JP4498445B2 - GAME DEVICE, GAME DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game apparatus, a game apparatus control method, and a program.

A game is known in which the state of a game character changes from a first state operated by a computer to a second state operated by any of a plurality of users. For example, in a game (such as a soccer game, a basketball game, or an ice hockey game) simulating a sport game between an operation target team and an opponent team, a plurality of users may operate the operation target team in cooperation. is there. In such a sports game, for example, when a player character that is operated by a computer among player characters belonging to an operation target team is in a state of holding a ball (or pack), the player character is assigned to a plurality of users. Is set as an operation target.
JP 2007-260157 A

  However, in the game as described above, when the state of the game character changes from the first state to the second state, the game character will be operated by himself or another user will operate. It was difficult for the user to predict whether or not. As a result, when the user decides to operate the game character, the user may panic and sometimes the operation of the game character cannot be started smoothly.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and its purpose is when the state of the game character changes from a state operated by a computer to a state operated by any of a plurality of users. It is another object of the present invention to provide a game device, a game device control method, and a program that enable a user to predict in advance whether or not he / she will operate the game character.

  In order to solve the above problems, in the game device according to the present invention, the state of the game character changes from the first state operated by the computer to the second state operated by any one of the plurality of users. In a game device for executing a game, storage means for storing selection control data for selecting one of the plurality of users, and the state of the game character changes from the first state to the second state A setting means for setting the game character as a user operation target selected from the plurality of users based on the selection control data, and when the state of the game character is the first state, The display mode of the game character or the display mode of a related image displayed in association with the game character is selected. Display control means for setting, based on the control data, characterized in that it comprises a.

  The game device control method according to the present invention executes a game in which the state of the game character changes from a first state operated by a computer to a second state operated by any of a plurality of users. In the game device control method, the step of reading the storage content of the storage means for storing selection control data for selecting any of the plurality of users, and the state of the game character is the first state When changing from the second state to the second state, a setting step of setting the game character as an operation target of a user selected from the plurality of users based on the selection control data, and the state of the game character is the Displayed in association with the display mode of the game character or the game character in the first state The display mode of the related image, characterized in that it comprises a display control step of setting based on the selected control data.

  The program according to the present invention is a game device that executes a game in which the state of a game character changes from a first state operated by a computer to a second state operated by any of a plurality of users. A program for causing a computer such as a home game machine (stationary game machine), a portable game machine, an arcade game machine, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal computer, or a server computer to function. Storage means for storing selection control data for selecting any of the plurality of users, and when the state of the game character changes from the first state to the second state, the game character is Set as the operation target of the user selected based on the selection control data And when the state of the game character is the first state, the display mode of the game character or the display mode of the related image displayed in association with the game character is used as the selection control data. It is a program for causing the computer to function as display control means for setting based on the computer program.

  An information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium recording the above program.

  According to the present invention, whether or not the game character is to be operated when the state of the game character changes from a state operated by a computer to a state operated by any of a plurality of users. It is possible to make it possible for the user to predict in advance.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the display control means may display the related image displayed in association with the game character display mode or the game character when the game character is in the first state. The display mode may be set to a display mode corresponding to a user selected from the plurality of users based on the selection control data.

  In the aspect of the invention, the selection control data may include priority data indicating the priority of each of the plurality of users. The display control means may set a display mode of the related image displayed in association with the game character based on the selection control data when the state of the game character is the first state. Good. The related image may include a partial area corresponding to each of the plurality of users. The position, width, or display mode of the partial area may be set based on the priority of the user corresponding to the partial area.

  The game device according to the present invention executes a game in which the state of the game character changes from a first state operated by a computer to a second state operated by any of a plurality of users. When the state of the game character changes from the first state to the second state, setting means for setting the game character as an operation target of any of the plurality of users, In the game screen when the state is the first state, it is determined which of the plurality of users the game character is set to be operated when the state of the game character changes to the second state. Display control means for displaying guidance.

  The game device control method according to the present invention executes a game in which the state of the game character changes from a first state operated by a computer to a second state operated by any of a plurality of users. In the method for controlling a game device, when the state of the game character changes from the first state to the second state, a setting step of setting the game character as an operation target of the plurality of users In the game screen when the state of the game character is the first state, when the state of the game character changes to the second state, the game character is any operation target of the plurality of users. And a display control step for displaying guidance.

  The program according to the present invention is a game device that executes a game in which the state of a game character changes from a first state operated by a computer to a second state operated by any of a plurality of users. A program for causing a computer such as a home game machine (stationary game machine), a portable game machine, an arcade game machine, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal computer, or a server computer to function. When the state of the game character changes from the first state to the second state, setting means for setting the game character as an operation target of any of the plurality of users, and the state of the game character In the game screen when is in the first state, the state of the game character is Or serial the game character when changing to the second state is set to any of the subject among the plurality of users, a program for causing the computer to function as display control means for guidance display.

  An information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium recording the above program.

  According to the present invention, in a game where the state of a game character changes from a state operated by a computer to a state operated by any one of a plurality of users, whether or not the game character will be operated by himself / herself It is possible to make it possible for the user to predict this.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The game device according to the embodiment of the present invention is realized using, for example, a home game machine (stationary game machine), a portable game machine, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal computer, or a server computer. . Here, a case where the game device according to the embodiment of the present invention is realized by using a consumer game machine will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a game apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the game apparatus 10 includes a consumer game machine 11, a monitor 32, a speaker 34, and an optical disk 36 (information storage medium). The monitor 32 and the speaker 34 are connected to the consumer game machine 11. As the monitor 32, for example, a home television receiver is used, and as the speaker 34, for example, a speaker built in the home television receiver is used.

  The home game machine 11 is a computer game system, and includes a bus 12, a microprocessor 14, a main memory 16, an image processing unit 18, an input / output processing unit 20, an audio processing unit 22, an optical disk reading unit 24, a hard disk 26, and a communication interface 28. And the controller 30.

