JP7502697B2 - Information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to electronic games that use displays capable of displaying two or more dimensions.

Electronic games are known that have a mechanism for strengthening or evolving multiple pieces of electronic information held by a player by combining the pieces of electronic information. For example, the game system disclosed in Patent Document 1 implements a function for evolving and synthesizing a card held by a player (base card) by combining the card with multiple other cards held by the player (reference cards).

JP 2015-107306 A

In Patent Document 1, among the multiple reference cards required for evolutionary synthesis of a base card, cards that the player does not possess are divided into unowned cards that the player has possessed in the past and unknown cards that the player has never possessed before. The acquisition conditions, including the acquisition route, of unowned cards are notified to the player, while the acquisition conditions, including the acquisition route, of unknown cards are intentionally concealed (see area 102 in Figure 13A and area 104b in Figure 13B).

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to efficiently guide the player to try to obtain the materials necessary to change a specific source of change.

To solve the above problem, the present invention provides a flow from a guide screen for the materials required to bring about a specific change in a specific source to the process of acquiring the necessary materials. The present invention includes at least the following aspects.

[A] A game information processing device comprising: a guidance means for, when a missing material that is not sufficiently held by a player among the necessary materials required to cause a predetermined change in a specific source object held by the player is available to the player, providing guidance on the missing material in a first manner on a required material guidance screen; and a guidance means for guiding the player to a process of acquiring the missing material when the player performs a predetermined operation on the missing material provided in the first manner by the guidance means.

[B] A method of controlling an information processing device, comprising: a guidance step of, when a missing material that is not sufficiently held by the player among the necessary materials required to cause a predetermined change in a specific source object held by the player is available to the player, informing the player of the missing material in a first manner on a required material guidance screen; and a guidance step of, when a predetermined operation for the missing material notified in the first manner in the guidance step is performed by the player, guiding the player to a process of acquiring the missing material.

[C] A control program that causes a computer of an information processing device to realize a guidance function that, when a missing material that is not sufficiently held by the player among the necessary materials required to cause a predetermined change in a specific source object held by the player is available to the player, guides the player in a first manner on a required material guide screen, and a guidance function that guides the player to the process of acquiring the missing material when the player performs a predetermined operation on the missing material guided in the first manner by the guidance function.

[D] A recording medium that non-temporarily records a control program that causes a computer of an information processing device to realize a guidance function that, when a missing material that the player does not possess in sufficient quantity among the necessary materials required to cause a predetermined change to a specific source object possessed by the player is available to the player, guides the player in a first manner on a required material guide screen, and a guidance function that guides the player in the process of acquiring the missing material when the player performs a predetermined operation on the missing material guided in the first manner by the guidance function.

According to the present invention, it becomes easier to proceed to the process of acquiring missing materials from the required materials information screen. As a result, the likelihood that the player will attempt to acquire the necessary missing materials can be increased.

The following technical limitations may be added to the "game information processing device" in [A] above. In addition, similar technical limitations may be added to the "control method" in [B] above, the "control program" in [C] above, and the control program recorded on the "recording medium" in [D] above.

(1) When the predetermined operation is performed to specify the specific missing material notified in the first mode by the guidance means, the guidance means displays a game selection screen that displays games in which the specified missing material can be obtained in an easy-to-select manner. This makes it easier to proceed from the required material guidance screen to the game selection screen.

(2) When the predetermined operation indicating an interest in at least one of the missing materials notified in the first mode by the guidance means is performed, the guidance means displays a missing material guidance screen in which, for each missing material, a link to a game selection screen that displays games in which the missing material can be obtained is provided to facilitate selection. This makes it easier to proceed from the required material guidance screen to the game selection screen.

(3) When the predetermined operation is performed to specify the specific missing material notified in the first manner by the guidance means, the guidance means displays a game start screen that accepts an instruction to start a game in which the specified missing material can be obtained. This makes it easier to proceed from the required material guidance screen to the game start screen.

(4) When there are multiple games in which the specified missing material can be obtained, the guidance means displays the game start screen that accepts the start instruction for a selected game that is selected according to a predetermined priority. This makes it easier to proceed from the required material information screen to the game start screen for a game with a high priority.

(5) The guidance means guides the user to the missing material in the first manner, which adds a predetermined guidance element to the guidance information for the missing material. This makes it easier to visually understand the guidance possibilities.

(6) The guidance means guides the user to the missing material in the first manner, which is different in display form from the necessary material that is not the missing material. This makes it easier to visually understand the navigation possibilities.

(7) The guidance means guides the user to the missing material in the first manner that is set according to a combination of possible acquisition processes. This makes it easier to visually understand the options to which the user is guided.

(8) The guidance means guides the user about the missing material in the first manner only when a predetermined change occurrence condition is satisfied. This avoids meaningless guidance and allows for effective use of information resources.

(9) The notification means notifies the player of the missing material that the player has never possessed in the past or present in a second manner. This makes it easier for the player to proceed to the process of acquiring the unknown missing material from the required material notification screen.

In this specification, the following terms are used:

(1) "Game" refers to an electronic game provided at least in part through an online game service. In a broad sense, it refers to the game service itself, and in a narrow sense, it refers to an individual stage that makes up a game service. "Player" refers to a user of a game service. "Play" refers to a player progressing through a game and playing it. "Challenger" refers to a player who plays and attempts to conquer a game (stage) in the narrow sense.

(2) "Object" is a concept that includes at least the elements that are the subject of manipulation by the player in the game. The elements that are the subject of manipulation include characters that have an on-screen appearance and variable status (state). An example of a character is a monster character.

(3) "Specified change" is a concept that includes at least evolution, in which the source object (source object) changes into another object, and strengthening, in which the status of the source object changes. There may be multiple types of evolution. That is, a specific object may change into another first object, or into another second object. Evolution in the broad sense may be called evolution in the narrow sense, deification, beast deification, etc., for example. Furthermore, the status that is strengthened is not limited to one type. That is, only one of the first status or second status of the source object may change, or both may change.

(4) "Necessary material" refers to a material required to cause a predetermined change in a source object. The "necessary material" is, for example, a material that causes a predetermined change in the source object by being multiplied with the source object. The "necessary material" that causes a predetermined change in a specific object may be a single material or a combination of multiple materials. The combination of multiple materials may be a combination of multiple materials of the same type or a combination of multiple materials of different types. It is preferable that the "necessary material" that causes a predetermined change in a specific object is set in advance. The "necessary material" may be an object or a game element that is not an object. The object that is the "necessary material" may be an object of the same type as the source object or an object of a different type. The game element that is the "necessary material" may be a character that is not the target of operation by the player or an item. The item is called, for example, a ball, a stone, etc.

