U.S. Pat. No. 8,684,836

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Further features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

An embodiment for implementing the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the present embodiment) will now be described with reference to specific examples. The present embodiment relates to a game system that provides a game to a terminal connected to a game server via a communication network. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 1, a game system G of the present embodiment includes a game server1that provides a game to a physical user who is operating a terminal, and terminals3a,3b,3c, . . . ,3n(hereinafter, collectively referred to as a terminal3) connected to the game server1via a communication network such as the Internet2.

In the following description, prior to describing the embodiment, the definitions of terms used in the present embodiment will be clarified. Then, a general outline of a social game concerning the present embodiment will be described, and thereafter, a configuration of the game system G and a process performed by the game system G will be described in detail.

(1) DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

The definitions of terms used in the present embodiment are as follows.

“Virtual space” means a virtual world that is created during a game based on content of the game and refers to a space different from a physical space. The “virtual space” displayed on a display (a display section) of the terminal3is two-dimensional. However, a conceptual space created by executing a program in the server1via a communication network with connections to another terminal3is not limited to a two-dimensional space.

“Physical user” means an entity operating a terminal, i.e., a person. “Virtual user” means a virtual entity representing the physical user in the virtual space in accordance with a button operation or a touch operation on the terminal of the physical user, or which is created based on a taste or preference of the physical user. Specifically, a virtual user is a virtual entity that acts in a virtual space in response to the physical user's operation of a terminal. The “virtual user” includes, for example, a virtual entity like a player in conventional shogi games or mahjong games that is not visible in the game and operates pieces or tiles in the virtual space as an existence representing the “physical user”. The “virtual user” also includes a particular visible character that is displayed in the game such as a role playing game or a player-versus opponent game and that moves or performs an action. Further, the “virtual user” includes a virtual entity displayed as an avatar in a SNS. Accordingly, the “virtual user” in the present embodiment is used as a term that broadly represents the virtual entity in the virtual space, regardless of whether it is a virtual entity which is embodied in a game or a virtual entity which is not embodied.

“Two-dimensional map” means a map that is presented on a plane displayed on a display (a display section) of the terminal3, and expresses a plurality of positions located on a plane in the virtual space and a route connecting the positions under a certain rule. “Virtual position” means a position on a plane located in such a manner that the virtual user is reachable.

“Point” means a point granted to the virtual user in the virtual space and allows a target game part to progress when the virtual user consumes the point in the virtual space. “Operation data that requests for a progress of a game part related to a virtual user” means operation data that requests that the point granted to the virtual user be used and that a target game part progress depending on the point consumed by being used. “Received content of operation data” means, for example, the number of times operation data is received, an instruction is indicated by the operation data, and a decision is indicated by the operation data.

(2) GENERAL OUTLINE OF SOCIAL GAME

Next, a general outline of a social game provided from the game server1to the terminal3connected via the Internet2will be described with reference toFIG. 2.

Generally, a social game is a game played in a virtual space by a virtual user performing an action in response to operation of the terminal3by the physical user. For example, the social game is a game in which a set of a predetermined number of cards (hereinafter, referred to as a card deck) is created from among various kinds of, e.g., several hundreds of kinds of, virtual cards (hereinafter, simply referred to as cards) each having a character displayed thereon. More specifically, the user strengthens and collects the cards by executing a battle against enemies appearing in the virtual space using the cards or by trading the cards with another virtual user, while upgrading a level and selecting an attribute of the card in the card deck. In a battle using the cards, damage to enemies and results of the battle are determined based on the level of offensive and defensive powers of each card constituting the card deck, a skill (corresponding to a “meld” as used in a card game or mahjong) with which a certain effect can be obtained by a predetermined combination of cards, and so on.

This type of social game is established as a single game and as a whole with a plurality of parts being combined organically to complete a single story or a character. For example, as shown inFIG. 2, a social game20includes a quest part21, a combination part22, a battle part23, a gacha-part24and a trade part25, each part serving as a game element.

As represented by the term “quest”, which means “to search, to explore and to have an adventure” or the like, the quest part21is a part constituting a game that progresses as a virtual user quests in a virtual space, battles against enemies that appear during the quest, acquires a new card, and improves the level of the virtual user. In the quest part21, the virtual user is given a predetermined number of quest points, and a movement of the virtual user, an acquisition of an item, an improvement of the level, and so on, are accomplished by consuming the quest point. In the quest part21, a battle against an enemy that has appeared is executed by using the cards possessed by the virtual user and consuming a battle point.

The combination part22is a part in which cards possessed by the virtual user are combined to increase the strength of the cards, so as to increase an offensive power for damaging enemies or a defensive power for defending from enemies during a battle.

