JP6722226B2 - Program, game device and server system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program and the like for causing a computer to execute a game that competes with respect to the progress of the game.

A popular game genre is a battle game between players. There is also a game in which not only a one-on-one battle between players but also a team battle in which teams composed of a plurality of players compete with each other (for example, see Patent Document 1).

As a popular game specification, a so-called “ghost” specification that reproduces the play data when the own player or another player has achieved a high score as it is to make it appear as if a virtual player is playing together. Is known (for example, see Patent Document 2).

There is a difference between playing with a real player and playing with a virtual player, but both of them excite the excitement of real-time competition during the game, rather than competing for points and ranks after the game. You can enjoy.

JP, 2011-206484, A JP, 2008-167824, A

Nowadays, games that use small portable computers such as smartphones have become popular. Being a portable computer and improving the communication environment made it possible to play games anytime, anywhere. However, stable communication is not always guaranteed. For example, there is a high possibility that communication will be interrupted while moving using transportation. When playing a battle-type online game as in Patent Document 1, if communication is interrupted, the game is interrupted and the game cannot be played.

On the other hand, in the method using a ghost as in Patent Document 2, it is necessary to take in all the play data that faithfully reproduces the motion of the ghost, and a small portable computer (especially a mobile phone with relatively limited computing resources). Then, there arises a problem that the storage area and the calculation load are compressed.

The present invention aims to realize a new game in which the excitement of competitive play is obtained. More preferably, the game can be played regardless of changes in the communication environment during the game, and further, it can be played on a small computer with relatively limited computing resources.

A first invention for solving the above-mentioned problem is a program for causing a computer to execute a competitive game competing for the progress of the game, and is opponent progress data which is data of the progress of the game already played by the opponent. From the opponent, the opponent progress status judging means (for example, the opponent progress status) for judging the game progress status of the opponent (hereinafter, referred to as "opposite progress status") corresponding to the elapsed time of the current time being played by the player (eg, the control board of FIG. 2) 1550, processing unit 200 of FIG. 9, opponent progress status determination unit 218, step S32 of FIG. 11,
Event control means for generating an event when an occurrence condition for generating an event based on a difference between the current player's current game progress status (hereinafter referred to as “own player progress status”) and the opponent progress status is satisfied (For example, the control board 1550 in FIG. 2, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 9, the event control unit 228, and step S54 in FIG. 11) is a program for causing the computer to function.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, once the already played data of the opponent is acquired, it is possible to realize a game in which the excitement of competing in the competitive game in real time can be enjoyed regardless of the communication environment after the start of the game. Moreover, as compared with the case where literally past play (character movement etc.) is reproduced as it is by using all the played data such as operation input as in the known ghost specification, the game progress situation at that time is judged. Therefore, it is suitable for running a game on a small computer with a small processing load and limited computing resources.
Then, the game progress of the opponent and the game progress of the player can be compared, and an event can be generated based on the difference, which further enhances the atmosphere of the competition in real time and enhances the interest of the game. You can

In a second aspect of the invention, the opponent progress status determining means determines the opponent's game result corresponding to the lapse of the current time being played by the player as the opponent progress status, and the event control means The program according to the first aspect of the present invention is for determining whether or not the occurrence condition is satisfied by using the current game result of the own player as the progress status of the own player.

According to the second aspect, the game result can be used as an index indicating the progress status. The game score depends on the game content, but the score is the easiest to understand, for example. Then, if the game result is used as an index of the progress of the game, a load such as a process of determining the progress of the opponent, comparing with the progress of the own player, and determining whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied is performed. It can be extremely small. Further, the size of the data of the progress of the game played by the opponent can be reduced. These have the effect of increasing robustness to changes in the communication environment and reducing the consumption of computing resources, which is a great advantage for environments where a game is played on a small computer.

In a third aspect of the present invention, the opponent progress status determination means determines the opponent progress status at a given timing during the game play of the player, and the event control means determines the difference at the timing. It is the program according to the first or second aspect of the invention, which determines the generation condition based on the above.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the timing is selected to judge the progress of the opponent, compare with the progress of the player, and determine whether the event occurrence condition is satisfied. The load can be further reduced.

A fourth invention is, based on the difference, a superiority or inferiority determination means for determining the superiority or inferiority of the player with respect to the opponent (for example, the control board 1550 in FIG. 2, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 9, the superiority or inferiority determination unit 220, FIG. 11 step S34), the superiority/inferiority display control means (eg, the figure) that performs control to display the determination result of the superiority/inferiority determination means (for example, the superiority/inferiority display body 20 in FIG. 4, the event play permission notification 30 that also serves as a notification of the superiority/inferiority result). 2 is a control board 1550, a processing unit 200 in FIG. 9, a superior/inferior display control unit 222, and step S34 in FIG. 11), which is a program according to any one of the first to third inventions for further causing the computer to function.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the result of the determination of superiority or inferiority can be shown to the player, so that the excitement of competing in the competition can be further increased.

A fifth invention is the invention according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the event control means causes different events depending on the magnitude of the difference between the own player progress status and the opponent progress status. It is a program.

According to the fifth aspect, different events occur depending on the degree of bidding with the opponent, so that the interest of the game can be enhanced.

A sixth invention is the program according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the event control means generates an event capable of accelerating the game progress of the player.

According to the sixth aspect, playing the event makes it possible to close the difference in progress with the opponent. Therefore, the significance of the event occurrence can be enhanced and the real pleasure of the battle can be enhanced. As a result, the effect of keeping the player's motivation for the game high can be expected.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is based on a difference between a player and an opponent with respect to a predetermined parameter, generated event control information including any one of a kind of an event that can be generated by the event control means, a generation timing and a generation frequency. 2 (for example, the control board 1550 in FIG. 2, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 17, the game calculation unit 210, the event generation control information setting unit 223, the event generation control information 596 in FIG. 18, step S15 in FIG. The computer further functions as S43), and the event control means is the program according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, which causes an event to occur in accordance with the generated event control information.

An eighth invention is the program according to the seventh invention, wherein the setting means sets the occurrence event control information before starting the game or while the game is in progress.

A ninth invention is the program according to the seventh or eighth invention, wherein the setting means adjusts the generated event control information based on an item owned by the player or an ability parameter value.

The predetermined parameter referred to in the seventh invention indicates an element that may cause a difference in game progress between the player and the opponent. For example, the player level indicating the operation skill and the proficiency level, and the player character The experience value and level, the equipment of the player character, the content of the owned item, and the like can be appropriately set according to the game content.
According to the seventh to ninth inventions, it is possible to set limits on the type, timing, and number of events that occur based on the difference in ability between the player and the opponent. If the limit is appropriately set, for example, in a battle in which abilities are close to each other, the content and occurrence of an event can be suppressed, and a sense of urgency close to a pure ability match can be brought about. Also, if the abilities are far apart, it is possible to positively generate an event and function as a handicap.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to ninth aspects, in which the event control means causes the event when the occurrence condition is satisfied and a player's consumption instruction operation for a given consumption item is performed. It is a program of that invention.

According to the tenth invention, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which payment of consideration is required to generate an event.

An eleventh invention is the program according to the tenth invention, wherein the event control means changes an event to be generated based on the type of the consumption item on which the consumption instruction operation is performed.

According to the eleventh aspect, the event that occurs can be changed based on the type of the consumption item that has been considered as a consideration for the event occurrence, so that the interest of the game is improved.

A twelfth aspect of the invention is the program according to the tenth aspect or the eleventh aspect, wherein the event control means changes the event to be generated based on the quantity of the consumption item on which the consumption instruction operation has been performed.

According to the twelfth aspect, since the event to be generated can be changed based on the number of consumption items used as a consideration for the event occurrence, it is possible to improve the enjoyment of the game by giving variety to the generated event.

