JP7554877B2 - PROGRAM, SERVER SYSTEM AND COMPUTER SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program for executing a game on a computer system.

The player characters (characters controlled by the player) that appear in video games are often designed to be made up of multiple parts, like robot weapons. For example, humanoid robot weapons are often made up of multiple parts, such as the head, chest, arms, hands, torso, waist, legs, feet, offensive weapons, defensive weapons, and thrusters.

In games that feature such characters, how the body parts and components are handled directly impacts how entertaining the game is. For this reason, in the field of game technology development, various technological developments are being carried out in how to handle the body parts and components that make up the characters.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that, in a game in which the player character is a humanoid robot weapon, realizes in a more natural way performance degradation and functional impairment due to past damage. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a technology that improves the user's operability regarding the recovery of body parts of a game character that includes multiple body parts.

JP 2008-119224 A JP 2012-000156 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a new technology that adds unprecedented interest to the handling of parts and bodies in a game in which the player character is a character designed to be made up of multiple parts and bodies.

A first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a program for causing a computer system to execute a game in which a player enjoys operating a player character (hereinafter referred to as a "PC"), the program comprising:
a part object assignment control means for controlling the assignment to the player of a part object which can be assigned to any part constituting the character and for which a parameter value serving as a standard for the performance of the assigned part is set (e.g., the terminal processing unit 200, the game management unit 210, the part object assignment control unit 212 in FIG. 7, the owned part object save data 691 in FIG. 8, steps S42 to S48 in FIG. 13, and steps S100 to S106 in FIG. 14);
a PC configuration means for configuring a PC by assigning a selected body part object selected based on a selection operation of the player from among the body part objects owned by the player to a selected body part (for example, the terminal processing unit 200, the game management unit 210, the player character configuration unit 220 in FIG. 7, the player character management data 710 in FIG. 12, step S4 in FIG. 13);
a part performance setting means for setting the performance of the part to which the selected part object is assigned based on the parameter value of the selected part object, and when there is a specific part object whose parameter value satisfies a given specific value condition among the selected part objects constituting the PC, improving and setting the performance of the part to which a non-specific part object that does not satisfy the specific value condition is assigned (e.g., the terminal processing unit 200, game management unit 210, part performance setting unit 222 in FIG. 7, the reference parameter value 725 and performance value 727 in FIG. 12, step S94 in FIG. 14, step S26 in FIG. 15);
It is a program for causing the computer system to function as the

The "computer system" referred to here can refer to a single computer, or it can be a system consisting of multiple computers working together.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the player can customize the player character by selecting part objects to be assigned to parts. The part objects have parameter values that serve as the basis for the performance of the parts to which the part objects are assigned. In other words, the part objects are individually given abilities that affect the performance of the parts to which they are assigned. If the part objects include a specific part object whose parameter value meets a predetermined specific value condition, the performance of the non-specific part objects can be improved.

There has never been a game like this before where an object assigned to a certain body part reaches a certain state and has an effect on other body parts. Therefore, in a game where the player character is a character designed to be made up of multiple body parts and parts, it is possible to add unprecedented interest in the handling of body parts and parts.

The second invention is the program of the first invention, in which the part performance setting means sets the performance of the part by adding a given additional amount to the parameter value of the non-specific part object, thereby improving and setting the performance of the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned.

According to the second invention, the performance of the body part can be changed by appropriately setting the additional amount. Therefore, various patterns of improving the performance of the body part can be prepared according to the progress of the game, further increasing the interest of the game.

The third invention is a program according to the first or second invention, in which the part performance setting means sets the amount of improvement in performance of the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned based on the positional relationship between the specific part object and the non-specific part object.

According to the third invention, for example, it is possible to create a situation in which the presence of a specific part object affects the surrounding part objects.

The fourth invention is the program of the third invention, in which a subordinate relationship based on a positional relationship is defined for each part, and the part performance setting means sets the amount of improvement in performance of the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned based on the subordinate relationship between the part to which the specific part object is assigned and the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned.

According to the fourth invention, for example, it is possible to create a situation in which the influence of the presence of a specific part object occurs based on the subordinate relationships between part objects.

