the first parameter. However, an unauthorized user often has few registered friends, and by preventing the fixation of a specific friend, it is possible to prevent the user from illegally obtaining a reward.

When the number of friends of the first user is less than a predetermined value, the determination unit 2 selects a specific friend from one or more friends registered in another application program used in the user terminal used by the first user. May be determined. Here, the other application program is an application program different from the application program for playing the above game, and may be, for example, an application program related to SNS. Further, for example, the game application program may be installed on the user terminal, and a specific friend may be determined from a user who is a friend in another application program.

With this configuration, even if there are few friends in the game application program, friends of other application programs can be invited to the game.

When the number of friends of the first user is less than the predetermined value, the determination unit 2 may make the frequency of determining the same friend user as a specific friend less than when the number of friends is more than the predetermined value. good.

By configuring in this way, it is possible to prevent the fixation of a specific friend, prevent multiplayer only with the same user, and induce other friends to be invited.

When the second user who has not registered the specific friend as a friend registers the specific friend as a friend in the game in which the first user and the specific friend play a multiplayer game, the game control unit 3 sets the second user and the specific friend. The first parameter may be generated.

With this configuration, when a specific friend user and a user who is not a friend become friends with the specific friend user, the first parameter is generated, which can obtain a reward with conditions more favorable than the reward based on the second parameter. Therefore, it is possible to improve the motivation of the specific friend user and the user who registers as a friend.

The determination unit 2 may determine a specific friend user from friends who have not logged in within a predetermined period.

With this configuration, by making the dormant user a specific friend, it is possible to create an opportunity for the dormant user to easily return.

The determination unit 2 may determine a specific friend based on the frequency of playing together among the first user and the friend.

With this configuration, for example, a friend selected from the history with a small number of times can be preferentially drawn and used as a specific friend.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration of a game system according to the present embodiment. The game system 11 includes one or more user terminals 12, a server 15, and a communication network 16. The one or more user terminals 12 and the server 15 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via the communication network 16.

The user terminal 12 is a portable electronic terminal device having a communication function capable of connecting to a communication network 16 such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone carried by a user. The user terminal 12 includes an operation display unit 13, a microphone into which sound is input, a speaker for outputting sound, a camera, and the like. The operation display unit 13 is a device capable of performing an input operation on the screen 14 and displaying an image on the screen 14, for example, a touch panel display.

The user terminal 12 can download and install a predetermined application program from an application program download site on the Internet. As a result, the user can operate the application program by performing an input operation on the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12. In the present embodiment, as an example, game application software (hereinafter referred to as "game application software") capable of accessing a cloud server or the like via communication and playing a game online is installed on the user terminal 12. It shall be done.

The user can make the user terminal 12 access the server 15 by starting the game application software on the user terminal 12. When the user terminal 12 accesses the server 15, for example, the input of a login user ID registered in advance may be required.

When the game application software installed in the user terminal 12 is started, the graphical user interface (GUI) screen described later is displayed on the screen 14 of the user terminal 12. On the GUI screen, a screen for registering photos and videos of children and family members on the server 15 and viewing the registered photos and videos is displayed.

The user can access the server 15 by activating the game application software installed on the user terminal 12 and operating the GUI screen. Then, the user can operate the GUI screen to upload the photos and videos held in the user terminal 12 to the server 15.

The server 15 is an information processing device that manages game applications installed in the terminal device 12. For example, the server 15 manages information about a user who uses a game application (for example, play content, status information of a character being played, point information, etc.), and manages information about billing. The server 15 may be a server system composed of one or more physical information processing devices, or may be a virtual server system composed of one or more virtual server devices.

The server 15 may be a server system composed of one or more physical information processing devices, or may be a virtual server system composed of one or more virtual server devices.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of the game system 11 in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the functions of the user terminal 12 and the server 15 will be described.

The user terminal 12 includes an operation display unit 13, a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The communication unit 21 is an interface that enables communication with a device connected to the communication network 16. Here, the communication unit 21 communicates with the server 15 via the communication network 16.

The operation display unit 13 is a touch panel display capable of inputting and displaying by a user's input operation. In this embodiment, a touch panel display is used as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the input unit and the display unit may be independent of each other.

The control unit 22 controls the operation of the entire user terminal 12. The control unit 22 controls the display state of the screen 14 based on the user interface (UI) data of the game application program 24 stored in the storage unit 23.

The storage unit 23 stores the installed game application program 24, game element data 25, various data, and the like. Here, the data includes not only status information and character data but also graphical data. The game element data 25 includes background data used in the game, object data such as characters and items, numerical data such as parameters, and the like.

The server 15 includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, and a storage unit 41. The communication unit 31 is an interface that enables communication with a device connected to the communication network 16. The communication unit 31 communicates with the user terminal 12 via the communication network 16.

The control unit 32 controls the operation of the entire server 15. At the same time, the control unit 32 executes a process in response to a request from the user terminal 12, and controls such as returning the execution result to the user terminal 12. By executing the application program according to the present embodiment, the control unit 32 functions as an acquisition unit 33, a friend management unit 34, a specific friend lottery unit 35, a meter adjustment unit 36, a game control unit 37, and a payment control unit 38. .. The acquisition unit 33 acquires an input operation instruction (request) from the user terminal 12.

The friend management unit 34 makes a friend request to another user based on the request from the user terminal 12. When a friend request is made by another user based on the request from the user terminal 12, the friend management unit 34 approves the friend request based on the request from the user terminal 12. As a result, a friend relationship is established. When the friend relationship is established, the friend management unit 34 registers information (friend relationship information) related to the friend relationship in the user-specific friend management database 43. The user can play the same stage, quest, etc. in the multiplayer mode with other users who have established a friend relationship.

The specific friend lottery unit 35 draws a specific user as a specific friend from other users (friends) who have a friend relationship. Specific friends are in a position to receive more preferential treatment and more benefits among their friends. This lottery may be performed regularly, for example, or may be performed at a predetermined timing. The term “regular” may be, for example, half-day, daily, weekly, or the like.

In the multiplayer mode, the meter adjustment unit 36 cooperates with other users who have a friendship to participate in the stage, quest, etc. that the user intends to capture (clear) from now on. Generate a meter (cooperative play meter) that accumulates points obtained by playing. The value of the cooperative play meter at the time of generation is "0". The meter adjusting unit 36 adds a predetermined value to the cooperative play meter each time the stage, quest, or the like is cleared. Here, the predetermined value may be, for example, a real number larger than 0 and may be a unit of the scale of the cooperative play meter value. When the cooperative playmeter value reaches MAX, predetermined characters, weapons, armor, and other tools (items) that can be used in the game are provided as rewards to users and friends corresponding to the cooperative playmeter.

In the multiplayer mode, the meter adjustment unit 36 can be obtained by cooperating between the users when a specific friend participates in the stage, quest, etc. that the user intends to capture (clear) from now on. Generate a meter (specific cooperation play meter) that accumulates points. The value of the specific cooperation play meter at the time of generation is "0". The meter adjusting unit 36 adds a predetermined value to the specific cooperation play meter each time the stage, quest, or the like is cleared. Here, the predetermined value may be, for example, a real number larger than 0 and may be a unit of the scale of the specific cooperative play meter value.

When the cooperative play meter value reaches MAX, the game control unit 37 rewards users and friends corresponding to the cooperative play meter with predetermined characters, weapons, armor, and other tools (items) that can be used in the game as rewards. offer.

When the specific cooperative play meter value becomes MAX, the game control unit 37 generates an effect advantageous to the progress of the game for the user and the specific friend as compared with the case where the cooperative play meter value becomes MAX. The effects that are advantageous for the progress of the game are, for example, reduction of the consumption stamina of the character operated in the game, strengthening of the character used in the game, granting of a more rare item, and the like. The enhancement of the character used in the game includes raising the level, raising the attribute (status value) of the character, and growing into a higher character.

The game control unit 37 may reset the specified cooperative play meter set to MAX, for example, at a fixed time every day. At this time, even if the specific cooperation play meter is designed to accumulate only one gauge per day, for example, the game control unit 37 can perform multi-play with a specific friend after a fixed time when multi-playing with the specific friend. It may be possible to store a specific cooperative play meter.

