JP7549068B2 - PROGRAM, TERMINAL, GAME SYSTEM AND GAME MANAGEMENT DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act Announcement on the website on December 27, 2018

The present invention relates to a program, a terminal, a game system, and a game management device.

In recent years, games that use platforms such as smartphones and mobile phones have become popular. For example, there are games in which a deck is used that combines game elements such as virtual cards, and the outcome of a competitive game is determined by the parameter values of each game element that makes up the deck.

On the other hand, a game system has been proposed in which operation tendency data for each player is generated based on the operation history information of each player and stored in a server device together with game data as player data, and the current game player plays against a virtual opponent who behaves based on the operation tendency data (Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-180951 A

The technology described in Patent Document 1 is a competitive game in which players (including non-players) control game elements such as pieces and cards. This competitive game is a competitive game in which players (including non-players) compete against each other.

However, the only battle format in these types of battle games is one in which players (including non-players) battle against each other, which can make gameplay monotonous and reduce the interest of the players.

The object of the present invention is to provide a program, a terminal, a game system, and a game management device that can provide a game that enhances the interest of the player/user.

One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute a game using a first game element owned by a first player and a first game element owned by a second player who is to be an opponent, the program causing the computer to function as a first setting means for setting a first game element that constitutes the deck of the first player, a second setting means for setting a second game element that is a game element that does not constitute the deck and that can use the first game element owned by the first player, and a match mode selection means for selecting a match mode in which a match will be played against at least the second game element of the second player in a match against a second player who has been matched as an opponent.

One aspect of the present invention is a terminal capable of executing a game using a first game element owned by a first player and a first game element owned by a second player who is to be an opponent, the terminal comprising: a first setting means for setting a first game element that constitutes the deck of the first player; a second setting means for setting a second game element that is a game element that does not constitute the deck and that can use the first game element owned by the first player; and a battle mode selection means for selecting a battle mode in which a battle will be played against at least the second game element of the second player in a matched battle with the second player who has been matched as an opponent.

One aspect of the present invention is a game system for playing a game using a first game element owned by a player and a first game element owned by an opponent player, the game system comprising a terminal and a game management device, the terminal comprising a first setting means for setting a first game element that constitutes the player's deck, a second setting means for setting a second game element that is a game element that does not constitute the deck and that can use the first game element owned by the player, and a match mode selection means for selecting a match mode in which a match will be played with at least the second game element of the opponent player among the matched matches with the opponent player, the game management device comprising a matching processing means for matching players who request the match mode, and a match mode execution means for executing the match mode according to the match mode.

One aspect of the present invention is a game management device that plays a game using a first game element owned by a player and a first game element owned by an opponent player, and includes a matching processing means for matching players who request a predetermined battle mode, and a matching battle execution means for executing a matching battle between players in the predetermined battle mode, the predetermined battle mode being a battle mode in which a battle is played against at least a second game element of the opponent player, and the second game element is a game management device that can use the first game element owned by the player.

The present invention can provide a game that enhances the interest of the player/user.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of the player terminal 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the first battle style (first battle mode). FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the first battle style (first battle mode). FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the second battle style (second battle mode). FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the third battle style (third battle mode). FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the fourth battle style (fourth battle mode). FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display displayed on the display 11 of the player terminal 1 in the standby phase or card use preparation phase of a competitive game. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining how a player operates the cards. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the player terminal 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed by the operation image display unit 76. As shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the card setting data. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of deck setting data. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the buddy setting data. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of rank setting data. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the game server 2. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of user information data. FIG. 18 is an overall sequence diagram for explaining the operations of the player terminal 1 and the game server 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a battle menu displayed on the player terminal 1. FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram of the matching battle process in Step 106 of the first battle mode. FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram of the matching battle process in Step 106 of the second battle mode. FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram of the matching battle process in Step 106 of the third battle mode. FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram of the matching battle process in Step 106 of the fourth battle mode. FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the game server 2 in the second embodiment. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining level updating by the character information updating unit 106. As shown in FIG. FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the updating of the card understanding level by the character information updating unit 106. In FIG. FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining personality updating by the character information updating unit 106. As shown in FIG. FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining updating of the synchronization level by the character information updating unit 106. In FIG. FIG. 29 is an overall sequence diagram for explaining the operations of the player terminal 1 and the game server 2 in the second embodiment.

First Embodiment
[Overall configuration]
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the game system is configured with player terminals 1 prepared for game players A and B, and a game server 2. The player terminals 1 and the game server 2 can be connected to a communication line N and can communicate with each other.

The communication line N refers to a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, the communication line N includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN using Ethernet (registered trademark), etc., as well as a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, or the Internet, and the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

The player terminal 1 is a computer capable of executing a game program, and is connected to a communication line N via a wireless communication base station or the like, and can perform data communication with the game server 2. The player terminal 1 is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a portable game device, a stationary home game device, an arcade game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a controller for a stationary home game device, etc. Basically, there are multiple player terminals 1, and each is operated by a player.

The game server 2 is a server system including one or more server devices, storage devices, etc. The game server 2 provides various services for operating the game of this embodiment, and can manage data necessary for operating the game, and distribute game programs and data necessary for running the game on the player terminal 1, etc.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of the player terminal 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the player terminal 1 includes a display 11, a touch operation panel 12 that is integral with the display 11, and a speaker 13. The player terminal 1 also includes a control board, a built-in battery, a power button, a volume adjustment button, etc., which are not shown.

The control board is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU, GPU, and DSP, various IC memories such as an ASIC, VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a wireless communication module for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station. The control board is also equipped with so-called I/F circuits (interface circuits), such as a driver circuit for the touch operation panel 12. Each of these elements mounted on the control board is electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and is connected so as to be able to read and write data and send and receive signals.

In this embodiment, an example is described in which the above-mentioned game system is applied to a competitive game using a first game element possessed by a first player A and a first game element possessed by an opponent, a second player B.

Here, the first game element is a character associated with a virtual or real object. Examples of virtual or real objects include, for example, a virtual card displayed on a computer, a real card, etc. In the game to be executed, the first game element that can be made to appear by using a card is a character whose behavior is controlled based on the operation of a player (including a non-player operated by a computer), and the card is described as having a pattern of the corresponding character (an image showing the appearance of the character). Furthermore, without being limited to this, it goes without saying that cards for the purpose of specifying game elements of the game to be executed are not limited to those configured to be able to specify game elements such as characters, but may specify other game elements such as items and effects to be activated. Note that the object is not limited to a card, and is not limited to a card as long as it is an object configured to be able to specify a game element associated with the object. The object may be, for example, a shaped object such as a figure having the appearance of a game element.

Furthermore, in a battle game to which this embodiment is applied, a second game element different from the first game element is added. The second game element is a character like the first game element, but does not necessarily need to be associated with a virtual or physical object.

The second game element uses the first game element possessed by the player in the game. Using the first game element includes deciding the selection or action of the first game element in the game. If the first game element is, for example, a card, the second game element autonomously or spontaneously decides the selection or action of the card possessed by the player in a match in the game. In other words, like the function of a non-player operated by a computer, it performs an operation similar to the decision of the selection or action of the first game element performed by a player. However, while a conventional non-player is operated by a computer instead of a human player, the second game element differs in that it exists separately and independently from the human player and uses the first game element possessed by the player.

The second game element also has character information. This character information is attribute information of the second game element. The character information influences the autonomous or spontaneous behavior of the second game element (use of the first game element). In other words, the character information is the ability of the second game element, and differences in this ability result in different autonomous or spontaneous behavior of the second game element (use of the first game element). This character information differs depending on the second game element acquired.

The autonomous or spontaneous behavior caused by the second game element as described above is performed based on information provided by an AI function provided in the game server 2. This AI function is an AI function obtained by machine learning using the contents and results of game progress of many competitive games as teacher data. A representative machine learning method is deep learning, but is not limited to this.
[Game Contents Overview]
Next, in order to facilitate understanding of the description of the embodiment, an outline of the game will be described using the display screen of the display 11 of the player terminal 1.