The battle part23is a part in which the cards possessed by the virtual user are used to launch a battle in which another virtual user acts as an opponent. A win or a loss is determined based on the offensive power and the defensive power of each of the cards described above.

The gacha part24is a part having a name that comes from a term “gacha-gacha” expressing the sound and manner in which a capsule toy, which is a toy enclosed in a capsule, is ejected from a toy vending machine when a coin is inserted into the toy vending machine, and, for example, in which the virtual user obtains a card randomly based on an occurrence rate for each card by using a gacha point or gacha authority that is virtually provided instead of a coin.

The trade part25is a part via which the virtual user exchanges the cards in possession with another virtual user. Each virtual user adds profitable cards obtained by using the trade part25into a card deck to strengthen the offensive power for damaging an enemy or the defensive power for defending from an enemy that is attacking during the battle.

The social game20including the plurality of parts described above is not independent from other game parts, and, as described above, each part is associated and combined with each other to become meaningful as an entire game. Therefore, with the social game20, a single game can be progressed as an entirety with the virtual user causing each game part to progress effectively.

(3) BASIC HARDWARE CONFIGURATION

(3-1) Configuration of Terminal

Hereinafter, a hardware configuration for obtaining a game system G of the present embodiment will be described based on the definition of the social game20described above.

As shown inFIG. 1, the terminal3may be a portable wireless communication terminal, and may include, for example, a wireless communication section31, a display section32, and an operation input section33. The wireless communication section31is connected to the Internet2over a mobile telephone line or a wireless LAN circuit and performs data communication with the game server1by using a web browser. The display section32displays a web browser data screen received from the game server1. The operation input section33comprises a touch panel. For example, an operation input from the physical user in accordance with a screen display of the display section32is accepted via the touch panel. The operation input thus accepted from the physical user is transmitted to the game server1by the wireless communication section31.

With the terminal3having such a hardware configuration, for example, an individual authentication process of the terminal is performed using a combination of a pre-registered user ID and a predetermined password. When the authentication between the terminal3and the game server1is completed, the terminal3receives, from the game server1, data necessary for progression of a game and transmits operation data of the operation input section33to the game server1.

The terminal3may be a mobile telephone, a PDA or a personal computer as long as it is a communication device capable of communicating with the game server1via a communication network such as the Internet2. The operation input section33has been described by taking a touch panel as an example, but may be of a configuration in which information is input by performing a selection operation by moving a cursor with a physical key operation.

(3-2) Schematic Configuration of Game Server

The game server1to be connected to the terminal3so as to be capable of communicating with the terminal3is embodied as a computer having a general-purpose hardware configuration as shown inFIG. 3, for example. That is to say, as shown inFIG. 3, the game server1includes a communication interface section11that establishes communications with the terminal3via the Internet2, and an operation input unit12such as a keyboard or a mouse that accepts an operation input from a physical user. Further, the game server1is provided with an arithmetic processing section13such as a CPU that executes various arithmetic processing, a main memory14such as an SRAM or a DRAM that temporarily stores arithmetic processing data, a storage unit15such as a hard disk in which application programs and various data are stored, and a display16that displays an outcome of the arithmetic process.

In the game server1, by installing a program in the storage unit15for offering such social game20to a physical user, function blocks as shown inFIG. 4are obtained.

That is to say, in the game server1, for example, as shown inFIG. 4, a game data processing section100comprising a quest part processing section101, a combination part processing section102, a battle part processing section103and a gacha part processing section104as well as a game data storing section200that manages game data, thus realizing the functions of the abovementioned sections.

Here, the quest part processing section101executes data processing for the quest part21. The combination part processing section102executes data processing for the combination part22. The battle part processing section103executes data processing for the battle part23. The gacha part processing section104executes data processing for the gacha part24. The trade part processing section105executes data processing for the trade part25.

(3-3) Specific Architecture of Game Server

Now, among the parts processed by this type of game server1, a specific configuration and process details of achieving the quest part21will be described with reference toFIG. 5.

(3-3-1) Configuration of Game Data Storing Section

Data to be used in the quest part21is stored in the game data storing section200. As shown inFIG. 5, in a map data storing section201, a virtual position data table202, an attribute data table203, a quest display image table204, and an enemy data table205are stored.

The map data storing section201stores map data of a two-dimensional map in a virtual space, which presents arrangement of virtual positions where a virtual user can exist. The map data is used to identify a virtual position where a virtual user exists and a virtual position that the virtual user can reach by consuming a quest point.