When the terminal device 12 purchases an in-game item or performs a billing operation for continuing the game, the payment processing unit 38 performs payment processing for an amount corresponding to the designated billing.

The storage unit 41 includes a program according to the present embodiment and data used in the program. Further, the storage unit 41 includes a user-owned object management database 42, a user-specific friend management database 43, a meter management database 44, and a reward management database 45. Hereinafter, the database is referred to as "DB".

The user-owned object management DB 42 is a database that manages the objects owned by the user. The user-specific friend management DB 43 is a database that manages users who have a friend relationship for each user, and also manages information about a specific friend. The meter management DB 44 is a database that manages a cooperative play meter value with a friend who is multiplayer and a specific cooperative playmeter value with a specific friend who is multiplayer for each user. The remuneration management DB 45 will be omitted.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of a database managed by the server 15 in the present embodiment. In the following, each record of the user-owned object management DB 42 may be referred to as user-owned object information. Each record of the user-specific friend management DB 43 may be referred to as friend-related information. Each record of the meter management DB 44 may be referred to as meter management information.

The user-owned object management DB 42 includes data items such as "user ID", "object 1", "object 2", and so on. Information that identifies the user (user ID) is stored in the item "user ID". Information (object ID) for identifying an object owned by the user is stored in the items "object 1", "object 2", ....

The user-specific friend management DB 43 includes data items of "user ID", "friend ID", "friend name", and "specific friend flag". Information that identifies the user (user ID) is stored in the item "user ID". Information (user ID) that identifies a user as a friend is stored in the item "friend ID". The registered name of the friend user is stored in the item "friend name". In the item "specific friend flag", when a lottery is performed as a specific friend, the specific friend flag = 1 is stored, and in other cases, the specific friend flag = 0 is stored.

The meter management DB 44 includes data items of "user ID", "friend ID", "cooperation play meter value", "specific friend flag", and "specific cooperation play meter value". Information that identifies the user (user ID) is stored in the item "user ID". Information (user ID) that identifies a user as a friend is stored in the item "friend ID". In the item "cooperative playmeter value", the cooperative playmeter value with the friend is stored. In the item "specific friend flag", when a lottery is performed as a specific friend, the specific friend flag = 1 is stored, and in other cases, the specific friend flag = 0 is stored. In the item "specific cooperation playmeter value", the specific cooperation playmeter value with the specific friend is stored.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a cooperative play meter display screen displayed after clearing the game stage (or quest) in the multiplayer mode in the present embodiment. On the user terminal 12, the user activates the game application program 24, selects, for example, a stage to be cleared, and selects to play in the multi-play mode. Then, for example, up to four users are selected from the users who have a friendship relationship, and the game is started. After that, when the stage is cleared, the cooperative play meter display screen 51 is displayed on the screen 14.

On the cooperative play meter display screen 51, a friend who has achieved the stage clear together, and a cooperative play meter 52 (52a, 52b, 52c) between the user and each friend are displayed. At this time, a predetermined value is added to the cooperative play meter 52 as a reward for clearing the stage.

Here, the user and the friend user can perform multi-play using the characters raised by themselves. Each character is given a rank indicating the degree of growth. The speed at which the cooperative play meter accumulates differs depending on the rank difference between the character of the user and the character of the friend. The larger the rank difference, the faster the cooperative play meter will reach MAX.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific friend notification screen for notifying a specific friend determined by lottery in the present embodiment. The specific friend is determined periodically or at a predetermined timing on the server 15, and is notified to the user terminal 12. The notified specific friend is displayed on the specific friend notification screen 61.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific cooperation play meter display screen displayed after clearing the game stage (or quest) in the multiplayer mode in the present embodiment. On the user terminal 12, the user activates the game application program 24, selects, for example, a stage to be cleared, and selects to play in the multi-play mode. Then, for example, a specific friend is selected from the users who have a friendship relationship, and the game is started. After that, when the stage is cleared, the specific cooperation play meter display screen 71 is displayed on the screen 14.

On the specific cooperation play meter display screen 61, the specific cooperation play meter 72 between the specific friend who has achieved the stage clear together and the user and the specific friend is displayed. At this time, a predetermined value is added to the specific cooperation play meter 72 as a reward for clearing the stage.

Here, the user and the specific friend user can perform multi-play using the characters raised by themselves. Each character is given a rank indicating the degree of growth. The speed at which the specific cooperation play meter accumulates differs depending on the rank difference between the character of the user and the character of the specific friend. The larger the rank difference, the faster the cooperative play meter will reach MAX. In addition, the speed at which the specific cooperative play meter accumulates is faster than the speed at which the cooperative play meter accumulates.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing that the reward displayed when the specific cooperation play meter in the present embodiment reaches MAX has been acquired. When the user clears the stage multiple times with a specific friend in the multi-play mode, the specific cooperation play meter 72 on the specific cooperation play meter display screen 71 accumulates, and when the value reaches MAX, a display 81 indicating "reward get" is displayed. Will be done. Then, a reward is given to the user and the specific friend, respectively. As the reward, as described above, for example, it is an effect that makes the progress of the game advantageous. The effects that favor the progress of the game include reducing the consumption of stamina set for the play target character of the user, increasing the parameter value for strengthening the play target character, and granting a predetermined item. As a result, the user can gain an advantage in advancing the game, and thus can further improve the motivation for multiplayer.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram in the case where the host user invites a specific friend as a guest to perform multiplayer in the game system of the present embodiment. In the following, the inviting party is referred to as a host user or a host, and the user terminal used by the host user is indicated by reference numeral 12a. Further, the invited side is referred to as a guest user or a guest, and the user terminal used by the guest user is indicated by 12b.

First, the host user activates the game application program 24 installed in the user terminal 12a. Then, the user terminal 12a makes a connection request to the server 15 (S1). The server 15 responds to the connection request with a connection permission (S2), and the connection between the user terminal 12a and the server 15 is completed.

The server periodically or at a predetermined timing determines one of the friends of the host user as a specific friend (S3), and notifies the host user of the determined content (S4). Here, "regularly" may be, for example, half-day unit, one-day unit, two-day unit, one-week unit, one-month unit, or the like. Further, the "predetermined timing" may be, for example, the day of an event performed in the game, the day set by the user, or the birthday of the user. It may be a randomly determined timing.

The host user operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12a to display the game screen based on the game application program 24 on the screen 14, and confirms the notified specific friend (S5).

The host user operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12a to perform an input operation for executing the game in the multiplayer mode on the game screen (S6). The host user operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12a to select a specific friend as a friend to play with on the multi-play mode screen.

Then, the user terminal 12a notifies the specific friend of the invitation for multiplayer via the server 15 (S7). Here, the invitation notification includes an access destination (Uniform Resource Locator: URL) related to the multiplayer game.

When the specific friend who is a guest user receives the invitation notification from the host user, he / she operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12b to access the URL of the invitation notification and goes to the multiplayer game via the server 15. Accept the participation of (S8).

As a result, the host user and the guest user (specific friend) can play the game in the multi-play mode via the server 15 by using their own user terminals 12a and 12b (S9).

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram in the case where the host user invites a specific friend as a guest to perform multiplayer in the game system of the present embodiment, and the specific friend is changed. The user terminal of the specific friend invited first is indicated by 12b, and the user terminal of the specific friend invited next is indicated by 12c. Since S1 to S6 are the same as those in FIG. 9, the description thereof will be omitted.

The host user operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12a to perform an input operation for executing the game in the multiplayer mode on the game screen (S6). The host user operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12a to select a specific friend as a friend to play with on the multi-play mode screen.

Then, the user terminal 12a notifies the specific friend of the invitation for multiplayer via the server 15 (S7). Here, the invitation notification includes an access destination (URL) related to the multiplayer game.

When the specific friend who is a guest user receives the invitation notification from the host user, he / she operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12b to access the URL of the invitation notification and goes to the multiplayer game via the server 15. Accept the participation of (S8).