(5) "Missing material" refers to a required material that the player does not possess in sufficient quantities. "Not possessing sufficient quantities" means that the number possessed is insufficient compared to the number required to cause a specified change (prescribed number). "Insufficient number possessed compared to the prescribed number" means that the player does not possess a certain material if the prescribed number is 1, and that the player does not possess a certain material or possesses less than the prescribed number if the prescribed number is 2 or more.

(6) "Acquisition process" refers to a series of processes required of a player to acquire a certain material. The series of processes may include playing and conquering (clearing) a specific game, or may include executing and winning a specific lottery. The specific lottery may be a lottery that becomes executable when a specific game is played and conquered, or a lottery that becomes executable on the condition of a specific action. The specific game may be a single game or a group of games consisting of multiple stages. When a specific game is conquered, the above material can be obtained, for example, as a clear reward. When a lottery that becomes executable on the condition of conquering a specific game is won, the above material can be obtained, for example, as a clear reward. The specific game is, for example, a normal stage, an archived stage, or a stage that can be temporarily executed. The specific action is, for example, an action that instructs the use of a specified amount of in-game currency. When a lottery that becomes executable on the condition of a specific action is won, the above material can be obtained, for example, as a gacha reward.

(7) A player is "able to obtain" a missing material if there is a process by which the missing material can be obtained and the player is able to participate in the process. If participation conditions are set forth for the process, the player is "able to participate in the process" if he or she satisfies the participation conditions. Participation conditions may be, for example, conditions related to the player's skill level or conditions related to the player's location.

(8) A "necessary material information screen" refers to a screen that displays the necessary materials required to cause a specific transformation to occur in a specific source object. The "necessary material information screen" may also display the evolved object after evolution of the source object. The "necessary material information screen" may also display missing materials.

(9) "First mode" refers to a display mode that differs from the mode (normal mode) in which necessary materials that are not in short supply are displayed on the necessary material guide screen. In the normal mode, guide information is displayed for each necessary material. The guide information may include an icon and text. The icon is, for example, an image of the appearance of the necessary material. The text is, for example, the name of the necessary material. "First mode" includes at least a mode in which an element is added to the guide information in the normal mode and a mode in which the display mode of the guide information in the normal mode is changed. The mode in which an element is added is, for example, a mode in which a small icon indicating the possibility of guidance is superimposed on the guide information. The mode in which the display mode is changed is, for example, a mode in which the color, size, or movement of the guide information displayed in the normal mode is changed, or a mode in which the guide information is visually decorated. "First mode" may be dynamically determined according to a combination of acquisition processes when there are multiple acquisition processes in which the player can be involved.

(10) A "predetermined operation" for a missing material includes at least an operation for designating a specific missing material and an operation for showing an interest in the missing material. An operation for designating a specific missing material is an operation for designating an area on the screen that corresponds to a specific missing material. Interest in the missing material is a willingness to obtain at least some of the missing material. An operation for showing an interest in the missing material is an operation for designating an area on the screen in which an element that clearly indicates or suggests obtaining the missing material is displayed. An operation for designating an area is, for example, an operation for touching the area, or an operation for clicking while a pointer displayed on the screen is pointing to the area.

(11) "Guiding" a person to the process of acquiring missing materials means informing a person of the points that should be passed through before starting to participate in the process, with the aim of getting the person involved in the process.

(12) "Game selection screen" refers to a screen on which one or more games are introduced. It is preferable that the game introduction information displayed on the game selection screen has a link to the game start screen for each game. "Game start screen" refers to a screen on which elements (buttons) for instructing the start of a specific game or the preparations immediately prior to the start of the game (collectively referred to as "start instructions" hereinafter) are located.

(13) "Missing material information screen" refers to a screen on which one or more missing materials are provided. It is preferable that the information on the missing material displayed on the missing material information screen includes a link to a game selection screen for a game in which the missing material can be obtained.

(14) The "priority" used in game selection may be a fixed value or fixed ranking preset by the game operator, or may be a priority dynamically determined by a procedure preset by the game operator, or may be a priority dynamically determined according to the status of a player or a specific object owned by the player. Priority may be a numerical value that allows comparison of magnitude relationships, or a numerical value that indicates relative high or low. The order based on priority may be determined according to the sorting order of numerical values that allow comparison of magnitude relationships, or may be determined according to the sorting order of numerical values that indicate relative high or low.

(15) "Conditions for a specified change to occur" refers to one or more individual conditions under which a specified change can occur. The individual conditions may be individual conditions related to the player or individual conditions related to the source object. An individual condition related to the player is, for example, a level of proficiency that satisfies a specified standard by the player. An example of a level of proficiency that satisfies a specified standard is, for example, a player rank that has reached a specified value. An individual condition related to the source object is, for example, a level of the source object that has a specified status. An example of a specified status is, for example, a level of the transformed object that has reached a specified level. The specified level is, for example, an upper limit value that changes depending on the rarity of the object.

(16) "Second mode" refers to a mode in which unknown missing materials that the player has never possessed in the past or present are displayed on the required material guidance screen. The second mode is different from both the normal mode and the first mode. The second mode includes, for example, a mode in which an element is added to the guidance information in the normal mode, a mode in which the display form of the guidance information in the normal mode is changed, a mode in which an element is added to the guidance information in the first mode, and a mode in which the display form of the guidance information in the first mode is changed.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a necessary material guide screen (embodiment); FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a network configuration (embodiment); FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware functional configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware functional configuration of a user device (embodiment); FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a software functional configuration of a user terminal (embodiment); FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a database configuration (embodiment); FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a guidance procedure by the guidance function (embodiment); FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a quest selection screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a quest selection screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a quest selection screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a quest start screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a quest start screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a necessary material guide screen (embodiment); FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a necessary material guide screen (variation example 1); FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a missing material information screen (variation 1); FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a necessary material guide screen (Modification 3); FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of a necessary material guide screen (Modification 3);

1. Embodiment
[1-1. Overview]
This embodiment relates to an electronic game using a display capable of displaying two or more dimensions. In this electronic game, a specific object (source object) owned by a player can be subjected to a predetermined change. The predetermined change is a concept that includes at least a change in which the source object is replaced with another object and a change in which the state (status) of the source object is changed.