  The microprocessor 14 controls each part of the consumer game machine 11 based on an operating system stored in a ROM (not shown) and a program read from the optical disk 36. The main memory 16 includes, for example, a RAM, and programs and data read from the optical disk 36 are written to the main memory 16 as necessary. The main memory 16 is also used as a working memory for the microprocessor 14. The bus 12 is for exchanging addresses and data among the units of the consumer game machine 11.

  The image processing unit 18 includes a VRAM, and draws a game screen on the VRAM based on the image data supplied from the microprocessor 14. The game screen drawn on the VRAM is converted into a video signal and output to the monitor 32 at a predetermined timing.

  The input / output processing unit 20 is an interface for the microprocessor 14 to access the sound processing unit 22, the optical disk reading unit 24, the hard disk 26, the communication interface 28, and the controller 30. The audio processing unit 22 includes a sound buffer, and outputs various audio data (for example, game music, game sound effects, messages, etc.) read from the optical disk 36 to the sound buffer from the speaker 34. The communication interface 28 is an interface for connecting the consumer game machine 11 to a communication network by wire or wireless.

  The optical disk reading unit 24 reads programs and data recorded on the optical disk 36. Here, the optical disc 36 is used to supply the program and data to the consumer game machine 11, but other information storage media such as a memory card may be used. Moreover, you may make it supply a program and data to the consumer game machine 11 from a remote place via communication networks, such as the internet, for example. The hard disk 26 is a general hard disk device (auxiliary storage device). Programs and data described as being stored on the optical disk 36 may be stored on the hard disk 26.

  The controller 30 is general-purpose operation input means for the user to input various game operations. A plurality of controllers 30 can be connected to the consumer game machine 11. The input / output processing unit 20 scans the operation state of the controller 30 at regular intervals (for example, every 1/60 seconds), and passes an operation signal representing the scan result to the microprocessor 14 via the bus 12. The microprocessor 14 determines the user's game operation based on the operation signal. The controller 30 may be connected to the consumer game machine 11 by wire or wirelessly.

  In the game apparatus 10, for example, a soccer game imitating a soccer game between the first team and the second team is executed. In the following description, it is assumed that the three users A, B, and C cooperate to operate the first team and the computer operates the second team. Note that the second team may be operated by one or a plurality of users.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a soccer game. As shown in FIG. 2, first, the users A, B, and C select a team (first team) that they operate from a plurality of teams prepared in advance (S101).

  Thereafter, the users A, B, and C set their team tactics (S102). For example, team formation and strategy are set. Specifically, the arrangement of the forward (FW), midfielder (MF), and defender (DF) is determined by selecting one of a plurality of formations prepared in advance. One of a plurality of prepared strategies is selected. An example of a selectable strategy is “counter attack”. The “counter attack” is an operation in which an attacking player character is left on the front line, and when a ball is taken from the opponent team, a pass is immediately made to the player character to attack immediately.

  Thereafter, the users A, B, and C select player characters that participate in the game from among the player characters belonging to their team (S103). In this step, a screen for selecting a player character participating in the game is displayed on the monitor 32. On this screen, the users A, B, and C select player characters to be assigned to the positions of the formation set in S102. For example, when 18 player characters belong to a team, 11 player characters are selected from the 18 player characters.

  Thereafter, the users A, B, and C individually select one or more player characters from among the player characters participating in the game as their operation target candidates (S104). The user A can operate only the player character selected by the user A as the operation target candidate during the match. Similarly, the user B can operate only the player character selected by the user B as the operation target candidate during the game, and the user C can operate only the player character selected by the user C as the operation target candidate during the game. That is, each of the users A, B, and C can concentrate on the operation of the player character that is selected as the operation target candidate.

  In this step, a screen (hereinafter referred to as “selection screen”) for selecting one or more player characters as operation target candidates from among the player characters participating in the game is displayed on the monitor 32. FIG. 3 shows an example of the selection screen. The selection screen 40 shown in FIG. 3 includes a formation column 42 and a participating player column 44.

  In the formation column 42, the formation selected in S102 is displayed. The formation shown in the formation column 42 in FIG. 3 is a formation generally called “4-3-3”, including four defenders (DF1, DF2, DF3, DF4) and three midfielders. This is a formation in which (MF1, MF2, MF3), three forwards (FW1, FW2, FW3), and a goalkeeper (GK) are arranged.

  In the participating player column 44, a list of player characters selected in S103, that is, player characters participating in the game is displayed. Each user A, B, C selects one or more player characters from the player characters displayed in the participating player column 44. On the selection screen 40 shown in FIG. 3, the player character assigned to “DF1”, “DF2”, and “MF1” is selected by the user A. A player character assigned to “MF1”, “MF2”, “MF3”, and “FW2” is selected by the user B. A player character assigned to “MF1”, “FW1”, “FW2”, and “FW3” is selected by the user C. For example, since the player character assigned to “DF1” or “DF2” is selected only by the user A, only the user A can operate these player characters. In addition, since the player character assigned to “FW2” is selected by the users B and C, the player characters can be operated by the users B and C. Further, since the player character assigned to “MF1” is selected by the users A, B, and C, the user A, B, and C can operate the player character.

  In addition, on the selection screen 40, the user A, B, or C may be able to select an operation target candidate by specifying a player character name, or a position name (for example, “DF1” or “MF1”) may be specified. By doing so, the operation target candidate may be selected.

  When the selection of the operation target candidate is completed, the users A, B, and C indicate the determination button 46. When the decision button 46 is instructed, the game starts (S105).

  When the game starts, a virtual three-dimensional space is constructed in the main memory 16 in order to generate a game screen during the game. FIG. 4 shows an example of a virtual three-dimensional space. As shown in FIG. 4, a field 52 that is an object representing a soccer field is arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space 50. On the field 52, a goal 54 which is an object representing a soccer goal, a player character 56 which is an object representing a soccer player, and a ball 58 which is an object representing a soccer ball are arranged. One of the goals 54 is associated with the first team, and the other is associated with the second team. When the ball 58 moves into the goal 54 associated with one of the teams, a scoring event for the other team occurs.

