JP5758438B2 - Server system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a server system.

  Conventionally, a network game system (online game system) configured by connecting a plurality of game terminals to a server system via a communication network is known as one form of game. In a network game (online game system), in a server system, a matching process for combining an arbitrary number of players among currently connected players is performed, and a game in which the same game space is shared by the matched players is created. (For example, refer patent document 1).

JP 2006-43099 A

  In the network game as described above, there is always a waiting time until matching is completed. Therefore, development and research have been conducted on how matching can reduce the waiting time for matching. As one of the methods, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, priority is given to shortening the waiting time for matching, and a method of matching even if the matching condition is not satisfied is considered. However, this method does not achieve matching that satisfies the matching condition. Also, each person feels that the waiting time for matching is long and short, and it is not just a matter of reducing the waiting time. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to realize a new technique for solving the problem of matching waiting time in a network game system.

The first invention for solving the above-described problems is
A server system (for example, server system 30 in FIG. 1) that is connected to a game terminal for communication,
Storage means (for example, player DB 441 in FIG. 5) that stores the player character of each player in association with the parameter value of the player character that is changed as the game progresses;
Login processing means (for example, the player management unit 421 in FIG. 4) for performing login processing of a new player by performing predetermined communication with the game terminal;
A large number of player characters are arranged in the first game space to execute a first online game (for example, “MMORPG” in the embodiment) which is a participation type multiplayer online game. The parameter value of the player character is updated in accordance with the progress of the game, and when a new login process is performed by the login processing unit, the player character of the new player subjected to the login process is read from the storage unit. A first game processing means (for example, the MMORPG management unit 422 in FIG. 4) arranged in the first game space and causing the new player to participate in the first multiplayer online game;
Matching processing means (for example, the matching server 50 in FIG. 1) that executes matching processing for searching for players that can be matched and creating a group based on given matching conditions;
A player character of each player of the group created by the matching processing means is lost from the first game space, and a second character set for each group in which only the player characters of the players of the group exist as player characters. Second game processing means for executing processing relating to a second multiplayer online game (for example, “MORPG” in the embodiment) in the game space and updating the parameter value of the player character in accordance with the progress of the game (For example, MORPG management unit 423 in FIG. 4);
Is a server system.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, the player character of the new player who has been logged in is placed in the first game space, and the new player participates in the first online game that is a participatory multiplayer online game. Let In addition, based on a given matching condition, a matching process is performed in which players that can be matched are searched for to create a group, and the player characters of each player in the created group are lost from the first game space. A second multiplayer / online game is executed in the second game space set for each group in which only the player characters of the players in the group exist as player characters. That is, the new player who has logged in first enters the second game in which the player character exists when the player character is placed in the first game world and participates in the first online game and a group is created by the matching process. A second online game in space will be played. Thus, the player can enjoy the game without worrying about the time until the group is created by the matching process (matching waiting time). Further, the parameter value of the player character is updated according to the progress of the first online game, and is also updated according to the progress of the second online game. As a result, the first online game can be enjoyed as a game related to each other, not simply a game for killing time before the transition to the second online game. Can be solved in a simple way.

The second invention is the server system of the first invention,
Transition inquiry means for inquiring whether or not to allow the transition from the first online game to the second online game to each game terminal of each player of the group created by the matching processing means (for example, “matching completion notification”) (For example, the player management unit 421 in FIG. 4),
The second game processing means executes processing related to the second online game by players who have obtained an acceptance response as a result of the inquiry by the transfer inquiry means (for example, “notification of transfer request” in the embodiment). ,
It is a server system.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, the game terminal of each player in the group created by the matching process is inquired about whether or not to shift from the first online game to the second online game, and the result of the inquiry Then, the second online game is executed by the players who have obtained an acceptance answer. That is, the second online game is executed by players who wish to move to the second online game among the players of the group created by the matching process. That is, it is possible to determine at the player's will whether to play the second online game in the matched group.

The third invention is the server system of the second invention,
As a result of the inquiry by the transfer inquiry means, the first game processing means continues to have the player character of the player who has not received an acceptance answer (for example, “transfer approval / disapproval notification” in the embodiment) in the first game space. And a server system that executes the first online game.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the player character of the player who has not received an acceptance response as a result of the inquiry as to whether or not to allow the transition from the first online game to the second online game continues to exist in the first game space. Then, the first online game is executed. That is, for the player who does not wish to move to the second online game, the first online game can be played as it is.

A fourth invention is the server system of any one of the first to third inventions,
Matching condition storage means (for example, a matching request list 452 in FIG. 6) for receiving and storing the matching conditions of each player logged in by the login processing means from the game terminal;
The matching processing means searches for players that can be matched based on the matching conditions stored in the matching condition storage means, and executes matching processing.
It is a server system.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the matching conditions for each of the players who have been logged in are received and stored from the game terminal, and the matching process is executed based on the stored matching conditions. As a result, for example, based on the matching condition input by the player, the matching process is executed to create a group.

