JP2024026751A - program - Google Patents

Abstract

When an effect that affects other characters is applied in a previous event, it is possible to prevent differences between player characters due to the effect at the timing of participation in the event.
The program includes a control step for controlling a predetermined event in the game to be executed for a group including each player character operated by one or more players, and a control step for controlling a predetermined event in the game to be executed for a group including each player character operated by one or more players. a first application step of applying an effect related to a predetermined event to at least one player character among the player characters included in the group based on an operation of an arbitrary player; A second application step of applying an effect to a player character newly joining the game is performed.
[Selection diagram] Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a program and a recording medium.

In recent years, game systems have become known in which users download games for mobile terminals such as smartphones and enjoy the games while cooperating with other users. In some of these games, players use game items to advance the game to an advantage.

For example, there is a game in which parameters of a player character are restored in exchange for consuming items (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-161487

On the other hand, in the game system described above, the player can enjoy in-game events such as quests and dungeons with other players included in a group called a room. In this game, when a player consumes an item as in the prior art, the effect of the item can be exerted on the character of the player he/she plays and the characters of other players in the room.

However, in the game system described above, the effect of the item is applied to the player character who is in the room at the time of item consumption, so the effect of the item consumed first does not apply to players who join later. . Therefore, the difference in power between the character of the player who is in the room first and the character of the player who joins later becomes large depending on whether or not the item has an effect.

For example, if an item effect is applied to an event held in a room where experienced players gather, and a beginner joins the room and plays the event, the characters of the players will The difference in power, etc. becomes large.

Therefore, we provide a program and a recording medium that can prevent differences between player characters from occurring due to effects at the timing of participation in the event, when effects that affect other characters are applied in the event. do.

A program according to an aspect of the present invention includes a control step for causing a computer to control a predetermined event in a game that is executed for a group including each player character operated by one or more players, and a first application step of applying an effect related to the predetermined event to at least one player character among the player characters included in the group, based on an operation of any player in the group; In this case, the player character newly joining the group is caused to perform a second application step of applying the effect.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a game processing system in an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a game device in an embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a server in an embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional composition of the game device in an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server in an embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the function of the application part in an embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of a function of a movement control part in an embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of user information in an embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of group information in an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen (part 1) on the side requesting participation. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen (part 2) on the side requesting participation. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen (part 1) on the side that is requested to participate. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen (part 2) on the side where participation is requested. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen (part 1) for selecting a quest after receiving a participation request. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen (part 2) for selecting a quest after receiving a participation request. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining movement control of a player character. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of effect application processing by the server in the embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a server movement control process in the embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples, and there is no intention to exclude the application of various modifications and techniques not specified below. That is, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. In addition, in the description of the drawings below, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar symbols. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions or proportions. The drawings may also include portions that differ in dimensional relationships and ratios.

[Embodiment]
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A program and an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Overview of game processing system>
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a game processing system 1 in an embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the game processing system 1 includes, for example, game devices 10A, 10B, and 10C of each user, a server (information processing device) 20 provided by a game operating company, and a billing server 30, for example, through a network. Connected via N.

When each game device is explained individually, reference numerals 10A, 10B, and 10C are used, and when it is not necessary to distinguish them individually, the reference numeral 10 is used when they are explained collectively. Further, the game device 10 is, for example, a mobile terminal, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a personal computer, a game machine, or the like.

The game device 10 connects online to the server 20 via the network N and executes game play in the form of a web game.

The server 20 controls, for example, a so-called F2P (Free to Play) online game, which is a game in which a plurality of players play for free via the network N, for example. The server 20 receives operation instructions input from the game device 10, controls the progress of the game, and manages and distributes data necessary for running the game.

The billing server 30 is a server that performs billing processing within the game in response to billing requests from the game device 10 or the server 20.

The network N is the Internet or the like, and includes wireless LAN access points, mobile phone base stations, and the like.

<Hardware configuration>
Next, the hardware configuration of the game device 10 will be explained. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the hardware configuration of the game device 10 shown in FIG.

The game device 10 shown in FIG. 2 includes at least a mobile communication antenna 112, a mobile communication unit 114, a wireless LAN communication antenna 116, a wireless LAN communication unit 118, a storage unit 120, and a main control unit 150, and further includes: It has an external interface 140 including a camera 130 and an audio output terminal 142.

The touch panel 102 has the functions of both a display device and an input device, and is composed of a display (display screen) 102A that performs a display function and a touch sensor 102B that performs an input function. The display 102A is configured by a general display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The touch sensor 102B includes an element for detecting a touch operation arranged on the upper surface of the display 102A and a transparent operation surface laminated thereon. As the contact detection method of the touch sensor 102B, any known method such as a capacitance method, a resistive film method (pressure sensitive method), or an electromagnetic induction method can be adopted.

