JP7528318B2 - GAME SYSTEM, PROGRAM, AND GAME PROVIDING METHOD - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game system and a program.

Traditionally, so-called battle royale games (also called "battroi games," "battle royal games," or "survival games") have been very popular in games in which multiple players participate, in which the designated playing area of the game field on which each character is placed shrinks, and players' characters fight until they are the last one standing.

Also, as a conventional technique, there exists a game device (image generating device) that generates an image seen from a virtual camera in a virtual three-dimensional space. For example, some such game devices are provided with a virtual camera that is separate from the virtual camera used for rendering. For example, as a conventional technique, when a battle is taking place in a diorama, a bird's-eye image of the diorama taken by an bird's-eye virtual camera and a local image of the battle location by a local virtual camera are generated and displayed (see 0017 of Patent Document 1).

Also, as a conventional technique, there is a game system in which enemies gather when a character is within the camera's range for a certain period of time (Non-Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 4136910

GoldenEye 007 [searched on September 11, 2018] (https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/sjbj/about/index.html)

However, the local virtual camera in the technology described in Patent Document 1 above was only intended to reliably show the player the battle situation in battle locations that were noteworthy from the perspective of game development and presentation, and had the drawback that characters present in the game field could not influence the local virtual camera. In other words, even if a character was depicted in an image captured by the local virtual camera, that image was not reflected in the game development.

In addition, in so-called battle royale games, in order to progress in the game, a method is adopted in which the playing area of the game field on which multiple characters are placed is narrowed, causing the characters to crowd together and creating a spontaneous combat state, but it is hoped that a different method will be used to crowd together characters.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a game system and program in which, in a game in which multiple characters move within a game space, the characters can interact with a specific virtual camera, and further, characters can be clustered together within the game space.

(1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides
A game system for executing a game in which a plurality of characters move within a game space,
a virtual camera control unit that arranges a display virtual camera and an appeal virtual camera in the game space;
a display image generating unit that generates an image seen by the display virtual camera as a display image;
a timing determination unit that determines a predetermined timing;
The present invention relates to a game system comprising: a parameter variation unit that varies parameters associated with the character photographed by the appeal virtual camera at the specified timing.

According to the present invention, the parameters associated with the character photographed by the appeal virtual camera are changed at a predetermined timing (for example, the parameters are changed to be advantageous to the player), so that the character can influence the appeal virtual camera.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the characters will try to move towards the appeal virtual camera so as to be photographed by the appeal virtual camera in the hope of parameter fluctuation, the characters can be concentrated around the appeal virtual camera. As a result, for example, the game will have to proceed with the area around the appeal virtual camera as the main battlefield, forcing many opportunities for contact between characters to be created.

(2) Furthermore, the game system according to the present invention includes:
The virtual camera control unit,
At least one of the position, the direction, and the angle of view of the appeal virtual camera may be controlled so as to be changeable.

According to the present invention, at least one of the position, orientation, and angle of view of the promotional virtual camera is variably controlled, so that the shooting range of the promotional virtual camera can be appropriately adjusted.

(3) Furthermore, the game system according to the present invention includes:
The virtual camera control unit,
At least one of the position, the direction, and the angle of view of the appeal virtual camera may be variably controlled based on at least one of the information of the player and the information of each character.

According to the present invention, the shooting range of the appeal virtual camera can be appropriately adjusted based on at least one of the player's information and each character's information.

(4) Furthermore, the game system according to the present invention includes:
The virtual camera control unit,
A non-player character controlled by a computer may be associated with the appeal virtual camera, and the appeal virtual camera may be moved in association with the movement of the non-player character.

According to the present invention, the appeal virtual camera can be moved to an appropriate position.

(5) Furthermore, the game system according to the present invention includes:
The computer may further function as a movement control unit that moves the non-player characters based on the progress of the game.

According to the present invention, it is possible to move non-player characters to locations where characters are likely to gather, for example, based on the game progress, and the appeal virtual camera is also moved in correspondence with the movement of the non-player characters, so that characters can be effectively crowded together.

(6) Furthermore, the game system according to the present invention comprises:
The timing determination unit,
When a character is present within the viewing range of the appeal virtual camera, the timing at which the character faces the appeal virtual camera may be set to the predetermined timing.

According to the present invention, the parameters associated with the character photographed by the appeal virtual camera are changed when the character faces the appeal virtual camera, so the timing of the parameter change can be determined by directional control that changes the character's orientation in the direction of the appeal virtual camera.

(7) Furthermore, the game system according to the present invention includes:
The timing determination unit,
When a character is present within the viewing range of the appeal virtual camera, the predetermined timing may be determined based on an action taken by that character toward another character.

According to the present invention, the predetermined timing is determined based on the actions taken by the character toward other characters, which can encourage the character to interact with other characters.

(8) Furthermore, the game system according to the present invention comprises:
The display image generating unit,
When the appeal virtual camera takes a picture of a character, the display image may be generated including a photography identification image indicating that the character is currently being photographed.

According to the present invention, even when the player is looking at the display image, the player can easily recognize whether or not the character is being photographed by the appeal virtual camera.

(9) Furthermore, the game system according to the present invention includes:
The parameter varying unit:
During a period based on the specified timing, the behavior of the character captured by the appeal virtual camera may be analyzed, and parameters associated with the character may be varied based on the behavior of the character.

According to the present invention, the character's actions affect the parameter fluctuations associated with the character, so the player becomes aware of the character's actions during shooting. As a result, the character is positioned around the appeal virtual camera while the character is acting, so that a period of crowding can be maintained.

(10) Furthermore, the game system according to the present invention comprises:
The device may further include an appeal image generating unit that generates an appeal image captured by the appeal virtual camera.

According to the present invention, for example, the player can see appeal images, which can further increase the interest of the game.

(11) The present invention also provides a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of:
A program for executing a game in which multiple characters move within a game space,
a virtual camera control unit that arranges a display virtual camera and an appeal virtual camera in the game space;
a display image generating unit that generates an image seen by the display virtual camera as a display image;
a timing determination unit that determines a predetermined timing;
The present invention relates to a program that causes a computer to function as a parameter variation unit that varies parameters associated with a character photographed by the appeal virtual camera at the specified timing.

The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the above program. The present invention also relates to a server device having the above configuration. The present invention also relates to a game device having the above configuration.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of a game system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a server device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a terminal device according to an embodiment. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing an example of the arrangement of a plurality of characters, a display virtual camera, and an appeal virtual camera according to an embodiment. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing an example of the arrangement of a plurality of characters, a display virtual camera, and an appeal virtual camera according to an embodiment. 13 is an example of a display image according to an embodiment. 7A, 7B, and 7C are diagrams for explaining camera control of the appeal virtual camera according to one embodiment. 11 is an explanatory diagram regarding the movement of a non-player character M and an appeal virtual camera in one embodiment. 13 is an example of a display image according to an embodiment. 13 is an example of a display image according to an embodiment. 13 is an example of a display image according to an embodiment. 13 is an example of an appeal image according to an embodiment. 13 is an example of a display image according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is an example of a display image according to an embodiment. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow regarding parameter variation according to an embodiment. 11 is an explanatory diagram of control of a promotional virtual camera according to an embodiment. FIG.

The present embodiment will be described below. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[1] Game System First, an overview and a general configuration of a game system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of the game system 1 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 of this embodiment is configured such that a server device 10 that provides game services and terminal devices 20 (e.g., terminal devices 20A, 20B, and 20C) can be connected to the Internet (an example of a network).

By accessing the server device 10 from the terminal device 20, the user can play games transmitted from the server device 10 via the Internet. Furthermore, by accessing the server device 10 from the terminal device 20, the user can communicate with other users.

The server device 10 is an information processing device capable of providing a service that allows users to play games using a terminal device 20 that is connected for communication via the Internet. The server device 10 may also function as an SNS server that provides a communication-type service. Here, the SNS server may be an information processing device that provides a service that allows communication between multiple users.

In addition, when the server device 10 functions as an SNS server, for example, it is capable of providing games known as social games that are executed using the operating environment (API (Application Programming Interface), platform, etc.) of the SNS that it provides.

In particular, the server device 10 is capable of providing games that are provided on the web browser of the terminal device 20, such as browser games (games that can be started by simply opening the installation site in a web browser) created in a variety of languages, including HTML, FLASH, CGI, PHP, shockwave, Java (registered trademark) applet, and JavaScript (registered trademark).

Unlike existing online games, social games include games that do not require dedicated client software and can be played with just a web browser and an SNS account. The server device 10 is also configured to connect to other users' terminals (smartphones, PCs, game consoles, etc.) via a network, and provide online games in which users can share the same game progress online at the same time.

On the other hand, the server device 10 may be composed of one (device, processor) or multiple (devices, processors).

Then, the billing information, game information, and other information stored in the memory area of the server device 10 (the memory unit 140 described below) may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (an intranet or the Internet), and when functioning as an SNS server, the information stored in the player information storage unit 146, etc., stored in the memory area may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (an intranet or the Internet).

Specifically, the server device 10 of this embodiment receives input information based on the operation of the user of the terminal device 20 (i.e., the player who executes the game), and performs game processing based on the received input information. The server device 10 then transmits game processing results to the terminal device 20, and the terminal device 20 performs various processes to provide the game processing results received from the server device 10 to the terminal device 20 so that the user can view them.

