JP7385843B2 - Control method, control program, and server device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a server, its control program, and a system.

In recent years, servers that provide games to mobile terminals via communication networks have become popular. Among the games provided by such servers, there are games in which multiple users can participate (so-called "social games"), and games in which users can not only compete and cooperate with each other, but also communicate with each other are known. (For example, Patent Document 1).

Further, as such a social game, for example, a game (so-called "card battle game") in which cards are used to compete (battle) against enemy characters is known (for example, Patent Document 2). In a card battle game, a user uses cards to compete against enemy characters prepared on a game program while cooperating with other users. A user can have any number of cards. Further, the user configures a deck using at least one card from among the cards that the user owns. Each card has parameters such as attack power, defense power, physical strength, etc., and the user reduces the physical strength parameter value of the enemy character based on the parameter value of the cards forming the deck. Furthermore, the enemy character also has the same parameters as the card, and the physical strength parameter value of the card is decreased based on this parameter value. By attacking alternately, the battle ends when the physical strength parameter value of the cards constituting the deck becomes 0 or when the physical strength parameter value of the enemy character becomes 0.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-034303 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-061059

However, in conventional social games, enemy characters are simply attacked by multiple users, and communication between users after defeating an enemy character is neglected, and communication between users is activated after defeating an enemy character. There was no mechanism. As a result, the user may lose the desire to continue playing the game.

The present invention was made in order to solve such conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a server, its control program, and a system that can maintain and improve the user's desire to continue playing the game. shall be.

The server according to the present invention is a server that provides a service that allows association between users, and stores identification information of other users associated with each user to whom the service is provided, and also stores the identification information of other users associated with the user. a storage unit that stores identification information of each event provided within the website and identification information of each user participating in each event, a communication unit that communicates with each user's terminal, and a communication unit that stores each event's identification information on each user's terminal. A transmitting unit that transmits an event list including identification information, and a storage unit storing, when a request to participate in an event selected from the event list is received from a terminal of each user, the identification information of the user related to the terminal. Accordingly, there is a user registration unit that allows users to participate in an event, an event progression unit that advances the event when an event progression request is received from the terminal of each user participating in the event, and an event progression unit that advances the event when the event ends. A user association unit is provided that associates each user who participated in the event with each other by associating identification information of each user who participated in the event with each other and storing the information in the storage unit.

Furthermore, in the server according to the present invention, it is preferable that the users participating in the event are not associated with each other before the event ends.

Further, in the server according to the present invention, when the event ends, the event progressing unit transmits a user list including identification information of each user who participated in the event to the terminal of each user who participated in the event. , when a request for association with the user selected from the user list is received from the terminal of each user who participated in the event, the user association unit includes the identification information of the user related to the terminal and the user selected from the user list. It is preferable that the user associated with the terminal and the user selected from the user list be associated with each other by associating the user's identification information with each other and storing the information in the storage unit.

Further, in the server according to the present invention, each user in the user list is preferably ranked based on the degree of contribution to the progress of the event.

Furthermore, in the server according to the present invention, it is preferable that among the users in the user list, each user whose degree of contribution to the progress of the event is greater than a threshold value is selected in advance.

Furthermore, in the server according to the present invention, when the event ends, the user association unit identifies each user who has contributed more than a threshold value to the progress of the event among the users who participated in the event. It is preferable to associate each user who participated in the event with each other by correlating the information and storing it in the storage unit.

Further, the control program for a server according to the present invention is a server that provides a service that allows association between users, and for each user to whom the service is provided, identifies information of other users associated with the user. A control program for a server that includes a storage unit that stores identification information of each event provided within the service and identification information of each user participating in each event, An event list including identification information of each event is transmitted to the event list, and when a request to participate in an event selected from the event list is received from each user's terminal, the identification information of the user related to the terminal is stored in the storage unit. By allowing users to participate in an event, if a request to proceed with the event is received from the terminal of each user participating in the event, the event will proceed, and when the event ends, each user participating in the event will be allowed to participate in the event. By associating user identification information with each other and storing it in the storage unit, the users who participated in the event are correlated with each other.

Further, the system according to the present invention is a system that includes a server that provides a service that allows association between users, and a terminal of each user to whom the service is provided, and the server is a system that provides a service that allows association between users. a storage unit that stores identification information of other users associated with the user, and also stores identification information of each event provided within the service and identification information of each user participating in each event; A communication unit that communicates with each user's terminal, a transmitter that transmits an event list including identification information of each event to each user's terminal, and a transmission unit that sends a request to participate in an event selected from the event list from each user's terminal. When received, a user registration unit allows the user to participate in the event by storing identification information of the user related to the terminal in the storage unit, and receives an event progress request from the terminal of each user participating in the event. When the event progresses, the event progression unit progresses the event, and when the event ends, the identification information of each user who participated in the event is correlated and stored in the storage unit. The terminal includes a user association unit that associates each user with each other, a communication unit that communicates with the server, a reception unit that receives the event list, and a transmission unit that transmits participation requests and progress requests to the server.