In the present embodiment, a field300, which is shown inFIG. 6, is explained as a specific example of a two-dimensional map. The field300is divided into a matrix of a plurality of sub-regions (here, divided into equal squares each having a virtual side length of “1”). Stages St1 to St12 are assigned to twelve of the sixteen sub-regions, and a route running through each of the twelve stages is drawn to complete the field300. As shown inFIG. 6, the route originates from a starting point Fstart, runs through St1, St2, St3, St4, St6, and St8, and reaches an endpoint Fend. At stages St4 and St6, the route is bifurcated. The route is configured such that it is possible to reach a plurality of different stages from these two stages.

To configure the field300, the map data storing section201stores map data350shown inFIG. 7. The map data350contains, as shown inFIG. 7, data illustrating a connection relationship between a total of twelve stages, stages St1 to St12, that are arranged at virtual positions in a virtual space as a single field. In the map data350represented by the table inFIG. 7, Reachable Stage “St2(20)” for Stage Number “St(1)” indicates that Stage St(2) can be reached from Stage St(1) by consuming “20” quest points, which will be described below. Similarly, Reachable Stage “St5(20)” for Stage Number “St (4)” indicates that Stage St(5) can be reached from Stage St(4) by consuming “20” quest points, and Reachable Stage St “St6(15)” indicates that Stage St(6) can be reached from Stage St(4) by consuming “15” quest points. The map data storing section201stores the map data350containing such information for each field.

In the above description, “stage” is an example of a virtual position. When the virtual user reaches this stage, the user acquires an item or a card or battles with an enemy that has appeared. “Field” is a single closed virtual space having a plurality of such “stages” arranged therein. The entire quest part is constituted by additionally providing a plurality of such fields, each having stages arranged therein. The terms “stage” and “field” used herein are merely distinguished for the sake of convenience. For example, the term “field” may be used for a position at which the virtual user can exist in the virtual space based on a story in a game and the term “stage” may be used for a single closed virtual space at which the “field” is located, which is opposite to the definition of the present embodiment.

The virtual position data table202(seeFIG. 5) stores identification data of the virtual user existing at each virtual position, as shown inFIG. 8, for example. The virtual position data table202is, for example, used for understanding which virtual user exists at each virtual position and the total number of the virtual users. Specifically, as identification data, the virtual position data table202stores an identification number ID for a virtual user that exists at each of St1 to St8, such as information regarding virtual users with identification numbers ID “11134” and “14375” that exist at Stage St4.

The attribute data table203(seeFIG. 5) contains attribute information regarding virtual users existing in the virtual space for each virtual user. For example, as shown inFIG. 9, the attribute data table203contains, for each virtual user, attribute information including position information, level information, quest point information, battle point information, gacha point information and acquisition card list information.

In the attribute data table203, “Position Information” indicates a virtual position at which a virtual user exists. For example, Position Information “St(3)” indicates that a virtual user exists at Stage St(3) in the field300shown inFIG. 6. “Level Information” is a numerical value representing a skill level of a virtual user in the game. When the game starts from level 1, this numerical value increases with the progress of the game to, for example, Level 2 and Level 3. For example, Level Information “L6” indicates that the level of the virtual user is at a sixth level.

Concerning this level, a single level is given in the entire game, rather than giving a unique level for the quest part, which is only one part of the game. Also, depending on the game, it may not be necessary for the virtual user to have a concept of a level.

“Quest Point” information indicates the number of points consumed as a cost in the quest part21when the virtual user moves between the stages while questing in the virtual space. “Battle Point” information indicates the number of points consumed as a cost when a virtual user battles against another virtual user in the battle part23, or when attacking an enemy that has appeared when questing in the virtual space in the quest part21. “Gacha Point” information indicates a point consumed as a cost when the virtual user performs a gacha action to obtain an item in the gacha part24. “Acquired Card List” information indicates a list of cards acquired by the virtual user.

The quest display image table204(seeFIG. 5) contains data for displaying an image of the map on the terminal3connected via the Internet2. Specifically, as has been described with reference toFIG. 6, when the virtual user exists at Stage St(4) of the field300, in order to present a map image400as shown inFIG. 10, the quest display image table204contains display image data described below.

That is to say, the quest display image table204contains data for displaying a stage display image411(a black dot inFIG. 10) that indicates a stage at which the virtual user actually exists, e.g., Stage St (4), and data for displaying a stage display image412(a white dot inFIG. 10) that indicates a stage around Stage St (4). The quest display image table204also contains data for displaying an already-reached display image421that indicates a route (shown by a solid line inFIG. 10) between the already-reached stages and data for displaying an unreached display image422that indicates a route (shown by a broken line inFIG. 10) between the unreached stages.