The fifth invention is the server system of the fourth invention,
A waiting time managing means (for example, matching request list 452 in FIG. 6) for managing the waiting time of matching by the matching processing means for each player;
A request is made to change the matching condition of the player stored in the matching condition storage unit to the player terminal of the player whose waiting time has reached a certain time (for example, “matching condition change request” in the embodiment). Condition change request means (for example, the player management unit 421 in FIG. 4),
Condition change for changing the matching condition stored in the matching condition storage means of the corresponding player based on a response signal to the request by the matching condition change request means (for example, “matching condition re-notification” in the embodiment) Means (for example, the player management unit 421 in FIG. 4);
Is a server system.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the matching waiting time is managed for each player, and a request for changing the matching condition of the player is made to the player terminal of the player whose waiting time has reached a certain time. Based on the response signal to the change request, the matching condition of the corresponding player is changed. In other words, a change of the matching condition is requested to a player whose matching is not established even after a certain period of time, and the matching condition is changed. Accordingly, it is possible to promptly create a group by matching processing and shift the player from the first online game to the second online game.

The sixth invention is the server system of the fourth invention,
A waiting time managing means for managing a waiting time for matching by the matching processing means for each player;
The matching condition storage means stores a predetermined number of matching conditions prioritized as the matching conditions for each player,
The matching processing means executes the matching process by switching the matching conditions of the player that are prioritized and stored in the matching condition storage means according to the waiting time managed by the waiting time managing means. ,
It is a server system.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the matching waiting time is managed for each player, and a predetermined number of matching conditions prioritized as matching conditions for each player are stored and managed. Accordingly, the matching process is executed by switching the matching conditions of the players stored in the prioritized order. That is, the prioritized matching conditions are switched according to the matching waiting time. Thus, for example, when the waiting time for matching reaches a predetermined time, the matching condition is switched according to the priority order, so that a group is quickly created by matching processing, and the player is changed from the first online game to the second online game. It is possible to migrate.

A seventh invention is the server system of any one of the first to sixth inventions,
The server system further includes billing processing means for starting a billing process target period for each player's game play when the player starts executing the second online game.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the billing process target period for the game play of each player is started when the second online game of the player is started. That is, a charge is made for the execution of the second online game.

The eighth invention is the server system of the third invention,
For each player, for a player whose answer to the inquiry by the migration inquiry means is an acceptance answer, the player starts the billing process period for the game play with the start of execution of the second online game of the player. The server system further includes billing processing means for starting a billing process target period for the player who is not an accepted answer.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, for each player, for a player whose answer to the inquiry about permission to shift from the first online game to the second online game is an acceptable answer, The billing process target period for game play is started at the start of execution, and for a player who is not an acceptance answer, the billing process target period is started with the answer. In other words, when a group is created by the matching process, each player of the created group either shifts to the second online game or continues the first online game, but in any case From that point on, it will be charged.

The block diagram of a game system. Explanatory drawing of the communication connection in a game system. The functional block diagram of a game terminal. The function block diagram of a game server. The data structural example of player DB. The data structural example of a matching request list. Data structure example of matching DB. The data structural example of matching data for player battles. Data structure example of matching data for enemy character battles. The functional block diagram of a matching server. 7 is a data configuration example of a player battle waiting player list. The data structural example of the waiting player list for enemy character battles. The flowchart of a game process. The flowchart of a game management process. The flowchart of a matching process.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where the present invention is applied to a network game system (online game system) will be described, but embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited thereto.

[Game system]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a game system 1 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 is a network game system including a game terminal 20, a server system 30, and a player terminal 60. Game terminal 20 and server system 30 are communicably connected via communication line N1. The server system 30 and the player terminal 60 are communicably connected via a communication line N2. Here, the communication lines N1 and N2 mean communication paths through which data can be exchanged. That is, the communication line N is meant to include a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet in addition to a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection and a LAN using Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication method may be wired / wireless. The communication lines N1 and N2 may be different communication networks or the same communication network.

  The game terminal 20 is a terminal device that is installed in a store such as a game center and allows a player to play a game, and is realized by, for example, a business game device. In the present embodiment, the game terminal 20 has two types of games, MMORPG (Massively Multi-player Online Role-Playing Game) and MORPG (Multi-player Online Role-Playing Game), which are types of network games (online games). Done.

  Also, in the game system 1 of the present embodiment, the game card 10 is owned and registered in the game system 1 so that play data such as player characters and items held can be held, which game at which store The terminal 20 can also enjoy a game play using its own original player character. Of course, the game play can be performed without using the game card 10. Here, the game card 10 is provided to the player in advance by sales or the like, and is realized by, for example, an IC card incorporating an IC chip in which a unique card ID is stored.