In the game of this embodiment, players A and B use virtual game cards (cards that embody the first game element, simply referred to as "cards"), which are game objects, in the game. Multiple types of cards are prepared, and each is distinguished by a combination of the character's abilities and card attributes associated with it. Card attributes are defined, for example, by a color such as red or blue, or a number from 1 to 7. Each card has ability parameter values, such as level, attack power, and HP, that are used in play (battle) against opponents such as computer-controlled enemy characters or other players.

When registering an account, players are given the minimum number of cards required for battle play, and can also acquire cards during the game, by purchasing them as paid items, or through a lottery known as gacha. In addition, cards can be acquired by obtaining physical game cards (hereafter referred to as "real cards") and going through the registration procedures to make the acquired real cards usable in the game. Specifically, when players A and B go through the registration procedures for a real card, they can acquire a card of the card type associated with that real card.

Then, players A and B construct a deck using a predetermined number of cards (for example, 40 cards) from the cards they own, and engage in a battle using the deck. In a battle using the deck, victory or defeat against an opponent is decided using ability parameter values (character information of the first game element) defined in the cards that make up the deck (deck cards).

Prior to playing the game, players A and B must register an account and organize their decks. Decks can be organized by touching the card menu on the home screen, etc., and then selecting the deck organization menu that is displayed as one of the options.

The second game element can be obtained by players A and B by selecting their preferred buddy from multiple second game elements (hereafter referred to as buddies) when registering their accounts.

When preparations for a battle are complete, players A and B select (by touch) the battle menu from the home screen that appears after logging in. In the battle menu, players can choose from multiple battle styles.

In this embodiment, the battle mode of the battle game is either a normal battle mode in which human players battle against other human players, or a special battle mode. The special battle modes are as follows. In the following explanation, a battle with a player who has been matched as an opponent will be referred to as a matching battle.

Broadly speaking, there are team matches in which a player and his/her buddy form a team and the team of player A plays against the team of opponent player B, and individual matches in which player A or player A's buddy plays alone against opponent player B's buddy or opponent player B.

There are the following types of team battles:

(1) First Battle Form (First Battle Mode)
In the first battle mode, as shown in Fig. 3, player A and his buddy form a first team, and player B and his buddy form a second team. Then, a battle between player A and his buddy and a battle between player A's buddy and player B are repeated to determine the winner of the matching battle. Hereinafter, the first battle mode will be referred to as the first battle mode.

The feature of the first battle mode is that the human player's opponent is the buddy of the opposing player (human), and the buddy's opponent is another human player. Another feature of the first battle mode is that, similar to how a doubles match in tennis or table tennis uses a single ball to determine the outcome, a player and his/her buddy use the same deck, and while inheriting the results of the previous player's or buddy's match, the next player or buddy plays a match using cards from the same deck to determine the outcome of the matching match.

The first battle mode will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 4. First, player A attacks player B's buddy, and player B's buddy takes a turn to defend. Next, player B attacks player A's buddy, and player A's buddy takes a turn to defend. Then, player A's buddy attacks player B, and player B takes a turn to defend. Next, player B's buddy attacks player A, and player A takes a turn to defend. Then, player A attacks player B's buddy, and player B's buddy takes a turn to defend. In this way, matches between player A and player B's buddy and between player A's buddy and player B are repeated to determine the winner of the matching battle.

One of the features of the first battle mode is that the opponent of a human player is the buddy of the opposing player (human), and the buddy's opponent is another human player; however, battles between human players and buddy-versus-buddy battles are not excluded, and these battles may be added as turns.

(2) Second Battle Form (Second Battle Mode)
In the second battle mode, as shown in FIG. 5, player A and his buddy form one team, and player B and his buddy form one team. The first battle is a battle between player A and his buddy, and the second battle is a battle between player B and his buddy, forming a matching battle. Hereinafter, the second battle mode will be referred to as the second battle mode. In the second battle mode, the decks used by each player and his buddy are set from the decks owned by the player. The decks set may be the same for the player and his buddy, or different decks may be used for the player and his buddy.

The second battle mode is characterized in that, like the first battle mode, the opponent that a human player plays against is the buddy of the battle player (human), and the buddy's opponent is another human player. Another characteristic of the second battle mode is that the outcome of the battle is decided in the first and second battles.

One of the features of the second battle mode is that the opponent of a human player is the buddy of the battle player (human), and the buddy's opponent is another human player; however, this does not preclude the addition of battles in which human players battle each other to determine the winner, or battles in which buddy players battle each other to determine the winner, and these battles may be added.

There are the following types of battles for single matches:

(3) Third battle style (third battle mode)
In the third battle mode, as shown in Fig. 6, the buddy of player A and the buddy of player B battle individually to determine the winner of the match. Hereinafter, the third battle mode will be referred to as the third battle mode. In the third battle mode, the decks used by each player's buddy are set from the decks owned by the player.

Incidentally, since the third battle mode is a battle between players' buddies, a player who selects the third battle mode does not necessarily have to play the game. Therefore, when the third battle mode is selected, all operations after the selection may be left to the player terminal 1 and the game server 2, and only the battle results may be obtained.

(4) Fourth Battle Mode In the fourth battle mode, as shown in Fig. 7, player A and the buddy of player B battle individually to determine the winner of the matching battle. Hereinafter, the fourth battle mode will be referred to as the fourth battle mode.

What the first through fourth battle modes mentioned above have in common is that in each match, player A always plays against player B's buddy.

When it comes to matching opponents, opponents can be selected randomly, but being matched with an opponent whose level is too different may cause players to lose interest in the game. Therefore, the concept of rankings is introduced so that players are matched with opponents who have a similar level of understanding of the game. For this reason, rankings are established for teams (hereafter referred to as team rankings), player (human) rankings (hereafter referred to as player rankings), and buddy rankings (hereafter referred to as buddy rankings).

Team ranks are used in team battles such as the first battle mode, where each team is assigned a team rank and is awarded victory points based on the results of the battle. The more victory points a team collects, the higher its team rank will be.

The player rank and buddy rank are used not only in solo battles such as in the third and fourth battle modes, but also in team battles such as in the second battle mode, when the player and buddy compete alone, and victory points are awarded to the player and buddy depending on the battle results. The more victory points collected, the higher the player rank and buddy rank will be.

Basically, matching is done between teams with the same rank, and between players or buddies with the same rank. If a team, player or buddy with the same rank cannot be found, a search is made for teams, players or buddies one rank above or below, and matching is done with the team, player or buddy that is found. However, matching is not limited to this, and does not exclude matches between teams, players or buddies that are two or more ranks above or below.

Once your opponent has been selected through matching, the battle will begin.

In a battle, turns are alternated between Player A's side and the opponent Player B's side. Each turn is made up of multiple phases, such as a standby phase in which the player places the deck cards in their hand in their own player's player area, such as the field, a card use preparation phase in which other deck cards are prepared in order to use the deck cards that have been placed, and a battle phase in which the deck cards placed in the player's area are used to attack the opposing player or the opposing player's cards.

Figure 8 shows an example of a screen display during the standby phase or card use preparation phase of a competitive game displayed on the display 11 of the player terminal 1. The screen of the display 11 has a first area 20 in which cards etc. of player A are set, and a second area 21 in which cards etc. of competing player B are set. In addition, at the boundary between the first area 20 and the second area 21, operation information 30 is displayed, which shows information on operations that can currently be performed.

Each of the first area 20 and the second area 21 comprises a field area 22 in which five cards (hand) selected from the player's deck are placed, a base area 23 in which cards that are consumed (action cost) to activate the actions or effects of the cards placed on the field are placed, and a force area 24 in which a first object 31 that influences the activation effects of the cards (force) and has life (HP) and a second object that also has life (HP) are placed. In this embodiment, the second object 32 is displayed as the player or a buddy, which is the second game element.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the battle phase, player A touches the card to be used in the attack with his/her finger and drags it to the opponent's card, the first or second object 31, 32, which is the target of the attack, thereby determining the card to be used in the attack and the card of opponent player B, the first or second object 31, 32, which is the target of the attack. This starts player A's attack. In addition, in the case of an attack by buddy A, the card to be used in the attack and the card of opponent player B, the first or second object 31, 32, which is the target of the attack are determined by card operation information provided by the game server 2.

Player A and opponent Player B alternate between turns consisting of this series of phases, and the winner is decided when either the player or buddy's life reaches 0 or the deck has no cards left.
[Functional configuration]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the player terminal 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, the player terminal 1 includes an operation input unit 51, a processing unit 52, an image display unit 53, a sound output unit 54, a communication unit 55, and a memory unit 56.