A fifth invention is a program according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, in which attributes are defined for the part objects, and the part performance setting means sets the amount of improvement in performance of the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned based on a combination of the attributes of the specific part object and the attributes of the non-specific part object.

According to the fifth invention, for example, it is possible to create a situation in which the influence of the presence of a specific part object occurs based on a combination of attributes between part objects.

The sixth invention is a program according to any one of the first to fifth inventions for causing the computer system to further function as a parameter value change means (e.g., the terminal processing unit 200, game management unit 210, and game progress result corresponding parameter value change unit 224 in FIG. 7, steps S86 to S88 in FIG. 14) that changes the parameter value of the selected body part object constituting the PC based on the results of the game progress using the PC.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the parameter value of the selected body part object can be changed based on the game progress results. In other words, the existence of the specific body part object can be controlled according to the game progress.

The seventh invention is a program according to the sixth invention, in which the parameter value change means increases the amount of change in the parameter value of the non-specific body part object based on the game progress result when the specific body part object is present among the selected body part objects constituting the PC, compared to when the specific body part object is not present.

According to the seventh invention, the magnitude of the impact caused by the presence of a specific body part object is made clear, and the player is encouraged to play the game with an eye on the presence of the specific body part object.

The eighth invention is a program according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, in which the part performance setting means sets the amount of improvement in performance of the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned based on the parameter value of the specific part object.

According to the eighth invention, for example, the effect of the presence of a specific part object can be expressed as an improvement in the performance of a non-specific part object.

The ninth invention is a program of any of the first to eighth inventions for causing the computer system to further function as a synthesis control means (e.g., the terminal processing unit 200, game management unit 210, synthesis control unit 230 in FIG. 7, synthesis pattern definition data 570 in FIG. 8, steps S60 to S64 in FIG. 13) that synthesizes a base part object and a material part object that can be assigned to the same part among the part objects owned by the player based on a synthesis instruction operation by the player, thereby improving the parameter value of the base part object.

In a tenth aspect of the present invention, the portion object granting control means includes grant object selection means (e.g., the grant object selection unit 214 in FIG. 7, step S48 in FIG. 13, step S106 in FIG. 14) for selecting the portion object to be granted to the player based on a given selection probability;
This is a program of any of the first to ninth inventions, which has a selection probability control means (e.g., selection probability control unit 216 in FIG. 7, step S46 in FIG. 13, step S104 in FIG. 14) that increases the selection probability of a part object that can be assigned to the same part as the non-specific part object when the specific part object is present among the selected part objects that constitute the PC, compared to when the specific part object is not present.

According to the ninth or tenth invention, when combining part objects, it is possible to create a situation in which the presence of a specific part object affects the selection probability of the part object resulting from the combination.

The eleventh invention is a program of any of the first to tenth inventions for causing the computer system to function as damage spread control means (e.g., the terminal processing unit 200, game management unit 210, damage spread control unit 240 in FIG. 7, step S84 in FIG. 14) that reduces the performance of the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned when the specific part object falls into a given damage state during the progress of the game.

According to the eleventh invention, it is possible to create a situation in which damage to a specific part object affects the performance of a non-specific part object.

A twelfth invention is a program according to any one of the first to eleventh inventions, in which the part performance setting means sets the amount of improvement in performance of the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned based on the number of the non-specific part objects.

According to the twelfth invention, the amount of improvement in performance of the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned can be determined based on the number of non-specific part objects.

The thirteenth invention is a program according to any one of the first to twelfth inventions, in which the PC configuration means configures the PC by assigning the part objects to the parts that make up a selected model selected based on a selection operation by the player from among a plurality of character models that differ in the number and/or position of the parts that make up the selected model.

According to the thirteenth invention, it is possible to provide players with a variety of PC configuration options.

