JP2000024320A - Game system and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a game system and an information storage medium which can increase the probability that moving objects operated by a player are involved. SOLUTION: An all-time entry system for accepting a player's entry into a game space at any time is adopted. When the subsequent player enters, the preceding player car 10 is returned to the start point 20 so that the preceding player car 12 can be started at the same time. The preceding player car is returned to the nearest starting point among the plurality of starting points on the course, and is started simultaneously with the later player car. When the later player enters, an event for restricting the movement of the preceding player car is generated. The entry of the later player is notified to the preceding player by using the identification image of the later player. The game is not started at the same time as the preceding player with respect to the late player who enters after the number of entries exceeds the limit or after a given time has elapsed. It is desirable to perform remote communication.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a game system and an information storage medium that allow a plurality of players to play in a common game space.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a multi-player type game system in which a plurality of players can play in a common game space has been developed and put into practical use. Taking a game system that can enjoy a racing game as an example, a player enjoys the game by operating his own racing car and competing with a racing car operated by another player.

In a conventional multi-player game system, a late player cannot enter a game space in which a preceding player has entered. That is, in order for a plurality of players to play in a common game space, a plurality of players who want to play together have to enter the game space at the same time. Then, once the game started, the later player could not enter the started game. As a result, the number of players who can play simultaneously is limited as a result, and it is not possible to realize the original fun of a multi-player game in which an unspecified number of players play in a common game space.

In particular, in a game system in which remote communication is performed between a plurality of communication nodes, it is practically difficult for a player of one communication node and a player of another communication node to simultaneously enter. there were.

[0005] In order to solve such a problem, the inventor of the present invention has proposed a method in which a late player enters a game space in which a preceding player has entered, and can play in a game space common to the preceding player. We are developing a game system that accepts player entries to the game space at any time (hereinafter referred to as an all-time entry system).

However, it has been found that such an all-time entry game system has the following problems.

[0007] For example, consider a case where an all-time entry system is adopted in a racing game. In this case, the later player can enter the game space where the preceding player has already raced at any time, and can enjoy the competition with the preceding player.

However, in such a racing game, each player starts from a start point at a different timing (a timing corresponding to an entry time). Therefore, a large distance difference often occurs between the vehicle operated by the late player (hereinafter, referred to as a late player car) and the vehicle operated by the preceding player (hereinafter, referred to as the preceding player car). For this reason, entanglement between the later player car and the preceding player car is less likely to occur, and in some cases, the game may end without encountering each other at all. In this,
Even if you enter a multiplayer game,
The player cannot enjoy the original fun of the multiplayer game.

The present invention has been made in view of the above technical problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game system and an information processing method that can increase the probability that moving objects operated by a player will be involved. It is to provide a storage medium.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is directed to a game system in which a plurality of players can play in a common game space, and a late player enters a game space in which a preceding player has entered. A means for accepting a player's entry to the game space at any time so that a later player can enter and play in a common game space with the preceding player, and when the later player enters, the preceding player and the later player can start the game at the same time. Means for controlling the moving body operated by the preceding player who has already started the game.

According to the present invention, an entry of a player to the game space is accepted at any time. As a result, the new player can enter the game space in which the preceding player has entered at any time, and the new player can play in the same game space as the preceding player.

According to the present invention, a moving body operated by the preceding player (hereinafter, referred to as a moving body of the preceding player) is controlled so that the preceding player and the succeeding player can start the game at the same time when the succeeding player enters. I do. With this configuration, a moving body operated by a later player (hereinafter, referred to as a later player moving body) while adopting a method of accepting a player's entry at any time is adopted.
The probability that the player and the preceding player are related to each other can be increased, and the original fun of the multi-player type game can be realized.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, when the moving object operated by the preceding player starts from the start point and the late player enters, the moving object operated by the preceding player is returned to the start point. In this way, the preceding player mobile unit and the subsequent player mobile unit can start from the starting point on an equal footing. Therefore, it is possible to increase the probability that the preceding player mobile unit and the subsequent player mobile unit will compete while being entangled with each other, thereby realizing a heated competition.

