JP2001120841A - Communication game system and processing method of communication game - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication game serving the communication between players so as to be more interesting by providing more various ways of playing. SOLUTION: This communication game system comprises a client system 1 and a game server system 2 for communicating with the client system 1. The game server system 2 comprises a database 21 for storing group information for relating a plurality of client systems as competition group. The game server system 2 determines a combination of competition from the client systems 1 belonging to the same competition group, manages the transmission and receipt of data between the client systems determined according to this combination to execute a competition, and determines the next competition according to the result of the competition. Each client system 1 has independent character selecting function and chat function in watching.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication game system for playing a game between remote game devices connected to a server. In particular, the communication game system according to the present invention can perform complicated battle management within a group formed at the request of the player, and can select characters used in the game without discomfort.
An object of the present invention is to provide a new communication game management method equipped with functions such as enhancing communication between game spectators.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, there has been a communication game system in which game devices operated by separate players are connected to a common game server so that a competitive game can be executed between players at remote locations.

[0003] In this system, the server is configured to list and display the game devices connected at that time. When a game application is made from any game device to another game device, the server manages a transaction for accepting the match between the applied game device and the applied other game device, and the server accepts the match. Then, the program is programmed to mediate while monitoring the transmission and reception of commands between both game devices.

[0004] In the conventional system, when an opponent is determined, a screen for selecting one's own character to be used in the battle game is displayed in common between the game devices competing.
For this reason, in each of the game devices to be played, the player selects a favorite character from a common screen. This selection information is transmitted and received between the opponents in real time via the server, similarly to other game data. For this reason, both character selection information is displayed on both common character selection screens.

[0005] Further, in the case of the conventional system, opponents can send messages to each other during execution of a battle game.

With the advent of such communication game systems, players have been able to enjoy game battles with other players.

[0007]

However, the competition method in the communication game system up to now has only repeated the transaction of application, acceptance, and competition of the game competition. Despite being able to play against a large number of game devices, it was not possible to communicate as if enjoying a game with a plurality of friends at a game center or the like. In addition, since the way of playing was not developed, it was easy for the players to get bored.

[0008] Further, since character selection information is displayed to opponents in real time between opponent game devices, it is possible to know in advance what kind of character the opponent has selected. However, the sense of expectation and freshness before the game starts are halved.

[0009] On the other hand, in a situation where the character selection screen provides a mode in which a customized character can be selected, a screen dedicated to the customized character selection is displayed on the game device designating the customized character selection. Is done. That is, at this time, a different character selection screen is displayed for each opponent. In this state, when a manual operation for selecting a customized character is performed on one of the game devices, the movement of the cursor related to the operation is transmitted to the other game device, and the opponent's game device is displayed on a screen different from the customized character selection screen. Cursor moves incomprehensibly, giving the other party a sense of incompatibility. On the other hand, if the opponents know each other's hands, their movements of the opponent can hint at what kind of customized character to choose and, as before, kill the expectation before the game .

Furthermore, in the conventional communication game system, opponents can exchange messages and the like and enjoy the game, but the spectators simply play the game (including the message) currently in progress. You just watch. For this reason, as described above, a situation in which a game center or the like is enjoying a game with a plurality of friends cannot be provided, and there is a problem that the user is easily bored.

In view of this point, the present invention provides a communication game system and a communication game system that provides a variety of ways of playing that have not been provided by a conventional communication game system, thereby achieving communication between players and making the communication game more interesting. It is an object to provide a processing method.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a communication game system for providing communication between spectators, which is not provided by the conventional communication game system, and to further enhance the communication game, and a processing method therefor. .

Further, the present invention provides a communication game system in which, when selecting a character to be used in a battle game, an operation related to the selection does not give a sense of incongruity and prevents a decrease in an expectation and a sense of excitement before the game. It is yet another object to provide a processing method therefor.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve this object, in a communication game environment in which a large number of unspecified persons participate, there is a demand for playing with friends who can be said to be friends on a network, such as those having a similar hobby. Needs to be satisfied.

It is also necessary to satisfy the requirement that one's skill can be evaluated in various combinations of competitions, such as team battles, round robin battles, and tournament battles, which are usually performed in games and competitions involving many people.

Further, even when the player himself is not fighting, it is necessary to satisfy the requirement that he wants to watch and enjoy the game when another player is fighting.

Further, in the selection of the opponent character from the screen, it is necessary to satisfy the demand for enjoying the game without feeling unnatural and without exhilarating before the game.

According to the present invention, in a communication game system including a client system and a game server system communicating with the client system, the game server system has a plurality of group information for relating a plurality of client systems as one competition group. A plurality of databases are stored corresponding to the types of battle modes, and when any one battle group is designated, the group information related to the designated battle group is referred to, and the same Determine the combination of matches from the client systems belonging to the match group,
A communication game system configured to manage transmission and reception of data between client systems determined by the combination, execute a match, and determine a next combination according to a result of the match. It is.

For example, at least one of the group information stored in the database may be such that, when the match is over, the winning, losing, fixed both or one of the fixed client systems is used. The game server system includes match rule information that sets a match mode determined to continuously play against another client system.When the match ends, the game server system refers to the match rule information and To determine the combination of matches. The game server system executes the match when a command indicating acceptance is transmitted from both of the client systems corresponding to the next combination of the matches.

For example, at least one of the group information stored in the database stores schedule information for setting a team battle competition mode for dividing the same competition group into two subgroups.
When the match is completed, the game server system refers to the schedule information, and as a result of the match, a client group that has won and another client that has not played among the subgroups to which the losing client system belongs. Is determined as the combination of the next match. Preferably, in the schedule information, the order of competition in the subgroup is set in advance, and the game server system determines whether the last remaining client system in any one of the subgroups loses the competition, Is reported to each client system.

For example, at least one of the group information stored in the database is such that one client system in the same competition group competes with all other client systems when the competition is completed. The registration information for setting the brute-force battle mode in order is stored in the game server system. When the battle by one combination is completed, the game server system refers to the registration information and each client system is still in the game. The other client systems that are not competing but are not competing are determined as the next combination of competitions for each client system. Preferably, the game server system notifies each client system of the result of the brute-force battle as a star list when the battle in all combinations ends.

For example, at least one of the group information stored in the database is a registration for setting a tournament battle battle mode in which, when the battle is completed, a battle is played in the same battle group in a win-win battle format. Information is stored, and when the match by one combination ends, the game server system refers to the registration information to determine the next combination to be played, and the client system that has won the match by the determined combination. Each other is determined as the combination of the next match. Preferably, the game server system notifies each client of a result of the tournament battle as a tournament table when one client system wins to the end in the battle.

In the present invention, the game server system is a simple battle mode in which, when a battle request is made from any one of the client systems, one of the other arbitrary client systems is selected and played.
Another feature is that one of the skilled battle modes belonging to one of the battle groups and fighting in each battle group is selected and executed.

For example, the game server system provides each client with a battle mode list display for causing each client system to browse the battle group with reference to the group information. When one of the battle groups is selected in the battle mode list display from the client system, the game server system reads the group information corresponding to the selected battle group from the database and displays the content.

Preferably, the database stores battle history information of client systems belonging to one of the battle groups, and the game server system selects one of the client systems from the client system in the battle mode list display. In such a case, the battle history information corresponding to the selected client system is read from the database and the content is displayed.

Preferably, when determining a combination of matches in the match group, the game server system determines whether or not the combination is possible according to the degree of strength determined from the match history information of each client system.

Preferably, the game server system sets a handicap in each client system based on the battle history information when determining a combination of battles in the battle group, and determines a handicap in the combination in which the handicap is set. In the case of a match, the update of the match history information based on the result of the match is prohibited.

[0028] More preferably, the game server system includes a WWW server system connected to a wide area network, wherein the game server system creates a file for displaying a battle history based on the battle history information, and stores the file in a storage area of the WWW server system. And store it in a viewable state.

In the present invention, the game server system newly registers new group information in the database based on the settings of the client system when a request for creating a new competition group is received from any client system. .

Further, in the game server system of the present invention, when there is a request from any one of the client systems to participate in any one of the competition groups, the client system is associated with the group information of the competition group which has been requested to participate. .

The game server system of the present invention transmits / receives battle data to client systems that are competing in the competition group, and transmits client data that is not competing in the competition group to client systems that are not competing in the competition group. Transmits and receives watching data for watching a battle between systems.

Preferably, in the database, correspondence information for associating a message to be provided to a client system which each client system is watching during a battle with operation contents of a player is registered. If any one of the client systems is competing, it refers to the operation content from the client system, reads the corresponding information associated with the operation content, and notifies the client system that is watching the game.

Similarly, when a client system is playing a match and a message is sent from a client system watching the match, the game server system sends the message to another client system. Notify.

Further, the client system includes vibration generating means for transmitting vibration to a player in response to a command from the game server system, and the game server system responds to an operation from one of the client systems. A command for driving the vibration generating means is transmitted to another client system. The "vibration generating means" is not limited, and may be arbitrarily applied, such as one using a piezo element or one using an eccentric motor.

More specifically, the game server system according to the present invention includes a database for associating a plurality of client systems as a competition group, a communication device for transmitting and receiving data to and from each client system, and a database in the same competition group with reference to the database. And a processing device for managing a game battle between a plurality of client systems.

The communication game processing method according to the present invention is a communication game processing method executed between a client system and a game server system communicating with the client system. A step of referring to a database in which a plurality of group information for relating as a group is stored corresponding to a plurality of types of battle modes, and when any one battle group is designated,
A step of determining a combination of matches from client systems belonging to the same match group with reference to group information associated with the specified match group, and transmitting and receiving data between the client systems determined by the combination And a step of managing the game to execute a battle, and a step of determining the next combination in accordance with the result of the battle.

At least one of the group information stored in the database is such that, when the match is over, the winning, losing, fixed both or one of the fixed client systems continues. Match rule information for setting a match mode set to play against another client system is included, and the step of determining the next combination refers to the match rule information when the match ends. To determine the next combination of matches.

At least one of the group information stored in the database stores schedule information for setting a team battle competition mode in which the same competition group is divided into two subgroups. In the step of determining the combination, when the match is completed, referring to the schedule information, as a result of the match, the other of the subgroups to which the winning client system and the losing client system belong, which are not matched, Is determined as the combination of the next match.

Further, at least one of the group information stored in the database is arranged so that, when the match is completed, one client system in the same match group will play against all the other client systems. Registration information for setting the brute force battle mode is stored, and the step of determining the next combination is that when the battle with one combination ends, each client system has not yet battled The other client systems that are not currently playing are determined as the next combination of matches for each client system.

At least one of the group information stored in this database stores registration information for setting a tournament battle competition mode in which, when the battle is completed, a battle is played in the same competition group in a win-winning manner. In the step of determining the next combination, when the match of one combination ends, the combination to be played is determined by referring to the registration information, and the client systems that have won the match by the determined combination are determined. Is determined as the combination of the next match.

Preferably, the communication game processing method comprises:
If a match request is received from any client system, from any other client system,
There is provided a step of selecting and executing one of a simple battle mode in which one of the battle groups is selected and a battle is performed, or a skilled battle mode in which the battle belongs to one of the battle groups and is performed in each battle group.

More preferably, the method further comprises the step of providing each client with a battle mode list display for causing each client system to browse the battle group with reference to the group information.

These communication game processing methods may be provided in the form of a program executable by a computer on a recording medium (CD-ROM, DVD, communication line, etc.).

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication game system capable of transmitting and receiving game-related data in real time via the game server system between client systems having a predetermined partner among the plurality of client systems. When each of the plurality of client systems transmits and receives the data between the client systems, when one of the client systems includes the data to be invalidated in the data, the other client system transmits the data. In some cases, invalidation processing is performed on the data to be invalidated.

Preferably, each of the plurality of client systems transmits transmission means for transmitting the game including the data to be invalidated to the game server system, and data to be subjected to the invalidation from the game system. And invalidation processing means for invalidating data to be processed for invalidation when is transmitted. For example, the transmitting means is means for transmitting data to be invalidated together with information indicating the invalidation.