  Although omitted in FIG. 4, eleven player characters 56 belonging to the first team and eleven player characters 56 belonging to the second team are arranged on the field 52. For example, on the field 52 at the start of the game, 11 player characters 56 selected from the player characters belonging to the first team in S103 of FIG. 2 and the player characters belonging to the second team are selected. Eleven player characters 56 selected by the computer are arranged.

  When the player character 56 and the ball 58 approach each other, the player character 56 and the ball 58 are associated with each other under a predetermined condition. In this case, the ball 58 follows the player character 56. This state is represented as a dribbling action of the player character 56. Hereinafter, a state in which the ball 58 is associated with the player character 56 is described as “the player character 56 holds the ball 58”.

  Further, when a player character 56 holds the ball 58 and another player character 56 approaches the ball 58, the other player character 56 and the ball 58 are associated with each other under a predetermined condition. In this way, the player character 56 takes the ball 58 held by the other player character 56.

  A virtual camera 59 (viewpoint) is set in the virtual three-dimensional space 50. A game screen representing a state in which the virtual three-dimensional space 50 is viewed from the virtual camera 59 is displayed on the monitor 32. For example, the virtual camera 59 moves in the virtual three-dimensional space 50 based on the movement of the ball 58 so that the ball 58 is always displayed on the game screen.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a game screen during a game. On the game screen 60 shown in FIG. 5, seven player characters 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d, 56e, 56f, and 56g are displayed. The six player characters 56a to 56f are player characters 56 belonging to the first team, and the remaining player characters 56g are player characters 56 belonging to the second team. Here, the player characters 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d, 56e, and 56f are players assigned to “DF1”, “MF2”, “FW1”, “MF1”, “FW2”, and “DF2”, respectively. It will be described as being a character 56.

  On the game screen 60 shown in FIG. 5, cursor images 62a, 62b, and 62c are displayed above the player characters 56a, 56b, and 56c, respectively. The cursor images 62a, 62b, and 62c indicate that the player characters 56a, 56b, and 56c are the operation targets of the users A, B, and C, respectively. For example, the cursor image 62a indicates that the user A is operating the player character 56a. In this case, the player character 56a moves based on the operation of the user A. The player character 56b moves based on the operation of the user B, and the player character 56c moves based on the operation of the user C. Note that the player characters 56d, 56e, 56f, and 56g that are not operated by the users A, B, and C operate based on the operation of the computer (microprocessor 14).

  Further, on the game screen 60 shown in FIG. 5, marker images 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, and 64f are displayed below the player characters 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d, 56e, and 56f, respectively. These marker images 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, and 64f serve to guide one or a plurality of users who have selected the player characters 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d, 56e, and 56f as operation target candidates, respectively. Plays. In addition, a marker image is not displayed on the foot of the player character 56 that is not selected as an operation target candidate by any user.

  When the number of users who have selected the player character 56 as an operation target candidate is one, the color of the marker image corresponding to the player character 56 is set to a color corresponding to the user. For example, since only the user A has selected the player characters 56a and 56f assigned to “DF1” and “DF2” as operation target candidates (see FIG. 3), the color of the marker images 64a and 64f is the user. A color corresponding to A is set. Similarly, since only the user B has selected the player character 56b assigned to “MF2” as the operation target candidate (see FIG. 3), the color of the marker image 64b is set to a color corresponding to the user B. Is done. Further, since only the user C has selected the player character 56c assigned to “FW1” as the operation target candidate (see FIG. 3), the color of the marker image 64c is set to a color corresponding to the user C. The

  On the other hand, when there are a plurality of users who have selected the player character 56 as an operation target candidate, the number of partial areas equal to the number of users is set in the marker image corresponding to the player character 56. The partial area and the user are associated with each other one to one.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the marker image 64d shown in FIG. The marker image 64d is a marker image corresponding to the player character 56d assigned to “MF1”. Further, there are three users A, B, and C who have selected the player character 56d assigned to “MF1” as an operation target candidate (see FIG. 3). For this reason, the marker image 64d includes a partial area 70a corresponding to the user A, a partial area 70b corresponding to the user B, and a partial area 70c corresponding to the user C. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the marker image 64 d is divided into three fan-shaped regions 72, 74, and 76. Of these three fan-shaped areas 72, 74, and 76, the right-side fan-shaped area 76 is a partial area 70 a of the user A. The color of the partial area 70a of the user A is set to a color corresponding to the user A (that is, the same color as the marker images 64a and 64f). Further, the lower fan-shaped area 72 is a partial area 70b of the user B. The color of the partial area 70b of the user B is set to a color corresponding to the user B (that is, the same color as the marker image 64b). Similarly, the fan-shaped area 74 on the left side is a partial area 70c of the user C. The color of the partial area 70c of the user C is set to a color corresponding to the user C (that is, the same color as the marker image 64c). In FIG. 6, since the marker image 64d is viewed from obliquely above, the shape of the marker image 64d is an ellipse. When the marker image 64d is viewed from directly above, the shape of the marker image 64d is circular. The same applies to a marker image 64d in FIGS. 9, 17, and 18 described later, and the same applies to a marker image 64e in FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the marker image 64e shown in FIG. The marker image 64e is a marker image corresponding to the player character 56e assigned to “FW2”. Further, there are two users B and C who have selected the player character 56e assigned to “FW2” as an operation target candidate (see FIG. 3). For this reason, the marker image 64e includes a partial region 70b corresponding to the user B and a partial region 70c corresponding to the user C. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the marker image 64 e is divided into two fan-shaped regions (semicircular regions) 78 and 79. Of these two fan-shaped areas 78 and 79, the lower fan-shaped area 78 is a partial area 70 b of the user B. The color of the partial area 70b of the user B is set to a color corresponding to the user B (that is, the same color as the marker image 64b). The upper fan-shaped area 79 is a partial area 70c of the user C. The color of the partial area 70c of the user C is set to a color corresponding to the user C (that is, the same color as the marker image 64c).