The operation input unit 51 allows the player to input various operations related to the game, and outputs an operation input signal corresponding to the operation input to the processing unit 52. The functions of the operation input unit 51 can be realized by, for example, elements that are directly operated by Player A's fingers, such as a touch operation pad, a home button, a button switch, a joystick, or a trackball, as well as elements that detect movement or posture, such as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a tilt sensor, or a geomagnetic sensor. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the touch operation panel 12.

The processing unit 52 comprehensively controls the operation of the player terminal 1 based on the programs and data stored in the memory unit 56, the operation input signals from the operation input unit 51, etc. The functions of the processing unit 52 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, and an IC memory. The processing unit 52 has, as its main functional units, a game calculation unit 61, an image generation unit 62, a sound generation unit 63, and a communication control unit 64.

The game calculation unit 61 executes various game processes to realize the game of this embodiment, and outputs the processing results to the image generation unit 62 and the sound generation unit 63. The game calculation unit 61 includes a player information management unit 70, a card setting unit 71, a buddy setting unit 72, a battle mode selection unit 73, an action determination unit 74, an operation information acquisition unit 75, an operation image display unit 76, and a game management unit 77.

The player information management unit 70 manages player information. The information managed includes basic user information such as the player's nickname, team rank, player rank, and buddy rank.

The card setting unit 71 uses card setting data and deck setting data, which will be described later, to manage the cards currently held by players A and B. It also manages the cards that make up each deck from the cards held, and sets the cards and hands to be set in each field from the decks selected by players A and B during the standby phase and card use preparation phase. It also generates card setting information, which is information about the cards and hands to be set in each field, and transmits this to the game server 2 via the communication unit 55.

The buddy setting unit 72 manages information about the buddy selected by players A and B as the second game element when registering their accounts, using the buddy setting data described below. The buddy setting unit 71 sets the character information of the buddy (second game element) at the time of account registration to the initial value (lowest value). Furthermore, if a buddy is changed, the buddy setting unit 72 sets the character information of the changed buddy (second game element) to the initial value (lowest value). Furthermore, the buddy setting unit 71 outputs image information of the buddy to the image generation unit 62 during a match or on other menu screens.

The battle mode selection unit 73 displays a battle menu and allows the player to select a battle mode. The battle modes displayed on the battle menu are a normal battle mode in which players (humans) battle each other, and special battle modes from the first battle mode to the fourth battle mode. The battle mode can be selected by selecting (touching) the button for the battle mode the player desires from the normal battle mode and the first battle mode to the fourth battle mode buttons displayed on the battle menu. Information on the selected battle mode (battle mode selection information) is sent to the game server 2 via the communication unit 55.

The action decision unit 74 decides the selection of cards and the action of the cards through touch operations by players A and B, generates action selection information which is information on the card selection or action, and transmits it to the game server 2 via the communication unit 55.

The operation information acquisition unit 75 acquires card operation information, which is information related to the operation of card selection or action, via the communication unit 55. The card operation information is information generated by the AI function of the game server 2 by referring to the buddy's character information and the status of the card setting information in the match, and is information for displaying on the player terminal 1 an image of the buddy operating the card selection or action.

The operation image display unit 76 performs processing to display an image in which the buddy operates a card selection or action, using the card operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 75. For example, if the acquired card operation information is information regarding the card operation content of "attack the opponent's card B with card A", the operation image display unit 76 displays an image of the buddy's lines and an arrow from card A to the opponent's card B, as shown in FIG. 11.

The game management unit 77 manages the overall progress of the game.

The image generation unit 62 generates one game screen per frame time (e.g., 1/60th of a second) based on the processing results of the game calculation unit 61, and outputs an image signal of the generated game screen to the image display unit 103. The functions of the image generation unit 62 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a program such as a video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, an IC memory used for expanding texture data, etc.

The sound generation unit 63 generates sound signals such as game-related sound effects and background music, audio information for operation assistance information, and various operation sounds based on the processing results of the game calculation unit 61, and outputs them to the sound output unit 54. The functions of the sound generation unit 63 can be realized, for example, by a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a voice synthesis IC, or an audio codec capable of playing audio files.

The communication control unit 64 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with the game server 2.

The image display unit 53 displays various game screens based on the image signals input from the image generation unit 62. The functions of the image display unit 53 can be realized by a display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. The image display unit 62 corresponds to, for example, the display 11 in FIG. 2.

The sound output unit 54 outputs sound effects and the like related to the game based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 63. The sound output unit 54 corresponds to, for example, the speaker 13 in FIG. 2.

The communication unit 55 realizes communication by connecting to the communication line N. The functions of the communication unit 55 can be realized, for example, by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc.

The storage unit 56 stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the player terminal 1 and implementing the various functions of the player terminal 1, as well as data used during execution of these programs. The storage unit 56 can be realized, for example, by RAM, ROM, IC memory such as flash memory, magnetic disks such as hard disks, optical disks such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, etc.

The memory unit 56 stores a system program and a game program. The system program is a program for implementing the basic functions of the player terminal 1 as a computer. The game program is a program for causing the processing unit 52 to function as a game calculation unit 61. This program is distributed from the game server 2 or another application distribution server, etc., once the player has completed account registration.

The memory unit 56 also stores card setting data, deck setting data, buddy setting data, and rank setting data managed by the player information management unit 70. In addition, model data for displaying images of the characters and buddy on the cards, texture data, motion data, effect data, background images for the game screen, sound data such as sound effects, and the like are distributed as data necessary for the game and stored in the memory unit 56.

Card setting data is character information for cards held by a player, and is prepared for each card type. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of card setting data for cards held by a player. Figure 12 shows card setting data for one card identified by card identification information "001" held by a player. Card setting data includes card identification information, image, card name, card type, cost, color, race, ability, attack power, hit points, and rarity. Note that Figure 12 shows an example of card setting data, and is not limited to this. Card setting data also increases or decreases as the number of cards held by players A and B increases or decreases.

Deck setting data is data about each of a player's decks, and includes card identification information for the cards that make up each deck. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of deck setting data. The example in Figure 13 is an example of deck setting data for deck 1 of player A, and shows that deck 1 is made up of cards with card identification information "001" to card identification information "023". Note that Figure 13 shows only an example of deck setting data, and is not limited to this.

The buddy setting data is character information for a buddy selected from the menu settings. This buddy character information changes as the game progresses, and when it does change, the changed character information is notified from the game server 2 and the character information is updated. Figure 14 is an example of buddy setting data, and is an example of data that stores buddy identification information, a buddy character image, a buddy name, and the buddy's strength (character information).

The rank setting data is data on the rank of the player's team and their accumulated victory points to date, the player's rank and their accumulated victory points to date, and the buddy's rank and their accumulated victory points to date. FIG. 15 is an example of rank setting data, and is an example of data that stores the rank of Player A's team and their accumulated victory points to date, Player A's rank and their accumulated victory points to date, and Player A's buddy's rank and their accumulated victory points to date. After the matching match ends, these data are updated by the player information management unit 70 using the rank information sent from the game server 2.

Next, the configuration of the game server 2 will be described. Figure 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the game server 2.

The game server 2 includes a processing unit 91, a communication unit 92, and a memory unit 93.

The processing unit 91 comprehensively controls the operation of the game server 2 based on the programs and data stored in the memory unit 93, the received information, etc. The functions of the processing unit 91 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, and an IC memory. This processing unit 91 includes a player management unit 101, a matching processing unit 102, a game management unit 103, an AI processing unit 104, and a rank update unit 105.

The player management unit 101 manages the account, game progress, etc. for each connected player terminal 1 using user information data described below.

In response to a matching request based on battle mode selection information from the player terminal 1, the matching processing unit 102 searches for an opponent to match with the player using the team rank, player rank, and buddy rank of the player of the player terminal 1. Matching is basically performed by matching teams with the same rank, and players or buddies with the same rank among logged-in players. If a team, player, or buddy with the same rank cannot be found, the rank is changed up or down (for example, by one rank) to match with the team, player, or buddy.