A thirteenth aspect of the invention is the event control means based on a current game result played by the player and a difference between the game result obtainable by the player after the present time and the game result of the opponent. The upper limit of the game result that can be acquired when the player clears the event generated by the player (for example, the control board 1550 of FIG. 2, the game calculation unit 210 of FIG. 9, the game result upper limit setting unit). 227, the upper limit score 594 for clearing in FIG. 10, and step S42 in FIG. 11) are programs of any one of the first to twelfth inventions for further functioning the computer.

According to the thirteenth aspect, by setting an upper limit on the game score that can be obtained by the player during the event activation period, it is possible to prevent the event score from being directly linked to the victory of the competition.

In a fourteenth aspect of the invention, the opponent progress status determining means determines the opponent progress status by acquiring the opponent progress data from a server system that stores data on the progress of the game played by a plurality of players. Dispensing means (for example, the control board 1550 in FIG. 2, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 9, the data provision control) that supplies the data of the progress of the game played by the player to the server system when the player finishes the game. 12 is a program according to any one of the first to thirteenth inventions for further causing the computer to function as the section 230, steps S76 to S80 in FIG.

According to the fourteenth aspect, the player can donate the result of his or her game play so that it can be used by someone else.

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a game device that executes a game in which a game is played with respect to the progress of the game,
Opponent progress status determination means (for example, FIG. 2) that determines the progress status of the opponent corresponding to the current time elapsed while the player is playing, from the opponent progress data that is the progress data of the game played by the opponent. Control board 1550, processing unit 200 in FIG. 9, opponent progress status determination unit 218, step S32 in FIG. 11),
An event control unit (for example, the control board 1550 in FIG. 2 or the processing unit in FIG. 9) that causes an event to be generated when an event based on the difference between the progress status of the player and the progress status of the opponent is satisfied. 200, an event control unit 228, and step S54 in FIG. 11). (For example, the player terminal 1500 in FIG. 2).

A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is a server system that uses a player terminal as a man-machine interface and performs control for causing a player terminal to execute a competitive game that competes for the progress of the game. Opponent progress status determining means (for example, the control board 1150 in FIG. 1) that determines the opponent progress status corresponding to the elapsed time of the current time being played by the player of the player terminal, based on the opponent progress data. , The server processing unit 200s in FIG. 13, the opponent progress status determination unit 218, and step S32 in FIG. 15,
An event control unit (for example, the control board 1150 in FIG. 1 or the server process in FIG. 13) that causes an event to be generated when the occurrence condition for generating an event based on the difference between the progress status of the own player and the progress status of the opponent is satisfied. The server system includes the unit 200s, the event control unit 228, and step S54 in FIG.

According to the fifteenth and sixteenth inventions, as in the first invention, excitement of competitive play can be obtained even with a small computer having relatively limited computing resources, and even if communication connection is not always maintained during play. It becomes possible to realize a new game.

The figure which shows an example of a structure of a game system. The front external view which shows the structural example of a player terminal. The figure for demonstrating the content of a game. The figure which shows the example of a game screen when the event generation conditions are satisfied. The figure for demonstrating the example of the catch-up event of "event character appearance type." The figure for demonstrating the example of a catch-up event of "player reinforcement type". The figure for demonstrating the example of the catch-up event of "enemy weakening type". The functional block diagram which shows the functional structural example of the server system in 1st Embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the player terminal in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the data structural example of the play data in 1st Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow in the server system and the player terminal according to the first embodiment. The flowchart which continues from FIG. The functional block diagram which shows the functional structural example of the server system in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the program and data memorize|stored in the server processing part in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process which concerns on one game play of the server system in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which continues from FIG. The functional block diagram which shows the functional structural example of the server system in 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows the data structural example of the play data in 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process in the server system and player terminal in 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart which continues from FIG. An example of a game screen in the case of a game in which multiple players play simultaneously.

[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system according to this embodiment. The game system of this embodiment includes a server system 1100 that can be connected to a communication line N, and a player terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, 1500c,...) Prepared for each player 2 (2a, 2b, 2c,... ). And.

The server system 1100 is configured to include a single server system or a plurality of server systems, a storage device, and the like. The server system 1100 can provide various services such as SNS (Social Networking Service) for operating a member registration-based website.
Specifically, each user who has completed membership registration is issued a unique account (can be read as a handle name), and the server system 1100 centrally manages information related to registered users with user registration data 530. To do. Then, various services on the website are provided based on the user registration data 530. The game of the present embodiment is also provided/realized as a part of the service to registered users. That is, each player 2 (2a, 2b, 2c,...) Is a registered user. Each player 2 (2a, 2b, 2c,...) Uses each player terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, 1500c,...) To access the server system 1100 and enjoy the game of this embodiment.

The server system 1100 includes a main body device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and a storage 1140. A control board 1150 is mounted on the main body device 1101. The control board 1150 includes various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151 and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various ICs such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), VRAM, RAM and ROM. A memory 1152 and a communication device 1153 are installed.

Then, as functions relating to the game of the present embodiment, an account management function responsible for processing related to account registration and login/logout, and game management for managing/delivering data necessary for playing the game on the player terminal 1500 as needed. And the function.

In the illustrated example, the server system 1100 is described as a single unit, but is not limited to this. For example, the server system 1100 is configured to include a plurality of blade servers, the account management function and the game management function are shared by different blade servers, and the blade servers are connected to each other via an internal bus so that data communication is possible. May be. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that a plurality of independent servers installed at distant locations via the communication line N are caused to perform data communication so that they function as the server system 1100 as a whole.

FIG. 2 is a front external view showing a configuration example of the player terminal 1500.
The player terminal 1500 is a computer and an electronic device (electronic device) that can connect to the communication line N and access the server system 1100. The player terminal 1500 of this embodiment is assumed to be a small computer classified as a so-called smartphone, but a portable game device, a stationary home game device, a game controller for a stationary home game device, an arcade game device, It may be realized by a device classified into a personal computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer such as a wristwatch type or glasses type, and the like.

The player terminal 1500 according to the present embodiment includes a direction input key 1502, a button switch 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device/contact position input device, a speaker 1510, a built-in battery 1509, a microphone 1512, and a control board. 1550 and a memory card reading device 1542 capable of reading and writing data from a memory card 1540 which is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, etc., which are not shown, are provided.

The control board 1550 includes a CPU 1551, various microprocessors such as GPU and DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as ASIC, VRAM, RAM and ROM, a mobile phone base station and a wireless LAN base station connected to the communication line N, and wireless communication. A wireless communication module 1553 for communication is installed. In addition, a driver circuit of the touch panel 1506, a circuit that receives signals from the direction input keys 1502 and the button switches 1504, an output amplifier circuit that outputs a sound signal to the speaker 1510, and an input signal that generates a sound signal collected by the microphone 1512. A so-called I/F circuit 1557 (interface circuit) such as a generation circuit and a signal input/output circuit for the memory card reader 1542 is mounted. The respective elements mounted on the control board 1550 are electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected so that reading/writing of data and transmission/reception of signals can be performed.

The control board 1550 temporarily stores the game client program and data acquired from the server system 1100 in the IC memory 1552. Then, the program is executed to execute the arithmetic processing, and each part of the player terminal 1500 is controlled according to the operation input from the direction input key 1502, the button switch 1504, and the touch panel 1506 to enable the game play. In the present embodiment, the player terminal 1500 is configured to acquire necessary programs and various setting data from the server system 1100, but may be configured to read from a memory card 1540 separately acquired.

The communication line N means a communication path through which data communication is possible. That is, the communication line N includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a telephone communication network, a cable network, and a communication network such as the Internet. It means that the communication method may be wired/wireless.

[Explanation of game contents]
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the content of the game in this embodiment.
The game of this embodiment is a shooting game. As shown in the game screen example W2, the player operates the player character 4 and shoots the enemy characters 6 approaching from the upper part of the screen one after another to enjoy the game. A score is set for each enemy character 6, and the score of the shot down enemy character 6 is added to the score of the player and displayed as the current game score on the score display unit 10.