Further, according to the present invention, when a late player enters, a start point near a moving body operated by a preceding player is selected from a plurality of start points provided on the course, and the selected start point is selected. The moving body operated by the preceding player is controlled so that the moving body operated by the later player can be started from the point. In this way, regardless of the position on the course where the preceding player moving object is traveling, the preceding player moving object and the subsequent player moving object can be restarted from an appropriate start point. Then, it is possible to prevent a situation where all the efforts accumulated by the preceding player are returned to nothing.

Further, according to the present invention, when a subsequent player enters, an event for restricting the movement of the moving body operated by the preceding player is generated, and the moving body operated by the preceding player and the subsequent player operate by the event. The game is started simultaneously with the moving object. In this way, the game can be started simultaneously with the preceding player's moving object and the later player's moving object with a smooth game development, while preventing the situation where all the efforts accumulated by the preceding player are returned to nothing. It becomes possible to do.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the entry of the late player is notified to the preceding player by using the identification image of the late player photographed by the photographing means.
By doing so, the preceding player can immediately and easily recognize who is the late player who has entered, and the competitiveness and curiosity of the player can be enhanced.

In the present invention, for a later player who enters after the number of entries of the preceding player exceeds a given number of players, the game may not be started at the same time as the preceding player. A late player who enters after a given time has elapsed may not start the game at the same time as the preceding player.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that it includes means for performing remote location communication between a plurality of communication nodes. In this way, by enabling the player to enter the game space as needed and by performing remote communication, it is possible to significantly increase the number of players who enter the game space. Also, the player can play with a player in a remote place that cannot normally be played together. Therefore, the motivation of the player to enter the game space can be enhanced, and the original fun of the multi-player game can be exhibited.

[0019]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1. 1. Configuration of the Present Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, the host device 100 and the game machine 2
, 200-N are connected to each other via a transmission line 102. This makes it possible to realize a multi-player game system in which a plurality of players can play in a common game space.

As shown in FIG. 1, each game machine 200-1,
200-2... 200-N (hereinafter simply referred to as game machine 200)
), An operation unit 250 (lever, button), a display unit 260, a sound output unit 270 (speaker), a photographing unit 28
0 (CCD camera) and the like are provided. The player sees the game image displayed on the display unit 260,
While listening to the game sound output from the sound output unit 270,
The operation unit 250 is operated. Then, the player enjoys the game by moving the moving object (car, tank, airplane, spacecraft, ship, boat, ski, surfboard, robot, character, etc.) projected on the display section 260 as desired.

In the game system capable of realizing a racing game, the game machine 200 includes, as the operation unit 250, a seat, a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a shift lever, etc. Is provided. In a game system capable of realizing a shooting game, the operation unit 25
As 0, a shooting device or the like formed by imitating an actual gun or the like is provided.

As the game machine 200, a home game machine can be used. In this case, the operation unit 250 becomes a game controller, and the display unit 260 and the sound output unit 270 become a television.

The transmission line 102 may be a wire such as a copper wire or an optical fiber cable, or may be a wireless wire such as an electric wave or an infrared ray. Further, it may be a transmission path inside a computer such as a system bus.

Further, each game machine 200 may be configured so as to be able to play a single player type game alone.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment.

The host device 100 includes a processing unit 110, a work memory 120, an information storage medium 130, and an image generation unit 14.
0, a sound generation unit 150 and a communication unit 160.

Here, the processing unit 110 performs a game calculation (setting of a game mode, progress of a game, determination of a position and a direction of a moving object, a viewpoint position and a line of sight, Various processes are performed, such as determining a direction, arranging an object in an object space, controlling the entire host device, and giving an instruction to each block in the host device. The function of this processing unit 110 is a CPU
(CISC type, RISC type), ASIC (gate array, etc.), or a given program (game program).

The processing section 110 includes a receiving section 112, a moving body operation section 116, and a moving body control section 118.

Here, the accepting unit 112 performs a process for accepting a player's entry to the game space as needed. As a result, the later player enters the game space in which the preceding player has entered at any time, and the later player can play in the same game space as the preceding player. That is, an all-time entry system becomes possible.