The game management unit 103 receives card setting information, action selection information, etc. from the player terminal 1, and performs battle processing according to the battle mode using the card setting information, action selection information, and card data described below, and outputs the battle results.

The AI processing unit 104 has an algorithm obtained by machine learning training data such as the game progress content and results of many competitive games. This algorithm is an algorithm according to the buddy's character information. A representative machine learning method is deep learning, but is not limited to this. The AI processing unit 104 inputs the card setting information transmitted from the player terminal 1, the character information of the buddy of the player of the player terminal 1, the competitive mode, etc., and outputs the buddy's card operation information in the situation of the card setting information. Note that since the algorithm differs according to the buddy's character information, even if the card setting information transmitted from the player terminal 1 is the same, if the character information of the player's buddy is different, different card operation information may be output.

The rank update unit 105 calculates the victory points of each team, player, or buddy based on the results of the match, and grants the victory points to each team, player, or buddy. Furthermore, the rank update unit 105 updates the rank of each team, player, or buddy to a rank corresponding to the accumulated victory points. For example, if a match is won, 150 victory points are granted, and if the accumulated victory points reach 500 points, the rank is updated to "2". Furthermore, if a match is lost, victory points may be subtracted rather than granted. For example, if a match is lost, 150 points may be subtracted from the accumulated victory points. In such cases, depending on the accumulated victory points, the current rank may be demoted to a lower rank.

The communication unit 92 connects to the communication line N to realize communication.

The memory unit 93 stores a system program and a game program. The system program is a program for implementing the basic functions of the game server 2 as a computer. The game program is a program for causing the processing unit 91 to function as a player management unit 101, a matching processing unit 102, a game management unit 103, an AI processing unit 104, and a rank update unit 105.

Furthermore, the recording unit 93 stores user information data and card data.

User information data is basic data about players participating in the game, and records user information data for each player. Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of user information data. In the example of Figure 17, it includes the player's user identification information, the player's buddy setting data, deck setting data, the player's team rank and accumulated win points to date, the player's rank and accumulated win points to date, and the player's buddy's rank and accumulated win points to date.

The card data is for all cards used in the game. Basically, data similar to the card setting data in Fig. 12 described above is stored for all cards used in the game.
[Operation of each device]
Next, the operation of the player terminal 1 and the game server 2 will be described. Here, a case will be described in which players A and B play competitive games in multiple special competitive modes using the player terminal 1, and rank information is updated at the end of the competitive games. Fig. 18 is an overall sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the player terminal 1 and the game server 2.

First, when registering a game account, each of players A and B performs a buddy setting process to set a buddy (Step 100). The buddy setting process is performed by the buddy setting unit 72. The buddy setting process is performed by selecting buddy setting from the menu screen. In the buddy setting, a buddy of the player's choice can be selected from a number of buddies. Information on the selected buddy is sent to the game server 2.

The player management unit 101 of the game server 2 uses the buddy information received from the player terminal 1 to register the buddy's character information in the user information data corresponding to the user identification information of the player terminal 1 (Step 101). The registered buddy's character information is transmitted to the player terminal 1.

The buddy setting unit 72 of the player terminal 1 registers the character information of the registered buddy as buddy setting data (Step 100).

After registering their accounts, each of players A and B logs into the game (Step 102). At this time, player terminal 1 transmits a login request that includes user identification information.

In response to the login request, the player management unit 101 of the player terminal 1 performs login processing (Step 103). The login processing includes a process of acquiring user information data corresponding to the user identification information of the player who requested the login and passing the data to the game management unit 103.

When login is complete, each of players A and B selects a battle mode. The battle mode selection process for the battle mode is performed by the battle mode selection unit 73 of the player terminal 1 (Step 104). The battle mode selection for each of players A and B is performed by the battle mode selection unit 73 displaying a battle menu and having the player select a battle mode.

Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of a battle menu displayed on the player terminal 1. The battle modes displayed on the battle menu are a normal battle mode in which players (humans) battle each other, and special battle modes from the first battle mode to the fourth battle mode. The battle mode can be selected by selecting (touching) the button for the battle mode the player desires from among the normal battle mode button 41, the first battle mode button 42, the second battle mode button 43, the third battle mode button 44, and the fourth battle mode button 45 displayed on the battle menu. Information on the selected battle mode (battle mode selection information) is sent to the game server 2 via the communication unit 55.

In addition, the selection of the battle mode may be configured so that, depending on the battle mode, it cannot be selected unless a certain rank is held. For example, in the first battle mode, it cannot be selected unless the team rank is a certain rank. Also, in the second battle mode, it cannot be selected unless the team rank, player rank, or buddy rank is a certain rank. The third and fourth battle modes can be processed in a similar manner.

The matching processing unit 102 of the game server 2 searches for matching between teams, players, or buddies with the same rank among players who have selected the battle mode indicated by the battle mode selection information from the player terminal 1. If no matching between teams, players, or buddies with the same rank is found, a search is performed for different teams, players, or buddies one rank above or below.

For example, the matching process for the first battle mode uses the team ranks in the user information data in the recording unit 93 to match teams with the same team rank among players who have selected the first battle mode. If no match is possible, matching is performed so that opponents are teams with a difference of one rank above or below. If no match is possible, matching is performed again so that opponents are teams with a difference of two ranks above or below. This is repeated until a match is made. However, since interest in the battle decreases if the ranks are too different, it is preferable to set a range of ranks for matching. For example, a range of two ranks above or below.

In the matching process for the second battle mode, the player rank and buddy rank of the user information data in the recording unit 93 are used to match teams with the same player rank and buddy rank among players who have selected the second battle mode. If no match is made, matching is made so that opponents are teams with a difference of one rank above or below. If no match is made, matching is made again so that opponents are teams with a difference of two ranks above or below. This is repeated until a match is made. However, since interest in the battle decreases if the ranks are too different, it is preferable to determine a range of ranks to be matched. For example, a range of two ranks above or below. In the case of the second battle mode, taking into account the load of the matching process, matching may be performed using only one of the team rank, player rank, and buddy rank. For example, focusing only on the player rank, it may be possible to match teams of players whose player ranks are the same or within a predetermined range.

The matching process for the third battle mode uses the buddy ranks in the user information data in the recording unit 93 to match buddies of players who have selected the third battle mode and have the same buddy rank as opponents. If no matching is possible, matching is performed so that opponents are buddies of players who are one rank above or below. If no matching is possible, matching is performed again so that opponents are buddies who are two ranks above or below. This is repeated until a match is made. However, if the ranks differ too much, interest in the battle will wane, so it is preferable to set a range of ranks for matching. For example, a range of two ranks above or below.

Furthermore, the matching process for the third battle mode may use the buddy rank of the user information data in the recording unit 93 to search for a player who has the same buddy rank as the player who has selected the third battle mode, and match the player with the buddy of that player. Because the third battle mode is a battle between players' buddies, the player who will be the opponent of the player who selected the third battle mode does not need to play the game, and the player does not necessarily need to be logged in to the game. However, it is also possible to make the player's logging in a condition for matching.

The matching process for the fourth battle mode uses the player rank and buddy rank in the user information data in the recording unit 93 to search for and match players with the same buddy rank as the player who has selected the fourth battle mode. This is because the fourth battle mode is a battle between a player and the player's buddy, so the buddy player does not need to play the game, and the player does not necessarily need to be logged in to the game. However, it is also possible to make the player's logging in a condition for matching.

If no matching is possible, matching is performed so that the opponents are buddies of players with a buddy rank one rank above or below. If no matching is possible, matching is performed again so that the opponents are buddies two ranks above or below. This is repeated until a match is made. However, since interest in battling decreases if the ranks differ too much, it is preferable to set a range of ranks for matching. For example, a range of two ranks above or below.

In the case of the third or fourth battle mode, the user (player) who has a buddy to play against can be the game operator, in which case the buddy rank can be ignored. In this case, the game operator can, for example, prepare buddies with different strengths and personalities for each day of the week, and match the player who selected the third or fourth battle mode with the buddy that corresponds to the day of the week on which the player selected the third or fourth battle mode. In this way, a player who selected the third or fourth battle mode can play against a different buddy for each day of the week, making the game more interesting.

When the opponent matching is determined, the user terminal 1 and the game server 2 start the matching battle process (Step 106). The matching battle process for each battle mode will be described later.