Further, the quest display image table204contains data for displaying a virtual user display image431(a white square inFIGS. 10) and 432(a white triangle inFIG. 10) that indicates whether or not another virtual user in each stage is an ally. Also, the quest display image table204stores image data for describing a battle with an enemy stored in the enemy data table205.

The enemy data table205stores information regarding an enemy appearing in a stage. Specifically, the enemy data table205stores hit point parameter data on the strength, the durability, and like factors of each enemy as well as capability parameters indicating offensive and defensive capability values.

(3-3-2) Configuration of Quest Part Processing Section

The specific configuration of the quest part processing section101will now be described. As shown inFIG. 5, the quest part processing section101includes a quest image transmitting section41, an operation data receiving section42, a virtual position changing section43, a data table updating section44, a destination selection data transmitting section45, an enemy battle processing section46, and a relationship building section47.

The quest image transmitting section41transmits data for displaying an image of a map to each terminal3connected via the Internet2based on data stored in the game data storing section200. Specifically, based on data stored in the game data storing section200, the quest image transmitting section41retrieves each display image data stored in the quest display image table204. Then, the quest image transmitting section41combines the display image data retrieved from the quest display image table204and transmits, to the terminal3, the aforementioned display processing data for displaying an image shown inFIG. 10. Also, the display process data transmitted by the quest image transmitting section41is not limited to image data, but may also be display control data for controlling the display of the image data stored on the terminal3side.

The operation data receiving section42receives, from each terminal3, operation data representing, for example, an operation that requires progress in the quest part. Specifically, the operation data receiving section42receives operation data indicating that a quest point is used for moving between the stages and operation data indicating that a battle point is used for battling against an enemy that has appeared.

The virtual position changing section43has a consumption point calculating section43aand a reach determination section43bfor changing the stage at which each virtual user exists based on the operation data indicating that a quest point received by the operation data receiving section42is used.

The consumption point calculating section43acalculates accumulated quest points consumed depending on the content of the received operation data. Specifically, the consumption point calculating section43acalculates accumulated quest points consumed depending on the number of times the operation data is received. The reach determining section43bdetermines whether the virtual user to be controlled or processed (hereinafter abbreviated as a target virtual user) reaches a destination virtual position based on the accumulated quest points. Also, in the present embodiment, the number of times the operation data is received is used as a specific example of the content of the operation data received, but an instruction represented by the operation data and a decision indicated by the operation data may also be used.

The data table updating section44updates identification data in the virtual position data table202when the stage at which each virtual user exists is changed by the virtual position changing section43.

The destination selection data transmitting section45transmits, to the terminal3, data related to options for selecting a destination stage.

The enemy battle processing section46performs a process of a battle of a specific virtual user with an enemy. In this process, the specific virtual user is a target virtual user, and the target virtual user accidentally encounters an enemy and uses at least one card in his/her own possession to engage in a battle with an enemy. Also, the enemy battle processing section46performs a process for involving, in a battle with an enemy, another virtual user who has received an assistance request from the target virtual user.

The relationship building section47comprises a virtual user screening section47aand a relevant information transmitting section47b. The relationship building section47is a means for building a relationship between a target virtual user and another virtual user based on the distance therebetween in a virtual space. Specifically, when a target virtual user and another virtual user exist on the same two-dimensional map, the aforesaid other virtual user is screened in by the virtual user screening section47abased on his/her distance from the target virtual user. Relevant information regarding the other virtual user thus screened in is retrieved from the attribute data table203by the virtual user screening section47a. The relevant information transmitting section47btransmits the aforesaid relevant information to the terminal3, which controls the screened-in target virtual user. Specifically, upon reception of an assistance request from a target virtual user battling with an enemy, the virtual user screening section47aidentifies relevant information regarding another virtual user who is a candidate for assistance, and the relevant information transmitting section47btransmits the information to the terminal of the target virtual user. Relevant information regarding another virtual user, which is selected based on the virtual distance as described in the specific examples below, may be transmitted to the target virtual user, not only upon sending an assistance request therefrom, but also while the target virtual user is moving between stages in the quest part. The relationship building section47may transmit information to each terminal3operating another virtual user selected as a candidate for assistance so as to notify that the other virtual user is requested to launch an attack against the enemy battling with the target virtual user.

(4) PROCESS IN GAME SERVER

(4-1) Process of Quest Part Processing Section

A content of processing of the quest part processing section101having the aforementioned configuration will be described with reference toFIG. 11.

In step S1101, the operation data receiving section42determines whether or not operation data that uses the quest point has been received. If the operation data that uses the quest point has not been received, the process returns to step S1101(S1101: NO). If the operation data that uses the quest point has been received (S1101: YES), the process advances to steps S1102and S1103.