The server, its control program, and system according to the present invention aim to activate communication between users who have achieved the same purpose by associating each user who participated in the same event within the service, To maintain and improve a user's desire to continue using a service, and to continue attracting the user to the service.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a game system. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a mobile terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a server. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of various management tables. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a mobile terminal. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of the game system. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of a server.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

(1) Outline of this embodiment In this embodiment, the server provides a service that allows communication between users. In particular, the server provides a community-type service called a social networking service (SNS). In other words, the server sends user information (for example, name, diary, bulletin board, game progress, etc.) not only to the logged-in user but also to users who are friends with this user, allowing communication between users. That's what I do. Note that the server may provide services only to users who have registered as members.

Each user can form friend relationships with other users. Upon receiving a friend request from one user to another, the server associates each user with each other. For example, the server receives a friend request from user a's mobile terminal to user b. The server transmits a friend request from user a to user b's mobile terminal. When a permission response to the friend request from user a is received from user b's mobile terminal, the server determines that a friend relationship has been established between user a and user b, and uses the identification information of user a. The identification information of user b is registered in association with the identification information of user b, and the identification information of user a is registered in association with the identification information of user b.

Each user can also post messages on the bulletin board. When a message posted to the bulletin board is received from user a's mobile terminal, the server transmits a web page including the received posted message to user a's mobile terminal. The server also makes the posted message of user a available to users who are friends with user a. For example, a message posted by user a can be referenced by user b who is in a friend relationship with user a, and user b can comment, rate (e.g., "like") etc. on the message posted by user a. communication between users.

In this embodiment, the server also provides an online game service in which multiple users can participate. In particular, the server provides a card battle game service in which a plurality of users (preferably a plurality of users who are not associated with each other) cooperate and compete against one enemy character. The mobile terminal requests the server to participate in a battle (event) with an enemy character in response to an instruction from the user. The server allows users to participate in a competition in response to a request from a mobile terminal. Further, the server advances the match in response to a request from the mobile terminal. Then, when the match ends, the server associates the users who participated in the match with each other.

(2) Configuration of game system 1 FIG. 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the game system 1.

The game system 1 includes at least one mobile terminal 2 and a server 3. The mobile terminal 2 and the server 3 are connected to each other via a communication network, for example, a base station 4, a mobile communication network 5, a gateway 6, and the Internet 7. A program (e.g., a viewing program) executed on the mobile terminal 2 and a program (e.g., a game program) executed on the server 3 use a communication protocol such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). communicate.

(2.1) Configuration of mobile terminal 2 FIG. 2 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the mobile terminal 2.

The mobile terminal 2 connects to the server 3 via a base station 4, a mobile communication network 5, a gateway 6, and the Internet 7, and communicates with the server 3. The mobile terminal 2 requests the server 3 to proceed with the card battle game in response to the user's operation of the operation unit 23 (buttons, etc.). Furthermore, the mobile terminal 2 receives display data related to the progress of the card battle game from the server 3 and displays it. For this purpose, the mobile terminal 2 includes a terminal communication section 21, a terminal storage section 22, an operation section 23, a display section 24, and a terminal processing section 25.

Note that in this embodiment, a multifunctional mobile phone (so-called "smartphone") is assumed as the mobile terminal 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. The mobile terminal 2 may be any device as long as the present invention is applicable to it, such as a mobile phone (so-called "feature phone"), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile game machine, a mobile music player, a tablet PC, etc. good.

The terminal communication unit 21 includes a communication interface circuit including an antenna whose sensitive band is a predetermined frequency band, and connects the mobile terminal 2 to a wireless communication network. The terminal communication unit 21 establishes a wireless signal line using a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) system or the like with the base station 4 via a channel allocated by the base station 4, and performs communication with the base station 4. conduct. The terminal communication unit 21 then transmits the data supplied from the terminal processing unit 25 to the server 3 or the like. Further, the terminal communication unit 21 supplies data received from the server 3 and the like to the terminal processing unit 25.

The terminal storage unit 22 includes, for example, at least one of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk device, and an optical disk device. The terminal storage unit 22 stores operating system programs, driver programs, application programs, data, etc. used in processing by the terminal processing unit 25. For example, the terminal storage unit 22 stores, as driver programs, an input device driver program that controls the operation unit 23, an output device driver program that controls the display unit 24, and the like. The terminal storage unit 22 also stores, as an application program, a program for acquiring and displaying display data related to the progress of the card battle game. Further, the terminal storage unit 22 stores display data, video data, image data, etc. related to the progress of the card battle game as data. Furthermore, the terminal storage unit 22 may temporarily store temporary data related to predetermined processing.