The information indicating the invalidation is, for example, position information indicating which display position on the screen corresponds to the data to be invalidated. The information indicating the invalidation may be a flag or dummy data indicating the invalidation.

The data to be invalidated is, for example, data relating to an operation when a player selects a customized character on a screen for selecting a character of a game. At this time, the data related to the operation is, for example, data related to the operation of the controller or the pad.

Preferably, each of the plurality of client systems includes a first button for selecting a common character previously stored in common among the plurality of client systems as a game character selection screen;
And means for presenting a screen including a second button for transitioning to a mode for selecting a customized non-common character that can be stored via a memory device detachable from a desired client system. The data to be processed is data representing an operation state when the second button is selected.

[0049] Preferably, said invalidation processing means comprises:
This is a process of discarding the data to be invalidated and setting it to a non-display state.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a system provided as another aspect, wherein data relating to a game is transmitted and received in real time between the client systems for which an opponent has been determined among the plurality of client systems via the game server system. A possible communication game system, wherein each of the plurality of client systems can execute a chat with another client system in the watching state via the game server system when watching the game. It is characterized by the following.

Preferably, each of the plurality of client systems receives the contents of the chat from a player while watching the game, and transmits character information corresponding to the contents to the game server system. A transmitting unit; and a display unit configured to display the character information superimposed on a game screen of a monitor when the character information is transmitted from the game server system. At this time,
The display means is, for example, means for displaying the character information in a translucent window in which the game screen is set as a background on the screen of the monitor.

According to the present invention, as still another embodiment,
A communication game system capable of transmitting and receiving data relating to a game in real time between the client systems of which opponents are determined among the plurality of client systems via the game server system, wherein each of the plurality of client systems is When viewing a game, a communication game system is provided which displays an image projected from a changeable virtual viewpoint in a game space in which the game is executed.

[0053]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. (Embodiment 1) In Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the same battle group is formed between client systems, a combination of battles is determined from the client systems belonging to the same, and the winning, losing, fixed both or The present invention relates to a communication game system in which one of the fixed client systems is configured to continuously play against another client system.

FIG. 1 shows a system diagram of the communication game system of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the communication game system comprises a plurality of client systems 1 connected to a game server system 2 and a WWW server system 3 via a network 4.

Each client system 1 has a configuration as a game device having a so-called communication function, and includes a game machine body 10, a control pad 11, and a monitor 12.
Are connected to each other.

The control pad 11 supplies an operation signal output in accordance with the operation of each player to the game machine main body 10. The game machine body 10 is configured as a computer device capable of communication (CPU, memory,
CD-ROM drive, modem, image generation circuit, audio generation circuit, etc.). The game machine main body 10 is C
Data can be read from a recording medium such as a D-ROM, and the game program read from the recording medium is executed to operate as a client system of the communication game system. The game machine body 10 proceeds with the game processing based on the operation signal from the control pad 11 and, when the communication game is designated by the player, sends the game to the game server system 2 via the network 4 via the built-in modem. It is supposed to connect. The game program recorded on the recording medium is not limited as long as it can execute the communication game function. However, it is preferable that the game is programmed as a battle-type game in which a battle is determined with respect to another player. The game machine body 10 outputs an image signal and an audio signal accompanying the game processing. The monitor 12 is configured to provide an image or a sound to a player in response to an image signal or a sound signal from the game machine body 10.

The game server system 2 includes a game server 20 and a storage area 21.

The game server 20 has a configuration as a general-purpose high-performance computer device (CPU, memory, HD, communication device, etc.). The game server 20 operates as a game server system that manages the communication game system by executing a program corresponding to the game processing method of the present invention. That is, the client system 1 connected to the access point of the game network 40 is managed.
The storage area 21 is an area accessible from the game server 20 itself or the server, and is an area in which a database necessary for executing the communication game system can be stored in a format such as a file.

The line network 4 is a normal public line or a dedicated line, and is a game network 40 or the Internet 41.
And the like.

The game network 40 is a network provided for executing the communication game system. For example, by connecting from the client system 1 to a specific access point managed by the game server system 2, it is a dedicated network configured by the game server system 2 and each client system 1. However, instead of such a PPP connection, a connection configuration via the Internet such that the client system accesses the game server from an arbitrary connection window may be provided. The protocol is not limited,
A general-purpose standard such as TCP / IP may be used in consideration of the case where the WWW function on the Internet is used in the client system 1 and that the client system 1 has versatility.

The Internet 41 is a WAN to which an unspecified number of computer devices can be connected.
By using various commands defined by the protocol, it is possible to realize file browsing, electronic mail, file transfer, and the like. In particular, in the present embodiment, the WWW function of the Internet is used.

The WWW server system 3 includes a WWW server 30 and an HTML (hypertext format) storage area 31.
And

The WWW server 30 has a configuration as a general-purpose high-performance computer device, is given one network address on the Internet 41, and specifies a specific network address from a computer connected to the Internet 41. , HTML storage area 31
It is configured to allow the user to browse HTML format files and the like stored in. HTML storage area 3
1 is a storage area managed by the WWW server 30;
A hypertext format file for displaying the result of the communication game created by the WWW server 30 or transferred from the game server system 2 is stored in a predetermined directory. This WW
The W server is for notifying the match history,
Instead of an Internet server, a dedicated server may be provided, a file in which a battle history is recorded may be uploaded to the server, and a client system may connect to and browse the file.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed functional block diagram of the communication game system. Client system 1 (A,
In B), the processing device 100 and the communication device 101 belong to the game machine main body 10. The output data generation device 102 and the control pad 11
Belongs to.

The processing device 100 is a computer portion that executes a game program with a CPU as a center. The processing device 100 performs recognition of an operation signal from the operation device 110, output of a vibration signal to the vibration generation unit 111, communication control of the communication device 101, control of the output data generation device 102, and the like. The communication device 101 is, for example, a modem or a terminal adapter, and mediates data transmission and reception between the game network 40 and the Internet 41 and the processing device 100. The operation device 110 has operation functions necessary for operating the game, such as operation buttons and arrow keys. The vibration generating means 111 can make a player who operates the control pad 11 recognize the vibration in response to a vibration signal of a predetermined frequency by an inverse piezoelectric effect such as a piezo element.

In the game server system 2, the processing device 200 and the communication device 201 belong to the game server 20. The storage area 21 has a user database (hereinafter referred to as DB).
Abbreviated. ) 210, an easy lobby DB 211, an expert lobby DB 212, a normal DB 213, a team game DB 214, a round robin game DB 215, a tournament game DB 216, and the like.

The user DB 210 stores personal information of a player who is permitted to use the communication game system,
For example, in addition to a management number unique to each game machine body 10, an individual's address, contact information, and the like, an individual's battle history, win rate, consecutive winning record, registered comment, class, character information, and the like are stored.

The easy lobby DB 211 stores easy lobby, that is, index information in the simple battle mode. For example, a battle combination in the easy lobby, its date and time, chat information, and the like are recorded.

The expert lobby DB 212 records the index information in the expert lobby, that is, the expert battle mode. For example, the name of each battle group (operation name), the number of participants, the battle type, and the DB 213
Link information to ２216, chat information in the lobby, and the like are recorded.

Normal DB 213, Team Battle DB 21
4. Round robin DB215 and tournament DB2
Reference numeral 16 stores battle group information in each battle type. For example, the name of a battle group (operation name), the number of participants, the number of battles, the start time and end time of each operation, the member names (including IDs), the class of each member, the match rules, the determined combination information, the match history, Chat information and the like in the battle group are recorded.

These databases can be cross-referenced, and a relationship is set so that all information can be read by key data.

The processing device 200 is a computer part for managing the communication game system.
With reference to 0 to 216, the communication device 201 is controlled to execute the battle management of the client system defined by the program. Particularly, in the present embodiment, the databases 210 to 212 and the normal database 213 common to the embodiments are used. The communication device 201 manages access points on the game network 40, and mediates data transmission and reception between each client system 1 and the communication device 200. (Operation of Client System) Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. First, the basic operation of each client system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

Each client system 1 can selectively use an independent mode in which game processing is performed based on a program and an operation signal from a player, and a communication mode in which game processing is performed centering on a command provided by communication. I have.

In any operation mode, the game machine main unit 1
0 moves the character (operable segment or model) on the game screen by interpreting the operation signal from the control pad 11. However, in the independent mode, the movement of the enemy character in the game is specified by a program, whereas in the communication mode, the movement of the enemy character is specified by a command transmitted from the opponent client system 1 via the game network 40. Are different in that In the case of the communication mode, the game machine body 10 converts the operation signal into a command and sends it to the game network 40.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the game machine main body 10 reads an operation signal (S501) and checks whether or not the operation content indicates a start of communication (S502).
If the communication has not been started (S502: NO), the mode is the independent mode, and the processing as a normal game device is continued (S503).

On the other hand, if the communication start is indicated (S
502: YES), the game machine body 10 executes a general procedure for establishing a connection because the game mode is the communication mode.
In other words, the game machine main body 10 selects and calls a server registered in advance, and after the connection, the handle name, I
D, necessary information such as a password is transmitted (S50).
4). If the connection cannot be established, the processing device displays this as normal error processing and returns.

After the connection is established, the game machine main body 10 displays the main menu (S505). When the game start is instructed by the player, the game machine main body 10 executes a permanent loop process that does not return unless a special operation such as escape is performed thereafter. That is, when an operation signal is supplied (S506: YES), the game machine main body 10 reads the operation signal (S508), converts the operation signal into a command according to a predetermined command rule, and converts the command into a command.
(S509). Game network 40
(S510: Y)
ES), the game machine main body 10 reads this (S51).
1) Move to the interpretation routine.

That is, when the command indicates the display of the easy lobby operation window (S512: YE
S), the game machine main body 10 displays a basic screen (see FIG. 9) called an easy lobby operation window (S51).
3). Similarly, when the command indicates the display of the expert lobby operation window (S514: YES),
The game machine main body 10 displays a basic screen called an expert lobby operation window (S513). The expert lobby operation window referred to here includes, in addition to the basic screen (see FIG. 10 and the like), various window displays (FIG. 11).
26 to FIG. 26). These basic screens
This is displayed based on the image data stored in the client system. However, the game server system 2 stores a file in a hypertext format for displaying these operation windows,
This may be provided to the client system in a timely manner and displayed based on the function of the browser for browsing hypertext.

If the command indicates a transition to the battle mode (S516: YES), the game machine body 1
0 executes a battle process using image data or the like in the client system in place of the screen display (S
518).

When the client system 1 is assigned to the battle mode, the game machine main body 10 moves its own character based on an operation signal, and receives an enemy's character based on an operation command provided from the game network 40. Change the position or mode of the character. The assignment of operation commands can be arbitrarily determined for each game. Through these processes, the player can execute the game battle as if the two control pads 11 were connected to one game machine and they were fighting against another person.

When the client system 1 is assigned to the watching mode, the game machine body 10 moves both characters based on an operation command provided from the game network 40 to change the display mode. With this processing, the player can watch the game as if he / she is supporting a friend playing a game at the amusement center.

When the chat information is sent as a command, the game machine main body 10 displays characters on the screen of the monitor 12 based on the chat information (S519). When a command to vibrate is sent as a command, the game machine body vibrates the vibration generating means 111 of the control pad 11.

Here, a procedure in which one player applies for a battle with another player in the simple battle mode (Easy Lobby) will be described with reference to FIG. These procedures are almost the same whether in the simple battle mode or in the expert battle mode (expert lobby) described later.

As shown in FIG. 2, in a state where the client systems 1A and 1B are connected together, the game server 20 monitors the client systems 1 connected at that time, and identifies the IDs of these client systems. The number of connected users is stored in the easy lobby DB 211. The game server causes the client system in the simple battle mode to display an easy lobby operation window as shown in FIG. In this window,
The name, state, and total number of connected users are displayed on the opponent list based on the connected data transmitted by the game server 20 searching the easy lobby DB 212.