The touch panel 102 displays a game image generated by the main control unit 150 executing the program 122 stored in the storage unit 120 . The touch panel 102 as an input device detects the motion of a contact object (including a player's finger, a touch pen, etc.; hereinafter, a "finger" will be explained as a representative example) that comes into contact with an operation surface. , receives an operation input, and provides information on the contact position to the main control unit 150. The finger motion is detected as coordinate information indicating the position or area of the contact point, and the coordinate information is expressed, for example, as coordinate values on two axes of the short side direction and the long side direction of the touch panel 102.

The game device 10 is connected to a network (Internet) N through a mobile communication antenna 112 and a wireless LAN communication antenna 116, and is capable of data communication with the server 20.

The server 20 functions as a server serving as a hub of the game system, such as collecting play data of games and the like executed on the game device 10 via the network N, and controlling the progress of the game based on the play data. .

Furthermore, in the embodiment, an online game system is constructed in which when the game device 10 is connected to the network N and the server 20, various games can be provided online to the game device 10. In this online game system, by managing and providing play data compatible with multiple types of game programs, we provide players with the enjoyment of playing various games at a game center. is possible.

The program 122 according to the embodiment may be installed in the game device 10, or may be provided with a game function online from a server (not limited to the server 20).

Next, the hardware configuration of the server 20 will be explained. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server 20 in the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 includes a control section 202, a communication interface 206, a storage section 208, a display section 214, and an input section 216, and each section is connected via a bus line 218. Ru.

The control unit 202 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read On Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory) 204, and the like. The control unit 202 is configured to execute a control program 210 and the like stored in the storage unit 208 to realize processing related to, for example, an online game in addition to the functions of a general information processing device.

Further, the RAM 204 temporarily stores various information and is used as a work area when the CPU executes various processes.

The communication interface 206 controls communication with the billing server 30 and the game device 10 via the network N.

The storage unit 208 is made of, for example, an HDD, and stores a control program 210 in addition to storing applications and data (not shown) for realizing the functions of a general information processing device. Furthermore, the storage unit 208 includes an information storage unit 212.

The control program 210 is a program for performing processing related to the game, and is a program that receives operation instructions from the game device 10 and controls the progress of the game while playing based on the operation instructions. The control program 210 may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium, read from this recording medium, and stored in the storage unit 208.

The information storage unit 212 stores, for example, necessary data used in the game, data regarding the user, and the like.

The display unit 214 displays information to the administrator. The input unit 216 accepts input from the administrator and instructions from the administrator. Further, the server 20 does not necessarily need to include the display section 214 and the input section 216, and the display section 214 and the input section 216 may be connected to the server 20 from the outside.

<Game Overview>
Here, an overview of the game targeted in the embodiment will be explained. In the game (controlled by the game device 10 or the server 20) in the embodiment, a predetermined group including a plurality of users can be formed, and in-game events can be executed in group units. In this in-game event, players can consume game items and the like that they own, regardless of the event's organizer or participants. These game items include items that increase or decrease parameters of the player's own player character, and items that affect other player characters as well. As an effect that also affects other player characters (hereinafter also referred to as overall effect), for example, there is an effect related to the reward given to the player character in the event, and while the effect is applied, the reward can be obtained. The probability of being able to do so and the rarity of the rewards will increase. Other examples of overall effects include, for example, an increase in experience points, and in the case of a battle event, an increase in attack power or defense power. In addition, other examples of game parameters that are consumed include parameters set for an item that are consumed all at once and have an effect, and parameters that are set for an item that are consumed over time and the effect remains until they are all consumed. There are things that last. Furthermore, the game item applied to this game may be a game item whose parameters are not consumed. For example, there are some game items whose effects are exerted by possessing or equipping the game item.

Furthermore, in the game according to the embodiment, the overall effect is applied to the group to which the effect is applied to the player characters of players who join later. This increases the player's motivation to participate in the group to which the overall effect is applied, and players who join later can also benefit from the effect. As a result, it becomes easier for new players to join groups to which the overall effect is applied.

Furthermore, in the game according to the embodiment, for example, in the progress of the game in which multiple stages are cleared in sequence, if a predetermined condition regarding movement between stages is satisfied, the player character being played in the event is moved ahead of the player's own character. The stage to be played may be moved to the position of the player character being played. As a result, a player who is slow in progress can catch up with a player who is progressing quickly, and can enjoy the same stage with other players. Next, the functional configurations of the game device 10 and the server 20 for executing the above-described game will be described.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the game device 10 in the embodiment. The game device 10 shown in FIG. 4 includes, for example, a first transmitting section 302, a first receiving section 304, a game execution section 310, and a first storage section 330.

The first transmitter 302 can be realized by, for example, the main controller 150, the mobile communication unit 114, the wireless LAN communication unit 118, the program 122, and the like. The first transmitter 302 transmits commands and the like based on the operation details input by the user to the server 20. These commands include a request command for consuming game items and a participation command for participating in a group or a predetermined event (for example, a dungeon, etc.).

The first receiving section 304 can be realized by, for example, the main control section 150, the mobile communication section 114, the wireless LAN communication section 118, the game program 122, and the like. The first receiving unit 304 receives information regarding the progress of the game from the server 20 . The information regarding the progress of the game includes screen information representing an execution screen of an in-game event, invitation message information for the event, and the like.