When the matching battle processing is completed, the rank update unit 105 of the game server 2 performs rank update processing (Step 107). The rank update unit 105 calculates the victory points of each team, player, or buddy using the results of the matching battle, and grants victory points to each team, player, or buddy. For example, a victory in the matching battle may result in 150 victory points. Furthermore, the rank update unit 105 updates the rank of each team, player, or buddy to a rank corresponding to the accumulated victory points. For example, when the accumulated victory points reach 500 points, the rank is updated to "2". Then, rank information including the awarded victory points and the rank of the team, player, or buddy is transmitted to the user terminal 1.

The player information management unit 70 of the user terminal 1 updates the rank of the team, player, or buddy in the user information using the rank information (Step 108).

This concludes the explanation of how the game progresses overall.

Next, the operation of the matching battle process (Step 106) for each battle mode will be described.

(1) Operation Between Each Device in First Battle Mode The operation between each device in the first battle mode will be described below. Fig. 20 is a sequence diagram of the matching battle process in Step 106 in the first battle mode.

First, when matching is completed and the matching battle begins, a card setting process is performed by the card setting unit 71 on the player terminal 1 of each of players A and B (Step 200). The card setting process is performed by selecting one deck from the decks that have been set, and arranging cards from that deck in the field area, base area, force area, and hand. Note that such card placement is performed by the operation of each of players A and B. The card identification information of the placed card and the placement status of the card are transmitted to the game server 2 as card setting information.

The game management unit 103 of the game server 2 transmits the received card setting information of player A to the player terminal 1 of player B, and transmits the received card setting information of player B to the player terminal 1 of player A.

At the player terminal 1 of each player A and B, a set card display process is performed using the card setting information, and an image of the cards placed on the field is displayed (Step 201).

Next, a match will take place for each turn.

First, player A attacks player B's buddy (hereafter referred to as buddy B), and player B's buddy B takes a defensive turn (in Figure 20, player A → buddy B).

In the player terminal 1 of player A, the action selection process is performed by the action decision unit 74 (Step 202). The selection of a card or an action is decided by player A. Information on the decided selection of a card or an action is sent to the game server 2 by the action decision unit 74 as action selection information.

The game management unit 103 of the game server 2 receives the action selection information of player A, and performs a match process using the action selection information of player A and the card setting information and card data of each player A and B (Step 203). Information on the match result is sent to the player terminal 1 of each player A and B.

The game management unit 77 of the player terminal 1 of each player A and B receives the match result and performs match result processing (Step 204). The match result processing is a process of displaying the match result on the player terminal 1 of each player A and B.

The above is the action taken during a turn in which player A attacks player B's buddy B, and buddy B defends.

Next, player B attacks player A's buddy (hereafter referred to as buddy A), and player A's buddy A takes a defensive turn (player B → buddy A in Figure 20).

In the player terminal 1 of player B, the action selection process is performed by the action decision unit 74 (Step 202). The selection of a card or an action is decided by the operation of player B. Information on the decided selection of a card or an action is sent to the game server 2 by the action decision unit 74 as action selection information.

The game management unit 103 of the game server 2 receives the action selection information of player B, and performs a match process using the action selection information of player B and the card setting information and card data of each of players A and B (Step 203). Information on the match result is transmitted to the player terminal 1 of each of players A and B.

The game management unit 77 of the player terminal 1 of each player A and B receives the match result and performs match result processing (Step 204). The match result processing is a process of displaying the match result on the player terminal 1 of each player A and B.

The above is the action taken during a turn in which player B attacks player A's buddy A and buddy A defends.

Next, player A's buddy A attacks player B, and player B takes a defensive turn (in Figure 20, buddy A → player B).

As this is an attack by buddy A, the AI processing unit 104 performs a card operation information providing process (Step 205). The card operation information providing process is a process of providing card operation information indicating the selection or action of a card or the like by buddy A to the player terminal 1 of player A.

The operation information acquisition unit 75 of the player terminal 1 receives the card operation information. The operation image display unit 76 performs processing to display the attack details by buddy A, as indicated by the card operation information (Step 206).

The game management unit 103 and the AI processing unit 104 of the game server 2 perform buddy match processing using the card operation information of buddy A and the card setting information and card data of each player A and B (Step 207). Information on the match result is sent to the player terminal 1 of each player A and B.

The game management unit 77 of each player A and B's player terminal 1 receives the match result and performs match result processing (Step 204).

The above is the action taken during a turn in which player A's buddy A attacks player B and player B defends.

Furthermore, player B's buddy B attacks player A, and player A takes a defensive turn (in Figure 20, buddy B → player A).

As this is an attack by buddy B, the AI processing unit 104 performs a card operation information providing process (Step 205). The card operation information providing process is a process of providing card operation information indicating the selection or action of a card or the like by buddy B to the player terminal 1 of player B.

The operation information acquisition unit 75 of the player terminal 1 receives the card operation information. The operation image display unit 76 performs processing to display the details of the attack by buddy B, as indicated by the card operation information (Step 206).

The game management unit 103 and the AI processing unit 104 of the game server 2 perform buddy match processing using the card operation information of buddy B and the card setting information and card data of each of players A and B (Step 203). Information on the match result is transmitted to the player terminal 1 of each of players A and B.

The game management unit 77 of each player A and B's player terminal 1 receives the match result and performs match result processing (Step 207).

The above is the action taken during a turn in which Player B's buddy B attacks Player A and Player A defends.

Then, a turn is played in which player A attacks player B's buddy B, and player B's buddy B defends (in Figure 20, player A → buddy B).

In the player terminal 1 of player A, the action selection process is performed by the action decision unit 74 (Step 202). The selection of a card or an action is decided by player A. Information on the decided selection of a card or an action is sent to the game server 2 by the action decision unit 74 as action selection information.

The game management unit 103 of the game server 2 receives the action selection information of player A, and performs a match process using the action selection information of player A and the card setting information and card data of each player A and B (Step 203). Information on the match result is sent to the player terminal 1 of each player A and B.

The game management unit 77 of the player terminal 1 of each player A and B receives the match result and performs match result processing (Step 204). The match result processing is a process of displaying the match result on the player terminal 1 of each player A and B.

The above is the action taken during a turn in which player A attacks player B's buddy B, and buddy B defends.

Such turns are repeated between Player A and the opponent Player B until either one of the players' lives reaches 0 or there are no cards left in the deck. When either one of the players' lives reaches 0 or there are no cards left in the deck, the game management unit 103 of the game server 2 performs a matched match result process (Step 208). The matched match result process is a process that determines the outcome of each team and transmits the matched match result information to the player terminals 1 of each of Players A and B.

The game management unit 77 of the player terminal 1 receives the matched battle result information and displays the matched battle result (Step 209).

This concludes the explanation of the operations between the devices in the first battle mode.

(2) Operation Between Each Device in the Second Battle Mode The operation between each device in the second battle mode will be described below. Fig. 21 is a sequence diagram of the matching battle process in Step 106 in the second battle mode.

In the second battle mode, the first battle between player A and player B's buddy B and the second battle between player B and player A's buddy A are played in parallel in time. Therefore, battle processing for the first battle between player A and player B's buddy B is performed between player A's player terminal 1 and the game server 2, and the first battle is displayed on player A's player terminal 1. Meanwhile, battle processing for the second battle between player B and player A's buddy A is performed between player B's player terminal 1 and the game server 2, and the second battle is displayed on player B's player terminal 1. The following explanation focuses on the first battle between player A and player B's buddy B.

First, when matching is completed and the first match of the matching battle begins, a card setting process is performed by the card setting unit 71 on Player A's player terminal 1 (Step 300). The card setting process is performed by selecting one deck from the decks that have been set, and arranging cards from that deck in the field area, base area, force area, and hand. Note that such card placement is performed by Player A's operation. Card identification information of the placed card and the placement status of the card are transmitted to the game server 2 as card setting information.

Next, the buddy card setting process for buddy B is performed (Step 301). The buddy card setting process is performed by the AI processing unit 104 of the game server 2. The buddy card setting process is performed by selecting one deck from the set decks and placing cards from that deck in the field area, base area, force area, and hand. The card identification information of the placed card and the placement status of the card are transmitted to player terminal 1 of player A as card setting information.