When the cursor is on the opponent list based on the operation signal, the client system 1A transmits the cursor selection information to the game server 20 (path). The game server 20 reads the battle history of this person from the user DB 211 (path) and returns it to the client system 1A (path). In the client system 1A, the list is displayed as the player information. When the player of the client system 1A operates the control pad 11 and designates a battle application (), the game server 20 transmits a message to that effect to the client system 1B involved in the application (path).
In response to this, the player of the client system 1B replies whether or not to accept the match (path).

If the reply indicates that the application has been rejected, the game server 20 transmits a message to that effect to the client system 1A (). The player of the client system 1A searches for another client system and makes a match application again.

On the other hand, if the reply from the client system 1B indicates acceptance of the application, the game server 20
Sends that effect to the client system 1A (),
A command for shifting to the battle mode is transmitted to both client systems (,). Both client systems 1AB shift to the battle mode, and thereafter transmit a command relating to their own operation to the other (path). The transmission and reception of the command in the battle mode is performed by the game server system 2, but the command may be transmitted and received by directly specifying the network address of the opponent. Such a communication procedure is the same in the expert battle mode (expert lobby). (Overall Operation) The sequence of the individual client system and the game server system is as described above, but the present invention is characterized by the overall battle management positioned at the top of the individual sequence. This will be described mainly with reference to the state transition diagram of FIG. This figure shows individual client systems 1 that fluctuate under the control of the game server system 2.
The state of is shown. This drawing is common to the embodiment described later.

In the present invention, the game server system 2
When any one of the client systems 1 requests a match, any one of the client systems is selected to play a match in a simple match mode (Easy Lobby) or a match group belonging to any match group. Any one of the expert battle modes (expert lobby) to compete in the group is selected and executed.

In the simple battle mode, as described above, the game server 20 causes the client system 1 with which communication has been established to display the main menu (S00), and when the easy lobby is selected, the game server 20 displays the simple battle basic screen. The operation menu of the easy lobby is displayed (S01: FIG. 9).
Then, when the battle is accepted, the game server 20 shifts the client system 1 involved in the battle to the battle mode (S02).

The client system 1 displays a start menu when a start button is pressed on the control pad 11 (S03).
When the expert lobby is selected from the start menu or the main menu, the game server 20 displays an expert lobby operation window, which is a master battle basic screen (S10).

[0092] Since the expert lobby requires some familiarity with the way of playing, it is preferable that the client system 1 connected for the first time be configured so as to start from the easy lobby. After that, any battle mode can be freely selected by the player.

The expert lobby operation menu includes:
As shown in FIG. 10, a title window W1, a chat window W2, and a strategy name list W3 are displayed. The title window W1 is a display field of the battle mode. In the chat window W2, a character string W21 based on the chat information transmitted from the client system 1 in the expert battle mode is displayed in chronological order. When the chat information is sent, the game server 20 stores the chat information together with the name of the transmission source in the expert lobby DB 212, and displays the chat window W2 based on the chat information. A pseudo keyboard W2 for inputting characters is displayed in the chat window W2.
2 is displayed. The strategy name list W3 is a battle group list for displaying the group information stored in the expert lobby DB 212 by referring to the game server 20. This strategy name list W3 is a list for each battle group, unlike the connected list for each client system in the easy lobby strategy window (FIG. 9). That is, a plurality of battle groups, each of which is composed of a strategy name, the number of participants, and a battle mode, are displayed. At this time, it is preferable to be able to list whether the player is fighting or not fighting by displaying a lamp or the like.

In the client system 1, when the player operates the start button on the control pad 11, a start menu M1 corresponding to the mode at that time is displayed (S11: FIG. 11).

When "Create a conference room" is selected in the start menu M1, the game server 20 further displays a menu M2 for selecting the battle mode (S1).
2: FIG. 12). When one of the battle modes is selected from this menu, a battle group corresponding to the battle mode is newly created, and the "operation meeting room" is displayed (S13).

When one or more client systems 1 participate in the “strategy conference room” created in the selected battle mode after the new registration (S30, S40, S5)
0, S60), one battle group is formed. In the menu M2, when "Normal" is selected, the battle mode of the present embodiment is selected, when "Team Battle" is selected, the second embodiment is selected, and when "Round Robin" is selected, the third embodiment, "Tournament" is selected. Then, a strategy meeting room described in each embodiment of the fourth embodiment, that is, a battle group can be created.

In the conference room creation process (S13), the client system 1 that has requested new registration can determine any game rules. Only the newly registered client system can change the game rules of this strategy meeting room or start the competition of the competition group. Hereinafter, the client system that has newly registered and started the “strategy conference room” will be referred to as a “host”. The game server 20 registers group information for recording necessary information such as game rules and participating members related to the battle mode in the corresponding databases 212 to 216. Each time a new participant registers or the game rules change, the game server 20 changes and updates the group information.

When "comment registration" is selected in the start menu M1, the game server 20 displays a comment registration window W4 (S14: FIG. 13). In this window W4, a comment field W41 for inputting a character of a self-introduction document to be displayed when the personal information is referred to from another client system 1, and the same entry for watching the match when entering the match mode A quick message field W42 for registering characters to be provided to other client systems of the battle group in correspondence with the operation buttons of the control pad 11, and a software keyboard W43 for character input are displayed. When the player inputs arbitrary characters in these fields, the game server 20 stores them in the user DB 210 in correspondence with the operation buttons. The character information for displaying these comments is transferred by the game server 20 to each client system 1 in advance. The database stores correspondence information indicating the correspondence between each comment and the operation command.
The game server 20 monitors the presence or absence of an operation command on the game network 40, and when the operation command is transmitted, reads out the corresponding information from the database and transmits it to each client system 1. In each client system 1, character information corresponding to this correspondence information is displayed on the screen.

When "change chat channel" is selected in the start menu M1, the game server 20 changes the chat channel from a common chat channel in the expert battle mode to a chat channel unique to each battle group. Specifically, the server 20 stores a database for reading chat information in the chat DB2.
11 and the other databases 213 to 216.

When "Send message" is selected in the start menu M1, the game server 20 stores the chat information supplied from the client system in the selected chat channel in the database, and stores the chat information in another connected channel. Provided to the client system 1.

When "search for other members" is selected in the start menu M1, the game server 20 displays other undisplayed battle groups in the strategy name list W3. When "change of registration of main use virtualoid" is selected, the game server 20 enables change of the character adapted to each client system 1, and updates the user DB 210 with the changed content. When "move to easy lobby" is selected, game server 20 moves client system 1 to state S01. When "Leave the network" is selected, the game server 20 transmits a command to shift from the communication mode to the independent mode to the client system 1, and the client system 1 is disconnected from the game network.

In the expert lobby operation window (S20, FIG. 10), when the player moves the cursor on the operation name list W3, the operation name information selected by the cursor is provided to the game server 20 as a command. Is done. The game server 20 searches the expert lobby DB 212 based on the strategy name information,
Database 2 in which the corresponding match group is stored
13 to 216 are specified, detailed information thereof is read, and returned to the client system 1. Thereby, the game situation window W5 is displayed (S20: FIG. 14).

In the window W5, the battle mode W5
1, the number of participants W52 of the battle group, the type display W53 of the actual battle or the mock battle, the operation start time W54 which is the time at which the battle group was created, the status W55 for specifying the rules of the game, and the participating members W56 are displayed. You.

For each player, a rank is determined and registered according to the battle history stored in the user DB 210. The rank is assigned to the member. The display of the participating members may be arranged according to the order of the class. This is because it can inspire a player's ambition to want to advance to a higher class. Conversely, some players may feel killed if this class always affects the match. For such a person, by the choice of the person who newly set up the match group,
Class-applied "actual battle" and class-independent "simulated battle"
And can be selected.

The game server 20 monitors the connection status of each participating member, and displays the status next to each member name. For example, a state such as “combat” is displayed for a player who is in a battle, “watching” for a watching player, and “waiting” for a player who is browsing the expert lobby operation window.

When a predetermined operation is performed by the player during the display of the game situation report window W5, the game server 20
The personal information regarding all the currently connected client systems 1 is read from the user DB 210 irrespective of the battle group and the connected party list W6 is displayed. The total number of connected users is also displayed (S21: FIG. 15). When any of the connected parties is selected with the cursor in the connected party list, the game server 20 further reads the personal information of the client system 1 relating to the connected party from the user DB and displays the personal information on the player data window W7. In this window W7, the name W7 of the connected person is displayed.
1. The result W72 of the day, the class badge display W corresponding to the class
73, a character display W74, S14 employed in the client system 1 for use in the battle game
Is displayed, and the current status display W76 of the client system 1 is displayed. When a predetermined operation (for example, an “L” button or “R” button operation) is performed from this state, the total score of the client system 1 is displayed based on the user DB 210. When another operation (for example, the “A” button operation) is performed, a message is transmitted to the selected client system 1 (S23).

Now, the game situation report window W5 (S20:
In FIG. 14), when a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the “A” button) is performed by the player, the client system 1 that has performed the operation is registered as newly joining the competition group. That is, the game server 20
Determines that there has been a request from the client system 1 to participate in the selected competition group, and registers the client system 1 as a new participant in this competition group (S30). The game server 20 newly associates the personal information of the client system 1 that has requested to participate in the group information of the battle group.

When newly joining (S30), a password may be set for each battle group, and authentication processing may be performed so that participation is required unless a password is entered.
That is, when there is a request for participation in a new competition group, the client system 1 requesting this participation is requested to enter a password, and only when the password is correctly entered, the game server 20 joins the competition group. Allow. (Normal Strategy Conference Room) Hereinafter, the battle management for the battle group in which “normal” is set as the battle mode will be described. The "Normal" match mode means that when one match ends, the winning, losing, fixed both, or one of the fixed client systems will continue to play against other client systems. A match based on the rules of the game.

FIG. 16 shows a screen display example provided to the client systems 1 participating in the “normal” battle mode. Such a "strategy room", ie, a lobby strategy window dedicated to a particular opponent group, is provided only to the person who started the opponent group (host) or who has joined later. The game server 20 performs each display by reading the corresponding record from the normal DB 213.

[0110] The title window W1 shows this battle mode "normal". Below this, a status display W11 indicating whether or not a match is in progress, an operation name W12 which is the name of the match group, the number of participants W13, the number of battles W14 performed in the match group in the past, and the match group have started. A strategy start time, which is time, and a strategy duration W15, which is elapsed time, are displayed. The chat window W2 displays a character string W21 based on the chat information and a software keyboard W22. In this window, only members who are participating in the match group can read and write chat information.

In the member list W8, members with classes are displayed in a list. Each client system 1
However, whether the game is being played, watching the game, or referring to the lobby is indicated by color coding or the like. An icon indicating that the player is the host is attached at the beginning of the player who has created the battle group.

In the game rule window W9, the game rules determined by the host in S13 are displayed. "First battle" displays the name of the player who is scheduled to fight first. The "battle form" indicates whether the mode is the actual battle mode in which the class is considered or the simulated battle mode in which the class is not considered. If the battle mode is set,
The number of seconds, the number of sets, and the stage are fixed, and the match result is reflected in the change in rank. As the “number of seconds”, a time length allocated to one match is displayed. "Number of sets"
The number of set matches in one match is displayed. In the “stage”, a game stage used for the battle is displayed. The "change at the end" displays a rule on how to determine the next combination when the match ends.

[0113] The order of the battle is greatly changed depending on the setting contents of "change at the end", and the characteristic of this battle group can be displayed. If this is "fixed", the match is repeated between the client systems according to the first combination.
If "DNA fixation" is set, regardless of the match result,
The client system on the RNA side changes. "R
"Fixed NA" means that regardless of the match result,
The client system on the A side changes. In the case of "no win", the client system that wins the battle is replaced with another client system. If "losing", the client system losing the battle is replaced with another client system. By default, this "losing" is set.

In state S30, when the player moves the cursor over any of the members displayed in member list W8, game server 20 reads the personal information corresponding to the member from the user DB, and enters the player data window. Display on W7 (S33: FIG. 1)
7). This window is the same as the player data window in FIG.