  The server system 30 is installed and managed on the management company side of the game system 1 and is realized using a known server computer. The server system 30 includes a game server 40 and a matching server 50. Note that the game server 40 and the matching server 50 may be configured as independent servers or may be configured as the same server.

  The game server 40 manages games (MMORPG and MORPG) played in the game system 1. “MMORPG” is a participatory multiplayer online game that can be enjoyed by operating hundreds or thousands of players operating their own player characters in a game world that always exists. This participation / exit in MMORPG is possible at an arbitrary timing. In addition, “MORPG” is a multiplayer / online game that can be enjoyed in a game world in which each group composed of a relatively small number of players (several to about a dozen players) is independent of each other. When a game in a group ends, the corresponding game world is deleted.

  The matching server 50 performs a matching process for forming a group by combining players so as to satisfy a matching condition for MORPG.

  The player terminal 60 is a terminal device for the player to receive services provided from the server system 30, and is, for example, a mobile phone or a PC owned by the player. Specifically, the player terminal 60 can browse the player data of the player managed by the server system 30 by starting a browser program and accessing a homepage established by a game operating company. it can.

[Game Overview]
The outline of the network game in this embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, two types of games, MMORPG and MORPG, can be enjoyed. In each game, a common player character is used. This player character belongs to one of two predetermined forces A and B. The power to which the player belongs is determined when the player character is generated.

  Specifically, when logging into the game system 1, first, it participates in MMORPG. In this MMORPG, in a game world common to all players, the player character is operated to enjoy the game. In this MMORPG, a large-scale interpersonal battle of a group-to-group where players of two powers battle each other is performed. Thereafter, when the matching for MORPG is completed, the user exits from MMORPG and joins (transfers) to MORPG. In MORPG, a player (group) formed by players of a predetermined number (for example, several people) of the same power play a “player battle” in which a group of other powers battles or a computer-controlled enemy. Enjoy "Enemy Character Battle" against the character. Further, the player characters are common in the two game worlds (MMORPG and MORPG). That is, the player character of the player moves from the MMORPG game world to MORPG as it is. And the play result in each game is reflected in the character parameters such as increase / decrease in physical fitness value and acquired experience value.

  In the present embodiment, the connection form between the game server 40 and the game terminal 20 in the game system 1 is different between MMORPG and MORPG.

  FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a system configuration during execution of MMORPG. As shown in FIG. 5A, in MMORPG, game terminals 20 of all players participating in the MMORPG are connected to a game server 40 that manages the game world. And each game terminal 20 communicates with the game server 40, and MMORPG is implement | achieved.

  FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a system configuration during execution of MORPG. As shown in FIG. 6B, in MORPG, one of the matched game terminals 20 has a “host” function, and the other game terminal 20 becomes a “client” and is a host. The system configuration is such that each game terminal 20 as a client is connected to the game terminal 20 for communication. In other words, each matched game terminal 20 is independent of the game server 40 and is realized by a peer-to-peer direct connection of two game terminals 20, that is, a host and a client. Each game terminal 20 as a client communicates with the game terminal 20 as a host, thereby realizing MORPG. Specifically, the operation information input at each game terminal 20 of the client is once aggregated to the game terminal 20 of the host and then distributed from the game terminal 20 of the host to each game terminal 20 of the client. The progress of the game is synchronized. At this time, computer-controlled character control data is also generated by the game terminal 20 of the host and distributed to each game terminal 20 of the client. It should be noted that the host game terminal 20 also realizes a client function and plays a role of two.

[Game terminal]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game terminal 20. According to the figure, the game terminal 20 functionally includes an operation input unit 211, a card reader / writer 212, a processing unit 220, an image display unit 213, a sound output unit 214, and a communication unit 215. The coin detection unit 216 and the storage unit 230 are provided.

  The operation input unit 211 receives an operation instruction from the player and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the processing unit 220. This function is realized by, for example, a button switch, a lever, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, and various sensors.

  The card reader / writer 212 reads the card data 12 recorded on the inserted game card 10, outputs the read data to the processing unit 220, and in accordance with a write instruction from the processing unit 220, the card of the game card 10 Data 12 is updated. The card data 12 includes the card ID of the game card 10, the player ID and player name of the owner player, the player character data, and the like.

  Based on the program and data read from the storage unit 230, the operation signal input from the operation input unit 211, the data read by the card reader / writer 212, and the like, the processing unit 220 controls the entire game terminal 20 and the game. Various arithmetic processes such as progress and image generation are performed. This function is realized by, for example, an arithmetic device such as a CPU (CISC type or RISC type), an ASIC (gate array or the like), or a control program thereof. The processing unit 220 mainly includes a game calculation unit 221 that performs calculation processing related to game execution, an image generation unit 223 that generates a game image based on various data obtained by the processing of the game calculation unit 221, and And a sound generator 224 that generates game sounds such as sound effects and BGM.