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a server system that is communicatively connected to a player terminal and executes a game in which a player operates a player character (hereinafter referred to as a "PC") on the player terminal to enjoy the game, comprising:
a part object assignment control means for controlling the assignment to the player of a part object which can be assigned to any part constituting a character, the part object having a parameter value set as a standard for the performance of the assigned part;
a PC configuration means for configuring a PC by assigning a selected body part object selected from the body part objects owned by the player based on a selection operation of the player to a selected body part;
a part performance setting means for setting the performance of the part to which a selected part object is assigned based on the parameter value of the selected part object, and for improving and setting the performance of a part to which a non-specific part object that does not satisfy the specific value condition is assigned when a specific part object whose parameter value satisfies a given specific value condition is present among the selected part objects constituting the PC;
The server system includes:

According to the fourteenth aspect, a server system having the same effect as the first aspect can be realized.

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a computer system for executing a game in which a player enjoys operating a player character (hereinafter referred to as a "PC"), comprising:
a part object assignment control means for controlling the assignment to the player of a part object which can be assigned to any part constituting a character, the part object having a parameter value set as a standard for the performance of the assigned part;
a PC configuration means for configuring a PC by assigning a selected body part object selected from the body part objects owned by the player based on a selection operation of the player to a selected body part;
a part performance setting means for setting the performance of the part to which a selected part object is assigned based on the parameter value of the selected part object, and for improving and setting the performance of a part to which a non-specific part object that does not satisfy the specific value condition is assigned when a specific part object whose parameter value satisfies a given specific value condition is present among the selected part objects constituting the PC;
The present invention relates to a computer system comprising:

According to the fifteenth aspect, a computer system having the same effect as the first aspect can be realized.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a configuration example of a user terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a player character in a game. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining amounts of ink to be applied based on relative positional relationships. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a grant amount granted based on a subordinate relationship. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a grant amount granted based on an attribute relationship. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal according to the first embodiment. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of programs and data stored in a terminal storage unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of base character candidate definition data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of region object definition data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of additional amount definition data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of play data. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow in a user terminal according to the first embodiment. 14 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 13 . 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a player character configuration process. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in a server storage unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal according to the second embodiment.

An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below, but it goes without saying that the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiment.

First Embodiment
1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system. The game system 1000 is a computer system including a server system 1100 and a user terminal 1500 that are connected to each other via a network 9 so that data communication between them is possible, and a user plays a game on the user terminal 1500.

The network 9 refers to a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, the network 9 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a telephone communication network, a cable network, the Internet, and other communication networks, and the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

The server system 1100 has, for example, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and storage 1140, and the main unit is equipped with a control board 1150.

The control board 1150 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as a VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153. Note that a part or the whole of the control board 1150 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a SoC (System on a Chip).

The server system 1100 then enables the game to be executed on the user terminal 1500 used by a user who has completed a specified user registration procedure by having the control board 1150 perform calculations based on a specified program and data. Specifically, the server system 1100 provides programs and data that can be executed on the user terminal 1500.

Note that while Figure 1 shows only one user terminal 1500, in actual system operation, multiple user terminals 1500 can access the server system 1100 at the same time.

Although the server system 1100 is depicted as if it were a single server device, it may be realized by a configuration of multiple devices. For example, the server system 1100 may be configured to include multiple blade servers each sharing a function, connected to each other via an internal bus for data communication. Furthermore, the location of the hardware constituting the server system 1100 does not matter. It may be configured such that multiple independent servers installed in remote locations communicate data via the network 9, functioning as the server system 1100 as a whole.

The user terminal 1500 is a computer system used by a user (player) to play the game of this embodiment, and is an electronic device (electronic device) that can access the server system 1100 via the network 9. In other words, the user terminal 1500 functions as a game device for the player. Note that the user terminal 1500 of this embodiment is a device known as a smartphone, but any portable computer such as a portable game device or tablet computer may also be used.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal 1500 in this embodiment.
The user terminal 1500 includes a directional input key 1502, a button switch 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device and a contact position input device, an internal battery 1509, a speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, a camera 1520, a control board 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 that can read and write data from a memory card 1540 that is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, etc. that are not shown are provided. In addition, an IC card reader that can read and write data contactlessly from an IC card type credit card or prepaid card that can be used to pay for the use of the game system, etc., may be provided.

The control board 1550 is equipped with a CPU 1551 and various microprocessors such as a GPU and a DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as a VRAM, a RAM and a ROM, a wireless communication module 1553 for wireless communication with mobile phone base stations and wireless LAN base stations connected to the network 9, an interface circuit 1558, and the like.