In the state S30, a start menu similar to that shown in FIG. 11 is displayed only when the player of the client system 1 serving as the host presses the start button of the control pad 11. However,
The difference is that items such as “start of game” and “change of game rules” are added to the start menu M1.

Only the client system 1, which is the host, is authorized to change game rules. When the host player selects “change game rules”, the game server 20 shifts to a game rule change state (S32) and causes the client system 1 of the host to display a game rule change window W10 as shown in FIG. . Here, a window for changing the “first battle DNA” is illustrated. When the player operates the control pad 11 in accordance with the message, the game server 2
0 changes the combination of “first battle” according to the operation and updates the normal DB 213. The fighting member is changed to the player selected by the player from the member list W8 with the cursor. The values and rules for the battle format, the number of seconds, the number of sets, the stage, and the end change are also determined by selection.

When the player of the host client system 1 selects "start of game" in the start menu, the game server 20 shifts each client system 1 to the battle mode (S34).

The detailed operation in the normal battle mode will be described with reference to FIG.

The game server 20 transmits a command to shift to the battle mode to the client system 1 set to the combination of “first battle” and a command to shift to the watching mode to the other client systems 1 ( S100).

Next, the game server 20 causes the client system 1 to enter the battle mode to designate a character to be displayed in the battle (S101). The character is selected, for example, from a plurality of candidates. If the player specifies a specific key operation such as an escape key when setting the communication character (S102: YES), it is possible to escape from the permanent loop and return to the expert lobby.

When the setting of the communication character is completed (S1
03: YES), the game server transmits a command to start the battle to the client system 1 set in the first combination (S104).

In the client system 1 which enters the battle mode in response to this command, the game machine main body 10 displays a game battle image, moves its own character in response to an operation signal from the control pad 11, and displays the battle data. (Operation Command) Game Network 4
Send to 0. When an operation command of an enemy character is transmitted from the game network 40, processing is performed to move the enemy character in accordance with the operation command. The game server 20 mediates transmission and reception of this operation command.

Client system 1 to enter the watching mode
So, client system 1 in battle mode
A game screen similar to that of the client system 1 in the battle mode is displayed on the basis of the operation command transmitted from. However, in the client system 1 in the watching mode, characters fighting on the game screen are displayed, but even if the player operates the control pad 11, the characters are not reflected in the movement of the characters.
Until the battle in that combination ends (S10
5: NO), the battle process is continued.

During the battle, the game server 20 stores the user DB
With reference to 210, the message information assigned to the operation indicated by the operation command registered in the state S14 is read and transmitted to each client system 1. During a battle, when chat information input by operating the software keyboard is transmitted from any of the client systems 1 in the watching mode, the game server 20 transmits the chat information to each client system 1. I do. Each client system 1 displays the registered quick message or chat character string at a predetermined position on the competitive game screen displayed in each client system (FIG. 8: S519).

When the operation command transmitted from any one of the client systems 1 is a specific command to beat the enemy character, the game server 2
0 transmits a command to generate a vibration to each client system 1. When each client system 1 receives the command to generate this vibration, it causes the vibration generating means 111 to generate vibration (FIG. 8: S520). As a result, a player who is operating or a member who is watching a game can have a sense of realism as in a real battle.

When the battle is over (S105: YE
S) Unless all matches have been completed (S106: N
O), the game server 20 reads information defining the game rules from the normal DB 213 (S107).

When the match rule (change at the end) is set to "fixed" (S108: YES), the match with the same member is repeated. The game server 20 makes an inquiry to the client system 1 in the battle mode, such as "Do you want to fight with the same settings?" Only when both client systems 1 accept this inquiry (S109: YES), the match is repeated again with the same combination (S104 to S108). If at least one of them did not accept (S109: N
O), the process proceeds to setting of a communication character (S101).
Here, when the player performs a specific key operation, the game server 20 returns the client system 1 to the strategy meeting room (state S30).

If the match rule is set to a value other than “fixed” (S107: NO), the client system 1 that will remain in the match rule is sent to the game server 20.
As long as you accept the inquiry of the game continuation from (S
110: YES), the battle process with the new combination is repeated (S104 to S110). Game server 2
0 is a client system that will miss the match
1 is shifted to the watching mode, and the next client system 1 is shifted to the battle mode (S111).

For example, when the match rule is “DNA fixed”, the game server 20 shifts the client system on the RNA side to the watching mode and shifts any client system in the watching mode to the match mode. If the match rule is set to "RNA fixed",
The game server 20 shifts the client system that was the DNA side to the watching mode, and shifts any client system that was in the watching mode to the battle mode.
When the match rule is “no win”, the game server 20 shifts the winning client system to the watching mode, and shifts any client system that was in the watching mode to the battle mode. If the match rule is set to “losing”, the game server 20 shifts the losing client system to the watching mode, and shifts any client system that was in the watching mode to the battle mode. By default, this "losing" is set.

If the remaining client system 1 refuses to continue the match (S110: N
O), the game server 20 transfers each client system 1 to the strategy meeting room (S30). When the client system 1 as the next opponent returns to the strategy meeting room with the setting of the communication character, the game server 20 shifts the next client system 1 to the battle mode.

When the battle of the last combination is completed (S105: YES), all the battles have been completed (S106: YES), so the game server 20 sets all the client systems 1 in the strategy meeting room (state S30). Return to

At that time, the game server 20 makes a class determination. That is, when the battle type of the game is set to “actual battle”, the game server 20 determines the rank of the members of the battle group based on the battle result. For example, the class of the client system 1 that has reached the predetermined number of wins is increased by one, and the class of the client system 1 that has reached the predetermined number of losses is degraded by one. If there is a client system that has not been connected to the game network for a certain period of time, the class is lowered by one. The game server 20 updates the battle history information in the personal information of the client system 1 whose class has been changed.

If the class has been changed, the game server 20 displays a window notifying that the class has been changed in a display format such as "request" in the strategy meeting room. In addition, when the class is changed, the game server 20 creates a file for displaying the battle history based on the battle history information in the user DB 210, and transfers the file to the storage area of the WWW server system. That is, the game server 20
Creates a file in a hypertext format for displaying a battle history, connects to the Internet, and transfers the file to the HTML storage area 31 of the WWW server 30 using an ftp command or the like. As a result, the battle history is stored in a state that can be viewed on the computer. It is preferable that the game server 20 periodically searches the user DB 210 to create and transfer the file for displaying the battle history.

As described above, the first embodiment has the following advantages.

1) According to the present embodiment, a simple easy lobby and an expert lobby suitable for an expert can be arbitrarily selected, so that an appropriate game environment can be provided for each of the beginner and the expert.

2) According to the present embodiment, since the setting is made to start from the simple easy lobby, it is possible for a person without knowledge to suddenly enter the expert lobby and get confused or disturb other people. And can be prevented.

3) According to the present embodiment, the necessary menu is selected from the start menu, so that the operation is simple and friendly.

4) According to the present embodiment, a comment for self-introduction is set for each player and is displayed on the system of the opponent, so that other players can easily understand the personality of the other player. You can know.

5) According to the present embodiment, a quick message such as a shout displayed at the time of operation is displayed on another system in correspondence with the operation button, so that a burden is imposed on the player who is operating. And can communicate with others who have a sense of presence.

6) According to the present embodiment, the battle group can be set according to an arbitrary rule in the form of a conference room, so that it is possible to provide the player with various ways of playing mainly by the player and a large number of options. It is possible.

7) According to the present embodiment, the status of the competition group is displayed in a list, so that another person can easily grasp the current situation of the competition group.

8) According to the present embodiment, the battle history of each player is displayed together with the number of wins and the winning percentage, so that the strength of each member can be easily grasped.

9) According to the present embodiment, since the chat can be freely performed between the players, the communication between the players can be deepened.

10) According to the present embodiment, since chat channels are provided in a plurality of hierarchies, a variety of chats can be enjoyed from general chats to chats between specific persons.

11) According to the present embodiment, it is possible for another person to play a match game between friends in the amusement center, since it is possible for another person to watch the match between them in the match group. As well as providing a fun gaming environment.

12) According to the present embodiment, it is possible for a person watching a game to send a chat to a player playing the game, so that a fun game environment as if friends are watching a battle game at an amusement center. Can be provided.

13) According to the present embodiment, a new battle combination can be executed in various forms, so that it is possible to set a fun game proceeding method suitable for the user.

14) According to the present embodiment, a message can be transmitted to any of the connected users without being limited to the competition group to which they belong, so that a pleasant communication environment can be provided. (Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 of the present invention relates to a communication game system for performing a team battle in a battle group.

The system configuration, hardware configuration, overall processing procedure, and operation in each client system in the second embodiment are described in FIGS.
Since it is the same as FIG. 8 and the description corresponding thereto, the description is omitted.

The “team battle” of the present embodiment refers to a battle mode in which the same group is divided into two subgroups to compete for victory. Client systems selected from both subgroups compete against each other, and as a result of the competition, the losing client system replaces another client system in the same subgroup, and fights with the winning client system.

The “team battle strategy meeting room” (team battle battle group) is the menu M in the state S12 (FIG. 12) in FIG.
2, the client system 1 serving as a host is created by selecting “team battle”. Client system 1 for creating a "team battle strategy meeting room"
Defines the battle format, the number of seconds, the number of sets, and the number of stages in the conference room creation in the state S13 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Especially the client system 1 that creates this conference room
As shown in FIG. 19, it is necessary to divide the battle group into two subgroups, the DNA side and the RNA side, and create a battle schedule in which the battle order is determined in each.

Now, the player of the client system 1 who wants to participate in the “team battle” is displayed in the expert lobby strategy menu (FIG. 10) on the strategy conference room icon of the strategy name list W3 in which the battle mode is “team battle”. Bring the cursor to. The game server 20 searches the expert lobby DB 212 based on the strategy name information, identifies the team battle DB 214 in which the corresponding “team battle” competition group is stored, reads the detailed information, and reads the detailed information. Return to.

In the game situation report window W5 (state S20), when a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the “A” button) is performed by the player, the game server 20 joins the competition group selected from the client system 1 concerned. It is determined that a request has been made, and the client system 1 is registered as a new participant in this battle group (S4).
0). That is, the team information DB 214 is updated by newly associating the personal information of the client system 1 that has requested participation with the group information of the competition group.

FIG. 19 shows a screen display example provided to the client system 1 participating in the “team battle” battle mode. This "strategy room" is provided only to those who have started or participated in the match group. The game server 20 performs each display by reading the corresponding record from the team battle DB 214.

In the title window W1, the "team battle" which is this battle mode is shown. Below this, a status display indicating whether or not a match is being performed, a strategy name as the name of the match group, and the number of participants are displayed. Chat window W2, member list W8, match rule window W9
Is the same as FIG. However, in the match rule window W9, the match rule is such that the members of the subgroup to which the losing client system 1 belongs are replaced, so that there is no setting for "change at end". Battle schedule window W
In FIG. 11, members of two sub-groups, which are divided into a DNA side and an RNA side, are displayed in a battle order in a name column W111. In the number-of-wins display field W112, the number of wins for each member of the team battle is indicated by a marker. The combination display W113 indicates what combination has been played. In the result display W114, the number of wins, the number of losses, and the number of draws for each sub team are displayed.

In the state S40, when the player moves the cursor over any of the members displayed in the member list W8, the game server 20 reads the personal information corresponding to the member from the user DB and reads the personal data corresponding to the member from the player data window. W7 is displayed (S43: FIG.
0). This window is the same as the player data window in FIG. In the state S40, a start menu similar to that shown in FIG. 11 is displayed only when the player of the client system 1 serving as the host presses the start button of the control pad 11 (S41). However, the difference is that items such as “start of game” and “change of team battle schedule” are added to the start menu M1.

Only the client system 1, which is the host, is authorized to change the game rules. When the host player selects "change of team battle schedule", the game server 20 shifts to a schedule change state (S42) and changes the client system 1 of the host.
21 displays a team battle battle schedule change window W12 as shown in FIG. In this window, the host client system 1 can change the registration of the members selected from the member list W8 in any subgroup in any order. The battle format, the number of seconds, the number of sets, each numerical value of the stage and the rules are also determined by selection.