  The game calculation unit 221 performs game processing according to the game program 231. In this game process, MMORPG and MORPG are performed by communicating with the game server 40 or another game terminal 20.

  Specifically, when logging in to the game system 1, first, a matching condition in MORPG is selected according to the player's operation instruction input from the operation input unit 211. The matching condition includes “match type” and “match condition”. The battle type is either “player battle” against a player group or “enemy character battle” against a computer-controlled enemy group, depending on the battle type. “Condition” and “opposition group condition”, and if it is an enemy character battle, “self group condition” and “enemy character condition”.

  The own group condition is a condition of a group including the own player character. Specifically, the own group condition includes a level close to the own player character (for example, the level difference is within ± 1), or the average level of the own group is predetermined. This is a condition relating to the level of the player character such as the level or higher, and a condition relating to the occupation of the player character such as including a player character having the same occupation as the player character. Further, the opponent group condition is a condition of a player group (an opponent group) of another group that fights against the own group. Specifically, the average level is close to the average level of the own group (for example, the average level difference is ± 2). Or the like regarding the player character level, or a condition relating to the occupation of the player character such that a player of the same occupation as the player character is included. The enemy character condition is a condition of an enemy character that battles with the own group. Specifically, the enemy character condition is a condition related to the character level such that the level of each enemy character is equal to or lower than the average level of the own group. These matching conditions are inputted by selecting one of a plurality of predetermined options, for example.

  Next, the selected matching condition is notified to the game server 40 together with the terminal ID and installation store ID of the game terminal 20 and the card ID and player ID read from the game card. Also, the MMORPG process for executing the MMORPG by communicating with the game server 40 is started.

  Then, when a matching completion notification in response to the matching request is received from the game server 40, whether to shift to MORPG is selected according to the operation instruction of the player input from the operation input unit 211. If transitioning to MORPG, a “notification of transition” is transmitted to the game server 40, and then communication with other game terminals 20 is performed based on the matching data transmitted from the game server 40, and MORPG is transmitted. The MORPG process to be executed is performed. On the other hand, if the transition to MORPG is not made, a “migration rejection notice” is transmitted to the game server 40. Then, after a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed since the reception of the matching completion notification, the MMORPG process is terminated.

  Based on the image signal from the image generation unit 223, the image display unit 213 displays a game screen while redrawing an image of one frame every 1/60 seconds, for example. This function is realized by a display device such as a CRT, LCD, ELD, or PDP. The sound output unit 214 outputs game sounds such as BGM and sound effects based on the sound signal from the sound generation unit 224. This function is realized by a speaker, for example.

  The communication unit 215 is connected to the communication line N1 according to a control signal from the processing unit 220, and performs data communication with an external device (the server system 30 or another game terminal 20). This function is realized by a wireless communication module, TA, router, wired communication cable jack, control circuit, and the like. The coin detection unit 216 detects the type and number of coins (coins) inserted as game consideration and outputs a detection signal to the processing unit 220.

  The storage unit 230 stores a system program for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 220 to control the game terminal 20 in an integrated manner, a program and data for realizing various functions in the present embodiment, and the like. Are used as a work area of the processing unit 220, and temporarily store calculation results executed by the processing unit 220 according to various programs, input data from the operation input unit 211, and the like. This function is realized by, for example, various IC memories, hard disks, MO, ROM, RAM, and the like. In the present embodiment, the game unit 231 is stored in the storage unit 230, and the terminal ID 232 of the game terminal 20 and the store ID 233 of the installation store are stored.

[Game server]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game server 40. According to the figure, the game server 40 functionally includes an operation unit 411, a processing unit 420, a display unit 412, a communication unit 413, and a storage unit 430.

  The operation unit 411 receives an operation instruction from the administrator of the game server 40 and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation instruction to the processing unit 420. This function is realized by, for example, a button switch, lever, keyboard, mouse, touch panel, various sensors, and the like.

  The processing unit 420 receives a program or data stored in the storage unit 430, an operation signal input from the operation unit 411, or an external device (mainly, the game terminal 20 or the matching server 50) via the communication unit 413. Based on the data and the like, overall control of the game server 40 is performed. This function is realized, for example, by an arithmetic device such as a CPU (CISC type or RISC type), ASIC (gate array, etc.) or a control program thereof. In the present embodiment, the processing unit 420 includes a player management unit 421, a MMORPG management unit 422, and a MORPG management unit 423.

  The player management unit 421 manages players registered in the game system 1 using the player DB 441.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the player DB 441. As illustrated in FIG. According to the figure, the player DB 441 is composed of a plurality of player data 442 for each registered player. The player data 442 stores a player ID 442a and a player name 442b of the corresponding player, a card ID 442c of the game card 10 owned, an affiliated power 442d, and player character data 443. The player character data 443 stores a player character's character ID 443a and character name 443b, a level 443c, an experience value 443d, and an occupation 443e.