At the player terminal 1 of each player A and B, a set card display process is performed using the card setting information, and an image of the cards placed on the field is displayed (Step 302).

Next, in a turn in which player A attacks player B's buddy B and player B's buddy B defends, an action selection process is performed by the action decision unit 74 on player A's player terminal 1 (Step 303). The selection of a card or an action is determined by the operation of player A. Information on the selected selection of a card or an action is sent by the action decision unit 74 to the game server 2 as action selection information.

The game management unit 103 of the game server 2 receives the action selection information of player A, and performs a match process using the action selection information of player A and the card setting information and card data of player A and buddy B (Step 304). Information on the match result is sent to player terminal 1 of player A.

The game management unit 77 of the player terminal 1 of player A receives the match result and performs match result processing (Step 305). The match result processing is processing for displaying the match result on the player terminal 1 of player A.

The above is the action taken in a turn in which player A attacks player B's buddy B, and player B's buddy B defends.

Next, in the turn in which player B's buddy B attacks player A and player A defends, buddy match processing is performed (Step 306). Because it is buddy B's attack, the AI processing unit 104 provides card operation information indicating the selection or action of a card or the like by buddy B to the game management unit 103. The game management unit 103 performs buddy match processing using buddy B's card operation information and player A's card setting information and card data (Step 306). Information on the match result is transmitted to player A's player terminal 1.

The game management unit 77 of Player A's player terminal 1 receives the match result and performs match result processing (Step 305).

The above is the action taken during a turn in which Player B's buddy B attacks Player A and Player A defends.

Player A and Player B's buddy B repeat this turn until either Player A or Buddy B's life total reaches 0, or there are no cards left in the deck. When either Player or Buddy's life total reaches 0, or there are no cards left in the deck, the first game ends.

The processing for the second match between Player B and Player A's buddy A is performed between Player B's player terminal 1 and the game server 2 in a manner similar to the processing for the first match described above, and the state of the second match is displayed on Player B's player terminal 1.

When the first and second matches are completed, the matching match result process is performed (Step 307). The matching match result process is a process of determining the outcome of the first and second matches, and transmitting the matching match result information to the player terminals 1 of each of players A and B. The content transmitted is the match result of the first match and the match result of the second match.

The game management unit 77 of each player A and B's player terminal 1 receives the matched battle result information and displays the matched battle result (Step 308).

This concludes the explanation of the operation between the devices in the second battle mode. In the second battle mode, the first battle between Player A and Player B's Buddy B and the second battle between Player B and Player A's Buddy A are conducted in parallel in time, so the battle between the player's buddy and the opponent player cannot be viewed. Therefore, after displaying the matched battle results, in response to a request from the player terminal 1, the game management unit 103 of the game server 2 may send a replay video replaying the battle between the player's buddy and the opponent player to the player terminal 1, and a spectating function may be added that allows the player terminal 1 to view the replay video.

(3) Operations between the Devices in the Third Battle Mode The operations between the devices in the third battle mode will now be described with reference to Fig. 22, which is a sequence diagram of the matching battle process in Step 106 in the third battle mode.

In the third battle mode, turns in which player A's buddy A attacks player B's buddy B, who then plays defense, and turns in which player B's buddy B attacks player A's buddy A, who then plays defense, alternate.

First, the buddy card setting process for buddy A and buddy B is performed (Step 400). The buddy card setting process is performed by the AI processing unit 104 of the game server 2. The buddy card setting process is performed by selecting one deck from the decks that have been set, and placing cards from that deck in the field area, base area, force area, and hand. Card identification information of the placed cards and the placement status of the cards are transmitted to the player terminals 1 of players A and B as card setting information.

At the player terminal 1 of each player A and B, a set card display process is performed using the card setting information, and an image of the cards placed on the field is displayed (Step 401).

Next, a turn is taken in which player A's buddy A attacks player B's buddy B, and player B's buddy B defends (Buddy A → Buddy B in FIG. 22). Since it is buddy A's attack, the AI processing unit 104 performs a card operation information providing process (Step 402). The card operation information providing process is a process that provides card operation information indicating the selection or action of a card or the like by buddy A to player terminal 1 of player A.

The operation information acquisition unit 75 of the player terminal 1 receives the card operation information. The operation image display unit 76 performs processing to display the attack details by buddy A, as indicated by the card operation information (Step 403).

The game management unit 103 of the game server 2 performs buddy match processing using buddy A's card operation information and each of buddies A and B's card setting information and card data (Step 404). Information on the match result is sent to the player terminal 1 of each of players A and B.

The game management unit 77 of each player A and B's player terminal 1 receives the match result and performs match result processing (Step 405).

The above is the action taken in a turn in which player A's buddy A attacks player B's buddy B, and player B's buddy B defends.

Next, player B's buddy B attacks player A's buddy A, and player A's buddy A takes a defensive turn (in Figure 22, buddy B → buddy A).

As this is an attack by buddy B, the AI processing unit 104 performs a card operation information providing process (Step 402). The card operation information providing process is a process of providing card operation information indicating the selection or action of a card or the like by buddy B to the player terminal 1 of player B.

The operation information acquisition unit 75 of the player terminal 1 receives the card operation information. The operation image display unit 76 performs processing to display the details of the attack by buddy B, as indicated by the card operation information (Step 403).

The game management unit 103 of the game server 2 performs buddy match processing using the card operation information of buddy B and the card setting information and card data of each of players A and B (Step 404). Information on the match result is sent to the player terminal 1 of each of players A and B.

The game management unit 77 of the player terminal 1 of each player A and B receives the match result and performs match result processing (Step 405). The above is the operation of a turn in which player B's buddy B attacks player A's buddy A and player A's buddy A defends.

Player A's Buddy A and Player B's Buddy B repeat this type of turn until either Player A's Buddy A or Player B's Buddy B's life total reaches 0, or there are no cards left in the deck. When either player's buddy's life total reaches 0, or there are no cards left in the deck, the match ends.

When the match between player A's buddy A and player B's buddy B is completed, match result processing is performed (Step 406). The match result processing is a process for determining the outcome of the match between player A's buddy A and player B's buddy B, and transmitting the match result information to the player terminals 1 of players A and B. The transmitted content is the result of the match between player A's buddy A and player B's buddy B.

The game management unit 77 of the player terminal 1 receives the matched battle result information and displays the matched battle result (Step 407).

This concludes the explanation of the operations between the devices in the third battle mode.

(4) Operation Between Each Device in Fourth Battle Mode The operation between each device in the fourth battle mode will be described below. Fig. 23 is a sequence diagram of the matching battle process in Step 106 in the fourth battle mode.

In the fourth battle mode, player A attacks player B's buddy B, who then defends, and player B's buddy B attacks player A, who then defends, alternating between these turns.

First, when matching is completed and the matching battle begins, a card setting process is performed on Player A's player terminal 1 (Step 500). The card setting process is performed by selecting one deck from the decks that have been set, and placing cards from that deck in the field area, base area, force area, and hand. The card identification information of the placed card and the placement status of the card are transmitted to the game server 2 as card setting information.

Meanwhile, a buddy card setting process is performed for player B's buddy B (Step 501). The buddy card setting process is performed by the AI processing unit 104 of the game server 2. The AI processing unit 104 selects one deck from the set decks and places cards from that deck in the field area, base area, force area, and hand. Card identification information of the placed card and the placement status of the card are transmitted to the player terminals 1 of players A and B as buddy card setting information.

At the player terminal 1 of each player A and B, a setting card display process is performed using the buddy card setting information, and an image of the cards placed on the field is displayed (Step 502).

Next, in the turn in which player A attacks player B's buddy B and player B's buddy B defends (player A → buddy B in FIG. 23), an action selection process is performed on player A's player terminal 1 (Step 503). Player A decides on the selection of a card or an action. Information on the decided selection of a card or an action is sent to the game server 2 by the action decision unit 74 as action selection information.

The game management unit 103 of the game server 2 receives the action selection information of player A, and performs match processing using the action selection information of player A and the card setting information and card data of each player A and B (Step 504). Match result information is sent to the player terminal 1 of each player A and B. The game management units 77 of the player terminals 1 of players A and B receive the match result and perform match result processing (Step 505). The match result processing is a process of displaying the match result on the player terminal 1 of each player A and B.