The game of this embodiment is designed as a pseudo battle game.
Therefore, the server system 1100 stores and manages the opponent progress data library 520 as a part of the game management function. The library stores a plurality of opponent progress data 521.

The opponent progress data 521 is information relating to the result of the game play provided by the player. For example, 1) a supply player account 522 that stores the account of the player 2 who played the game that is the source of the data, 2) skill information 523 that stores data that describes the skill of the player, and 3) play progress. And historical data 524.

As the skill information 523, for example, the player level of the player, the level and experience value of the player character, the content of the acquired skill, the grade of the equipped item, the maximum score, the ranking, the total charge amount, the play frequency, etc. Information can be set.

The play progress history data 524 is data of the progress of the game played by the player indicated by the supply player account 522, and is time-series data describing the change in the play performance from the start to the end of the game play. Specifically, it is a history of points or values corresponding to the points with respect to the passage of time from the start of game play. It may be a list of the results for each predetermined period from the start of the game play, or may be a function of a time-series change graph with the horizontal axis representing the elapsed time from the start of the game play and the vertical axis representing the cumulative results. Since the game of this embodiment is a shooting game, the result is called a score. Of course, the parameter indicating the result is not limited to the score, but can be set as appropriate according to the game content. For example, the number and target number of the enemy characters 6 destroyed, the level of the player character, the experience value, the skill, the number of items possessed, the number of stage clears and the degree of stage clears in the role-playing game (how many% of the total has progressed? Etc.) could be set. In addition, the number of enemies cut down in the swordplay action game, the favorable sensitivity in the love simulation game, and the growth level indicating the growth level in the training game can be used as the parameter indicating the result.

The player terminal 1500 receives at least one opponent progress data 521 from the server system 1100 before the game starts. For example, the server system 1100 selects and provides the opponent progress data 521 having the skill information 523 having the same skill of the player. Alternatively, a list in which the provided player account 522 and the skill information 523 are associated with each other for each registered opponent progress data 521 is displayed on the player terminal 1500, and the player himself/herself selects one from the list, The selected opponent progress data 521 may be provided.

The player terminal 1500 stores the provided opponent progress data 521 and starts the game play. Then, every time the judgment timing comes in a predetermined cycle after the start, the opponent's performance in the cycle corresponding to the present judgment timing is read based on the provided opponent progress data 521, and the player's current performance ( In this embodiment, it is the same as the score displayed on the score display unit 10).

The comparison result is displayed on the game screen by the superiority/inferiority status display 20.
The superiority or inferiority status display 20 is a display that visually presents the degree of superiority or inferiority of the performance between the player and the opponent in the opponent progress data 521 at the present time. In the present embodiment, the degree of superiority or inferiority is indicated by the ratio display by the player power display bar 21 and the opponent power display bar 22.
The manner of displaying the superiority/inferiority status display 20 is not limited to this, and the score itself of the opponent may be displayed in the same manner as the score display unit 10 in the cycle corresponding to the determination timing of this time, or the display of a predetermined icon. Colors may be selected according to the degree of superiority or inferiority, and superiority or inferiority may be indicated by the type of color like a traffic light. Even if the superiority/inferiority status display 20 is arranged and displayed in the corner of the game screen, the function is sufficiently fulfilled. The ratio of occupying the screen is smaller than that of displaying a ghost character as in the known ghost specification, and it is effective for game play on a portable and small computer.

The player can understand at a glance whether or not he/she wins or loses the opponent on this superiority/inferiority status display 20, and feels like he/she competes with the opponent like a competitive game which requires manned real-time communication. You can

Then, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that the player becomes inferior to a superiority or inferiority relationship between the player and the opponent by a predetermined standard or more, a "catch-up event" that recovers the inferiority can be activated. The catch-up event is an event having a content that, when the event is cleared, the game progress of the player can be further accelerated as compared with the case where the event is not cleared.

Specifically, if the value obtained by subtracting the score of the player from the score of the opponent obtained from the opponent progress data 521 exceeds a predetermined reference value, that is, if the score of the player is lower than the reference value, an event occurs. When it is determined that the condition for causing it to be met is satisfied, it becomes possible to trigger the catch-up event. Then, in the present embodiment, the player can select whether to trigger or catch up the catch-up event.

More specifically, as shown in a game screen example W4 of FIG. 4, when it is determined that the player is inferior to a superiority or inferiority between the player and the opponent by a predetermined standard or more, 1) determination result of superiority or inferiority And an event play permission notification 30 that also serves as a notification to the player indicating that the catch-up event has become playable, and 2) an intention confirmation display 32 for selectively inputting whether or not the catch-up event is activated. A payment off icon 32a and a consideration payment operation icon 32b) are displayed.
Then, when the player selects the consideration payment operation icon 32b, it is determined that the player intends to pay the consideration and play the event. Then, the payment is made and the catch-up event is triggered.

It should be noted that the event generation condition is not limited to the difference in the score, and may be appropriately set according to the game content, as long as it is a threshold value that the player considers to be inferior. For example, it may be a percentage of the player's score to the opponent's score.
Further, the payment of the consideration may be realized by consuming a given item or may be realized by a known charging procedure. Further, in the present embodiment, payment of consideration is required to activate the catch-up event, and thus the intention confirmation display 32 also serves as confirmation of intention of payment of consideration, but this is not limited to the configuration in which payment of consideration is unnecessary.

5 to 7 are diagrams for explaining types of catch-up events in the present embodiment.
There are three types of catch-up events of this embodiment: an “event character appearance type” and a “player strengthening type” and an “enemy weakening type” that change the difficulty level of the game. Is selected and activated. Of course, the number and contents of types are not limited to this, and can be set appropriately.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a catch-up event of “event character appearance type”. The type is an event of a type in which a timely clear goal is presented. In the present embodiment, as shown in the game screen example W6, a single or a plurality of event characters 8 appear specially and leave the game screen after a fixed time. If the player shoots down the event character 8 before exiting, a bonus score is given, and the bonus score notification 12 to be given is displayed on the game screen. This bonus score is set for each event with a value that recovers the player's inferiority (as a result, the value until the player's score is substantially the same as or exceeds the score of the opponent). That is, the greater the difference, the larger the difference in the type of event, and the more the progress of the player's game progresses and the higher the score can be achieved in a shorter time than when the event is not generated. The content of the catch-up event of the same type can be set in various variations depending on the type (the difficulty level of the capture) and the number of the event characters 8 that appear.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a catch-up event of “player enhancement type”. The type is an event in which the player character 4 has an increased ability to improve the score rate per unit time of the player as compared with the state before the event is activated. In the present embodiment, as shown in the game screen example W10, the strengthening equipment 5 for strengthening the attack power of the player character 4 is automatically given as the difference is larger, or as the difference is larger, a large number of pieces are automatically given. ..

The content of the catch-up event of the same type can be set in various variations according to the degree of improvement in the ability of the player character 4, specifically, the type and number of the reinforcing equipment 5. Further, the method of improving the score rate is not limited to this, and can be set as appropriate according to the game content and the like. For example, a configuration in which a single shot is fired by one operation and a plurality of bullets are fired by one operation while the event is active may be used. Also, in order to eliminate a time lag until the player character 4 is shot down by the attack of the enemy character 6 and the next character appears, a method of improving the defense power of the player character 4, for example, the enemy character 6 around the player character 4. It is also possible to set a barrier that nullifies or reduces the damage caused by the attack of.

When the score rate per unit time is improved, the player's inferiority should eventually be recovered as shown in the superiority/inferiority status display 20 of the game screen example W12. The event automatically ends when the player's inferiority is recovered or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the event was activated. In the present embodiment, the reinforcing equipment 5 is automatically released and disappears from the screen. Note that the remaining time display 14 until the end of the event may be displayed on the game screen during the activation of the event.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a catch-up event of “enemy weakening type”. This type is an event in which the ability of the enemy character 6 is relatively lowered to reduce the wear of the player and to improve the score rate per unit time as compared with the state before the event is activated. In the present embodiment, as shown in the game screen example W14, the appearance pattern of the enemy character 6 (for example, the appearance start position, the moving course after the appearance, the number of appearances, etc.) is changed so that the player can easily score points. .. Various variations can be provided for the same type of content depending on the appearance pattern. For example, before the event was activated, the appearance pattern was a zigzag course approaching so that it would be difficult to be shot, but after the event was activated, the appearance pattern was that the object simply moved in the left-right direction of the screen without approaching. Other than that, the pattern may be such that the user moves only so as to loop around a certain point without approaching, or the attack frequency of the enemy character 6 may be reduced.