[0158] When the player of the host client system 1 selects "start of game" on the start menu, the game server 20 shifts each client system 1 to the battle mode (S44).

A detailed operation in the team battle mode will be described with reference to FIG.

The game server 20 transmits a command to shift to the battle mode to the client system 1 set to the first combination in the battle schedule, and a command to shift to the watching mode to the other client systems 1 ( S200). If there is a client system 1 that has joined the conference room later, the game server 20 causes the system to participate in the team battle in the watching mode.

Client system 1 to enter battle mode
The game server 20 specifies a character to be displayed in the battle (S201). The character is selected, for example, from a plurality of candidates. If the player specifies a specific key operation such as an escape key when setting the communication character (S202: YES), it is possible to escape from the permanent loop and return to the expert lobby.

When the setting of the communication character is completed (S2
03: YES), the game server transmits a command to start the battle to the client system 1 set in the first combination (S204). The operations of the client systems 1 and the game server 20 in the battle mode and the watching mode are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The battle process is continued until the battle in the first combination ends (S205: NO). When the battle is over (S205: YES), the team battle is continued in any of the subgroups unless a person whose rank is set to “general” has lost (S206: NO). That is, the game server 20 shifts the losing client system to the watching mode, and instead shifts the client systems set in the next order in the subgroup to which the client system belongs to the battle mode (S207). Then, a line of the combination display W113 is drawn between the name of the new client system and the name of the surviving client system. Also, the winning number display W11 of the client system that has survived.
In 2, increase the number of markers. Then, the processing subsequent to the setting of the communication character (S201 to S20)
Repeat step 7).

When the “general” of any of the subgroups loses (S206: YES), the game server 20 notifies each client system 1 of the result of the team battle (S208). The game server 20 updates the result display W114 in the subgroup according to the result of the battle.

The class determination is executed by the game server 20 before and after the display of the battle result, as in the first embodiment. Upload of the battle history to the WWW server is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the embodiment 2, the embodiment
In addition to having the same effect as 1 above, since it is configured to be able to execute a team battle, it is possible to provide a unique way of playing in which players in remote locations fight in a team. (Embodiment 3) Embodiment 3 of the present invention relates to a communication game system for executing a round robin battle in a battle group. The system configuration, hardware configuration, overall processing procedure, and operation in each client system according to the third embodiment are the same as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 8 of the first embodiment and corresponding descriptions thereof, and a description thereof will be omitted. I do.

The "round robin battle" of the present embodiment refers to a battle mode in which one client system in the same group is arranged to play against all the other client systems. When the match of one combination ends,
A client system in which each client system has not yet played and another client system which is not playing is determined as a combination of the next battle for each client system.

The “brute-force battle operation meeting room” (the brute-force battle group) is that the client system 1 serving as the host selects “round-robin battle” in the menu M2 in the state S12 (FIG. 12) in FIG. Created by Client system 1 for creating a "brute force operation meeting room"
Defines the battle format, the number of seconds, the number of sets, and the number of stages in the conference room creation in the state S13 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In particular, in this conference room, the game server 20 simultaneously causes a plurality of combinations of client systems 1 to play a match, so that the host client system 1
The members participating in the round robin battle are registered in the participating member list from the battle group.

The player of the client system 1 who wants to participate in the “round-robin game” can select the strategy meeting room icon in the strategy name list W3 whose battle mode is “round-robin game” in the expert lobby strategy menu (FIG. 10). Hover over it. The game server 20 searches the expert lobby DB 212 based on the strategy name information,
The brute-force battle DB 215 in which the corresponding “round-robin battle” battle group is stored is identified, the detailed information thereof is read, and returned to the client system 1. In the battle report window W5 (state S20), when a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the “A” button) is performed by the player, the game server 20 receives a request from the client system 1 to join the selected battle group. Judge that
The client system 1 is registered as a new participant in this battle group (S50). That is, the personal information of the client system 1 that wishes to participate in the group information of the battle group is newly associated with the round robin DB
Update 215.

FIG. 23 shows a screen display example provided to the client system 1 participating in the “round-robin battle” battle mode. This "strategy room" is provided only to those who have started or participated in the match group. The game server 20 performs each display by reading the corresponding record from the round robin DB 215.

[0171] The title window W1 shows this battle mode, "round-robin battle". Below this, a status display indicating whether or not a match is being performed, a strategy name as the name of the match group, and the number of participants are displayed. Chat window W2, member list W8, match rule window W9
Is the same as FIG. However, in the match rule window W9, since the round robin is a match rule, there is no setting for “change at end”. In the participation member window W12, a list of battle participation members assigned by the host client system 1 is displayed. Participating member window W13
The head of W131 displays the number of participants in the round robin battle, the battle start time, the battle end time, and the like. The name column W132 displays the names of the members participating in the battle. The winning number column W133 displays the winning numbers of each member up to the present. In the performance column W134, stars with a high grade are marked with a star from the highest rank to a certain rank.

As for the player data window,
The display can be performed in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments.

In the state S50, a start menu similar to that shown in FIG. 11 is displayed only when the player of the client system 1 serving as the host presses the start button of the control pad 11 (S5).
1). However, the difference is that items such as “start of game” and “registration of brute force participation members” are added to the start menu M1.

Only the client system 1, which is the host, is authorized to change the game rules. When the host player selects “Registration of round robin battle participation member”, the game server 20 sets the participation member registration state (S
The process proceeds to 52), and the client system 1 of the host displays a round robin battle member registration window W13 as shown in FIG. In this window, the member selected by the host client system 1 from the member list W8 can be registered and changed to any column of the brute force battle participating member list. The battle format, the number of seconds, the number of sets, each numerical value of the stage and the rules are also determined by selection.

When the player of the client system 1 of the host selects "start of game" on the start menu, the game server 20 shifts each client system 1 to the battle mode (S54).

The detailed operation in the round robin battle mode will be described with reference to FIG.

The game server 20 appropriately divides the members registered as the battle participation members into a plurality of groups, and transmits a command for shifting to the battle mode to the client system 1 (S300). The game server 20 transmits a command to shift to the watching mode to the client system 1 and the other client systems 1 in which the number of participating members is an odd number and which has been omitted from the first match. If there is a client system 1 that has joined the conference room later, the game server 20
The system is caused to participate in the round robin battle in the watching mode.

Client system 1 to enter battle mode
The game server 20 specifies a character to be displayed in the battle (S301). The character is selected, for example, from a plurality of candidates. If the player specifies a specific key operation such as an escape key when setting the communication character (S302: YES), it is possible to escape from the permanent loop and return to the expert lobby.

When the setting of the communication character is completed (S3
03: YES), the game server transmits a command to start a match to the client system 1 allocated to the first match combination (S304). The operations of the client systems 1 and the game server 20 in the battle mode and the watching mode are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The battle process is continued until the battle in the first combination ends (S305: NO). If the match has ended (S305: YES), the round-robin match is continued unless all the matches have ended (S306: NO). That is, the game server 20 records the score of the first match in the win number field W133 and the score field W134, and then matches each client system 1 with the unmatched participating members without considering the win or loss of the first match. Let it. There is no limitation on how to determine the combination. Although it may be divided in the order of the participation list, it is preferable to decide the combination from the one who has finished the battle first and start the next battle without waiting for the completion of the battle of the other pair, because less time is lost.
When the client system 1 that has already played against all the other participating members comes out, the game server 20 transmits a command to shift to the watching mode to this (S307). Wins and scores are updated each time the match ends.

If the round robin has been completed for all the members participating in the battle (S306: YES), the game server 20
Notifies the client system 1 of the result of the round robin battle (S308). The game server 20 compares the winning or losing of the battle participating members with the winning star list W15 as shown in FIG.
Display in the format of

Note that, as in the first embodiment, the game server 20 executes the class determination before and after the display of the battle result. Upload of the battle history to the WWW server is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the third embodiment,
In addition to having the same effect as 1 above, it is also possible to execute a round robin game, so it is possible to provide a unique way of playing such that all remote players fight each other and compete for game operation superiority is there. (Embodiment 4) Embodiment 4 of the present invention relates to a communication game system for conducting a tournament battle in a battle group. The system configuration, hardware configuration, overall processing procedure, and operation in each client system in the fourth embodiment are described in FIGS.
Since it is the same as FIG. 8 and the description corresponding thereto, the description is omitted.

The "tournament battle" of the present embodiment is a battle mode in which the same group battles in a so-called winning battle format. The game server 20 sets a combination to be played by referring to the group information for the tournament in advance, and determines a client system that starts a match based on this combination from a lower layer and wins the match as a combination of the next match. , Ultimately determine the winner.

The “tournament battle meeting room” (tournament battle group) is in the state S12 in FIG. 3 (FIG. 12).
Is created when the client system 1 serving as the host selects "tournament battle" in the menu M2. The client system 1 that creates the “tournament strategy meeting room” determines the battle format, the number of seconds, the number of sets, and the number of stages in the creation of the meeting room in the state S13 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In particular, in this conference room, the host client system 1 sets a combination of tournaments among the fighting participants participating in the tournament battle.

The player of the client system 1 who wants to participate in the “tournament battle” is placed on the strategy meeting room icon in the strategy name list W3 whose battle mode is “tournament battle” in the expert lobby strategy menu (FIG. 10). Bring the cursor. The game server 20
Expert lobby DB21 based on this strategy name information
2 is searched, the tournament match DB 216 in which the match group of the corresponding “tournament match” is stored, the detailed information thereof is read and returned to the client system 1. War situation report window W5 (state S20)
When a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the “A” button) is performed by the player, the game server 20 determines that there is a request from the client system 1 to join the selected competition group, and Register the client system 1 as a new participant in the group (S
60). That is, the tournament match DB 216 is updated by newly associating the personal information of the client system 1 that has requested participation with the group information of the match group.

FIG. 25 shows a screen display example provided to the client system 1 participating in the “tournament battle” battle mode. This "strategy room" is provided only to those who have started or participated in the match group. The game server 20 performs each display by reading the corresponding record from the tournament battle DB 216.

[0188] The title window W1 shows the battle mode "tournament battle". Below this, a status display indicating whether or not a match is being performed, a strategy name as the name of the match group, and the number of participants are displayed. The chat window W2, member list W8, and match rule window W9 are the same as those in FIG. However, since the tournament is a match rule in the match rule window W9, there is no setting for "change at end". In the battle schedule window W16,
The tournament combination table of the battle participating members determined by the host client system 1 is displayed. The head W16 of the battle schedule window W16
1 displays the number of participants in the tournament battle, the battle start time, the battle end time, and the like. Name column W163
Displays the names of the members participating in the battle. In the combination display column W162, combinations of battle participating members are displayed in a diagram format. The routes of the remaining participating members are displayed in solid bold lines or color-coded.

For the player data window,
The display can be performed in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments. State S60
, A start menu similar to that shown in FIG. 11 is displayed only when the player of the client system 1 serving as the host presses the start button of the control pad 11 (S61). However, the difference is that items such as “start of a match” and “registration of tournament match participants” are added to the start menu M1.

Only the client system 1, which is the host, is authorized to change the game rules. When the host player selects “Register tournament battle participating members”, the game server 20 shifts to a participating member registration state (S62) and the client system 1 of the host.
26 displays a tournament battle participation member registration window W17 as shown in FIG. In this window,
The host client system 1 has a member list W8
Can be registered and changed to any of the name fields W163 of the battle schedule window W16 of the tournament battle. The battle format, the number of seconds, the number of sets, each numerical value of the stage and the rules are also determined by selection.

When the player of the host client system 1 selects "start of game" in the start menu, the game server 20 shifts each client system 1 to the battle mode (S64).

The detailed operation in the tournament battle battle mode will be described with reference to FIG.

The game server 20 sends a command to shift to the battle mode to the client system 1 of the battle participant who is to compete in the first combination of the tournament battle (S400). The game server 20 transmits a command to shift to the watching mode to the client system 1 of the battle member who has not participated in the battle. If there is a client system 1 that has joined the conference room later, the game server 20
Makes the system participate in the tournament battle in the watching mode.