The terminal device 20 is an information processing device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS, a computer, a game device, a PDA, a portable game machine, an image generating device, etc., and is a device that can be connected to the server device 10 via a network such as the Internet (WAN) or a LAN. The communication line between the terminal device 20 and the server device 10 may be wired or wireless.

The terminal device 20 also has a web browser capable of viewing web pages (data in HTML format). That is, the terminal device 20 has a communication control function for communicating with the server device 10, and a web browser function for controlling display using data received from the server device 10 (web data, data created in HTML format, etc.), as well as transmitting user operation data to the server device 10, and executes various processes for providing a game screen to the user, allowing the user to play the game. However, the terminal device 20 may also acquire game control information provided by the server device 10, execute a predetermined game process, and play a game based on the game process.

Specifically, when the terminal device 20 makes a request to the server device 10 to play a specific game, the terminal device 20 is connected to the game site of the server device 10 and the game begins. In particular, the terminal device 20 is configured to use an API as necessary to cause the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server to perform a specific process, or to obtain the player information storage unit 146 managed by the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server to execute the game.

[2] Server Device Next, the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the server device 10 of this embodiment. Also, the server device 10 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) of Fig. 2 are omitted.

The server device 10 includes an input unit 150 for use in administrator and other input, a display unit 190 for performing predetermined displays, an information storage medium 180 in which predetermined information is stored, a communication unit 196 for communicating with terminal devices 20 and others, a processing unit 100 for executing processes mainly related to the game to be provided, and a storage unit 140 for storing various data mainly used in the game.

The input unit 150 is used by a system administrator or the like to input game-related settings and other necessary settings and data. For example, the input unit 150 in this embodiment is configured with a mouse, keyboard, etc.

The display unit 190 displays an operation screen for the system administrator. For example, the display unit 190 in this embodiment is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like.

The information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions are realized by optical disks (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disks (MO), magnetic disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, or memory (ROM), etc.

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (e.g., terminals, other servers, or other network systems), and its functions are configured by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc.

The storage unit 140 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, etc., and its functions are realized by a RAM (VRAM), etc. The information stored in the storage unit 140 may be managed by a database.

In addition to the main memory unit 142, the memory unit 140 of this embodiment also has a game data memory unit 144 in which game information indicating information related to the game is stored, and a player information memory unit 146 in which player information indicating information related to each player is stored.

In particular, the game data storage unit 144 stores information about the game space (game field) in which the game is played, information about each character, information about the virtual camera for appealing, and other setting values used in the game.

In addition, the player information storage unit 146 stores, for each player, (1) the player's nickname, player ID, and if the player belongs to a team, the name of the team to which the player belongs and the ID (hereinafter referred to as "affiliation information");
(2) Information regarding individual and team performance, such as current points, rewards earned, or game time (hereinafter also referred to as "performance information");
(3) Information regarding the characteristics and attributes of the player character and the types of items (including the abilities of the items) possessed by the player character; (4) Information regarding the player character's performance in a competitive game against other player characters or other teams, such as the number of wins and losses against other player characters or other teams (hereinafter, also referred to as "performance information");
(5) position information indicating the position of each player or team within the game field;
(6) Information on whether or not a player has been defeated (whether or not the game is over) (hereinafter, also referred to as "defeat information"); and
(7) Information regarding billing, such as billing history and billing amounts,
is stored.

The performance information, battle record information, and defeat information included in the player information are updated at predetermined times. For example, the predetermined times include every given period (e.g., every 5 minutes), when the player logs out, at a specified time in the game (e.g., 8:00 a.m.), when a specified event occurs (when any individual or team match ends), etc.

The appeal image storage unit 148 stores images (moving images) captured by the appeal virtual camera. The server device 10 receives and stores appeal images from any of the terminal devices 20.

The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main memory unit 142 in the memory unit 140 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs.

The processing unit 100 performs various processes of this embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores programs for causing a computer to function as each part of this embodiment (programs for causing a computer to execute the processes of each part).

For example, the processing unit 100 (processor) controls the entire server device 10 based on a program stored in an information storage medium, and performs various processes such as controlling the transfer of data between each unit. Furthermore, it performs processes to provide various services in response to requests from the terminal device 20.

Specifically, the processing unit 100 of this embodiment has at least a communication control unit 101, a Web processing unit 102, a game management unit 103, a timer management unit 107, and an information provision unit 108.

The communication control unit 101 performs processing to transmit and receive data to and from the terminal device 20 via the network. That is, the server device 10 performs various processing based on information received from the terminal device 20, etc. by the communication control unit 101. In particular, the communication control unit 101 of this embodiment performs processing to transmit information about the game screen to the terminal device 20 of a player based on a request from the terminal device 20 of the player.

The web processing unit 102 functions as a web server. For example, the web processing unit 102 performs a process of transmitting data in response to a request from a web browser 211 installed in the terminal device 20, and a process of receiving data transmitted by the web browser 211 of the terminal device 20, via a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

In this embodiment, the server device 10 is described as having a function as an SNS server, but the server device 10 may be formed as a separate server for the game and a server for the SNS. In addition, the game processing of this embodiment may be performed in part or in whole by the server device 10, or in part by the terminal device 20.

The game management unit 103 works in conjunction with the terminal device 20 to execute various game processes related to the battle royale for each player based on the player's operations input via the terminal device 20.

The game management unit 103 manages various information related to the game and various information related to the virtual camera (e.g., information related to the appeal virtual camera), and transmits various information related to the game to each terminal device 20.

For example, the game management unit 103 executes various processes to impose given constraints on each player's character depending on the playing area present in the game field (i.e., game space) in which the game is played.

The game management unit 103 also executes control over pre-defined characters such as NPCs.

The timer management unit 107 has a timer function and is used to manage the progress of the game. In particular, the timer management unit 107 works in conjunction with the game management unit 103 to output the current time and preset times to each unit. The timer management unit 107 is also used to synchronize with each terminal device.

The information providing unit 108 generates various game information and provides it to the corresponding terminal device 20 so that the terminal device 20 can process the game.

[3] Terminal Device Next, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is an example of a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device in this embodiment. Also, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (parts) in Fig. 3 are omitted.

The input unit 260 is for the player to input operation data, and the function thereof can be realized by a touch panel or a touch panel display, etc. That is, the input unit 260 includes a detection unit 262 capable of detecting two-dimensional pointed position coordinates (x, y) on a screen on which an image is displayed. For example, the input unit 260 includes a detection unit 262 capable of detecting two-dimensional contact position coordinates (x, y) in a contact detection area (touch panel).

Note that touch operations on the display screen (hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, referred to as the "touch panel") 12 may be performed using a fingertip or an input device such as a touch pen.

The input unit 260 may also include a button, lever, keyboard, steering wheel, microphone, acceleration sensor, etc. that can input operation information (operation signal) other than the indicated position.

The storage unit 270 serves as a work area for the processing unit 200, communication unit 296, etc., and its functions can be realized by a RAM (VRAM) or the like. The storage unit 270 of this embodiment includes a main storage unit 271 used as a work area, an image buffer 272 in which the final display image and the like are stored, a player information storage unit 273 that shows information about the player, a game data storage unit 274 that stores various data necessary for executing the game, such as table data, and an appeal image storage unit 275 that stores appeal images. Note that some of these may be omitted, or some of them may be configured by the storage unit 140 of the server device 10.

The information storage medium 280 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by optical disks (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disks (MO), magnetic disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, or memory (ROM), etc.

In addition, the information storage medium 280 can store programs for causing a computer to function as each part of this embodiment (programs for causing a computer to execute the processing of each part). Note that the processing unit 200 performs various processes of this embodiment based on the programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 280, as described below.

The display unit 290 outputs the image generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, HMD (head mounted display), etc.

In particular, in this embodiment, the display unit 290 also functions as an input unit 260 where the player operates the game by using a touch panel display. Here, the touch panel that can be used may be, for example, a resistive film type (four-wire type, five-wire type), a capacitive type, an electromagnetic induction type, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave type, or an infrared scanning type.

The sound output unit 292 outputs the sound generated by this embodiment, and this function can be realized by a speaker or headphones, etc.

The communication unit 296 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (e.g., a host device or other terminal device), and its functions can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc.

The terminal device 20 may receive, via a network, programs and data for causing a computer to function as each part of the present embodiment, which are stored in an information storage medium or the storage unit 140 of the server device 10, and store the received programs and data in the information storage medium 280 or the storage unit 270. The case in which the terminal device 20 functions by receiving programs and data in this manner is also included within the scope of the present invention.

The processing unit 200 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, image generation processing, and sound generation processing in conjunction with the server device 10 based on input data and programs from the input unit 260.

In particular, in this embodiment, game processing includes processing for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, processing for progressing the game, processing for placing objects such as a player object and an enemy object, processing for displaying objects, processing for calculating the game result, and processing for ending the game when a game end condition is satisfied.

The processing unit 200 performs various processes using the memory unit 270 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 200 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs.