[0032] The moving body operation unit 116 is operated based on operation data input by the player or a given program.
The calculation for moving the moving body operated by the player or the moving body operated by the given control program (computer) is performed. More specifically, a calculation is performed to determine the position and direction of the moving object, for example, every frame (1/60 second).

For example, in the (k-1) frame, the position of the moving body is PMk-1, the speed is VMk-1, the acceleration is AMk-1, and the time of one frame is Δt. Then, the position PMk and the speed VMk of the moving body in the k frame are, for example, the following expressions (1) and (2)
Is required.

PMk = PMk−1 + VMk−1 × Δt (1) VMk = VMk−1 + AMk−1 × Δt (2) When the subsequent player enters, the moving object control unit 118 determines whether the preceding player and the subsequent player Performs a process of controlling the moving body operated by the preceding player who has already started the game so that the player can start the game at the same time. More specifically, the moving object operated by the preceding player is returned to the start point, or an event for restricting the movement of the moving object is generated.

The work memory 120 serves as a work area for the processing section 110, the image generation section 140, the sound generation section 150, and the communication section 160, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as a RAM and a hard disk.

The information storage medium 130 stores information such as programs and data, and functions as an optical disk (CDROM, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, semiconductor tape, or the like. It can be realized by hardware such as a memory. The information storage medium 130 stores various information for realizing the processing of the present embodiment (the processing of the receiving unit 112, the moving body operation unit 116, the moving body control unit 118, and the like). Then, the processing unit 110 and the image generation unit 14
0, the sound generation unit 150, and the communication unit 160 perform various processes of the present embodiment based on the information stored in the information storage medium 130.

Some or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 130 is transmitted to the work memory 120 when the power to the host device 100 is turned on.

The image generation unit 140 generates various images in accordance with instructions from the processing unit 110 and the like, and its functions are an image generation ASIC, a CPU, and a DSP.
And a given program (image generation program).

The sound generation unit 150 generates various sounds in accordance with instructions from the processing unit 110 and the like, and its functions include hardware such as a sound generation ASIC, CPU, and DSP, and a given program. (Sound generation program).

The communication section 160 performs various kinds of processing for communication.
It can be realized by hardware such as U or a given program (communication program). More specifically, the communication unit 16
0 performs processing of compressing image data and sound data generated by the image generation unit 140 and the sound generation unit 150 and transmitting the compressed data to the game machine 200. In addition, image generation / sound generation timing in the host device 100 and image display /
A process of transmitting a synchronization signal, synchronization data, and the like for synchronizing the sound output timing to each game machine is performed.

The game machine 200 includes a processing unit 210, a work memory 220, an information storage medium 230, a communication unit 240, an operation unit 250, a display unit 260, a sound output unit 270, and a photographing unit 280.

The processing section 210 receives operation data from the operation section 250, controls output of images and sounds on the display section 260 and the sound output section 270, captures a player identification image shot by the shooting section 280, It performs various processes such as controlling the entire machine and giving instructions to each block in the game machine. The function of the processing unit 210 can be realized by hardware such as a CPU and an ASIC or a given program.

The work memory 220 serves as a work area for the processing section 210 and the communication section 240, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as a RAM and a hard disk.

The information storage medium 230 stores various information such as programs and data for realizing the processing of the present embodiment. Its functions are, for example, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic disk, a hard disk,
It can be realized by hardware such as a game cassette, an IC card, a magnetic tape, and a semiconductor memory. Processing unit 21
0, the communication unit 240 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on the information stored in the information storage medium 230.

The communication unit 240 performs various kinds of processing for communication, and its functions are as follows: communication ASIC, CP
It can be realized by hardware such as U or a given program. More specifically, the communication unit 240
The image data and the sound data compressed in 00 are received, and a process of expanding them is performed. In addition, a process of receiving a synchronization signal and synchronization data from the host device 100 is also performed.

The functions of the communication unit 160, the communication unit 240, and the transmission line 102 enable remote communication between a plurality of communication nodes.

The operation section 250 is for the player to input operation data, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and a shooting device.

The display section 260 and the sound output section 270
It outputs images and sounds, and its functions are monitor, TV, HMD (Head Mount Display),
It can be realized by hardware such as a speaker.