The game execution unit 310 can be realized by, for example, the main control unit 150, the program 122, and the like. The game execution unit 310 executes a game (eg, multiple in-game events). The game execution section 310 includes an operation reception section 312, a command issuing section 314, a screen generation section 316, and a display control section 318.

The operation accepting unit 312 accepts user operations input from the touch panel 102 during game execution. For example, the operation reception unit 312 accepts an operation for executing a lottery process during an in-game event or an operation for participating in an in-game event. The accepted operation details are output to the command issuing unit 314.

The command issuing unit 314 issues a command according to the operation content received by the operation accepting unit 312, and transmits the issued command to the server 20 via the first transmitting unit 302. For example, the command issuing unit 314 issues a command (also referred to as a request command) indicating an operation for consuming a game item. At this time, user information or identification information for identifying the game device 10 is transmitted together with the request command. This allows the server 20 to know which user or which game device 10 has requested the game item. Further, the command issuing unit 314 issues a command (participation command) indicating an operation for participating in an in-game event.

The screen generation unit 316 acquires information regarding the progress of the game received by the first reception unit 304, and generates a screen to be displayed on the touch panel 102 based on this information. Screen generation section 316 outputs the generated screen to display control section 318.

The display control unit 318 displays the acquired screen on the touch panel 14. Thereby, the game device 10 can display the execution screen of the in-game event based on each piece of information transmitted from the server 20, and can proceed with the game. The above-mentioned screen is used to include still images and moving images displayed on the touch panel 102.

This allows the game device 10 to request execution of an in-game event, request participation in the in-game event, and request use of game items in the in-game event.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 20 in the embodiment. The server 20 shown in FIG. 5 includes a second transmitting section 402, a second receiving section 404, a game control section 410, and a second storage section 430. The server 20 can implement functions such as the game control section 410 by executing the control program 210.

The second transmitter 402 can be realized, for example, by the communication interface 206, the controller 202, and the like. The second transmitter 402 transmits information regarding the progress of the game to the game device 10 according to instructions from the game controller 410.

The second receiving section 404 can be realized by, for example, the communication interface 206, the control section 202, and the like. The second receiving unit 404 receives commands indicating operation details from each game device 10 .

The game control unit 410 can be realized by, for example, the control unit 202, the storage unit 208, and the like. Game control unit 410 controls execution of the game based on the received commands. For example, the game control unit 410 controls in-game events performed by a group including multiple users.

The second storage unit 430 can be realized by, for example, the storage unit 208 or the like. The second storage unit 430 stores information regarding the game. For example, information about the game includes information about users who play the game, information about groups that include multiple users, screen information for configuring the game execution screen, and other information necessary for the game. .

Next, details of the game control section 410 will be explained. The game control section 410 includes a generation section 412, an event control section 414, an activation section 416, an application section 418, a selection control section 420, an output section 422, a search control section 424, and a movement control section 426. include.

The generation unit 412 generates a group including multiple users. Regarding how to generate a group, the generation unit 412 can generate a group between a user who outputs a request command and multiple users who are friends with this user, or create a group between users who have entered a predetermined in-game room. Create a group, or create a group between users who are physically close to each other. Note that there is no particular limitation on how groups are generated. Furthermore, a friend relationship refers to a relationship in which users have been approved by each other in advance and are associated with each other.

The event control unit 414 controls execution of a predetermined event in the game for a group including player characters operated by one or more players. For example, the event control unit 414 controls execution of predetermined game units such as quests, dungeons, and stages that can be executed by each player character in a room, which is an example of a group. The predetermined event may consist of a plurality of stages that the player clears in order.

The activation unit 416 activates an effect related to a predetermined event based on the operation of a predetermined player in the group. For example, upon receiving a command requesting the use of a game item from the game device 10, the activation unit 416 identifies the game item based on the game item ID included in the command, and applies the effect of the identified game item. Start. Here, activation refers to specifying a game item and starting to apply the effect of the specified game item. The activation timing may be immediately after specifying the game item, or after a predetermined period of time after specifying the game item using a timer or the like.

The effects of game items include those that affect only the player character who requested them (single effect) and those that affect each player character within a group (overall effect). As described above, effects that affect each player character in the group include an increase in experience points and an increase in rewards. Single or global effects may be time limited. When a time limit is set for an effect, the effect may remain the same for a certain period of time, or the effect may become weaker as the time limit approaches.

In the case of a global effect, the application unit 418 applies the effect to each player character included in the group at the first time point when the effect is activated by the activation unit 416, or if the effect is applied after the first time point. In addition, effects are applied to player characters newly joining the group. Further, in the case of a single effect, the application unit 418 applies the effect to the player character of the player who has requested the use of the game item at the time the effect is activated by the activation unit 416. The functions related to the overall effect of the application section 418 will be explained using FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of the application unit 418 in the embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the application section 418 includes a first application section 4182 and a second application section 4184.