In particular, the processing unit 200 of this embodiment includes an object space setting unit 210, a display control unit 212, an input reception processing unit 213, a game control unit 214, a game calculation unit 216, a virtual camera control unit 218, a game management unit 219, a timing determination unit 220, an image generation unit 221, and a sound processing unit 230. Also, some of these may be omitted.

The object space setting unit 210 performs processing to place and set various objects (objects consisting of primitive surfaces such as sprites, billboards, polygons, free-form surfaces or subdivision surfaces) that represent display objects such as objects (player objects, moving objects, enemy objects), movement paths, buildings, trees, pillars, walls, maps (terrain), etc., in object space.

Specifically, the object space setting unit 210 determines the position and rotation angle (synonymous with orientation and direction) of an object (model object), and places the object at that position (X, Y) or (X, Y, Z) with that rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y axes) or (rotation angle around the X, Y, Z axes).

Here, object space includes both so-called virtual two-dimensional space and virtual three-dimensional space. Two-dimensional space is a space in which objects are arranged, for example, in two-dimensional coordinates (X, Y), and three-dimensional space is a space in which objects are arranged, for example, in three-dimensional coordinates (X, Y, Z).

When the object space is a two-dimensional space, the objects are arranged based on the priority order set for each of the multiple objects. For example, objects (sprites) that you want to appear to be in the background can be arranged in order, and objects that you want to appear to be in the foreground can be arranged on top of each other.

Also, by placing objects with a large drawing size at the bottom of the image and objects with a small drawing size at the top of the image, the object space corresponding to the top of the screen can be made to appear to be in the back, and the object space corresponding to the bottom of the screen can be made to appear to be in the foreground.

If the object space is a three-dimensional space, the object is placed in the world coordinate system.

The display control unit 212 causes the display unit 290 to display information required during the game based on information sent from the server device 10.

The input reception processing unit 213 receives input instructions from the player inputted via the input unit 260, and outputs the received input instructions to the game control unit 214. For example, the input reception processing unit 213 receives movement instructions and action instructions for the character being operated by the player.

The game control unit 214 executes game processing based on the commands received by the input reception processing unit 213.

In particular, the game control unit 214 executes control over the character to be operated (i.e., the player character) or control over enemy characters and other associated characters based on various information (game information) about the game sent from the server device 10 and commands (i.e., input instructions) received by the input reception processing unit 213.

The game control unit 214 also includes a movement control unit 215. For example, the movement control unit 215 performs movement calculations for moving objects (particularly, each character) within the object space. For example, the movement control unit 215 moves a character operated by a player based on an operation input by the player. The movement control unit 215 also receives movement information of characters operated by other players from the terminal devices 20 of the other players via the server 10, and controls the movement of the other characters.

In particular, the movement control unit 215 in this embodiment moves non-player characters based on the progress of the game.

The game control unit 214 also performs processing to move the moving object within the object space or to control the operation (motion, animation) of the moving object based on the game information transmitted from the server device 10 and the input data or program (movement algorithm) and various data (motion data) input by the player via the input unit 260.

Specifically, the game control unit 214 of this embodiment performs simulation processing to sequentially obtain object movement information (movement direction, movement amount, movement speed, position, rotation angle, or acceleration) and operation information (position or rotation angle of each part object) for each frame. Here, a frame is a unit of time for performing object movement processing, operation processing (simulation processing), and image generation processing. In this embodiment, the frame rate may be fixed or may be variable depending on the processing load.

The game control unit 214 may be executed in conjunction with the server device 10, or part or all of it may be formed in the server device 10.

The game calculation unit 216 performs various game calculation processes. In particular, the game calculation unit 216 performs calculation processes necessary for executing the game, such as forming a predetermined object space in a shooting game, forming an object space based on a map, progressing the game based on a scenario that is preset in response to user operations, fighting between a player object and an enemy object or other objects, and managing parameters during the fighting.

The game calculation unit 216 also includes a parameter variation unit 217. The parameter variation unit 217 varies parameters associated with the character photographed by the appeal virtual camera at a predetermined timing determined by the timing determination unit 220.

The game calculation unit 216 runs in conjunction with the server device 10, but a part or all of it may be formed in the server device 10.

The parameter variation unit 217 may be executed in conjunction with the server device 10, or part or all of it may be formed in the server device 10.

The virtual camera control unit 218 controls the virtual camera to generate an image of the game space seen from a given viewpoint that appears to have depth. In this case, the virtual camera control unit 218 performs control processing of the virtual camera (viewpoint) to generate an image seen from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, it performs processing to control the position (X, Y, Z) or rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, Z axes) of the virtual camera (processing to control the viewpoint position and line of sight).

For example, when using a virtual camera to capture an image of an object (e.g., a character, a ball, or a car) from behind, the position or rotation angle of the virtual camera (the orientation of the virtual camera) is controlled so that the virtual camera follows changes in the position or rotation of the object.

In this case, the virtual camera can be controlled based on information such as the position, rotation angle, or speed of the object obtained by the game control unit 214. Alternatively, the virtual camera may be controlled to rotate at a predetermined rotation angle or move along a predetermined movement path. In this case, the virtual camera is controlled based on virtual camera data for specifying the position (movement path) or rotation angle of the virtual camera.

The virtual camera may be set as the viewpoint of the player character. If there are multiple virtual cameras (viewpoints), the above control process is performed for each virtual camera.

In particular, the virtual camera control unit 218 of this embodiment places a display virtual camera and an appeal virtual camera within the game space.

The virtual camera control unit 218 may be executed in conjunction with the server device 10, or part or all of it may be formed in the server device 10.

The game management unit 219 works in conjunction with the server device 10, and based on the player's operations input via the input unit 260, sets the player characters and various items to be used in games such as competitive games for each player, and registers them in the player information storage unit 273.

The timing determination unit 220 determines the predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is the timing that triggers (causes, beginnings) a change in the parameters of the character (the character photographed by the appeal virtual camera CB).

The timing determination unit 220 may be executed in conjunction with the server device 10, or part or all of it may be formed in the server device 10.

The image generation unit 221 performs drawing processing based on various information regarding image generation transmitted from the server device 10 and the results of various processing (game processing) performed in the processing unit 200, thereby generating an image and outputting it to the display unit (display) 290.

In particular, the image generated by the image generation unit 221 may be a so-called two-dimensional image or a so-called three-dimensional image. In particular, the image generation unit 221 generates an image to be displayed on the screen, which is an image seen from a virtual camera in the object space.

Here, when generating a two-dimensional image, the image generating unit 221 draws objects in order starting from the object with the lowest set priority, and when objects overlap, it overwrites and draws the object with the highest priority.

When generating a three-dimensional image, the image generating unit 221 of this embodiment first receives object data (model data) including vertex data (such as vertex position coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vectors, or alpha values) for each vertex of the object (model), and performs vertex processing based on the vertex data included in the input object data. Note that when performing vertex processing, vertex generation processing (tessellation, surface division, polygon division) may be performed to further divide polygons as necessary.

Vertex processing involves geometry processing such as vertex movement, coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping, perspective transformation, and light source processing, and the vertex data given for the vertices that make up the object is modified (updated, adjusted) based on the results of this processing. Rasterization (scan conversion) is then performed based on the vertex data after vertex processing, and the faces of polygons (primitives) are associated with pixels. Following rasterization, pixel processing (fragment processing) is performed to draw the pixels that make up the image (fragments that make up the display screen).

Pixel processing involves various processes such as reading textures (texture mapping), setting/changing color data, semi-transparent compositing, and anti-aliasing to determine the final drawing color of the pixels that make up the image, and outputting (drawing) the drawing color of the perspectively transformed object to image buffer 272 (frame buffer, buffer that can store image information on a pixel-by-pixel basis; VRAM, rendering target). In other words, pixel processing involves per-pixel processing that sets or changes image information (color, normal, brightness, alpha value, etc.) on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

This generates an image that can be seen from a virtual camera (given viewpoint) set within the object space. If there are multiple virtual cameras (viewpoints), the image can be generated so that the images seen from each virtual camera can be displayed as split images on one screen.

The vertex processing and pixel processing performed by the image generation unit 221 may be realized by hardware that makes the rendering process of polygons (primitives) programmable using a shader program written in a shading language, known as a programmable shader (vertex shader or pixel shader). With a programmable shader, the rendering process content is highly flexible because the vertex-unit and pixel-unit processing can be programmed, allowing for a significant improvement in expressiveness compared to fixed rendering processing using hardware.

When drawing an object, the image generation unit 221 performs geometry processing, texture mapping, hidden surface removal, alpha blending, etc.

In geometry processing, the object is subjected to processes such as coordinate transformation, clipping, perspective projection transformation, light source calculation, etc. Then, the object data (position coordinates of the object's vertices, texture coordinates, color data (brightness data), normal vectors, α values, etc.) after the geometry processing (after perspective projection transformation) is stored in the storage unit 270.

Texture mapping involves mapping the texture (texel values) stored in the texture storage section of storage unit 270 onto an object. Specifically, texture (surface properties such as color (RGB), alpha value, etc.) is read from the texture storage section of storage unit 270 using texture coordinates and the like set (assigned) to the vertices of the object, and the texture, which is a two-dimensional image, is mapped onto the object. In this case, processing is performed to associate pixels with texels, and bilinear interpolation is used to interpolate the texels.