In step S1102, the quest part processing section101performs a process of changing the position of existence in the field subject to processing, which will be described in detail below, and the process of this step ends.

In step S1103, the enemy battle processing section46selects, at a predetermined probability, an enemy from among those stored in the enemy data table205randomly and makes the selected one appear in front of a target virtual user in such a way that the selected enemy encounters the target virtual user by accident. If the enemy battle processing section46makes the selected enemy appear in front of the target virtual user (S1103: YES), the process advances to step S1104. If not (S1103: NO), the process returns to step S1101.

In step S1104, the enemy battle processing section46grants the target virtual user an opportunity to battle with the enemy having made an appearance in S1103. Specifically, the information stating that the target virtual user has been granted such an opportunity is notified from the enemy battle processing section46to the quest image transmitting section41, which in turn transmits the notified information to the terminal3.

At the terminal3, to which the aforementioned notified information has been transmitted, whether a battle with the enemy will take place is determined. If a battle is to take place, operation data for battling with the enemy is transmitted to the game server1.

In S1105, the enemy battle processing section46determines whether the operation data receiving section41has received the operation data for battling with the enemy from the terminal3—in other words, whether to launch a battle with the enemy. If a battle is to be launched (S1105: YES), the process advances to steps S1106and S1107. If no battle is to take place (S1105: NO), the process ends.

In step S1106, upon confirmation that a battle point has been used by the operation data, the enemy battle processing section46decreases, based on the card deck that the virtual user owns, the hit point of the enemy when the enemy is damaged. Likewise, as described below, the terminal3, which controls another virtual user selected as a candidate for assistance, triggers use of a battle point by the operation data, and the enemy battle processing section46damages the enemy. When the hit point of the enemy decreases to zero due to the damage done by the virtual user, the enemy battle processing section46outputs the result that the target virtual user has won the battle with the enemy and ends the process of this step. This result is stored in the attribute data table203as attribute data of the target virtual user, for example, and notified by the quest image transmitting section41to the terminal3, through which the target virtual user is controlled.

In step S1107, the relationship building section47builds a relationship between the target virtual user with another virtual user based on the distance therebetween in a virtual space. The relationship building section47transmits relevant information regarding another virtual user, which is a candidate for assistance during a battle with the enemy, to the terminal3, which controls the target virtual user. The process ends thereafter.

(4-1-1) Process of Changing Stage where Virtual User Exists

As a specific process in step S1102, the quest part processing section101executes a process of changing a stage on which the virtual user exists in accordance with the flowchart shown inFIG. 12. As a prerequisite of this process, it is assumed that the destination stage of the target virtual user that is a target of the process has been determined. Also, it is assumed that each time the operation data that performs a usage request of the quest points is received from the terminal3, the quest points of the target virtual user will decrease by “3” points. For example, the quest points to be consumed at a time may be set by the level of the target virtual user rather than being determined by the physical user operating the terminal3.

In step S1201, the consumption point calculating section43acalculates accumulated quest points consumed depending on the number of times the operation data is received. For example, when the operation data is received eight times, as has been described above, since the quest points are consumed by “3 points” each time the operation data is received, the accumulated consumed quest points become “24”. Also, the consumption point calculating section43anotifies the data table update section44of the quest points consumed for each time the operation data is received. The data table updating section44updates the quest points in the data of the target virtual user in the attribute data table203based on the information notified by the consumption point calculating section43a. For example, when the target virtual user possesses “70” quest points and the operation data is received once, the data table update section44updates the quest point possessed by the target virtual user to “67 points”, which is a reduction of “3 points” from “70 points”.

In step S1202, the reach determining section43bdetermines whether or not the accumulated quest points calculated by the consumption point calculating section43ais greater than or equal to the points required for the target virtual user to reach the virtual destination position. For example, when the target virtual user moves from Stage St(3) to Stage St(4), the reach determining section43bdetermines that “24 points”, which is the accumulated quest points, is greater than or equal to “23 points”, which is the number of points required for reaching the virtual destination position as shown in the table ofFIG. 7. When the accumulated quest points is less than the required points (S1202: NO), the reach determining section43breturns to step S1101, as shown inFIG. 11. When the accumulated quest points is greater than or equal to the required points (S1202: YES), the process proceeds to step S1203. Also, as has been described above, when the accumulated quest points is “24 points” and the required number of points is “23 points”, the difference “1 point” can be assumed to have not been consumed and the quest points of the target virtual user in the attribute data table203may be changed by the data table update section44.