When the score rate per unit time is improved, the player's inferiority should eventually be recovered as shown in the superiority/inferiority status display 20 of the game screen example W16. The event automatically ends when the player's inferiority is recovered or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the event was activated. In the present embodiment, the appearance pattern of the enemy character 6 is returned to the standard appearance pattern in which the event is not activated. Alternatively, before returning to the standard appearance pattern, an appearance pattern of high difficulty, which makes it more difficult to shoot temporarily than the standard appearance pattern, may be sandwiched for a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period.

Note that the “enemy weakening type” may have other contents. For example, while the appearance pattern of the enemy character 6 remains the same, the content of slowing the action such as the moving speed (delaying the flow of the game time), the content of temporarily stopping or limiting the action, and the frequency of the attack to the player character 4 are set. The contents may be lowered.

[Description of functional configuration example of server system]
Next, a functional configuration example in this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the server system 1100 according to this embodiment. The server system 1100 in this embodiment includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, an image display unit 372s, a communication unit 374s, and a server storage unit 500s.

The operation input unit 100s is means for inputting various operations for managing the server. In the example of FIG. 1, the keyboard 1106 corresponds.

The server processing unit 200s is realized by a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC (integrated circuit for specific application) or an IC memory, and each functional unit including the operation input unit 100s and the server storage unit 500s. I/O control of data between Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on a predetermined program and data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 100s, and data received from the player terminal 1500 to integrally control the operation of the server system 1100. In the example of FIG. 1, the control board 1150 corresponds.

The server processing unit 200s of this embodiment includes an account management unit 201, a library management unit 202, an image generation unit 272s, and a communication control unit 274s.

The account management unit 201 performs processing related to the user registration procedure. A unique account is issued to a user who has gone through a registration procedure, that is, a player, and user registration data 530 is generated and stored in the server storage unit 500s to be managed. Also, it executes a process related to login.

The library management unit 202 manages the opponent progress data library 520 (FIG. 1) stored in the server storage unit 500s. More specifically, 1) In response to a request for providing opponent progress data 521 (see FIG. 3) from the player terminal 1500, the opponent progress data 521 is selected from the opponent progress data library 520 and transmission control is performed. 2) providing data to register new opponent progress data 521 in the opponent progress data library 520 in response to a delivery request of the opponent progress data 521 from the player terminal 1500 that has finished the game play. And a registration unit 206. The offering data registration unit 206 may acquire the history of all the game plays from the start to the end of the game from the player terminal 1500 and generate and register the opponent progress data 521 in the server system 1100. As a configuration for generating opponent progress data 521 at 1500, this may be simply received and registered.

The image generation unit 272s can generate an image or the like related to maintenance of the server system 1100 and output it to the image display unit 372s.

The image display unit 372s displays various images for system management based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 272s. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In the example of FIG. 1, the touch panel 1108 corresponds.

The communication control unit 274s executes data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 374s.

The communication unit 374s is connected to the communication line N to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, or the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication device 1153 corresponds.

The server storage unit 500s stores a system program for realizing various functions for causing the server processing unit 200s to integrally control the server system 1100, a program necessary for managing a game, various data, and the like. Further, it is used as a work area of the server processing unit 200s, and temporarily stores the calculation result and the like executed by the server processing unit 200s according to various programs. This function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD. In FIG. 1, the storage medium such as the IC memory 1152 and the hard disk mounted in the main body device 1101 and the storage 1140 correspond to this.

The server storage unit 500s in the present embodiment includes a server system program 501,
An account management program 503, a library management program 505, and a distribution game program 507 for distribution to the player terminal 1500 are stored in advance. Further, distribution game initial setting data 511, distribution event setting data 513, opponent progress data library 520, and user registration data 530 are stored. In addition, information such as a timer, a counter, and various flags can be stored as appropriate.

The server system program 501 is a system program for realizing basic input/output functions required by the server system 1100 as a computer by being read and executed by the server processing unit 200s.

The account management program 503 is a program for realizing the function as the account management unit 201 by being read and executed by the server processing unit 200s.

The library management program 505 is a program for realizing the function as the library management unit 202 by being read and executed by the server processing unit 200s.

The distribution game program 507 is an original game program provided by being duplicated and provided to the player terminal 1500. By executing the game program, the player terminal 1500 transmits various request information for playing the game to the server system 1100 according to the operation input, and the game progresses on the terminal based on the data received from the server system 1100. It is possible to realize a function of displaying a control screen or a game screen on the touch panel 1506. Such a function may be realized as a dedicated program, for example. Alternatively, if the game of the present embodiment is realized as a web game, a web technology that actively controls screen display by using Java (registered trademark), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) or the like together with HTML based on a web browser. Alternatively, it can be realized by using a plug-in such as Adobe (registered trademark) Flash. Of course, other methods may be used.

The distribution game initial setting data 511 is an original of the game initial setting data provided to the player terminal 1500, and stores initial setting data for configuring and displaying the game space that is the stage of the game. For example, model data and texture data of the background object arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space, arrangement position coordinates, etc. are stored.
In addition, the character (for example, player character 4, enemy character 6 and the like) appearing in the game, equipment and items are displayed on the game screen, and various parameter values for exerting a predetermined action effect are stored.

The distribution event setting data 513 is original data distributed to the player terminal 1500 and stores data necessary for activating each type of event.
For example, an event type, an event selection condition, a unique event ID, and event content definition data are stored.

The event selection condition is a condition for selecting an event defined by the distribution event setting data 513 as a possible event, and different type selection conditions are set for each event type and event content.

Specific event selection conditions can be appropriately set according to the content of the game, and it is preferable to have as many variations as possible. The parameters serving as selection conditions are, for example, 1) the difference between the progress status of the player and the progress status of the opponent, 2) the skill difference between the skill of the player and the skill of the opponent, and 3) each of the player and the opponent. Differences in equipment of player characters (for example, difference in the number of equipment and level of equipment), 4) type of stage being played and stage ID, and 5) items consumed from the start of the game (consumed items) The type and quantity, 6) the maximum number of events that can occur during one play, 7) the timing when an event can occur (for example, defined by the width of the elapsed time from the start of play), etc. can be appropriately used.

If the player has a function of storing the purchase history information of each player's account and items, the billing history can be added to the parameters of the selection condition. In addition, if the game content is a type in which a plurality of players participate at the same time (for example, a team play type), the number of participants and the past achievements of the team can be used as parameters.

Data for realizing the event described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 is stored in the event content definition data. For example, for an event of “event character appearance type”, initial setting data (display model data, motion data, movement pattern data, etc.) of the event character 8 (FIG. 5) is stored. For the “player strengthening type” event, the strengthening equipment 5 (FIG. 6) is stored, and for the “enemy weakening type” event, the appearance pattern in which the enemy character 6 is more easily captured is stored.

[Description of functional configuration example of player terminal]
FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the player terminal 1500 according to this embodiment. The player terminal 1500 of this embodiment includes an operation input unit 100, a processing unit 200, a sound output unit 370, an image display unit 372, a communication unit 374, and a storage unit 500.

The operation input unit 100 outputs an operation input signal to the processing unit 200 according to various operation inputs made by the player. For example, it can be realized by a push switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, an acceleration sensor, a gyro, a CCD module, or the like. In the example of FIG. 2, the direction input key 1502, the button switch 1504, and the touch panel 1506 correspond.