The operation unit 23 may be any device that can operate the mobile terminal 2, such as a touch pad or a keyboard. The user can input characters, numbers, etc. using the operation unit 23. When operated by a user, the operation unit 23 generates a signal corresponding to the operation. The generated signal is then supplied to the terminal processing section 25 as a user's instruction.

The display unit 24 may be any device that can display videos, images, etc., such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc. The display section 24 displays a video according to the video data supplied from the terminal processing section 25, an image according to the image data, and the like.

The terminal processing unit 25 includes one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The terminal processing unit 25 controls the overall operation of the mobile terminal 2, and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The terminal processing unit 25 controls the terminal communication unit 21 and the display unit so that various processes of the mobile terminal 2 are executed in an appropriate procedure according to the program stored in the terminal storage unit 22, the operation of the operation unit 23, etc. 24, etc. The terminal processing unit 25 executes processing based on programs (operating system program, driver program, application program, etc.) stored in the terminal storage unit 22. Further, the terminal processing unit 25 can execute multiple programs (application programs, etc.) in parallel.

(2.1.1) Configuration of Terminal Processing Unit 25 The terminal processing unit 25 includes at least a viewing execution unit 251. Each of these units is a functional module realized by a program executed by a processor included in the terminal processing unit 25. Alternatively, each of these parts may be implemented in the mobile terminal 2 as firmware.

The viewing execution unit 251 acquires and displays display data related to the progress of the card battle game. That is, in response to an instruction from the user, a request to obtain display data related to the progress of the card battle game is transmitted to the server 3 via the terminal communication unit 21. Additionally, the viewing execution unit 251 receives corresponding display data from the server 3 via the terminal communication unit 21. The viewing execution unit 251 creates drawing data based on the received display data. That is, the viewing execution unit 251 analyzes the received display data, specifies control data and content data, lays out the similarly specified content data according to the specified control data, and creates drawing data. The viewing execution unit 251 then outputs the created drawing data to the display unit 24.

(2.2) Configuration of Server 3 FIG. 3 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the server 3.

The server 3 advances the card battle game in response to requests from the mobile terminal 2. Further, the server 3 creates display data related to the progress of the card battle game and transmits it to the mobile terminal 2. For this purpose, the server 3 includes a server communication section 31, a server storage section 32, and a server processing section 33.

The server communication unit 31 includes a communication interface circuit for connecting the server 3 to the Internet 7, and performs communication with the Internet 7. Then, the server communication unit 31 supplies the data received from the mobile terminal 2 and the like to the server processing unit 33. Further, the server communication unit 31 transmits data supplied from the server processing unit 33 to the mobile terminal 2 and the like.

The server storage unit 32 includes, for example, at least one of a magnetic tape device, a magnetic disk device, and an optical disk device. The server storage unit 32 stores operating system programs, driver programs, application programs, data, etc. used in processing by the server processing unit 33. For example, the server storage unit 32 stores, as an application program, a card battle game program for advancing a card battle game and creating display data related to the result. The server storage unit 32 also stores, as data, a battle management table (FIG. 4(a)) for managing battles, an enemy management table (FIG. 4(b)) for managing enemy characters, and a user management table (FIG. 4(b)) for managing users. 4(c)), a card management table (FIG. 4(d)) for managing cards, an association management table (FIG. 4(e)) for managing associations between users, and the like. Furthermore, the server storage unit 32 may temporarily store temporary data related to predetermined processing.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the data structure of various management tables.

FIG. 4(a) shows an example of the data structure of a match management table for managing matches. The match management table includes, for each match, the identification number (ID), name, end date and time of the match, ID and physical strength parameters (current value) of the enemy character, IDs of participating users, number of attacks, etc. .

FIG. 4(b) shows an example of the data structure of an enemy management table that manages enemy characters. The enemy management table includes, for each enemy character, parameters such as the enemy character's ID, name, image data file name, attack power, defense power, and physical strength (initial value).

FIG. 4C shows an example of the data structure of a user management table for managing users. The user management table contains, for each user, the user's ID, name, file name of image data, parameters such as physical strength, ID of cards in possession, ID and physical strength parameters (current value) of cards in possession that make up the deck, and belonging. It includes the ID of the association and the like.

FIG. 4(d) shows an example of the data structure of a card management table that manages cards. The card management table includes, for each card, parameters such as the card's ID, name, image data file name, attack power, defense power, and physical strength (initial value).

FIG. 4E shows an example of the data structure of an association management table that manages associations between users. The association management table includes, for each association, the ID of the association, the ID of the user to whom it belongs, and the like.

The server processing unit 33 includes one or more processors and their peripheral circuits. The server processing unit 33 centrally controls the overall operation of the server 3, and is, for example, a CPU. The server processing unit 33 controls the operations of the server communication unit 31 and the like so that various processes of the server 3 are executed in appropriate procedures according to programs stored in the server storage unit 32. The server processing unit 33 executes processing based on programs (operating system program, driver program, application program, etc.) stored in the server storage unit 32. Further, the server processing unit 33 can execute multiple programs (application programs, etc.) in parallel.