In step S1203, the reach determining section43bchanges the stage where the target virtual user exists to the destination stage. Then, the data table updating section44is notified of the fact that the stage has changed.

In step S1204, the data table updating section44updates the identification data in the virtual position data table202, and the process proceeds to step S1205. Specifically, the data table updating section44deletes the identification data of the target virtual user from the stage at which the target virtual user existed before the change, and adds the identification data of the target virtual user to the stage where the target virtual user exists after the modification.

In step S1205, the destination selection data transmitting section45determines whether there are a plurality of stages that the target virtual user can reach from the current stage of the target virtual user, which has been changed by the virtual position changing section43. For example, when the target virtual user exists at Stage St(4) or St(6) of the field300shown inFIG. 6, it is determined that there are a plurality of reachable stages (S1205: YES), and the process proceeds to step S1206. When the target virtual user exists at a stage other than Stages St(4) and St(6), it is determined that a plurality of reachable stages do not exist (S1205: NO), and the process proceeds to step S1207.

In step S1206, the destination selection data transmitting section45transmits destination selection data for selecting the stage of the destination to the terminal3that controls the target virtual user, and the process ends.

For example, when the target virtual user exists at Stage St(4) as shown inFIG. 13(see black dot inFIG. 13), the destination selection data transmitting section45transmits selection image data510,520for selecting one of Stages St(5) and Stage St(6) as a destination. This selection image data510,520may be incorporated in a map image400to be displayed on the terminal3.

The terminal3which has received such selection image data510,520displays these selection images on the display section32. When one of the selection images is selected by the physical user operating the operation input section33, the terminal3notifies the game server1of the fact that the destination stage has been determined via the wireless communication section31.

In step S1207, the destination selection data transmitting section45determines the destination stage of the target virtual user, and the process ends. For example, when the target virtual user exists at Stage St(2) in the field300inFIG. 6, the destination selection data transmitting section45determines Stage St(3) as a destination stage.

(4-1-2) Process of Transmitting Relevant Information Regarding Another Virtual User by Relationship Building Section

The processes of first to third embodiments, which are presented below, are explained as specific processes of step S1107.

First Embodiment

As a specific process of step S1107, the relationship building section47performs a transmission process of the first embodiment in accordance with the flowchart presented inFIG. 14.

In step S1401, the relationship building section47determines whether assistance request data is received from the terminal3that controls a target virtual user. When not received (S1401: NO), the process returns to step S1401. When received (S1401: YES), the process proceeds to step S1402.

In step S1402, the virtual user screening section47asets a screening area where a virtual user other than the target virtual user is screened in. Specifically, the virtual user screening section47asets a screening area covering the stage of the target virtual user and another stage that is within a predetermined distance from the stage of the target virtual user. In this embodiment, for example, a circular area, Area 1, is indicated by a broken line inFIG. 15. As shown in Area 1, when the target virtual user exists at Stage St4, stages St1, St3, St4, St5, St6, which are within a distance d of “1” from Stage St4, are set to be in the screening area.

In step S1403, the virtual user screening section47ascreens in other virtual users at the stages within the screening area which are listed in the table ofFIG. 16A, for example.

In step S1404, the virtual user screening section47aarranges, in a descending order of the level, the other screened-in virtual users, as shown in the table ofFIG. 16B, and selects a screened-in virtual user with a higher level. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S1405and step S1406.

In step S1405, the relevant information transmitting section47btransmits certain items of the relevant information regarding the other virtual user thus selected—namely, the current stage and level of the selected virtual user shown in the table of FIG.16B—to the terminal3that controls the target virtual user. Based on the transmitted relevant information, the terminal3, through which the target virtual user is controlled, can acknowledge the type of the virtual user that can be requested for assistance. Via the game server1, the terminal3that is used to control the target virtual user may, in order to request assistance, directly transmit a message to the virtual user selected as a candidate for assistance.

In step S1406, the enemy battle processing section46grants authority to attack the enemy battling with the target virtual user to the other virtual user selected as a candidate for assistance in step S1404. In turn, the relevant information transmitting section47btransmits information to each terminal3that is used to control the other selected virtual user to inform that the selected user is a candidate for assistance to which the aforementioned authority can be granted. By means of the terminal3through which the virtual user selected as a candidate for assistance is controlled, whether to launch an attack based on the transmitted information is determined.

In this way, according to the distances between the virtual positions of the target virtual user and other virtual users, the relationship building section47imposes a restriction on the other virtual users screened in as candidates for assistance. Specifically, the relationship building section47differentiates and restricts virtual users available for assistance and virtual users not available therefor with regard to the virtual distance from the target virtual user to each of the other virtual users. The target virtual user can build a relationship with the other virtual users based on their actions. As a result, interest in the entire game can be stimulated.