When a game item that activates the overall effect is activated, the first application unit 4182 controls at least one of the player characters included in the same group as the player who used the game item at the first point in time when the game item is activated. Apply global effects to the player character.

When a player character operated by a new player joins this group after the first time point, when the effect is applied, the second application unit 4184 controls the player character, for example, on condition of joining the group. Apply the overall effect that has already been activated. In other words, if the overall effect has been applied, the second application unit 4184 automatically applies the activated overall effect to the player character newly joining the group, regardless of user operation.

Note that the second application section 4184 may change the degree of the overall effect from the degree of the effect applied by the first application section 4182. For example, the second application unit 4184 may change the degree of the applied effect depending on the elapsed time from the first time point. More specifically, the second application unit 4184 may set the degree of the overall effect to be lower as the time elapsed from the first time point is longer. Further, the second application unit 4184 may change the degree of effect depending on the order of new additions to the group.

Due to the functions of each part mentioned above, the effect of the item can be applied not only to the player characters included in the group first, but also to the player characters who join the group later, regardless of the player's operation instructions. can. That is, when an effect that affects other characters is applied in an event, it is possible to prevent differences between the player characters due to the effect at the timing of participation in the event.

Returning to FIG. 5, when a player operating a player character in the group invites a player to a predetermined event that is being executed, the selection control unit 420 controls to accept the selection of a player who is not participating in the predetermined event. . For example, before starting execution of the predetermined event, the selection control unit 420 uses a pop-up screen or the like to accept selections of friends who have not participated in the predetermined event based on user operations. Examples of ways to select non-participating players include a case in which a player selects one player at a time from a list displayed on the screen, a case in which a player selects a plurality of players who are friends at once, and the like.

The output unit 422 outputs a message that includes effect information and urges participation in a predetermined event to a terminal operated by the selected non-participating player. For example, the output unit 422 may output a message including the name of the game item being activated, information about the effect of the game item being activated, or a comment encouraging participation in a predetermined event that has been entered in advance by the inviter. and output these as messages.

Thereby, a player who is encouraged to participate can check the effects of the item, join the group later, and enjoy the predetermined event while receiving the effects of the item.

Furthermore, the event control unit 414 may control a predetermined event performed for one or more groups. For example, in addition to controlling the execution of events on a room-by-room basis, the event control unit 414 may execute and control the same event in which player characters in a plurality of rooms can play, or the same event in which rooms compete against each other.

In this case, the first application unit 4182 may apply the overall effect to player characters in a plurality of groups participating in the same event at the first time point when the overall effect is activated. In other words, the first application unit 4182 may apply the overall effect to each player character included in the group including the player who requested activation of the effect and other groups that are executing the predetermined event. This makes it possible to apply the overall effect to each predetermined event in which multiple groups participate. Furthermore, in this case, the group that activated the effect of the item may control the effect to be canceled when the event is cleared.

Furthermore, if the overall effect has been applied after the first time point, the second application unit 4184 applies the overall effect to the player character of a newly participating player for a predetermined event in which multiple groups participate. Good too. Thereby, the effect applied to each predetermined event in which a plurality of groups participate can also be applied to player characters who later join the predetermined event.

The search control unit 424 controls such that when the player searches for an event that he or she wants to perform, an event to which an overall effect is applied is preferentially searched. For example, the search control unit 424 may display the overall effect on the search screen in descending order of the remaining time of the period in which it is applied and the degree of the effect is large. This allows the player to preferentially select and participate in an attractive event that includes a group to which the overall effect is applied. Furthermore, if multiple groups are participating in the same event, you can select which group to participate in a specific event by displaying the groups in that event and the effects applied to each. You will be able to make it easier.

Next, the movement control section 426 will be explained. Before explaining its functions, a conventional technique related to movement control of the player character will be explained.

When one event is composed of multiple game units called stages, there are games that decide which of the branching stages to proceed to depending on the time at which branching conditions are met in the branching event (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. -179937).

However, in the case of the above-mentioned game, in a game where multiple players play together, if the branching of each player's stage is determined based on the game result, the players may be dispersed to each stage, making it difficult to enjoy the joint play. I become unable to do so.

In addition, when a game is played in which players clear the stages in order in a dungeon that has multiple stages, if the preceding player wants another player's character to participate in the dungeon, according to the instructions of the preceding player, It is conceivable that the character of the subsequent player appears on the stage where the preceding player is present.

However, in the case of the above-mentioned game, the subsequent players suddenly play the stage where the preceding player is located immediately after joining, regardless of their own intentions, and may not be able to experience the stages in the middle, or Even if a delay occurs, the game may not be able to be fully enjoyed because it cannot be easily corrected.

Therefore, the movement control unit 426 in this embodiment controls the movement of the subsequent player character to the vicinity of the position of any one of the preceding player characters at a timing when the player character can move between stages. enable. As a result, even subsequent players can enjoy the current stage until the time to move between stages, and can catch up with the previous players at the time to move between stages, making it possible to play games with multiple stages. can be enjoyed. The functions of the movement control unit 426 will be explained using FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the movement control unit 426 in the embodiment. The movement control section 426 shown in FIG. 7 includes a first determination section 4262, a second determination section 4264, and a movement section 4266.