As a result, the host user and the guest user (specific friend) can play the game in the multi-play mode via the server 15 by using their own user terminals 12a and 12b (S9).

The server determines the next specific friend from the friends of the host user periodically or at a predetermined timing (S10), and notifies the host user of the determined content (S11). Here, "regularly" may be, for example, half-day unit, one-day unit, two-day unit, one-week unit, one-month unit, or the like. Further, the "predetermined timing" may be, for example, the day of an event performed in the game, the day set by the user, or the birthday of the user. It may be a randomly determined timing.

The host user operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12a to display the game screen based on the game application program 24 on the screen 14, and confirms the notified specific friend (S12).

The host user operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12a to select a newly notified specific friend on the multiplayer mode screen. Then, the user terminal 12a notifies the specific friend of the invitation for multiplayer via the server 15 (S13). Here, the invitation notification includes an access destination (URL) related to the multiplayer game.

When the specific friend who is a guest user receives the invitation notification from the host user, he / she operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12c to access the URL of the invitation notification and goes to the multiplayer game via the server 15. Accept the participation of (S14).

As a result, the host user and the guest user (next specific friend) can play the game in the multiplayer mode via the server 15 by using their own user terminals 12a and 12c (S15).

FIG. 11 shows a game system in the present embodiment in which a host user invites a specific friend and a friend (they are not in a friendship with the specific friend at the time of invitation) as guests to perform multiplayer, and the friend is the friend. It is a sequence diagram when it becomes a friend relationship with a specific friend. The user terminal of the invited specific friend is indicated by 12b, and the user terminal of the invited friend is indicated by 12d. Since S1 to S6 are the same as those in FIG. 9, the description thereof will be omitted.

The host user operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12a to perform an input operation for executing the game in the multiplayer mode on the game screen (S6). The host user operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12a to select a specific friend as a friend to play with on the multi-play mode screen.

Then, the user terminal 12a notifies the specific friend of the invitation for multiplayer via the server 15 (S7). Here, the invitation notification includes an access destination (URL) related to the multiplayer game.

When the specific friend who is a guest user receives the invitation notification from the host user, he / she operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12b to access the URL of the invitation notification and goes to the multiplayer game via the server 15. Accept the participation of (S8).

Further, the host user operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12a to select a friend to play with (at this point, the friend is not in a friendship relationship with the specific friend). Then, the user terminal 12a notifies the friend of the invitation for multiplayer via the server 15 (S21). Here, the invitation notification includes an access destination (URL) related to the multiplayer game.

When the friend who is the guest user receives the invitation notification from the host user, he / she operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12d to access the URL of the invitation notification and enters the multiplayer game via the server 15. Accept participation (S22).

Thereby, the host user, the specific friend, and the friend can share the same game (stage or crest) environment on their user terminals 12a, 12b, and 12d.

The friend operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12d and makes a friend request to the specific friend via the server 15 (S23, S24). Upon receiving the friend request, the specific friend operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12b and gives consent via the server 15 (S25, S26).

Thereby, the host user and the guest user (specific friend and friend) can play the game in the multi-play mode via the server 15 by using their own user terminals 12a and 12b (S27).

According to the sequence diagram of FIG. 11, a friend relationship is established between the friend and the specific friend. As a result, a common specific cooperation play meter is generated between the friend and the specific friend.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the game control process (host side) in the multiplayer mode in the first embodiment of the present embodiment. In the first embodiment, a case where a host user invites a friend to a game (stage or quest) and multiplayers with the friend will be described. The flowchart of FIG. 12 is mainly a game control process of the server 15 for the user terminal 12a of the host user, and does not include any process for the other user terminals 12 except for a part.

By reading the program according to the present embodiment, the control unit 32 functions as an acquisition unit 33, a friend management unit 34, a specific friend extraction unit 35, a meter adjustment unit 36, a game control unit 37, and a payment processing unit 38.

The acquisition unit 33 acquires a game start command based on the input operation transmitted from the user terminal 12a (S31). The acquisition unit 33 acquires a multi-play mode selection command based on an input operation transmitted from the user terminal 12a. The acquisition unit 33 further acquires a friend invitation command (including the friend ID of the friend to be invited). Then, the friend management unit 34 issues an invitation notification to the corresponding friend user (guest user) based on the friend invitation command (S32). Upon receiving the invitation notification from the host user, the friend who is the guest user operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12b to access the URL of the invitation notification and consents to participate in the multiplayer game.

When the friend management unit 34 consents to the participation in the multiplayer game from the friend, the friend relationship information corresponding to the friend ID for the host user is transmitted from the user-specific friend management DB 43 based on the user ID and friend ID of the host user. (S33). The friend management unit 34 registers the acquired friend-related information in the meter management DB 44 as a friend for multiplayer (S34).

The game control unit 37 starts the game stage in the multiplayer mode in response to the stage (or quest) disclosure command based on the input operation transmitted from the user terminal 12a (S35). The host user clears the stage by input operation of the user terminal 12a (S36).

Then, the meter adjusting unit 36 adds a predetermined amount to each cooperative play meter. At this time, the larger the rank difference between the host user's character and the friend's character, the larger the value to be added to the cooperative play meter (that is, the cooperative play meter becomes MAX sooner). However, addition is not performed to the cooperative play meter with a friend who has once reached MAX within a predetermined period (for example, that day) (S37).

The game control unit 37 determines whether or not there is a friend whose cooperative play meter has reached MAX (S38). When the cooperative play meter determines that there is no friend who has reached MAX (NO in S38), the game control unit 37 repeats S35 to S38 according to the input operation of the user.

When the co-op playmeter determines that there is a friend who has reached MAX (YES in S38), the game control unit 37 provides a reward to the host user and the friend corresponding to the co-op playmeter that has reached MAX (S39). ). As a reward, for example, predetermined characters, weapons, armor, and other tools (items) that can be used in the game are provided to users and friends corresponding to the cooperative play meter.

When the next stage is played by an input operation from the host user (NO in S40, YES in S41), the game control unit 37 repeats S35 to S40. When returning to the multiplayer selection screen again by an input operation from the user (NO in S41), the game control unit 37 repeats S32 to S40. When the game ends (YES in S50), this flow ends.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the game control process (host side) in the multiplayer mode in the second embodiment of the present embodiment. In the second embodiment, a case where a host user invites a specific friend to a game (stage or quest) and multi-plays with the specific friend will be described. The flowchart of FIG. 13 is mainly a game control process of the server 15 for the user terminal 12a of the host user, and does not include any process for the other user terminals 12 except for a part.

The acquisition unit 33 acquires a game start command based on the input operation transmitted from the user terminal 12a (S51). The specific friend lottery unit 35 draws any friend as a specific friend from the user-specific friend management DB 43 periodically or at a predetermined timing (S52). The specific friend lottery unit 35 sets 1 to the specific friend flag of the drawn friend. Further, the screen 14 of the user terminal 12a is displayed on the screen so that the user who has been drawn as a specific friend can be identified.

The acquisition unit 33 acquires a multi-play mode selection command based on an input operation transmitted from the user terminal 12a. The acquisition unit 33 further acquires a friend invitation command (here, including the friend ID of the specific friend to be invited). Then, the friend management unit 34 issues an invitation notification to the corresponding specific friend user (guest user) based on the friend invitation command (S53). When the specific friend who is a guest user receives the invitation notification from the host user, he / she operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12b to access the URL of the invitation notification and consents to participate in the multiplayer game.

When the friend management unit 34 consents to participate in the multiplayer game from the specific friend, the friend of the specific friend to the host user is transmitted from the friend management DB 43 for each user based on the user ID of the host user and the friend ID of the specific friend. Acquire friend-related information corresponding to the ID (S54). In this embodiment, the friend ID specified by the friend selection command is the friend ID of the specific friend drawn in S52. The friend management unit 34 registers the acquired friend-related information in the meter management DB 44 as a specific friend for multiplayer (S55).

The game control unit 37 starts the game stage in the multiplayer mode in response to the stage (or quest) disclosure command based on the input operation transmitted from the user terminal 12a (S56). The host user clears the stage by input operation of the user terminal 12a (S57).