The photographing section 280 is for photographing an identification image (for example, a face image) of the player, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a CCD camera.

In FIG. 2, the host device 100 generates images and sounds, but the game machine 200 may generate images and sounds. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the game machine 200 includes the image generation unit 140 and the sound generation unit 1.
50 will be included.

Also, in FIG. 2, the processing unit 110 of the host device 100 includes a receiving unit 112, a mobile unit operation unit 116, and a mobile unit control unit 118. However, as shown in FIG. It may be included in the processing unit 210.

Alternatively, the image generator 140 and the sound generator 15
0, the processing performed by the accepting unit 112, the moving body operation unit 116, and the moving body control unit 118 may be performed separately by the host device 100 and the game machine 200.

The connection (network) configuration of the host device and the game machine is not limited to those shown in FIGS. For example, as a connection form of a game machine or a host device,
Various connection forms such as a ring type, a tree type, and a star type as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C can be considered. For example, when connecting a game machine or a host device according to the IEEE 1394 or USB standard, a tree-type connection form as shown in FIG. 4B is desirable. Further, a structure without a host device may be employed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4D, a server may be provided between the host device and the game machine, and the host device, the game machine, and the server may perform distributed processing. In this case, it is desirable to provide a server in each store and connect each game machine to this server.

2. The features of the present embodiment The feature of the present embodiment is that the all-time entry method is made possible, and the game is already started so that the preceding player and the later player can start the game at the same time when the later player enters. The point is to control the moving body operated by the preceding player who has started.

For example, at A 1 in FIG. 5, the preceding player car (PP) 10 has already started from the start point 20. In this case, for example, it is assumed that the late player has entered before a given time has elapsed. Then, for example, a game screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed for the preceding player who operates the preceding player car 10. In this game screen, the preceding player is notified using the display 30 that the late player has entered. Next, as shown by A2 in FIG. 5, the preceding player car 10 is controlled to return the preceding player car 10 to the start point 20. And FIG.
As shown in A3, the preceding player car (PP) 10 and the later player car (LP) 12 are started simultaneously from the start point 20 (the game is re-partitioned). In this manner, a heated competition between the preceding player car 10 and the later player car 12 can be produced.

That is, in the all-time entry method,
Late players can enter the game space at any time. In this case, as one method, a method is conceivable in which a late-starting player car entering at any time is started from a start point on the course.

However, in this method, a large distance difference often occurs between the later player car and the preceding player car. For this reason, entanglement between the later player car and the preceding player car is less likely to occur, and in some cases, the game may end without encountering each other at all. For this reason, the original fun of the multiplayer game is reduced by half.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the preceding player car 10 is returned to the start point 20 and restarts from the start point 20 together with the subsequent player car 12. For this reason, the above-mentioned problem of the all-time entry method, in which the preceding player car and the later player car are less likely to be entangled, can be solved, and the original fun of the multiplayer game can be exhibited.

In FIG. 6, the player identification image 3
2 is obtained, for example, by photographing the face of the later player by the photographing unit 280 of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 before the game starts (the player's face or the like is photographed in real time during the game). May be displayed). In this way, by notifying the entry of the late player to the preceding player by using the identification image 32 of the late player captured by the image capturing unit 280, the preceding player can determine which new player has newly entered. Become easily recognizable. In particular, when the later player recognized by the player identification image 32 is a friend, a known person, or a celebrity, the competitiveness and curiosity of the player can be further enhanced by showing the player identification image to the preceding player. Can be enhanced.

In FIG. 5, when the later player enters, the preceding player car 10 is forcibly returned to the start point 20. However, the preceding player is given the right to select whether or not to return to the start point 20. You may do so. In this case, for example, on the game screen of FIG. 6, the player may select whether to return to the start point 20 or not.

In FIG. 5, in order to start the preceding player car 10 and the later player car 12 at the same time,
The control of returning the preceding player car 10 to one start point 20 is performed. However, the control method of the preceding player car 10 is not limited to this.