The above is the action taken in a turn in which player A attacks player B's buddy B, and player B's buddy B defends.

Next, player B's buddy B attacks player A, and player A takes a defensive turn (in Figure 23, buddy B → player A).

As this is an attack by buddy B, the AI processing unit 104 performs a card operation information providing process (Step 506). The card operation information providing process is a process of providing card operation information indicating the selection or action of a card or the like by buddy B to the player terminal 1 of player B.

The operation information acquisition unit 75 of Player B's player terminal 1 receives the card operation information. The operation image display unit 76 performs an operation image display process to display the attack details by Buddy B, as indicated by the card operation information (Step 507).

The game management unit 103 and the AI processing unit 104 of the game server 2 perform buddy match processing using the card operation information of buddy B and the card setting information and card data of each of players A and B (Step 508). Information on the match result is sent to the player terminal 1 of each of players A and B.

The game management unit 77 of each player A and B's player terminal 1 receives the match result and performs match result processing (Step 505).

The above is the action taken during a turn in which Player B's buddy B attacks Player A and Player A defends.

Player A and Player B's Buddy B repeat this type of turn until either Player A's or Player B's Buddy B's life reaches 0, or there are no cards left in the deck. When either player or buddy's life reaches 0, or there are no cards left in the deck, the match ends.

When the match between player A and player B's buddy B ends, matching match result processing is performed (Step 509). The matching match result processing is a process for determining the outcome of the match between player A and player B's buddy B, and transmitting the matching match result information to the player terminals 1 of players A and B. The transmitted content is the result of the match between player A and player B's buddy B.

The game management unit 77 of the player terminal 1 receives the matched battle result information and displays the matched battle results (Step 510).

This concludes the explanation of the operations between the devices in the fourth battle mode.

As described above, according to this embodiment, players can select from a variety of battle modes, in addition to human player vs. human player battle modes, and a game that enhances the interest of the player user can be provided. This is made possible by introducing into the game a second game element that is different from the first game element and allows the player to use the first game element he or she possesses within the game, and by providing a battle mode that uses this second game element.

In addition, the second game element, which acts autonomously or spontaneously, allows players to enjoy a variety of battle styles, such as team battles and individual battles.

Second Embodiment
The second embodiment describes an example in which character information of a second game element has various parameters separate from the rank obtained through a matching battle, and each parameter changes depending on the player's progress in the game, becoming an element of the second game with various abilities and personalities.

The second game element has a number of parameters that change based on certain conditions related to the game. These parameters affect the autonomous or spontaneous behavior of the second game element (use of the first game element). In other words, the character information is the ability and personality of the second game element, and differences in these abilities and personality result in different autonomous or spontaneous behavior of the second game element (use of the first game element). This character information changes as the game progresses, just as a human grows through various experiences. For example, the character information changes when certain conditions related to the game are achieved.

Here, the predetermined conditions related to the game include not only exchange with compensation (for example, experience points or use of a specific first game element) obtained for the results of a game match, achievement of a predetermined event in the game, but also acquisition of a new first game element as compensation for some action of the player, acquisition of a specific first game element, etc. Here, the action of the player includes payment of compensation (money, in-game currency, points obtained by the player by participating in a lottery event held on the Internet, etc.), participation in an event in the game, etc.

The multiple parameters held by the character information include, for example, a parameter (hereafter referred to as level, which is different from the above-mentioned rank) that changes depending on experience points (different from the victory points mentioned above) obtained from the results of game matches, a parameter (hereafter referred to as card understanding) that changes depending on the frequency of use of the first game element type and the acquisition of a specific card, a parameter (hereafter referred to as personality) that changes depending on the proportion of use of the first game element type, and a parameter (hereafter referred to as synchronization level) that changes in response to a specified event.

The level represents the basic level of the second game element, and increases with experience points gained through battles. As the level increases, the thinking ability of the second game element can also increase. The higher the thinking ability, the more appropriately the first game element can be used according to the game situation.

Card comprehension is the level of understanding of the first game element (such as the level of understanding of the effect activated by the character on the card), and the higher the level of understanding, the more likely it is that the first game element (card) will be used at the appropriate time.

Personality represents the character of the second game element, and changes depending on the proportion of the attributes of the first game element (each character has different attributes).

The synchronization level increases as the game progresses. The synchronization level also increases by achieving a specified event in the game. The specified event includes logging in to the game, acting together with the player in the game, purchasing a card, and obtaining a specific card. In addition to the card battle mode, the game of this embodiment also includes a mode such as an interaction mode in which communication with the second game element is enjoyed. The specified event includes a touch operation on the image of the second game element displayed on the screen in the interaction mode. In this interaction mode, the expression content of the second game element differs depending on the synchronization level, and the higher the synchronization level, the higher the expression of intimacy. The synchronization level can also be said to be a parameter that indicates the relationship between the player and the second game element.

By having the second game element have multiple parameters as described above, a wide variety of second game elements are generated depending on the player's progress in the game. In other words, the player has a second game element that he or she has developed.

By using such second game elements, the special battle modes (first battle mode to fourth battle mode) in the first embodiment described above become even more varied. This is because the abilities or personalities of the second game elements differ from player to player, and therefore if the opponent is different, the player will be fighting against second game elements with different abilities or personalities.

Therefore, in order to change the character information of the second game element as described above, in the second embodiment, the game server 2 is provided with a function for updating the character information of the second game element. Figure 24 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the game server 2 in the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 24, a character update unit 106 has been added to the game server 2.

The character information update unit 106 updates the various parameters (level, card understanding, personality, synchro level) of the character information of the second game element to increase or change them. The conditions for changing the parameters are set for each parameter (level, card understanding, personality, synchro level), as described below. The character information update unit 106 determines whether the conditions for changing each parameter are met, and updates the parameters if they are met. Examples of timings for determining the conditions for changing parameters include when logging in, when a battle ends, when a card is obtained, when a specific card is obtained, when a specific operation (touch operation on an image of the second game element) is detected in interaction mode, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to these.

As shown in FIG. 25, for example, the experience points required to increase the level are set for each level. In this case, the character information update unit 106 calculates and updates the player's experience points at a predetermined timing, such as the end of the battle, using information about the match (card setting information, action selection information, match result, etc.) obtained from the game management unit 103 and a predetermined calculation formula. Then, based on the updated experience points, it is determined whether the experience points required to increase the level have been reached, and if so, an update is performed to increase the level. Note that the predetermined calculation formula may be set so that the experience points obtained are higher when a specific card is included in the deck and used. The specific card is, for example, a card that has the highest rarity among the multiple levels of rarity.

For the card understanding level, for example, as shown in FIG. 26, conditions for increasing the card understanding level and an increase rate corresponding to each condition are set. The card understanding level is a parameter that indicates the understanding level for each card for all cards. The condition "put a card into a deck and battle" in FIG. 26 means that the player uses a certain deck during a battle, and the 40 cards that make up the deck are cards that are the targets for increasing the card understanding level. The increase rate "x%" means that if the condition is met, the understanding level of each card that makes up the deck will increase by x%. The condition "use a card" means that the player uses a card during a battle, regardless of the type of card, and the card used is the target for increasing the card understanding level. The increase rate "y%" means that if the condition is met, the card understanding level of the card used during the battle will increase by y%. The condition "win using a specific card" means that the player uses a specific card during a battle and wins, and the specific card used during the battle is the target for increasing the card understanding level. An increase rate of "z%" means that if the condition is met, the understanding of that particular card will increase by z%. Furthermore, the condition "the second game element battles using the player's card" means that the second game element uses a card during the battle, and the card used is the card that is the target for increasing the card understanding. An increase rate of "m%" means that if the condition is met, the card understanding of the card used in the second game element during the battle will increase by m%. Note that FIG. 26 shows only one example, and other examples may be used.

The character information update unit 106 determines whether a condition is met for each condition at a predetermined time, such as the end of a battle. If any of the conditions are met, an update is performed to increase the card understanding level by the increase rate corresponding to that condition.

For the personality, for example, one personality is set from among a plurality of personalities (first personality, second personality, ... nth personality). For example, as shown in FIG. 27, each of the personalities (first personality, second personality, ... nth personality) is associated with one of the card attributes (color in this embodiment). In this case, at a predetermined timing such as the end of the battle, the character information update unit 106 adds points to the cumulative value for each color set in the personality for the cards used in the battle based on the information about the battle (card setting information, action selection information, etc.) obtained from the game management unit 103. Then, as a result of the addition, the personality corresponding to the color with the largest cumulative value is selected and set as the personality. Note that, although colors are used as card attributes corresponding to a plurality of personalities, this is not limited thereto, and other card attributes consisting of multiple types may be used.

For the synchro level, for example, as shown in FIG. 28, conditions for increasing the synchro level and an increase rate corresponding to each condition are set. For example, the conditions for increasing the synchro level include "logging in", "battling", "touching the image of the second game element in the interaction mode", and "purchasing a card pack". The character information update unit 106 determines whether the condition is satisfied for each condition at a predetermined timing such as when logging in, when the battle ends, or when a touch operation is detected in the interaction mode. If any of the conditions is satisfied, the character information update unit 106 updates the synchro level by increasing the increase rate corresponding to that condition. In the example of FIG. 28, the synchro level increases by purchasing a card pack or the like. The synchro level may be set to a variable upper limit value at each predetermined period.
[Operation of each device]
Next, a description will be given of the operation of the player terminal 1 and the game server 2. Here, a case will be described in which players A and B use the player terminal 1 to play competitive games in a plurality of special competitive modes, and rank information and character information are updated at the end of the competitive games.

Figure 29 is an overall sequence diagram for explaining the operation between the player terminal 1 and the game server 2. Figure 29 differs from Figure 18 in that a character information update process (Step 109) for updating character information on the game server 2 side and a character information update process (Step 110) for updating character information on the player terminal 1 side have been newly added.

Once the outcome of the match is decided, the character information update unit 106 of the game server 2 performs a character information update process (Step 109). The character information update unit 106 receives card setting information during the match and the match result from the game management unit 102, and updates the character information of players A and B to increase or change it according to the result. Specifically, it calculates the level based on the experience points obtained from the match result, calculates the card understanding and personality according to the type of card used during the match, and calculates the synchronization level if a specified event is achieved. Then, it updates the buddy setting data of the user information data with the calculated parameter values. The updated character information is transmitted to the player terminal 1.

The buddy setting unit 72 of the player terminal 1 receives the updated character information and updates the buddy setting data (Step 110).

This concludes the explanation of the operation of the player terminal 1 and the game server 2.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, a player's buddy (second game element) battles using cards owned by the player, and their character information changes (increases, grows) in response to game progress, events, the acquisition of new cards (first game element) or specific cards, etc. As the character information changes, appropriate selections or actions of first game elements are determined in the battle, and the special battle modes (first battle mode to fourth battle mode) in the first embodiment described above become even more varied in the battles. As a result, a game that is highly interesting to users can be provided.

Furthermore, if the system is configured to automatically conduct battles without player involvement, such as the third battle mode, the buddy (second game element) can participate in many battles, and it is also possible to accelerate the change in character information (e.g., becoming stronger in battles).

In addition, in team battles such as the first battle mode or the second battle mode, the strength of the buddy (second game element) in the game affects victory. Even if the player is strong, if the level of the buddy (second game element) is too low, the player may continue to lose and lose interest in the game. Therefore, for team battles such as the first battle mode or the second battle mode, it is possible to make the first battle mode or the second battle mode selectable if the overall level or a portion of the character information of the player's buddy (second game element) exceeds a predetermined level.

Furthermore, if a player has a buddy (second game element) with excellent character information, the player's chances of winning the match-up will increase, so the player can enjoy the game in a similar way to a training game by raising a buddy (second game element) with excellent character information.

In the above embodiment, a card game using virtual game cards is exemplified, but the genre of games to which the present invention can be applied is not limited. For example, the present invention may be a competitive sports game in which the players are characters associated with the first game element.

In addition, some or all of the above embodiments may be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[Appendix 1]
A terminal for playing a game using a first game element owned by a first player and a first game element owned by a second player who is an opponent,
A memory in which executable instructions are stored and a processor,
The processor, in response to the execution instructions,
a first setting process for setting a first game element that constitutes a deck of the first player;
a second setting process for setting a second game element that is not part of the deck and that can be used by the first game element owned by the first player;
a match mode selection process for selecting a match mode in which a match is to be played against at least a second game element of a second player among the matched matches with a second player who has been matched as an opponent;
The device on which you run.

[Appendix 2]
A game system for playing a game using a first game element owned by a player and a first game element owned by an opponent player, comprising:
A terminal and a game management device are provided,
The terminal includes:
The present invention includes a memory in which an execution instruction is stored, and a processor, and the processor executes the execution instruction.
a first setting process for setting first game elements that constitute a player's deck;
a second setting process for setting a second game element that is not part of the deck and that can be used by the first game element owned by the player;
a match mode selection process for selecting a match mode in which a match is to be played against at least a second game element of the opponent player among the matched matches with the opponent player;
Run
The game management device includes:
The present invention includes a memory in which an execution instruction is stored, and a processor, and the processor executes the execution instruction.
a matching process for matching players who request the battle mode;
a matching battle execution process for executing the matching battle according to the battle mode;
A game system that runs

[Appendix 3]
A game management device for playing a game using a first game element owned by a player and a first game element owned by an opponent player, comprising:
The present invention includes a memory in which an execution instruction is stored, and a processor, and the processor executes the execution instruction.
A process of matching players who request a predetermined battle mode;
a matching battle execution process for executing a matching battle between players according to the predetermined battle mode;
Run
the predetermined battle mode is a battle mode in which a battle is conducted with at least a second game element of an opponent player in the matching battle;
The second game element is a game management device that allows the player to use the first game element owned by the player.

The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiments and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of its technical concept.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-012793, filed on January 29, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

1 Player terminal 2 Game server 11 Display 12 Touch operation panel 13 Speaker 20 First area 21 Second area 22 Field area 23 Base area 24 Force area 30 Operation information 31 First object 32 Second object 41 Normal battle mode button 42 First battle mode button 43 Second battle mode button 44 Third battle mode button 45 Fourth battle mode button 51 Operation input unit 52 Processing unit 53 Image display unit 54 Sound output unit 55 Communication unit 56 Memory unit 61 Game calculation unit 62 Image generation unit 63 Sound generation unit 64 Communication control unit 70 Player information management unit 71 Card setting unit 72 Buddy setting unit 73 Battle mode selection unit 74 Action determination unit 75 Operation information acquisition unit 76 Operation image display unit 77 Game management unit 91 Processing unit 92 Communication unit 93 Memory unit 101 Player management unit 102 Matching processing unit 103 Game management unit 104 AI processing unit 105 Rank update unit 106 Character information update unit

Claims (4)

A program for causing a computer to execute a game using game elements owned by a player and game elements owned by an opponent player, the program comprising:
The program causes the computer to
a setting means for setting a non-player character that can use the game element owned by the player;
a battle mode selection means for selecting a battle mode of a battle using the game elements;
Function as a
the battle mode includes at least a normal battle mode in which the player and an opposing player battle each other, and a team battle mode in which a first team made up of the player and a non-player character set by the player battles a second team made up of the opposing player and a non-player character set by the opposing player,
The team battle mode is selectable on condition that the rank of the player exceeds a predetermined rank.
program. the team battle mode includes a battle between the player and the non-player character of the opposing player, and a battle between the non-player character of the player and the opposing player;
The program according to claim 1. The non-player character set by the player has character information that can change according to the progress of the game of the player, and the character information affects the battle;
the non-player character set by the opponent player has character information that can be changed according to the progress of the game of the opponent player, and the character information has an effect on the battle;
The program according to claim 1 or 2. A game device that executes a game using game elements owned by a player and game elements owned by an opponent player, the game device comprising:
a setting means for setting a non-player character that can use the game element owned by the player;
a battle mode selection means for selecting a battle mode of a battle using the game elements;
Equipped with
the battle mode includes at least a normal battle mode in which the player and an opposing player battle each other, and a team battle mode in which a first team made up of the player and a non-player character set by the player battles a second team made up of the opposing player and a non-player character set by the opposing player,
The team battle mode is selectable on condition that the rank of the player exceeds a predetermined rank.
Gaming device.

Images