The first determination unit 4262 determines whether each player character operated by one or more players is distributed within different stages. For example, if the player characters are distributed over at least two stages, the first determination unit 4262 determines that the player characters are distributed as a determination result.

When each player character is distributed to different stages, the second determination unit 4264 determines whether or not a predetermined condition regarding movement is satisfied for the player character of the player who is playing on one stage. For example, the predetermined condition regarding movement is that a predetermined character has cleared one stage, or that the player has used an item that enables movement.

If a predetermined condition is satisfied, the moving unit 4266 moves a predetermined player character based on the position of any player character existing on a stage preceding the predetermined player character. For example, if it is determined that the predetermined player character can move between stages, the moving unit 4266 moves the predetermined player character to the vicinity of one of the preceding player characters.

With the movement control functions described above, players can easily move to stages, etc. that other players are playing with the same ease as normal stage movement. Since the current player is not moved to the stage being played, it is possible to enjoy playing on more stages than before.

If there are a plurality of preceding player characters, the moving unit 4266 may automatically select one player character, or may allow the player to select one. Furthermore, when one player is automatically selected, it may be selected at random or may be selected based on predetermined criteria.

For example, if the player character closest to the position of a predetermined player character is selected as a predetermined criterion, the player operating the predetermined player character can play the stages in a more sequential manner. Become.

Note that the movement by the moving unit 4266 may include movement from a stage to a cleared game space called a lobby, in addition to movement between stages.

The moving unit 4266 also acquires position information and stage information of the preceding player character in the game space, and moves the subsequent player character based on this information. The position after movement may be a position such as the start of a stage, or may be near the position of the preceding player character.

Further, the movement mode may be a movement form such as instantaneous movement, a movement form where the player character dashes to shorten the movement time, or a combination of both.

As described above, by having the various functions, the server 20 can control the application of the overall effect used in a predetermined event and control the movement of the player character, and can improve the interest of the game.

<Data structure>
Next, the data structure of some information related to the embodiment will be explained. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of user information in the embodiment. In the user information shown in FIG. 8, each row corresponds to one user (player). Each user information includes a user ID, a user name, game items owned by the user, friends registered by the user, current position of a player character operated by the user, and the like.

The user ID is an identifier assigned to each user by the server 20 to identify each user. In the example shown in FIG. 8, identifiers such as "U0001" and "U0002" are assigned to each user.

The user name is a name that each user can give themselves and use in an online game, and is composed of an arbitrary character string. In the example shown in FIG. 8, character strings such as "AAA" and "BBB" are registered as user names.

A game item is a game item that a user owns by defeating an enemy character, picking up an enemy character, or acquiring it through a lottery process during an online game. Game items are equipped to the player character, affect parameters related to battles with enemy characters, and affect rewards given during events.

A friend is associated with a user ID of a user registered as a friend associated with the user. Friends include as many user IDs as there are registered friends. Note that when sharing the friend's information with another game for use, the friend's information stored in another server or the like linked to the user ID may be used.

The current position is information indicating the current position of the player character operated by the user. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8, information such as "CL1" and "CL2" is assigned, and this information includes stage identification information and coordinates in the game space of the stage, and as the game progresses, It is controlled to be rewritten at predetermined time intervals or every time the position of the player character changes. Note that since the current location information only needs to be linked to the user ID, it may be stored separately as information different from the user information.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of group information in the embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 9, each row corresponds to one group. In the example shown in FIG. 9, a group is called a room, but there are other names such as a party. When the host user selects multiplayer and the game device 10 sends a group creation request to the server 20, the server 20 creates new group information.

Each group information includes a room ID, host user information, guest user information, and item information.

The room ID is an identifier assigned to identify each group.

The host user information is information regarding the user who becomes the host of each group. The host user information includes a user ID for identifying the user, game items owned by the user, current location, and can also include a user name and the like.

The guest user information is information about a user who has participated in a group by being invited by a host user or by receiving a group participation notification from the system side. The information included in the guest user information is basically the same as the information included in the host user information.

The item information is information about a game item that is currently being activated in that room, and is particularly associated with information about a game item that has an overall effect.

Here, the application unit 418 can easily grasp the currently activated game item by referring to the item information of the group information. Therefore, if there is a new player who has joined this room, the application unit 418 can refer to the item information and apply the overall effect to the newly joined player.

Note that item information is not necessarily information necessary for group information. If the item information is not included in the group information, the application unit 418 searches for game items used by players in the room, and if the game item being used has an overall effect, the application unit 418 searches for the game item used by the player in the room, and if the used game item has an overall effect, the application unit 418 searches for the game item used by the player in the room. may be applied to each player character in the room.

<Specific example>
Next, a specific example of overall effect application control and movement control in the game described above will be described. First, overall effect application control will be explained using a screen example, and then movement control will be explained using a stage transition diagram. Note that in the specific example shown below, the in-game event is referred to as a quest.