  In the game screen 60 shown in FIG. 5, the player character 56 a holds the ball 58. In this state, when the user A performs a pass operation to the player character 56d, a pass from the player character 56a to the player character 56d is executed. At this time, since the player character 56d is in a state of being operated by a computer (that is, a state that is not an operation target of any user), a user operating the player character 56d uses the player character 56d as an operation target candidate. Selected from the selected users A, B, and C.

  A user who operates the player character 56d is selected based on a given priority order. In the state shown in FIG. 5, the priority order of the users A, B, and C is set to “B, C, A”, for example. “B, C, A” indicates a state in which user B has the highest priority and user A has the lowest priority. In this case, the user B having the highest priority is selected as the user who operates the player character 56d, and the operation target of the user B is changed from the player character 56b to the player character 56d. FIG. 8 shows a game screen 60 in this case. In the game screen 60 shown in FIG. 8, a cursor image 62b that guides the operation target of the user B is displayed above the player character 56d, and the player character 56d operates according to the operation of the user B.

  When the player character 56 operated by any user holds the ball 58, the priority order is set so that the priority order of the user is the lowest. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 5, since the player character 56a operated by the user A holds the ball 58, the priority order is, for example, “B, C, A” so that the user A has the lowest priority. Set to Further, when the state shown in FIG. 5 is changed to the state shown in FIG. 8, the player character 56d operated by the user B is in a state of holding the ball 58, so that the priority order of the user B is the lowest. The priority order is updated from “B, C, A” to “C, A, B”. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 5, if the user A is also responsible for the operation of the player character 56 d when a pass from the player character 56 a to the player character 56 d is performed, the users B and C are dissatisfied. There is a risk of feeling. In this regard, as in the present embodiment, if the priority order of the user who operates the player character 56 holding the ball 58 is made the lowest, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience as described above from occurring. become.

  In the game screen 60 shown in FIG. 5, when a pass from the player character 56a to the player character 56e is executed, the user B, C who has selected the player character 56e as an operation target candidate. User B with a high priority is selected as a user who operates player character 56e. Further, in the game screen 60 shown in FIG. 5, when the pass from the player character 56a to the player character 56f is executed, the user who has selected the player character 56f as the operation target candidate is only the user A. Therefore, the player character User A is selected as a user who operates 56f.

  Here, another role played by the marker images 64d and 64e will be described. The marker image displayed under the player character 56 selected by a plurality of users as operation target candidates plays a role of guiding the priority order of the plurality of users. Specifically, in the marker image displayed below the player character 56 selected by the plurality of users as the operation target candidates, the partial area corresponding to each user is shown so as to indicate the priority order of the plurality of users. The position is set. For example, in the marker image, the priority order is associated with each fan area in the clockwise order with the fan area closest to the virtual camera 59 as the first area.

  For example, in the marker image 64d, the lower fan-shaped area 72 closest to the virtual camera 59 is associated with the priority “1”. That is, the fan-shaped area 72 is associated with the user with the highest priority. Further, the fan-shaped area 74 on the upper left side of the fan-shaped area 72 is associated with the priority “2”. That is, the fan-shaped area 74 is associated with the user having the second highest priority. Furthermore, the fan-shaped area 76 on the right side of the fan-shaped area 74 is associated with the priority “3”. That is, the fan-shaped area 74 is associated with the user having the third highest priority. Therefore, when the priority order of the users A, B, and C is “B, C, A”, the marker image 64d is as shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows the marker image 64d when the priority order of the users A, B, and C is “C, B, A”, that is, when the priorities of the users B and C are switched. In the marker image 64 d shown in FIG. 9, the fan-shaped area 72 is a partial area 70 c corresponding to the user C, and the fan-shaped area 74 is a partial area 70 b corresponding to the user B. That is, in the marker image 64d in this case, the position of the partial area 70b corresponding to the user B and the position of the partial area 70c corresponding to the user C are interchanged as compared with the marker image 64d shown in FIG. .

  Users A, B, and C can grasp the current priority order by referring to the marker image 62d. For example, the user A, B, or C refers to the color of the fan-shaped region 72 associated with the priority “1”, and which user operates the player character 56d when the pass to the player character 56d is executed. You will be able to predict what will happen. For example, the user B can predict in advance that he / she will operate the player character 56d when a pass to the player character 56d is executed. For this reason, even when the pass to the player character 56d is actually executed, the user B can start the operation of the player character 56d without panicking. Further, the user C can grasp his or her current priority order by referring to which of the fan-shaped areas 72, 74, and 76 the partial area 70c in which the color corresponding to the user C is set is set. become able to. In other words, the user C can grasp his current priority order by referring to the position of the partial area 70c where the color corresponding to the user C is set.

  Since the marker image 64d is displayed in the vicinity of the player character 56d, the users A, B, and C can see which player character 56d when the pass to the player character 56d is executed. It becomes possible to immediately know whether the user will operate.

  Further, for example, in the marker image 64e, the lower fan-shaped region 78 closest to the virtual camera 59 is associated with the priority “1”. That is, the fan-shaped region 78 is associated with the user with the highest priority. Further, the fan-shaped area 79 above the fan-shaped area 78 is associated with the priority “2”. That is, the fan-shaped area 79 is associated with the user having the second highest priority. Therefore, when the priority order of the users A, B, and C is “B, C, A”, the marker image 64e is as shown in FIG. FIG. 10 shows the marker image 64e when the priority order of the users A, B, and C is “C, B, A”, that is, when the priorities of the users B and C are switched. In the marker image 64 e shown in FIG. 10, the fan-shaped area 78 is a partial area 70 c corresponding to the user C, and the fan-shaped area 79 is a partial area 70 b corresponding to the user B. That is, in the marker image 64e in this case, the position of the partial area 70b corresponding to the user B and the position of the partial area 70c corresponding to the user C are interchanged as compared with the marker image 64e shown in FIG. .