In this embodiment, when an object is drawn, a process of mapping a given texture may be performed. In this case, the color distribution (texel pattern) of the mapped texture can be dynamically changed.

In this case, textures with different color distributions (pixel patterns) may be dynamically generated, or multiple textures with different color distributions may be prepared in advance and the texture to be used may be dynamically switched. The color distribution of the texture may also be changed on an object-by-object basis.

Hidden surface removal is performed using the Z-buffer method (depth comparison method, Z test) that uses a Z-buffer (depth buffer) in which the Z-values (depth information) of the rendering pixels are stored. That is, when rendering a rendering pixel corresponding to an object's primitive, the Z-value stored in the Z-buffer is referenced, and the Z-value of the referenced Z-buffer is compared with the Z-value of the rendering pixel of the primitive. If the Z-value of the rendering pixel is a Z-value that is closer to the virtual camera (e.g. a small Z-value), rendering processing is performed for that rendering pixel, and the Z-value of the Z-buffer is updated to a new Z-value.

In alpha blending (alpha compositing), the image generation unit 221 performs semi-transparent compositing processing (normal alpha blending, additive alpha blending, subtractive alpha blending, etc.) based on the alpha value (A value). The alpha value is information that can be stored in association with each pixel (texel, dot), and is additional information other than color information, for example. The alpha value can be used as mask information, semi-transparency (equivalent to transparency and opacity), bump information, etc.

In this embodiment, the image generation unit 221 includes a display image generation unit 222 and an appeal image generation unit 223.

The display image generation unit 222 generates the image seen through the display virtual camera as the display image.

The appeal image generating unit 223 generates an appeal image taken by the appeal virtual camera.

The sound processing unit 230 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed in the processing unit 200, generates game sounds such as background music, sound effects, or voice, and outputs them to the sound output unit 292.

[4] Method of the Present Embodiment [4.1] Overview The game system of the present embodiment is a so-called battle royale game (also called a "battroi game", "battle royal game", or "survival game") system in which a plurality of players participate in a game in which each character (for example, 100 characters) is placed in a game space, and the player's character fights until only one remains. The player wins if he or she is the last person (or the last team) to survive.

The server device 10 constituting the game system 1 of this embodiment works in conjunction with the terminal devices 20 operated by each player, and is configured to, for example, form one game space (i.e., a game field in a virtual three-dimensional space) and execute a competitive game such as a shooting game or an action game within the game field using multiple characters that are operated and controlled by each player.

The server device 10 is also configured to execute a game in which multiple characters move within a game space, and to provide information about the game to the terminal device 20.

Figure 4 shows an example of the arrangement of a display virtual camera CA and an appeal virtual camera CB on the XZ plane of a three-dimensional virtual game space (game field) on the terminal device 20 of player P1. CP1 to CP10 are examples of characters participating in the game.

The terminal device 20 places a display virtual camera CA (first virtual camera) in the game space and generates an image seen from the display virtual camera CA as a display image. The terminal device 20 also places an appeal virtual camera CB (second virtual camera) separate from the display virtual camera CA in the game space. The terminal device 20 then generates an appeal image captured by the appeal virtual camera CB.

Then, at a predetermined timing, the terminal device 20 changes (e.g., increases) parameters (e.g., parameters such as stamina value and attack power) associated with the character photographed by the appeal virtual camera CB. For example, the parameters are changed to be advantageous to the player.

In this way, as shown in FIG. 5, characters CP1, CP2, CP3, CP5, and CP6 move toward the appeal virtual camera CB in the game space so that they are photographed by the appeal virtual camera CB, and the characters can be crowded around the appeal virtual camera CB. In other words, even without reducing the playing area A in which the characters can move (play against each other), it is possible to change from a sparse state in which the characters are spaced far apart to a dense state in which the characters are spaced closer together. In this embodiment, a playing area A is provided and is reduced in size over time, but the game may also be progressed without providing this playing area A.

As a result, the game must proceed with the main battlefield being the area around the appeal virtual camera, forcing many opportunities for contact between characters to be created.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a mechanism can be created that allows smooth game progression and creates many opportunities for characters to come into contact with each other, thereby making it possible to liven up the game and increase its appeal while reducing the processing burden on the game system.

Note that a display virtual camera CA exists as the viewpoint (first-person viewpoint or third-person viewpoint) of each character operated by multiple players participating in the game, but for ease of explanation, in Figures 4 and 5, only the display virtual camera CA is shown as the viewpoint of the character operated by player P1.

In this embodiment, the character may be a character operated by a player, or may be an NPC (non-player character) that is computer-controlled according to game processing such as a program and is not operated by a player.

The game of this embodiment may also have a time limit per game (e.g., 30 minutes).

[4.2] Description of the Display Virtual Camera Then, as shown in Fig. 4, the terminal device 20 places a display virtual camera CA in the game space and generates an image seen from the display virtual camera CA as a display image. For example, in the terminal device 20 of each player, the display virtual camera CA is placed at the first-person viewpoint or third-person viewpoint of the character operated by the player, a display image GA is generated, and is displayed on the display unit 290 of the terminal device 20. In other words, the position (viewpoint), direction, and angle of view of the display virtual camera CA differ for each player, and the display image displayed on each terminal device 20 differs.

Figure 6 is an example of a display image GA displayed on the terminal device 20 of player P1. For example, the display image GA is an image generated from a third-person perspective of the character CP1 operated by player P1. For example, as shown in Figure 6, a map MP is displayed in a part of the display image GA. For example, a mark CBM of the appeal virtual camera CB and the viewing range VM of the appeal virtual camera are displayed on the map MP with the mark E1 of the character CP1 operated by player P1 at the center. In addition, the direction V1 of the character CP1 is also displayed in the mark E1.

[4.3] Description of the appeal virtual camera [4.3.1] Shooting range of the appeal virtual camera The terminal device 20 generates an appeal image GB captured by the appeal virtual camera CB. Note that the position (viewpoint), direction (line of sight), and angle of view of the appeal virtual camera CB in the game space, which are controlled by the virtual camera control unit 218 of the terminal device 20, are common to the terminal devices 20 of each player.

In particular, the virtual camera control unit 218 of this embodiment may be configured to control at least one of the position, orientation, and angle of view of the appeal virtual camera CB so that it can be changed.

For example, if the server device 10 changes the position of the appeal virtual camera CB, the server device 10 transmits the changed position to each terminal device 20, and the virtual camera control unit 218 of each terminal device 20 changes and places the appeal virtual camera CB at the changed position.

For example, when the server device 10 changes the orientation of the appeal virtual camera CB of each terminal device 20, the server device 10 transmits the changed orientation to each terminal device 20, and the virtual camera control unit 218 changes the orientation of the appeal virtual camera CB to the changed orientation.

For example, when the server device 10 changes the angle of view of the appeal virtual camera CB of each terminal device 20, the changed angle of view is transmitted to each terminal device 20, and the virtual camera control unit 218 changes the appeal virtual camera CB to the changed angle of view.

In this manner, according to this embodiment, at least one of the position, orientation, and angle of view of the promotional virtual camera is controllable, so that the shooting range of the promotional virtual camera can be appropriately adjusted.

In addition, the virtual camera control unit 218 of the server device 10 and each terminal device 20 may control at least one of the position, orientation, and angle of view of the appeal virtual camera CB to be changeable based on at least one of the player information and each character information.

For example, the virtual camera control unit 218 of the server device 10 and each terminal device 20 may change the position of the appeal virtual camera CB to within a predetermined distance (e.g., within 10 meters) from the position of the character of the player with the best record (or the player with the worst record).

Also, for example, the virtual camera control unit 218 of the server device 10 and each terminal device 20 may change the orientation of the appeal virtual camera CB so that it faces (is the subject of photography) the character of the player with the best record (or the player with the worst record). Note that the record can be the number of times that the player's character has defeated other characters during the game.

Also, for example, the virtual camera control unit 218 of the server device 10 and each terminal device 20 may change the angle of view of the appeal virtual camera CB so that the character of the player with the best record (or the player with the worst record) is within the field of view (photographing range).

Also, as shown in FIG. 7(A), for example, the virtual camera control unit 218 of the server device 10 and each terminal device 20 may determine a point J1 (center position) that is equidistant between multiple characters (e.g., CP1, CP2) and change the position of the appeal virtual camera CB to that point J1.

Also, as shown in FIG. 7(B), for example, the virtual camera control unit 218 of the server device 10 and each terminal device 20 may determine an intermediate direction (central direction) J2 based on the direction from the viewpoint (the viewpoint of the appeal virtual camera) toward multiple characters (e.g., CP1, CP2), and change the viewing direction CV of the appeal virtual camera CB to the intermediate direction J2.

Also, as shown in FIG. 7(C), for example, the virtual camera control unit 218 of the server device 10 and each terminal device 20 may change the angle of view θ of the appeal virtual camera CB (for example, by increasing the angle) so that the positions of multiple characters (for example, CP1, CP2) are within the field of view.

Information about the appeal virtual camera (position, orientation, angle of view, etc.) is stored in the game data storage unit 274 of the server device 10 and the game data storage unit 144 of the terminal device 20.