For example, in FIG. 7, a plurality of start points 20-1 to 20-7 are provided on the course. When the late player enters, the start point 20-3 near the preceding player car 10 is selected from these start points 20-1 to 20-8 as shown in B1 of FIG. Then, as shown by B2 in FIG. 7, control such as returning the preceding player car 10 to the start point 20-3 so that the preceding player car 10 can start together with the subsequent player car 12 from the selected start point 20-3. Is performed.

According to the method of providing a plurality of start points in this manner, regardless of the position on the course where the preceding player car is running, the preceding player car and the subsequent player car are restarted from an appropriate start point. Will be able to

In other words, if it is possible to restart only from the starting point 20-1 on the course, and if the preceding player car 10 is traveling at a position distant from the starting point 20-1, the preceding player car traveling to that position The effort of the player is attributable to nothing. For this reason, the player may feel uncomfortable and impair the player's immersion in the game.

On the other hand, according to the method of providing a plurality of start points as shown in FIG. 7, the distance for returning the preceding player car to the start point becomes shorter. Therefore, only a part of the player's efforts need be attributable to nothing. For this reason, the discomfort given to the player can be reduced, and the situation where the player's immersion in the game is impaired can be prevented.

In addition, when the preceding player car does not return to the start point, but an event is entered by a later player, an event is generated to restrict the movement of the preceding player car. May be started at the same time.

For example, in the game image example of FIG. 8, the pace car 40 is caused to appear when a new player enters.
Due to the appearance event of the pace car 40, passing of each car is prohibited and the speed of each car is restricted. That is, the movement of the preceding player car is restricted. By doing so, as shown in FIG. 9A, the preceding player car (PP) or the C car (C) operated by the computer
Such as the distance between cars is tight. Then, at the stage where the distance is thus narrowed, the new player car (LP) is positioned, for example, at the end of this group, as shown by C1 in FIG. 9 (B). Thereafter, the pace car 40 leaves the group of cars, and the race resumes. By generating such an event, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the efforts that the preceding player has accumulated so far are completely returned to nothing. Then, the race between the preceding player and the late player can be restarted, and the game can be re-partitioned.

The event that restricts the movement of the later player car is not limited to the pace car appearance event shown in FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B. For example, when a late player enters, a game screen as shown in FIG. 10A is displayed. In this game screen, the preceding player is notified that the subsequent player has entered using the display 42 (this display 42 includes:
The identification image 43 of the later player is included). Then, using the display 42, the traffic light 44, the character 46, and the like, the player is notified that the game should be paused. Then, the preceding player car 10 and the C car 14 are controlled and temporarily stopped. In this case, it is desirable to provide a plurality of temporary stop points on the course. Alternatively, the right to select whether or not to temporarily stop the game may be given to the preceding player.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10B, the late player car 12 is caused to appear, and the preceding player car 1
0, the later player car 12 and the C car 14 are simultaneously started from the point where they are temporarily stopped. By doing so, the later player can smoothly enter the game. Further, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the effort that the preceding player has accumulated up to that point is completely lost.

It should be noted that a game may not be started at the same time as the preceding player for a later player who enters after the number of entries of the preceding player exceeds the given limit.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of game spaces in which players can enter are prepared. Then, the later player wishes to enter, but at that time, the first player
It is assumed that the number of entries in the game space (first race) has already exceeded the limit. In this case, in the present embodiment, the subsequent player does not start the game together with the preceding player in the first game space, but plays in the second game space (second race), for example. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a situation where the number of entries in each game space exceeds the limit. As a result, the processing load required for the game calculation in each game space can be dispersed, and the processing can be made more efficient.

Further, for a later player who enters after a lapse of a predetermined time from the entry of the preceding player, the game may not be started at the same time as the preceding player.

That is, as shown in FIG. 12A, for example, when a late player enters before a given time T elapses after entry of the preceding player, the latter player and the preceding player are simultaneously played. Start. In this case, an event occurs to return the preceding player car to the start point as described in FIG. 5 or the like, or to limit the movement of the preceding player car as described in FIG. 8 or the like.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12B, for example, when a later player makes an entry after a lapse of a predetermined time T from the entry of the preceding player, the latter player and the preceding player are simultaneously played. Do not start. In this case, the later player is caused to play, for example, in another game space.