  Users A, B, and C can grasp the current priority order by referring to the marker image 62e. For example, the user A, B, or C refers to the color of the fan-shaped area 78 associated with the priority “1”, and which user operates the player character 56e when the pass to the player character 56e is executed. You will be able to predict what will happen. For example, the user B can grasp in advance that he / she will operate the player character 56e when the pass to the player character 56e is executed. For this reason, even when the pass to the player character 56e is actually executed, the user B can start the operation of the player character 56e without panicking. Further, the user C can grasp his / her current priority order by referring to which of the fan-shaped regions 78 and 79 the partial region 70c in which the color corresponding to the user C is set is set. become. In other words, the user C can grasp his current priority order by referring to the position of the partial area 70c where the color corresponding to the user C is set.

  Since the marker image 64e is displayed in the vicinity of the player character 56e, the users A, B, and C can see which player character 56e when the pass to the player character 56e is executed. It becomes possible to immediately know whether the user will operate.

  By the way, on the game screen 60 shown in FIG. 8, the entire marker image 64d is set to a color corresponding to the user B (that is, the color of the marker image 64b) as the player character 56d becomes the operation target of the user B. Has been. Further, when the state shown in FIG. 5 is changed to the state shown in FIG. 8, the priority order is updated from “B, C, A” to “C, A, B”, so that the game screen shown in FIG. In 60, the marker image 64 is updated to the state shown in FIG.

  Next, a configuration for realizing the above soccer game will be described. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram mainly showing functions related to the present invention among the functions realized by the game apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 11, the game apparatus 10 includes a game data storage unit 80, a game situation data update unit 82, and a display control unit 84. The game data storage unit 80 is realized mainly using the main memory 16 and the optical disc 36, for example. The game situation data update unit 82 and the display control unit 84 are realized mainly by the microprocessor 14, for example.

  The game data storage unit 80 stores data necessary for executing the soccer game. For example, a plurality of team data, a plurality of formation data, and a plurality of operation data are stored in the game data storage unit 80. Each team data includes a list of player characters belonging to the team. Data indicating the selection result in S101 and S102 of FIG. 2 is also stored in the game data storage unit 80.

  Further, data indicating the selection results in S103 and S104 of FIG. 2 (hereinafter referred to as “selection result data”) is stored in the game data storage unit 80. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of selection result data. The selection result data shown in FIG. 10 includes “player ID”, “participation flag”, “position”, and “operation target candidate flag”.

  “Player ID” is information that uniquely identifies a player character belonging to the first team. The “participation flag” takes values of 0, 1, and 2. The value “0” indicates that the player character has not yet entered the game. The value “1” indicates that the player character is participating in the game. A value of “2” indicates that the player character has participated in the game, but has changed with another player character and is not currently participating in the game. “Position” indicates a position to which a player character is assigned. The “operation target candidate flag” indicates whether or not a player character is selected as an operation target candidate. A value “0” indicates that a player character is not selected as an operation target candidate, and a value “1” indicates that a player character is selected as an operation target candidate.

  The game data storage unit 80 includes a game situation data storage unit 80a. The game situation data storage unit 80a stores game situation data indicating the current situation of the soccer game. For example, data indicating the current state of each player character 56 and ball 58 arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space 50 is stored in the game situation data storage unit 80a. Specifically, the current position, posture, moving direction, moving speed, etc. of each player character 56 are stored. Further, the current position, moving direction, moving speed, and the like of the ball 58 are stored. Further, the player ID of the player character 56 that currently holds the ball 58 is stored. Further, for example, data indicating the current state of the virtual camera 59 (for example, the position and the line-of-sight direction) is stored in the game situation data storage unit 80a. Data indicating the scores of both teams and data indicating the elapsed time are also stored in the game situation data storage unit 80a.

  Further, for example, operation target data indicating the player character 56 that is the current operation target of the users A, B, and C is stored in the game situation data storage unit 80a. FIG. 13 shows an example of operation target data. In the operation target data shown in FIG. 13, “operation target player ID” is the player ID of the player character 56 currently operated by the user.

  Further, for example, priority data indicating the current priorities of the users A, B, and C are also stored in the game situation data storage unit 80a. FIG. 14 shows an example of priority data. The priority data shown in FIG. 14 is data indicating the priority order of the users A, B, and C. The priority data shown in FIG. 14 indicates a state in which the priority order of the user B is the highest, the priority order of the user C is the second highest, and the priority order of the user A is the lowest. The priority data and the above-described selection result data (see FIG. 12) are data (selection control data) for selecting one of a plurality of users A, B, and C as a user operating the player character 56. ) As a role.

  The game situation data update unit 82 updates the game situation data. For example, the game situation data update unit 82 updates the state data of the player character 56, the ball 58, and the virtual camera 59. Further, for example, the game situation data update unit 82 updates operation target data and priority data. The game situation data update unit 82 includes an operation target setting unit 82a (setting means) as a functional block for updating the operation target data.

  The operation target setting unit 82a switches the state of the player character 56 selected by one or more users as the operation target candidate from a state where the player character 56 is operated by the computer to a state where the player character 56 is operated by the user. It is determined whether or not an appropriate timing has arrived. For example, when a player character 56 selected by one or more users as an operation target candidate holds the ball 58, or a player character 56 selected by one or more users as an operation target candidate holds the ball 58. When it is predicted that a state will occur, it is determined that the timing has arrived.

  When the above timing has arrived, the operation target setting unit 82a changes the state of the player character 56 from the state in which the player character 56 is operated by the computer to the above-described selection result data (see FIG. 12) and priority data (see FIG. 14), the player character 56 is switched to a state in which the player character 56 is operated. When the player character 56 is selected as an operation target candidate by only one user, the operation target setting unit 82a sets the player character 56 as the operation target of the user. On the other hand, when the player character 56 is selected as an operation target candidate by a plurality of users, the operation target setting unit 82a selects the player character 56 based on the priority data from the plurality of users. Set as the operation target. For example, when a certain player character 56 is set as the operation target of the user B, the “operation target player ID” of the user B is updated to the player ID of the player character 56.