The interface circuit 1558 includes a driver circuit for the touch panel 1506, a circuit for receiving signals from the directional input keys 1502 and button switches 1504, an output amplifier circuit for outputting audio signals to the speaker 1510, an input signal generation circuit for generating a signal of the audio picked up by the microphone 1512, and a signal input/output circuit for the memory card reader 1542.

These elements mounted on the control board 1550 are electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected so that data can be read and written and signals can be sent and received. Note that part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured using an ASIC, FPGA, or SoC. The control board 1550 stores programs and various data for realizing the functions of a user terminal in the IC memory 1552.

In this embodiment, the user terminal 1500 is configured to download programs and various setting data from the server system 1100, but it may also be configured to read them from a storage medium such as a memory card 1540 obtained separately.

Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a player character in the game of this embodiment. In the game of this embodiment, a character designed to be composed of multiple parts is used as the player character PC.

The player character PC is configured by assigning a part object 8 (8a, 8b, ...) to each of a number of parts 7 (7a, 7b, ...) set on a base character 6, which is a base character.

Specifically, before the game starts, the player is presented with a choice of multiple character models differing in the number and/or location of constituent body parts, and the selected model selected based on the player's selection operation becomes the base character 6. Then, a choice of assignable body part objects 8 is presented for each body part 7 set on the base character 6. The player customizes the player character PC that he or she will use by selecting the assignment of body part objects 8 (8a, 8b, ...) to each body part 7 (7a, 7b, ...).

In FIG. 3, examples of part objects 8 are shown for only some parts 7. Although not shown, it is assumed that an assignable part object 8 is set for each of all parts 7 that are originally assignable.

The gameplay representation of the base character 6, body parts 7, and body part objects 8 can be selected as appropriate.

For example, if the player character 4 is a character equivalent to a dress-up doll, the base character 6 is designed as a body equivalent to a naked human, and the body part objects 8 are designed as equipment to be attached to the body. The base character 6 is prepared as a human-shaped object, and the body parts 7 are conceptual entities that indicate the relative positions at which the equipment of the base character 6 can be attached. This example is appropriate for a game in which the player character PC is a human soldier, and the player selects and equips equipment such as weapons and armor before heading to the battlefield.

For example, when the player character PC is designed as a connected body of parts that construct the entire character by assembling the head, limbs, and other parts to the torso, the base character 6 is considered to be a conceptual entity that defines the constraints on the degrees of freedom between multiple body parts 7. This example is suitable for a game in which the player character PC is a robot soldier. The base character 6 and body parts 7 are visualized on the screen for assigning body part objects 8, but it is preferable that they are not visualized during gameplay.

Hereafter, in this embodiment, the player character PC will be described as adopting a design in which the entire character is constructed by assembling parts.

Now, the number of parts 7 that one base character 6 has (in Figures 3 to 6, the parts 7 are represented by rectangles that indicate the parts that make up the base character 6), as well as the relative positional relationships and subordinate relationships (in Figures 3 to 6, these are represented by lines connecting the rectangles of the parts 7) can be set appropriately according to the character design of the base character 6.

The term "subordinate relationships" here refers to subordinate relationships from the perspective of design (for example, the relationship between the base and the parts attached/mounted on the base: the relationship of the scope to the rifle body) and subordinate relationships related to the constraints on the degrees of freedom from the perspective of controlling the motion of an object (for example, the subordinate relationships between the shoulder, upper arm, elbow, forearm, and hand, in descending order).

Figure 3 shows an example of a base character 6 in the shape of a human. The base character 6 has the following body parts 7: a head 7a, a torso 7b, a right arm 7c, a right hand 7d, a left arm 7e, a left hand 7f, a right leg 7g, a right toe 7h, a left leg 7j, and a left toe 7k.

The relative positional relationships and subordinate relationships of the parts 7 can be set as appropriate, not limited to the example in FIG. 3, even in the case of a human-shaped type. The arms can be divided more finely into three parts: shoulders, arms, and hands, the torso can be made up of three parts: chest, abdomen, and waist, and the legs can be made up of three parts: thighs, shins, and feet. Additional features can also be added as appropriate, such as a backpack on the underside of the torso 7b.

