Abstract: The preset invention provides a game system wherein data is prepared for each stage to execute plural stages separately. When a user has made a predetermined result in one stage, the user progresses to the next stage. The game executes each stage in a predetermined sequence. When a predetermined condition for ability improvement is satisfied, a parameter specifying the ability of a game character is increased. The game allows the user to select one stage from the plural stages out of the predetermined sequence, and the selected stage is executed with the parameter specifying the character ability set to a value below that which would be expected for the selected stage, for example, an initial value for a first stage.

Abstract: A method, system, and software for preventing cheating during online gaming on a first computer system, include receiving information regarding cheaters detected during online gaming gathered by a second computer system; and making the received information available to the first computer system. Advantageously, a cheater identified on the second computer system is prevented from online gaming on the first computer system. A method, system, and software for preventing cheating during online gaming also is described, including receiving information regarding cheaters detected during online gaming from a first computer system; and transmitting information regarding cheaters detected during online gaming gathered from a plurality of online gaming computer systems to the first computer system. Advantageously, cheaters identified on the plurality of online gaming computer systems are prevented from online gaming on the first computer system.