  The display control unit 84 displays a game screen 60 as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. In the case of this embodiment, a marker image is displayed in association with the player character 56 selected by one or more users as operation target candidates. The marker image is set based on the above-described selection result data (see FIG. 12) and priority data (see FIG. 14). For example, the display mode of the marker image displayed in association with the player character 56 selected by only one user as the operation target candidate is set to the display mode corresponding to the user. Moreover, the display mode of the marker image displayed in association with the player character 56 selected by the plurality of users as the operation target candidate is set based on the priorities of the plurality of users. The display mode of the marker image is, for example, the color, pattern, pattern, or shape of the marker image.

  For example, in the game screen 60 shown in FIG. 5, the marker image 64f is displayed at a position determined based on the position of the player character 56f selected only by the user A as the operation target candidate, and the color of the marker image 64f is the user A The color corresponding to is set. In addition, a marker image 64d is displayed at a position determined based on the position of the player character 56d selected by the users A, B, and C as operation target candidates, and the pattern of the marker image 64d is that of the users A, B, and C. It is set based on priority. Specifically, the marker image 64d corresponds to the partial area 70a having a display mode (color in the present embodiment) corresponding to the user A, the partial area 70b having a display mode corresponding to the user B, and the user C. And a partial region 70c having a display mode. The positions of the partial areas 70a, 70b, and 70c are determined based on the priority order of the users A, B, and C.

  Next, processing executed by the game apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart mainly showing processing related to the present invention among processing executed by each game device 10 every predetermined time (for example, 1/60 seconds) during a game. The microprocessor 14 executes the process shown in FIG. 15 according to the program stored in the optical disk 36. By executing the processing shown in FIG. 15, the game situation data update unit 82 and the display control unit 84 are realized.

  As shown in FIG. 15, first, the microprocessor 14 (game situation data update unit 82) updates the state data of the player character 56, the ball 58, and the virtual camera 59 (S201). For example, the state (for example, position and posture) of the player character 56 that is the operation target of the user A is updated based on the operation of the user A. Similarly, the state of the player character 56 that is the operation target of the user B is updated based on the operation of the user B, and the state of the player character 56 that is the operation target of the user C is based on the operation of the user C. Updated. The states of the other player characters 56, that is, the player characters 56 operated by the computer are updated based on a predetermined algorithm. Further, the state of the ball 58 (for example, the position and the moving direction) is updated. Further, the state (for example, position) of the virtual camera 59 is updated based on the position of the ball 58.

  Further, the microprocessor 14 (operation target setting unit 82a) updates the operation target data (S202). FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed in this step.

  As shown in FIG. 16, first, a player character 56 selected by one or more users as an operation target candidate and currently operated by a computer (hereinafter referred to as “player character X”). It is determined whether or not it is time to set the operation target of any user (S301). For example, it is determined that the timing has arrived when the player character X is in a state of holding the ball 58 or when it is predicted that the player character X is in a state of holding the ball 58. The case where the player character X is in a state of holding the ball 58 is, for example, a case where the distance between the current position of the player character X and the current position of the ball 58 is less than a predetermined distance. The case where the player character X is predicted to be in a state of holding the ball 58 is, for example, between the current position or future predicted position of the player character X and the future predicted position of the ball 58. This is a case where the distance is less than the predetermined distance.

  When it is determined that the timing has arrived, it is determined whether or not the player character X is selected as an operation target candidate by a plurality of users (S302). When the player character X is selected as an operation target candidate by a plurality of users, any one of the plurality of users is selected based on the priority data (S303). Specifically, the user with the highest priority among the plurality of users is selected. Then, the “operation target player ID” of the selected user is updated to the ID of the player character X (S304).

  On the other hand, when the player character X is not selected as an operation target candidate by a plurality of users, that is, when the player character X is selected as an operation target candidate by only one user, the “operation target player ID” of the user is selected. Is updated to the ID of the player character X (S305).

  After the operation target data update process is executed, the microprocessor 14 (game situation data update unit 82) executes the priority data update process. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, it is determined whether or not the player character 56 holding the ball 58 has changed to another player character 56 (S203). When it is determined that the player character 56 holding the ball 58 has changed to another player character 56, the player character 56 who newly holds the ball 58 is operated by any of the users A, B, and C. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (S204). When the player character 56 that newly holds the ball 58 is operated by any of the users A, B, and C, the priority data is updated so that the priority of the user becomes the lowest. (S205).

  After the priority data update process is executed, the microprocessor 14 (display control unit 84) updates the game screen 60 (S206).

  In this step, first, a visual field image representing a state in which the virtual three-dimensional space 50 is viewed from the virtual camera 59 is formed in the VRAM. At this time, in order to display the cursor images 62a to 62c on the game screen 60, the objects corresponding to the cursor images 62a, 62b, and 62c are the operation targets of the users A, B, and C, respectively, in the virtual three-dimensional space 50. Is placed above the player character 56. Further, in order to display the marker images 64a to 64f on the game screen 60, the objects corresponding to the marker images 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, and 64f are respectively player characters 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d, 56e, It is placed under the foot of 56f. The objects corresponding to the cursor images 62a to 62c and the marker images 64a to 64f are not arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space 50, but the cursor images 62a to 62c and the marker images 64a to 64 are formed on the visual field image formed on the VRAM. The cursor images 62a to 62c and the marker images 64a to 64f may be displayed on the game screen 60 by drawing 64f.

  A score screen and elapsed time are drawn on the image drawn on the VRAM, and the game screen 60 is formed on the VRAM. The game screen 60 formed on the VRAM is displayed on the monitor 32 at a predetermined timing.

  In the game device 10 described above, a player character 56 (that is, a player character 56 selected by one or more users as an operation target candidate) that may be operated by a user is in a state of being operated by a computer. The marker images (marker images 64d, 64e, 64f in FIG. 5) are displayed in association with the player character 56. When the state of the player character 56 changes from the state in which the player character 56 is operated by the computer to the state in which the player character 56 is operated by the user, which user the player character 56 is operated by Guided by the marker image. By referring to the marker image, the user operates the player character 56 when the player character 56 changes from a state operated by the computer to a state operated by the user. It will be possible to predict in advance.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.