Client system 1 to enter battle mode
The game server 20 specifies a character to be displayed in the battle (S401). The character is selected, for example, from a plurality of candidates. If the player specifies a specific key operation such as an escape key when setting the communication character (S402: YES), it is possible to escape from the permanent loop and return to the expert lobby.

When the setting of the communication character is completed (S4
03: YES), the game server transmits a command to start a match between the client systems 1 in the combination of the first round according to the combination of the tournament rounds (S404). The operations of the client systems 1 and the game server 20 in the battle mode and the watching mode are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Until the first round is completed (S405: N
O) The battle process is continued. If the round has ended (S405: YES), the process proceeds to the next winning competition unless the final match has ended (S406: NO). That is, the game server 20 displays a route in a specific display mode to the position of the second match of the client system 1 that has survived the first match. The game server 20 causes the players who have won in the first round in the second round to face each other,
A command to shift to the battle mode is transmitted, and a command to shift to the watching mode is transmitted to the client system broken in the first round (S407). Such processing (S
401 to S407) are repeated until the final match ends.

When the final match is over (S406: YE)
S), the game server 20 notifies each client system 1 of the result of the tournament battle (S408).
That is, the game server 20 makes a display in honor of the winner or the runner-up in the tournament strategy operation conference room (FIG. 25).

[0198] The class determination is executed by the game server 20 before and after the display of the match result, as in the first embodiment. In particular, the degree of promotion of the class may be increased for the winner and the runner-up. Upload of the battle history to the WWW server is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment,
In addition to the same effects as in 1, the tournament battle can be executed, so that it is possible to provide a unique way of playing such that remote players can compete with each other for a new strong man. (Modifications Related to Embodiments 1 to 4) The present invention can be applied in various modifications without being restricted by the above embodiments. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a typical sports competition format such as a normal, team battle, round robin battle, and tournament battle is applied, but another competition format may be applicable.

[0200] In the above embodiment, the participating members are determined from the fighting groups. However, the fighting in the fighting mode of the present invention may be provided to all the connected persons. The battle environment of the present invention is provided to the client server that has been connected at the time of the call of the game server and has applied for participation. In particular, in a team game, a match between specific categories, such as an east-west confrontation, is possible. In the tournament match, a national tournament can be held, which is preferable.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, when the combination of the competitions in the competition group is determined, the judgment by the rank is not made. However, the possibility of the combination is determined by the degree of the strength judged from the competition history information of each client system. It may be configured to be determined. In other words, it is evident that winning or losing will be obvious if players who are too far apart from each other fight, so that the game server may prohibit the fighting.

When determining a combination of matches in a match group, a handicap may be set in each client system based on match history information. In this way, the game can be played with an equal power relationship, so that fairness can be maintained. In the case of a match in a combination in which a handicap is set, a configuration may be adopted in which a class change based on the result of the match is prohibited, as in the above-described simulated match.

The processing for generating vibration is performed by the client system based on a command from the game server. However, if the client system is under a predetermined operating condition, the vibration generating means is independently driven. The same effect can be obtained.

That is, the configuration of the database and the role sharing between the game server system and the client system can be easily changed in design to freely rearrange the configuration according to the system, and are not limited to the above embodiment.

Embodiment 5 Next, Embodiment 5 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The communication game system according to this embodiment has a feature in character selection processing, and the configuration of this selection processing is applicable to the above-described first to fourth embodiments.

Since the system configuration and the overall processing procedure in the fifth embodiment are substantially the same as those in the above-described embodiments, the description thereof will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described. . The main difference is the character selection process in each client system.

In order to execute the character selection processing, each client system 1 according to the present embodiment has a control pad 11 shown in FIG.

The control pad 11 has a structure as a manual operation device operated by each player, and includes an operation button group 301, a cross key 302, an analog direction key 303, an R trigger switch 304, and the like as operation units. , A connection cord 305 having a connector P can be connected to the game machine main body 11.

Among them, for example, the quick message described in the first embodiment is assigned to each button of the operation button group 301, for example. For this reason, the player simply operates the desired button of the operation button group 301 with one touch during the game, and the data of the quick message assigned to the button is transferred to the game machine main body 1.
1 can be sent. The quick message is transmitted to the client system of the opponent or the spectator via the game network 40, and is superimposed and displayed on the game screen of the monitor 12.

The control pad 11 outputs pad data to the game machine body 10 in the format shown in FIG. 28 when the above-mentioned various operation units (301 to 304, etc.) are operated. That is, all 1
It consists of 6-bit pad data, and 0 to 13 bits are assigned to the operation state of the operation unit such as a pad or a stick. The 14 bits indicate whether the device used is a twin stick or a pad. The last 15 bits are assigned to a bit for notifying the end of the custom selection mode at the time of character selection described later. Usually, 15 bits =
When it is 0 and the end of the custom selection mode is notified, 15 bits = 1 is set.

Further, a portable card memory 306 as an external recording medium can be detachably attached to the control pad 11. Although not shown in FIG. 27, two connection ports PT of the card memory 306 are prepared for one control pad 11. Further, as shown in FIG. 27, the game machine body 11 is provided with four ports A to D for connecting the control pad 11. For this reason, up to four control pads 11 can be connected to the game machine main body 11, and up to eight memory cards 306 can be operated at that time.

In the present embodiment, the memory card 306 is used to store data of a character that has been customized (custom-made) at the time of character selection described later. The customized character is a character that is prepared by the player as a default in each client system 1 without changing the shape of the part and changing the color and brightness of the part as desired. . That is, each client system 1 can have up to eight memory cards, that is, eight customized character data.

By connecting the memory card 306 to the port of the control pad 11, the game machine body 10 reads the customized character data from the memory card 306 and loads it into the RAM of its own system. The data can be transferred to the partner client system 1 via the game network 40.

The memory card 306 is a CD-ROM
Alternatively, the customized character data may be loaded into the game machine main body 10 using another recording medium such as the above.

FIGS. 29 to 31 show processing executed in each client system 1, and correspond to FIG. 8 in the first embodiment.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS.
The game machine main body 10 of each client system 1 reads the operation signal (S599) and checks whether or not the operation content indicates the start of communication (S600). If the communication is not started (S600: NO), the mode is the independent mode, and the processing as a normal stand-alone game device is continued (S601).

On the other hand, if it indicates the start of communication (S
600: YES), the game machine body 10 executes a general procedure for establishing a connection in order to perform communication in the synchronous mode. That is, the game machine body 10 selects and calls a server registered in advance, and transmits necessary information such as a handle name, an ID, and a password after connection (S6).
02). If the connection cannot be established, the processing device displays this as normal error processing and returns.

[0219] After the connection is established, the game machine main body 10 displays the main menu (S603), reads a transmission command from the game network 40, and interprets it based on a predetermined command protocol. (S604, 60
5).

Thereafter, if the command indicates the display of the easy lobby (simple battle mode) operation window (S606: YES), the game machine main body 10 displays the basic screen of the easy lobby operation window (see FIG. 9 described above). ) Is displayed (S607). Further, the game machine body 10 executes character selection as described later (S6).
08: See FIG. 31).

Similarly, if the command indicates an expert lobby (advanced battle mode) operation window display (S609: YES), the game machine main body 10 displays a basic screen called an expert lobby operation window (S610). . Further, the game machine body 10 executes character selection as described later (S611: FIG. 3).
1).

The expert lobby operation window referred to here includes, in addition to the basic screen (see FIG. 10 described above),
It is assumed that various window displays (FIGS. 11 to 26 described above) are also included. These basic screens are displayed based on image data stored in the client system. However, a file in a hypertext format for displaying these operation windows is stored in the game server system 2 and is provided to the client system in a timely manner so that it is displayed based on the function of the browser for browsing the hypertext. You may comprise.

If the command indicates a transition to the battle mode (S612: YES), the game machine body 10 performs battle processing based on image data and the like in the client system in place of these screen displays. Execute (S
613).

Subsequently, the game machine body 10 receives the operation signal from the control pad 11 (S61).
4: YES), the operation signal is read (S615),
The command is converted into a command according to a predetermined command rule and transmitted to the game network 40 (S616).

Further, when the read operation signal includes information of a quick message output by operating the operation button of the control pad 11 with one touch, the game machine body 10 converts the information into a command. It is sent to the game server system 2 via the game network 40 (S617). This quick message is notified by the game server system 2 to all client systems 1 of the opponent and the spectator.

Further, when the operation signal includes information on a viewpoint change for the client system 1 watching the game, the game machine body 10 changes the viewpoint of the virtual camera in the game space according to the information. Then, the own system instructs the game system to perform the image processing of the game space projected from the position (S618). That is, the change of the camera viewpoint functions effectively only in the client system 1 watching the game.

When a command is transmitted from the game network 40 (S619: YES), the game machine main body 10 reads the command and interprets it based on the command rules (S620).

Next, when the chat information is sent as a command, the game machine body 10 displays character information on the screen of the monitor 12 based on the chat information (S621). In the present embodiment, the chat information is communicated to all of the client systems 1 that are watching the game. However, the chat information may be exchanged between specific client systems 1 that are watching the game. Good. Note that the client system 1 during the battle is
Even if such information is received, it is discarded, so that the feeling of the opponent is not distracted by the chat information.

When a command to vibrate is sent as a command, the game machine main body performs a process of vibrating the vibration generating means 111 of the control pad 11 (S622).

The game machine main body 10 executes a permanent loop process that does not return unless a special operation such as escape is performed, through steps S604 to S622.

Next, the above-described character selection routine will be described with reference to FIG.

The game machine main body 10 causes the normal character selection screen GM1 for the normal selection mode (first selection mode) to be displayed as an initial screen in order to allow the player to select his own character (S701: FIG. 32). Since this screen display is performed between the two client systems 1 in which the battle is formed, both players first see the common screen GM1 regarding character selection.
Both players specify a desired character while selecting a character button on the screen described later while viewing this screen GM1.

As shown in FIG. 32, the normal character selection screen GM1 extends from the vicinity of the center to the upper side, and is stored in the game machine body 10 or the game server system 2 as a default for the normal mode in advance. Buttons B1 to B11 for selecting a character (hereinafter referred to as a normal character), a button for selecting a character for random mode: "random" B12, and two buttons for selecting a character for custom mode:
It has a “custom” B13 and a “custom load” B14. The normal character selection screen GM1 has message windows M1 and M2 for displaying a message from the user and a message from the opponent, and a window for displaying necessary game information.

Note that the normal character selection screen GM1
Is used to select characters in the normal mode, but also serves as a button screen for selecting characters in the random mode and the custom mode.

The buttons B1 to B11 are buttons specified in the normal mode. These buttons are set as defaults in all client systems 1
Is a common character selection button, and by simply selecting one of the buttons with the cursor as described later,
You can specify that character. Here, a desired character can be selected from 11 types of characters (competition game machine).

The button B12 ("random") is
This button is specified in the random mode. When this button B12 is designated, the CPU of the game machine body 10 of the client system 1 automatically prepares a character.

Further, two buttons B13 and B14
(“Custom” and “Custom load”) are buttons selectively specified in the custom mode. If any of these buttons is specified in a state where the character data has not been loaded yet, the procedure starts to load the customized character data from the memory card 306 mounted on the control pad 11 described above. .

Next, the game machine main body 10 calculates the positions of the 1P cursor (own character selection cursor) and the 2P cursor (other party character selection cursor) currently placed on the normal character selection screen MG1 (S702). This cursor position is generated as the pad data described above, and is sent to the other party via the game server system 2. The cursor position can be arbitrarily changed by operating the control pad 11. The user's 1P cursor remains on the user's normal character selection screen MG1 as buttons B1 to B
It is displayed around 14. The data of the 2P cursor of the opponent is sent via the game network 40,
For example, a red frame is displayed around the buttons B1 to B14 on the user's normal character selection screen MG1.

In the state of the normal character selection screen MG1 illustrated in FIG. 32, the “custom load” button B14 is pressed.
, The other's 2P cursor is placed on button B3.