In this embodiment, in order to efficiently guide the player to attempt to obtain the materials (required materials) required to cause a specific change to occur in a specific source object, a flow line is provided from a guide screen for the necessary materials required to cause a specific source object to change to the process of obtaining the necessary materials.

[1-2. Game information processing device]
A game information processing device (e.g., user management server 10) according to an embodiment includes a guidance means (e.g., guidance unit 530) that guides a missing material in a first manner on a required material guidance screen when a missing material that the player does not possess in sufficient quantity among necessary materials required to cause a predetermined change to a specific source object possessed by the player is available to the player, and a guidance means (e.g., guidance unit 570) that guides the player through the process of acquiring the missing material when the player performs a predetermined operation on the missing material guided by the guidance means in the first manner.

The game information processing device according to the embodiment is preferably configured as a client-side device that receives electronic games from a server-side device via a communication network in a client-server type game information processing system. The client-side device may be an arcade game machine installed in a game center or the like, or a personal game machine owned by each player. The personal game machine may be a stationary game machine or a portable game machine. The stationary game machine and the portable game machine may be dedicated game machines or general-purpose terminals. The game information processing device according to the embodiment may be a standalone commercial game machine or a personal game machine.

2. Examples
[2-1. Overview]
(1) Service of the embodiment This embodiment relates to a game service (service of the embodiment) at least a part of which is provided online. In the service of the embodiment, an electronic game (game in a broader sense) is provided in which the player sequentially controls four characters (one example of an "object") that constitute a deck by performing a predetermined action, and sequentially challenges a plurality of stages (game in a narrower sense) prepared in the game.

In the following, the above stages are referred to as "quests." There are three types of quests: first quests, which are always provided; second quests, which may be provided in a storage location (archive) called the "library," and third quests, which may be provided temporarily during limited-time events. In the following explanation, "normal quests," "library of memories" (or simply "library"), and "event quests" correspond to the first quest, second quest, and third quest, respectively. Note that each quest may be associated with an object (character, etc.) that can be obtained by completing that quest.

(2) Predetermined Change By combining a specific character (source character) owned by the player with one or more necessary materials (required materials), the player can cause the source character to undergo a change (predetermined change) that is advantageous in the progression of the game. Changes in an advantageous direction include a change in which the source character is replaced with another advantageous character, and a change in which a parameter corresponding to one or more states (statuses) of the source character is increased. In the following explanation, the former change is referred to as "evolution" (evolution in a broad sense), and the latter change is referred to as "strengthening."

(2-1) Evolution There may be multiple evolutionary systems in evolution (evolution in the broad sense). The evolutionary systems in this embodiment include a first evolution in which the original character is replaced with another first character, a second evolution in which the original character is replaced with another second character, and a third evolution in which the other first character or the other second character is replaced with another third character. In the following description, "evolution" (evolution in the narrow sense), "godification", and "beast deityification" correspond to the first evolution, second evolution, and third evolution, respectively.

The materials required for the first evolution are, for example, one or more evolution items. Evolution items are called, for example, orbs or stones. The materials required for the second evolution are, for example, one or more characters of a different species from the original character. The materials required for the third evolution are, for example, a combination of one or more evolution items and one or more characters of a different species from the original character.

(2-2) Strengthening There are multiple strengthening forms. The type of parameters that increase varies depending on the strengthening form. Strengthening in this embodiment includes a first synthesis in which the source character is synthesized with another character of a different type (required material) to increase one or more parameters related to the source character's strength, and a second synthesis in which the source character is synthesized with another character of the same type (required material) to increase a single parameter related to the source character's fortune. In the following explanation, "heterogeneous synthesis" and "homogeneous synthesis" correspond to the first synthesis and second synthesis, respectively.

In heterogeneous synthesis (first synthesis), the parameters corresponding to the type of other character that is synthesized with the source character increase according to the type of the other character. As an example, when a character that increases the excess value of HP (hit points) (a value added beyond the upper limit, hereafter referred to as "+ value"), a character that increases the + value of attack power, or a character that increases the + value of speed is synthesized with the source character, the + value of HP, the + value of attack power, and the + value of speed of the source character increase, respectively. In homogeneous synthesis (second synthesis), as an example, the luck that affects the fortunes of various lotteries in the service of the embodiment increases. The higher the luck, for example, the higher the probability of the appearance of advantageous items during the execution of a quest, and the probability of obtaining advantageous rewards after clearing a quest.

(2-3) Occurrence Conditions In order for a predetermined change to occur in a source character, occurrence conditions must be met. The occurrence conditions include an individual condition related to the player (first condition) and an individual condition related to the source character (second condition). The first condition is that the player rank of the player has reached a predetermined value. The second condition is that the level of the source character has reached an upper limit determined according to the rarity of the character.

(3) Required Materials The required materials for causing a predetermined change in the original character are specified in advance by the operator of the service of the embodiment. The required materials may be given to the player as a clearing reward, for example, when a predetermined quest is conquered (cleared). In order to advantageously advance in the service of the embodiment, the player repeats the process of challenging quests in which the necessary materials required to strengthen or evolve a specific character owned by the player and conquering the quests (acquisition process), and gradually grows (changes in an advantageous direction) the player's character using the acquired necessary materials.

[2-2. Features]
(1) Guidance Function In the service of the embodiment, in order to efficiently guide the player to attempt to obtain the necessary materials required to strengthen (particularly strengthen by the second synthesis) or evolve (particularly the second evolution) a specific source character, a flow line is provided from a screen that guides the necessary materials (necessary material guide screen) to a screen (quest selection screen) for selecting a quest (obtaining process) in which the necessary materials can be obtained. The flow line means a link (hyperlink) that associates the screen before the transition with the screen after the transition.

In the following, the function that guides the player from the required material information screen to the acquisition process is referred to as the "guidance function." The guidance function is implemented in the user terminal of the game information processing system (the system of the embodiment) that provides the service of the embodiment. The guidance function of this embodiment sets up a traffic line between the required material information screen and the quest selection screen according to the situation, and guides the player to take on a quest to obtain the missing materials.

Figure 1 is an example of a display of a required material guidance screen for the second evolution (deification). The screen 100 illustrated in Figure 1 includes an area 110 that provides guidance on the original character, an area 120 that provides guidance on the required materials required for the second evolution of the original character, and an area 130 that provides guidance on the transformed character after the original character has undergone the second evolution. Guidance information for each required material is displayed in area 120. For example, guidance information (icon 121) for required materials that are not missing materials is displayed in the normal form in area 120.