Furthermore, if the base character 6 is a type other than a human-shaped type, the type and number of body parts 7 can be set appropriately. For example, it is possible to set the number of heads to "0" to create a "headless type," a "multi-headed type" with multiple heads, a "multi-armed type" with three or more arms, a "legless type" with zero legs, etc.

The player may be able to select and customize all of the body parts 7 of a single base character 6 using body part objects 8, or may be able to customize only some of the body parts 7.

Furthermore, parts 7 that are in a subordinate relationship do not need to be visually connected within the game screen; for example, they can be depicted as not being visually connected, such as a remote control controller and a drone.

The body part objects 8 are prepared in advance by the game creator. There are multiple types of body part objects 8 available, each with a variety of designs and initial performance settings. The player customizes their own player character PC by selecting which body part object 8 to assign to which body part 7 based on their own play style and strategy for conquering the game.

One type of region object 8 corresponds to at least one region 7 .
The body part objects 8 are prepared in advance by the game creator. Some types of body part objects 8 are provided free of charge by the game creator, but the rest are set to be available through online shopping purchases, lotteries, sweepstakes, etc., or as rewards or loot in the game. The body part objects 8 obtained by the player can be used in the game by linking them to a separate user account and registering them for use.

Each part object 8 has a "reference parameter value" set as the standard for setting the performance of the part 7 to which that part object is assigned.

The "reference parameter value" is saved as one piece of game save data related to the part object. In this embodiment, the meaning of the reference parameter value in the game is the degree of growth, training, maturity, completion, and experience points of the part object 8 in question. Of course, the meaning in the game is not limited to this and can be set as appropriate.

The reference parameter value changes when the relevant body part object 8 is used in game play. For example, if the playing performance and game play progress (such as how many stages or scenarios have been conquered) meet the conditions that are deemed to be a good performance, the better the performance, the larger the value that is added. If the conditions that are deemed to be a bad performance are met, the worse the performance, the larger the value that is subtracted.

In this embodiment, the performance value of the part 7 is determined based on the reference parameter value of the part object 8 assigned to that part. For example, the "performance value" of that part 7 is pre-assigned to a predetermined value or a predetermined range of reference parameter values. Therefore, when the reference parameter value changes, the performance value of the assigned part 7 changes automatically. Basically, when the reference parameter value increases, the performance value improves, and when the reference parameter value decreases, the performance value decreases.

In this embodiment, the player character PC is designed to be constructed as a whole character by assembling parts, so the "performance value of a part" refers to the performance value of the part object 8 that is directly assigned. If the player character PC is designed to be constructed in a dress-up character format, the performance value of the part object 8 assigned to that part 7 (a value determined based on the reference parameter value) is added to the basic performance value for each part 7 set in the base character 6, and the total performance value for that part 7 is applied in game play.

Now, in order to add a new level of interest not found in conventional games, the game of this embodiment has a mechanism in place whereby body part objects 8 that meet certain conditions are recognized and registered as "specific body part objects," and the presence of specific body part objects has various effects.

A "specific part object" is a part object 8 whose reference parameter value satisfies a predetermined "specific value condition."
The "specific value condition" can be set appropriately. For example, for a part object 8, it can be set that 1) the reference parameter value of the part object 8 reaches a maximum value, 2) the ratio of the current value to the initial value of the reference parameter value reaches a predetermined value, or 3) a specific numerical sequence condition (e.g., a double number, a prime number, etc.) is satisfied. In this embodiment, it is set to the case where the maximum value is reached.

The reference parameter values of each part object 8 are constantly monitored, and part objects 8 that satisfy the specific value conditions are recognized and registered as specific part objects. Note that in this embodiment, part objects 8 that have been recognized as specific part objects are permanently treated as specific part objects, but depending on the game design, part objects 8 whose reference parameter values no longer satisfy the specific value conditions may have their recognition and registration as specific part objects cancelled.

The presence of a "specific part object" has a significant impact on the setting of the performance value of the part object 8 (which in this embodiment is ultimately the same as the setting of the performance value of the part 7 to which the part object 8 is assigned).