[0240] Therefore, the game machine main unit 10 uses its own 1P.
It is determined whether “custom load” or “custom” for the first time is designated based on the position on the screen indicated by the cursor (S703).

If it is determined that “custom load” or “custom” for the first time is specified,
The custom data selection screen GM2 is displayed (S70
4: See FIG. 32). This custom data selection screen GM2
33, symbols of four ports A to D of the game machine main body 10 and windows A1, A2, B1,..., D imitating the memory card 306 belonging to each port, as illustrated in FIG.
1, D2. In addition, the window indicating the location where the memory card 306 is actually mounted is displayed with increased brightness (shown by oblique lines in FIG. 33). In this case, FIG. 33 shows ports B1, B of the control pad 11 connected to port B of the game machine main body 10.
2 indicates that the memory cards 306 are respectively mounted.

Therefore, the game machine main unit 10 operates the desired memory card 306 via the button of the control pad 11.
Is designated (FIG. 31: S705). That is, in the case of the present example, the memory card 30 of one of the ports B1 and B2 is used.
6 is specified. When this designation is made, the character data is loaded from the memory card 306 of the designated port into the game machine main body 10 (S706). Step S704
Steps S706 to S706 correspond to the custom mode processing. Thereafter, the screen is returned to the normal character selection screen GM1 (S707).

On the other hand, if the determination in step S703 is NO, the game machine body 10 determines whether or not the button selection is in the "custom (button B13)" state after performing the "custom load (button B14)" once. Is determined (S70).
8). In this case, since the customized desired character data is already loaded in the RAM of the game machine main body 10, the custom mode processing in steps S704 to S706 is omitted.

That is, “custom load (button B1
4) "and" custom (button B13) "are both used when designating a custom mode, but" custom (button B13) "is the same when customized character data has already been loaded. The resetting of the character can be easily performed with one touch. However, if the customized character data has not been loaded yet and is newly designated, step S70 is performed regardless of whether “custom load (button B14)” or “custom (button B13)” is operated.
Processing including the custom mode processing of 4 to S707 is newly executed (S703).

Next, in the case of a negative determination in step S708, the game machine body 10 determines whether or not the selection button is B12 “random” (S709). When it is determined that the designation is "random", appropriate random mode processing such as presenting a character automatically set by the computer is performed (S710), and the character data is stored in the VRAM of the game machine main body 10. Is loaded.

On the other hand, if NO is determined in the step S708, the selected button of the game machine main body 10 is for one of the normal mode. For example, in the case of FIG. 32, it is one of the buttons B1 to B11. Therefore, the game machine body 10 determines the designated button and executes a process (normal mode process) of loading data of the normal character assigned to the button into its own VRAM (S71).
1).

In parallel with the selection of the character as described above, the communication device 101 of the game machine main body 10 periodically performs bidirectional synchronous communication with the game server system 2 via the game network 40. I have.

For this reason, the cursor position information on the screen GM1 calculated in step S702 and the character data loaded in the user's VRAM are stored in the game network 4
0 to the game server system 2. This character data is sent to and stored in the client system 1 of the other party, and is used for displaying a game screen accompanying a subsequent battle. Conversely, the character data and information sent from the other party's client system 1 to the control of the game server system 2 via the game network 40 are also periodically and periodically received by the communication device 101 of the game machine body 10. Is downloaded to the game machine body 10.

[0249] Therefore, based on the cursor position on the normal character selection screen MG1 included in the received information, the game machine main unit 10 currently sets the other party's client system to character data for custom mode (custom data) or random mode. It is determined whether character data (random data) is being selected (S
721). If the determination is NO, it is determined whether selection of custom data or random data has been started based on the cursor position information (S722). When this determination is also NO, it is known that the normal mode has been designated, and the game machine body 10 issues a screen display process for the normal mode (S723).

In the case of the normal mode screen display processing, since the character selected by the other party is a normal character, an instruction is issued to adjust the position of the 2P cursor to a button corresponding to the cursor position.

On the other hand, if YES in step S722, it indicates that the other party has just started selecting custom data or random data. That is, the time when the button “random”, “custom load”, or “custom” is designated. For this reason, the game machine main body 10 instructs the reading and discarding process of the cursor position (pat data) received thereafter (S724). In other words, the pad data is read, but is discarded without being subjected to the display processing (ie, invalidation processing).
Command.

Next, the game machine main unit 10 instructs a custom mode display screen process to replace the disc data with the cursor position (pat data) used immediately before the start of the discarding process (S725). Therefore, while the discarding of the cursor position is continued, that is, while the opponent's selection processing for the random mode or the custom mode is continued, the assistance of the determination in step S726 described below is also obtained, and the normal character selection screen MG1 The displayed position of the other party's 2P cursor does not change.

Further, the game machine body 10 determines whether or not the selection of the custom data or the random data has been completed from the above-mentioned 15-bit binary state of the pad data (S726). If this determination is NO, it is determined that such selection is continuing, and the pad data read-out processing and the display screen processing in the custom mode are continued (S724, S
725).

However, when the determination of YES is made in step S726, the selection of the custom data or the random data is completed, and the process returns to the screen display processing in the normal mode (S727).

Since the character selection of the present embodiment is performed as described above, the character data in the custom mode and the random mode as well as in the normal mode have a natural screen state and the game characteristics are secured. Can be loaded in state.

That is, when one player who is competing specifies those modes on the screen, the received cursor position, that is, discarding (invalidating) the pad data, causes the other player to display the opponent's screen on the screen of the other player. The 2P cursor indicating character selection remains fixed at the "Custom Load", "Custom", or "Random" button and does not move until character selection in such a mode is complete. Thereby, the other player can recognize that the other party selects a character in the custom mode or the random mode. At this time, the cursor does not move unnaturally so as not to match the contents of the screen, and no uncomfortable feeling occurs. On the other hand, in the case of players whose hands are known, it may be possible to predict the opponent's selected character from the unnatural movement of the opponent's cursor, but since the opponent's cursor does not move in these modes, The expectation of is raised.

As described above, there is no need to change the format of transmission / reception data only for specific processing such as character selection, and simple invalidation processing such as discarding data that the other party does not want to display at the other party after receiving the data allows real-time synchronization. Consistency of transmission / reception processing for communication can be maintained.

An example of the game screen obtained through the character selection as described above is schematically shown in FIGS.
These game screens are, for example, two players gathered through the expert lobby operation window, two of which are determined to play according to the game mode, and the remaining ten spectators (standbys). It is a screen to see.

FIG. 34 shows an example of a game screen viewed from the monitor 12 by one of two players playing a game. This game screen shows a game space in which the camera viewpoint is placed above one character's head, and the characters C1 and C2 selected through the above-described character selection processing face each other. The emblems EB1 and EB2 of both opponents are displayed along with the identification numbers ID1 and ID2 of the opponents at lower positions on both left and right ends of this screen. Also,
A window WDa of a quick message is displayed at a lower position in the center of the screen. This quick message is sent to and displayed on all the client systems 1 watching the game as well as the opponent. Since the quick message can be displayed by a simple operation, the operation of the game is hardly hindered, and the atmosphere of the game can be excited. Further, on this game screen, a window WDb indicating the remaining time and life gauges LG1 and LG2 indicating the remaining power of both characters are displayed.

FIG. 35 is an example of a game screen viewed from the monitor 12 by a certain player watching a game. This game screen shows a game space of another game in which a camera viewpoint is placed at an arbitrary position in the game space. The difference from the case of FIG. 34 is that a window WDc displaying the current camera viewpoint mode is displayed near the lower left of the screen, and a window WDd displaying chat information performed by spectators is displayed at the top of the screen. Is to be done.

In the case of a spectator, the game can be watched from an arbitrary camera viewpoint unique to each client system 1, and the mode of the camera viewpoint at that time is displayed.

[0262] The chat information is displayed in the window WDd that has been subjected to the translucent processing. Thereby, the game screen is hardly affected, and the spectators can exchange impressions and the like regarding the current game state through this window. Therefore, the sense of unity, such as participating in the game, is enhanced, and the interest in the game is further increased and the user is less bored. This chat information can be exchanged only by the spectator and is not displayed to the opponent, so that adverse effects such as loss of concentration on the game are prevented.

As described above, a certain client system 1
Is assigned to the battle mode, the game machine body 10 moves its own character based on the operation signal, and changes the position and mode of the enemy character based on the operation command provided from the game network 40. Change. The assignment of operation commands can be arbitrarily determined for each game. Through these processes, the player can execute the game battle as if the two control pads 11 were connected to one game machine and they were fighting against another person.

On the other hand, when a certain client system 1 is assigned to the watching mode,
0 moves both characters in the battle on the screen based on the operation command provided from the game network 40, and changes the display mode. At this time, the game screen during the game is displayed on the player's own control pad 1
The desired position and angle can be easily changed by operating the first switch (see FIG. 35).

By this viewpoint change processing, the player who is watching the game can easily obtain an image of the battle viewed from any place in the game space. As a result, the player can observe the progress of the game and the like in more detail, can enjoy a more realistic sense of the game, and can enjoy a sense of unity with the game. Therefore, even just watching the game, there is a high level of interest in the game, and the user is hardly bored.

In addition, since the client systems 1 assigned to the watching mode can chat with each other, it is as if the player is supporting a friend playing a game at the amusement center. You can watch the game with a sense.

In the above-described embodiment, the invalidation processing for display based on the discarding of received data has been described for the character selection processing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to this. It can be applied when expressing different game scenes and the like.

In each of the above embodiments, as a method of providing images and sounds to the client system, basic image data, sound data and program data for operating them are stored in the client system, and the game server sends the images and sounds to the client system. Adopted a form in which commands for operating them were transmitted to operate the client system.

However, the game server may be configured to be able to directly provide images and sounds by browsing the hypertext format file. For example, it is preferable to allow only a window screen of a strategy meeting room or the like to view a file from the viewpoint of simplicity of information updating and load distribution to the apparatus.

[0270]

According to the present invention, it is possible to form a group among an unspecified number of client systems, so that it is possible to provide a variety of ways of playing that have not been provided by the conventional communication game system. Thus, communication between players can be achieved, and the communication game can be made more interesting.

In particular, with the configuration of the present invention, in a communication game environment in which a large number of unspecified persons participate, it is possible to satisfy a demand that a person who can be said to be a friend on the network, such as a person having a hobby, mainly wants to play. .

Also, with the structure of the present invention, there is a demand that a player can evaluate his or her skill in various combinations of competitions such as team battles, round robin battles, and tournament battles which are usually performed in games and competitions in which many people participate. Can be satisfied.

Further, according to the present invention, even when the player himself is not fighting, it is possible to satisfy the demand for watching and enjoying when another player is fighting. For example, since communication between spectators, which was not provided by the conventional communication game system, can be actively promoted, it is possible to have a sense of unity with the game even while watching the game, making the communication game more interesting. can do.

Further, according to the present invention, when selecting a character to be used in a battle game, a communication game in which an operation related to the selection does not give a sense of incongruity and can maintain a sense of expectation and a sense of excitement before the game. Can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a communication game system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram of the communication game system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a state transition diagram of the communication game system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a communication game processing method (normal battle mode) in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a communication game processing method (team battle versus mode) according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a communication game processing method (round-robin battle mode) in a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a communication game processing method (tournament battle mode) according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a processing flowchart of a client system according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a display example of an easy lobby operation window (S01).

FIG. 10: Expert lobby operation window (S1)
Display example of 0).

FIG. 11 is a display example of a start menu (S11).

FIG. 12 is a display example of a conference room selection menu (S12).

FIG. 13 is a display example of comment registration (S14).

FIG. 14 is a display example of a game situation report window (S20).

FIG. 15 is a display example of a connected party list (S21).

FIG. 16 is a display example of a normal operation meeting room (S30).

FIG. 17 is a display example of a player data window (S33).

FIG. 18 is a display example of a game rule change window (S32).

FIG. 19 is a display example of a team strategy operation conference room (S40).

FIG. 20 is a display example of a player data window (S43).

FIG. 21 is a battle schedule change window (S43).
Display example.

FIG. 22 is a display example of a brute force operation meeting room (S50).