(2) Guidance Display When a quest exists in which missing materials that the player does not possess in sufficient quantities among the necessary materials required to strengthen or evolve a specific source character possessed by the player can be obtained and the player is able to challenge the quest, and when the above-mentioned occurrence conditions are satisfied, the missing materials are indicated on the necessary material guidance screen in a predetermined manner (first manner) in which a guidance icon is superimposed on guidance information in a normal manner.

In area 120 of screen 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, guidance information (icon 122) of the necessary material that corresponds to the missing material is displayed. In addition, guidance icon 123, which is smaller than icon 122, is superimposed on the upper left of the display area of icon 122. In other words, on screen 100, the missing material is guided in a predetermined manner in which guidance icon 123 is superimposed on guidance information (icon 122) in a normal manner.

The external design of the guidance icon may be one type, or may change according to the combination of types of quests that the player can challenge. As described above, there are three types of quests, 1st quest, 2nd quest, and 3rd quest, so there are a maximum of seven combinations of quest types according to the following [Equation 1]. Therefore, if the external design of the guidance icon is to be changed according to the combination, seven types of guidance icons should be prepared. Furthermore, there is no particular limitation on the position of the guidance icon in the display area of the icon that is the guide information for the missing material.

[Equation 1]
_3C1 + _3C2 + _{3C3 = 3 +} 3 + 1 = 7

(3) Screen Transition A hyperlink to a quest selection screen displaying only one or more quests in which the missing material can be obtained is set in the guidance information for the missing material presented in a predetermined manner. When a user operation (predetermined operation) that specifies the missing material presented in a predetermined manner is performed by the player, a quest selection screen displaying only one or more quests in which the missing material can be obtained is displayed.

In the screen 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, the missing material guide information (icon 122) is set with a hyperlink to a quest selection screen that displays only quests in which the missing material can be obtained. When the player taps on the display area of the guide information (i.e., the display area of icon 122), the quest selection screen is displayed that displays only quests in which the missing material can be obtained.

The guide information for each selectable quest displayed on the quest selection screen includes a hyperlink to a screen (quest start screen) that gives the player the command to start that quest or allows them to make preparations immediately beforehand. The quest begins after the player gives the command to start on the quest start screen or the screen that follows it.

[2-3. System configuration of the embodiment]
2-3-1. Network configuration
2 illustrates a network configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system according to the embodiment provides a service according to the embodiment to a user.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the system of the embodiment includes a user management server 10 that manages users (players) of the service of the embodiment, a data management server 20 that manages data related to the service of the embodiment, and multiple user terminals 30 (30-1, 30-2, ... 30-n) (n: natural number) used by multiple users.

The user management server 10 and the user terminal 30 can exchange data via a communication network 40. The data management server 20 can access a built-in or externally connectable storage 21. The user management server 10 can access data stored in the storage 21 via the data management server 20.

The communication network 40 may include at least one of the existing networks such as the Internet, a mobile phone network, a wireless wide area network (WAN), a wireless local area network (LAN), and Ethernet (registered trademark).

(1) User Management Server The user management server 10 is a server device (computer) on which a Web server program is installed. In response to a request, the user management server 10 causes the data management server 20 to obtain necessary data from the storage 21 and provides the data to the requester (response). In response to a request, the user management server 10 also causes the data management server 20 to register necessary data in the storage 21. Note that a server system may be configured by linking multiple server devices, and the functions of the user management server 10 may be shared or the load on the user management server 10 may be distributed.

(2) Data Management Server The data management server 20 is a server device (computer) in which a DB (Data Base) server program is installed. The data management server 20, together with the storage 21, constitutes a DBMS (Data Base Management System). The data management server 20 acquires necessary data from the storage 21 in response to a request, and provides (responses) the data to the requester. The data management server 20 also registers necessary data in the storage 21 in response to a request. The storage 21 is a storage device that stores data related to the service of the embodiment. Note that a server system may be configured by linking multiple server devices, and the functions of the data management server 20 may be shared or the load on the data management server 20 may be distributed.

(3) User Terminal The user terminal 30 is a user device (computer) in which a predetermined game program (control program) is installed. In this embodiment, the user device may be a general-purpose portable device in which a program can be installed (e.g., a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a tablet PC (personal computer), a wearable device, etc.) or a general-purpose processing device (e.g., a PC (personal computer)).

[2-3-2. Hardware Functional Configuration]
(1) Hardware Functional Configuration of Server Device Fig. 3 illustrates an example of the hardware functional configuration of a server device. The server device illustrated in Fig. 3 includes a control processing device 310 including a central processing unit (CPU) and a read only memory (ROM), a main memory device 320 including a random access memory (RAM), an auxiliary memory device 330 including a hard disk drive (HDD), an input device 340 including a mouse and a keyboard, an output device 350 including a display and a speaker, and a communication control device 360 including a network card (Network Interface Card). Note that a device such as a micro-processing unit (MPU) or a digital signal processor (DSP) may be used instead of the CPU.

The main memory device 320, the auxiliary memory device 330, the input device 340, the output device 350, and the communication control device 360 are each connected to the control processing device 310 via a bus line. The control processing device 310 (1) loads the program stored in the auxiliary memory device 330 onto the main memory device 320, (2) acquires data from at least one of the input device 340, the auxiliary memory device 330, and the communication control device 360 according to the instructions of the program, (3) calculates and processes the acquired data according to a procedure specified in the program, and (4) provides the calculated and processed data to at least one of the auxiliary memory device 330, the output device 350, and the communication control device 360.

(2) Hardware Functional Configuration of User Device Figure 4 illustrates an example of the hardware functional configuration of the user device. The user device illustrated in Figure 4 includes at least a DSP 411 constituting a control processing unit, a RAM 421 constituting a main storage unit, a ROM 422 and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) 423 constituting an auxiliary storage unit, a touch panel display 431 constituting an input unit and a display unit, a speaker 432 constituting an audio output unit, and a NIC (Network Interface Controller) 441 and a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) chip 442 constituting a communication control unit. Note that a device such as an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) may be used instead of the DSP.