(2.2.1) Configuration of Server Processing Unit 33 The server processing unit 33 includes a control unit 331, a user participation unit 332, a match progression unit 333, and a user association unit 334. Each of these units is a functional module realized by a program executed by a processor included in the server processing unit 33. Alternatively, each of these parts may be implemented in the server 3 as firmware.

The processing by the control unit 331 will be described below.

The control unit 331 controls the progress of the card battle game, and instructs the user participation unit 332, battle progression unit 333, user association unit 334, etc. to execute processing as appropriate.

When receiving a user authentication request from the mobile terminal 2 via the server communication unit 31, the control unit 331 analyzes the received user authentication request and identifies the user ID and password. Then, the control unit 331 instructs a user authentication unit (not shown) to execute processing using the specified user ID and password as parameters.

When the user is authenticated by a user authentication unit (not shown), the control unit 331 creates home screen display data. That is, the control unit 331 refers to the match management table stored in the server storage unit 32 and identifies matches whose end date and time have not yet passed. The control unit 331 also extracts the ID, name, and end date and time of the specified match. Then, the control unit 331 creates a homepage that includes the extracted match ID, the specified user ID, etc., and displays in a predetermined layout the name and end date and time of the similarly extracted match, buttons for accepting instructions to participate in the match, etc. Create screen display data.

The control unit 331 transmits the created home screen display data to the mobile terminal 2 via the server communication unit 31.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a display screen of the mobile terminal 2. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 5(a) shows a home screen 500 displayed based on home screen display data. For each match, the name and end date and time 501 and 503 of the match are displayed on the left side of the screen, and "participate" buttons 502 and 504 are displayed on the right side of the screen, respectively. By pressing the "participate" buttons 502 and 504, , a request is made to the server 3 via the terminal communication unit 21 to participate in the corresponding match.

When receiving a competition participation request from the mobile terminal 2 via the server communication unit 31, the control unit 331 instructs the user competition participation unit 332 to execute processing using the received competition participation request as a parameter.

Further, when receiving a match progress request from the mobile terminal 2 via the server communication unit 31, the control unit 331 instructs the match progress unit 333 to execute processing using the received match progress request as a parameter.

Further, when receiving a user association request from the mobile terminal 2 via the server communication unit 31, the control unit 331 instructs the user association unit 334 to execute processing using the received user association request as a parameter.

The control unit 331 transmits the created battle screen display data and the like to the mobile terminal 2 via the server communication unit 31.

The processing by the user participation unit 332 will be described below.

The user participation unit 332 allows users to participate in a competition. That is, the user participation unit 332 analyzes the given competition participation request and specifies the competition ID and user ID. Further, the user participation unit 332 uses the specified match ID as a key to refer to the match management table stored in the server storage unit 32 and identifies the corresponding match. Then, the user participation unit 332 adds the specified user ID to the IDs of the users participating in the specified match.

The user participation unit 332 creates battle screen display data. That is, the user participation unit 332 extracts the ID and physical strength parameters of the specified opponent character. Further, the user participation unit 332 refers to the enemy management table stored in the server storage unit 32 using the extracted enemy ID as a key, and extracts the file name of the image data of the corresponding enemy character. Further, the user participation unit 332 refers to the user management table stored in the server storage unit 32 using the specified user ID as a key, and extracts the physical strength parameters of the corresponding user and the IDs of the cards in possession that constitute the deck. . Further, the user participation unit 332 refers to the card management table stored in the server storage unit 32 using the extracted card ID as a key, and extracts the file name of the image data of the corresponding card. The user participation unit 332 then selects the specified match ID, user ID, etc., the extracted enemy character's physical strength parameters, the user's physical strength parameters, the image indicated by the file name, a button that accepts an instruction to execute an attack, etc., in a predetermined manner. Create battle screen display data to display in the layout.

The user participation unit 332 then ends the process.

FIG. 5(b) shows a battle screen 510 displayed based on battle screen display data. At the top of the screen, an image 511 of an enemy character and a gauge 512 for physical strength parameters are displayed, and at the bottom of the screen, images 513 to 515 of cards composing the deck and a gauge 516 for the user's physical strength parameters are displayed. A plurality of buttons are also displayed at the bottom of the screen, and by pressing the "Attack" button 517, the server 3 is requested to execute an attack via the terminal communication unit 21.

The processing by the match progress section 333 will be described below.

The competition proceeding unit 333 determines whether the end date and time of the competition has passed. That is, the match progress unit 333 analyzes the given match progress request and specifies the match ID, instruction content, and user ID. Further, the match progressing unit 333 refers to the match management table stored in the server storage unit 32 using the specified match ID as a key, and identifies the corresponding match. Then, the competition progression unit 333 determines whether the specified end date and time of the competition has passed.