≪Control of application of overall effect≫
As a specific example of controlling the application of the overall effect, a description will be given using an example of a screen between a side requesting participation in a quest (inviting side) and a side receiving a request for participation (invited side). Further, generation of screen data, control of screen transitions, etc. described below are performed by the game execution unit 310 including the above-mentioned units.

(Screen of the party requesting participation)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen (part 1) on the side requesting participation. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the display screen D10 includes various display areas and UI components (for example, buttons) that will be described below.

The quest selection areas Q11, Q12, Q13, and Q14 are areas that display the quest name as well as parameters consumed by the execution of the quest. For example, when any position within each area or a predetermined button is pressed, a quest participation request is output to friends who are not participating in this quest. The selection control unit 420 accepts the friend selection. Further, the quest participation request is executed by the output unit 422.

When a request to participate in a quest is made in the state shown in FIG. 10, the output unit 422 outputs a message including information about the quest being executed to the game device 10 operated by the friend user.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen (Part 2) on the side requesting participation. The display screen D12 shown in FIG. 11 has the same basic screen configuration as the display screen D10 shown in FIG. 10.

The difference between the display screen D12 shown in FIG. 11 and the display screen D10 shown in FIG. 10 is that information about the activated overall effect is displayed in the item display area AR10. For example, the item name "EXP Flora Boost II" is displayed in the item display area AR10. This effect is an overall effect, and is an effect that increases the experience value of each player character in the group. In addition, the remaining time for which this effect is applied is also displayed in the item display area AR10.

When a request to participate in a quest is made in the state shown in FIG. 11, the output unit 422 sends a message including information on the quest being executed as well as information on the overall effect to the game device 10 operated by the friend user. and output it.

(Screen of the person being requested to participate)
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen (Part 1) on the side that is requested to participate. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the display screen D20 includes various display areas and UI components (for example, buttons) that will be described below.

When the above-mentioned message is acquired, a pop-up screen P20 is displayed on the display screen D20 of the game device 10 of the user requested to participate. The pop-up screen P20 includes a UI component B20 for displaying quest information, a UI component B20 for refusing participation in the quest, and a UI component B22 for participating in the quest. The quest information includes the requester's name, quest name, consumption parameters, and the like. When the UI part B20 for refusing participation is pressed, information on this quest is held on the game device 10 side or the server 20 side so that the quest in which participation is requested can be selected from the quest selection screen.

Note that the display screen D20 shown in FIG. 12 is a screen that is displayed on the device that has received the participation request when a participation request is received from the display screen D10 shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen (Part 2) on the side that is requested to participate. The display screen D22 shown in FIG. 13 has the same basic screen configuration as the display screen D20 shown in FIG. 12.

The difference between the display screen D22 shown in FIG. 13 and the display screen D20 shown in FIG. 12 is that information about the overall effect being activated is displayed in the item display area AR22. In the item display area AR22, for example, "Acquired experience points boosted by 1.50 times!" is displayed. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, the effect itself may be displayed in the item display area AR22 instead of the item name. Thereby, the player who has received the participation request can easily understand what the effect is.

Note that the display screen D22 shown in FIG. 13 is a screen that is displayed on the device side that received the participation request when a participation request is received from the display screen D12 shown in FIG.

(Quest selection screen after being requested to participate)
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen (part 1) for selecting a quest after receiving a participation request. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the display screen D30 includes various display areas and UI components (for example, buttons) that will be described below.

The quest selection areas Q21, Q22, and Q23 include display areas for quest names. Further, the selection area Q21 is an area for displaying quests for which a participation request (support request) is made from the display screen D10 shown in FIG. 10. The selection area Q21 includes the fact that there is a participation request, the name of the quest, the name of the player who made the request, parameters to be consumed, and the like.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen (part 2) for selecting a quest after receiving a participation request. The display screen D32 shown in FIG. 15 has the same basic screen configuration as the display screen D30 shown in FIG. 14.

The difference between the display screen D32 shown in FIG. 15 and the display screen D30 shown in FIG. 14 is that information about the overall effect being activated is displayed in the item display area AR30. In the item display area AR30, for example, "Acquired experience points boosted by 1.50 times!" is displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the effect itself may be displayed in the item display area AR30 instead of the item name. Thereby, a player who selects a quest can easily understand what effect the quest has.

At this time, the search control unit 424 controls to preferentially display quests in which the overall effect has been activated, thereby making it easier for the player to search.

≪Movement control≫
Next, a specific example of movement control will be described using FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining movement control of the player character. In the example shown in FIG. 16, it is assumed that the event consists of five stages (ST1 to ST5), and the room includes player characters (PC10, PC12, PC14, and PC16) operated by four players, respectively.

In the example shown in FIG. 16, the player character PC10 is under operational control on stage ST1, the player character PC12 is under operational control on stage ST2, and the player character PC14 is under operational control on stage ST4. It is assumed that the player character PC16 is under operation control on the stage ST5. It is also assumed that the player clears stages ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, and ST5 in this order.