Specifically, the reference parameter value of the part object 8, which is a non-specific part object present around the specific part object, is
1) The number of specific part objects (or non-specific part objects) at that time,
2) Reference parameter values of specific part objects;
3) A relative positional relationship between the specific portion object and the portion object 8;
4) A subordinate relationship between a specific portion object and the portion object 8 in question;
5) An attribute relationship between an attribute set in a specific part object and an attribute set in the part object 8;
is changed based on at least one factor of

More specifically, firstly, when the performance value of the part object 8 that is a non-specific part object is set, the greater the number of specific part objects, the greater the value of the additional amount based on the number of objects that is determined, and this additional amount is added to the reference parameter value of the part object 8 that is a non-specific part object. Because the parts 7 set in the base character 6 are finite and fixed, paradoxically, when the performance value of the part object 8 that is a non-specific part object is set, the smaller the number of non-specific part objects, the greater the value of the additional amount based on the number of objects that is determined, and this additional amount is added to the reference parameter value of the part object 8 that is a non-specific part object.

Note that "adding to the reference parameter value" here not only literally means adding to the reference parameter value, but also includes storing the amount of addition separately, and applying the sum of the reference parameter value and the amount of addition when the reference parameter value is referenced in game progress control, so that the amount is effectively added to the reference parameter value. In this embodiment, the latter is used.

Secondly, the larger the reference parameter value of the specific part object at the time the performance value of the part object 8 is set, the larger the additional amount that is determined to be granted based on the reference parameter value, and this additional amount is added to the reference parameter value of the part object 8, which is a non-specific part object.

Thirdly, regarding the relative positional relationship between a specific part object and the part object 8 at the time the performance value of the part object 8 is set, the closer the relative positional relationship is, the larger the additional amount that is determined to be granted based on the relative positional relationship, and this additional amount is added to the reference parameter value of the part object 8, which is a non-specific part object.

The perspective of the relative positional relationship may be calculated by calculating the relative distance between the objects each time, or may be counted by the arrangement of each part 7.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the torso 7b is recognized as a specific body part object 10, the torso 7b is counted as "0". The head 7a, right arm 7c, right leg 7g, etc. are lined up next to the torso 7b, so the relative positional relationship count is "1". The body parts 7 with a count of "1" are shown with coarsely spaced hatching. The right hand 7d and right toe 7h are sandwiched between the right arm 7c and right leg 7g, respectively, with respect to the torso 7b, so the relative positional relationship count is "2". The body parts with a count of "2" are shown with white squares. The additional amount 12 (12a, 12b, ...) given based on the relative positional relationship is set in the order of the additional amount 12a for the count "0" being the largest, followed by the additional amount 12b for the count "1", and the additional amount 12c for the count "2". Since the count "0" is the specific part object 10 itself, it may be a parameter value set for the specific part object 10 itself without using the idea of an additional amount.

Fourthly, in the subordinate relationship between a specific part object and other part objects 8, the more levels in the subordinate relationship (the further the subordinate relationship), the smaller the amount of addition to the part object 8 is determined. However, in this embodiment, the subordinate relationship (which can also be said to be a master-subordinate relationship) of each part forming the base character 6 is determined absolutely. Then, in the absolute subordinate relationship of each part, the relative subordinate relationship to the part of the specific part object is determined. For part objects that are assigned to parts higher than the parts of the specific part object, the amount of addition is set to "0".

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the head 7a is at the top of the absolute hierarchy, and the subordinate relationships of each part are lower as one moves toward the extremities of the base character 6. Under this assumption, if the torso 7b is recognized as a specific part object 10, the head 7a is higher than the specific part object 10, so the addition amount to the part object assigned to the head 7a is set to "0". The order is then set as follows: addition amount 13a added to torso 7b > addition amount 13b of right arm 7c, left arm 7e, right leg 7g, and left leg 7j > addition amount 13c of right hand 7d, left hand 7f, right toe 7h, and left toe 7k.

Fifth, the attribute relationship between a specific part object and the part object 8 is set to either a mutually beneficial relationship, an opposing relationship, or a neutral relationship for each combination of the attributes of the two. A mutually beneficial relationship means that they have a mutually beneficial influence, an opposing relationship means that they have a mutually adverse influence, and a neutral relationship means that they do not affect each other.