  Further, when receiving the “matching condition notification” from the game terminal 20, the player management unit 421 transmits a “matching request” based on the matching condition to the matching server 50. If a matching result is not received from the matching server 50 even after a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed from this matching request, the game terminal 20 of the corresponding player is informed of the match condition. Send a “match condition change request” requesting a change.

  Data about the requested matching is stored in the matching request list 452. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the matching request list 452. According to the figure, the matching request list 452 includes a requesting date 452a, a player ID 452b and a player name 452c, a store 452d, and a terminal ID 452e of the game terminal 20 for each matching request made to the matching server 50. And the matching condition 452f are stored in association with each other. The matching condition 452f includes a battle type and a battle condition.

  In addition, the player management unit 421 manages the transition of each player from MMORPG to MORPG. Specifically, based on the matching result from the matching server 50, “matching completion notification” that asks each matching game terminal 20 whether or not to move (participate) to MORPG because matching is completed. Send. Next, in response to this notification, a “transition request notification” indicating the transition to MORPG or a “transition refusal notification” indicating that the transition to MORPG is not received is received from each game terminal 20.

  When the transfer request / permission / rejection notification is received from each game terminal 20, the matching is determined in the game terminals 20 except the game terminal 20 that has transmitted the transfer rejection notification among the matched game terminals 20. Subsequently, one game terminal 20 is selected from the game terminals 20 whose matching has been confirmed, and determined as “host”. Here, the host may be any game terminal 20, but for example, it is assumed that the game terminal 20 that received the “migration notice” first is received first. Then, matching data including data such as a terminal ID and a communication address of each matched game terminal 20, its player, and host is transmitted to each game terminal 20 in which matching is confirmed.

  Data about the confirmed matching is stored in the matching DB 461. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the matching DB 461. The matching DB 461 is matching data for each established match, including player game matching data 462 for “player battle” matching and enemy character battle matching data 464 for “enemy character battle” matching. It consists of.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the player battle matching data 462. According to the figure, the matching data for player battle 462 includes a matching ID 462a for identifying the matching, a battle field ID 462b for the battle stage, and player group data 463 for each of the player groups of the forces A and B that battle each other. And store. The player group data 463 stores, for each player included in the group, a player ID 463a and a player name 463b, a store 463c where the game is played, a terminal ID 463d of the game terminal 20, and a host flag 463e in association with each other. Yes. The host flag 463e is a flag that specifies whether or not the game terminal 20 is a host. One of the matched game terminals 20 of the powers A and B is a host, and the other is a client.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the enemy character battle matching data 464. According to the figure, the enemy character battle matching data 464 stores a matching ID 464a for identifying the matching, a battle field 464b, player group data 465, and enemy group data 466. The enemy group data 466 is data of an enemy group that competes with the player group, and stores a group ID 466a of the enemy group, a character ID 466b of the enemy character included, and a character name 466c in association with each other.

  The MMORPG management unit 422 controls the MMORPG. Specifically, by constructing one game world that always exists, communicating with each participating game terminal 20 and arranging and controlling the player character of the player of the game terminal 20 in the game world, MMORPG at each game terminal 20 is controlled. Here, the players participating in the MMORPG are stored in the MMORPG participating player list 451.

  The MORPG management unit 423 controls MORPG. Specifically, the game terminals 20 for which matching is established by the matching server 50 are connected to each other to establish a common game world, and RPG (MORPG) in this game world is executed.

  The display unit 412 displays a display screen based on the display signal from the processing unit 420. This function is realized by a display device such as a CRT, LCD, ELD, or PDP. The communication unit 413 is connected to the communication lines N1 and N2 according to a control signal from the processing unit 420, and performs data communication with external devices (mainly, the game terminal 20 and the matching server 50). This function is realized by a wireless communication module, TA, router, wired communication cable jack, control circuit, and the like.

  The storage unit 430 stores a system program for causing the processing unit 420 to control the game server 40 in an integrated manner, a program and data for realizing various functions in the present embodiment, and the work area of the processing unit 420. And temporarily stores the calculation results executed by the processing unit 420 according to various programs, input data from the operation unit 411, and the like. This function is realized by, for example, an IC memory, hard disk, MO, RAM, VRAM, CD-ROM, or the like. In the present embodiment, the game management program 431 is stored as a program in the storage unit 430, and the player DB 441, the matching request list 452, the MMORPG participating player list 451, and the matching DB 461 are stored as data. .

[Matching server]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the matching server 50. According to the figure, the matching server 50 is functionally configured to include an operation unit 511, a processing unit 520, a display unit 512, a communication unit 513, and a storage unit 530.

  The operation unit 511 receives an operation instruction from the administrator of the matching server 50 and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation instruction to the processing unit 520. This function is realized by, for example, a button switch, lever, keyboard, mouse, touch panel, various sensors, and the like.