In this way, by not starting the new player who has entered after a given time has elapsed and starting the game at the same time as the preceding player, the preceding player car is returned to the starting point or the movement is restricted after the given time has elapsed. No more. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the effort accumulated by the preceding player has been completely abandoned, or a situation in which the preceding player is uncomfortable. In addition, the number of entries in the game space can be substantially limited, and the processing load required for the game calculation in each game space can be distributed.

In the present embodiment, it is particularly desirable that remote communication be performed between a plurality of communication nodes.

For example, in FIG.
Host device 82 as a communication node and stores 84, 8
5, 86 and 87 are performing remote communication with each other. The remote communication can be realized by using, for example, an ISDN using an optical fiber cable as the transmission line 80.

In FIG. 13, a configuration without the host device 82 may be adopted. When a plurality of game machines in a store are connected to the transmission line 80, a server as shown in FIG. 4D may be provided.

By performing such remote location communication, the number of players who enter the game space can be significantly increased as compared with the case where communication is performed only between game machines in the store. Also, the player can enjoy a multi-player type game with players in other regions in Japan or foreign players. Therefore, the motivation of the player to enter the game space can be enhanced, and the original fun of the multi-player game can be remarkably increased.

In particular, in a game system that performs remote location communication, an all-time entry system in which a player can enter a game space at any time is effective. That is, in a game system that performs remote location communication, for example, it is practically difficult for a player in Tokyo and a player in Osaka to simultaneously enter. On the other hand, according to the all-time entry method, the players in Tokyo and the players in Osaka can enter the common game space at any time and enjoy the multiplayer game without having to enter the game space at the same time. .

In a game system for performing remote location communication, it is particularly effective to use the player identification image as described with reference to FIGS. By using such a player identification image, for example, a player in Tokyo can easily and visually recognize that a celebrity in Osaka has entered. Then, the celebrity's entry is motivated, and the entry of the player in Tokyo can be encouraged. As a result, the number of players who enter the game space can be further increased.

3. Processing Example of the Present Embodiment Next, a detailed processing example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

First, it is determined whether or not there is an entry of the preceding player (step S1 in FIG. 14). Then, if there is an entry, the entry of the preceding player is accepted as needed (step S2).

In a commercial game machine, a player's entry can be determined based on whether or not a coin (price) has been inserted into the game machine. In a home-use game machine, the determination can be made based on the result of the player's intention selection on the intention selection screen.

Next, the photographing unit 28 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 will be described.
With 0, an identification image of the preceding player (for example, a face image of the preceding player) is taken (step S3). The photographed image data is stored in a given storage unit in the game system.

Next, the game of the preceding player starts (step S4). For example, in FIG. 5, the preceding player car 10 starts from the start point 20.

Next, it is determined whether or not there is an entry for the later player (step S5). If there is an entry for the later player, the entry for the later player is accepted as needed (step S6). Then, the photographing unit 280 photographs an identification image (for example, a face image) of the subsequent player (step S7). The photographed image data is stored in a given storage unit in the game system.

Next, as described with reference to FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the subsequent player has entered the game space after exceeding the limited number of entries (step S8). If the entry is made after the number of persons has exceeded the limit, the subsequent player is caused to play, for example, in another game space (step S10).

Next, as described with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the subsequent player determines whether or not the entry has been made after a lapse of a predetermined time from the entry of the preceding player (step S9). ). If the entry is made after a given time has elapsed, the subsequent player is caused to play, for example, in another game space (step S10).

Next, it is determined whether or not there is an entry of another subsequent player (step S11). If there is an entry, the process returns to step S6. On the other hand, if there is no entry, as described with reference to FIG.
As described in (A) and (B), an event for restricting the movement of the preceding player car is generated (step S1).
2). Then, the game is started simultaneously with the preceding player car and the later player car, and the game is re-partitioned (step S13).

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but can be variously modified.