The processing unit 200 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or a GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or an IC memory, and controls input/output of data with each functional unit including the operation input unit 100 and the storage unit 500. To do. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on a predetermined program and data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 100, and various data received from the server system 1100 to control the operation of the player terminal 1500. In the example of FIG. 2, the control board 1550 corresponds to this. The processing unit 200 in the present embodiment includes a game calculation unit 210, a sound generation unit 270, an image generation unit 272, and a communication control unit 274.

The game calculation section 210 executes various processes related to the execution of the game.
In the present embodiment, the opponent progress data acquisition control unit 212, the game progress control unit 214, the superiority/inferiority determination timing detection unit 216, the opponent opponent progress status determination unit 218, the superiority/inferiority determination unit 220, and the superiority/inferiority display control unit 222. And an event occurrence selection unit 224, a consideration payment operation detection unit 226, an acquisition result upper limit setting unit 227, an event control unit 228, and a data delivery control unit 230.

The opponent progress data acquisition control unit 212 controls the acquisition of the opponent progress data 521 (FIG. 3) from the server system 1100 before the game starts. For example, it is possible to execute a connection to a predetermined URL, a login process, a request for providing the opponent progress data 521, and a control of storing the provided data in the storage unit 500 as the applied opponent progress data 560.

The game progress control unit 214 controls the game progress of the shooting game.

The superiority/inferiority determination timing detection unit 216 detects the arrival of the timing of determining the superiority/inferiority of the player with respect to the opponent. Specifically, the elapsed time from the start of the play (the start of the game) is counted, and the arrival of the superiority/inferiority determination timing is detected at every predetermined cycle. In other words, it can be said that the timing for determining the occurrence of the catch-up event is detected.

From the applied opponent progress data 560, the opponent progress status determination unit 218 determines the game progress status of the opponent (the opponent progress status) corresponding to the current elapsed time that the player is playing. In the present embodiment, the score of the opponent corresponding to the elapsed time corresponding to the superiority/inferiority determination timing detected by the superiority/inferiority determination timing detection unit 216 is calculated.

The superiority or inferiority determination unit 220 determines the superiority or inferiority of the player with respect to the opponent based on the difference between the current game progress status of the player (own player progress status) and the opponent progress status. In the present embodiment, the ratio (percentage) of the player's current score to the score of the opponent is calculated.

The superiority/inferiority display control unit 222 performs control to display the superiority/inferiority status display 20 (FIG. 3) on the game screen based on the determination result by the superiority/inferiority determination unit 220.

The occurred event selection unit 224 selects the type of catch-up event that can occur. In the present embodiment, from the event setting data 514 acquired as a copy of the distribution event setting data 513 (FIG. 8) from the server system 1100 before the game starts, one that matches the event selection condition set for each is selected. select. If there are multiple matching items, one of them is finally selected at random. Of course, the configuration may be such that one is simply selected by random lottery regardless of the event selection condition from the beginning.

The consideration payment operation detection unit 226 controls to confirm the intention of the player as to whether or not to activate the event. In the present embodiment, display control of the intention confirmation display 32 is performed, and when the consideration payment operation icon 32b in the display 32 is selected, it is detected (determined) as an operation input for consideration payment. That is, it is determined whether or not the player intends to play the event according to the payment of consideration. Then, if there is an intention to activate it, payment control of the consideration is performed. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the payment is made by consuming the item owned by the player. For example, a recovery item for recovering HP or a right to play an event (for example, the right may be a virtual ticket) is consumed. Of course, not only the consumption of the item but also the payment of the consideration may be made by a known charging process. It should be noted that in the case where the event is activated free of charge, consideration payment control can be omitted.

The acquisition result upper limit setting unit 227 sets an upper limit value that the player can acquire when the event is activated, and stores it in the event control data 590 (FIG. 10) of the play data 570 as the clearing acquisition score upper limit value 594. Specifically, the upper limit value is set based on the score difference between the player's score and the opponent at the time of the event occurrence. For example, the same value as the score difference or a value equal to or larger than the score difference is set.

When setting a value equal to or higher than the score difference at the time of the event occurrence to the clearing score upper limit value 594, the value may be a value obtained by determining a score difference of 1.0 or more as the score difference and multiplying it. However, do not exceed the opponent's score when you have scored when cleared. Specifically, the current score (game score) that the player is playing, the score (game score) that the player can obtain after the present, and the score (game score) at the end of the game of the opponent. Set based on the difference between and. More specifically, for example, from the score obtained per hour from the game start of the player at the time of the event activation, it is assumed that the pace is maintained as it is, and the score that the player can obtain after the present is estimated from the remaining play time. A predicted score at the end of the game, which is visually predicted, is calculated. Then, a value that does not exceed the score at the end of the game of the opponent is set as the clearing earned score upper limit value 594 even when the predicted score and the cleared earned score upper limit value 594 are added.

The event control unit 228 generates an event based on a difference between the player's current game progress status (own player progress status) and the opponent progress status (the own player progress status is higher than the standard compared to the opponent progress status). Inferior), and when the result of the intention confirmation by the consideration payment operation detection unit 226 is that the consideration payment operation is detected, that is, it is determined that there is an intention to play the event, the occurred event selection unit 224. Activates/generates the catch-up event selected by. Then, during execution of the event and at the time of clearing the event, points can be given to the player within a range up to the upper limit set by the acquisition result upper limit setting unit 227. More specifically, when the event control unit 228 causes a catch-up event of “event character appearance type” to occur, when the event is cleared, the player obtains the clearing score upper limit 594 (or slightly less than this). The score is given to the player. Further, when the catch-up event of the “player strengthening type” and the “enemy weakening type” is generated, the event control unit 228 causes the event to occur when the score obtained from the occurrence of the event reaches the clear score maximum score 594. Control to finish.

The data delivery control unit 230 performs control related to the delivery of data that is the basis of the new opponent progress data 521. Specifically, at the end of the game, a control for allowing the player to select whether or not the play data of this time may be provided in order to create new opponent progress data 521, and a provision for the provision when the provision possible is selected. And the control of transmitting the generated data to the server system 1100 together with the delivery request.

The sound generation unit 270 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of reproducing a voice file, and the like, and effects related to the game based on the processing result by the game screen display control unit 262. Sound signals of sounds, BGM, and various operation sounds are generated and output to the sound output unit 370.

The sound output unit 370 is realized by a device that outputs a sound effect, BGM, or the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 270. In the example of FIG. 2, the speaker 1510 corresponds.

The image generation unit 272 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC, a video codec, an IC memory for a drawing frame such as a frame buffer, or the like.
Then, the image generation unit 272 generates an image of one game screen in one frame time (for example, 1/60 seconds) based on the processing result by the game calculation unit 210, and displays the generated image signal of the game screen as an image. It is output to the unit 372.

The image display unit 372 displays various game images based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 272. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 1506 corresponds in the example of FIG.

The communication control unit 274 executes data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 374. The communication unit 374 is connected to the communication line N to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, and the like. In the example of FIG. 2, the wireless communication module 1553 corresponds to this.

The storage unit 500 stores a system program for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 200 to integrally control the player terminal 1500, a program necessary for game play, various data, and the like. Further, it is used as a work area of the processing unit 200, and temporarily stores a calculation result executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 100, and the like. Such a function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD. In the example of FIG. 2, the IC memory 1552 and the memory card 1540 mounted on the control board 1550 correspond to this.

The storage unit 500 of this embodiment stores a terminal system program 502, a game program 504, game initial setting data 512, event setting data 514, applied opponent progress data 560, and play data 570. Of course, in addition to these, other data for describing the game progress, a counter for timing, various flags, etc. are stored as appropriate.

The terminal system program 502 is a program for realizing the basic input/output functions of the player terminal 1500 as a computer.

The game program 504 is application software for realizing the function as the game calculation unit 210 by being read and executed by the processing unit 200, but may be configured as a part of the terminal system program 502. .. The game program 504 may be a dedicated program according to a technical method for realizing an online game, or may be configured by a web browser program and a plug-in that realizes interactive image display.