[4.3.2] Description of the war photographer holding the appeal virtual camera As shown in Fig. 8, the virtual camera control unit 218 of the server device 10 and each terminal device 20 may allow a war photographer M (non-player character) controlled by a computer to hold (associate) an appeal virtual camera CB, and move the appeal virtual camera CB in association with the movement of the war photographer M. In other words, the appeal virtual camera CB is positioned so as to follow the change in position of the war photographer M. In this way, realistic photography can be performed, and the appeal virtual camera CB can be moved to an appropriate position.

The position, orientation, movement, etc. of the war photographer M within the game space are common to each player's terminal device 20. The server device 10 transmits information on the position, orientation, and movement control of the battlefield camera M to each terminal device 20, and each terminal device 20 controls the position, orientation, and movement of the war photographer M based on the information received from the server device 10.

In addition, the movement control unit 215 of the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 moves the war photographer M (non-player character) based on the progress of the game.

For example, the movement control unit 215 of the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 moves the war photographer M so that the character of the player with the best record is within the shooting range. For example, during a game, if the player with the best record is P1, the war photographer M is moved to a position 10 meters away from the position of the character CP1 of player P1, and the appeal virtual camera CB is controlled so that the line of sight of the appeal virtual camera CB faces the character CP1. If the player with the best record is then changed from player P1 to player P2, the war photographer M is moved to a position 10 meters away from the position of the character CP2 of player P2, and the appeal virtual camera CB is controlled so that the line of sight of the appeal virtual camera CB faces the character CP2.

For example, the movement control unit 215 of the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 may move the war photographer M so that the character of the player with the lowest record is within the shooting range. For example, during a game, if the player with the lowest record is P60, the war photographer M is moved to a position 10 meters away from the position of the character CP60 of player P60, and the appeal virtual camera CB is controlled so that the line of sight of the appeal virtual camera CB faces the character CP60. Thereafter, if the player with the lowest record is changed from player P60 to player P70, the war photographer M is moved to a position 10 meters away from the position of the character CP70 of player P70, and the appeal virtual camera CB is controlled so that the line of sight of the appeal virtual camera CB faces the character CP70.

The movement control unit 215 of the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 moves the war photographer M to the position of a specific player's character, such as the player with the best record or the player with the worst record, but the specific player's character may be the character of the player who possesses the strongest weapon (the weapon with the highest attack power).

The movement control unit 215 of the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 may also move the war photographer M and the appeal virtual camera CB that follows the war photographer to a specific location. A specific location is, for example, a location where a specific event occurs, such as a location where supplies are dropped in the game space, or the center of the competition area A, a battle location where multiple characters are fighting, the center (center of a densely populated area) of an area where a predetermined number of characters exist (for example, a circular area with a radius of 300 meters), or the location of a specific item (location where a strong weapon exists). In this way, the war photographer M can be moved to a location where characters are likely to gather, and the appeal virtual camera CB that follows the movement of the war photographer can also be moved, so that the characters can be gathered more closely together.

[4.3.3] Setting the visibility of the appeal virtual camera The virtual camera control unit 218 may be able to set the visibility of the appeal virtual camera CB. For example, the virtual camera control unit 218 can set the visibility of the appeal virtual camera CB based on instruction information from an administrator received from the server device 10 or computer control (CPU control). In other words, the appeal virtual camera CB is placed in the game space, but the player can recognize where in the game space the appeal virtual camera CB is located by checking the display image and map MP generated by the display image generation unit 222.

The virtual camera control unit 218 sets a flag F1 for the appeal virtual camera CB. F1=1 means visible, and F1=0 means invisible. The flag F1 is stored in the game data storage unit 274 of the server device 10 and the game data storage unit 144 of the terminal device 20. The setting value of the flag F1 is common to each terminal device 20.

Figures 9 and 10 are examples of a display image GA displayed on the terminal device 20 of player P1. For example, as shown in Figure 9, when the appeal virtual camera is visible (i.e., when F1 = 1), if a camera object CB representing the appeal virtual camera falls within the field of view of the display virtual camera, the display image generation unit 222 of player P1's terminal device 20 generates a display image including the camera object CB. Note that the visibility of war photographer M is also controlled by flag F1.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, when the appeal virtual camera is invisible (i.e., when F1=0), the display image generating unit 222 of the terminal device 20 of player P1 generates a display image excluding the camera object CB representing the appeal virtual camera, even if the camera object CB belongs to the field of view of the display virtual camera. In other words, the camera object CB cannot be seen by player P1. Note that even when the appeal virtual camera is invisible (i.e., when F1=0), this does not necessarily mean that shooting with the appeal virtual camera is disabled (prohibited). Enabling or disabling shooting with the appeal virtual camera will be explained next.

[4.3.4] Setting the appeal virtual camera to be enabled or disabled The virtual camera control unit 218 of the terminal device 20 can set the appeal virtual camera CB to be enabled or disabled. For example, the virtual camera control unit 218 can set the appeal virtual camera CB to be enabled or disabled based on instruction information from the administrator received from the server device 10 or computer control (CPU control). In this way, the appeal virtual camera CB can be set to be enabled or disabled depending on the game situation, and the opportunity for the parameter variation of the character associated with the appeal virtual camera CB can be adjusted. For example, the virtual camera control unit 218 may alternate between enabled and disabled at a predetermined interval (for example, one minute interval).

The virtual camera control unit 218 of the terminal device 20 sets the flag F2 of the appeal virtual camera CB. F2=1 means enabled, and F2=0 means disabled (no photography allowed, no parameter changes allowed). The flag F2 is stored in the game data storage unit 274 of the server device 10 and the game data storage unit 144 of the terminal device 20. The setting value of the flag F2 is the same for each terminal device 20.

When the appeal virtual camera is enabled (i.e., when F2=1), the virtual camera control unit 218 of the terminal device 20 controls the camera so that shooting can be performed with the appeal virtual camera. On the other hand, when the appeal virtual camera is disabled (i.e., when F2=0), the virtual camera control unit 218 controls the camera so that shooting cannot be performed with the appeal virtual camera. In other words, the virtual camera control unit 218 controls the camera so that an appeal image is not generated.

When F2 = 0, the appeal virtual camera may continue taking pictures, i.e., the generation of appeal images may continue, and parameters related to the character that are caused by being photographed by the appeal virtual camera CB may be prohibited from being changed.

9 and 11 are examples of the display image GA displayed on the terminal device 20 of the player P1. For example, when the appeal virtual camera is visible (i.e., F1=1) and the appeal virtual camera is enabled (i.e., F2=1), the lamp of the camera object CB is turned on as shown in FIG. 9. For example, an effect process is performed on the lamp of the camera object CB to make it glow red. On the other hand, when the appeal virtual camera is visible (i.e., F1=1) and the appeal virtual camera is disabled (i.e., F2=0), the lamp of the camera object CB is turned off as shown in FIG. 11. For example, no effect process is performed on the lamp of the camera object CB.

The terminal device 20 displays the appeal virtual camera mark CBM on the map MP regardless of the values of F1 and F2 of the appeal virtual camera. This is to enable the player to at least recognize the position of the appeal virtual camera from the map MP.

In addition, regardless of the value of F1 of the appeal virtual camera, when the appeal virtual camera is enabled (i.e., F2 = 1), the terminal device 20 displays the field of view range VM on the map MP as shown in FIG. 9, and when the appeal virtual camera is disabled (i.e., F2 = 0), the terminal device 20 hides the field of view range VM on the map MP as shown in FIG. 11. This is to allow the player to easily recognize whether the appeal virtual camera is enabled or disabled by the display or non-display of the field of view range VM.

12 shows an example of an appeal image GB captured by the appeal virtual camera CB. For example, the appeal image GB is a capture of a scene in which the character CP8 defeats the character CP7.

In this embodiment, the server device 10 transmits the appeal image GB stored in the appeal image storage unit 148 to a player who is not participating in the battle, for example, the terminal device 20 of a spectating player, and the terminal device 20 of the spectating player may display the appeal image GB received from the server device 10 on the display unit 290. In this way, the spectating player can see realistic footage captured by war photographer M, making watching the battle even more enjoyable.

In addition, the terminal device 20 of each player participating in the game may display the appeal image GB on the display unit as a cut-in during the game, or may display the appeal image GB on the display unit as a replay image after the game ends.

Also, as shown in FIG. 13, an appeal image GB may be superimposed on a portion of the display image GA on the display unit of the terminal device 20 of a player (e.g., player P1) participating in the battle.

The server device 10 may receive an appeal image generated by the terminal device 20 of a given participating player (e.g., P1) and store it in the appeal image storage unit 148, or the server device 10 itself may generate an appeal image based on information from the appeal virtual camera and store it in the appeal image storage unit 148.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the appeal image generating unit 223 of each player's terminal device 20 generates appeal images taken by the appeal virtual camera CB between the game start time TS and the game end time TE, accumulates the appeal images (as a moving image consisting of multiple appeal images), and stores them in the appeal image storage unit 275.

The appeal image generating unit 223 of each player's terminal device 20 may store the appeal image only while the appeal virtual camera CB is active, or may store the appeal image regardless of whether the appeal virtual camera CB is active or inactive.

