JP2002331171A - Game device, game control method, and storage medium and computer program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game device and game control method capable of regularly recognizing the state of another registered player in the execution of a network game (online game). SOLUTION: The other game machine player who cooperatively executes the game is specified so that the game executing state information of the other game machine player including the information for communicable state through a communication medium or not can be acquired every specified other game machine player, and the acquired game executing state of the other game machine player is displayed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game device, a game control method, a recording medium, and a computer program for advancing a game according to a game program.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, RPG (Role Playing Game) has been known as one of game genres in video games. In the RPG, an operating character operated by the player (hereinafter, referred to as “own character”) encounters or breaks up with a fellow character, and battles with an opposing character (hereinafter, referred to as “enemy character”). Grow by experience. In addition, the player collects various information in the virtual world provided by the game through his own character, executes various events according to the collected information, solves the mysteries and secrets of the world, and grows his own character. Go. Thus, RPG
Generally indicates a game that has a growth factor of the player character and has a narrative character. With the development of information and communication technology and computer technology, it is possible to exchange game data with other game devices via a communication medium, for example, a telephone line network, even in the video game world. Are also becoming popular. In this network game, a plurality of players, each operating from a separate game machine, operate a different character independently to progress the game.

However, in the conventional network game, a plurality of players can simply execute the same game via the network. The game was in progress. For this reason, when the game is progressing at the same party, the game progress status of another player can be grasped, but when the constituent characters of different parties are operated with each other, other game characters are displayed on the game screen. The party operated by the player was not displayed and could not be recognized unless they met each other during the game, or it was only possible to know only by specifically inquiring the opponent each time with special control. Therefore, for example, it has been difficult to progress the game in cooperation with a team operated by another player.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a game apparatus which solves the above-mentioned problems and which can easily recognize the state of a player of another game machine. It is an object to provide a game control method. For example, the following configuration is provided as a means for achieving the object. That is, according to a game program, a game device capable of executing a game in cooperation with another game device via a communication medium, and specifying means for specifying another game machine player that executes the game in cooperation with the game device; Acquiring means for acquiring game execution state information of another game machine player identified by the identifying means, and state display means for displaying a game execution state of another game machine player acquired by the acquisition means; The means is capable of acquiring information as to whether or not a communication is possible via a communication medium for each of the other game machine players. Alternatively, in accordance with a game program, a game control method for a game device capable of executing a game in cooperation with another game device via a communication medium, wherein the other game device player executing the game in cooperation with the game device is specified. The game execution state information of the other game machine player including information on whether or not the specified other game machine player can communicate via the communication medium can be acquired, and the acquired other game machine player A game control method for displaying a game execution state is provided. And, for example, the status display means includes:
A part of the information acquired by the acquisition means is displayed in a list on a part of the game screen, and a detailed display can be selected from the list. Also, for example, the list display can also display its own game execution state. Alternatively, in the list display, at least the other game machine player identification information and information as to whether or not the player can acquire information as to whether or not the player can communicate via a communication medium are displayed. Further, for example,
The acquisition means is capable of acquiring a game progress state of the another game machine player. Or,
The game to be executed is a role playing game, and the game progress status acquired by the acquisition means includes game progress location information and battle status information. Further, for example, when the game is executable in cooperation with the other game machine player via a communication medium, the game machine further includes a mail exchange unit for exchanging mail information with the player. Furthermore, a computer program that can be executed by a game device capable of executing a game in cooperation with another game device via a communication medium, wherein the computer program specifies another game machine player that executes the game in cooperation with the other game device. A program sequence, an acquisition program sequence for acquiring game execution state information of another game machine player specified by the specific program sequence, and a state display for displaying a game execution state of another game machine player acquired by the acquisition program sequence A program sequence, wherein the acquisition program sequence causes a game machine to execute a computer program capable of acquiring information as to whether or not communication is possible via a communication medium for each of the other game machine players. And, for example, the state display program sequence is characterized in that a part of information acquired by the acquisition program sequence is displayed in a list on a part of a game screen, and a detailed display can be selected from the list display. Further, for example, the game to be executed is a role playing game, and the game progress status acquired by the acquisition program sequence includes game progress location information and battle status information of the other game machine player. A computer-readable recording medium for recording a computer program executable by a game device capable of executing a game in cooperation with another game device via a communication medium, wherein the other game executes the game in cooperation with the other game device. A specific program sequence for identifying the game player, an acquisition program sequence for acquiring game execution state information of another game machine player identified by the specific program sequence, and a game execution of another game machine player acquired by the acquisition program sequence A state display program sequence for displaying a state can be recorded, and the acquisition program sequence to be recorded can acquire information on whether or not a communication is possible via a communication medium for each of the other game machine players. A computer-readable recording medium as a feature is read and executed by a game machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, an example in which the present invention is applied to a game device will be described, and a specific game will be described using RPG as an example. But,
The present invention is not limited to the RPG, and can be executed by an operation of a plurality of players, such as an action game and a table game, and is applicable to a game that may be executed in real time with another game machine. [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The game device 1 is roughly divided into a game device main body 2 having a main function of the game device 1, and an input device (for example, including a keypad and a controller) 3 for inputting an operation instruction to the game device main body 2. Is provided. Further, a memory card 5 for storing game data such as game progress data and game environment setting data.