If the end date and time of the specified competition has not passed, the competition proceeding unit 333 advances the competition according to the specified instruction content. That is, when the specified instruction content is "execution of an attack", the battle proceeding unit 333 executes the attack process.
For example, the match progression unit 333 uses the specified match ID as a key to refer to the match management table stored in the server storage unit 32 and identifies the corresponding match. Then, the match progression unit 333 extracts the ID and physical strength parameters of the specified match enemy character. In addition, the battle proceeding unit 333 refers to the enemy management table stored in the server storage unit 32 using the extracted enemy ID as a key, and extracts parameters such as attack power and defense power of the corresponding enemy character.
Similarly, the competition proceeding unit 333 refers to the user management table stored in the server storage unit 32 using the identified user ID as a key, and identifies the corresponding user. Then, the battle proceeding unit 333 extracts the IDs and physical strength parameters of the cards in possession that constitute the deck of the specified user. In addition, the match progression unit 333 refers to the card management table stored in the server storage unit 32 using the extracted card ID as a key, and extracts parameters such as attack power and defense power of the corresponding card.
Then, the match progress unit 333 performs a match simulation based on the extracted enemy character parameters and card parameters. For example, the physical strength parameter value of the enemy character is decreased based on the attack power parameter value of the card and the defense power parameter value of the enemy character. Similarly, the card's physical strength parameter value is decreased based on the enemy character's attack power parameter value and the card's defense power parameter value.
The battle proceeding unit 333 updates the physical strength parameter of the specified enemy character in the battle. Furthermore, the battle proceeding unit 333 increments (+1) the number of attacks of the user corresponding to the specified user ID among the users participating in the specified battle. Similarly, the battle proceeding unit 333 updates the physical strength parameters of the cards in possession that constitute the deck of the identified user.

The battle proceeding unit 333 determines whether the updated physical strength parameter value of the enemy character has become 0 or not. Then, if the updated physical strength parameter value of the enemy character is not 0, the battle proceeding section 333 creates battle screen display data. That is, the match progress section 333 extracts the ID and physical strength parameters of the specified match enemy character. Further, the match progression section 333 refers to the enemy management table stored in the server storage section 32 using the extracted enemy ID as a key, and extracts the file name of the image data of the corresponding enemy character. In addition, the battle proceeding unit 333 extracts the specified user's physical strength parameters and the IDs of the cards in possession that constitute the deck. Further, the match progression section 333 refers to the card management table stored in the server storage section 32 using the extracted card ID as a key, and extracts the file name of the image data of the corresponding card. Then, the battle proceeding unit 333 selects a predetermined button that includes the specified battle ID, user ID, etc., the extracted physical strength parameter of the enemy character, the user's physical strength parameter, the image indicated by the file name, the button that accepts the instruction to execute the attack, etc. Create battle screen display data to display in the layout.

On the other hand, when the updated physical strength parameter value of the enemy character becomes 0, the battle proceeding section 333 creates user selection screen display data. That is, the match progress unit 333 extracts the ID and number of attacks of the users participating in the specified match. Furthermore, using the extracted participating user ID as a key, the match progressing section 333 refers to the user management table stored in the server storage section 32 and extracts the name of the corresponding participating user and the file name of the image data. Then, the battle proceeding unit 333 displays the names and images of the participating users, including the extracted participating user IDs, the specified user IDs, etc., in descending order of the number of attacks, and also displays the corresponding display area and the participating users' selections. User selection screen display data is created for displaying check boxes for accepting instructions, buttons for accepting instructions for association between users, etc. in a predetermined layout.

Furthermore, even when the end date and time of the specified match has passed, the match proceeding unit 333 creates user selection screen display data.

On the other hand, if the specified instruction content is something else, the match progress unit 333 executes the process related to the specified instruction content.

Then, the match progression unit 333 ends the process.

FIG. 5C shows a user selection screen 520 displayed based on user selection screen display data. On the left side of the screen, images and names 521, 523, and 525 of users participating in the battle are displayed in descending order of contribution to the battle (for example, number of attacks). Furthermore, check boxes 522, 524, and 526 are displayed on the right side of the screen, and by checking the boxes, the corresponding participating user is selected. Further, a "decision" button 527 is displayed at the bottom of the screen, and by pressing it, a request is made to the server 3 via the terminal communication unit 21 to associate the users.

The processing by the user association unit 334 will be described below.

The user association unit 334 determines whether one or more participating users have been selected. That is, the user association unit 334 analyzes the given user association request and identifies the participating user ID and user ID. Then, the user association unit 334 determines whether one or more participating user IDs have been identified.