  The processing unit 520 is based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 530, operation signals input from the operation unit 511, data received from an external device (mainly, the game server 40) via the communication unit 513, and the like. Thus, overall control of the matching server 50 is performed. This function is realized, for example, by an arithmetic device such as a CPU (CISC type or RISC type), ASIC (gate array, etc.) or a control program thereof. In the present embodiment, the processing unit 520 includes a matching unit 521.

  In response to the matching request from the game server 40, the matching unit 521 matches the game terminal 20 so as to satisfy the requested matching condition. Specifically, when a matching request is received from the game server 40, the requested match type is determined.

  If the battle type is “player battle”, the corresponding player is added to the player battle waiting player list 542. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the player battle waiting player list 542. According to the figure, the waiting list for player battle 542 includes, for each of the powers A and B, a player ID 542a and a player name 542b of each waiting player, a store 542c playing the game, and a terminal ID 542d of the game terminal 20. , The battle condition 542e is stored in association with each other. The battle condition 542e is the own group condition and the opponent group condition.

  The matching unit 521 generates a group candidate composed of a predetermined number (for example, 5 to 10 players) of waiting players so as to satisfy the own group condition of each waiting player for each of the forces A and B. Here, one waiting player may be included in different group candidates. Then, among the generated group candidates for each power, a combination that is a combination of different group candidates and satisfies the opponent group condition of each player is selected, and matching is established.

  If the requested battle type is “enemy character battle”, the matching unit 521 adds the corresponding player to the enemy character battle waiting player list 543. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of the enemy character battle waiting player list 543. According to the figure, the waiting player list 543 for the enemy character battle includes, for each of the powers A and B, the player ID 543a and the player name 543b of each waiting player, the terminal ID 543d of the store 543c and the game terminal 20, and the battle condition 543e. Are stored in association with each other. The battle condition 543e is the own group condition and the enemy character condition.

  The matching unit 521 generates a group candidate composed of a predetermined number (for example, 5 to 10) waiting players so that each waiting player's own group condition is satisfied with respect to the affiliation power of the player. Next, a combination of each of the generated group candidates and the enemy group that satisfies the enemy character condition of each player is selected to establish matching. The “enemy group” is a group composed of one or a plurality of enemy characters, and is determined in advance in the enemy character DB 541. When the matching is established, a matching result including data of each matched game terminal 20, its installation store, player, enemy group, etc. is transmitted to each matched game terminal 20.

  The display unit 512 displays a display screen based on the display signal from the processing unit 520. This function is realized by a display device such as a CRT, LCD, ELD, or PDP. The communication unit 513 is connected to the communication lines N1 and N2 according to a control signal from the processing unit 520, and performs data communication with an external device (mainly the game server 40). This function is realized by a wireless communication module, TA, router, wired communication cable jack, control circuit, and the like.

  The storage unit 530 stores a system program for causing the processing unit 520 to control the matching server 50 in an integrated manner, a program and data for realizing various functions in the present embodiment, and the work area of the processing unit 520. And temporarily stores the calculation results executed by the processing unit 520 according to various programs, input data from the operation unit 511, and the like. This function is realized by, for example, an IC memory, hard disk, MO, RAM, VRAM, CD-ROM, or the like. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 530 stores a matching program 531 as a program, and stores an enemy character DB 541, a player battle waiting player list 542, and an enemy character battle waiting player list 543 as data. Is done.

[Process flow]
(A) Game Processing FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of game processing in the game terminal 20. According to the figure, the game calculation unit 221 first performs a login process (step A1). This login process is a process of reading card data recorded on the inserted game card 10 and requesting the game server 40 to authenticate the player based on the read card ID and player ID.

  When the login process is completed and a predetermined game value is input (step A3), a matching condition in MORPG is then selected in accordance with an input instruction from the player (step A5). That is, a battle type (player battle / enemy character battle) is selected, and then battle conditions (own group condition, opponent group condition, enemy character condition) corresponding to the selected battle type are selected. Then, the selected matching condition is notified to the game server 40 together with the own game terminal ID, the installation store ID, the card ID read from the game card 10 and the player ID (step A7).

  Thereafter, the communication with the game server 40 is performed to start the MMORPG process and participate in the MMORPG (step A9). When a “matching condition change request” is received from the game server 40 while participating in MMORPG (step A11: YES), the game calculation unit 221 selects whether or not to change the current matching condition in accordance with an input instruction from the player. . If the matching condition is to be changed (step A13: YES), the matching condition is changed according to the player's operation input (step A15). The change of the matching condition includes a change of the battle type and the battle condition. Then, the changed matching condition is notified again to the game server 40 (step A17).