Then, the meter adjusting unit 36 adds a predetermined amount to the specific cooperation play meter in the meter management DB 44. At this time, the larger the rank difference between the character of the host user and the character of the specific friend of the specific cooperation play meter, the larger the value to be added (that is, the specific cooperation play meter becomes MAX sooner). However, the addition is not performed to the specific cooperation play meter with the specific friend who has once reached MAX within the predetermined period (for example, that day) (S58).

The game control unit 37 determines whether or not there is a specific friend whose specific cooperation play meter has reached MAX (S59). When the specific cooperation play meter determines that there is no specific friend who has reached MAX (NO in S59), the game control unit 37 repeats S56 to S59 in response to the input operation of the host user.

When the specific cooperation play meter determines that there is a specific friend who has become MAX (YES in S59), the game control unit 37 rewards the host user and the specific friend corresponding to the specific cooperation play meter which has become MAX. Provide (S60). The reward is, for example, to generate an effect advantageous to the progress of the game, for example, a parameter value for reducing the consumption of stamina set for the play target character of the host user and a specific friend, and strengthening the play target character. Includes the increase in the number of items and the granting of predetermined items.

When the next stage is played by an input operation from the host user (NO in S61, YES in S62), the game control unit 37 repeats S56 to S61. When returning to the multiplayer selection screen again by an input operation from the host user (NO in S62), the game control unit 37 repeats S53 to S61. When the game ends (YES in S61), this flow ends.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the game control process (host side) in the multiplayer mode in the third embodiment of the present embodiment. In the third embodiment, a case of multi-playing with a specific friend and changing the specific friend after a lapse of a predetermined time will be described. The flowchart of FIG. 14 is mainly a game control process of the server 15 for the user terminal 12a of the host user, and does not include any process for the other user terminals 12 except for a part.

The acquisition unit 33 acquires a game start command based on the input operation transmitted from the user terminal 12a (S51). The specific friend lottery unit 35 draws any friend as a specific friend from the user-specific friend management DB 43 periodically or at a predetermined timing (S52). The specific friend lottery unit 35 sets 1 to the specific friend flag of the drawn friend. Further, the screen 14 of the user terminal 12a is displayed on the screen so that the user who has been drawn as a specific friend can be identified.

The acquisition unit 33 acquires a multi-play mode selection command based on an input operation transmitted from the user terminal 12a. The acquisition unit 33 further acquires a friend invitation command (here, including the friend ID of the specific friend to be invited). Then, the friend management unit 34 issues an invitation notification to the corresponding specific friend user (guest user) based on the friend invitation command (S53). When the specific friend who is a guest user receives the invitation notification from the host user, he / she operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12b to access the URL of the invitation notification and consents to participate in the multiplayer game.

When the friend management unit 34 consents to participate in the multiplayer game from the specific friend, the friend of the specific friend to the host user is transmitted from the friend management DB 43 for each user based on the user ID of the host user and the friend ID of the specific friend. Acquire friend-related information corresponding to the ID (S54). In this embodiment, the friend ID specified by the friend selection command is the friend ID of the specific friend drawn in S52. The friend management unit 34 registers the acquired friend-related information in the meter management DB 44 as a specific friend for multiplayer (S55).

The game control unit 37 starts the game stage in the multiplayer mode in response to the stage (or quest) disclosure command based on the input operation transmitted from the user terminal 12a (S56). The host user clears the stage by input operation of the user terminal 12a (S57).

Then, the meter adjusting unit 36 adds a predetermined amount to the specific cooperation play meter in the meter management DB 44. At this time, the larger the rank difference between the character of the host user and the character of the specific friend of the specific cooperation play meter, the larger the value to be added (that is, the specific cooperation play meter becomes MAX sooner). However, the addition is not performed to the specific cooperation play meter with the specific friend who has once reached MAX within the predetermined period (for example, that day) (S58).

The game control unit 37 determines whether or not there is a specific friend whose specific cooperation play meter has reached MAX (S59). When the specific cooperation play meter determines that there is no specific friend who has reached MAX (NO in S59), the specific friend lottery unit 35 determines whether or not the stage has started or the specific friend has been changed and a predetermined time has elapsed. Judgment (S71). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S71), the game control unit 37 repeats S56 to S59 in response to the input operation of the host user.

When the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S71), the specific friend lottery unit 35 changes the specific friend (S72). Here, the specific friend lottery unit 35 draws any friend (excluding the current specific friend) as a specific friend from the user-specific friend management DB 43. The specific friend lottery unit 35 sets 1 in the specific friend flag of the lottered friend and 0 in the specific friend flag of the user who was a specific friend until then in the user-specific friend management DB 43.

The meter adjusting unit 36 deletes the record corresponding to the previous specific friend from the meter management DB 44 (S73). The screen 14 of the user terminal 12a is displayed on the screen so that a user newly selected as a specific friend can be identified. The host user sends an invitation notification to a newly selected specific friend by an input operation of the user terminal 12a.

The friend management unit 34 acquires a friend invitation command (here, including a friend ID of a specific friend to be invited). Then, the friend management unit 34 issues an invitation notification to the corresponding specific friend user (guest user) based on the friend invitation command (S53). When the specific friend who is a guest user receives the invitation notification from the host user, he / she operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12b to access the URL of the invitation notification and consents to participate in the multiplayer game.

When the friend management unit 34 consents to participate in the multiplayer game from the specific friend, the friend of the specific friend to the host user is transmitted from the friend management DB 43 for each user based on the user ID of the host user and the friend ID of the specific friend. Acquire friend-related information corresponding to the ID (S54). In this embodiment, the friend ID specified by the friend selection command is the friend ID of the specific friend drawn in S72. The friend management unit 34 registers the acquired friend-related information in the meter management DB 44 as a specific friend for multiplayer (S55). The newly drawn specific friend is processed in the same way as the specific friend before the change.

When the specific cooperation play meter determines that there is a specific friend who has become MAX (YES in S59), the game control unit 37 rewards the host user and the specific friend corresponding to the specific cooperation play meter which has become MAX. Provide (S60). The reward is, for example, to generate an effect advantageous to the progress of the game, for example, a parameter value for reducing the consumption of stamina set for the play target character of the host user and a specific friend, and strengthening the play target character. Includes the increase in the number of items and the granting of predetermined items.

When the next stage is played by an input operation from the host user (NO in S61, YES in S62), the game control unit 37 repeats S56 to S61. When returning to the multiplayer selection screen again by an input operation from the host user (NO in S62), the game control unit 37 repeats S53 to S61. When the game ends (YES in S61), this flow ends.

According to this embodiment, if the specific cooperation playmeter between the host user and the specific friend does not reach MAX within a predetermined time, the specific friend is changed. At this time, when the specific friend is changed, the specific cooperation playmeter value accumulated up to that point is deleted.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the game control process (host side) in the multiplayer mode in the fourth embodiment of the present embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, if the specific cooperation playmeter does not reach MAX within a predetermined time, the specific friend is changed to a friend, and the specific cooperation playmeter accumulated up to that point is applied to the cooperation playmeter with the friend. Explain that. The flowchart of FIG. 15 is mainly a game control process of the server 15 for the user terminal 12a of the host user, and does not include any process for the other user terminals 12 except for a part.

The acquisition unit 33 acquires a multi-play mode selection command based on an input operation transmitted from the user terminal 12a. The acquisition unit 33 further acquires a friend invitation command (here, including the friend ID of the specific friend to be invited). Then, the friend management unit 34 issues an invitation notification to the corresponding specific friend user (guest user) based on the friend invitation command (S53). When the specific friend who is a guest user receives the invitation notification from the host user, he / she operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12b to access the URL of the invitation notification and consents to participate in the multiplayer game.

When the friend management unit 34 consents to participate in the multiplayer game from the specific friend, the friend of the specific friend to the host user is transmitted from the friend management DB 43 for each user based on the user ID of the host user and the friend ID of the specific friend. Acquire friend-related information corresponding to the ID (S54). In this embodiment, the friend ID specified by the friend selection command is the friend ID of the specific friend drawn in S52. The friend management unit 34 registers the acquired friend-related information in the meter management DB 44 as a specific friend for multiplayer (S55).