[4.4] Predetermined timing and parameter variation In this embodiment, the timing determination unit 220 determines the predetermined timing. Here, the "predetermined timing" is the timing for varying the parameters of the character (the character photographed by the appeal virtual camera CB), or in other words, the timing that triggers (causes, beginnings) the variation of the parameter.

Then, the parameter variation unit 217 varies the parameters associated with the character photographed by the appeal virtual camera at a predetermined timing. The parameter variation is effective until the end of the game (until the player becomes the winner or until the game is over), but the variation in the number of a predetermined item (such as a recovery item) may be permanent. For example, when the number of recovery items increases by one, it may be possible to make it available for use in the next game.

In addition, the parameter variation unit 217 varies the parameters when the appeal virtual camera CB is set to be enabled (F2=1).

[4.4.1] Timing of entering the field of view For example, the timing determination unit 220 determines the timing when a character enters the field of view of the appeal virtual camera CB as a predetermined timing TA, and the parameter variation unit 217 varies (e.g., increases) parameters (stamina value, attack power, defense power, number of equipped bullets, number of recovery items, character movement speed, etc.) associated with the character at the predetermined timing TA. For example, the timing when the character CP1 of the player P1 enters the field of view of the appeal virtual camera CB is determined as a predetermined timing TA, and a predetermined recovery value (e.g., 10) is added to the vitality value (HP value) of the character CP1 at the predetermined timing TA, so that the character CP1 can advance in the game advantageously. Note that, for example, the character CP1 entering the field of view of the appeal virtual camera CB may mean that the representative point (center point) of the character CP1 has entered the field of view, or may mean that the whole or part of the character CP1 has entered the field of view.

[4.4.2] Timing of facing the virtual camera Furthermore, when a character is present within the viewing range of the appeal virtual camera CB, the timing determination unit 220 may determine the timing at which the character faces the appeal virtual camera CB as a predetermined timing TA, and the parameter variation unit 217 may vary the parameters associated with the character at the predetermined timing TA. In this way, the timing at which the parameters are varied can be determined by directional control that changes the direction of the character to the direction of the appeal virtual camera CB.

Note that, for example, the moment character CP1 turns towards the appeal virtual camera CB, there is a risk that he will be attacked by another character (e.g., character CP2). Therefore, this embodiment creates a sense of tension for player P1, resulting in a highly entertaining game.

[4.4.3] Timing Based on Action Taken by Character Against Other Characters Also, for example, when character CP1 is present within the viewing range of appeal virtual camera CB, the timing determination unit 220 may determine a timing determined based on an action taken by character CP1 against other character CP2 as the predetermined timing TA, and the parameter variation unit 217 may vary the parameters associated with character CP1 at the predetermined timing TA. In this way, since the predetermined timing TA is determined based on the action taken by character CP1 against other character CP2, it is possible to encourage character CP1 to interact with other character CP2.

Examples of "an action taken by a character CP1 against another character CP2" include (1) when the character CP1 and the character CP2 exchange weapons, and (2) when the character CP
(3) For example, when character CP1 and character CP2 are on the same team before the start of the game and character CP1 helps character CP2 (when character CP2 is being attacked by character CP3 and character CP1 defeats character CP3), or (4) for example, when character CP1 and character CP2 are on the same team before the start of the game and character CP1 is helped by character CP2 (when character CP2 is being attacked by character CP3 and character CP2 defeats character CP3).

[4.4.4] Timing at which a specified condition is satisfied Also, for example, when a character CP1 is present within the field of view of the appeal virtual camera CB, the timing determination unit 220 may determine that the timing at which the character CP1 satisfies a specified condition (photographing condition) is a specified timing TA, and the parameter variation unit 217 may vary the parameters associated with that character CP1 at the specified timing TA.

Examples of the specified condition are (1) when character CP1 defeats a specified number of characters (e.g., three), (2) when character CP1 helps ally character CP2, and (3) when character CP1 is helped by ally character CP2.

The display image generating unit 222 may display the contents of the specified condition in the display image. In this way, the player can take actions that satisfy the specified condition.

[4.4.5] Specific Examples of Parameter Variation Control The parameter variation unit 217 may analyze the behavior of a character photographed by the appeal virtual camera during a period based on the predetermined timing TA, and vary the parameters associated with the character based on the character's behavior (e.g., attacking, defeating an opponent, helping a friendly character, etc.). In this way, the character's behavior affects the parameter variation associated with the character, so the player becomes aware of the character's behavior during the photographing. As a result, the character can be encouraged to position itself around the appeal virtual camera during the character's behavior, and the period in which the characters are crowded together can be maintained.

As shown in FIG. 14, a specific period is determined based on a specific timing TA. For example, the specific period is a period TX (e.g., 5 minutes) from the specific timing TA (e.g., the timing at which the target enters the viewing range of the appeal virtual camera CB) to the time at which the specific period has elapsed TB.

The specific period may be a period TY (e.g., the past 5 minutes) from a point TC that is a specific period back from the specified time TA. The specific period may also be a period that includes both before and after the specified time TA.

The parameter variation unit 217 may analyze the behavior of a character that has entered the viewing range of the appeal virtual camera CB and then temporarily moves out of the viewing range of the appeal virtual camera CB during the specified period, and vary the parameters associated with that character based on the behavior of that character.

For example, if character CP1 defeats a predetermined number of characters within a specific period of time, the parameter variation unit 217 controls the number of attack items possessed by character CP1 (e.g., the number of bullets possessed) to be increased.

Also, for example, the parameter variation unit 217 controls so as to increase the number of recovery items possessed by character CP1 (e.g., the number of medicinal herbs possessed) when character CP1 helps ally character CP2 within a specific period of time, or when character CP1 is helped by ally character CP2.

For example, if character CP1 defeats another character CP5 from behind within a specific period of time, the parameter variation unit 217 controls character CP1 so that the sneak ability value (surprise attack ability value) is increased, or character CP1 is given the ability to stay out of the other character's field of vision.

For example, this is controlled by flag F3, which indicates the presence or absence of the ability to keep out of the field of view of other characters. In other words, if character CP1 knocks down another character CP5 from behind within a specific period of time, the parameter variation unit 217 updates flag F3 of character CP1 to 1, and controls so that character CP1 does not enter the field of view of the other characters (i.e., within the field of view of the display virtual camera, which is the other player's first-person or third-person viewpoint) (or is not a drawing target).

This flag F3 is set for each character and shared by each terminal device 20. The parameter variation in this embodiment includes variation of flag F3. Note that the period during which the ability to hide from other characters is active (flag F3 = 1) may be controlled to be limited to a predetermined period (e.g., 30 seconds). Note that flag F3 is stored in the game data storage unit 274 of the server device 10 and the game data storage unit 144 of the terminal device 20. Note that the setting value of flag F3 for each character is common to each terminal device 20.

For example, when character CP1 is attacked by another character CP4 within a specific period of time and manages to escape the attack, the parameter variation unit 217 controls the walking speed (movement speed) of character CP1 to increase.

Analyzing the behavior of a character captured by the appeal virtual camera may involve analyzing the behavior of the character from the captured appeal image, or from the character's game result history, operation input history, and character position information history.

[4.5] Shooting Identification Image Indicating That a Photo is Being Taken by the Promotional Virtual Camera When the promotional virtual camera CB takes a photo of a character, the display image generating unit 222 may generate a display image including a shooting identification image indicating that the character is being photographed. Note that when the promotional virtual camera is enabled (i.e., when F2=1), the display image generating unit 222 generates a display image including a shooting identification image indicating that the character is being photographed.

For example, the terminal device 20 of player P1 generates a display image including the photographing identification image and displays it on the display unit at the time TA when the character CP1 of player P1 enters the field of view of the appeal virtual camera CB. Then, for example, when player P1 moves out of the field of view of the appeal virtual camera CB, the terminal device 20 erases the photographing identification image and generates a normal display image and displays it on the display unit. Note that, even if the appeal virtual camera is disabled, the terminal device 20 erases the photographing identification image and generates a normal display image and displays it on the display unit.

Fig. 15 is an example of a display image GA displayed on the terminal device 20 of the player P1. When the character CP1 of the player P1 is within the viewing range of the appeal virtual camera CB, a display image including a shooting identification image as shown in Fig. 15 is displayed on the display unit. For example, a HUD (head-up display) image including a character sign SE saying REC (REC is an abbreviation for RECORD, meaning recording in progress) and a line LI is set as the shooting identification image. The display image generating unit 222 controls so that the shooting identification image is superimposed on the display image.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when the character CP1 of the player P1 is not within the field of view of the virtual camera CB, the display image displayed on the terminal device 20 of the player P1 is controlled so as not to display the photographed identification image.

Even if the appeal virtual camera is invisible (F1=0), if the character CP1 of player P1 is within the viewing range of the appeal virtual camera CB, the shooting identification image is displayed. In this way, even if the appeal virtual camera is not visible, player P1 can easily recognize whether or not the character CP1 is being photographed by the appeal virtual camera.

In addition, when the appeal virtual camera is enabled (F2=1), the photographed identification image is displayed, and when the appeal virtual camera is disabled (F2=0), the photographed identification image is controlled not to be displayed even if the character CP1 of the player P1 is within the viewing range of the appeal virtual camera CB. In other words, the photographed identification image is controlled to be displayed only when a parameter change of the character CP1 may occur.