At this time, the first determination unit 4262 determines that each player character in the room is distributed because there are two or more stages on which they are located.

Next, the second determination unit 4264 determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied for each player character. Note that the second determination unit 4264 does not determine the predetermined conditions for the player character that is the most advanced.

The predetermined condition is, for example, that the player's current action has cleared the stage. For example, when the player character PC10 clears the stage ST1, the second determination unit 4264 determines that the player character PC10 satisfies the predetermined condition.

The moving unit 4266 moves a player character that satisfies a predetermined condition based on the position of any preceding player character. For example, the moving unit 4266 moves the player character PC10 to the stage ST4 where the player character PC14 is present.

At this time, the position to be moved may be the starting position of stage ST4, or may be near the position of player character PC14. Thereby, if the subsequent player satisfies the predetermined conditions, the subsequent player can play on the same stage as the preceding player character, and therefore can enjoy the game together with other players.

Further, the moving unit 4266 may move the player character PC10 based on the position of the player character PC12 that is closest to the player character PC10. Thereby, subsequent player characters can enjoy the game on the stage together with other players in a relatively sequential manner.

Note that when controlling the movement, the moving unit 4266 may be prohibited from controlling the movement to a retreating position. For example, the moving unit 4266 prohibits movement control of the player character PC14 based on the positions of the player character PC10 and PC12. This can prevent the progress of the game from slowing down.

<Operation>
Next, the operation of the server 20 in the embodiment will be explained. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of effect application processing by the server 20 in the embodiment. In step S102 shown in FIG. 17, while the event control unit 414 is controlling the event, the activation unit 416 acquires the game item selected by the player during the event or before the start of the event.

In step S104, the activation unit 416 activates the selected game item.

In step S106, the application unit 418 determines whether the activated game item is a special item. The special item is, for example, a game item that has an overall effect. If the item is a special item (step S106-YES), the process proceeds to step S110, and if it is not a special item (step S106-NO), the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, the application unit 418 applies the effect to the player character operated by the player using the game item.

In step S110, the first application unit 4182 applies the activated effect to each player character in the group to which the player who used the game item belongs. Note that this step S110 does not need to be performed on all members in the group; for example, player characters other than the player character operated by the player using the game item, or one or more characters with small parameters such as HP in the group It may be applied only to

In step S112, the selection control unit 420 determines whether a non-participating player has been selected to be invited to a predetermined event. The selection of a play that has not participated in a predetermined event is also referred to as an invitation instruction. If there is an invitation instruction (step S112-YES), the process proceeds to step S114, and if there is no invitation instruction (step S112-NO), the process proceeds to step S116.

In step S114, the output unit 422 outputs a message urging participation in a predetermined event, including information on the overall effect, to the game device 10 operated by the selected player.

In step S116, the second application unit 4184 determines whether there is a new player who wishes to participate in the predetermined event after applying the effect in step S110. If there is a new player who wishes to join (step S116-YES), the group information is updated to allow that player to participate in the event, and the process proceeds to step S118, and if there is no new player who wishes to join (step S116- NO), the process proceeds to step S120. Note that by updating the group information, a player character operated by a newly participating player can be added to the group during control of a predetermined event.

In step S118, the second application unit 4184 automatically applies the effect to the player character operated by the newly joined player. At this time, the parameters such as HP of the player character operated by the newly joined player are compared with the parameters of characters to which the effect has already been applied in the group, and if it is larger than this, the effect will not be applied (if the character is already in the group) The effect may be applied only if the parameter is smaller than the parameter of the character to which the effect is applied. Furthermore, if the effect applied in step S110 has already expired when a new player joins, the effect may not be applied.

In step S120, the application unit 418 determines whether a predetermined time period, which is an effect application period, has elapsed. If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S120-YES), the effect application process ends, and if the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S120-NO), the process returns to step S112. Note that in step S120, it may be determined whether the effect application process is continued or terminated based on the progress of the game, such as the end of an event, rather than the passage of time.

With the above processing, when an effect that affects other characters is applied in an event, it is possible to prevent differences between the player characters due to the effect at the timing of participation in the event.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the movement control processing of the server 20 in the embodiment. In step S202 shown in FIG. 18, the first determination unit 4262 determines whether each player character operated by one or more players is dispersed within different events (first condition). If each player character is dispersed (step S202-YES), the process proceeds to step S204, and if each player character is not dispersed (step S202-NO), the process proceeds to step S208.

In step S204, when each player character is distributed in different events, the second determination unit 4264 determines a predetermined condition regarding movement between stages for a predetermined player character operated by a player playing in one event. It is determined whether the second condition is satisfied. If the predetermined condition is satisfied (step S204-YES), the process proceeds to step S206, and if the predetermined condition is not satisfied (step S204-NO), the process proceeds to step S208.

In step S206, if the predetermined condition is satisfied, the moving unit 4266 selects an arbitrary player character existing at a position preceding the predetermined player character, and moves the predetermined player character based on that position.