The RAM 421, ROM 422, EEPROM 423, touch panel display 431, speaker 432, NIC 441, and wireless LAN chip 442 are each connected to the DSP 411 via a bus line. The DSP 411 (1) loads a program stored in the ROM 422 or EEPROM 423 onto the RAM 421, (2) acquires data from at least one of the touch panel display 431, EEPROM 423, NIC 441, and wireless LAN chip 442 according to instructions from the program, (3) calculates and processes the acquired data according to a procedure defined in the program, and (4) provides the calculated and processed data to at least one of the EEPROM 423, touch panel display 431, speaker 432, NIC 441, and wireless LAN chip 442.

[2-3-3. Software Functional Configuration]
(1) Overview The software functions of the user management server 10 and the data management server 20 are realized by installing an OS (Operating System) for server devices and a program that runs on the OS in the server devices, respectively. The program to be installed in the server device may be distributed in a state in which it is non-temporarily recorded on a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an MO disk (Magneto-Optical disk), or a flash memory, and read from the recording medium into the server device, or may be supplied to the server device by being superimposed on a carrier wave via the communication network 40 or other communication networks.

The software functions of the user terminal 30 are realized by installing an OS (Operating System) for the user device and a game program (control program) that runs on the OS on the user device. Note that instead of a game program, the software functions of the user terminal 30 can also be realized by installing a web browser program that runs on the OS for the user device and a game program (plug-in) that runs on the web browser program on the user device.

The OS for the user device is generally installed in the user device from the time of shipment. Other programs to be installed in the user device are generally supplied to the user device by being superimposed on a carrier wave via the communication network 40. Note that the above-mentioned other programs to be installed in the user device may be distributed in a state in which they are non-temporarily recorded on a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disk), or flash memory, and may be read from the recording medium into the user device.

(2) Software Functional Configuration of the User Terminal Fig. 5 illustrates a software functional configuration of the user terminal 30. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the user terminal 30 includes an update unit 510, a storage unit 520, a guide unit 530, a display unit 540, an input unit 550, a reception unit 560, and a guidance unit 570 for the guidance function.

The update unit 510 includes a DSP 411 of a user device operating as the user terminal 30, and at least one of a NIC 441 and a wireless LAN chip 442. The storage unit 520 includes a RAM 421 of a user device operating as the user terminal 30. The guidance unit 530, the reception unit 560, and the guidance unit 570 include a DSP 411 of a user device operating as the user terminal 30. The display unit 540 and the input unit 550 include a touch panel display 431 of a user device operating as the user terminal 30.

The update unit 510 acquires cache update data from the user management server 10 at a predetermined timing, and updates the cache data stored in the storage unit 520. The update unit 510 also transmits the updated cache data stored in the storage unit 520 to the user management server 10 at a predetermined timing. The storage unit 520 stores the cache data.

The cache data may include quest information in addition to the various data shown in FIG. 6. As for the quest information, only the difference from the information stored in the user terminal 30 may be acquired. Here, the quest information may include implementation information of a third quest that is implemented for a limited time. Specifically, the implementation information of the third quest may include information on the period during which the third quest can be implemented. Furthermore, the implementation information of the third quest may further include information on characters that can be obtained by implementing the third quest.

The guidance unit 530 causes the display unit 540 to display various screens. The display unit 540 displays images of various screens on the display. Furthermore, when a missing material that the player does not possess in sufficient quantities among the necessary materials required to strengthen or evolve a specific character possessed by the player is available to the player and satisfies the conditions for a predetermined change to occur, the guidance unit 530 provides guidance on the missing material in a predetermined manner by adding a guidance icon to the normal guidance information on the necessary material guidance screen (screen 100 exemplified in FIG. 1). At this time, the guidance icon is set according to the combination of quests to which the player can be guided.

The input unit 550 inputs touch operations to the touch panel. The reception unit 560 receives user operations based on the state of the touch operations input by the input unit 550 while each screen is displayed on the display unit 540.

When a player performs a user operation to specify the missing material notified in a predetermined manner by the guidance unit 530, the guidance unit 570 displays a quest selection screen that displays quests that can obtain the missing material in an easy-to-select manner, and guides the player to the quest.

2-3-4. Database configuration
6 illustrates an example of a database configuration in the system of the embodiment. These data are stored in the storage 21 and are accessible via the data management server 20. Cache update data including at least a part of these data is provided from the user management server 10 to the user terminal 30.

(1) Player Management Information Player management information is management information that manages various parameters related to each player. The player management information is added at the time of initial setup by each player, and is updated before starting or after playing a quest. As exemplified in FIG. 6(a), the player management information associates at least an "experience value" and a "player rank" with a "player ID (identification information)" that is unique to each player. The "experience value" increases as the player gains experience in clearing quests. The "player rank" increases each time the "experience value" reaches a predetermined level.

(2) Character definition information The character definition information is definition information that defines the initial state of each character type. The character definition information is added, updated, or deleted at any time by the operator of the service of the embodiment. As exemplified in Fig. 6(b), the character definition information associates at least a "character type ID" that is unique to each character type with a "rarity," a "name," an "appearance image URL," and an "evolution group ID" that indicates the evolutionary lineage to which the character type belongs.

(3) Character setting information A
The character setting information A is setting information that sets the upper limit values of various parameters of characters having each rarity for each rarity. The character setting information A is added, updated, or deleted at any time by the operator of the service of the embodiment. As exemplified in FIG. 6(c), the character setting information A associates at least the "upper limit values of various parameters" with the "rarity". The various parameters are, for example, experience points, character level, hit points, attack power, speed, luck value, etc.

(4) Character setting information B
The character setting information B is setting information that sets the upper limit of various parameters of a character having each character level for each character level. The character setting information B is added, updated, or deleted at any time by the operator of the service of the embodiment. As exemplified in FIG. 6(d), the character setting information B associates at least "upper limit of hit points + value", "upper limit of attack power + value", and "upper limit of speed + value" with "character level".

(5) Character Management Information Character management information is management information for managing the status of each character. Character management information is generated each time a player obtains a character, and is updated each time the character is used in a quest, or the character is strengthened or evolved. In addition, the character is invalidated when the character is used as a material to strengthen or evolve another character.

As illustrated in FIG. 6(e), the character management information associates a "character management ID" unique to a character with at least the "player ID" of the player who owns the character, the "character type ID", "experience points", "character level", "hit points", "attack power", "speed", and "luck value". "Experience points" increase as the character gains experience in quests and through the first synthesis. "Character level" increases each time "experience points" reach a predetermined level. The positive values of "hit points", "attack power", and "speed" increase to an upper limit corresponding to the "character level" through the first synthesis. "Luck value" increases to an upper limit corresponding to the "rarity" of the character through the second synthesis.