The game control unit 37 starts the game stage in the multiplayer mode in response to the stage (or quest) disclosure command based on the input operation transmitted from the user terminal 12a (S56). The host user clears the stage by input operation of the user terminal 12a (S57).

Then, the meter adjusting unit 36 adds a predetermined amount to the specific cooperation play meter in the meter management DB 44. At this time, the larger the rank difference between the character of the host user and the character of the specific friend of the specific cooperation play meter, the larger the value to be added (that is, the specific cooperation play meter becomes MAX sooner). However, the addition is not performed to the specific cooperation play meter with the specific friend who has once reached MAX within the predetermined period (for example, that day) (S58).

The game control unit 37 determines whether or not there is a specific friend whose specific cooperation play meter has reached MAX (S59). When the specific cooperation play meter determines that there is no specific friend who has reached MAX (NO in S59), the game control unit 37 repeats S56 to S59 in response to the input operation of the host user.

When the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S81), the specific friend lottery unit 35 changes the specific friend to a friend (S82). Here, the specific friend lottery unit 35 updates the specific friend flag = 1 of the specific friend to the specific friend flag = 0 in the user-specific friend management DB 43 and the meter management DB 44 from the user-specific friend management DB 43.

Further, the meter adjusting unit 36 updates the item "cooperation playmeter value" with the value of the item "specific cooperation playmeter value", and then initializes the value of the item "specific cooperation playmeter value" with 0 (. S83).

The specific friend lottery unit 35 draws any friend (excluding the user changed from the specific friend to the friend in S82) as a specific friend from the user-specific friend management DB 43 (S84). The specific friend lottery unit 35 sets 1 to the specific friend flag of the drawn friend in the user-specific friend management DB 43. At this time, the screen 14 of the user terminal 12 is displayed on the screen so that the user who has been drawn as a specific friend can be identified. The host user sends an invitation notification to a newly selected specific friend by an input operation of the user terminal 12a.

The friend management unit 34 acquires a friend invitation command (here, including a friend ID of a specific friend to be invited). Then, the friend management unit 34 issues an invitation notification to the corresponding specific friend user (guest user) based on the friend invitation command (S53). When the specific friend who is a guest user receives the invitation notification from the host user, he / she operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12b to access the URL of the invitation notification and consents to participate in the multiplayer game.

When the friend management unit 34 consents to participate in the multiplayer game from the specific friend, the friend of the specific friend to the host user is transmitted from the friend management DB 43 for each user based on the user ID of the host user and the friend ID of the specific friend. Acquire friend-related information corresponding to the ID (S54). In this embodiment, the friend ID specified by the friend selection command is the friend ID of the specific friend drawn in S72. The friend management unit 34 registers the acquired friend-related information in the meter management DB 44 as a specific friend for multiplayer (S55). The newly drawn specific friend is processed in the same way as the specific friend before the change.

When the specific cooperation play meter determines that there is a specific friend who has become MAX (YES in S59), the game control unit 37 rewards the host user and the specific friend corresponding to the specific cooperation play meter which has become MAX. Provide (S60). The reward is, for example, to generate an effect advantageous to the progress of the game, for example, a parameter value for reducing the consumption of stamina set for the play target character of the host user and a specific friend, and strengthening the play target character. Includes the increase in the number of items and the granting of predetermined items.

When the next stage is played by an input operation from the host user (NO in S61, YES in S62), the game control unit 37 repeats S56 to S61. When returning to the multiplayer selection screen again by an input operation from the host user (NO in S62), the game control unit 37 repeats S53 to S61. When the game ends (YES in S61), this flow ends.

According to this embodiment, if the specific cooperation playmeter between the host user and the specific friend does not reach MAX within a predetermined time, the specific friend is changed periodically and has been a specific friend until then. The user is changed to a friend. At this time, the friend changed from the specific friend can take over the specific cooperation playmeter value accumulated in the specific cooperation playmeter until then to the cooperation playmeter value.

Next, in the fifth embodiment, when the host user invites a friend with a specific friend to perform multiplayer, the invited friend (they are not in a friend relationship with the specific friend at the time of invitation) and the specific friend have a friend relationship. The flow regarding the case where becomes the case will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the game control process (host side) in the multiplayer mode in the fifth embodiment of the present embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flow in which a host user invites a plurality of friends including a specific friend to perform multiplayer. The flowchart of FIG. 16 is mainly a game control process of the server 15 for the user terminal 12a of the host user, and does not include any process for the other user terminals 12 except for a part.

The acquisition unit 33 acquires a game start command based on the input operation transmitted from the user terminal 12a (S51). The specific friend lottery unit 35 draws any friend as a specific friend from the user-specific friend management DB 43 periodically or at a predetermined timing (S52). The specific friend lottery unit 35 sets 1 to the specific friend flag of the drawn friend. Further, the screen 14 of the user terminal 12a is displayed on the screen so that the user who has been drawn as a specific friend can be identified.

The acquisition unit 33 acquires a multi-play mode selection command based on an input operation transmitted from the user terminal 12a. The acquisition unit 33 further acquires a friend invitation command (here, including the specific friend to be invited and the friend ID of the friend) to the specific friend and any friend. Then, the friend management unit 34 issues an invitation notification to the corresponding specific friend user (guest user) and friend user (guest user) based on the friend invitation command (S53). When a specific friend and a friend who are guest users receive the invitation notification from the host user, they operate the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12b and the user terminal 12d to access the URL of the invitation notification and play a multiplayer game. Accept to participate in.

When the friend management unit 34 has consented to participate in the multiplayer game from the specific friend, the friend management DB 43 for each user based on the user ID of the host user and the friend ID of the specific friend, the specific friend and the friend for the host user. Acquire friend-related information corresponding to the friend ID of (S54a). In this embodiment, friend relationship information is acquired based on the friend ID of the specific friend invited in S53 and the friend ID of the friend invited in S53. The friend management unit 34 registers the acquired friend-related information in the meter management DB 44 as specific friends and friends for multiplayer (S55a).

The game control unit 37 starts the game stage in the multiplayer mode in response to the stage disclosure command based on the input operation transmitted from the user terminal 12a (S56). The host user clears the stage by input operation of the user terminal 12a (S57).

Then, the meter adjusting unit 36 adds a predetermined amount to the specific cooperative play meter and the cooperative play meter in the meter management DB 44, respectively. At this time, the larger the rank difference between the character of the host user and the character of the specific friend of the specific cooperation play meter, the larger the value to be added (that is, the specific cooperation play meter becomes MAX sooner). Further, in the cooperative play meter, the larger the rank difference between the character of the host user and the character of the friend, the larger the value to be added (that is, the cooperative play meter becomes MAX sooner). However, the addition is not performed to the specific cooperation play meter with the specific friend who has once reached MAX within the predetermined period (for example, that day). In addition, addition is not performed to the cooperative play meter with a friend who has once reached MAX within a predetermined period (for example, that day) (S58).

The game control unit 37 determines whether or not there is a specific friend or friend whose specific cooperation play meter has reached MAX (S59a). When the specific cooperation play meter determines that there is no specific friend or friend who has reached MAX (NO in S59a), the game control unit 37 repeats S56 to S59a in response to the input operation of the host user.

When the specific cooperation play meter determines that there is a specific friend or friend who has become MAX (YES in S59a), the game control unit 37 has the host user and the specific friend corresponding to the specific cooperation play meter which has become MAX, or the said person. The reward is provided to the user and the friend corresponding to the cooperative play meter that has become MAX (S60a). The reward for the specific cooperation play meter is, for example, to generate an advantageous effect on the progress of the game, for example, reduction of the consumption of stamina set for the play target character of the host user and the specific friend, and the play target character. Includes an increase in parameter values that enhance the game, and the granting of predetermined items. The reward for the specific cooperation play meter includes, for example, a predetermined character, a weapon, armor, and other tools (items) that can be used in the game.