When one or more participating users are selected, the user association unit 334 mutually associates the users and the participating users. That is, when one or more participating user IDs are specified, the user association unit 334 numbers the association ID, associates it with the participating user ID, user ID, etc., and stores the association management stored in the server storage unit 32. Add to table. Further, the user association unit 334 refers to the user management table stored in the server storage unit 32 using the identified participating user ID as a key, and assigns the numbered association ID to the ID of the association to which the corresponding participating user belongs. to add. Similarly, using the specified user ID as a key, the user management table stored in the server storage unit 32 is referred to, and the numbered association ID is added to the ID of the association to which the corresponding user belongs.

The user association unit 334 creates battle end screen display data. That is, the user association unit 334 receives text that includes the specified user ID, etc., indicates that the match has ended, text indicates that the user is associated with the user who was participating in the match, and an instruction to transition to the home screen. Create battle end screen display data for displaying buttons, etc. in a predetermined layout.

On the other hand, if no participating users have been selected, the user association unit 334 creates battle end screen display data. That is, the user association unit 334 generates battle end screen display data that includes the specified user ID, etc., and displays text indicating that the battle has ended, a button that accepts an instruction to transition to the home screen, etc. in a predetermined layout. Create.

The user association unit 334 then ends the process.

FIG. 5(d) shows a battle end screen 530 displayed based on the battle end screen display data. At the top of the screen, a text 531 indicating that the battle has ended and a text 532 indicating that the user is associated with users 3 and 4 who participated in the battle are displayed, and at the bottom of the screen, a "back" button 533 is displayed. When the "back" button 533 is pressed, a request is made to the server 3 via the terminal communication unit 21 to transition to the home screen.

(3) Operation of game system 1 FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence of game system 1. In the operation sequence described below, it is assumed that the users are a user a and a user b, and the mobile terminal 2 of the user a is the mobile terminal 2a, and the mobile terminal 2 of the user b is the mobile terminal 2b. In addition, the operation sequence is executed by the mobile terminals 2a, 2b and the mobile terminals 2a, 2b and It is executed in cooperation with each element of the server 3.

The user a instructs the terminal processing unit 25a via the operation unit 23a to execute a program that acquires and displays display data related to the progress of the card battle game. The terminal processing unit 25a starts processing based on the program. That is, when the user a inputs the user ID and password via the operation unit 23a, the viewing execution unit 251a realized by the program transmits the user authentication request including the input user ID, password, etc. to the terminal. It is transmitted to the server 3 via the communication unit 21a (step S600).

When receiving a user authentication request from the mobile terminal 2a via the server communication unit 31, the control unit 331 analyzes the received user authentication request and identifies the user ID and password. Then, the control unit 331 instructs a user authentication unit (not shown) to execute authentication processing for the user a using the specified user ID and password as parameters (step S602).

When the user a is authenticated by a user authentication unit (not shown), the control unit 331 creates home screen display data for the user a (step S604).

The control unit 331 transmits the created home screen display data to the mobile terminal 2a via the server communication unit 31 (step S606).

When receiving home screen display data from the server 3 via the terminal communication unit 21a, the viewing execution unit 251a creates drawing data based on the received home screen display data. Furthermore, the viewing execution unit 251a outputs the created drawing data to the display unit 24a, and displays the home screen (step S608).

On the home screen, when user a instructs to participate in a match via the operation unit 23a, the viewing execution unit 251a displays the user ID included in the received home screen display data, the match ID corresponding to the match, etc. A request to participate in the competition including the following is transmitted to the server 3 via the terminal communication unit 21a (step S610).

When receiving a competition participation request from the mobile terminal 2a via the server communication unit 31, the control unit 331 instructs the user competition participation unit 332 to execute processing using the received competition participation request as a parameter (step S612). .

FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of the operation flow of the user participation section 332.

The user participation unit 332 allows the user to participate in the competition (step S700).

Further, the user participation unit 332 creates battle screen display data (step S702).

The user participation unit 332 then ends the process.

Returning to FIG. 6, the control unit 331 transmits the created battle screen display data to the mobile terminal 2a via the server communication unit 31 (step S614).

When receiving battle screen display data from the server 3 via the terminal communication unit 21a, the viewing execution unit 251a creates drawing data based on the received battle screen display data. Furthermore, the viewing execution unit 251a outputs the created drawing data to the display unit 24a to display a battle screen (step S616).

In the battle screen, when user a instructs execution of an attack etc. via the operation unit 23a, the viewing execution unit 251a includes the battle ID, user ID, instruction content, etc. included in the received battle screen display data. A match progress request is transmitted to the server 3 via the terminal communication unit 21a (step S618).

When receiving a match progress request from the mobile terminal 2a via the server communication unit 31, the control unit 331 instructs the match progress unit 333 to execute processing using the received match progress request as a parameter (step S620). .

FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation flow of the match progressing section 333.

The competition proceeding unit 333 determines whether the end date and time of the competition has passed (step S710).

Then, if the end date and time of the specified competition has not passed (step S710-No), the competition proceeding section 333 advances the competition according to the specified instruction content.