(6) Evolution group setting information The evolution group setting information is setting information that sets the character type and evolution conditions belonging to each evolution lineage. The evolution group setting information is added, updated, or deleted at any time by the operator of the service of the embodiment. As exemplified in FIG. 6(f), the evolution group setting information associates at least the character type ID of the "pre-evolution character", the evolution rule ID of the "first evolution rule", the character type ID of the "first evolved character", the evolution rule ID of the "second evolution rule", the character type ID of the "second evolved character", the evolution rule ID of the "third evolution rule", and the character type ID of the "third evolved character" with an "evolution group ID" unique to the evolution lineage. Some of the first evolution, second evolution, and third evolution may not be set.

(7) Evolution rule information Evolution rule information is a rule applied to the evolution of a specific source character. The evolution rule information is added, updated, or deleted at any time by the operator of the service of the embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 6(g), the evolution rule information associates at least an "evolution rule ID" unique to an evolution rule with an "evolution category" (first evolution/second evolution/third evolution), "required materials," and "generation conditions."

The information managed by the user management server 10 may include quest information. The quest information includes information on the first quest, the second quest, and the third quest. Each quest is associated with play conditions, information on available objects (characters, etc.), and the like. Furthermore, the third quest is associated with information on the period during which it can be performed.

[2-4. Guidance Procedure]
(1) Guidance Procedure Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a guidance procedure using the guidance function. In step S705, the user management server 10 transmits cache update data to the user terminal 30. In step S710, the update unit 510 of the user terminal 30 updates the cache data stored in the storage unit 520. Thereafter, the user terminal 30 refers to the updated cache data and proceeds with the process.

In step S715, the reception unit 560 of the user terminal 30 receives an instruction to display a required material guide screen based on a touch operation input to the input unit 550. The display instruction involves the specification of a specific character (the character to be transformed). In step S720, the guidance unit 570 of the user terminal 30 determines whether or not a guidance display is necessary. A guidance display is determined to be necessary when the player can obtain the missing materials that are necessary to strengthen or evolve a specific character owned by the player and that the player does not possess in sufficient quantities, and when the conditions for a predetermined change (here, the second evolution) are met.

Specifically, the user terminal 30 determines whether there is a second quest in which the player satisfies the play conditions and can obtain the missing material (first determination). The play conditions in the first determination are, for example, conditions related to the player's attribute information (player rank) (specifically, a condition that the player rank is equal to or greater than a predetermined value). Furthermore, the user terminal 30 determines whether a third quest in which the missing material can be obtained is executable (second determination). In the second determination, it determines whether there is a third quest in which the missing material can be obtained, among the third quests that can be executed and satisfy the play conditions including the time. If the user terminal 30 determines in either the first or second determination that there is a quest in which the missing material can be obtained, it determines that the player can obtain the missing material.

In other words, the player can obtain the missing material if there is a quest for which the player can obtain the missing material and the player can challenge the quest. The player can challenge the quest if the player meets the play conditions of the quest. The occurrence condition is specified by referring to the cache data of the evolution rule information (FIG. 6(g)). In this embodiment, it is a combination of the condition that the player rank has reached a predetermined value (e.g., 70) (first condition) and the level of the original character has reached an upper limit determined according to the rarity of the character (second condition). For the judgment, cache data such as the player management information (FIG. 6(a)), character setting information A (FIG. 6(c)), and character management information (FIG. 6(e)) are used. If it is judged that it is necessary, proceed to step S725. If it is not judged that it is necessary, proceed to step S730.

In step S725, the guidance unit 570 of the user terminal 30 sends an instruction to the guidance unit 530 to add a guidance display. The instruction to add a guidance display is an instruction to guide the required material guidance screen in a predetermined manner in which a guidance icon is added to the guidance information in a normal manner. In step S730, the guidance unit 530 of the user terminal 30 causes the display unit 540 to display the required material guidance screen.

In step S735, the reception unit 560 of the user terminal 30 receives a predetermined operation for the missing material based on the touch operation input to the input unit 550. Specifically, the reception unit 560 receives a touch operation on an icon of a specific missing material as a predetermined operation for specifying the missing material. In step S740, the guidance unit 530 of the user terminal 30 causes the display unit 540 to display a quest selection screen that displays quests that can obtain the specified missing material in an easy-to-select manner.

(2) Display example of required material guide screen Fig. 1 is a display example of a required material guide screen for the second evolution (deification). The screen 100 illustrated in Fig. 1 includes an area 110 that guides the original character, an area 120 that guides the necessary materials required for the second evolution of the original character, and an area 130 that guides the transformed character after the original character has undergone the second evolution. In the area 120, guide information for each required material is displayed.

In area 120, for example, guidance information (icon 121) for required materials that are not missing materials is displayed in a normal manner. In addition to this, guidance information (icon 122) for required materials that are missing materials is displayed. Also, guidance icon 123, which is smaller than icon 122, is superimposed on the upper left of the display area for icon 122. In other words, on screen 100, the missing materials are guided in a predetermined manner in which guidance icon 123 is superimposed on guidance information (icon 122) in a normal manner.

(3) Display Example of Quest Selection Screen On screen 100, the missing material guide information (icon 122) is set with a hyperlink to a quest selection screen that displays only quests in which the missing material can be obtained. When the player taps the display area of the guide information (i.e., the display area of icon 122), a quest selection screen that displays only quests in which the missing material can be obtained is displayed as a pop-up.

Figures 8 to 10 are display examples of a quest selection screen that displays only quests in which the specified missing material can be obtained. Screen 800 shown in Figure 8 is an example of a display when the only quest in which the specified missing material can be obtained is the third quest (event quest). Screen 900 shown in Figure 9 is an example of a display when the only quests in which the specified missing material can be obtained are the second quest (Library of Memories) and the third quest (event quest). Screen 1000 shown in Figure 10 is an example of a display when the only quest in which the specified missing material can be obtained is the second quest (Library of Memories).