A high-level virtual user is expected to do significant damage to the enemy during the battle. The relationship building section47selects a virtual user with a higher level—in other words, selects, from among at least one candidate virtual user restricted with regard to the virtual distance, a user available for assistance who can effectively assist the target virtual user in a battle against the enemy. In turn, to the terminal3that is used to control the target virtual user, the relationship building section47presents relevant information regarding the selected virtual user.

Second Embodiment

Another specific transmission process of step S1107, which is executed by the relationship building section47according to the second embodiment, is different from the aforementioned specific process of the first embodiment and is performed according to the flowchart shown inFIG. 17. Steps S1701to S1703, S1706, and S1707of the second embodiment are not explained hereinbelow since these steps are the same as steps S1401to S1403, S1405, and S1406of the first embodiment. In the transmission process according to the second embodiment, virtual users existing in stages of the screening area are screened in step S1703. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1704.

In step S1704, the other virtual users screened in by the virtual user screening section47aare listed as shown in, e.g., the table ofFIG. 18A. After the strength of the relationship is calculated and 6-level ratings—i.e., SS, S, A, B, C, and D in a descending order—are given to the virtual users, the process proceeds to step S1705. The strength of the relationship is, as described above, used as a criterion to determine the level of interaction between the target virtual user and another virtual user. For example, this determination is made based on the cumulative number of times in which the other virtual user has accepted a request for assistance from the target virtual user as well as on the cumulative number of messages exchanged therebetween—i.e., the number of exchanges therebetween that are conducted by selecting an optional means prepared in advance, such as the “Poke” or “Like” button.

In step S1705, the virtual user screening section47aselects, from among at least one of the other screened-in virtual users shown in the table ofFIG. 18B, a user with a larger number of interactions, and the process proceeds to steps S1706and S1707.

The relevant information transmitting section47bdifferentiates a virtual user available for assistance and a virtual user not available therefor with regard to the virtual distance from the target virtual user to each of the other virtual users. The target virtual user can build a relationship with the other virtual users based on their action. As a result, an interest in the entire game can be stimulated.

A virtual user communicating many times with the target virtual user is expected to be involved in an attack against the enemy during the battle, compared with a user having had a small number of interactions with the target virtual user. According to the second embodiment, the relationship building section47preferentially selects a virtual user with a larger number of interactions—in other words, selects, from among at least one other candidate virtual user restricted with regard to the virtual distance, a user available for assistance that can effectively assist the target virtual user in a battle against the enemy. In turn, to the terminal3that is used to control the target virtual user, the relationship building section47presents relevant information regarding the selected virtual user.

Third Embodiment

Another specific transmission process of step S1107, which is executed by the relationship building section47according to the third embodiment, is different from the aforementioned specific processes of the first and second embodiments and is performed according to the flowchart shown inFIG. 19. Step S1901and steps S1903to S1907of the third embodiment are not explained hereinbelow since these steps are the same as step S1701and steps S1703to S1707of the second embodiment. In the transmission process according the third embodiment, assistance request data is received in step S1901. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1902.

In step S1902, as the level of the target virtual user improves, the virtual user screening section47aincreases the size of the screening area where virtual users other than the target virtual user exist.

For example, in the third embodiment, two different screening areas are set according to the level of the target virtual user. Specifically, the virtual user screening section47asets the circular area—i.e., Area 1 indicated by a broken line inFIG. 20, as a screening area when the level of the target virtual user is L1 to L10. When the level is L11 or higher, the virtual user screening section47asets Area 2, which is a circular area larger than Area 1, as a screening area.

When the target virtual user exists at stage St4, the virtual user screening section47ascreens stages in the following manner: In order to set Area 1 as a screening area, stages St1, St3, St4, St5, and St6, which are within a distance d of “1” from the stage of the target virtual user, are screened in. Also, in order to set Area 2 as a screening area, stages St1 to St7 and stage St9, which are within a distance d of “1.5” from the stage of the target virtual user, are screened-in.

In the third embodiment, levels of the target virtual user are divided into two categories, and different screening areas with different sizes are set for the two categories. However, levels may be divided into a larger number of categories so that the size of the screening area increases as the level of the target virtual user improves.

As described above, the virtual user screening section47asets the screening area to be larger as the level of the target virtual user improves. Compared with a setting where the screening area is smaller, the target virtual user has a greater chance of finding relevant information regarding a candidate virtual user that can effectively assist the target virtual user in a battle against the enemy.