The game program 504 is downloaded from the server system 1100 and stored together with the game initial setting data 512 and the event setting data 514.

One event setting data 514 stores an event type, a unique event ID, and event content definition data in association with each other.

The play data 570 stores various data that describes the progress of the game.
For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the play data 570 includes the player's account 571, player skill information 572, elapsed time 573, player character control data 574, enemy character control data 575, and own player progress status. It includes data 576, own player play progress history data 577, superiority/inferiority determination data 580, and event control data 590. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The elapsed time 573 is the elapsed time from the start of the game and is basic data for detecting the superiority/inferiority determination timing. In this embodiment, the superiority/inferiority determination timing is set every 30 seconds from the start of play, but the period is not limited to 30 seconds, of course. Further, the superiority/inferiority determination timing may be set aperiodically.

The player character control data 574 stores a parameter value that describes the latest state of the player character 4 (FIG. 3). In the present embodiment, for example, the position coordinates in the game space, the moving speed vector, the number of remaining stages, the position and moving speed vector of the fired bullet, the item list possessed (items that are consumed as a consideration for the event activation are In this case, the number of items is included here), the item ID in use, the acquired item ID list, the data regarding the position and state of the reinforced equipment 5 (FIG. 6) added by the event activation, and the like are stored.

The enemy character control data 575 stores parameter values describing the latest states of the enemy character 6 (FIG. 3) and the event character 8 (FIG. 5). For example, the position coordinates in the game space, the moving speed vector, the counter value for measuring the attack interval, the function of the applied appearance pattern, the position and moving speed vector of the fired bullet, the remaining HP, and the like.

The own player progress status data 576 is a parameter value indicating the latest performance of the own player, which is used for judging superiority or inferiority, and is the latest score of the own player in the present embodiment.

The own player play progress history data 577 is data that stores a time-series change in the score in the current game play. For example, player character status history data in which the status of the player character is stored in chronological order at each superiority/inferiority determination timing (or in every finer cycle timing than that), stage history data in which the game stage number being played is stored in chronological order, It is possible to appropriately include score history data in which the points are stored in time series, enemy down history data in which the cumulative number of enemies destroyed is stored in time series, and the like. In this embodiment, at least score history data is included.

The superiority/inferiority determination data 580 stores various data for determining superiority/inferiority.
For example, it includes opponent progress data 582 and progress difference data 584. The former is the opponent's score. The latter is the score difference between the player's score and the opponent's score.

The event control data 590 stores information on control of a catch-up event. For example, it includes an occurrence event ID 592 and a score point upper limit value 594 when cleared.
The former is the identification information of the catch-up event selected by the generated event selection unit 224. The latter is set by the acquisition result upper limit setting unit 227 based on the score difference between the player's score and the opponent at the time when the event occurs.

[Explanation of processing flow]
11 to 12 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing in the server system 1100 and the player terminal 1500 according to this embodiment.
The flow of the processing described here is such that the server processing unit 200s executes the server system program 501 and reads and executes the account management program 503 and the library management program 505, and the player terminal 1500 executes the terminal system program 502. This is realized by a situation in which the game program 504 is read and executed in the executed state.
It is assumed that the player has already acquired an account and some opponent progress data 521 has already been registered in the opponent progress data library 520.

First, the player terminal 1500 accesses the server system 1100 to execute a login process (steps S2 and S4). Then, when the login is completed, the player terminal 1500 transmits a request for providing the opponent progress data 521 to the server system 1100 (step S6).

Upon receiving the provision request (YES in step S10), the server system 1100 selects any opponent progress data 521 from the opponent progress data library 520 and transmits it to the player terminal 1500 (step S12). At the time of selection, the skill information 523 of the opponent progress data 521 (FIG. 3) is compared with the player skill information 572 (FIG. 10) of the player of the player terminal 1500 that has transmitted the provision request, and those skills that are close to each other are compared. The former shall be selected to slightly exceed the latter.

When the player terminal 1500 receives the opponent progress data 521 and stores it in the storage unit 500 as the applied opponent progress data 560 (step S14), it starts the game progress control (step S16). At the same time as the start, the counting of the elapsed time 573 (FIG. 10) of the play data 570 also starts, and thereafter, the superiority/inferiority determination timing is detected based on this. Further, the player character control data 574, the enemy character control data 575, and the own player progress status data 576 are sequentially changed according to the progress status, and the history thereof is stored in the own player play progress history data 577.

When the player terminal 1500 detects the arrival of the superiority/inferiority determination timing (YES in step S30), based on the applied opponent progression data 560, the opponent progress situation at the elapsed time corresponding to the superiority/inferiority determination timing that has arrived this time (this embodiment). Then, the score) is calculated (step S32). The calculation result is stored in the opponent progress status data 582 of the superiority/inferiority determination data 580.

Next, the player terminal 1500 obtains a score difference by subtracting the score of the player from the difference between the progress of the opponent and the progress of the player, that is, the score of the opponent in the present embodiment (step S34). The score difference is stored in the progress situation difference data 584 of the superiority/inferiority determination data 580. Then, the player terminal 1500 controls the display of the superior/inferior situation display 20 to notify the superior/inferior situation to the player (step S36).

Next, the player terminal 1500 determines whether or not the player's player is inferior enough to require a catch-up event (step S40). If the difference between the opponent's progress status and the player's progress status, that is, the score difference is equal to or greater than the reference, an affirmative decision is made (YES in step S40), and after setting the clearing score upper limit 594 (step S42), The event play permission notification 30 (FIG. 4) is displayed to notify the player that the catch-up event is playable (step S44). Further, the intention confirmation display 32 is displayed to request the player's selection input whether or not he/she has the intention to play the event even if the consideration is paid (step S46).

Moving to the flowchart of FIG. 12, if an operation input for approving the payment of the payment and the event play is detected by the player (YES in step S50), the player terminal 1500 executes the payment processing of the consideration (step S51), and the generation occurs. A possible catch-up event is selected (step S52), and the selected catch-up event is generated/activated (step S54).

Next, the player terminal 1500 determines whether or not the catch-up event end condition is satisfied (step S60). In the present embodiment, 1) the opponent progress status is the same as the player's progress status, or the own player progress status exceeds the opponent's progress status by a predetermined value, or 2) the predetermined time from the start of the event. When it has passed, 3) when a predetermined game progress has been reached (for example, when the event character 8 has been destroyed), and 4) when the score acquired by the player from the start of the event has reached the clearing score upper limit value 594, Judge that the end condition is satisfied. If the ending condition is satisfied (YES in step S60), the catch-up event being activated is ended (step S62). In addition, in an event such as "event character activation type" in which a score is given on the condition of clearing an event, a score is given at the end of the event. In the present embodiment, at the end of the “event character activation type”, the clearing-time acquisition score upper limit value 594 or a value obtained by slightly reducing it is given.

If the game ending condition is not satisfied (NO in step S70), the process returns to step S30 and the player terminal 1500 continues the game progress.

If the game end condition is satisfied (YES in step S70), the player terminal 1500 ends the game progress control (step S72), further displays a predetermined selection screen, and presents the play data of this time. The player is requested to input whether or not it is acceptable (step S74).

Then, if an operation input permitting the donation is detected (step S76), the player terminal 1500 determines the donation data (for example, the account 571, the player skill information 572, the own player play progress history) from the play data 570. A set of data 577) is generated (step S78). Then, the data generated together with the supply request is transmitted to the server system 1100 (step S80), and the series of processes is ended.