[4.6] Description of Game Progress In the game system 1 of this embodiment, the server device 10 transmits the game start time to each terminal device 20 and starts the game at the same time. All player characters participating in the game move in the same game space. The game can start from a randomly placed character in a large game space, or from an arbitrary point based on the player's operational input. Each player operates his/her character using his/her own terminal device 20.

Items useful for combat and survival, such as weapons, armor, and vehicles, are placed in the game space. Each player's character starts the game with only the minimum equipment, so the character must search for these items to avoid being defeated by other characters. In some games, it is possible to steal the equipment (for example, guns and bullets) of defeated characters. Players also aim to be the last player left in the game, in other words the "winner," by moving their characters so that they do not go outside of competition area A (also known as the safety zone), which shrinks over time.

Specifically, we will explain a scene in which a character fights another character. First, at the start of the game, each player's character has an initial value (e.g., 100) set for their vitality value, and when they are attacked by an enemy, a damage value is subtracted from their vitality value.

For example, let's say character CP1's vitality value is 100. Then, if character CP1 is attacked by character CP5, for example, if character CP5's attack power = 50 and character CP1's defense power = 20, the damage value will be 30, and 30 will be subtracted from character CP1's vitality value, updating it to 70.

For example, if character CP5 continues to shoot at character CP1 and character CP1's vitality value becomes 0, character CP1 will lose (the game will be over). Character CP5 will also have defeated character CP1, and the number of characters defeated (also called the number of kills) will be counted as 1.

The size of the competition area A in the game space gradually shrinks over time every five minutes, such as a circle with a center point K of 500 meters in radius, a circle with a center point K of 400 meters in radius, a circle with a center point K of 300 meters in radius, a circle with a center point K of 200 meters in radius, and a circle with a center point K of 100 meters in radius. The player's character is forced to move to a smaller area, which increases the probability of contact with other players. The game ends when there is only one survivor (or one team), and rewards may be given according to the length of survival.

[4.7] Flowchart Next, the flow of parameter variation processing in the terminal device 20 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. For ease of explanation, the flow of processing for parameter variation of the character CP1 operated by the player P1 in the terminal device 20 of the player P1 will be described.

First, it is determined whether the appeal virtual camera is enabled (step S1). If the appeal virtual camera is enabled (Y in step S1), it is determined whether the character CP1 is within the viewing range of the appeal virtual camera (step S2).

If character CP1 enters the viewing range of the appeal virtual camera (Y in step S2), the timing at which character CP1 enters the viewing range of the appeal virtual camera is determined to be the predetermined timing (step S3).

Next, it is determined whether or not character CP1 has defeated a predetermined number of characters within a period based on the predetermined timing (step S4). If character CP1 has defeated a predetermined number of characters within a period based on the predetermined timing (Y in step S4), the parameters of character CP1 are changed (step S5).

Then, it is determined whether the game has ended (step S6), and if the game has ended (Y in step S6), the process ends. The game ends when, for example, character CP1 is the last remaining player and has become the winner, or when character CP1's game is over. On the other hand, if the game has not ended (N in step S6), the process returns to step S1.

[5] Application Example [5.1] Appeal Virtual Camera [5.1.1] Multiple Appeal Virtual Cameras The appeal virtual cameras of this embodiment may be arranged in multiple game spaces. For example, as shown in Fig. 17, the virtual camera control unit 218 may arrange appeal virtual cameras CB1, CB2, CB3, and CB4 on the circumference of a circle with a center point Q and a radius R so that characters gather in a given area (expected crowded area) AR of the circle. In other words, the virtual camera control unit 218 arranges appeal virtual cameras CB1, CB2, CB3, and CB4 so as to surround a predetermined area of the characters.

The virtual camera control unit 218 also controls the orientation of each of the appeal virtual cameras CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 so that the orientation (line of sight) of each of the appeal virtual cameras CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 faces, for example, the center point Q. In other words, the virtual camera control unit 218 controls the orientation of the appeal virtual cameras CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4 so that the specified area AR of the character becomes the area to be photographed.

[5.1.2] Promotional virtual camera with 360-degree view The promotional virtual camera of this embodiment may be a promotional virtual camera with an ultra-wide viewing angle of 360 degrees horizontally.

[5.1.3] Depth Limitation of Viewing Range of Appeal Virtual Camera The appeal virtual camera of this embodiment may limit the depth of its viewing range. For example, the viewing range in the depth direction of the appeal virtual camera may be set to a range from the viewpoint (0) to a point ZA (a predetermined depth value) where the Z value (depth value) is 100. In this way, the presence of a character far from the appeal virtual camera can be ignored, and the processing load can be reduced.

[5.1.4] Method of determining a character to be photographed and moving the appeal virtual camera In this embodiment, a specific character from among multiple characters participating in the game (competing) may be determined as the character to be photographed, and the appeal virtual camera may be moved so that the character to be photographed is within the field of view of the appeal virtual camera.

For example, a specific character is a character wearing a special costume, a character carrying a special item (marker object), etc.

In this embodiment, the character to be photographed may be determined from among multiple characters participating in the game in a random order, a predetermined order (in order of battle records), or according to a predetermined rule, and the appeal virtual camera may be moved so that the character to be photographed is within the field of view of the appeal virtual camera. The predetermined rule may be such that, when the character to be photographed passes another character (for example, when the distance between the character and the other character is within 3 meters), the other character is the subject of the photograph.

[5.2] Parameter variation [5.2.1] Examples of parameter reduction The parameter variation unit 217 of this embodiment may reduce parameters associated with the character (such as health value, attack power, defense power, number of equipped bullets, number of recovery items, and character movement speed) at a predetermined timing TA.

For example, in this embodiment, the parameter variation unit 217 controls the attack power of character CP1 to decrease if character CP1 has defeated a predetermined number of characters (e.g., three) consecutively with a specific attack technique (e.g., a sniper attack) within a specific period of time. In this way, it is possible to prevent character CP1 from repeatedly using a specific attack technique, and to encourage the use of a variety of attacks.

[5.3] When multiple characters are present within the field of view of the appeal virtual camera CB [5.3.1] Target of the appeal virtual camera CB When multiple characters are present within the field of view of the appeal virtual camera CB, the virtual camera control unit 218 of this embodiment determines one character from among the multiple characters as the target character to be gazed upon, and controls the appeal virtual camera CB to gaze upon the determined character.

To explain the method of determining the character to be watched, for example, the virtual camera control unit 218 determines the character with the highest parameter as the character to be watched. Specifically, for example, the character with the highest number of kills of other characters is determined as the character to be watched.

For example, if multiple characters CP1 and CP2 are present within the field of view of the appeal virtual camera CB, and the number of characters defeated by character CP1 is "1" and the number of characters defeated by character CP2 is "0," the virtual camera control unit 218 will designate character CP1 as the character to be watched, set the line of sight direction of the appeal virtual camera CB in the direction in which character CP1 is located, and control the appeal virtual camera CB to watch character CP1.

This will give players more motivation to increase the parameters of the character they are controlling, further increasing the interest of the game.

[5.3.2] Amount of parameter variation When multiple characters are present within the field of view of the appeal virtual camera CB and the parameter variation unit 217 varies the parameters associated with the multiple characters, the parameter variation unit 217 determines the amount of variation of the parameters associated with each of the multiple characters as the predetermined total amount of variation divided by the number of characters (rounded down to the nearest whole number or rounded up to the nearest whole number).

For example, when a character CP1 is present within the field of view of the appeal virtual camera CB, the parameter variation unit 217, when varying the vitality value associated with that character CP1 at a predetermined timing, adds a total variation amount of "10" to the vitality values associated with the multiple characters CP1.

On the other hand, when multiple characters CP1, CP2 are present within the field of view of the appeal virtual camera CB, the parameter variation unit 217, when varying the stamina values associated with the multiple characters CP1, CP2 at a predetermined timing, adds "5", which is the total variation amount "10" divided by two, to the stamina values associated with the characters CP1, CP2.

By doing this, the fewer the number of characters captured by the appeal virtual camera CB, the more advantageous it is, so the player will become more conscious of the number of characters captured by the appeal virtual camera CB, further increasing the interest of the game.

[5.4] Video Distribution The game system of this embodiment may use a video distribution service (video distribution server) to distribute video of game play to spectators. In such a case, a video including an appealing image may be distributed to the viewers. The number of spectators may be displayed in the appealing image.

[5.5] Application Examples of the Game System [5.5.1] Application Examples of the Server Device 10 The server device 10 may perform some or all of the processing performed by the terminal device 20 of this embodiment.

For example, this embodiment may be a server device that executes a game in which multiple characters move within a game space, and is characterized by having a virtual camera control unit that places a display virtual camera and an appeal virtual camera within the game space, a display image generation unit that generates an image seen from the display virtual camera as a display image, a timing determination unit that determines a predetermined timing, and a parameter variation unit that varies parameters associated with the character photographed by the appeal virtual camera at the predetermined timing.