When the next stage is played by an input operation from the user (NO in S61, YES in S62), the game control unit 37 repeats S56 to S61. When returning to the multiplayer selection screen again by an input operation from the host user (NO in S62), the game control unit 37 repeats S53 to S61. When the game ends (YES in S61), this flow ends.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the game control process (guest side) in the multiplayer mode in the fifth embodiment of the present embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flow in which a guest user (a friend of the host user) invited by the host user plays multiplayer. The flowchart of FIG. 17 is mainly a game control process of the server 15 for the user terminal 12d of the guest user invited by the host user, and does not include any process for the other user terminals 12 except for a part.

From S53a of FIG. 16, when the guest user (friend of the host user) invited by the host user receives the invitation notification from the host user, he / she operates the operation display unit 13 of the user terminal 12d to change the URL of the invitation notification. Access and consent to participate in the multiplayer game (S91).

The friend management unit 34 provides information about the multiplayer stage (or quest) and information about the host user and other users (including the user ID) to play with the user terminal in response to the access to the URL from the user terminal 12d. Provide (share) to 12d (S92).

The friend management unit 34 acquires the friend relationship information of the host user from the user-specific friend management DB 43 based on the user ID of the guest user, and registers the acquired friend relationship information in the meter management DB 44 (S93).

Further, from the member information obtained in S92, the guest user can apply for a friend to the specific friend invited by the host user if he / she does not have a friend relationship (S94).

The friend management unit 34 applies for a friend to a specific friend based on an input operation from the guest user, and receives consent from the user terminal 12b of the specific friend according to the friend. Then, the friend management unit 34 acquires the friend relationship information corresponding to the specific friend from the user-specific friend management DB 43. The friend management unit 34 registers the acquired friend-related information in the meter management DB 44 (S95).

The game control unit 37 starts the game stage in the multiplayer mode in response to the stage disclosure command based on the input operation transmitted from the user terminal 12d (S96). The guest user clears the stage by input operation of the user terminal 12d (S97).

Then, the meter adjusting unit 36 adds a predetermined amount to the specific cooperative play meter and the cooperative play meter in the meter management DB 44, respectively. At this time, the larger the rank difference between the character of the guest user and the character of the specific friend of the specific cooperation play meter, the larger the value to be added (that is, the specific cooperation play meter becomes MAX sooner). However, the addition is not performed to the specific cooperation play meter with the specific friend who has once reached MAX within the predetermined period (for example, that day). In addition, addition is not performed to the cooperative play meter with a friend who has once reached MAX within a predetermined period (for example, that day) (S58).

The game control unit 37 determines whether or not there is a specific friend or friend (host user) whose specific cooperation play meter has reached MAX (S99). When the specific cooperation play meter determines that there is no specific friend or friend who has reached MAX (NO in S99), the game control unit 37 repeats S96 to S99 in response to the input operation of the user.

When the specific cooperation play meter determines that there is a specific friend or friend who has become MAX (YES in S99), the game control unit 37 has a guest user and a specific friend corresponding to the specific cooperation play meter which has become MAX, or a guest. A reward is provided to the user and the friend corresponding to the cooperative play meter that has become MAX (S100). The reward for the specific cooperation play meter is, for example, to generate an advantageous effect on the progress of the game, for example, reduction of the consumption of stamina set for the play target character of the guest user and the specific friend, and the play target character. Includes an increase in parameter values that enhance the game, and the granting of predetermined items. The reward for the specific cooperation play meter includes, for example, a predetermined character, a weapon, armor, and other tools (items) that can be used in the game.

When the next stage is played by an input operation from the guest user (NO in S101), the game control unit 37 repeats S94 to S101. When the game ends (YES in S101), this flow ends.

According to the fifth embodiment, in the case of multiplayer with a plurality of people, even if the user does not have a friend relationship with the specific friend, if the friend relationship with the specific friend is established, the specific cooperation play meter is generated and the reward thereof. Can be received.

When the second user who has not registered the specific friend as a friend registers the specific friend as a friend in the game in which the first user and the specific friend play a multiplayer game, the game control unit 3 sets the second user and the specific friend. The first parameter of and may be generated.

With this configuration, when a specific friend user and a user who is not a friend become friends with the specific friend user, the first parameter is generated, which can obtain a reward with conditions more favorable than the reward based on the second parameter. Therefore, it is possible to improve the motivation of the specific friend user and the user who registers as a friend.

In addition, you may combine Example 3 or Example 4 with the said Example 5. For example, in the fifth embodiment, if the specific cooperation play meter does not reach MAX by the time when the predetermined time elapses, a new specific friend may be drawn. At this time, the specific cooperation playmeter between the host user and the specific friend up to that point and the specific cooperation playmeter between the guest user and the specific friend up to that point may be deleted, or the specific cooperation playmeter value accumulated up to that point may be deleted. May be applied to the cooperative play meter. In addition, the guest user has a friendship with a newly drawn specific friend, so that a specific cooperation play meter is generated.

FIG. 18 is an example of a block diagram of a hardware environment of a computer that executes a program according to the present embodiment. The computer 101 functions as a user terminal 12 and a server 15. The computer 101 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 103, a RAM 104, a storage device 105, an input I / F 106, an output I / F 107, a communication I / F 108, a reading device 109, and a bus 110.

Here, the CPU indicates a central processing unit. ROM indicates read-only memory. RAM indicates random access memory. I / F indicates an interface. A CPU 102, a ROM 103, a RAM 104, a storage device 105, an input I / F 106, an output I / F 107, a communication I / F 108, and a reading device 109 as needed are connected to the bus 110.

When the computer 101 is the server 15, the CPU 102 reads the program according to the present embodiment from the storage device 105, and the acquisition unit 33, the friend management unit 34, the specific friend extraction unit 35, the meter adjustment unit 36, the game control unit 37, and the settlement. It functions as a processing unit 38. ROM 103 indicates a read-only memory. The RAM 104 is a memory that is temporarily stored.

The storage device 105 is a device that stores a large amount of information. As the storage device 105, various types of storage devices such as a hard disk, a solid state drive (SSD), and a flash memory card can be used. The storage device 105 stores the program according to the embodiment of the present invention and various data stored in the storage unit 41.

The input I / F 106 can be connected to an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, an electronic camera, a webcam, a microphone, a scanner, a sensor, a tablet, a touch panel display, and an information reading device. Further, the output I / F 107 can be connected to an output device such as a display, a touch panel, a projector, a printer, and a speaker.

The communication I / F 108 is an interface such as a port for connecting to a communication network and communicating with other devices. The communication network may be a communication network such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a leased line, a wired network, or a wireless network. The reading device 109 is a device that reads a portable recording medium.

The program that realizes the processing described in the above embodiment may be stored in the storage device 105, for example, from the program provider side via the communication network and the communication I / F 108. Further, the program that realizes the process described in the above embodiment may be stored in a commercially available and distributed portable storage medium. In this case, the portable storage medium may be set in the reading device 105, and the program may be read and executed by the CPU 102. As the portable storage medium, various types of storage media such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, a USB memory device, and a semiconductor memory card can be used. The program stored in such a storage medium is read by the reading device 109.

Further, the program may be installed on a stand-alone computer, or may be installed by a cloud computer to provide only the functions to the user. Further, in the present embodiment, an application program capable of communicating with the server 15 is installed in the user terminal 12 to control the game system 11 in the present embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a Web browser installed on the user terminal 12 may be used to access the server 15 and use the system according to the present embodiment operated on the server 15 side.

According to the present embodiment, when any of the friends is determined to be a specific friend, the reward obtained when the specific cooperation play meter becomes MAX by multi-playing with the specific friend has an advantageous effect on the progress of the game. The user is more motivated to invite friends, and it becomes easier to invite friends to the game.

The specific friend lottery unit 35 draws a specific friend regularly or at a predetermined timing, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, when the number of friends of the user is less than the predetermined number, the specific friend is determined. You may not have it. As a result, it is possible to prevent a specific friend from being fixed for a user who has few friends. Further, it is assumed that an unauthorized user registers a friend between his / her own terminals and obtains a reward according to the first parameter. However, an unauthorized user often has few registered friends, and by preventing the fixation of a specific friend, it is possible to prevent the user from illegally obtaining a reward.