  Further, when the “matching completion notification” is received from the game server 40 (step A19: YES), it is determined whether or not to move to MORPG according to the input instruction of the player. If shifting to MORPG (step A21: YES), a “notification of transfer request” is transmitted to the game server 40 (step A27). Next, the matching data transmitted from the game server 40 is received (step A29).

  Subsequently, based on the received matching data, it is determined whether the game terminal 20 is a “host” or a “client”, and a communication connection with another matched game terminal 20 is established (step). A31). Then, after exiting the MMORPG process and exiting the MMORGP process (step A33), the MORPG process is performed by communicating with the other matched game terminals 20, and the start point of the MORPG process is It is set as the start time of the chargeable period for the game play (step A35). When the MORPG process is completed, the game server 40 is notified of the play result of the MORPG (step A37).

  On the other hand, if it does not shift to MORPG (step A21: NO), the game calculation unit 221 transmits a “migration rejection notice” to the game server 40 (step A23). Then, assuming that the time when the matching completion notification is received is the start time of the chargeable period, and the elapsed time from that time reaches a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) (step A25: YES), it is determined that the chargeable period ends. Then, the MMORPG process is terminated and the MMORPG is exited.

  When the MMORPG process / MORPG process is completed, the play result is displayed on the image display unit 213 (step A39), the card data of the game card 10 is updated based on the play result (step A41), and the game card 10 is discharged. (Step A43). When the above processing is performed, the game processing is terminated.

(B) Game Management Process FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the game management process in the game server 40. According to the figure, when a new player logs in (step B1: YES), the player management unit 421 receives a “matching condition notification” transmitted from the corresponding game terminal 20 (step B3), and this matching condition. A “matching request” based on this is transmitted to the matching server 50 (step B5).

  If a “matching result” is received from the matching server 50 (step B7: YES), a “matching completion notification” is transmitted to each corresponding game terminal 20 (step B9). Then, the “migration request / rejection notification” to MMORPG transmitted from each of these game terminals 20 is received (step B11).

  Next, out of the matched game terminals 20, the game terminal 20 that has transmitted the “migration rejection notice” is excluded and the matching is confirmed (step B13), and one host is determined from the game terminals 20 that have confirmed the matching. (Step B15). Then, the matching data is transmitted to each game terminal 20 that has confirmed matching (step B17).

  Further, the player management unit 421 determines whether or not there is a “matching request” that has passed a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) from transmission to the matching server 50, and if there is (step B19: YES), A “matching condition change request” is transmitted to the game terminal 20 corresponding to the matching request (step B21).

  When the MMORPG process in the game terminal 20 is completed (step B23), the player data 442 of the corresponding player is updated (step B25). When the MORPG play result is received from the game terminal 20 (step B27: YES), the player data 442 of the corresponding player is updated (step B29). If the above process is performed, it will return to step B1 and will repeat the same process.

(C) Matching Process FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the matching process in the matching server 50. According to the figure, if a “matching request” is received from the game server 40 (step C1: YES), the matching unit 521 first determines whether the corresponding player already exists in the waiting player list and exists. If so (step C3: YES), the player is deleted from the waiting player list (step C5).

  Next, the match type of the requested matching condition is determined. If it is “player battle” (step C7: “player battle”), the player is added to the player battle waiting player list of the affiliated power (step C9). . Subsequently, all group candidates that satisfy the own group condition of each waiting player are generated for the power (step C11). Similarly, all group candidates that satisfy the player's own player condition for each waiting player are also generated for the opponent power (step C13). If one or more group candidates can be generated for each power (step C15: YES), a combination that satisfies the opponent group condition of each player is selected from the combinations of group candidates of different powers (step C17). If one or more combinations can be selected (step C19: YES), one combination is selected from the selected combinations, and matching is established (step C21). Then, the established matching result is transmitted to the game server 40 (step C35). Further, the matched players in each group are deleted from the waiting player list (step C37).

  On the other hand, if the battle type is “enemy character battle” (step C7: “enemy character battle”), the matching unit 521 adds the player to the enemy character battle waiting player list of the affiliated power (step C23). Next, with respect to the power, all group candidates that satisfy the own group condition of each waiting player are generated (step C25). If one or more group candidates can be generated (step C27: YES), a combination that satisfies the enemy character condition of each player is selected from all the combinations of the generated group candidates and the enemy groups (step S27). C29). If one or more combinations can be selected (step C31: YES), one combination is selected from the selected combinations, and matching is established (step C33). Then, the established matching result is transmitted to the game server 40 (step C35). Further, the players of the matched group are deleted from the waiting player list (step C37). Then, it returns to step C1 and repeats the same process.