That is, when the specified instruction content is "execution of an attack" (step S712-Yes), the battle proceeding unit 333 executes attack processing (step S714).

Furthermore, the battle proceeding unit 333 determines whether the updated physical strength parameter value of the enemy character has become 0 (step S716).

Then, if the updated physical strength parameter value of the enemy character is not 0 (step S716-No), the battle proceeding unit 333 creates battle screen display data (step S718).

On the other hand, if the updated physical strength parameter value of the enemy character becomes 0 (step S716-Yes), the battle proceeding unit 333 creates user selection screen display data (step S720).

Furthermore, even when the end date and time of the specified match has passed (step S710-Yes), the match proceeding unit 333 creates user selection screen display data (step S720).

On the other hand, if the specified instruction content is something else (step S712-No), the match progress unit 333 executes the process related to the specified instruction content (step S722).

Then, the match progression unit 333 ends the process.

Returning to FIG. 6, if the battle has not ended, the control unit 331 transmits the created battle screen display data to the mobile terminal 2a via the server communication unit 31 (step S622).

On the other hand, when receiving a competition participation request from the mobile terminal 2b via the server communication unit 31, the control unit 331 instructs the user competition participation unit 332 to execute processing using the received competition participation request as a parameter (step S624).

The control unit 331 transmits the created battle screen display data to the mobile terminal 2a via the server communication unit 31 (step S626).

When receiving battle screen display data from the server 3 via the terminal communication unit 21a, the viewing execution unit 251a creates drawing data based on the received battle screen display data. Furthermore, the viewing execution unit 251a outputs the created drawing data to the display unit 24a to display a battle screen (step S628).

In the battle screen, when user a instructs execution of an attack etc. via the operation unit 23a, the viewing execution unit 251a includes the battle ID, user ID, instruction content, etc. included in the received battle screen display data. A match progress request is transmitted to the server 3 via the terminal communication unit 21a (step S630).

When receiving a match progress request from the mobile terminal 2a via the server communication unit 31, the control unit 331 instructs the match progress unit 333 to execute processing using the received match progress request as a parameter (step S632). .

When the competition ends, the control unit 331 transmits the created user selection screen display data to the mobile terminal 2a via the server communication unit 31 (step S634).

When receiving user selection screen display data from the server 3 via the terminal communication unit 21a, the browsing execution unit 251a creates drawing data based on the received user selection screen display data. Furthermore, the viewing execution unit 251a outputs the created drawing data to the display unit 24a, and displays a user selection screen (step S636).

In the user selection screen, when user a instructs association between users via the operation unit 23a, the viewing execution unit 251a displays the user ID included in the received user selection screen display data and the selected participating user. A user association request including the corresponding participating user ID, etc. is transmitted to the server 3 via the terminal communication unit 21a (step S638).

When receiving a user association request from the mobile terminal 2a via the server communication unit 31, the control unit 331 instructs the user association unit 334 to execute the process using the received user association request as a parameter (step S640). .

FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation flow of the user association unit 334.

The user association unit 334 determines whether one or more participating users have been selected (step S730).

Then, if one or more participating users are selected (step S730-Yes), the user association unit 334 mutually associates the users and participating users (step S732).

Further, the user association unit 334 creates battle end screen display data (step S734).

On the other hand, if no participating user is selected (step S730-No), the user association unit 334 creates battle end screen display data (step S736).

The user association unit 334 then ends the process.

Returning to FIG. 6, the control unit 331 transmits the created battle end screen display data to the mobile terminal 2a via the server communication unit 31 (step S642).

When the battle end screen display data is received from the server 3 via the terminal communication unit 21a, the viewing execution unit 251a creates drawing data based on the received battle end screen display data. Furthermore, the viewing execution unit 251a outputs the created drawing data to the display unit 24a, and displays a match end screen (step S644).

As explained above, by associating users who have participated in the same battle in the game, communication between users who have achieved the same goal can be activated, and the user's motivation to continue playing the game can be increased. It becomes possible to maintain and improve the quality of service, and it becomes possible to continue to attract users to the service.

Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in this embodiment, the names of users participating in a match are displayed on the user selection screen in descending order of their contribution to the match, and the number of attacks is used as this contribution, but other contributions are May be adopted. For example, the number of times of participation in a battle, the amount of reduction in the physical strength parameter value of the enemy character, the number of times of using an item, etc. may be used. Furthermore, any criteria other than the degree of contribution to the match may be adopted. Furthermore, it may be possible to set arbitrary criteria. This makes it easier to associate with a desired user, and is expected to further increase motivation to continue using the service.

In addition, in this embodiment, the user to be associated is manually selected on the user selection screen (manually checking the corresponding checkbox), but the user is automatically selected based on predetermined criteria. The corresponding checkbox may be automatically checked. Alternatively, only selected users may be displayed. Furthermore, the association may be performed automatically without inquiring the user via the user selection screen. In addition, the predetermined criteria include, for example, the degree of contribution to the match is greater than a threshold, the user's attribute is a predetermined attribute, and the quantity, type, and attribute of cards, items, etc. in possession are predetermined. etc. may be adopted. Furthermore, it may be possible to set arbitrary criteria. This makes it easier to associate with a desired user, and is expected to further increase motivation to continue using the service.