Further, when the number of friends of the user is less than a predetermined value, the specific friend lottery unit 35 specifies from one or more friends registered in another application program used in the user terminal used by the user. You may decide on a friend. Here, the other application program is an application program different from the application program for playing the above game, and may be, for example, an application program related to SNS. Further, for example, the game application program may be installed on the user terminal, and a specific friend may be determined from a user who is a friend in another application program. As a result, even if there are few friends in the game application program, friends of other application programs can be invited to the game.

Further, the specific friend lottery unit 35 reduces the frequency of determining the same friend user as a specific friend when the number of friends of the user is less than the predetermined value, as compared with the case where the number of friends is equal to or more than the predetermined value. You may. As a result, it is possible to prevent the fixation of a specific friend, prevent the player from playing only with the same user, and induce other friends to be invited.

Further, the specific friend lottery unit 35 may preferentially determine a specific friend user from friends who have not logged in within a predetermined period. As a result, by determining the dormant user as a specific friend, it is possible to create an opportunity for the dormant user to easily return to the game.

Further, the specific friend lottery unit 35 may determine a specific friend based on the frequency of playing together among the first user and the friend. As a result, for example, a friend who has been selected less frequently from the play history of the game can be preferentially drawn and used as a specific friend.

Further, the specific friend lottery unit 35 may determine a friend who has logged in most recently as a specific friend among the friends. As a result, even if a person who is not logged in is made a specific friend, multiplayer cannot be performed, so that a person who has a high login frequency can be given priority as a specific friend.

Further, when the users are selected as specific friends by each other, the specific cooperation play meter may be easily accumulated, and further, a more advantageous effect as a reward may be obtained.

In addition, it may be possible to increase the number of specific friends according to the billing amount. For example, if you do not charge, only one of your friends will be drawn as a specific friend at regular or predetermined timings, but each time you charge, a specific friend will be drawn and there will be multiple specific friends. You may.

Further, in the case of a user who uses monthly billing, the number of specific friends selected from the user's friends may be a plurality of (for example, two). Here, monthly billing is a function in which payment of a set amount is automatically performed on a set calendar day every month. As a result, the paying user may be given preferential treatment.

In addition, a friend with a higher billing amount may be more likely to be selected as a specific friend. This makes it easier to invite friends who have a large charge to the game. On the other hand, a friend who has a large charge amount has more chances to participate in the game as a specific friend, so that a more advantageous effect can be obtained as a reward.

Although this embodiment has been described above based on the embodiments and modifications, the embodiments described above are for facilitating the understanding of the present embodiment and do not limit the present embodiment. This aspect may be modified or improved without departing from its spirit and claims, and this aspect includes its equivalent. Further, if the technical feature is not described as essential in the present specification, it may be deleted as appropriate.

In addition to the above embodiment, the following will be added.
(Appendix 1)
In a game that can be played by multiple players
A decision unit that determines any friend as a specific friend among one or more friends who are other users registered in association with the first user.
When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the game progresses as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. A game control unit that produces advantageous effects,
Information processing device equipped with.
With this configuration, it is possible to easily invite friends to the game.
(Appendix 2)
The game control unit
The first parameter accumulated based on the first rule including playing together with the first user and the specific friend, and
It controls the second parameter accumulated based on the second rule including the condition that the first user and the friend play together.
Described in Appendix 1, when the first parameter becomes a predetermined value or more, a reward with conditions more advantageous than the reward based on the second parameter is given to at least one of the first user and the specific friend. Information processing equipment.
With this configuration, you can get rewards with more favorable conditions when you play multiplayer with a specific friend, so it is easier to actively invite a specific friend to the game, and the specific friend also invites it. It will be easier to get on.
(Appendix 3)
The decision unit periodically changes the specific friend,
The game control unit erases the first parameter accumulated between the first user and the first specific friend when the first specific friend is changed to the second specific friend as the specific friend. Or the information processing apparatus according to 2.
With this configuration, the specific friend user changes regularly, creating an opportunity to play with different friends.
(Appendix 4)
When the first parameter is not accumulated up to a predetermined value within a predetermined period, the game control unit changes the specific friend to the friend, and the value of the first parameter accumulated up to that point is used as the first parameter. The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 3, which is applied to the second parameter accumulated based on the second rule, which includes playing together with one user and the friend changed from the specific friend.
By configuring in this way, the accumulated first parameter is not wasted.
(Appendix 5)
The information processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 4, wherein the determination unit does not determine the specific friend when the number of friends of the first user is less than a predetermined number.
By configuring in this way, it is possible to prevent the specific friend from being fixed for the first user having few friends. Further, it is assumed that an unauthorized user registers a friend between his / her own terminals and obtains a reward according to the first parameter. However, an unauthorized user often has few registered friends, and by preventing the fixation of a specific friend, it is possible to prevent the user from illegally obtaining a reward.
(Appendix 6)
When the number of friends of the first user is less than a predetermined value, the determination unit may use one or a plurality of friends registered in another application program used in the user terminal used by the first user. The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 4, which determines the specific friend.
With this configuration, even if there are few friends in the game application program, friends of other application programs can be invited to the game.
(Appendix 7)
When the number of friends of the first user is less than a predetermined value, the determination unit reduces the frequency of determining the same friend user as the specific friend less than when the number of friends is equal to or more than a predetermined value. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 4.
By configuring in this way, it is possible to prevent the fixation of a specific friend, prevent the player from playing only with the same user, and induce other friends to be invited.
(Appendix 8)
When a second user who has not registered the specific friend as a friend registers the specific friend as a friend in a game played by the first user and the specific friend, the game control unit together with the second user. The information processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 7, which generates a first parameter with the specific friend.
With this configuration, when a specific friend user and a user who is not a friend become friends with the specific friend user, the first parameter is generated, which can obtain a reward with conditions more favorable than the reward based on the second parameter. Therefore, it is possible to improve the motivation of the specific friend user and the user who registers as a friend.
(Appendix 9)
The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 5, wherein the determination unit determines the specific friend user from friends who have not logged in within a predetermined period.
With this configuration, by making the dormant user a specific friend, it is possible to create an opportunity for the dormant user to easily return.
(Appendix 10)
The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 5, wherein the determination unit determines the specific friend based on the frequency of playing together among the first user and the friend.
With this configuration, for example, a friend selected from the history with a small number of times can be preferentially drawn and used as a specific friend.
(Appendix 11)
On the computer
In a game that can be played by multiple players
A decision process for determining any friend as a specific friend among one or more friends who are other users registered in association with the first user.
When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the game progresses as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. Game control processing that produces advantageous effects, and
A game control program that runs.
With this configuration, it is possible to easily invite friends to the game.
(Appendix 12)
The computer
In a game that can be played by multiple players
Among one or more friends who are other users registered in association with the first user, one of the friends is determined as a specific friend.
When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the game progresses as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. Produces a beneficial effect,
Game control method.
With this configuration, it is possible to easily invite friends to the game.