For example, the server device 10 may function as an object space setting unit 110, a display control unit 112, a game control unit 114, a movement control unit 115, a game calculation unit 116, a parameter variation unit 217, a virtual camera control unit 118, a timing determination unit 120, an image generation unit 121, a display image generation unit 122, an appeal image generation unit 123, and a sound processing unit 130.

The memory unit 140 of the server device 10 may also include a drawing buffer 172.

The communication control unit 201 transmits information about the game, information about the generated images, etc. to the terminal device 20. The communication control unit 201 also receives input information received from the terminal device 20 (e.g., information about commands, operations, and operation history), etc.

The object space setting unit 110 of the server device 10 is similar to the object space setting unit 210 of the terminal device 20, so a description thereof will be omitted. Note that the server device 10 sets the object space setting common to all players, but the object space setting may be set for each player.

The display control unit 112 of the server device 10 controls the display of the images generated by the image generation unit 121 and information related to the images on the display unit 190 of the terminal device 20. The specific processing is similar to that of the display control unit 212 of the terminal device 20, so a description is omitted. Note that "control of display" means that the server 20 controls the display on the game screen of the game device (terminal device) 10. For example, if the server device 10 generates "control information" to be displayed on the game screen of the terminal device 20 and transmits it to the terminal device 20, the terminal device 20, upon receiving the "control information" from the server 20, displays the game screen based on the "control information".

The specific processing of the game control unit 114 of the server device 10 is similar to that of the game control unit 214 of the terminal device 20, so a description thereof will be omitted. Note that the server device 10 performs game control for each player based on information (input information and commands) received from the player's terminal device 20.

The specific processing of the movement control unit 115 of the server device 10 is similar to that of the movement control unit 215 of the terminal device 20, so a description thereof will be omitted. Note that the server device 10 performs movement control for each player.

The specific processing of the game calculation unit 116 of the server device 10 is similar to that of the game calculation unit 216 of the terminal device 20, so a description thereof will be omitted. Note that the server device 10 performs game calculations for each player.

The parameter variation unit 117 of the server device 10 is similar to the parameter variation unit 217 of the terminal device 20, so a detailed description is omitted. Note that the server device 10 controls the variation of parameters for each player.

The virtual camera control unit 118 of the server device 10 is similar to the virtual camera control unit 218 of the terminal device 20, so a description thereof will be omitted. The server device 10 controls the virtual camera (e.g., controls the display virtual camera) for each player. The server device 10 controls the appeal virtual camera in a common manner for each player.

The game management unit 103 of the server device may perform the same processing as the game management unit 219 of the terminal device 20. Note that the server device 10 performs game management for each player.

The timing determination unit 120 of the server device 10 is similar to the timing determination unit 220 of the terminal device 20, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Note that the server device 10 performs a process of determining a predetermined timing for each player.

The image generation unit 121 of the server device 10 is similar to the image generation unit 221 of the terminal device 20, so a description thereof will be omitted. Note that the server device 10 generates an image for each player.

The display image generating unit 122 of the server device 10 is similar to the display image generating unit 222 of the terminal device 20, so a description thereof will be omitted. Note that the server device 10 generates a display image for each player.

The appeal image generating unit 123 of the server device 10 is similar to the appeal image generating unit 223 of the terminal device 20, so a description thereof will be omitted. Note that the server device 10 generates an appeal image common to all players, but an appeal image may be generated for each player. Note that the generated appeal images are accumulated and stored in the appeal image storage unit 148.

The specific processing of the sound processing unit 130 of the server device 10 is similar to that of the sound processing unit 230 of the terminal device 20. Note that the sound processing unit 130 of the server 20 controls the sound output unit 292 of the terminal device 20 to output sound.

Note that storing in the server device 10 means storing in the storage unit 140 of the server device 10, but it may also be stored in the storage unit 270 of the terminal device 20. Note that the storage unit 140 of the server device 10 may be a concept that includes the information storage medium 180 of the server device 10.

[5.5.2] Game Device The terminal device 20 of this embodiment may be a game device 20 that operates as a standalone device.

For example, this embodiment may be a game device that executes a game in which multiple characters move within a game space, and is characterized by comprising a virtual camera control unit that places a display virtual camera and an appeal virtual camera within the game space, a display image generation unit that generates an image seen from the display virtual camera as a display image, a timing determination unit that determines a predetermined timing, and a parameter variation unit that varies parameters associated with the character photographed by the appeal virtual camera at the predetermined timing.

[6] Others The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, a term cited in the description of the specification or drawings as a term with a broad meaning or synonymous meaning can be replaced with a term with a broad meaning or synonymous meaning in other descriptions of the specification or drawings.

In this embodiment, the game is not limited to an action RPG. For example, it can be used for action games, fighting games, sports games, and other competitive games, role-playing games (RPGs), and other simulation games.

The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations with the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effect). The present invention also includes configurations that replace non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments. The present invention also includes configurations that achieve the same effects as the configurations described in the embodiments, or that can achieve the same purpose. The present invention also includes configurations in which publicly known technology is added to the configurations described in the embodiments.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible that do not substantially depart from the novel aspects and effects of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

10 Server device 20 Terminal device 100 Processing section 101 Communication control section 102 Web processing section 103 Game management section 107 Timer management section 108 Information provision section 140 Memory section 142 Main memory section 144 Game data memory section 146 Player information memory section 148 Appeal image memory section 180 Information storage medium 196 Communication section 150 Input section 190 Display section 200 Processing section 210 Object space setting section 212 Display control section 213 Input reception processing section 214 Game control section 215 Movement control section 216 Game calculation section 217 Parameter variation section 218 Virtual camera control section 219 Game management section 220 Timing determination section 221 Image generation section 222 Display image generation section 223 Appeal image generation section 230 Sound processing section 270 Memory section 271 Main memory section 272 Image buffer 273 Player information memory section 274 Game data storage unit 275 Appeal image storage unit 260 Input unit 262 Detection unit 280 Information storage medium 290 Display unit 292 Sound output unit 296 Communication unit CA Display virtual camera CB Appeal virtual camera

Claims (10)

A game system for executing a game in which a plurality of characters move within a game space,
a virtual camera control unit that arranges a display virtual camera and an appeal virtual camera in the game space;
a display image generating unit that generates an image seen by the display virtual camera as a display image;
a movement control unit for moving a character of each player based on input information of the player;
a timing determination unit that determines a predetermined timing;
a parameter varying unit that varies a parameter associated with the character photographed by the appeal virtual camera after the period based on the predetermined timing has ended,
The virtual camera control unit,
A game system characterized in that at least one of the position, direction and angle of view of the appeal virtual camera is variably controlled based on the battle records of each of a plurality of players . In claim 1,
The virtual camera control unit,
A game system characterized in that the position of the appeal virtual camera is variably controlled based on the position of the character of the player with the best record or the position of the character of the player with the worst record. In claim 1 or 2,
The virtual camera control unit,
A game system characterized in that the orientation of the appeal virtual camera is changeably controlled so as to photograph the character of the player with the best record or the character of the player with the worst record. In any one of claims 1 to 3,
The virtual camera control unit,
The game system is characterized in that the angle of view of the appeal virtual camera is controlled so that the character of the player with the best record or the character of the player with the worst record is within the field of view. In any one of claims 1 to 4,
The timing determination unit,
A game system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined timing is determined to be a timing when the character enters the viewing range of the appeal virtual camera. In any one of claims 1 to 5,
The timing determination unit,
A game system characterized in that, when a character is present within the viewing range of the appeal virtual camera, the timing at which the character faces the appeal virtual camera is set to the predetermined timing. In any one of claims 1 to 6,
The timing determination unit,
A game system characterized in that, when a character is present within the viewing range of the appeal virtual camera, the predetermined timing is determined based on an action taken by the character toward another character. In any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
The game system further comprises an appeal image generating unit that generates an appeal image captured by the appeal virtual camera. A program for executing a game in which multiple characters move within a game space,
a virtual camera control unit that arranges a display virtual camera and an appeal virtual camera in the game space;
a display image generating unit that generates an image seen by the display virtual camera as a display image;
a movement control unit for moving a character of each player based on input information of the player;
a timing determination unit that determines a predetermined timing;
after the period based on the predetermined timing has ended, causing a computer to function as a parameter varying unit that varies a parameter associated with the character photographed by the appeal virtual camera;
The virtual camera control unit,
A program for controlling at least one of the position, the direction and the angle of view of the appeal virtual camera so as to be changeable based on the battle records of each of a plurality of players . 1. A method for providing information about a game from a server device that executes a game in which a plurality of characters move within a game space to a terminal device of a player, comprising:
The server device,
a virtual camera control unit that arranges a display virtual camera and an appeal virtual camera in the game space;
a display image generating unit that generates an image seen by the display virtual camera as a display image;
a movement control unit for moving a character of each player based on input information of the player;
a timing determination unit that determines a predetermined timing;
a parameter varying unit that varies a parameter associated with the character photographed by the appeal virtual camera after the period based on the predetermined timing has ended,
The virtual camera control unit,
variably controlling at least one of the position, the direction, and the angle of view of the appeal virtual camera based on the battle records of each of the multiple players;
In this case,
transmitting the input information of the player received by the terminal device to the server device;
A method for providing a game, comprising receiving information related to the game from the server device.

Images