The present disclosure relates to a processing apparatus, a program, and a method that cause progress of a virtual game that enables execution of a unit game in a previously determined period.
Conventionally, known has been a season-based virtual game in which, with a predetermined period previously determined as one season, each user executes a unit game in the season to compete for the result of the unit game. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-191723 A discloses a system in which, with a plurality of days previously determined as one season, competition is achieved for ranking or popularity, on the basis of the result of a drive racing game executed in the season.
In consideration of such techniques as above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a processing apparatus, a program, and a method that enable provision of a more interesting season-based virtual game to a user.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, provided is “a processing apparatus including: a memory configured to store, in addition to a predetermined instruction command, determination information for determination of whether or not a first user who causes progress of a virtual game including at least a first game period in which a first unit game is executable and a second game period that is set following the first game period and enables a second unit game to be executed, is to be allowed to execute the virtual game; and a processor configured to perform control, based on the predetermined instruction command, such that in a case where the first user selects execution of the first unit game in the first game period, the execution of the first unit game is allowed regardless of the determination information, and in a case where the first user selects execution of the second unit game in a period before the second game period, the execution of the second unit game is allowed based on the determination information”.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, provided is “a program for causing a computer including a memory configured to store determination information for determination of whether or not a first user who causes progress of a virtual game including at least a first game period in which a first unit game is executable and a second game period that is set following the first game period and enables a second unit game to be executed, is to be allowed to execute the virtual game, to function as a processor configured to allow, in a case where the first user selects execution of the first unit game in the first game period, the execution of the first unit game, regardless of the determination information, the processor being configured to allow, in a case where the first user selects execution of the second unit game in a period before the second game period, the execution of the second unit game, based on the determination information”.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, provided is “a method to be performed, in a computer including a memory configured to store, in addition to a predetermined instruction command, determination information for determination of whether or not a first user who causes progress of a virtual game including at least a first game period in which a first unit game is executable and a second game period that is set following the first game period and enables a second unit game to be executed, is to be allowed to execute the virtual game, due to execution of the predetermined instruction command by a processor, the method comprising: allowing, in a case where the first user selects execution of the first unit game in the first game period, the execution of the first unit game, regardless of the determination information; and allowing, in a case where the first user selects execution of the second unit game in a period before the second game period, the execution of the second unit game, based on the determination information”.
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, provided can be a processing apparatus, a program, and a method that enable provision of a more interesting season-based virtual game to a user.
Note that the effect is just exemplary for convenience of description and thus is not limiting. In addition to the effect or instead of the effect, any effect in the present disclosure or any effect obvious to a person skilled in the art can be achieved.
An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the same constituent elements in the drawings are denoted with the same reference signs.
A virtual game according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is executed as a game application, for example, in a terminal apparatus. Then, at least one user participates as a participant in the virtual game, so that the at least one participant user can control the progress thereof. The virtual game is season-based, in which a predetermined game period is set as one season and termination of the game period causes a new season to start.
Typical examples of such a virtual game include fighting games, sports games, racing games, puzzle games, combat games, and role-playing games. A system according to the present disclosure can be suitably applied to any of the various virtual games.
Each user can execute at least one unit game in each season. Each user can accumulate results of execution thereof in the same season, to compete, for example, against the other users for the accumulated result. In response to termination of one season, the corresponding result is reset. In response to termination of one season, a new season starts in the next game period. Then, the users each can accumulate results of execution of a unit game in the season, to compete, for example, against the other users for the accumulated result.
For example, referring to
On the other hand, a user B possesses particular item information called a “pass” in advance before the next game period. Thus, the user B can execute, ahead of the user A, the second unit game executable only in the second game period during the first game period and the third unit game executable only in the third game period during the second game period.
As above, only a particular user having the pass is allowed to execute the unit game that is originally executable only in a predetermined period, before the period. Thus, for example, before the period, the particular user shares the reputation of the unit game with other general users, so that the general users can be made interested in the unit game before the period. As an example, the operator of the virtual game grants the pass for the second unit game executable in the second game period, to a user called an influencer. Then, sharing the reputation of the second unit game with general users who are a large number of followers of the influencer before the second game period enables an effect of advertising on the general users.
Note that, in the present disclosure, regarding each game period, when a game period starts, for example, the termination time of the game period or the start time of the next game period has not necessarily been determined. For example, after each game period starts, the termination time thereof or the start time of the next game period may be determined.