  For example, as will be described below, the marker image is not limited to the mode illustrated in FIGS.

  For example, in the game screen 60 shown in FIG. 5, the color of the entire marker image 64d corresponds to the user with the highest priority among the users A, B, and C that have selected the player character 56d as the operation target candidate. You may make it set to. For example, when the priority order of the users A, B, and C is “B, A, C”, the color of the entire marker image 64d may be set to a color corresponding to the user B. The marker image 64d in this case is the same as the marker image 64b in FIG. Even in this way, the users A, B, and C can predict in advance which user will operate the player character 56d when the pass to the player character 56d is executed. For example, the user B can predict in advance that he / she will operate the player character 56d when a pass to the player character 56d is executed.

  For example, in the marker images 64d and 64e, the partial areas 70a to 70c may not be fan-shaped areas. That is, the partial areas 70a, 70b, and 70c may be set in a mode different from the modes illustrated in FIGS.

  For example, in the marker images 64d and 64e, the size of the partial area corresponding to the user may be set based on the priority order of the user. 17 and 18 are diagrams showing an example of the marker image 64d in this case. FIG. 17 shows an example of the marker 64d when the priority order of the users A, B, and C is “B, C, A”. In the marker image 64d shown in FIG. 17, the area of the partial area 70b of the user B with the highest priority is the largest, and the area of the partial area 70a of the user A with the lowest priority is the smallest. FIG. 18 shows an example of the marker 64d when the priority order of the users A, B, and C is “C, B, A”. In the marker image 64d shown in FIG. 17, the area of the partial area 70c of the user C having the highest priority is the largest.

  For example, in the marker images 64d and 64e, the display mode (for example, darkness or transparency) of the partial area corresponding to the user may be set based on the priority order of the user. For example, when the priority order of the users A, B, and C is “B, C, A”, the darkness of the partial area 70b corresponding to the user B with the highest priority is darker than the other partial areas 70a and 70c. It may be made to become. Further, the darkness of the partial area 70a corresponding to the user A having the lowest priority may be made lighter than the other partial areas 70b and 70c.

  For example, the marker image may be an image other than an ellipse. The marker image may be displayed at a position based on the position of the player character 56, and the marker image 64 may be displayed at a position other than the feet of the player character 56. For example, the marker image may be a balloon image. In this case, the marker image may be displayed near the face of the player character 56. In this case, the display mode of the marker image (for example, the content or shape of the balloon) is set based on the above selection result data (see FIG. 12) and priority data (see FIG. 13). Also good. For example, the content of the balloon of the marker image may indicate the user with the highest priority among the users who have selected the player character 56 corresponding to the marker image as the operation target candidate. Or, in a balloon of a marker image corresponding to the player character 56 selected as a candidate for operation by a plurality of users, characters indicating the priority order of the plurality of users, such as “B, C, A”, etc. A column may be displayed.

  Further, for example, the marker image may be displayed in association with only the player character 56 operated by the computer at that time among the player characters 56 selected by one or a plurality of users as operation target candidates. . That is, the marker image may not be displayed for the player character 56 that is the operation target of the users A, B, and C. For example, the marker images 64a, 64b, and 64c may not be displayed on the game screen 60 shown in FIG.

  Further, for example, instead of displaying the marker image, the display mode of the player character 56 itself may be changed. For example, on the game screen 60 shown in FIG. 5, the colors of the player characters 56a to 56f may be set based on the above-described selection result data (see FIG. 12) and priority data (see FIG. 14). . Specifically, the color of the player character 56f may be set based on the color corresponding to the user A who has selected the player character 56f as an operation target candidate. Further, the colors of the player characters 56d and 56e selected by the plurality of users as operation target candidates may be set based on the color corresponding to the user with the highest priority among the plurality of users. Good. Even in this case, the users A, B, and C can predict in advance which user will operate the player character 56 when a pass to any of the player characters 56d, 56e, and 56f is executed. It becomes like this. For example, the user B can predict in advance that he / she will operate the player character 56d when a pass to the player character 56d is executed.

  Further, for example, when a pass to the player character 56d is executed on the game screen 60 shown in FIG. 5, the user with the highest priority is selected from the users A, B, and C as the user operating the player character 56d. Instead, any one of the users A, B, and C may be selected based on the probability set based on the priority data. For example, when the priority order of the users A, B, and C is “B, C, A”, the probability of the users A, B, and C is the highest probability of the user B, and the probability of the user C is the second highest. The probability of the user A is set to be the lowest.

  For example, at least one user may not select an operation target candidate. For example, the users A and B may select the operation target candidate, and the user C may not select the operation target candidate. In this case, the operation target of the user C is switched among the player characters 56 that the users A and B have not selected as operation target candidates. That is, in this case, it is considered that the user C has selected the player character 56 that the users A and B did not select as the operation target candidates as the operation target candidates.

  Further, for example, selection of operation target candidates (S104 in FIG. 2) may be omitted. In this case, the operation targets of the users A, B, and C are switched among the player characters 56 belonging to the first team. That is, in this case, for example, when a pass to the player character 56 operated by the computer among the player characters 56 belonging to the first team is executed, the user A is selected as the user who operates the player character 56. , B, or C is selected based on the priority data.

  Further, for example, a game executed on the game apparatus 10 is not limited to a game that displays a three-dimensional game space constituted by three coordinate elements on a game screen. The game executed on the game apparatus 10 may be a game that displays a two-dimensional game space composed of two coordinate elements on a game screen. That is, the game executed on the game apparatus 10 may be a game in which the position of the ball, the player character, and the like are managed with two coordinate elements.

  For example, the soccer game may be a network soccer game in which users A, B, and C participate via a network. In this case, the configuration that provides the soccer game includes the game device of user A, the game device of user B, and the game device of user C, and any one of the user game devices functions as a game server device. It is good also as a simple structure. Or the structure which provides a soccer game is good also as a structure which contains a game server apparatus, the user A's game terminal, the user B's game terminal, and the user C's game terminal.