(4) Display Example of Quest Start Screen In screens 800, 900, and 1000, a hyperlink to a screen for instructing the player to start the quest (quest start screen) is set in the guide information for each selectable quest displayed. When the player taps the display area of the button corresponding to the quest (i.e., button 810 in FIG. 8, button 910 or button 920 in FIG. 9, button 1010 in FIG. 10), the quest start screen for the quest is displayed.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are example display screens for a quest in which the specified missing material can be obtained. Screen 1100 shown in FIG. 11 is an example display screen for the third quest (event quest) that is displayed when button 810 in FIG. 8 or button 910 in FIG. 9 is tapped. Screen 1200 shown in FIG. 12 is an example display screen for the second quest (Library of Memories) that is displayed when button 920 in FIG. 9 or button 1010 in FIG. 10 is tapped.

[2-5. Supplementary Information]
Fig. 13 is a display example of a screen (necessary material guide screen) that guides the necessary materials required for strengthening by the second synthesis. In the screen 1300 illustrated in Fig. 13, guide information (here, icons 1311 and text 1312) of the necessary materials (characters of the same type as the changed character) required to strengthen the changed character by the second synthesis (same type synthesis) is displayed in a normal manner as a rule. Also, a display 1321 showing the quest in which the character can be obtained is displayed.

Except when the luck value of the source character has reached the upper limit, the source character can be strengthened by the second synthesis. Therefore, if the source character is not Luck Ultimate and the player does not have enough characters of the same type as the source character, a guidance icon 1313 is superimposed on an icon 1311, which is guidance information for characters of the same type as the source character (i.e., missing materials), on the screen 1300. In other words, on the screen 1300, the missing materials are guided in a predetermined manner in which guidance icon 1313 is superimposed on guidance information (icon 1311) in a normal manner.

3. Modifications
[3-1. Modification 1 (Modification regarding the mode of guidance)]
(1) Modification for displaying a missing material information screen In the above embodiment, when a specific missing material indicated in a predetermined manner on the required material information screen (FIGS. 1 and 13) is specified by the player, a selection screen (FIGS. 8 to 10) for a quest in which the missing material can be obtained is displayed (step S735 to step S740 in FIG. 7). In contrast, the missing material information screen may be displayed when the player performs a predetermined operation indicating an interest in at least one of the missing materials indicated in a predetermined manner on the required material information screen. This makes it easier to proceed from the required material information screen to the quest selection screen.

Figure 14 shows a modified example of the required material guidance screen for the second evolution (deification). Screen 1400 shown in Figure 14 includes an area 1410 that provides guidance on the original character, an area 1420 that provides guidance on the required materials required for the second evolution of the original character, and an area 1430 that provides guidance on the transformed character after the original character has undergone the second evolution. Guidance information for each required material is displayed in area 1420.

In the area 1420, guidance information of the necessary materials that do not correspond to the missing materials is displayed in a normal manner. In addition, guidance information (icons 1421, 1422) of the necessary materials that correspond to the missing materials is displayed. Also, guidance icons 1423, 1424 smaller in size than the icons 1421, 1422 are superimposed on the upper left of the display area of the icons 1421, 1422. That is, on the screen 1400, the missing materials are guided in a predetermined manner in which the guidance icons 1423, 1424 are superimposed on the guidance information (icons 1421, 1422) in a normal manner. On the screen 1400, when the player taps the display area of the button 1425 (a predetermined operation showing an interest in the missing materials), a missing material guide screen is displayed in which the missing materials are guided.

Figure 15 shows an example of a missing material information screen. In the screen 1500 shown in Figure 15, information about all missing materials (icons 1510, 1520) is displayed in a normal manner, organized according to a predetermined sorting perspective. The sorting perspective is, for example, character attributes and character rarity. In the screen 1500, the information is arranged based on the character attributes.

In screen 1500, the missing material guide information (icons 1510, 1520) each have a hyperlink to a quest selection screen that displays only the quests in which the missing material can be obtained. When the player taps the display area of the guide information (i.e., either the display area of icon 1510, 1520), a quest selection screen (e.g., a screen similar to that shown in Figures 8 to 10) pops up and displays only the quests in which the missing material can be obtained.

(2) Modification in which a quest start screen is displayed without going through a quest selection screen In the above embodiment, when a predetermined operation is performed to specify a specific missing material on the required material guide screen (FIGS. 1 and 13), a quest selection screen (FIGS. 8 to 10) is displayed in a pop-up display, which displays only quests for which the missing material can be obtained. Also, in the above modification 1(1), when a predetermined operation is performed to specify a specific missing material on the missing material guide screen (FIG. 15), a quest selection screen (FIGS. 8 to 10) is displayed in a pop-up display, which displays only quests for which the missing material can be obtained.

Alternatively, the quest start screen (Figures 11 and 12) may be displayed without going through the quest selection screen. This makes it easier to proceed to the quest start screen from the required material information screen or the missing material information screen. If there are multiple quests in which the specified missing material can be obtained, for example, the quest with the highest priority may be automatically selected and the quest start screen for the selected quest may be displayed. This makes it easier to proceed to the high priority quest start screen from the required material information screen or the missing material information screen.

The priority may be a fixed value or fixed ranking preset by the operator of the service of the embodiment, or may be a priority that is dynamically determined by a procedure preset by the operator, or may be a priority that is dynamically determined according to the status of the player or a specific object possessed by the player. Furthermore, if there is only one quest that can obtain the specified missing material, a quest start screen for the quest that can obtain the missing material may be displayed.

[3-2. Modification 2 (Modification regarding the manner of guidance display)]
In the above embodiment, the missing material is guided in a predetermined manner on the required material guide screen (e.g., FIG. 1, FIG. 13) by adding (superimposing) a guidance icon to the guidance information displayed in the normal manner. In the above modification 1 (1), the missing material is guided in a predetermined manner on the missing material guide screen (e.g., FIG. 15) by adding (superimposing) a guidance icon to the guidance information displayed in the normal manner.

In response to this, the required material guidance screen (e.g., Figs. 1 and 13) and the missing material guidance screen (e.g., Fig. 15) may be configured so that the missing materials are guided in a predetermined manner (first manner) that changes the display form of the guidance information. This makes it easier to visually understand the navigation possibilities. The display form may, for example, be such that the color, size, or movement of the guidance information displayed in the normal manner is changed, or the guidance information is visually decorated.

In addition, when there are multiple types of quests that the player can challenge among those in which the missing material can be obtained, the display format may be dynamically determined according to the combination of quests. This makes the options to which the player is guided visually easier to understand. For example, the user terminal 30 may display a different icon in area 120 when the quests in which the missing material can be obtained are only the second quest, only the third quest, or both the second and third quests. Furthermore, when the missing material can be obtained only from the third quest, for example, the user terminal 30 may display the icon in a manner (color, flashing frequency, etc.) that corresponds to the remaining time in which the third quest can be executed.