In the present disclosure, each game period is not necessarily set regularly. For example, respective different periods may be set for the seasons such as the season S1 corresponds to three months, the season S2 corresponds to four months, and the season S3 corresponds to three months. The next game period does not necessarily start immediately after the previous game period terminates. For example, the next game period may start after a certain period following termination of the previous game period.
In the present disclosure, each game period may be set in units of hours, days, months, or years. Note that, in a case where each user improves its proficiency level in the virtual game and competes for accumulation of results acquired due to execution of a unit game, a game period of at least several days or more is preferably set.
In the present disclosure, the range from start to termination of each game period is called a season. However, the term “season” is just a name expressing the corresponding period. Needless to say, a different name, such as an event or series, may be provided.
In the present disclosure, a unit game that is part of the virtual game just means a game aggregate to be executed, such as at least one quest, at least one scenario, at least one chapter, at least one dungeon, at least one mission, at least one combat, at least one fight, at least one battle, or at least one stage. Exemplarily, a unit game means one game in a baseball game or football game or one battle in a fighting game, or means a plurality of battles to be repeatedly performed in the same battlefield, virtual game space, or virtual environment, in a season. In one season or one game period, only one unit game may be executable or a plurality of unit games may be executable.
In the present disclosure, whether the unit game that is originally executable in the next game period should be allowed to be executed before the game period is determined on the basis of the presence or absence of the “pass”. Such a pass is granted to each user, for example, on the basis of the proficiency level in the virtual game, the attainment level in the virtual game, the number of follower users or friend users for each user, permission of the operator of the virtual game, or any combination thereof. Note that the pass is a type of so-called item information and may be provided in any form, such as a virtual item having a particular shape, an item that a user can retain personally (e.g., a card-type item, the card being given a two-dimensional code including information regarding allowance, the two-dimensional code being to be read by a terminal apparatus), or information itself indicating that execution is allowed before the game period.
In the present disclosure, a processing apparatus includes a terminal apparatus and a server apparatus. That is, the terminal apparatus and the server apparatus can each perform each piece of processing according to the embodiment below.
Note that, although only one terminal apparatus 100 is provided in the example of
Referring to
The memory 211 including the RAM, the ROM, the nonvolatile memory, and the HDD, functions as a storage unit. The memory 211 stores, as programs, an instruction command for executing the game application according to the present embodiment and an instruction command for executing the OS. Such a program is loaded and executed by the processor 212. The memory 211 (particularly, the RAM) is temporarily used for execution of data write and data read during execution of the program by the processor 212. The memory 211 stores, in addition to a user table illustrated in
The processor 212 achieved by the CPU (microcomputer) functions as a control unit that controls, on the basis of various types of programs stored in the memory 211, the connected other constituent elements. In the present embodiment, particularly, the processor 212 performs, for example, processing of allowing execution of the first unit game regardless of the determination information in a case where the first user selects execution of the first unit game in the first game period and processing of allowing execution of the second unit game on the basis of the determination information in a case where the first user selects execution of the second unit game in the first game period, through the communication interface 213. The processor 212 may be achieved by a single CPU or may be achieved by a plurality of CPUs.
As an example, the communication interface 213 performs processing, such as modulation and demodulation, for transmission and reception of the program for executing the game application according to the present embodiment and various types of information, with each terminal apparatus 100 through the network 300 or with another server apparatus through the network 300. The communication interface 213 communicates with each terminal apparatus or the another server apparatus, in accordance with the wireless communication scheme described above or a publicly known wired communication scheme.
Referring to
The “level information” indicates the proficiency level of a user to the virtual game. The level information varies, for example, on the basis of the number of times of execution of a unit game by a user or a result of execution of a unit game. For example, the level information may be reset every time a game period terminates and the season corresponding to the game period terminates. The “item information” indicates an item acquired, for example, due to the expenditure of in-game currency or a result of execution of a unit game. Examples of such an item include an accessory, a character, a treasure box, a recovery item, an attack item, and a special skill. The “friend-number information” indicates the number of other users with which each user has a predetermined relationship. Examples of the predetermined relationship include the relationship between a followed user and a follower user and the relationship between a user and a friend user or an assistant user. As an example, one user transmits, to another user, a request for setting a predetermined relationship, and then the predetermined relationship is set if the another user approves the request. As another example, in response to transmission of a request for setting a predetermined relationship from one user to another user, the predetermined relationship is set, regardless of approval or disapproval from the another user.