FIG. 23 is a display example of a participating member registration window (S52).

FIG. 24 is a display example of a star list (S55).

FIG. 25 is a display example of a tournament strategy meeting room (S60).

FIG. 26 is a display example of a participating member registration window (S62).

FIG. 27 is a schematic configuration diagram of a game machine main body according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a data format.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an outline of character selection together with FIG. 30;

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an outline of character selection together with FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an outline of a character selection processing routine;

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an initial screen when a character is selected.

FIG. 33 is a view showing a selection screen in a custom mode when a character is selected.

FIG. 34 is a view exemplifying a game screen for an opponent.

FIG. 35 is a view exemplifying a game screen for a spectator.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Client system 2 ... Game server system 3 ... WWW server system 4 ... Line network 10 ... Game machine body 11 ... Control pad 12 ... Monitor 20 ... Game server 21 ... Storage area (database) 30 ... WWW server 31 ... HTML storage area 40: Game Network 41: Internet 100, 200 ... Processing Device 101, 201 ... Communication Device 102 ... Output Data Generating Device 110 ... Operating Device 111 ... Vibration Generating Unit 210 ... User Database 211 ... Easy Lobby Database 212 ... Expert Lobby Database 213 ... Normal database 214 ... Team game database 215 ... Round-robin game database 216 ... Tournament game database 306 ... Card memory

Claims (44)

[Claims] 1. A communication game system comprising: a plurality of client systems; and a game server system that communicates with the plurality of client systems, wherein a game preparation or operation is diversified. system. 2. The game server system includes a database in which a plurality of group information for associating a plurality of client systems as one battle group is stored corresponding to a plurality of types of battle modes. When a match group is designated, the combination of matches is determined from the client systems belonging to the same match group with reference to the group information related to the designated match group, and the combination is determined by the combination. 2. The communication game according to claim 1, wherein the communication game is configured to manage the transmission and reception of data between client systems to execute a match, and to determine a next combination according to a result of the match. system. 3. At least one of the group information stored in the database is, when a match is over, a winning, losing, fixed both or one of the fixed client systems. The game server system includes match rule information for setting a match mode determined to continuously match with another client system.
The communication game system according to claim 2, wherein a next combination of matches is determined with reference to the match rule information. 4. The communication game system according to claim 3, wherein the game server system executes the match when a command indicating acceptance is transmitted from both of the client systems corresponding to the next match combination. 5. At least one of the group information stored in the database stores schedule information for setting a team battle competition mode for dividing the same competition group into two sub-groups. When the match is completed, the game server system refers to the schedule information and, as a result of the match, does not match the sub-group to which the winning client system and the losing client system belong. The communication game system according to claim 2, wherein the communication game system is determined as a combination of the next match with another client system. 6. The game server system according to claim 6, wherein in the schedule information, a battle order in the sub-group is set in advance, and the game server system determines whether or not the last remaining client system in any one of the sub-groups loses the battle. The communication game system according to claim 5, wherein the result of the team battle is reported to each client system. 7. At least one of the group information stored in the database is such that when a match ends, one client system in the same match group will play against all other client systems. The game server system refers to the registration information when a match in one combination is completed, and refers to each of the client systems. 3. The communication game system according to claim 2, wherein the client system that has not yet played and is not playing a match is determined as a combination of the next match for each client system. 4. 8. The communication game system according to claim 7, wherein the game server system notifies each client system of the result of the brute-force battle as a star list when the battle in all combinations ends. 9. At least one of the group information stored in the database is a registration for setting a tournament battle battle mode in which, when a battle is completed, a battle is played in the same battle group in a win-win battle format. When the match by one combination is completed, the game server system determines the combination to be matched with reference to the registration information, and the client system which has won the match by the determined combination is stored. The communication game system according to claim 2, wherein the two are determined as a combination of the next battle. 10. The communication game system according to claim 9, wherein the game server system notifies each client of a result of the tournament battle as a tournament table when one client system wins to the end in the battle. 11. A simple battle mode in which, when a battle request is made from any one of the client systems, one of the other client systems is played by selecting one of the client systems.
3. The communication game system according to claim 2, wherein the communication game system is configured to select and execute one of a skilled battle mode belonging to any one of the battle groups and causing a battle in each battle group. 12. The communication game system according to claim 2, wherein the game server system provides each client with a battle mode list display for causing each client system to browse a battle group with reference to the group information. 13. The game server system according to claim 1, wherein when any one of the competition groups is selected in the competition mode list display from the client system, the game server system reads the group information corresponding to the selected competition group from the database, and reads the information. Claim 12.
A communication game system according to item 1. 14. The database stores battle history information of client systems belonging to any of the battle groups, and the game server system determines whether any of the client systems is displayed in the battle mode list display from the client system. 13. The communication game system according to claim 12, wherein when selected, the battle history information corresponding to the selected client system is read from the database and the content is displayed. 15. The game server system according to claim 12, wherein when determining a combination of matches in the match group, whether or not the combination is possible is determined based on a degree of strength determined from match history information of each client system. A communication game system according to item 1. 16. The game server system, when determining a combination of matches in the match group, sets a handicap in each client system based on match history information, and sets a handicap in the combination in which the handicap is set. 13. The communication game system according to claim 12, wherein in the case of a match, updating of the match history information based on a result of the match is prohibited. 17. WWW connected to a wide area network
13. The game server system, comprising: a server system, wherein the game server system creates a file for displaying a battle history based on the battle history information, and stores the file in a storage area of the WWW server system so that the file can be browsed by a computer. A communication game system according to item 1. 18. The game server system, when a request for creating a new competition group is received from any of the client systems, newly registers new group information in the database based on the setting contents of the client system. The communication game system according to claim 2. 19. The game server system, when there is a request from any one of the client systems to participate in any one of the competition groups, associates the client system with the group information of the competition group that has been requested to participate. The communication game system according to claim 2. 20. The game server system transmits and receives competition data to client systems that are competing in the competition group, and is competing to client systems that are not competing in the competition group. The communication game system according to claim 2, wherein the game system transmits and receives watching data for watching a battle between client systems. 21. Correspondence information for associating a message to be provided to a client system which each client system is watching during a match with an operation content of a player is registered in the database, and the game server system includes: When any one of the client systems is competing, the operation information from the client system is referred to, the corresponding information associated with the operation content is read, and the client system that is watching the game is notified. 3. The communication game system according to 2. 22. The game server system, when a client system is competing and a message is transmitted from a client system watching the competition, the message is transmitted to another client system. The communication game system according to claim 2, which issues a notification. 23. The client system, further comprising: vibration generating means for transmitting a vibration to a player in response to a command from the game server system, wherein the game server system receives a command from any one of the client systems. 3. The communication game system according to claim 2, wherein a command for driving said vibration generating means is transmitted to another client system in response to said command. 24. The game server system, comprising: a database that associates a plurality of client systems as a competition group; a communication device that transmits and receives data to and from each client system; The communication game system according to any one of claims 2 to 23, further comprising: a processing device that manages a game battle between the client systems. 25. A communication game processing method executed between a client system and a game server system communicating with the client system, wherein the game server system includes a group for associating a plurality of client systems as one battle group. A step of referring to a database in which information is stored in a plurality corresponding to a plurality of types of battle modes; and when any one battle group is designated, the group associated with the designated competition group Referring to the information and determining a combination of matches from client systems belonging to the same match group; managing data transmission and reception between the client systems determined by the combination to execute the match; Depending on the outcome of the match Communication game processing method characterized by comprising the steps of: determining a combination of. 26. At least one of the group information stored in the database, when a match ends, a winning, a losing, a fixed, or both fixed client systems. Match rule information for setting a match mode determined to continuously play against another client system is included, and the step of determining the next combination includes, when a match ends, the match rule information. 26. The communication game system according to claim 25, wherein the next combination of battles is determined with reference to the first game. 27. At least one of the group information stored in the database includes schedule information for setting a team battle competition mode for dividing the same competition group into two subgroups, The step of determining the next combination includes, when the match is completed, referring to the schedule information, as a result of the match, a sub-group to which a winning client system and a losing client system belong. 26. A combination with another client system which is not fighting is determined as a combination of the next fighting.
3. The communication game processing method according to item 1. 28. At least one of the group information stored in the database is such that, when a match ends, one client system in the same match group will play against all other client systems. The registration information for setting the brute force battle mode arranged in the order is stored, and the step of determining the next combination is such that when the battle by one combination ends, each client system still has a battle. 26. The communication game processing method according to claim 25, wherein the other client systems that are not playing and are not playing a match are determined as a combination of the next match for each client system. 29. At least one of the group information stored in the database is a registration for setting a tournament battle battle mode in which, when a battle is completed, a battle is played in the same battle group in a win-out battle format. Information is stored, and the step of determining the next combination includes, when a match by one combination is completed, determining a match to be played by referring to the registration information, and determining a winner of the match by the determined combination. 26. The communication game processing method according to claim 25, wherein the determined client systems are determined as a combination of the next battle. 30. A simple battle mode in which, when a battle request is made from any one of the client systems, one of the other arbitrary client systems is selected and played, or any of the battles 26. The communication game processing method according to claim 25, further comprising the step of selecting and executing any one of the expert battle modes belonging to the group and causing a battle in each battle group. 31. The communication game processing method according to claim 25, further comprising the step of providing each client with a battle mode list display for causing each client system to browse a battle group with reference to the group information. 32. A communication game system capable of transmitting and receiving data related to a game in real time between the client systems of which the opponent is determined among the plurality of client systems via the game server system. When transmitting and receiving the data between the client systems, when one of the client systems transmits the data including data to be invalidated, the other client system invalidates the data to be invalidated. 2. The communication game system according to claim 1, wherein the processing is performed. 33. A transmitting means for transmitting the game including the data to be invalidated to the game server system, wherein each of the plurality of client systems transmits data to be invalidated from the game system. 33. The communication game system according to claim 32, further comprising: invalidation processing means for invalidating data to be invalidated when the operation is performed. 34. The communication game system according to claim 34, wherein said transmitting means is means for transmitting data to be invalidated together with information indicating the invalidation. 35. The communication game system according to claim 34, wherein the information indicating the invalidation is position information indicating which display position on the screen corresponds to the data to be processed for the invalidation. 36. The communication game system according to claim 34, wherein the information indicating the invalidation is a flag or dummy data indicating the invalidation. 37. The data according to claim 32, wherein the data to be invalidated is data relating to an operation when a player selects a customized character on a screen for selecting a character of the game. A communication game system according to item 1. 38. The data relating to the operation is data relating to an operation of a controller or a pad.
The communication game system as described. 39. Each of the plurality of client systems includes, as a game character selection screen, a first button for selecting a common character previously stored in common among the plurality of client systems, and a desired button. Means for presenting a screen including a second button for transitioning to a mode for selecting a customized non-common character that can be stored via a memory device that is detachable from the client system, and which should be subjected to the invalidation 37. The communication game system according to claim 32, wherein the data is data representing an operation state when the second button is selected. 40. The communication game system according to claim 33, wherein said invalidation processing means is a process of discarding data to be invalidated and putting it in a non-display state. 41. A communication game system capable of transmitting and receiving game-related data in real time between the client systems of which opponents have been determined among the plurality of client systems via the game server system. 2. The communication game system according to claim 1, wherein, when watching the game, a chat can be executed with another client system in the watching state via the game server system. 3. 42. A transmission means for receiving each of the contents of the chat from a player while watching the game and transmitting character information corresponding to the contents to the game server system. When,
42. The communication game system according to claim 41, further comprising: display means for displaying the character information superimposed on a game screen of a monitor when the character information is transmitted from the game server system. 43. The communication game system according to claim 42, wherein said display means is means for displaying said character information in a translucent window set with said game screen as a background on a screen of said monitor. 44. A communication game system capable of transmitting and receiving game-related data in real time between the client systems for which opponents have been determined among the plurality of client systems via the game server system. 2. The communication game system according to claim 1, wherein, when watching the game, each of the games displays an image obtained by projecting the space from a changeable virtual viewpoint in the game space in which the game is executed. 3.