[Action / Effect]
Thus, according to the present embodiment, the game system 1 performs the first online game MMORPG and the second online game MORPG. That is, when a player logs in to the game system 1 at the game terminal 20, first, he participates in MMORPG. At the same time, matching processing for MORPG is performed so as to satisfy the set matching condition, and when matching is completed, the MORPG that is currently participating shifts to MORPG. At this time, the player character is common in the two game worlds, and the player character moves directly from the MMORPG game world to the MORPG game world. Thereby, the player can enjoy the game without worrying about the time until the match is established and the process shifts to MORPG. Also, the player character parameter values are common to both MMORPG and MORPG games. Thereby, it can be enjoyed as a game related to each other, not just a game for killing time before MMORPG shifts to the second MORPG.

[Modification]
It should be noted that embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

(A) Matching condition For example, in the above-described embodiment, the battle condition of the matching condition is the level and occupation of the player character, but other conditions may be used. For example, the player's play history is accumulated and stored, and the player who has been in the same group in the past is referred to as the same group or the player or enemy character who has played against the opponent is referred to. You may decide to match as a group.

(B) Priority Order of Matching Conditions In the above-described embodiment, when matching is not established, a “matching change request” is transmitted to the game terminal 20 to change the matching conditions. Priorities may be given to the conditions, and the matching conditions may be switched according to the priorities. Specifically, in the game terminal 20, when the player selects a matching condition, a plurality of matching conditions are selected in association with the priority (for example, first priority to third priority). In the matching server 50, first, matching processing is performed so as to satisfy the matching condition having the highest priority (for example, first priority). Matching processing is performed so as to satisfy a matching condition that has a high priority (for example, second priority). In this way, every time a predetermined time elapses, the matching process is performed by sequentially switching to the next priority matching condition.

(C) Billing A system is also known in which billing is performed from the game maker side to the store side. When the above-described embodiment is applied to this system, a charge for one game play is generated when a matching completion notification is sent from the picture game server 40 to the game terminal 20 in the same manner as the charge for the player. You may decide to do it.

(D) Game terminal In the above-described embodiment, the game terminal 20 is a business game device. However, the game terminal 20 has a communication function for connecting to the communication network N1, such as a home game device, a portable game device, or a PC. Any terminal device can be applied in the same manner. In this case, the game card 10 is not necessary, and it is possible to identify a player individual by inputting a player ID given in advance or acquiring a device ID.

(E) Type of game In the above-described embodiment, the game system 1 performs MMORPG and MORPG. However, in the case of a multiplayer network game in which player characters of a plurality of players play simultaneously in the same game world. It may not be RPG.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game system 10 Game card, 20 Game terminal 30 Server system 40 Game server, 50 Matching server 60 Player terminal N1, N2 Communication line

Claims (7)

A server system connected to a game terminal by communication,
Storage means for storing a parameter value of the player character of each player and the power to which the player character belongs;
Login processing means for performing login processing by performing predetermined communication with the game terminal;
A first online game, which is a participatory multiplayer online game, which is a battle game between the forces, and updates the parameter values of the player characters of each participating player as the game progresses In addition, when a login process is performed by the login processing unit, a parameter value related to the player subjected to the login process is read from the storage unit, and a first game processing unit that participates in the first online game; ,
In parallel with the execution of the first online game by the first game processing means, the player who has undergone the log-in process for each of the powers has a matching condition that player characters belonging to the same power are in the same group. Matching processing means for executing matching processing for,
The second online game in which the groups of the powers matched by the matching processing means battle each other, and the processing related to the second online game in which only the player character involved in the battle exists as the player character, Second game processing means for starting execution using the parameter value updated in the first online game and updating the parameter value in accordance with the progress of the second online game;
Server system with A transition inquiry means for inquiring whether or not to allow the transition from the first online game to the second online game to each game terminal of each player that has been matched by the matching processing means;
The second game processing means executes processing related to the second online game by players who have obtained an acceptance answer as a result of the inquiry by the transfer inquiry means.
The server system according to claim 1. The matching processing means searches for players that can be matched based on the matching condition received from the game terminal of the player that has undergone the login process, and executes a matching process.
The server system according to claim 1 or 2. Wait time management means for managing the waiting time for matching by the matching processing means for each player;
Matching condition change requesting means for requesting the player terminal of the player whose waiting time has reached a certain time to change the matching condition of the player;
The server system according to claim 3, comprising: Wait time management means for managing the waiting time for matching by the matching processing means for each player;
A matching condition storage means for storing the matching condition of each player in association with a priority order;
Further comprising
The matching processing means switches the matching condition of the player stored in the matching condition storage means in accordance with the associated priority order according to the waiting time managed by the waiting time management means, and performs the matching process. Run the
The server system according to claim 3.   The server according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising billing processing means for starting a billing process target period for each player's game play when the player starts executing the second online game. system.   For each player, for a player whose answer to the inquiry by the migration inquiry means is an acceptance answer, the player starts the billing process period for the game play with the start of execution of the second online game of the player. 3. The server system according to claim 2, further comprising a billing processing means for starting a billing process target period for the player who is not an acceptance answer based on the answer.