The “attainment-level information” indicates the attainment level in the virtual game. Specifically, the attainment-level information corresponds to an accumulated result due to repeated execution of a unit game. Examples thereof include the numbers of wins and losses, the percentage of wins, the amount of acquired territory, the number of acquired items, and the number of beaten enemy characters. For example, the attainment-level information may be reset every time a game period terminates and the season corresponding to the game period terminates. Note that, although not particularly illustrated in
Referring to
The “condition information” indicates the condition for pass granting. More specifically, indicated is the condition for allowing execution of the unit game that is executable in the game period set to each season, before the season. Examples of such a condition include the proficiency level in the virtual game, the attainment level in the virtual game, the friend number, permission of the operator of the virtual game, and any combination thereof. As the condition information, respective different conditions may be set to the seasons or the same conditions may be set to the seasons. The “game information” corresponds to various types of game information necessary for execution of the unit game in the game period set to each season. Examples of such game information include operation information input from each user to the corresponding terminal apparatus, rendering information on objects that are part of each unit game, information on characters that appear in each unit game, and information on items acquirable in each unit game.
First, described will be the processing sequence in a case where a pass is granted to a particular user. Referring to
When receiving the pass granting information, under control of a processor, the terminal apparatus 100 outputs that the pass has been granted, through an output interface of the terminal apparatus 100 (S13). For example, a display of the terminal apparatus 100 displays that the pass has been granted. Thus, the user of the terminal apparatus 100 can be notified that the pass has been granted to the user.
Next, described will be the processing sequence in a case where the user starts up the game application to execute a unit game in the terminal apparatus 100. Referring to
The server apparatus 200 having received the user information authenticates whether or not the user is valid, on the basis of the received user ID information (S12). Then, with reference to the user table, the server apparatus 200 determines whether or not the user has the pass, on the basis of the user ID information included in the user information (S23). In a case where the user has the pass, the server apparatus 200 transmits, to the terminal apparatus 100 through the communication interface 213, pass information (T22) indicating that the unit game in the season following the current season is allowed to be executed ahead. On the other hand, in a case where the user has no pass, the server apparatus 200 transmits, to the terminal apparatus 100 through the communication interface 213, pass information indicating that the unit game is not allowed to be executed ahead.
The terminal apparatus 100 having received the pass information outputs an initial screen through the output interface, on the basis of the pass information (S24). In a case where the unit game is allowed to be executed ahead, the terminal apparatus 100 displays, on the initial screen, an icon for selection of the season corresponding to the current game period and an icon for selection of the season corresponding to the next game period. Then, the terminal apparatus 100 accepts an instruction input from the user through the input interface, and selects the season to be performed, on the basis of the instruction input (S25). On the other hand, in a case where the unit game is not allowed to be executed ahead, only the icon for selection of the season corresponding to the current game period is displayed. Then, the terminal apparatus 100 accepts an instruction input from the user through the input interface, and selects the season to be performed, on the basis of the instruction input.
Here,
Referring back to
The server apparatus 200 having received the result information updates and stores the user table, on the basis of the received result of execution (S28). Then, the server apparatus 200 generates rankings, for example, on the basis of the updated attainment-level information (S29), and transmits the rankings as ranking information (T26) to the terminal apparatus 100 through the communication interface 213. The terminal apparatus 100 having received the ranking information outputs the received ranking information through the output interface (S30).
Here,
(1) Processing according to Pass Granting
Referring to
Next, in a case where a user having satisfied the condition for pass granting is present, with reference to the user table, the processor 212 updates the pass information associated with the user ID information on the user, from “N” to “Y” and stores the user table (S102). Then, the processor 212 transmits pass granting information including that the pass has been granted, to the terminal apparatus 100 retained by the user, through the communication interface 213 (S103). Then, the processing according to pass granting terminates.
Here,
On the other hand, the user B having satisfied the condition for pass granting in the pass granting period for the season S2 before the second game period is granted the pass. The user B having satisfied the condition for pass granting in the pass granting period for the season S3 before the third game period is granted the pass. Thus, the user B can execute the second unit game executable in the second game period, in the particular period before the second game period corresponding to the season S2. The user B can execute the third unit game executable in the third game period, in the particular period before the third game period corresponding to the season S3.
(2) Processing according to Determination of Presence or Absence of Pass
Referring to
the first unit game executable in the first game period, regardless of the presence or absence of the pass; and
the second unit game executable in the first game period only in a case where the pass is possessed. Next, the processor 212 transmits, to the terminal apparatus 100 through the communication interface 213, pass information indicating that both of the first unit game and the second unit game executable in the second game period set following the first game period are allowed to be executed in the first game period (S204).