[3-3. Modification 3 (Modification regarding display of guidance icon)]
(1) Guidance in other display modes In the above embodiment, the missing material is guided in a predetermined mode in which a guidance icon is added (superimposed) to the guidance information displayed in the normal mode on the required material guide screen (e.g., FIG. 1, FIG. 13). In the above modification 1(1), the missing material is guided in a predetermined mode in which a guidance icon is added (superimposed) to the guidance information displayed in the normal mode on the missing material guide screen (e.g., FIG. 15).

In response to this, the required material information screen (e.g., Fig. 1, Fig. 13) and the missing material information screen (e.g., Fig. 15) may be configured so that missing materials that the player has never possessed in the past or present are displayed in a predetermined manner (second manner) different from missing materials that the player has possessed. This makes it easier to proceed to a quest in which unknown missing materials can be obtained from the required material information screen or the missing material information screen.

Figure 16 is a modified example of a required material guidance screen for the second evolution (deification). Screen 1600 illustrated in Figure 16 includes an area 1610 that provides guidance on the original character, an area 1620 that provides guidance on the required materials required for the second evolution of the original character, and an area 1630 that provides guidance on the transformed character after the original character has undergone the second evolution. Guidance information for each required material is displayed in area 1620.

In area 1620, guidance information (icons 1621, 1622) for the necessary materials that correspond to the missing materials is displayed. Then, guidance icon 1623 is superimposed on the upper left corner of the display area of icon 1622 that corresponds to a missing material that the player has experience of possessing (known missing material). Meanwhile, guidance icon 1624, which is smaller in size than icon 1621 and different from guidance icon 1623, is superimposed on the upper left corner of the display area of icon 1621 that corresponds to a missing material that the player has not experience of possessing (unknown missing material). In other words, on screen 1600, unknown missing materials are guided in a manner (second manner) different from the manner (first manner) in which known missing materials are guided.

(2) When a Required Material is Already Possessed In the above embodiment, information on required materials that are not in short supply is displayed in a normal manner on the required material guide screen (e.g., FIG. 1, FIG. 13). In contrast, the required material guide screen may be configured to display required materials that are not in short supply but are restricted from being used as required materials in a manner different from the normal manner. This makes it easier to visually see which characters can be used as required materials when the restrictions are lifted.

Situations in which use as a required material is restricted include, for example, a situation in which a specific transformation is reserved for the source character in question, a situation in which the material is reserved as a required material to cause a specific transformation in another source character, a situation in which the material is used as a character to organize a deck, or a situation in which the material is locked (disposal restrictions are placed).

Figure 17 is a modified example of a required material guidance screen for the second evolution (deification). Screen 1700 illustrated in Figure 17 includes an area 1710 that provides guidance on the original character, an area 1720 that provides guidance on the required materials required for the second evolution of the original character, and an area 1730 that provides guidance on the transformed character after the original character has undergone the second evolution. Guidance information for each required material is displayed in area 1720.

In area 1720, necessary materials that are not missing (icon 1721) and guidance information for necessary materials that are missing (icon 1722) are displayed. Guidance icon 1723 is superimposed on the upper left corner of the display area of icon 1722 corresponding to the missing material. Meanwhile, guidance icon 1724, which is smaller in size than icon 1721 and different from guidance icon 1723, is superimposed on the upper left corner of the display area of icon 1721 corresponding to the necessary material that is not missing. In other words, on screen 1700, necessary materials that are not missing and whose use as necessary materials is restricted are guided in a manner (third manner) different from the normal manner.

10 User management server 20 Data management server 21 Storage 30 User terminal (an example of a game information processing device)
40 Communication network 510 Update unit 520 Storage unit 530 Guidance unit 540 Display unit 550 Input unit 560 Reception unit 570 Guidance unit

Claims (4)

A control unit is provided,
when the player does not possess a number of second objects necessary for changing the first object possessed by the player, the control unit notifies the player that the second objects are insufficient;
when the control unit receives an operation to designate the second object, it displays a screen for starting a game having a high priority according to a status of the first object from among a plurality of games in which the second object is available ;
the plurality of games include a first game having a limited executable period and a second game having an unlimited executable period;
the control unit displays, on a screen for notifying the player that the second object is in short supply, an image associated with the second object in a manner different from that in a case where the first game is included in a plurality of games in which the second object is available and that where the second game is included in a plurality of games in which the second object is available;
Information processing device. the processor notifies the player that there is a shortage of second objects when the player does not possess a number of second objects necessary for changing the first object possessed by the player;
when the processor receives an operation to designate the second object, displaying a screen for starting a game having a high priority according to a status of the first object from among a plurality of games in which the second object is available;
the plurality of games include a first game having a limited executable period and a second game having an unlimited executable period;
a processor, on a screen for notifying the player that the second object is in short supply, displays an image associated with the second object in a manner different from that in a case where the first game is included in a plurality of games in which the second object is available and a case where the second game is included in the plurality of games in which the second object is available;
Information processing methods. causing the processor to notify the player of a shortage of second objects when the player does not possess a number of second objects necessary for changing the first object possessed by the player;
displaying a screen for starting a game having a high priority according to a status of the first object from among a plurality of games in which the second object is available, when the processor receives an operation for designating the second object;
the plurality of games include a first game having a limited executable period and a second game having an unlimited executable period;
causing the processor to display, on a screen for notifying the player that the second object is in short supply, an image associated with the second object in a manner different from that in a case where the first game is included in a plurality of games in which the second object is available and a case where the second game is included in the plurality of games in which the second object is available;
A program that executes a process. A server and a terminal are provided,
when the player does not possess a necessary number of second objects to change the first object possessed by the player, the server notifies the terminal of the player that the second objects are insufficient;
when the server receives an operation to designate the second object, the server displays on the terminal a screen for starting a game having a high priority according to a status of the first object from among a plurality of games in which the second object is available;
the plurality of games include a first game having a limited executable period and a second game having an unlimited executable period;
the server causes the terminal to display, on a screen for notifying the player that the second object is in short supply, an image associated with the second object in a different manner depending on whether the first game is included in a plurality of games in which the second object is available or whether the second game is included in the plurality of games in which the second object is available;
system.

Images