1 Information processing device 2 Decision unit 3 Game control unit 11 Game system 12 User terminal 15 Server 16 Communication network 31 Communication unit 32 Control unit 33 Acquisition unit 34 Friend management unit 35 Specific friend lottery unit 36 Meter adjustment unit 37 Game control unit 38 Payment Processing unit 41 Storage unit 42 User-owned object management DB
43 User-specific friend management DB
44 Meter management DB
45 Reward management DB

Claims (19)

In a game that can be played by multiple players
A decision unit that determines a specific friend from a plurality of friends associated with the first user and registered based on a predetermined standard .
When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the game progresses as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. A game control unit that produces advantageous effects,
Equipped with
The determination unit determines that the specific friend in the first period and the specific friend in the second period different from the first period are different.
Information processing equipment. The game control unit
The first parameter accumulated based on the first rule including playing together with the first user and the specific friend, and
It controls the second parameter accumulated based on the second rule including the condition that the first user and the friend play together.
According to claim 1, when the first parameter becomes a predetermined value or more, a reward with conditions more advantageous than the reward based on the second parameter is given to at least one of the first user and the specific friend. The information processing device described. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the determination unit does not determine the specific friend when the number of friends of the first user is less than a predetermined number. When a second user who has not registered the specific friend as a friend registers the specific friend as a friend in a game played by the first user and the specific friend, the game control unit together with the second user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the first parameter with the specific friend is generated. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the determination unit determines the specific friend based on the frequency of playing together among the first user and the friend. In a game that can be played by multiple players
A decision unit that determines any friend as a specific friend among one or more friends who are other users registered in association with the first user.
When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the game progresses as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. A game control unit that produces advantageous effects,
Equipped with
The game control unit
The first parameter accumulated based on the first rule including playing together with the first user and the specific friend, and
It controls the second parameter accumulated based on the second rule including the condition that the first user and the friend play together.
When the first parameter becomes a predetermined value or more, a reward with conditions more advantageous than the reward based on the second parameter is given to at least one of the first user and the specific friend.
The decision unit periodically changes the specific friend,
When the first specific friend is changed to the second specific friend as the specific friend, the game control unit erases the first parameter accumulated between the first user and the first specific friend.
Information processing equipment. In a game that can be played by multiple players
A decision unit that determines any friend as a specific friend among one or more friends who are other users registered in association with the first user.
When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the game progresses as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. A game control unit that produces advantageous effects,
Equipped with
The game control unit
The first parameter accumulated based on the first rule including playing together with the first user and the specific friend, and
It controls the second parameter accumulated based on the second rule including the condition that the first user and the friend play together.
When the first parameter becomes a predetermined value or more, a reward with conditions more advantageous than the reward based on the second parameter is given to at least one of the first user and the specific friend.
When the first parameter is not accumulated up to a predetermined value within a predetermined period, the game control unit changes the specific friend to the friend, and the value of the first parameter accumulated up to that point is used as the first parameter. Appropriate to the second parameter accumulated based on the second rule including playing together with one user and the friend changed from the specific friend.
Information processing equipment. In a game that can be played by multiple players
A decision unit that determines any friend as a specific friend among one or more friends who are other users registered in association with the first user.
When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the game progresses as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. A game control unit that produces advantageous effects,
Equipped with
When the number of friends of the first user is less than a predetermined value, the determination unit reduces the frequency of determining the same friend as the specific friend less than when the number of friends is greater than or equal to the predetermined value.
Information processing equipment. In a game that can be played by multiple players
A decision unit that determines any friend as a specific friend among one or more friends who are other users registered in association with the first user.
When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the game progresses as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. A game control unit that produces advantageous effects,
Equipped with
The determination unit determines the specific friend from friends who have not logged in within a predetermined period.
Information processing equipment. On the computer
In a game that can be played by multiple players
A decision process for determining a specific friend from a plurality of friends associated with the first user and registered based on a predetermined standard, and
When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the game progresses as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. Game control processing that produces advantageous effects, and
To execute ,
The determination process determines that the specific friend in the first period and the specific friend in the second period different from the first period are different.
Game control program. On the computer
In a game that can be played by multiple players
A decision process for determining any friend as a specific friend among one or more friends who are other users registered in association with the first user.
When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the game progresses as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. Game control processing that produces advantageous effects, and
To execute,
The game control process is
The first parameter accumulated based on the first rule including playing together with the first user and the specific friend, and
It controls the second parameter accumulated based on the second rule including the condition that the first user and the friend play together.
When the first parameter becomes a predetermined value or more, a reward with conditions more advantageous than the reward based on the second parameter is given to at least one of the first user and the specific friend.
The determination process periodically changes the specific friend and
The game control process eliminates the first parameter accumulated between the first user and the first specific friend when the first specific friend is changed to the second specific friend as the specific friend.
Game control program. On the computer
In a game that can be played by multiple players
A decision process for determining any friend as a specific friend among one or more friends who are other users registered in association with the first user.
When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the game progresses as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. Game control processing that produces advantageous effects, and
To execute,
The game control process is
The first parameter accumulated based on the first rule including playing together with the first user and the specific friend, and
It controls the second parameter accumulated based on the second rule including the condition that the first user and the friend play together.
When the first parameter becomes a predetermined value or more, a reward with conditions more advantageous than the reward based on the second parameter is given to at least one of the first user and the specific friend.
If the first parameter is not accumulated up to a predetermined value within a predetermined period, the specific friend is changed to the friend, and the value of the first parameter accumulated up to that point is used as the first user and the specific friend. Appropriate to the second parameter accumulated based on the second rule including playing with the friend changed from
Game control program. On the computer
In a game that can be played by multiple players
A decision process for determining any friend as a specific friend among one or more friends who are other users registered in association with the first user.
When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the game progresses as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. Game control processing that produces advantageous effects, and
To execute,
In the determination process, when the number of friends of the first user is less than a predetermined value, the frequency with which the same friend determines as the specific friend is less than when the number of friends is greater than or equal to the predetermined value.
Game control program. On the computer
In a game that can be played by multiple players
A decision process for determining any friend as a specific friend among one or more friends who are other users registered in association with the first user.
When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the game progresses as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. Game control processing that produces advantageous effects, and
To execute,
The determination process determines the specific friend from friends who have not logged in within a predetermined period.
Game control program. In a game that can be played by multiple players
The computer determines a specific friend from a plurality of friends associated with the first user and registered based on a predetermined standard.
When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the game progresses as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. The computer produces a beneficial effect ,
When determining the one or more friends as the specific friend, it is determined that the specific friend in the first period and the specific friend in the second period different from the first period are different.
Game control method. In a game that can be played by multiple players
The computer determines one of one or more friends who are other users associated with the first user as a specific friend.
When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the game progresses as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. The computer produces a beneficial effect,
If you want to generate an effect that is beneficial to the progress of the game,
The first parameter accumulated based on the first rule including playing together with the first user and the specific friend, and
It controls the second parameter accumulated based on the second rule including the condition that the first user and the friend play together.
When the first parameter becomes a predetermined value or more, a reward with conditions more advantageous than the reward based on the second parameter is given to at least one of the first user and the specific friend.
If any of the above friends is determined as a specific friend, the specific friend may be changed periodically.
In the case of generating an effect advantageous to the progress of the game, when the first specific friend is changed to the second specific friend as the specific friend, it is accumulated between the first user and the first specific friend. Disappear the first parameter
Game control method. In a game that can be played by multiple players
The computer determines one of one or more friends who are other users associated with the first user as a specific friend.
When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the game progresses as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. The computer produces a beneficial effect,
If you want to generate an effect that is beneficial to the progress of the game,
The first parameter accumulated based on the first rule including playing together with the first user and the specific friend, and
It controls the second parameter accumulated based on the second rule including the condition that the first user and the friend play together.
When the first parameter becomes a predetermined value or more, a reward with conditions more advantageous than the reward based on the second parameter is given to at least one of the first user and the specific friend.
If the first parameter is not accumulated up to a predetermined value within a predetermined period, the specific friend is changed to the friend, and the value of the first parameter accumulated up to that point is used as the first user and the specific friend. Appropriate to the second parameter accumulated based on the second rule including playing with the friend changed from
Game control method. In a game that can be played by multiple players
The computer determines one of one or more friends who are other users associated with the first user and is registered as a specific friend.
When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the game progresses as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. The computer produces a beneficial effect,
When the number of friends of the first user is less than a predetermined value when an effect advantageous to the progress of the game is generated, the frequency with which the same friend is determined as the specific friend is determined by the number of friends being equal to or more than the predetermined value. Less than in the case of
Game control method. In a game that can be played by multiple players
The computer determines one of one or more friends who are other users associated with the first user as a specific friend.
When the first user plays the game with the specific friend, the game progresses as compared with the case where the first user plays the game with the friend who has not been determined as the specific friend. The computer produces a beneficial effect,
When the effect that is advantageous to the progress of the game is generated, the specific friend is determined from the friends who have not logged in within the predetermined period.
Game control method.

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