On the other hand, in a case where the pass indicates “N”, the processor 212 allows execution of only:
the first unit game executable in the first game period, regardless of the presence or absence of the pass. Next, the processor 212 transmits, to the terminal apparatus 100 through the communication interface 213, pass information indicating that only the first unit game is allowed to be executed and thus the second unit game executable in the second game period set following the first game period is not allowed to be executed. Then, the processing according to determination of the presence or absence of the pass terminates.
(3) Processing according to Season Selection
Referring to
On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that the season S2 has been selected instead of the season S1, with reference to the season table, the processor 212 transmits the game information associated with the season ID information, to the terminal apparatus through the communication interface 213 (S304). Then, the processing according to season selection terminates.
(4) Processing according to Ranking Generation
Referring to
Next, the processor 212 generates ranking information, on the basis of the information stored in the updated user table (S403). Specifically, a result of execution of the second unit game by a user and a result of execution of the second unit game by a different user from the user are each reflected in the user table, resulting in generation of rankings between a plurality of users including the user and the different user. Examples of the ranking information include the rankings of users high in attainment level, the rankings of users high in proficiency level, and the rankings of users having a large number of particular items.
Here, like the user B of
The processor 212 may add the level information or proficiency-level information updated on the basis of a result of execution of the second unit game in the first game period, directly to the level information or proficiency-level information updated in the second game period. This arrangement enables acquisition of a more direct benefit in which a user having the pass starts the second unit game ahead of other users to improve, in advance, each numerical value related to ranking generation.
The processor 212 transmits such generated ranking information as above, to the terminal apparatus 100 through the communication interface 213 (S404). Then, the processing according to season selection terminates.
Other examples applicable to the system 1 described with
In the examples of
Referring to
The processor 112 achieved by a central processing unit (CPU) (microcomputer) functions as a control unit that controls, on the basis of various types of programs stored in the memory 113, the connected other constituent elements. Specifically, the processor 112 reads, from the memory 113, a program for executing the game application according to the virtual game or a program for executing an operating system (OS), and executes the program. The processor 112 performs, for example, processing of allowing execution of the first unit game regardless of determination information in a case where the first user selects execution of the first unit game in the first game period and processing of allowing execution of the second unit game on the basis of the determination information in a case where the first user selects execution of the second unit game in the first game period. Note that the processor 112 may be achieved by a single CPU or may be achieved by a plurality of CPUs. For the processor 112, a different type of processor, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU) tailored for image processing, may be appropriately combined.
The memory 113 including the ROM, the RAM, the nonvolatile memory, and the HDD, functions as a storage unit. The ROM stores, as programs, an instruction command for executing the game application according to the present embodiment and an instruction command for executing the OS. The RAM serves as a memory for use in data write and data read while the processor 112 is processing a program stored in the ROM. The nonvolatile memory serves as a memory to which data write and data read are performed due to execution of the program, and the written data remains saved even after the execution of the program terminates. The memory 113 stores game information necessary for execution of the game application (e.g., each piece of information associated with the user ID information on the user retaining the terminal apparatus 100 in the information stored in the user table of
The communication interface 114 functions as a communication unit that performs, through the communication processing circuit and the antenna, transmission and reception of information with the server apparatus 200 or another terminal apparatus installed distantly. The communication processing circuit performs processing of receiving, from the server apparatus 200, the program for executing the game application according to the present embodiment or various types of information for use in the game application (e.g., game information, pass information, and pass granting information), in accordance with the progress of the game application. The communication processing circuit performs processing of transmitting, to the server apparatus 200, information on a result of processing due to execution of the game application (e.g., result information and user information).
The communication processing circuit is based on a wide-band wireless communication scheme typified by a long-term evolution (LTE) scheme in terms of processing, but can be based on a narrow-band wireless communication scheme, such as a wireless local area network (LAN) typified by IEEE 802.11 or Bluetooth (registered trademark), in terms of processing. Instead of wireless communication or in addition to wireless communication, wired communication can be used.