In step S208, the movement control unit 426 determines whether the predetermined event has ended. If the predetermined event ends (step S208-YES), the movement control process ends, and if the predetermined event does not end (step S208-NO), the process returns to step S202.

Through the above processing, subsequent player characters can enjoy the game on the stage together with other players in a relatively sequential manner.

Note that each processing step included in the processing flow explained in FIGS. 17 and 18 can be executed in any order or in parallel as long as there is no inconsistency in the processing content. Other steps may be added between steps. Furthermore, a step that is described as one step for convenience can be divided into multiple steps and executed, while a step that is described as multiple steps for convenience can be understood as one step.

[Modified example]
Although the above embodiment has been described using an online game as an example, the game device 10 in the embodiment can also be implemented as a game machine for a so-called arcade game. Portable game devices and stationary game devices are collectively referred to simply as a terminal. The present invention can be applied as long as one event is controlled to be executed for a predetermined group including player characters operated by one or more players.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, an example has been described in which the server 20 has the functions of effect application control and movement control, but for example, when terminals are connected to each other, the terminal side has the functions of effect application control and movement control. You may. In other words, it may be determined as appropriate whether each function is implemented on the server side or the terminal side.

In addition, regarding the effect application control described above, when a player operating a player character to whom an overall effect activated by another player is applied, he or she can refer to the group information when inviting friends etc. to the event. , effect information may be included in the invitation message to further expand the scope of effect application.

Further, the effects of the same item may be activated overlappingly, or the effects of multiple items may be activated to obtain an even stronger overall effect. Further, the effect application range may be limited to only characters whose parameters such as HP meet a predetermined condition such as a predetermined value or less, instead of all player characters included in the group. The same applies to newly joining player characters.

Regarding the movement control described above, we have mainly explained movement between stages, but even when multiple player characters play in a distributed manner in one game space, there is also a demand for playing in collaboration with other players. There is. Therefore, in such a game, when a predetermined condition regarding movement is satisfied, the movement control section may control the movement of the player character based on the position of the player character operated by another player. The predetermined condition at this time is, for example, when a predetermined enemy character is defeated.

Further, regarding the effect application control and movement control described above, the present invention can be applied to the player character even if the player character is not necessarily operated directly by the player. For example, the player only sets the character's equipment, etc., stores this setting information, and after instructing the player to participate in an event, the character is automatically controlled by computer based on the stored setting information. It may also be an NPC (non-player character) such as. In addition, at the start of the event, only the organizer or the player who has completed the entry process by the start of the event will operate the character, and if the number of participating characters is less than a predetermined number (for example, 4), the character will be operated by the organizer alone or by the player who has completed the entry process by the start of the event. When playing a game and accepting a player's participation during the game, a process may be performed to select any NPC (the selection may be made by the computer or the player) and replace it with this NPC.

Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes other than the above embodiments are possible within the scope of the claims.

Hereinafter, the following additional notes will be disclosed regarding the embodiments.
(Additional note 1)
to the computer,
a control step for controlling a game in which each player character operated by one or more players moves through the game space and clears the game;
a determination step of determining whether or not a predetermined condition regarding movement within the game space is satisfied for a predetermined player character operated by a player during game play;
If the predetermined condition is satisfied, a selection step of selecting one position from the positions of player characters other than the predetermined player character;
a moving step of moving the predetermined player character to the selected position;
A program to run.
(Additional note 2)
The program according to appendix 1, wherein the player character other than the predetermined player character is a player character that is closest to the position of the predetermined player character among the player characters that precede the predetermined player character.
(Additional note 3)
A computer-readable recording medium on which the program described in Supplementary Note 1 or 2 is recorded.

1 Game processing system 10 Game device 20 Server 30 Billing server 120 Storage section 150 Main control section 202 Control section 208 Storage section 310 Game execution section 330 First storage section 410 Game control section 412 Generation section 414 Event control section 416 Activation section 418 Application Section 420 Selection control section 422 Output section 430 Second storage section

Claims (5)

to the computer,
a control step of controlling a predetermined event in the game executed for a group including each player character operated by one or more players;
a first application step of applying an effect related to the predetermined event to at least one player character among the player characters included in the group, based on an operation of any one of the one or more players;
a second applying step of applying the effect to a player character newly joining the group if the effect has been applied;
A program to run. a selection control step of controlling to accept selections from players who have not participated in the predetermined event;
an output step of outputting a message urging participation in the predetermined event, including information on the effect, to a terminal operated by the selected non-participating player;
The program according to claim 1, further causing a computer to execute. The computer further executes the step of including a player character operated by the player in the group during control of the predetermined event based on an operation input regarding joining to the group from a terminal operated by the player who has been notified of the message. 3. The program according to claim 2. The control step includes:
controlling a predetermined event to be executed for one or more of the groups;
The first application step includes:
Applying the effect to the player character of the player participating in the predetermined event at the time the effect is activated;
The second application step includes:
4. The program according to claim 1, wherein when the effect is applied, the program applies the effect to a player character of a player who newly participates in the predetermined event. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon the program according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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