On the other hand, when the server system 1100 receives the donation request from the player terminal 1500 (YES in step S90), the server system 1100 generates new opponent progress data 521 based on the donation data received together with the request, and the opponent progress data. It is additionally registered in the library 520 (step S92).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to enjoy the feeling of competing in real time on the player terminal 1500 like a competitive game. Also, when the player becomes inferior, a catch-up event can be provided.
Further, since the opponent progress data 521 that is the basis of such a pseudo battle game need only be acquired from the server system 1100 before the game starts, after the game starts, the game is enjoyed without being constantly connected to the server system 1100. be able to. In other words, a game is realized in which the excitement of competitive play can be obtained regardless of changes in the communication environment during play. Moreover, there is an advantage that the communication band is not occupied.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. Note that, hereinafter, the difference from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the same components and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, basically the same game as that of the first embodiment is realized, but in the first embodiment, the control relating to the game progress is realized by the player terminal 1500. The form is different in that it is realized by the server system 1100. That is, the player terminal 1500 of this embodiment receives an operation input, transmits an operation input signal to the server system 1100, receives data for displaying a game screen from the server system 1100, and displays a game screen. It plays a role as a machine interface.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the server system 1100 in this embodiment. In the present embodiment, since transmission/reception of the opponent progress data 521 to/from the player terminal 1500 is omitted, the server system 1100 of the present embodiment replaces the provided data selection unit 204 with the applicable opponent progress data used in the game. The application data selection unit 205 that selects 560 is included. Further, in place of the offering data registration unit 206, an additional data generation registration unit 207 that generates new opponent progress data 521 from the play data 570 after the play and registers it in the library is provided. Further, the opponent progress data acquisition control unit 212 and the data delivery control unit 230 are omitted.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s in the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the play data 570 is generated and managed for each game, and the applied opponent progress data 560 is included in the play data 570.

15 to 16 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing related to one game play of the server system 1100 according to the present embodiment. Basically, it is a flow in which the processing of the player terminal 1500 and the processing of the server system 1100 in the first embodiment are put together.
However, as shown in FIG. 15, instead of steps S4 to S12 of the first embodiment, the server system 1100 generates and initializes play data 570 (step S11), and selects applicable opponent progress data 560. , Is registered in the play data 570 (step S15). Further, as shown in FIG. 16, instead of steps S80 to S92 of the first embodiment, the server system 1100 generates new opponent progress data 521 based on the play data 570, and the opponent progress data library 520. Is additionally registered (step S93).

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. Note that, hereinafter, the difference from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the same components and the description thereof will be omitted.

This embodiment is basically realized in the same manner as the first embodiment, but the condition relating to the occurrence of the catch-up event based on the difference between the player and the opponent regarding a predetermined parameter before the game starts or during the game progress. The difference is that you set.

FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the player terminal 1500 in this embodiment. 18 is a diagram showing an example of data included in the play data 570 according to the embodiment.
Although basically the same as the functional configuration in the first embodiment, in the present embodiment, the game calculation unit 210 includes an occurrence event control information setting unit 223.

The occurrence event control information setting unit 223 sets a limit such that the occurrence of a catch-up event is suppressed as the ability difference between the player and the opponent approaches the competition. Information regarding this restriction is stored in the event control data 590 as the generated event control information 596 (FIG. 18).

Specifically, the occurrence event control information 596 is set to include, for example, any one of the type of catch-up event that can occur, the occurrence timing, and the upper limit of the number of occurrences.
More specifically, the ability difference between the player and the opponent is determined, for example, from the difference between the player skill information 572 of the player and the opponent skill information 523 (FIG. 3) included in the opponent progress data 521. If the opponent progress data 521 includes status data of the player character of the opponent (for example, ability parameter values, information on equipment and possessed items, etc.), the ability parameter value and equipment rank. It is also possible to appropriately quantify the rank of the owned item and use it for determining the skill difference.

The smaller the skill difference, the smaller the number of occurrences of catch-up events, the smaller the occurrence timing, and the smaller the types of catch-up events that can occur. On the contrary, the larger the skill difference, the more the number of catch-up events occurs, the more the timing of occurrence, and the more types of catch-up events that can occur. The generation timing can be set, for example, by the ratio of the superiority/inferiority determination timing to the determination timing as to whether the catch-up event occurrence condition is satisfied. For example, it is said that the catch-up event occurrence condition is determined once every two superiority/inferiority determination timings, and the catch-up event occurrence condition is determined once every four superiority/inferiority determination timings.

Therefore, the occurrence event selection unit 224 of this embodiment selects a catch-up event that can occur according to the occurrence event control information 596. Further, the event control unit 228 will generate an event according to the generated event control information 596.

19 to 20 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing in the server system 1100 and the player terminal 1500 according to this embodiment. Although basically the same flow as in the first embodiment, the player terminal 1500 acquires the opponent progress data 521 from the server system 1100 and stores it as the applied opponent progress data 560 (step S14). Occurrence event control information 596 is set to (step S15).

Alternatively, after setting the upper limit score 594 for clearing (step S42), the generated event control information 596 may be set (step S43). Either step S15 or step S43 can be omitted.

Note that this embodiment can be realized based on the second embodiment.

[Modification]
Although the embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these, and appropriate addition, omission, and modification of constituent elements can be made.

[Part 1]
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the single-player shooting game is illustrated as the game, but it may be a game that allows multiple players to play, or a game of another genre.
For example, as shown in FIG. 21, it may be a team battle type game in which a plurality of people can play simultaneously. In this case, the opponent progress data 521 (FIG. 3) includes a supply player account 522 for each member of the opponent team, skill information 523, and play progress history data 524. It is preferable that the superiority or inferiority display 20 indicates the superiority or inferiority of the entire team, and that individual superiority or inferiority status displays 23a and 23b with any member of the opponent team be displayed for each player character 4a and 4b. Even with this configuration, it is possible to enjoy the real pleasure of the battle with a much smaller amount of data, regardless of changes in the communication environment, as compared with the case where the team battle is performed in real time. Of course, it can be played on a small computer with relatively limited computing resources.
It is also possible to have a configuration in which there is one player and a plurality of opponents. In this case, the processing relating to the opponent in the above embodiment may be executed for each opponent. Therefore, for example, the superiority or inferiority status display 20 is prepared for each opponent, and a plurality of superiority or inferiority status displays 20 are displayed in the game screen.

The game genre may be, for example, a race game, a training game, a sports game, a puzzle game, an action game, a role playing game, a music game, a quiz game, a card battle game, or the like. Then, the catch-up event may be appropriately set according to the content of the game.

For example, in the case of a music game in which markers that appear one after another are touch-operated in accordance with the rhythm of music, the difficulty level may be temporarily reduced by narrowing the appearance range or fixing it when the catch-up event is activated. Alternatively, a bonus marker to which a bonus privilege is given may appear. In the case of a music game in which a marker moves along a predetermined course and touches the specified operation line (judgment line) at a timing to advance, the operation line width is temporarily widened and highly evaluated. May be obtained.

Further, in the case of a quiz game in which the number of questions to be answered until the number of mistakes reaches the reference value is contested, the number of mistakes may be reduced if the questions during the catch-up event activation period are answered. Alternatively, the problem may be replaced with a less difficult one.
Further, in a card battle game in which a deck is organized using game cards owned by the player, the probability of appearance of a card with a high rarity from the deck may be temporarily increased during the catch-up event activation period.

[Part 2]
Also, an intermediate configuration between the configuration in which all the functional units included in the game calculation unit 210 are realized by the player terminal 1500 (first embodiment) and the configuration in which the server system 1100 is realized (second embodiment) is also possible. It is possible. That is, a configuration in which the player terminal 1500 and the server system 1100 share the functional unit included in the game calculation unit 210 is also possible.

[Part 3]
Further, although the player terminal 1500 has a form as a smartphone, it may take the form of an electronic device that is another computer.
For example, a stationary home-use game device including a device main body equipped with a control board and a plurality of touch panel mounted game controllers wirelessly connected to the device main body can be used. In the case of such a configuration, the device main body may be equivalent to the control board 1550 of the above embodiment, and the game controller may be regarded as a wireless communication type touch panel 1506.
Further, for example, it may be a form as a commercial game device (arcade game device) capable of reading data from a game card (trading card) as an entity and playing the main game, or paying out a new game card. In this case, the enclosure is printed each time and provided to the player as a game card.