Can be removably attached to the game apparatus main body 2. An output device (for example, including a monitor display and a speaker) 6 that performs video display and sound output according to the game content based on the video signal and the audio signal from the game device main body 2 is connected to the game device main body 2. The game is configured to be executable. The game apparatus body 2 has a CD-R for storing a program, image data, sound data, and the like for realizing a game-related process described later.
An OM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) 4 is mounted. The game device main body 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing).
Unit; Central Processing Unit) and ROM (Read Only)
Main control unit 1 with built-in memory
1, a random access memory (RAM) 12, an interface unit 13, a sound processing unit 14, a graphic processing unit 15, a CD-ROM drive 16 for detachably mounting a CD-ROM 4, and accessing contents, a communication medium A communication interface 17 for performing data communication with another game machine via a (network) 100; a hard disk drive (HDD) 18; and a bus 19 for interconnecting the above components. I have. The main control unit 11 includes an oscillator and a timer counter (both not shown), generates a clock signal based on a timing signal output from the oscillator every predetermined period, and counts the clock signal by the timer counter. By doing so, time is measured. RAM1
Reference numeral 2 denotes a main storage device used by the CPU of the main control unit 11 to execute the program, and stores a program executed by the CPU and data necessary for the execution. The RAM 12 is also used as a work area when executing a program. Interface unit 13
Is configured such that the input device 3 and the memory card 5 can be detachably connected. The interface unit 13 controls data transfer between each unit (mainly the main control unit 11) connected to the bus 19 and the input device 3 or the memory card 5. The sound processing unit 14 is a circuit that performs processing for reproducing sound data such as BGM (Back Ground Music) and sound effects of a game. The sound processing unit 14 receives a command from the main control unit 11,
An audio signal is generated based on the data stored in the RAM 12 and supplied to the output device 6. The graphic processing unit 15 includes a frame buffer (not shown), and draws an image according to a command from the main control unit 11 on the frame buffer. Further, the graphic processing unit 15 generates a video signal by adding a predetermined synchronization signal to the image data drawn in the frame buffer, and supplies the video signal to the output device 6. The CD-ROM drive 16 has a recording medium C
This is a reading device that reads data stored in the D-ROM 4. The game device 1 includes a CD-R
By executing the control according to the game program recorded in the OM 4, the control regarding the game described later is realized. The communication interface 17 is connected to the network 10
It controls communication when performing various data exchanges and linked games with another communicable device connected to the device 0, for example, another game device. For example, the communication interface 17
It controls the exchange of information (programs and data) between the game device main body 2 and the communication network 100. Game programs and data downloaded from the external communication network 100 via the communication interface 17 and the communication line 99 can be stored in the HDD 18. The HDD 18 is an auxiliary storage device used by the CPU of the main control unit 11 to execute a program. HD
Various data and programs such as information downloaded using the communication interface 17 and information read from the CD-ROM 4 can be stored in the D18. As described above, the CD-ROM 4 stores programs, image data, sound data, and the like for implementing processing relating to the game. The game program includes a program that causes the game device 1 to execute the method according to the present embodiment. The game software stored in the CD-ROM 4 activates the CD-ROM drive 16 to read necessary game programs and game data, and causes the main control unit 11 to operate according to the read programs. This game software is H
Pre-installed on DD18. And the main control unit 1
In accordance with the instruction from 1, an audio signal is generated based on the data stored in the RAM 12 and supplied to the output device 6. In addition, the game device 1 uses the game software as an HD.