  Further, for example, the game executed on the game apparatus 10 may be a sports game other than a soccer game. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a basketball game played using a ball (moving object) and an ice hockey game played using a pack (moving object). The present invention can also be applied to games other than sports games. For example, the present invention can also be applied to an action game in which the state of a game character changes from a first state operated by a computer to a second state operated by any of a plurality of users.

It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the game device which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flow of a soccer game. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for a user to select an operation target candidate. It is a figure which shows an example of virtual three-dimensional space. It is a figure which shows an example of the game screen during a game. It is a figure for demonstrating a marker image. It is a figure for demonstrating a marker image. It is a figure which shows another example of the game screen during a game. It is a figure for demonstrating a marker image. It is a figure for demonstrating a marker image. It is a functional block diagram of a game device. It is a figure which shows an example of selection result data. It is a figure which shows an example of operation target data. It is a figure which shows an example of priority data. It is a flowchart which shows the process which a game device performs. It is a flowchart which shows the process which a game device performs. It is a figure for demonstrating a marker image. It is a figure for demonstrating a marker image.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Game device, 11 Home-use game machine, 12 bus | bath, 14 Microprocessor, 16 Main memory, 18 Image processing part, 20 Input / output processing part, 22 Sound processing part, 24 Optical disk reading part, 26 Hard disk, 28 Communication interface, 30 Controller, 32 Monitor, 34 Speaker, 36 Optical disc, 40 Selection screen, 42 Formation field, 44 Participant field, 46 Decision button, 50 Virtual 3D space, 52 Field, 54 Goals, 56, 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d, 56e, 56f, 56g Player character, 58 ball, 59 virtual camera, 60 game screen, 62a, 62b, 62c cursor image, 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f marker image, 70a, 70b, 70c partial area, 72, 74, 76, 78, 79 Fan-shaped area, 80 game data storage unit, 80a game situation data storage unit, 82 game situation data update unit, 82a operation target setting unit, 84 display control unit.

Claims (8)

In a game device that executes a game in which the state of a game character changes from a first state operated by a computer to a second state operated by any of a plurality of users,
Storage means for storing selection control data for selecting any of the plurality of users;
When the state of the game character changes from the first state to the second state, a setting for setting the game character as an operation target of a user selected from the plurality of users based on the selection control data Means,
Display control for setting a display mode of the game character or a display mode of a related image displayed in association with the game character when the state of the game character is the first state based on the selection control data Means,
A game apparatus comprising: The game device according to claim 1,
When the state of the game character is the first state, the display control means may change the display mode of the game character or the display mode of the related image displayed in association with the game character. A display mode corresponding to a user selected based on the selection control data. The game device according to claim 1,
The selection control data includes priority data indicating the priority of each of the plurality of users,
The display control means sets a display mode of the related image displayed in association with the game character when the state of the game character is the first state based on the selection control data,
The related image includes a partial region corresponding to each of the plurality of users;
The position, width, or display mode of the partial area is set based on the priority of the user corresponding to the partial area.
A game device characterized by that. In a control method of a game device that executes a game in which a state of a game character changes from a first state operated by a computer to a second state operated by any of a plurality of users,
Means for reading the storage content of the storage means, wherein the means for reading the storage content of the storage means stores selection control data for selecting any of the plurality of users;
Setting means, wherein when the state of the game character is changed to the second state from the first state, the game character, a user operation to be selected based on the selected control data from among the plurality of users A setting step to set the target;
Based on the selection control data, the display control means determines a display mode of the game character or a display mode of a related image displayed in association with the game character when the game character is in the first state. Display control steps to be set,
A method for controlling a game device, comprising: A program for causing a computer to function as a game device that executes a game in which the state of a game character changes from a first state operated by a computer to a second state operated by any of a plurality of users. And
Means for reading storage contents of storage means for storing selection control data for selecting any of the plurality of users;
When the state of the game character changes from the first state to the second state, a setting for setting the game character as an operation target of a user selected from the plurality of users based on the selection control data Means and
Display control for setting a display mode of the game character or a display mode of a related image displayed in association with the game character when the state of the game character is the first state based on the selection control data means,
A program for causing the computer to function as In a game device that executes a game in which the state of a game character changes from a first state operated by a computer to a second state operated by any of a plurality of users,
Storage means for storing selection control data for selecting any of the plurality of users;
When the state of the game character changes from the first state to the second state, a setting for setting the game character as an operation target of a user selected from the plurality of users based on the selection control data Means,
In the game screen when the state of the game character is the first state, the game character is set as an operation target of the plurality of users when the state of the game character changes to the second state. Display control means for displaying guidance based on the selection control data ;
A game apparatus comprising: In a control method of a game device that executes a game in which a state of a game character changes from a first state operated by a computer to a second state operated by any of a plurality of users,
Means for reading the storage content of the storage means, wherein the means for reading the storage content of the storage means stores selection control data for selecting any of the plurality of users;
Setting means, wherein when the state of the game character is changed to the second state from the first state, the game character, a user operation to be selected based on the selected control data from among the plurality of users A setting step to set the target;
When the display control means changes the game character state to the second state on the game screen when the game character state is the first state, the game character is selected from any of the plurality of users. A display control step of guiding and displaying whether the operation target is set based on the selection control data ;
A method for controlling a game device, comprising: A program for causing a computer to function as a game device that executes a game in which the state of a game character changes from a first state operated by a computer to a second state operated by any of a plurality of users. And
Means for reading the stored contents of the storage means for storing selection control data for selecting any of the plurality of users;
When the state of the game character changes from the first state to the second state, a setting for setting the game character as an operation target of a user selected from the plurality of users based on the selection control data Means and
In the game screen when the state of the game character is the first state, the game character is set as an operation target of the plurality of users when the state of the game character changes to the second state. Display control means for displaying guidance based on the selection control data ,
A program for causing the computer to function as

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