For example, FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG.
The present invention is not limited to the one described in (D), and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

Further, in the case where a later player enters, a method of controlling a moving body operated by a preceding player who has already started a game is shown in FIGS.
The present invention is not limited to the method described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

Further, a plurality of game spaces in which a player can enter may be provided. For example, the players who have entered may be allocated to each game space based on the player's entry time, the number of players who have entered in each game space, and the like.

When the player makes an entry,
Instead of having the player play immediately, the player may play after some waiting time.

Even when no player has entered the game, only the C-moving object operated by the computer may move and the game may proceed.

The present invention is not limited to the game described in this embodiment, but can be applied to various games (competition game, sports game, fighting game, fighting game, role playing game, shooting game, etc.).

The present invention can also be applied to a simulator, a large attraction device in which many players participate, a game system using a personal computer or a multimedia terminal, and the like.

[0100]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of the configuration of the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is another example of a block diagram of the embodiment.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are diagrams showing examples of various connection forms of the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining features of the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed to a preceding player when a later player enters.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method of providing a plurality of start points on a course.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method of causing a pace car to appear in order to restrict the movement of a preceding player car.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining a method of causing a pace car to appear and simultaneously starting a preceding player car and a subsequent player car.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a method of temporarily stopping a preceding player car and simultaneously starting a preceding player car and a subsequent player car.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method of not starting a game for a late player who has entered after the number of entries exceeds the limit number of people simultaneously with a preceding player.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams for explaining a technique in which a subsequent player who enters after a lapse of a predetermined time from entry of a preceding player does not start a game at the same time as the preceding player. .

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining remote location communication.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing example according to the embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing example according to the embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 Leading player car 12 Late player car 14 C car 20-1 to 20-7 Start point 100 Host device 102 Transmission line 110 Processing unit 112 Receiving unit 116 Mobile computing unit 118 Mobile controlling unit 120 Work memory 130 Information storage medium 140 Image generation unit 150 Sound generation unit 160 Communication unit 200-1 to 200-N Game machine 210 Processing unit 220 Work memory 230 Information storage medium 240 Communication unit 250 Operation unit 260 Display unit 270 Sound output unit 280 Imaging unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C001 AA00 AA09 AA17 BA00 BA01 BA02 BA05 BB00 BB07 BC00 BC10 CB01 CB08 CC02 CC08 DA00 DA04

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A game system in which a plurality of players can play in a common game space, wherein a late player can enter a game space in which a preceding player has entered, and a late player can play in a game space common with the preceding player. As described above, means for accepting a player's entry into the game space at any time, and when a later player makes an entry, the preceding player and the later player can start the game at the same time.
Means for controlling a moving body operated by a preceding player who has already started the game. 2. The game according to claim 1, wherein, when the moving object operated by the preceding player starts from the start point and the late player enters, the moving object operated by the preceding player is returned to the start point. system. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when a late player enters, a start point near a moving body operated by a preceding player is selected from a plurality of start points provided on the course, A game system comprising: controlling a moving body operated by a preceding player so that the moving body operated by a later player can be started from a selected start point. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein when the subsequent player enters, an event is generated to restrict the movement of the moving body operated by the preceding player, and the event causes the moving body operated by the preceding player and the later player to enter. A game system for simultaneously starting a game with a moving body to be operated. 5. The game system according to claim 1, wherein an entry of the subsequent player is notified to a preceding player by using an identification image of the subsequent player photographed by photographing means. 6. The game system according to claim 1, wherein a game is not started at the same time as the preceding player for a subsequent player who enters after the number of entries of the preceding player exceeds a given limit. Game system. 7. The game system according to claim 1, wherein a game is not started at the same time as the preceding player for a subsequent player who has entered after a lapse of a predetermined time from the entry of the preceding player. 8. The game system according to claim 1, further comprising means for performing remote location communication between a plurality of communication nodes. 9. An information storage medium used in a game system in which a plurality of players can play in a common game space, wherein a late player enters a game space in which a preceding player has entered, and a common game space with the preceding player. In order for the late player to be able to play, the information for accepting the entry of the player into the game space at any time, and when the late player enters, the preceding player and the late player can start the game at the same time.
An information storage medium including information for controlling a moving body operated by a preceding player who has already started a game.