The input interface 115 including the touch panel 116 and/or the hardware key 117 functions as an input unit that accepts an instruction input from the user according to execution of the game application. The touch panel 116 is arranged covering a display as the output interface 111 and outputs, to the processor 112, information on the arrangement coordinates corresponding to image data that the display displays. As a touch panel technique, a publicly known technique is available, such as a resistive membrane technique, a capacitive coupling technique, or a surface acoustic wave technique with ultrasonic waves. Note that, because the touch panel 116 is an exemplary input interface, needless to say, a different input interface can be used instead. The communication interface 114 that connects with a controller or a keyboard connectable to the terminal apparatus 100 by wireless or by wire can function as the input interface 115 that accepts an instruction input from the user through the controller or the keyboard.
The output interface 111 functions as an output unit that reads, in accordance with an instruction from the processor 112, image information stored in the memory 113 and outputs various types of displays generated due to execution of the game application according to the present embodiment (e.g., refer to
The server apparatus 200 having received the user information authenticates whether or not the user is valid, on the basis of the received user ID information (S52). Then, in a case where it is determined that the user is valid as a result of the authentication, the server apparatus 200 transmits, to the terminal apparatus 100, game information (154) for execution of the unit game in the currently executable season and execution of the unit game in the following season.
In response to reception of the game information through the communication interface 114, the processor 112 in the terminal apparatus 100 refers to the pass information stored in the memory 113 (S53). Then, in a case where “Y” is stored as the pass information, the processor 112 allows the unit game (second unit game) executable in the next game period (second game period) set following the current game period (first game period), to be executed in the current game period (first game period). In this case, the processor 112 allows the unit game (first unit game) that is originally executable in the current game period (first game period), to be executed regardless of whether or not “Y” is stored as the pass information. On the other hand, in a case where “N” is stored as the pass information, the processor 112 does not allow the unit game (second unit game) executable in the next game period (second game period) set following the current game period (first game period), to be executed in the current game period (first game period). However, in this case, the processor 112 allows the unit game (first unit game) that is originally executable in the current game period (first game period), to be executed regardless of whether or not “Y” is stored as the pass information.
Then, the processor 112 outputs an initial screen through the output interface 111, on the basis of a result of reference to the pass information (S54). Specifically, the processor 112 outputs the initial screen exemplified in
Referring to
The user A can execute the first unit game a plurality of times in the event E1 set to the first game period. When the next second game period starts after the first game period terminates, the user A can execute the second unit game a plurality of times in the event E2 set to the second game period. Furthermore, when the next third game period starts after the second game period terminates, the user A can execute the third unit game a plurality of times in the event E3 set to the third game period. That is, the user A can execute the first unit game only in the first game period, the second unit game only in the second game period, and the third unit game only in the third game period, and thus is not allowed to execute the second unit game and the third unit game in the first game period and the third unit game in the second game period.
On the other hand, the user B having satisfied the condition for pass granting in the pass granting period for the event E2 before the second game period is granted the pass. The user B having satisfied the condition for pass granting in the pass granting period for the event E3 before the third game period is granted the pass. Thus, the user B can execute the second unit game executable in the second game period, in the particular period before the second game period corresponding to the event E2. The user B can execute the third unit game executable in the third game period, in the particular period before the third game period corresponding to the event E3.
As above, according to the present embodiment, provided can be a processing apparatus, a program, and a method that enable provision of a more interesting season-based virtual game to a user.
Any processing and the corresponding procedure thereto in the present specification are not limited to the explicit manner in the embodiment and thus can be achieved by software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Specifically, any processing and the corresponding procedure thereto in the present specification are achieved by implementation of logic corresponding to the processing into a medium, such as an integrated circuit, a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical storage. Any processing and the corresponding procedure thereto in the present specification can be performed by various types of computers including a terminal apparatus and a server apparatus, with the processing/procedure implemented as a computer program.
Even in a case where any processing and the corresponding procedure thereto in the present specification are performed by a single apparatus, a single piece of software, a single component, or a single module, such processing or the corresponding procedure thereto can be performed by a plurality of apparatuses, a plurality of pieces of software, a plurality of components, and/or a plurality of modules. Even in a case where any type of information in the present specification is stored in a single memory or a single storage unit, such a type of information can be stored, in a distribution manner, in a plurality of memories in a single apparatus or in a plurality of memories arranged, in a distribution manner, in a plurality of apparatuses. Furthermore, the elements of software and hardware in the present specification can be integrated into a smaller number of constituent elements or can be divided into a larger number of constituent elements, for achievement.
The processing apparatus, program, and method being thus described, it will be apparent that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
The present application is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT/JP2021/025509, filed on Jul. 6, 2021, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | PCT/JP2021/025509 | Jul 2021 | US |
Child | 17882712 | US |