Further, in this embodiment, the number of users who can participate in one match is not particularly limited, but may be limited. In addition, you can manage multiple mutually independent groups for one match, and create a new group when the number of users participating in one group reaches a threshold (for example, 20 users). , a new user may join the group. This makes it possible to suppress/distribute the load, improve stability, reduce operating costs, etc.

Further, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a card battle game, but the present invention is not limited to a card battle game, and may be applied to other games or services having a similar mechanism.

Further, a computer program for causing a computer to realize each function provided in the terminal processing section 25 and the server processing section 33 is provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium or an optical recording medium. It's okay.

It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make various changes, substitutions, and modifications thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1 Game system 2 Mobile terminal 21 Terminal communication section 22 Terminal storage section 23 Operation section 24 Display section 25 Terminal processing section 251 Viewing execution section 3 Server 31 Server communication section 32 Server storage section 33 Server processing section 331 Control section 332 User participation section 333 Battle progress unit 334 User association unit 4 Base station 5 Mobile communication network 6 Gateway 7 Internet

Claims (10)

A method for controlling a server device that provides terminals of the plurality of users with a battle event in which a plurality of users can participate, the method comprising:
receiving a request to participate in a battle event selected by each user from among the plurality of battle events, each of which can be participated in until a predetermined end date set individually, transmitted from the terminals of the plurality of users; and,
A user of a terminal that has transmitted a participation request for a first battle event among the plurality of battle events is included in a group, and after the number of users included in the group reaches a predetermined number, the first battle event is started. including the user of the terminal that sent the participation request in another group different from the group, and causing the users included in the group and the users included in the other group to participate in the first battle event;
When the first competitive event ends, the terminal of the one user who participated in the first competitive event is displayed with information about other users who participated in the first competitive event and who are included in the same group as the first user. presenting a user list including options used to determine whether or not to associate the users with the one user;
A control method characterized by causing the server device to execute. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the group created in the step of causing participation includes the predetermined number of users who are not associated with each other. The display mode of the options included in the user list varies depending on whether the other user is selected as a candidate to be associated with the one user by an operation of the one user,
The control according to claim 1 or 2, further causing the server device to execute a step of receiving, from a terminal of the one user, an association request for associating the other user selected as the candidate with the one user. Method. 4. The control method according to claim 3, wherein in the presenting step, if the other user satisfies a predetermined condition, the option corresponding to the other user is displayed in a display mode selected as the candidate. 5. The control method according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined condition includes a condition that an attribute of the other user is a predetermined attribute. 6. The control method according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined condition includes a condition that the quantity, type, or attribute of the items owned by the other user are predetermined. 7. The control method according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined condition is that the degree of contribution of the other user to the progress of a past battle event is greater than a threshold value. The control method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising causing the server device to further execute the step of setting the predetermined conditions. A control program for a server device that provides a battle event in which a plurality of users can participate to terminals of the plurality of users, the control program comprising:
A function of receiving a request to participate in a battle event selected by each user from among the plurality of battle events, each of which can be participated in until a predetermined end date set individually, transmitted from the terminals of the plurality of users. and,
A user of a terminal that has transmitted a participation request for a first battle event among the plurality of battle events is included in a group, and after the number of users included in the group reaches a predetermined number, the first battle event is started. a function of including a user of a terminal that has transmitted a participation request in a group different from the group, and causing users included in the group and users included in the other group to participate in the first battle event;
When the first competitive event ends, the terminal of the one user who participated in the first competitive event is displayed with information about other users who participated in the first competitive event and who are included in the same group as the first user. a function of presenting a user list including options used to determine whether or not to associate a user with the one user;
A control program that causes the server device to realize the following. A server device that provides a battle event in which a plurality of users can participate to the terminals of the plurality of users, the server device comprising:
Receiving a request to participate in a battle event selected by each user from among the plurality of battle events in which participation is possible until a predetermined end date set individually, which is transmitted from the terminals of the plurality of users. Department and
A user of a terminal that has transmitted a participation request for a first battle event among the plurality of battle events is included in a group, and after the number of users included in the group reaches a predetermined number, the first battle event is started. a participation reception unit that causes a user of a terminal that has transmitted a participation request to be included in another group different from the group, and causes users included in the group and users included in the other group to participate in the first battle event;
When the first competitive event ends, the terminal of the one user who participated in the first competitive event is displayed with information about other users who participated in the first competitive event and who are included in the same group as the first user. a presentation unit that presents a user list including options used to determine whether or not to associate the users with the one user;
A server device comprising: