JP7516629B2 - Program, game system and game execution method - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, games have been known in which a setting map for setting a character's abilities is displayed on a display screen, and the character's abilities are set based on the player's operational input, allowing the character to be developed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-75447 A

In the above conventional games, even though multiple characters appear in the main game, multiple characters are developed by setting the abilities of each character individually using a dedicated setting map prepared for each character. In other words, in the above conventional games, when developing a character using a setting map, the connection between the character and other characters is not expressed, so there is a problem that developing a character is less interesting than in the main game.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a program and game system that can increase the interest of developing a character.

(1) The present invention relates to a program for executing a game in which multiple characters are raised, the program causing a computer to function as a display control unit that causes a display unit to display, for each character, a raising map on which multiple raising marks corresponding to multiple raising elements associated with the character are arranged, a selection unit that selects one of the multiple raising elements associated with the character's raising map, a character raising unit that raises the character based on the selected raising element, and a raising map connection unit that connects the raising map associated with the character to a raising map associated with another character when the selection status in the raising map satisfies a given connection condition, the character raising unit raising the character based on the raising map of the other connected character. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the above program. The present invention also relates to a game system including the above units.

According to the present invention, when the selection status in the development map satisfies a given connection condition, the development map of the character is connected to the development map of another character, and the character is developed based on the development map of the other connected character, thereby expressing the connection between the character and the other characters, thereby increasing the interest in developing characters.

(2) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, and game system of the present invention, the selection unit may select one of a plurality of development marks arranged on the character's development map based on a player's operation, and the character development unit may develop the character based on development elements associated with the selected development mark.

(3) In the program, information storage medium, and game system according to the present invention, the development map connection unit may connect the development maps when the selection status in the multiple development maps satisfies the connection condition.

According to the present invention, when the selection status in multiple development maps satisfies the connection condition, the development maps are connected, which increases the interest in developing characters.

(4) In the program, information storage medium, and game system according to the present invention, the development map connection unit may determine the development map to connect to depending on which of the multiple connection conditions is satisfied.

According to the present invention, the development map to be connected is determined according to the connection conditions that are met, which increases the interest in developing a character.

(5) In the program, information storage medium, and game system according to the present invention, the development map connection unit may determine the connection position of the development map according to which of the multiple connection conditions is satisfied.

According to the present invention, the connection position of the development map is determined according to the connection conditions that are met, which increases the interest in developing a character.

(6) In the program, information storage medium, and game system according to the present invention, the development map connection unit may determine the connection position of the development map based on the position of the development mark associated with the development element most recently selected at the time the connection condition is satisfied.

According to the present invention, the connection position of the development map is determined according to the selection status of the development map, which increases the interest in developing a character.

(7) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, and game system according to the present invention, the selection unit may be capable of selecting a training element associated with a training mark placed on the connected training map of the other character when the character's training map and the other character's training map are connected.

According to the present invention, characters can be trained by selecting training marks placed on the training maps of other connected characters, which increases the interest in training characters.

(8) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, and game system according to the present invention, the selection unit may be capable of selecting a training element associated with a training mark that is located within a predetermined range based on the connection position of the connected training map of the other character when the training map of the character is connected to the training map of the other character.

According to the present invention, a character can be developed by selecting a development mark located within a predetermined range based on the connection point of the development map of another connected character, thereby increasing the interest in developing a character.

(9) In addition, in the program, information storage medium, and game system according to the present invention, when the character's training map and the other character's training map are connected, the character training unit may train the character based on training elements that have been selected in the other character's connected training map before the connection.

According to the present invention, a character is developed based on the development elements of the selected development marks in the development maps of other connected characters, which increases the interest in developing a character.

(10) In the program, information storage medium, and game system according to the present invention, the display control unit may display multiple development maps on the same screen and rearrange the development maps depending on whether or not a connection is present.

The present invention makes it easier for players to understand the connection status of the development map.

(11) In the program, information storage medium, and game system according to the present invention, the display control unit may display the development maps on different screens for each development map, and when the development maps are connected, display the connected development maps on the same screen.

The present invention makes it easier for players to understand the connection status of the development map.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block diagram of a terminal according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen generated by the game system of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen generated by the game system of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen generated by the game system of the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a case where a connection condition is satisfied. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for determining a connection target. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for determining a connection target. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a case where one growth map is connected to multiple growth maps. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a case where a new growth map is generated from a connection position. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of rearrangement of a growth map. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the game system of the present embodiment.

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

1. Configuration Fig. 1 shows a game system according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the game system is configured with a plurality of terminals 10 and a server 20 (server system). In other words, as shown in Fig. 1, the game system according to the present embodiment is configured such that the server 20 that provides a service and the terminals 10 (10A, 10B, 10C, ...) can be connected to a network.

The server 20 is an information processing device that provides online game services in response to requests from the terminal 10. The server 20 can be composed of one or more servers (authentication server, matching server, game processing server, communication server, billing server, database server, etc.).

In this embodiment, the game program is executed on the terminal 10, and the server 20 manages information such as the player's account information, the game results of the game executed on the terminal 10, game media (characters, items, etc.) that can be used in the game, and in-game currency that can be used in the game.

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

Figure 2 shows an example of a functional block diagram of a game device (terminal 10) of this embodiment. Note that the game device of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (parts) of Figure 2 are omitted.

The input unit 150 is a device for inputting (detecting) input information from the player, and outputs the player's input information (operation input) to the processing unit 100. The functions of the input unit 150 can be realized by input devices such as a touch panel, a touch pad, a mouse, directional keys or buttons, and a keyboard.

The storage unit 170 stores programs and various data for causing the computer to function as each part of the processing unit 100, and also functions as a work area for the processing unit 100, and this function can be realized by a hard disk, RAM, etc. The storage unit 170 stores information about each of the multiple characters (type, attributes, basic abilities, special abilities, possessed items, equipment, etc.) and information about the development map associated with each of the multiple characters.

The display unit 190 outputs the game images generated by the processing unit 100, and this function can be realized by a display such as a touch panel, LCD, or HMD (head-mounted display) that also functions as the input unit 150.

The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the processing unit 100, and this function can be realized by a speaker or headphones, etc.

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the server 20 and other terminals 10, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc.

In addition, programs and various data for causing a computer to function as each part of the processing unit 100, which are stored in an information storage medium or memory unit possessed by the server 20, may be received via a network, and the received programs and data may be stored in the memory unit 170. Such cases in which a terminal is caused to function by receiving programs and various data are also included within the scope of the present invention.

The processing unit 100 (processor) performs processes such as game processing, image generation processing, and sound generation processing based on input information (operation information) from the input unit 150, a program, data received via the communication unit 196, and the like. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), and programs. The processing unit 100 includes a display control unit 110, a selection unit 112, a character training unit 114, a training map connection unit 116, an image generation unit 120, and a sound generation unit 130.

The display control unit 110 causes the display unit 190 to display a training map associated with each character to be trained. Note that the "training map" includes not only a training map dedicated to a character (dedicated training map), but also a training map shared with other characters (shared training map). For example, a dedicated training map may be prepared for each of the characters to be trained, or a dedicated training map may be prepared for only some of the characters. Also, there may be a mixture of characters that share one training map with other characters and characters that have their own dedicated training map.

On each development map, multiple development marks are arranged in the form of a tree, line, grid, tile, etc. A development map may begin from a given starting point, or may have no starting point at all. A development element is associated with each development mark. A development element is an element that has an effect (ability) for developing a character. For example, the training elements have the effect of increasing the basic abilities (attack power, defense power, recovery power, etc.) of the character, the effect of having the character acquire special abilities (killing moves, special skills, magic, skills, etc.) or a profession (job), the effect of increasing the character's level or acquiring experience points required to increase the level, the effect of acquiring training points (points consumed as compensation for training), the effect of acquiring equipment (weapons, armor, costumes, accessories, etc.) or gestures (character expressions and movements), the effect of acquiring consumable items (recovery medicine, food, in-game currency, etc.) or non-consumable items (keys to open doors or treasure chests, etc.), the effect of acquiring sound data (in-game music, character voices, etc.) or image data (character illustrations, etc.), or the effect of unlocking new game content (quests, missions, etc.). The training elements are not limited to elements having positive effects (effects that are advantageous to the player in the game), as described above, but may also include elements having negative effects (effects that are disadvantageous to the player in the game, for example, effects that reduce the basic abilities of the character), or may include elements having no effect.

The selection unit 112 selects one of the multiple development elements associated with the character's development map. The selection unit 112 may select one of the multiple development marks arranged on the character's development map based on the player's operation. The player may directly specify and select the development mark, or the development mark may be selected indirectly in response to the player's operation (for example, by drawing a lottery in response to the player's operation and based on the lottery result of the lottery). Only development marks arranged adjacent to a development mark already selected on the development map may be selected, or the player may freely select (any) development mark regardless of the arrangement of the development marks. The development elements associated with the development map (or development marks arranged on the development map) may be automatically selected in order according to the route of the development map. In this case, the development marks may not be displayed at the time of selection. For example, after development is performed based on the development element selected according to the route of the development map (the next development element is selected internally), the development mark corresponding to the development element may be displayed (arranged) on the development map as a development mark that has been developed.

When a training mark (training element) is selected, training points are consumed as a price for training. Training points are points that can be acquired in a game part (a main game in which a character appears in the game and progresses), and may be dedicated points used only as a training price, or may be game parameters (e.g., experience points) used in the game part. Training points may be given every time a predetermined period of time passes, or may be given every time a player logs into the game. Training points may be given to a character and accumulated for each character, or may be given to a player and accumulated for each player. In addition, when training points are accumulated for each character, the training points accumulated in the character may be consumed as a price for training the character, or may be consumed as a price for training a character different from the character. In addition, the training points accumulated in the character may be shared and consumed by multiple characters. In addition, the amount of training points required for each training mark (training element) may be different, or the type of training points required for each training mark (training element) may be different. For example, to select a development mark that increases the basic abilities of a character, it may be necessary to consume a type of development point called a "dedicated point," and to select a development mark that allows a character to acquire equipment, it may be necessary to consume a type of development point called an "experience point." Furthermore, the content (amount and type) of development points required may be changed according to the progress of the game part and the increase in the level of the player or character. Furthermore, it may not be necessary to consume development points to select a development mark. In this case, restrictions may be placed on the timing of transition from the game part to the development part, and the number and time that development marks can be selected.

The character training unit 114 trains a character associated with the training map based on a training element (selected training element) associated with a training mark selected on the training map (activates the effect of the training element on the character). Note that the training element associated with the training mark selected on the training map may affect another character other than the character associated with the training map. For example, the character associated with the training map and the other character may be trained based on the training element, or only the other character may be trained.

The development map connection unit 116 connects the development map associated with the character to the development map associated with another character when the selection status in the development map satisfies a given connection condition. The selection status in the development map may be the position of the selected development mark in the development map, the content of the selected development mark, the number of selected development marks, or the number of development points. The development map connection unit 116 stores the content of the development mark selected up to that point (the content and type of the development element corresponding to the selected development mark) and the selection order as a history of the selection status in the storage unit 170 for each development map associated with each character. Note that the connection of development maps is not limited to connecting dedicated development maps together, but may also connect dedicated development maps to shared development maps, or may connect shared development maps together.

The development map connection unit 116 may also connect the development maps when the selection status in the multiple development maps satisfies a connection condition. The development map connection unit 116 may also determine the development map to connect depending on which of the multiple connection conditions is satisfied. The development map connection unit 116 may also determine the connection position of the development map depending on which of the multiple connection conditions is satisfied. The development map connection unit 116 may also determine the connection position of the development map based on the position of the development mark most recently selected at the time the connection condition is satisfied (the development mark associated with the selected development element).

The character training unit 114 trains the character based on the training map of the other character connected. For example, when the character's training map and the training map of the other character are connected, the selection unit 112 may select a training mark (a training element associated with the training mark) arranged on the training map of the other character connected, and the character training unit 114 may train the character based on the training element associated with the selected training mark among the training marks (selectable training marks) arranged on the training map of the other character connected. Furthermore, when the character's training map and the training map of the other character are connected, the selection unit 112 may select a training mark arranged within a predetermined range based on the connection position of the connected training map of the other character. Furthermore, when the character's training map and the training map of the other character are connected, the character training unit 114 may train the character based on the training element of the training mark selected before the connection in the connected training map of the other character.

The display control unit 110 may display multiple development maps on the same screen, and rearrange the development maps depending on whether they are connected or not. For example, the development maps may be rearranged so that connected development maps are adjacent to each other on the screen. The display control unit 110 may also display each development map on a different screen, and when a development map is connected, display the connected development maps on the same screen.

The image generation unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating game images (game images including characters in the game part, and game images including a training map in the training part), which are output to the display unit 190. The image generation unit 120 may also generate images (so-called three-dimensional images) that can be seen from a virtual camera (a given viewpoint) within the object space (game space).

The sound generation unit 130 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates game sounds such as background music, sound effects, or voice, and outputs them to the sound output unit 192.

When the game starts, the processing unit 100 transmits information to the server 20 to notify the server 20 that the game has started, and when the game ends, the processing unit 100 transmits game result information regarding the game result and various game parameters to the server 20. The server 20 updates various data associated with each player based on the game result information transmitted from the game device (terminal 10).

The game system of this embodiment may be configured as a server system. The server system may be configured with one or more servers (authentication server, game processing server, communication server, billing server, database server, etc.). In this case, the server system performs processing of each part of the processing unit 100 (display control unit 110, selection unit 112, character training unit 114, training map connection unit 116) based on operation input (data input to the input unit of the terminal) transmitted from one or more terminals (e.g., smartphone, mobile phone, portable game machine, etc.) connected via a network, generates image generation data for generating an image, and transmits the generated image generation data to each terminal. Here, the image generation data is data for displaying the image generated by the method of this embodiment on each terminal, and may be the image data itself or various data (object data, game processing result data, etc.) used by each terminal to generate an image. The game system may be configured so that the processing of each part of the processing unit 100 is distributed and executed by the server and the terminal.

2. Method of the Present Embodiment Next, the method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The game system of the present embodiment is configured to execute a game in which a plurality of characters operated by a player fight against enemy characters in a game part, and to execute a game in which a plurality of characters are trained using a training map for each character in a training part.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen (game image) generated by the game system of this embodiment. The game screen GI is displayed on the display unit 190 (touch panel) of the terminal 10, and the player can perform an operation input by touching the touch panel with a contact medium such as a fingertip or a touch pen (touch operation).

As shown in FIG. 3, in the training part, the game screen GI includes icons 200 (200a to 200d) of a plurality of characters and a training map 21 corresponding to each character.
0 (210a to 210d) are displayed. Here, four growth maps 210a to 210d corresponding to four characters "A" to "D" are displayed. A plurality of growth marks 220 are arranged on the growth map 210. Here, four growth marks 220a are arranged on the growth map 210a of the character "A", four growth marks 220b are arranged on the growth map 210b of the character "B", four growth marks 220c are arranged on the growth map 210c of the character "C", and four growth marks 220d are arranged on the growth map 210d of the character "D". The four growth marks 220 are arranged in a line, and two adjacent growth marks 220 are connected via a line segment 230.

A training element is associated with each training mark 220. For example, the first training mark 220a from the top (topmost) on the training map 210a for character "A" is associated with a training element that allows the character to acquire "recovery potion A" (an example of a consumable item), the second training mark 220a from the top is associated with a training element that increases "attack power" (an example of a basic ability), the third training mark 220a from the top is associated with a training element that allows the character to acquire "armor A" (an example of equipment), and the fourth training mark 220a from the top (bottommost) is associated with a training element that allows the character to acquire "special move A" (an example of a special ability). Additionally, the top development mark 220b on character "B's" development map 210b is associated with a development element that allows for the acquisition of "food" (an example of a consumable item), the second development mark 220b from the top is associated with a development element that increases the "level," the third development mark 220b from the top is associated with a development element that allows for the acquisition of "weapon A" (an example of equipment), and the lowest development mark 220b is associated with a development element that allows for the acquisition of "skill B" (an example of a special ability).

The player can select an icon 200 of any character and, in exchange for a training fee (consumption of training points), select a training mark 220 placed on the training map 210 associated with that character to activate the effect of the training element associated with the selected training mark 220 and train the selected character. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the icon 200a of character "A" is selected, and the icon 200a is displayed with a thick frame. The player can select marks in order from the top training mark 220 on the training map 210 toward the bottom training mark. In the example shown in FIG. 3, there is no selected training mark 220a on the training map 210a of character "A", so the top training mark 220a is selectable, and the second to fourth training marks 220a are unselectable.

When the player selects the top-level development mark 220a, the development element "Recovery Potion A" associated with the development mark 220a is activated, and the character "A" obtains "Recovery Potion A". Then, the second development mark 220a adjacent to the selected top-level development mark 220a becomes selectable. As shown in FIG. 4, the selected development mark 220 is highlighted in a display mode different from that of the unselected development marks, and here, the selected development mark 220a is displayed with dotted shading. Note that the character icon 200 may be displayed on the development mark 220 most recently selected among the selected development marks 220. Next, when the player selects the second development mark 220a, the development element "Attack Power UP" associated with the development mark 220a is activated, and the attack power of the character "A" increases by an amount corresponding to the development element. Then, the third development mark 220a (the development mark corresponding to the development element "Armor A") adjacent to the second development mark 220a that has already been selected becomes selectable.

Here, in this embodiment, when the selection status of the development mark 220 in the development map 210 satisfies a given connection condition, the development map 210 corresponding to the character and the development map 210 corresponding to another character are connected, and the development mark 220 placed on the development map 210 of the other connected character becomes selectable.

For example, when the position of the most recently selected growth mark 220 is a predetermined position, it may be determined that the selection situation satisfies the connection condition. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the player selects the lowest growth mark 220a of the growth map 210a (reaching the fourth growth mark), so that it is determined that the connection condition is satisfied, the growth map 210a of the character "A" and the growth map 210b of the character "B" (another character) are connected, and the growth mark 220b placed on the growth map 210b is selectable. Here, the lowest growth mark 220a of the growth map 210a is the connection source, and the second growth mark 220b of the growth map 210b is the connection destination, and the growth mark 220a and the growth mark 220b are connected via the line segment 230, so that the second growth mark 220b, which is the connection destination, is selectable. When the player selects the second development mark 220b on the development map 210b, the development element "Level Up" associated with that development mark 220b is activated, and the level of the character "A" increases. Then, the top development mark 220b (the development mark corresponding to the development element "Food") and the third development mark 220b (the development mark corresponding to the development element "Weapon A") adjacent to the second development mark 220b already selected become selectable.

It is also possible to select all the growth marks 220 arranged on the growth map 210 of the other connected character, or to select only the growth marks 220 arranged within a predetermined range from the connection position (the connection destination position) of the growth map 210 of the other connected character. For example, it is possible to select only the growth mark at the connection position (in the example of FIG. 5, the second growth mark 220b of the growth map 210b), or to select only the growth marks after the connection position (in the example of FIG. 5, the second to fourth growth marks 220b of the growth map 210b), or to select only the growth marks before the connection position (in the example of FIG. 5, the first and second growth marks 220b of the growth map 210b), or to select only the growth marks adjacent to the growth mark at the connection position (in the example of FIG. 5, the first to third growth marks 220b of the growth map 210b). Also, the character may be raised based on the raising elements of all the raising marks before the connection position (the raising elements of all the raising marks before the connection position are activated), or the character may be raised based on the raising elements of the raising marks selected before the connection among the raising marks before the connection position. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, when the raising map 210a is connected to the third raising mark 220b of the raising map 210b as a connection destination and the first and second raising marks 220b of the raising map 210b have been selected at that time, the raising elements "food" and "level up" of the first and second raising marks 220b may be activated to raise the character "A". Also, regardless of the connection position, the character may be raised based on the raising elements of the raising marks selected before the connection in the raising map 210 of the other connected character. In addition, if the development element of the selected development mark on the development map of another connected character is a development element that cannot be applied to the character (for example, development elements unique to the character, such as "voice" or "illustration"), the development element may not be activated, or a substitute (for example, in-game currency or another ability) may be granted.

In addition, whether or not the selection situation satisfies the connection condition may be determined based on the content (development element) of the development mark 220 selected most recently (or in the past). For example, if the content of the development mark selected most recently is a given content (corresponding to a predetermined development element), the selection situation may be determined to satisfy the connection condition, or if the content of the development mark that was not selected is a given content, the selection situation may be determined to satisfy the connection condition. In addition, if development marks of a given content are selected in a given order, the connection condition may be determined to be satisfied. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the player selects the development marks 220a in the order of "Defense Power UP", "Attack Power UP", "Skill A", and "Skill B" on the development map 210a (a development map in which the development marks 220a are arranged in a tree shape), and it is determined that the connection condition is satisfied, and the development map 210a of the character "A" and the development map 210b of the character "B" are connected.

In addition, when the number of the development marks 220 selected up to that point reaches a given number, it may be determined that the selection situation satisfies the connection condition. In addition, when there are development elements having a negative effect or development elements having no effect, the development marks corresponding to these development elements may be excluded, and only the development marks corresponding to the development elements having a positive effect may be counted. In addition, when the number of development marks (development elements) of a predetermined type selected reaches a given number, it may be determined that the connection condition is satisfied. For example, when 10 development marks corresponding to a development element of the type "increase in basic ability" (for example, "attack power UP" or "defense power UP") are selected, it may be determined that the connection condition is satisfied. In addition, when the ratio of the number of development marks of a predetermined type to the total number of development marks selected up to that point reaches a predetermined ratio, it may be determined that the connection condition is satisfied. In addition, when the ratio of the number of development marks of a predetermined type to the total number of development marks of a predetermined type present in the development map reaches a predetermined ratio, it may be determined that the connection condition is satisfied. For example, it may be determined that the connection condition is met when 60% or more of the development marks corresponding to development elements of the type "skill acquisition" (e.g., "skill A" or "skill B") present on the development map are selected.

In addition, when the number of development points accumulated in a character reaches a given number, it may be determined that the selection status of that character in the development map satisfies the connection condition. For example, it may be determined that the connection condition is met when the character's development points reach "100," or that the connection condition is met when the character's development points reach "0."

It may also be determined whether the selection status in multiple development maps 210 (multiple development maps corresponding to multiple characters) satisfies the connection condition. For example, when the position of the development mark 220a most recently selected in the development map 210a of character "A" and the position of the development mark 220b most recently selected in the development map 210b of character "B" are in a predetermined positional relationship, it may be determined that the selection status in the development map 210a and the development map 210b satisfies the connection condition. For example, it may be determined that the connection condition is satisfied when the position of the development mark most recently selected in the development map 210a is a predetermined position and the position of the development mark most recently selected in the development map 210b is a predetermined position, or it may be determined that the connection condition is satisfied when a development mark at a predetermined position has been selected in the development map 210a and a development mark at a predetermined position has been selected in the development map 210b. In addition, it may be determined that the connection condition is satisfied when the difference (distance) between the position of the growth mark most recently selected on the growth map 210a and the position of the growth mark most recently selected on the growth map 210b is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance. For example, when the nth growth mark is most recently selected on the growth map 210a and the mth growth mark is most recently selected on the growth map 210b, it may be determined that the connection condition is satisfied when the absolute value of the difference between n and m is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. Note that the distance between the growth marks (difference in the positions of the growth marks) is not limited to the difference in the number of growth marks, and may be any value that represents the distance between the growth marks. For example, the length of a line segment when the growth marks are connected by a line segment on the screen may be the distance, or the length of the path on the growth map may be the distance.

In addition, when the contents of the growth mark 220a selected most recently (or in the past) in the growth map 210a and the contents of the growth mark 220b selected most recently (or in the past) in the growth map 210b are combined in a predetermined manner, it may be determined that the selection conditions in the growth map 210a and the growth map 210b satisfy the connection condition. For example, when a growth mark corresponding to a predetermined type of growth element is selected in the growth map 210a and a growth mark corresponding to the growth element of the same type is selected in the growth map 210b, it may be determined that the connection condition is satisfied, or when the type of growth element corresponding to the growth mark selected in the growth map 210a and the type of growth element corresponding to the growth mark selected in the growth map 210b are combined in a predetermined manner, it may be determined that the connection condition is satisfied. In addition, when the contents of the growth mark not selected in the growth map 210a and the contents of the growth mark not selected in the growth map 210b are combined in a predetermined manner, it may be determined that the connection condition is satisfied. In addition, when the selection order of the growth mark in the growth map 210a and the selection order of the growth mark in the growth map 210b are combined in a predetermined manner, it may be determined that the connection condition is satisfied. For example, it may be determined that the connection condition is met when development marks of specified content are selected in a specified order on development map 210a and development marks of specified content are selected in a specified order on development map 210b.

In addition, when the number of the growth marks 220a selected in the growth map 210a and the number of the growth marks 220b selected in the growth map 210b are in a predetermined relationship, it may be determined that the selection status in the growth map 210a and the growth map 210b meets the connection condition. For example, when the number of the growth marks selected in the growth map 210a becomes a given number (e.g., 10) and the number of the growth marks selected in the growth map 210b becomes a given number (e.g., 12), it may be determined that the connection condition is met, or when the number of the growth marks selected in the growth map 210a and the number of the growth marks selected in the growth map 210b both reach a given number (e.g., 10), it may be determined that the connection condition is met. In addition, when the total number of the growth marks selected in the growth map 210a and the number of the growth marks selected in the growth map 210b reaches a given number, it may be determined that the connection condition is met.

In addition, when the number of development points accumulated in character "A" and the number of development points accumulated in character "B" reach a predetermined relationship, it may be determined that the selection status in development map 210a and development map 210b meets the connection condition. For example, it may be determined that the connection condition is met when the development points of character "A" and the development points of character "B" are both above or below a predetermined number, or it may be determined that the connection condition is met when the difference between the development points of character "A" and the development points of character "B" is above or below a predetermined number.

In the above example, when the selection status in the character "A" training map 210a satisfies the connection condition, the character "A" training map 210a is connected to the training map 210 of another character (character "B"); however, when the selection status in the character "A" training map 210a satisfies the connection condition, the character "B" training map 210b may be connected to the training map 210 of another character (for example, character "C"). When the selection status in the character "A" training map 210a and the character "B" training map 210b satisfies the connection condition, the character "A" training map 210a and the character "B" training map 210b may be connected, the character "B" training map 210b and the character "C" training map 210 may be connected, or the character "C" training map 210c and the character "D" training map 210d may be connected.

7, a character (connection target) to which the development map 210 is to be connected may be determined in advance for each character. In the example shown in Fig. 7, when the selection situation in the development map 210a of the character "A" satisfies the connection condition, the development map 210a of the character "A" and the development map 210b of the character "B" are connected, and when the selection situation in the development map 210b of the character "B" satisfies the connection condition, the development map 210b of the character "B" and the development map 210c of the character "C" are connected.

The development map 210 to be connected may also be determined depending on which of multiple connection conditions is satisfied. For example, the character to which the development map 210 is to be connected may be determined in advance for each connection condition. For example, when a connection condition related to the number of selected development marks 220 is satisfied, the development map 210 may be connected to the development map 210b of character "B," and when a connection condition related to the contents of the selected development marks 220 is satisfied, the development map 210 may be connected to the development map 210c of character "C."

Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the characters to which the development map 210 is to be connected may be determined in advance for each character and for each connection condition. In the example shown in FIG. 8, when the connection condition regarding the position of the selected development mark 220a is satisfied in the development map 210a of the character "A", the development map 210a of the character "A" and the development map 210b of the character "B" are connected, when the connection condition regarding the content of the selected development mark 220a is satisfied in the development map 210a of the character "A", the development map 210a of the character "A" and the development map 210c of the character "C" are connected, and when the connection condition regarding the position of the selected development mark 220b is satisfied in the development map 210b of the character "B", the development map 210b of the character "B" and the development map 210c of the character "C" are connected. Also, for example, the character "A" may be connected only to the development map 210b of the character "B" regardless of which connection condition is satisfied.

Also, the player may select the character to which the training map 210 is to be connected by operation. Also, the player may connect to multiple training maps 210 by satisfying multiple connection conditions, or connect to multiple training maps 210 by satisfying only one connection condition. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the training map 210b of the character "B" is connected to the training map 210a of the character "A" and the training map 210c of the character "C". Also, an upper limit may be set on the number of training maps 210 that can be connected to one training map 210. In this case, if the number of training maps 210 connected to one training map 210 exceeds the upper limit due to the satisfaction of the connection conditions, the player may select the training map 210 to be connected to one training map 210 by operation. Also, in a multiplayer game, the training map 210 of a player's character may be connected to the training map of another player's character.

In addition, the connection position (connection source and/or connection destination) of the growth map 210 may be determined in advance for each character. In addition, the connection position of the growth map 210 may be determined according to the connection condition that is satisfied among the multiple connection conditions. For example, the connection position of the growth map 210 may be determined in advance for each connection condition. In addition, the connection position of the growth map 210 may be determined in advance for each connection condition. In addition, the more severe the connection condition that is satisfied (for example, if the connection condition that is satisfied is a connection condition related to the position of the growth mark, the farther the position is from the starting point, and in the case where the connection condition that is satisfied is a connection condition related to the number of growth marks, the greater the number of growth marks), the more advantageous the connection position may be. For example, in a case where only the growth marks located after the connection position can be selected, the more severe the connection condition that is satisfied, the closer the connection position in the growth map 210 to the starting point may be connected, or in a case where a character is developed based on the development element of the growth mark located before the connection position, the more severe the connection condition that is satisfied, the farther the connection position in the growth map 210 to the starting point may be connected. In addition, the more lenient the connection condition that is met (for example, if the met connection condition is a connection condition related to the position of a development mark, the closer that position is to the starting point, and if the met connection condition is a connection condition related to the number of development marks, the fewer the number), the more disadvantageous the connection may be made to the connection position.

The connection position of the development map 210 may be determined based on the position of the development mark most recently selected at the time when the connection condition is satisfied. For example, when the connection condition is satisfied in the development map 210a of the character "A" and the development map 210a is connected to the development map 210b, the development mark most recently selected in the development map 210a may be the connection source, and the development mark most recently selected in the development map 210b may be the connection destination, and the two may be connected. The development maps 210 may be connected to each other with the development marks before and after the most recently selected development mark as the connection source or destination. Instead of connecting the development marks 220 to each other, the development marks 220 and the line segment 230 (the line segment 230 between adjacent development marks 220) may be connected, or the line segments 230 may be connected to each other. The connection position of the development map 210 may be selected by the player's operation.

In addition, in this embodiment, when a given disconnection condition is satisfied, the connection of the training map 210 is disconnected. For example, it may be determined whether or not the connection disconnection condition is satisfied depending on the game progress in the game part. For example, when the training map 210a of the character "A" and the training map 210b of the character "B" are connected, if one or both of the characters "A" and "B" become unable to fight in the game part (for example, the stamina value becomes 0), the connection between the training map 210a and the training map 210b may be disconnected. In addition, when the friendship degree between the characters, which changes depending on the action in the game part, becomes less than a predetermined value, the connection between the training maps 210 of the characters may be disconnected, or the connection between the training maps 210 of the characters may be disconnected depending on the change in the relationship between the characters that is automatically determined depending on the game progress in the game part. In addition, it may be determined whether or not the connection disconnection condition is satisfied depending on the selection status of the training map 210 in the training part. For example, similar to the selection condition, the connection release condition may be determined based on the position, content, number, or number of the selected growth marks 220, or the number of growth points. For example, when 10 growth marks corresponding to the growth element "attack power UP" are selected, it may be determined that the connection condition is satisfied, and when 20 growth marks corresponding to the growth element are selected, it may be determined that the connection release condition is satisfied. In addition, when the selection status in the growth map 210 of a character other than the character that satisfied the connection condition satisfies the connection release condition, the connection of the growth map 210 may be released. In addition, for example, when the growth map 210a of the character "A" and the growth map 210b of the character "B" are connected, if it is newly determined that the growth map 210a of the character "A" and the growth map 210c of the character "C" are connected, the connection between the growth map 210a and the growth map 210b may be released. In addition, when multiple development maps 210 are connected to one development map 210, or when more than the upper limit of development maps 210 are connected to one development map 210, the player may be able to select the development map 210 to be disconnected by operation.

In addition, when the development map 210 is disconnected, the effects of the development elements that were activated while connected may be erased (returned to the state before the development elements were activated). In this case, when the same development map 210 is connected again, the effects of the erased development elements may be restored (activated again). In addition, when the same development map 210 is connected again, the development elements to be restored may be determined based on the connection position of the connection destination. In addition, even if the development map 210 is disconnected, the effects of the development elements that were activated while connected may not be erased.

In addition, when the character's training map 210 is connected to the training map 210 of another character, the content of the training mark in the training map 210 of the other character may be changed. In addition, when the character's training map 210 is connected to the training map 210 of another character, the training fee required for selecting a training mark in the training map 210 of the character and/or the other character may be changed. In addition, when the training maps 210 are connected to each other, a new training mark may be placed at the connection position, or a new training map may be generated from the connection position. In the example shown in FIG. 10, when the training map 210a of the character "A" and the training map 210b of the character "B" are connected, a new training map 210x in which three training marks 220x are placed is generated on the line segment 230 connecting the training map 210a and the training map 210b. In this case, the player can select the training mark 220x placed on the training map 210x while the training map 210a and the training map 210b are connected. When the connection between the development maps 210a and 210b is released, the development map 210x is erased. When the development maps 210 are connected to each other, a given game event (e.g., a new game scenario) may be generated in the game part. In addition, the development maps 210 may be connected to each other in the development part depending on the game progress and game parameters in the game part, and the friendship and relationship between the characters.

When multiple development maps 210 are displayed on the same screen, the development maps 210 may be rearranged (sorted) according to whether or not they are connected. For example, when the development maps 210 are connected to each other, the connected development maps 210 may be rearranged so that they are adjacent to each other. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the development map 210a of the character "A" is connected to the development map 210c of the character "C", so the development maps 210a and 210c are rearranged so that they are adjacent to each other on the game screen GI. In this way, the player can easily grasp the connection status of the development maps 210. The connected development map 210 may be displayed in the center of the game screen GI. The rearrangement of the development maps 210 may also be performed every time the player switches the character (development map 210) selected. In addition, when the connection of the raising map 210 is released, the order of the raising maps 210 may be returned to the state before the connection, or the order may be changed so that the disconnected raising map 210 is moved away from the raising map 210 of the character selected by the player. In addition, the display mode of each raising map 210 may be made different depending on the presence or absence of connection. For example, the unconnected raising maps 210 (the raising maps 210b and 210d in the example of FIG. 11) may be displayed semi-transparently. In addition, in principle, only the raising map 210 of the character selected by the player may be displayed on the game screen GI, and when the raising map 210 of the character is connected to the raising map 210 of another character, the raising map 210 of the character and the raising map 210 of the other character may be displayed on the game screen GI. In this case, when the connection is released, only the raising map 210 of the character selected by the player may be displayed on the game screen GI again. This also makes it easier for the player to understand the connection status of the development maps 210. Note that the display control when multiple development maps 210 are displayed on the same screen is not limited to changing the order of the development maps 210, and may be any display control that makes it easier to understand the connected development maps 210. For example, before connection, the development maps 210 are displayed side-by-side on the same plane, but when connected, the connected development maps 210 may be displayed three-dimensionally lined up in the height direction.

According to this embodiment, when the selection status in one or more of the raising maps 210 satisfies the connection condition, the raising map 210 of the character and the raising map 210 of another character are connected, and the raising mark 220 arranged on the connected raising map 210 of the other character is displayed.
By making it possible to select a growth mark 220 and growing the character based on the growth element corresponding to the selected growth mark 220, the connection between the character and the other characters is expressed, so that the interest in growing the character can be increased. In addition, the growth map 210 to be connected and the connection position are determined according to the position of the most recently selected growth mark 220 or according to the connection condition that is satisfied among a plurality of connection conditions, so that the interest in growing the character can be further increased.

3. Processing Next, an example of the processing (processing in the training part) of the game system (terminal 10) of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the display control unit 110 displays the development maps 210 corresponding to each of the multiple characters on the game screen GI (step S10). Next, the selection unit 112 determines whether or not an operational input has been made to select a character (step S11), and if such an operational input has been made (Y in step S11), makes some or all of the development marks 220 arranged on the development map 210 of the selected character selectable (step S12).

Next, the selection unit 112 determines whether or not an operational input has been made to select one of the selectable development marks 220 (step S13). If such an operational input has been made (Y in step S13), the character development unit 114 develops a character (the character selected in step S11) based on the development elements associated with the selected development mark 220 (step S14).

Next, the development map connection unit 116 refers to the history of the selection status in the development map 210 to determine whether the selection status satisfies the connection condition (step S15), and if the connection condition is satisfied (Y in step S15), it determines the development map 210 to be connected and the connection position according to the satisfied connection condition, etc. (step S16), and connects the development maps 210 according to the determination (step S17). Next, the selection unit 112 makes some or all of the development marks 220 placed on the connected (connected) development map 210 selectable (step S18).

Next, the development map connection unit 116 determines whether the disconnection condition is satisfied (step S19), and if the disconnection condition is satisfied (Y in step S19), disconnects the development map 210 (step S20). Next, the selection unit 112 makes the development mark 220 placed on the connected (connected) development map 210 unselectable (step S21).

Next, the processing unit 100 determines whether to continue processing the training part (step S22), and if processing is to be continued (Y in step S22), proceeds to step S11.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, terms cited in the specification or drawings as broadly defined or synonymous terms can be replaced with broadly defined or synonymous terms in other descriptions in the specification or drawings.

10... terminal, 20... server, 100... processing unit, 110... display control unit, 112... selection unit, 114... character training unit, 116... training map connection unit, 120... image generation unit, 130... sound generation unit, 150... input unit, 170... storage unit, 190... display unit, 192... sound output unit, 196... communication unit

Claims (14)

A program for executing a game in which a player develops a plurality of characters,
A display control unit that displays, for each character, a growth map on a display unit, on which a plurality of growth marks corresponding to a plurality of growth elements corresponding to the character are arranged;
A selection unit for selecting one of a plurality of development elements associated with the character development map;
a character training section that trains the character based on the selected training element;
when a selection state in the growth map satisfies a given connection condition, the computer is caused to function as a growth map connection unit that connects a growth map corresponding to the character with a growth map corresponding to another character;
The character development unit includes:
Developing the character based on the development map of the other connected character;
The growth map connection unit is
A program characterized by determining the development map to be connected depending on the number of selected development elements when the number of development elements selected in the development map satisfies the connection condition. A program for executing a game in which a player develops a plurality of characters,
A display control unit that displays, for each character, a growth map on a display unit, on which a plurality of growth marks corresponding to a plurality of growth elements corresponding to the character are arranged;
A selection unit for selecting one of a plurality of development elements associated with the character development map;
a character training section that trains the character based on the selected training element;
when a selection state in the growth map satisfies a given connection condition, the computer is caused to function as a growth map connection unit that connects a growth map corresponding to the character with a growth map corresponding to another character;
The character development unit includes:
Developing the character based on the development map of the other connected character;
The growth map connection unit is
A program characterized by determining a connection position in the development map of the destination according to the number of selected development elements when the number of development elements selected in the development map satisfies the connection condition. In claim 1 or 2,
The growth map connection unit is
A program characterized in that the position of the development mark corresponding to the development element most recently selected at the time the connection condition is satisfied is set as the connection position of the development map. In any one of claims 1 to 3,
The selection unit is
selecting one of a plurality of growth marks arranged on the character growth map based on an operation of a player;
The character development unit includes:
A program for raising the character based on a raising element associated with the selected raising mark. In any one of claims 1 to 4,
The growth map connection unit is
A program characterized by determining a connection position of the development map depending on which of the plurality of connection conditions is satisfied. In any one of claims 1 to 5,
The selection unit is
A program characterized by making it possible to select a development element corresponding to a development mark placed on the development map of the other connected character when the development map of the character is connected to the development map of the other connected character. In any one of claims 1 to 6,
The selection unit is
A program characterized by making it possible to select a development element corresponding to a development mark located within a specified range based on the connection position of the development map of the other connected character when the development map of the character is connected to the development map of the other connected character. In any one of claims 1 to 7,
The character development unit includes:
A program characterized in that, when the character's training map is connected to the other character's training map, the character is trained based on the training elements selected in the connected character's training map prior to the connection. In any one of claims 1 to 8,
The display control unit is
A program characterized by displaying a plurality of the development maps on the same screen and rearranging the development maps depending on whether or not a connection is established. In any one of claims 1 to 8,
The display control unit is
A program characterized by displaying each of the development maps on a different screen, and when each of the development maps is connected, displaying the connected development maps on the same screen. A game system for executing a game in which a plurality of characters are raised,
A display control unit that displays, for each character, a growth map on a display unit, on which a plurality of growth marks corresponding to a plurality of growth elements corresponding to the character are arranged;
A selection unit for selecting one of a plurality of development elements associated with the character development map;
a character training section that trains the character based on the selected training element;
a growth map connection unit that connects a growth map corresponding to the character with a growth map corresponding to another character when a selection state in the growth map satisfies a given connection condition;
The character development unit includes:
Developing the character based on the development map of the other connected character;
The growth map connection unit is
A game system characterized in that, when the number of development elements selected in the development map satisfies the connection condition, the development map to be connected is determined according to the number of selected development elements. A game system for executing a game in which a plurality of characters are raised,
A display control unit that displays, for each character, a growth map on a display unit, on which a plurality of growth marks corresponding to a plurality of growth elements corresponding to the character are arranged;
A selection unit for selecting one of a plurality of development elements associated with the character development map;
a character training section that trains the character based on the selected training element;
a growth map connection unit that connects a growth map corresponding to the character with a growth map corresponding to another character when a selection state in the growth map satisfies a given connection condition;
The character development unit includes:
Developing the character based on the development map of the other connected character;
The growth map connection unit is
A game system characterized in that, when the number of development elements selected in the development map satisfies the connection condition, a connection position in the development map to be connected to is determined according to the number of selected development elements. A game execution method for executing a game in which a plurality of characters are developed, comprising the steps of:
a display control step of displaying, on a display unit, a growth map on which a plurality of growth marks corresponding to a plurality of growth elements corresponding to the character are arranged for each of the characters;
A selection step of selecting one of a plurality of development elements associated with the character development map;
a character development step of developing the character based on the selected development element;
a training map connection step of connecting a training map corresponding to the character with a training map corresponding to another character when a selection state in the training map satisfies a given connection condition;
In the character development step,
Developing the character based on the development map of the other connected character;
In the growing map connection step,
A game execution method characterized in that, when the number of development elements selected in the development map satisfies the connection condition, the development map to be connected is determined according to the number of selected development elements. A game execution method for executing a game in which a plurality of characters are developed, comprising the steps of:
a display control step of displaying, on a display unit, a growth map on which a plurality of growth marks corresponding to a plurality of growth elements corresponding to the character are arranged for each of the characters;
A selection step of selecting one of a plurality of development elements associated with the character development map;
a character development step of developing the character based on the selected development element;
a training map connection step of connecting a training map corresponding to the character with a training map corresponding to another character when a selection state in the training map satisfies a given connection condition;
In the character development step,
Developing the character based on the development map of the other connected character;
In the growing map connection step,
A game execution method characterized in that, when the number of development elements selected in the development map satisfies the connection condition, a connection position in the development map to be connected to is determined according to the number of selected development elements.

Images