[Part 4]
Although the content of the catch-up event is defined in advance in the distribution event setting data 513, the event control unit 228 may have a function of changing/changing the details of the content of the event when the catch-up event is activated.
For example, in the process of approval for payment of the consideration (step S46), the player can select the type and number of items (consumption items) to be paid as consideration. Then, in step S54, the event control unit 228 adjusts the difficulty level of the catch-up event to be activated according to the type and number of items considered as compensation, and activates it. Specifically, the more difficult the effect and the higher the rarity of the item, and the more the amount paid, the easier the difficulty becomes. More specifically, in the case of “event character appearance type”, the counterattack cycle of the event character 8 (FIG. 5) is changed to adjust the difficulty level. In the case of the "player strengthening type", the number of the strengthening equipments 5 is changed, or the interval of continuous shooting of the player character 4 and the strengthening equipments 5 is changed. Further, in the case of “enemy weakening type”, the moving speed or counterattack cycle of the enemy character 6 may be changed.

2... Player 4... Player character 5... Reinforcement equipment 6... Enemy character 8... Event character 10... Score display part 12... Bonus score notification 14... Remaining time display 20... Superiority/inferiority status display 21... Player power display bar 22... Opponent power Display bar 30... Event play permission notification 32... Intention confirmation display 32a... Payment off icon 32b... Consideration payment operation icon 200... Processing unit 200s... Server processing unit 201... Account management unit 202... Library management unit 204... Provision data selection unit 205 Applicable data selection unit 206... Provision data registration unit 207... Additional data generation registration unit 210... Game calculation unit 212... Opponent opponent progress data acquisition control unit 214... Game progression control unit 216... Superiority/inferiority determination timing detection unit 218... Opponent progression Situation determination unit 219... Opponent progress data acquisition control unit 220... Superiority/inferiority determination unit 222... Superiority/inferiority display control unit 224... Occurrence event selection unit 226... Consideration payment operation detection unit 227... Acquisition result upper limit setting unit 228... Event control unit 230... Data distribution control unit 240... Game execution unit 262... Game screen display control unit 500... Storage unit 500s... Server storage unit 503... Account management program 504... Game program 505... Library management program 507... Distribution game program 511... Distribution game Initial setting data 512... Game initial setting data 513... Distribution event setting data 514... Event setting data 520... Opponent progress data library 521... Opponent progress data 522... Provision player account 523... Skill information 524... Play progress history data 530 ...User registration data 560...Applicable opponent progress data 570...Play data 571...Account 572...Player skill information 573...Elapsed time 576...Own player progress status data 577...Owner player play progress history data 580...Superior/inferior judgment data 582... Opponent progress data 584... Progress difference data 590... Event control data 592... Occurrence event ID
594... Clearing point upper limit value 1100... Server system 1150... Control board 1500... Player terminal 1550... Control board

Claims (15)

A program for causing a computer to execute a competitive game that competes for the progress of the game,
For a plurality of opponents, a server system that stores the skill of the opponent and opponent progress data, which is data of the progress of the played game of the opponent after the opponent has finished playing, in association with each other, Acquisition means for acquiring opponent progress data of an opponent (hereinafter referred to as "selected opponent") in which the difference in skill between the player and the opponent satisfies a predetermined condition before the player plays the game;
An opponent that determines the game progress status of the selected opponent (hereinafter referred to as "opponent progress status") corresponding to the current elapsed time being played by the player from the opponent progress data acquired by the acquisition means. Progress judgment means,
The game that the player is playing when the occurrence condition for generating an event based on the difference between the player's current game progress status (hereinafter referred to as “own player progress status”) and the opponent progress status is satisfied In the event control means for generating the event, the event control means for generating a different event according to the magnitude of the difference between the progress status of the player and the progress status of the opponent.
A program for causing the computer to function as a virtual real-time battle game between the player and the selected opponent who has finished playing before the player plays. The opponent progress status determination means determines the game result of the selected opponent corresponding to the elapsed time of the current time being played by the player as the opponent progress status,
The event control means determines whether or not the present game result of the own player is used as the own player progress status to satisfy the occurrence condition.
The program according to claim 1 . The opponent progress status determining means determines the opponent progress status at a given timing during the game play of the player.
The event control unit determines the occurrence condition based on the difference at the timing,
The program according to claim 1 . Superiority or inferiority determination means for determining superiority or inferiority of the player with respect to the selected opponent based on the difference,
A superiority/inferiority display control means for performing control for displaying the determination result of the superiority/inferiority determination means
Claim 1-3 or program according to one of for further causes the computer to function as. The event control means generates an event capable of accelerating the game progress of the player.
Program according to any one of claims 1-4. Setting for setting generated event control information including any of the types of events, the timing of occurrence, and the number of occurrences of events that can be generated by the event control means, based on the difference between the player and the selected opponent with respect to a predetermined parameter. Further functioning the computer as a means,
The event control means generates an event according to the generated event control information,
Program according to any one of claims 1-5. The setting means sets the generated event control information before the start of the game or during the progress of the game,
The program according to claim 6 . The setting means adjusts the generated event control information based on an item owned by the player or an ability parameter value.
The program according to claim 6 or 7 . The event control unit causes the event when the occurrence condition is satisfied and a consumption instruction operation of a given consumption item is performed by the player.
Program according to any one of claims 1-8. The event control means changes an event to be generated based on the type of the consumption item on which the consumption instruction operation is performed,
The program according to claim 9 . The event control means changes an event to be generated based on the quantity of the consumption item on which the consumption instruction operation is performed,
The program according to claim 9 or 10 . An event generated by the event control means based on the difference between the game result of the current player being played by the player and the game result obtainable by the player after the present time and the game result of the selected opponent. When the player clears, the upper limit of the game score that can be acquired is set,
Program according to any one of claim 1 to 11 for further functions the computer as. For causing the computer to further function as a delivering means for delivering the data of the progress of the game played by the own player to the server system when the own player finishes the game,
Program according to any one of claims 1 to 12. A game device for executing a game in which the game progresses,
For a plurality of opponents, a server system that stores the skill of the opponent and opponent progress data, which is data of the progress of the played game of the opponent after the opponent has finished playing, in association with each other, Acquisition means for acquiring opponent progress data of an opponent (hereinafter referred to as "selected opponent") in which the difference in skill between the player and the opponent satisfies a predetermined condition before the player plays the game;
An opponent that determines the game progress status of the selected opponent (hereinafter referred to as "opponent progress status") corresponding to the current elapsed time being played by the player from the opponent progress data acquired by the acquisition means. A progress judging means,
The game that the player is playing when the occurrence condition for generating an event based on the difference between the player's current game progress status (hereinafter referred to as “own player progress status”) and the opponent progress status is satisfied In event control means for generating different events according to the magnitude of the difference between the player's progress status and the opponent's progress status.
And a game device for realizing a pseudo real-time battle game between the player and the selected opponent who has finished playing before the player plays. A server system that uses a player terminal as a man-machine interface and performs control for causing a player game to play a competitive game that competes for the progress of the game,
For a plurality of opponents, a storage unit that stores the skill of the opponent and opponent progress data, which is data of the progress of the played game of the opponent when the opponent has finished playing, in association with each other,
From the storage unit, opponent progress data of an opponent (hereinafter, referred to as “selected opponent”) in which the difference in skill between the player and the opponent satisfies a predetermined condition before the player playing on the player terminal plays. An acquisition means for acquiring
A battle for judging the game progress status of the selected opponent (hereinafter referred to as “opponent progress status”) corresponding to the current elapsed time being played by the player from the opponent progress data acquired by the acquisition means. Opponent progress status determination means,
The player is playing when a condition for generating an event based on a difference between the player's current game progress status (hereinafter referred to as “own player progress status”) and the opponent progress status is satisfied. Event control means for generating the event in a game, the event control means generating different events according to the magnitude of the difference between the progress status of the player and the progress status of the opponent.
And a server system that realizes a pseudo real-time battle game between the player and the selected opponent who has finished playing before the player plays.

Images