FIG. 18Bpresents a table depicting a specific example of the results of setting the circular Area 1 as a screening area.FIG. 21is a specific example of the results of setting Area 2, which is a circular area larger than Area 1, as a screening area. For example, by setting the screening area to be greater, the target virtual user clearly has a greater chance of finding relevant information regarding the candidate virtual users that can effectively assist the target virtual user in a battle against the enemy, compared with a setting where the screening area is smaller. In this way, the relationship building section47prompts the target virtual user of the terminal3to improve the level thereof. As a result, interest in the entire game can be stimulated.

FIG. 22shows an example modification of the transmission process executed by the relationship building section47according to the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, step S2005may be executed instead of steps S1904and S1905, so that a virtual user with a higher level is selected from among the other screened-in virtual users, and the process proceeds to steps S1906and S1907.

As described above, in this example modification, the relationship building section47sets a larger screening area as the level improves. Thereby, the relationship building section47provides the target virtual user with a greater chance of finding relevant information regarding the candidate virtual user that can effectively assist the target virtual user in a battle against the enemy, compared with a setting where the screening area is smaller.

(5) ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECT

With the game server of the present embodiments described above, the virtual position at which a virtual user can exist is located two dimensionally and stored as map data in the map data storing section201, and this data can be displayed on the terminal3as an image of a two-dimensional map.

Thereby, when executing an action assigned to the virtual user at each virtual position, a plurality of virtual destination positions reachable by the virtual user can be provided. Based on the virtual distance between a target virtual user and another virtual user, relevant information regarding the other user can be transmitted. According to the present disclosure, relevant information regarding a virtual user other than the target virtual user can be transmitted based on the virtual distance therebetween, and the positional relationship between virtual users that can exist at positions in a virtual space can be used. Accordingly, a realistic world in a virtual space is constructed using a positional relationship between the target virtual user and another virtual user that can exist at virtual positions therein, and interest in the entire game can be stimulated.

Particularly, since the physical user can recognize this plurality of destinations by looking at the two-dimensional map on the terminal3, a virtual region provided by the game part can be broadened visually as compared to the related art in which merely linear advancement was possible.

According to the present embodiments, the relationship building section47imposes a restriction on another user in the screening area whose relevant information is to be transmitted. A relationship between the target virtual user and another user in a short virtual distance from the target virtual user can thereby be built in terms of their action. The foregoing feature of the relationship building section47lends variety to the game.

Also, the relationship building section47selects a virtual user with a higher level—in other words, selects, from among at least one other virtual user restricted with regard to the virtual distance, a user available for assistance that can effectively assist the target virtual user. Relevant information regarding the virtual user thus selected can be presented to the terminal that is used to control the target virtual user.

In addition, the relationship building section47selects the virtual user with a larger number of interactions—in other words, selects, from among at least one other virtual user restricted with regard to the virtual distance—a user available for assistance that can effectively assist the target virtual user. Relevant information regarding the virtual user thus selected can be presented to the terminal that is used to control the target virtual user. Moreover, the relationship building section47sets a larger screening area as the level of the target virtual user improves, thereby prompting further improvement of the level of the target virtual user.

Also, the relationship building section47selects, from among at least one other virtual user restricted with regard to the virtual distance, a user available for assistance that can effectively assist the target virtual user in a battle against the enemy. Relevant information regarding the virtual user thus selected can be presented to the terminal that is used to control the target virtual user. Based on the virtual distance, the enemy battle processing section46restricts the authority to attack the enemy battling with the target virtual user, thereby lending variety to the game.

It is to be understood that the object of the present disclosure may also be accomplished by supplying a system or apparatus with a non-transitory storage medium in which a software program, which executes the functions of the above described embodiment is stored, and causing a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus to read out and execute the software program stored in the non-transitory storage medium.

In the above case, the software program read from the non-transitory storage medium executes the functions of the above described embodiment, and therefore the software program and the non-transitory storage medium in which the software program is stored are also an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Examples of the non-transitory storage medium for supplying the software program include a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a DVD-RW and a DVD+RW, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, and a ROM. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded via a network.

Further, it is to be understood that the functions of the above described embodiment may be accomplished not only by executing the software program read out by a computer, but also by causing an OS (operating system) or the like which operates on the computer to perform a part or all of the actual operations based on instructions of the software program.

Further, it is to be understood that functions of the above described embodiment may be accomplished by writing a software program read out from the non-transitory storage medium into a memory provided on an expansion board inserted into a computer or a memory provided in an expansion unit connected to the computer and then causing a CPU or the like provided in the expansion board or the expansion unit to perform a part or all of the actual operations based on instructions of the software program.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.