It can also be stored in D18. Graphic processing unit 1
5 includes a frame buffer (not shown), and draws a game image on the frame buffer under the control of the main control unit 11. Further, the graphic processing unit 15 generates a video signal by adding a predetermined synchronization signal to the image data drawn in the frame buffer, and supplies the video signal to the output device 6. The input device 3 includes a controller operated by a player to input various instructions related to the game to the game device main body 2. The input device 3 sends a command signal corresponding to the operation to the game device main body 2 via the interface unit 13. In the present embodiment, a game progress instruction input is performed by the controller 30, and an example in which various instructions are input by the controller 30 as the input device 3 will be described below. FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of a controller as the input device 3 in the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the input device according to the present embodiment.
10A shows the plane of the controller 30, and FIG. 10B shows the back of the controller 30. 2, a controller 30 includes a cross key 31 for inputting movement information and the like, and operation keys (for example, a button 32, a button
3, □ button 34, × button 35, start button 3
6, select button 42). The controller 30 is also provided with a joystick 37 for inputting movement information. As shown in FIG. 2B, a plurality of operation keys (R1 button 38, R2 button 39, L1 button 40,
Each key of the L2 button 41) is provided. All the operation keys except the start button 36 and the select button 42 are of a pressure-sensitive type. Further, the controller 30 has a vibration (vibration) function. That is, the controller 30 has a built-in motor, and the motor operates when a predetermined control signal is received from the game apparatus main body 2, so that the controller 30 can be vibrated as a whole. Thereby, the vibration can be transmitted to the player holding the controller 30. The game device main body 2 can also adjust the strength of vibration, and has three levels of vibration strength of “strong”, “medium”, and “weak”. The vibration of the controller 30 is intermittent, and it is possible to perform control so that vibration having any strength is generated randomly. Memory card 5
Is an auxiliary storage device that is configured by, for example, a flash memory or the like, and is controlled by the game device main body 2 to store game data. Writing data to the memory card 5,
Reading of data from the memory card 5 is controlled by the main control unit 11 via the interface unit 13. The output device 6 displays a game image based on a video signal and an audio signal from the game device main body 2 and outputs audio. In the present embodiment, a monitor device with a built-in speaker, for example, a television (TV) set is prepared as the output device 6.
This monitor device includes a display screen 61 for displaying images and a speaker 62 for outputting sounds. Output device 6
Displays an image on the display screen 61 in response to a video signal from the graphic processing unit 15, and outputs sound from the speaker 62 in response to a sound signal from the sound processing unit 14. Therefore, the output device 6 functions as both a display device and an audio output device. Main control unit 11
Is the basic software or CD-ROM stored in ROM.
The operation of the game apparatus main body 2 is controlled based on game software read from the CD-ROM 4 by the ROM drive 16 and stored in the RAM 12. For example, C
The PU 12 reads the graphic data from the CD-ROM 4, transfers the graphic data to the graphic processing unit 15, and instructs the graphic processing unit 15 to generate an image. In response to this instruction, the graphic processing unit 15 generates a video signal using the graphic data. This video signal is sent to the output device 6. Thereby, an image is displayed on the display screen of the output device 6. The game device according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration is further configured to be able to communicate with another game device via the network 100, and a plurality of players
A network game capable of participating in one game through the network game 0 is configured. In this case,
The game program can be read not only from the CD-ROM 4 but also downloaded from another communication device (server device) connected to the network. The configuration of the network game system when executing the network game using the above functions will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a network game system for providing a network-compatible game service according to the present embodiment. In the network game system according to the present embodiment, game devices 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 are connected to a network system via a communication medium, for example, a server group 102 via the Internet 100. I have. It should be noted that the number of connected game devices is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 3, and the number of connected game devices is not limited in accordance with the content of the game. Of course, it can be done. The server group 102 provides, for example, an authentication server group 111 that performs account management for user authentication, an interface between the game apparatus 1 and another server group, and a content server that provides a content browsing service such as audio and video. Group 112, a message server group 113 for providing a chat or messenger environment, a mail server group 114 for providing an e-mail service, a profile server group 115 for managing user profiles,
And game server group 11 for providing game environment
6 and so on. These server groups 111 to 1
16 are mutually connected via LAN117.
The configuration of the server group is not limited to the above example, and may be configured as a single server or may be divided into smaller units. The game server group 116 includes a lobby server for executing the game according to the present embodiment. When the game device 1 is connected to the lobby server, a screen representing a virtual “lobby” is displayed on the display device 6. On this lobby screen, the player's own character and the characters of other players connected to the lobby server are displayed. Players can chat, thereby interacting with other players and searching for a partner to play the game with. In the present embodiment, a game situation relating to another player selected by the player can be displayed in a list on a part of the game screen, in addition to a chat message that displays character information input by the player in real time.
Next, game programs and data read from the CD-ROM 4 by the CPU of the main control unit 11 and stored in the RAM 12, which is a main memory, will be described. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining storage contents and storage areas of the CD-ROM 54. As shown in FIG. 4, the CD-ROM 4 has a program storage area 4a for storing a game program executed by the main control unit 11, a related data storage area 4b for storing data necessary for the progress of various games, and a three-dimensional model. An image data storage area 4c for storing modeling data and two-dimensional image data used as a background, a sound data storage area 4d for storing sound data such as sound effects, and icon information specific to the game such as characters appearing in the game. Icon data storage area 4
e. In the present embodiment, of the data stored in each storage area of the CD-ROM 4, a part of data necessary for the progress of the game at a certain stage is loaded into the RAM 12, and the RAM 1
The game is advanced based on the data loaded in the second. If the next data is necessary for the progress of the game, the next data required for the progress of the game among the data stored in each storage area of the CD-ROM 4 at that time is loaded into the RAM 12. Will be. When the network game is being executed, the game progress control is performed based on the control of the progress of the game based on the control of the lobby server for executing the game of the game server group 116 in the server group 102. In accordance with the progress control from the lobby server, some data necessary for the progress of the game stored in each storage area of the CD-ROM 4 is stored in the RAM 12.
And the game proceeds based on the data loaded in the RAM 12. Next, programs and data read from the CD-ROM 4 by the main control unit 11 and stored in the RAM 12 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a memory configuration of the RAM 12 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, a RAM 12 has a program storage area 12 for storing a program to be executed by the main control unit 11.
a, a related data storage area 12b for storing data necessary for executing various processes, an image data storage area 12c for storing image data relating to modeling data of a three-dimensional model, two-dimensional image data used as a background, and the like, a sound effect And a sound data storage area 12d for storing sound data. In the present embodiment, the game data read from the memory card 5 at the start of the game is read into the related data storage area 12b, except for the case where the game is executed from the beginning, and according to the read game data. The game is restarted. If the game to be executed is a network game, the related data storage area 12b also includes information on players of other game machines that execute the network game. The control of the RPG in the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining control of the network RPG of the present embodiment. This processing is performed on the CD-ROM 4
Is executed by the game device main body 2 executing the game program stored in. In the following description, a case where a network RPG game is executed will be described as an example. In FIG. 6, first, in step S1, a CD-R in which a game program is recorded in the game device main body 2 is shown.
Set OM4. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step S2,
The necessary program is read from the CD-ROM 4 and
An initial screen (such as a maker logo) stored in the AM 12 is displayed, the memory card 5 is checked, a title screen is displayed, and basic processing including data loading is performed.
Subsequently, when the basic processing is completed in step S3, a game selection screen for selecting which game data is to be selected from the game save data relating to the game read from the memory card 5 is displayed, and the game data to be executed is displayed. select. Then, the process proceeds to step S4. For example, when a network game is selected, the network 100 is accessed via the communication interface 17 and the execution status of the game executed via the server group 102 is acquired. For example, the status of another game machine player registered as a so-called “Friend” who has been permitted to execute a game in cooperation with each other is acquired. Then, in the subsequent step S5, the acquired situation of the other game machine player is simply displayed together with its own game situation on a part of the game screen, for example, on the upper left. FIG. 7 shows an example of a simplified display of the obtained player status. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a simple display example of the game execution player status in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in the simplified display of the present embodiment, a list of opponents registered as “friends” is displayed, and each player is currently playing an online game, playing an offline game, or It is displayed at a glance whether the user is busy, such as in a seat. This display is automatically updated when the game situation is updated. In the present embodiment, another online player is displayed in the upper row, another offline player is displayed in the middle row, and its own status is displayed in the lower row. In the example of FIG. 7, the state of the self “AAA” is in the lower row, the “BBB” player is in the upper row in the online game as another player in the online game, and the “CCC” player is in the offline list as the other player. Is displayed. And, for example, the round lamp display after the name clearly indicates the situation, for example, blue indicates that it is online, black indicates that it is offline, and red indicates that it is busy I do.
As described later, when this list is displayed when an e-mail is sent from another player, the lamp display of the e-mail sender displaying the list flashes. The player can confirm the list display and confirm the situation of the game execution partner. Therefore, in the following step S5, the selected game is advanced. For example, the user accesses the network 100 via the communication interface 17 and starts executing the game via the server group 102. Then, cooperative play is performed with a player operating another game machine that has been permitted to be a “friend” via the network 100. If, for example, the controller 30 is operated or the field is changed in accordance with the progress of the game, or if another player operation status is received from the server group 102, the process proceeds to step S6. Then, in step S6, it is checked whether or not a game participation request from another game machine player who has not participated in the game is confirmed from the server group 102, for example. If the request is a game participation request, the process proceeds to step S7, and information on the player who wants to participate, which is sent from the server group 102 by the candidate, is displayed. The control for requesting participation in the game will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing control of a request to participate in a game according to the present embodiment. The upper part of FIG. 8 shows a display example of a game participation request screen transmitted from the server group 102. In the example of FIG. 8, another player "DDD"
This means that Mr. DDD has requested to participate in the game being executed, and a message from Mr. "DDD" at the time of making the request for participation is displayed. For this reason, the player checks the display example of the participation request screen and determines whether or not to participate in the game. Then, either “permit” or “not permit” is selected, and the selection result is displayed in the server group 10.
Send to 2. The server group 102 collects permission / non-permission to the participation request from other game participants, and finally determines whether or not the participation has been permitted to all, and sends the result. Therefore, in the following step S8, permission / non-permission of the participation request is checked. If participation is permitted, the process proceeds to step S9, where "DDD" who has requested participation as a new game participation "friend" is added, and the list display is changed to "DDD" as shown in the lower part of FIG. "
Update to include Mr. Then, the process proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, in step S8, if any of the players participating in the game has notified the non-permission within a predetermined time, the participation is rejected. In this case, the process proceeds to step S10, in which the game participants are notified of the participation refusal together with the applicants, and the step S10 is performed without updating the list display.
Go to 5. If it is not a game participation request in step S6, the process proceeds to step S11, and it is determined whether or not a request for changing the game participation status of the player is made. When "Self Settings" is selected from the menu screen, a request to change the player's situation is made, and the process advances from step S6 to step S12, where the player's own game situation is displayed, and a game state change instruction input is monitored. FIG. 9 shows a screen display example of the current game situation of the player in the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a display example of the game situation screen at the present time of the player in the present embodiment. Therefore, the player proceeds to step S12
Then, the screen shown in FIG. 9 is checked to give a game status change instruction. In FIG. 9, the game scene where the current operating character exists in the game is displayed at the center right so that the player can confirm it. However, the player cannot change only this game scene. For example, step S
In the step 12, it is determined whether to execute the game online, to execute the game offline, or to temporarily stop the game progress in real time while being away from the seat, as shown on the left side of FIG. 9. In the case of an ID change instruction in response to an ID change request, an ID change instruction shown in the right portion is performed, and in step S13, the self (AAA) is changed according to the change instruction. Instructed game situation to server group 10
2 to notify other players, and the process returns to step S4. In the present embodiment, in the game selection process of step S3, when the game execution is started in the online mode (process according to the network game execution request), the game is executed online.
If you start the game without following the network game execution request, it will be a normal offline game progress,
Otherwise, the operation is automatically performed in the normal mode, and when viewed from other game participants, the same handling as offline is performed. On the other hand, if it is not the game situation change request in step S11, the process proceeds to step S14,
It is checked whether or not a request for displaying detailed information about the player or about another player is made. If the request is a display of detailed information relating to the player or to another player, the process proceeds to step S15, where detailed game information is displayed for the requested player. Then, the process returns to step S4. The detailed display control according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the detailed display control of the player according to the present embodiment. The upper part of FIG. 10 shows a display example of the menu screen. When, for example, "list details display" is selected from this, the processing proceeds from step S16 to step S1.
It will go to 7. First, a player for performing detailed display is selected. Here, a list of players who are self or online (including a player who is away) is displayed in the middle row, and a desired player is selected from the list. The reason that the offline player is excluded from the details display target is that it is difficult to obtain information other than the offline status that can be confirmed in the list display. If other game information that can be displayed can be obtained even during offline, it is desirable to be a target of detailed display. For example, when the detailed display of the “BBB” player is specified by looking at the display in the middle of FIG. 10, the server group 102 is inquired to obtain the information of “BBB”, and as shown in the lower, “BBB”
B "The current situation of the player is displayed in detail. For example, it is displayed that the current situation is online, the current game field is on the fourth floor of dungeonno called "Squares", and a battle is in progress. Thereafter, when the detailed display is canceled, the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, step S1
If it is not the player's detail display request in step 4, step S
Proceeding to 16, it is checked whether or not the request is for changing the list display mode. In the present embodiment, for example, the list display shown in FIG. 7 is basically displayed on a part of the game screen. However, for example, when the player is offline or prioritizes the progress of his or her own game, information on other players is displayed. If you do not want to worry about, you can not display the list. Then, in the case of the online mode or when there is a request for participation from another player, it is desired to return to the list display, so that the list can be freely displayed or deleted. Therefore, step S
At 16, it is checked whether or not an instruction to change the list display mode from the current display mode has been issued. If the instruction is to change the list display mode, the process proceeds to step S17, where the current display mode is changed. If the list is being displayed, the list display is stopped. If not, the list is displayed. I do. On the other hand, if it is not an instruction to change the list display mode in step S16, the process proceeds to step S20, and it is checked whether the request is a mail reception request. In the present embodiment, for example, the game participants are controlled so as to be able to transmit and receive mails similar to ICQ and the like, and mails may be sent from other players. In the present embodiment,
When an e-mail is sent from another player, the e-mail is automatically received under the control of the communication interface 17 and the main control unit 11, and the lamp of the corresponding player displayed in the list is blinking as described above. If the list is not displayed, the name of the mail transmission player may be displayed blinking on a part of the game screen. When the player confirms this display, for example, selects "mail" processing from the menu screen and selects "receive", the process proceeds to step S21 as a request for receiving mail, the received mail is displayed on, for example, a part of the game screen, and the player The contents can be confirmed. Then, after completion of the e-mail confirmation, the process proceeds to step S4. In addition, this received mail is displayed not only at the time of mail reception but also by selecting “Receive” from “Mail” on the menu screen and selecting “Received history” to display the received mail list. Can also be selected and displayed. on the other hand,
If it is not a mail reception request in step S20, the process proceeds to step S22, and it is checked whether the request is a mail transmission request. If it is not a mail transmission request, the process proceeds to step S23, executes a corresponding process, and proceeds to step S4. Here, for example, if the movement instruction of the character is made by a cross key or the like, movement control according to the instruction is performed. If the request is a deletion request of the registered player, the registration of the registered other player is canceled and the registered player is deleted from the list display. This can be done, for example, by selecting registration / deletion from “friends” in the menu and selecting “deletion”. If "registration" is designated, the user can be added to "friends" without a request from the server group 102 to participate in the game. On the other hand, in step S22, for example, “mail” is selected from the menu screen,
When "mail transmission" is selected, the process proceeds to step S24 as a mail transmission request. In step S24, the mode shifts to the mail input mode, a mail input screen is displayed on a part of the game screen, and processing for transmitting a mail to another online player is executed. Specifically, a desired player is selected from other online players as a destination (in the case of a single player, the player is automatically selected), and a simple mail is transmitted.
Then, the process proceeds to step S4. As described above, according to the present embodiment, at the time of executing a network game (online game), it is possible to always recognize the status of another registered player, and by performing further detailed display,
It is also possible to know the position (place name) where the desired opponent player operation character is located, the dungeon hierarchy, whether or not a battle is in progress, and the like, and it is easy to join with an acquaintance (registered other player).
Also, when cooperative play is required, such as when it is necessary to divide into a plurality of parties and simultaneously take a dungeon, the cooperative operation of the opponent can be easily realized. In particular, since communication using e-mail is possible, it is possible to proceed with the game while making contact with each other, and it is possible to greatly expand the range of the game. For example, it becomes possible to cooperate with another player via a network in a dungeon capture divided into two or more parties during the game in the game proposed by the applicant. [Other Embodiments] As described above, the present invention has been specifically described based on the embodiments and the modifications thereof. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and the modifications thereof. Of course, it can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist. For example, in the above description, the event to be selected is an option regarding the direction in which the operating character moves, but the option may be an item selection or an operation selection such as a lever operation.
Further, it may be a case of using or holding an item or the like that is held, and may be a selection of a companion character or an action. Further, in the above description, the case where the previous game execution is completely completed is reflected in the next game, but the present invention is not limited to the above example,
For example, even in the case of clearing for each certain stage, the previous selection result for the cleared stage may be reflected. Further, even during the execution of the same game, control may be performed so that the achievement of clearing in the field unit is reflected. The selection result at the time of game progress may be reflected on the next game progress. For example, in the above embodiment and its modifications, the case where the present invention is realized using a home game machine as a platform is described. However, the present invention realizes a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer or an arcade game machine as a platform. Is also good. In the above-described embodiment and its modifications, programs and data for implementing the present invention are stored in a CD-ROM, and the CD-ROM is used as an information recording medium. However, the information recording medium is not limited to the CD-ROM, but may be another computer-readable magnetic or optical recording medium such as a magnetic disk or a ROM card or a semiconductor memory. Further, the program and data for implementing the present invention are not limited to the form provided by a medium such as a CD-ROM that is detachable from a game machine or a computer. Another device connected via a communication line or the like, for example, may be a form of receiving from a group of servers and recording it in a memory, or further, a device connected to another device connected via a communication line or the like. The program and data may be recorded in a memory, and the program and data may be used via a communication line or the like.

As described above, according to the present invention, when a network game (online game) is executed, the situation of another registered player can be always recognized. Further, by performing the detailed display, it is possible to know the position (place name) of the character operated by the desired opponent player, the hierarchy of the dungeon, whether or not a battle is in progress, and the like. Becomes In addition, when cooperative play is required, such as when it is necessary to divide into a plurality of parties and simultaneously perform a dungeon capture, the cooperative operation of the opponent can be easily realized, and the width of the game can be greatly expanded. A highly hobby game can be played.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the input device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a network game system that provides a network-compatible game service according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a detailed configuration of a CD-ROM according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a memory configuration of a main memory shown in FIG. 2 of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining execution control of a network RPG according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a simplified display of a game execution player status in the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating control of a request to participate in a game according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a display example of a game situation screen at the present time of the player of the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing detailed display control of a player according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game device 2 Game device main body 3 Input device 4 CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) 5 Memory card 6 Output device 11 Main control part 12 RAM (Random Access Memory) 13 Interface part 14 Sound processing part 15 Graphic processing unit 16 CD-ROM drive 17 Communication interface 18 HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 19 Bus 30 Controller 31 Four-way controller 32 ○ button 33 △ button 34 □ button 35 × button 36 Start button 37 Joystick 38 R1 button 39 R2 Button 40 L1 button 41 L2 button 42 Select button 61 Display screen 62 Speaker 99 Communication line 100 Network (Internet)

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. A game device capable of executing a game in cooperation with another game device via a communication medium in accordance with a game program, wherein the game device specifies another game machine player that executes the game in cooperation with the game device. Means, acquisition means for acquiring game execution state information of another game machine player identified by the identification means, and state display means for displaying the game execution state of another game machine player acquired by the acquisition means. The game device, wherein the acquisition unit is capable of acquiring information as to whether or not the other game machine player is in a communicable state via a communication medium. 2. The state display means displays a list of a part of the information acquired by the acquisition means on a part of a game screen, and enables a detailed display to be selected from the list display. The game device according to 1. 3. The game device according to claim 2, wherein the list display can also display a game execution state of the user. 4. The list display displays at least information on whether or not the other game machine player identification information and information on whether or not the player is in a communicable state via a communication medium can be obtained. The game device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein 5. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit is capable of acquiring a game progress state of the another game machine player. 6. The game device according to claim 5, wherein the game to be executed is a role playing game, and the game progress status acquired by the acquisition means includes game progress location information and battle status information. 7. A mail exchange means for exchanging mail information with the other game machine player when the game is executable in cooperation with the other game machine player via a communication medium. The game device according to claim 1. 8. A game control method for a game device capable of executing a game in cooperation with another game device via a communication medium in accordance with a game program, wherein the other game machine player executes the game in cooperation with the other game device. The game execution state information of the other game machine player including information on whether or not the specified other game machine player is in a communicable state via a communication medium can be obtained, and the obtained other game machine can be obtained. A game control method comprising displaying a game execution state of a game player. 9. The game according to claim 8, wherein the status display displays a part of the acquired information in a list on a part of a game screen, and allows a detailed display to be selected from the list display. Control method. 10. The list display according to claim 9, wherein the game execution state can be displayed together.
The game control method as described. 11. The list display displays at least information on whether or not the other game machine player specifying information and information on whether or not the player is in a communicable state via a communication medium can be obtained. Claim 9 or Claim 1
0. The game control method according to item 0. 12. The game control method according to claim 8, wherein the acquired game execution information includes a game progress state of the another game machine player. 13. The game control method according to claim 12, wherein the game to be executed is a role playing game, and the acquired game progress state includes game progress location information and battle state information. 14. The system according to claim 8, wherein when the game is executable in cooperation with the other game machine player via a communication medium, mail information can be exchanged with the player. The game control method according to claim 13. 15. A computer program executable on a game device capable of executing a game in cooperation with another game device via a communication medium, wherein the computer program identifies the other game machine player executing the game in cooperation with the other game device. A specific program sequence, an acquisition program sequence for acquiring game execution state information of another game machine player identified by the specific program sequence, and a game execution state of another game machine player acquired by the acquisition program sequence. A computer program, comprising: a state display program sequence, wherein the acquisition program sequence is capable of acquiring information as to whether or not the other game machine player is in a communicable state via a communication medium. 16. The status display program sequence displays a part of information acquired by the acquisition program sequence in a part of a game screen, and enables a detailed display to be selected from the list display. A computer program according to claim 15. 17. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the game display state can be displayed together with the list display.
A computer program according to claim 6. 18. The list display, wherein at least the other game machine player identification information and information as to whether or not the player can acquire information as to whether or not the player can communicate via a communication medium are displayed. The computer program according to claim 16 or 17, wherein 19. The computer program according to claim 15, wherein said acquisition program sequence is capable of acquiring a game progress state of said another game machine player. 20. The computer program according to claim 19, wherein the game to be executed is a role playing game, and the game progress status acquired by the acquisition program sequence includes game progress location information and battle status information. 21. A mail exchange program sequence for exchanging mail information with the other game machine player when the game is executable in cooperation with the other game machine player via a communication medium. The computer program according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein 22. A computer-readable recording medium for recording a computer program executable by a game device capable of executing a game in cooperation with another game device via a communication medium, wherein the game is executed in cooperation with the other game device. A specific program sequence for specifying another game machine player, an acquisition program sequence for acquiring game execution state information of another game machine player specified by the specific program sequence, and another game machine player for acquiring by the acquisition program sequence And a state display program sequence for displaying the game execution state of the game device, and the acquisition program sequence to be recorded can acquire information on whether or not the other game machine player is in a communicable state via a communication medium. A computer-readable recording medium characterized by the following. 23. The state display program sequence to be recorded, wherein a part of information acquired by the acquisition program sequence is displayed in a list on a part of a game screen, and a detailed display can be selected from the list display. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 22, wherein: 24. The game system according to claim 2, wherein the list display can also display the game execution state of the player.
3. The computer-readable recording medium according to 3. 25. The list display displays at least information on whether or not the other game machine player identification information and information on whether or not the player is in a communicable state via a communication medium can be obtained. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 23 or claim 24. 26. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 22, wherein the acquisition program sequence is capable of acquiring a game progress state of the another game machine player. 27. The computer according to claim 26, wherein the game to be executed is a role playing game, and the game progress status acquired by the recorded acquisition program sequence includes game progress location information and battle status information. A readable recording medium. 28. A mail exchange program sequence for exchanging mail information with another game machine player when the game is executable in cooperation with the other game machine player via a communication medium. A computer-readable recording medium according to any one of claims 22 to 27.