The magnitude of the additional amount 13 (13a, 13b, ...) given to the non-specific part object based on the attribute relationship is determined so that the additional amount of mutually-helpful relationship 13a > the additional amount of neutral relationship 13b > the additional amount of reciprocal relationship 13c. The type of "attribute" can be set appropriately.

For example, FIG. 6 shows an example in which a specific body part object 10 is assigned to the torso 7b. The additional amounts 14 (14a, 14b, ...) that are assigned based on the attributes are set so that the additional amount 14a of the body part 7 in a mutually supporting relationship (represented by a white square in FIG. 6) is set to be greater than the additional amount 14b of the body part 7 in a neutral relationship (represented by a lightly shaded square in FIG. 6). The additional amount 14c of the body part 7 in an opposing relationship (represented by a cross-hatched square in FIG. 6) is set to be the lowest. Note that the additional amount 14c may be a negative value.

The effect that a specific part object has on a non-specific part object also includes disadvantages. Specifically, when a specific part object is impaired, for example when it is in a damaged state, the performance of the non-specific part object is automatically reduced according to the damaged state. More specifically, when a specific part object is hit by a bullet or the like and is in a damaged state, the amount of reduction in the basic parameter value according to the damaged state is determined and applied to the standard parameter value of the non-specific part object. The amount of reduction is determined in the same relationship as the amount of addition described above. In other words, the greater the number of specific part objects, the greater the amount of reduction, the closer the relative positional relationship, and the closer the subordinate relationship. The attribute relationship is determined so that the reduction amount for mutually-helpful relationships < the reduction amount for neutral relationships < the reduction amount for reciprocal relationships.

In addition, when the reference parameter value of the non-specific body part object, body part object 8, is changed based on the results of the game progress, the specific body part object also has an influence.

The "game progress result" can be set appropriately, for example, to game play results (e.g., points, number of kills, damage inflicted on enemies, etc.), how many game stages (which can be interpreted as game scenarios, missions, etc., depending on the content of the game) have been cleared, etc. The higher (better) the game progress result is, the greater the change in the reference parameter value of the body part object 8.

The calculation range of the game progress results when changing the reference parameter value may be from the start of the current gameplay to the present. If the game allows continuous gameplay by saving save data and inheriting game progress from the previous time, the calculation result may also include past game progress results.

Even if the game progress results are the same, the amount of change in the reference parameter value of the non-specific body part object based on the game progress result is set to be larger when there is a specific body part object among the body part objects 8 constituting the player character PC than when there is no specific body part object.

Furthermore, the presence of a specific portion object also affects the composition of portion objects 8 .
"Synthesis" here refers to a capability-enhancing mechanism that uses multiple objects to improve the performance of one object in exchange for making the remaining objects unusable, or a mechanism that replaces multiple objects with one object.

In this embodiment, one of the multiple part objects 8 of the same type is designated as a base part object, and the rest are designated as material part objects. When compositing is performed, the material part object is made unusable, and the reference parameter value of the base part object is increased according to the reference parameter value of the material part object. At this time, the increase in the reference parameter value applied when a specific part object exists is greater than the increase in the reference parameter value applied when no specific part object exists under the same conditions.

Specifically, similar to the determination of the amount of reference parameter value to be added to the non-specific part objects described above, the greater the number of specific part objects, the closer the relative positions of the specific part objects, the lower the subordinate relationship of the specific part objects and the closer the subordinate relationship, and the greater the reference parameter value of the specific part objects, the greater the amount by which the reference parameter value of the base part object is increased.

Furthermore, the presence of a specific portion object also affects the addition of a new portion object 8 .
Specifically, for example, when a random lottery process (which may be a gacha, or a lottery process used to determine by lottery the object that a defeated character will drop; the lottery process is not limited to gacha or drop) is performed to grant a new part object 8 to a player, the lottery process is performed after improving the winning probability of a part object 8 that is related to or similar to a specific part object. For example, the winning probability of a part object 8 that can be assigned to the same part as a part to which a specific part object can be assigned is increased. This makes it easier to create a situation in which the player can easily perform "synthesis" by using the specific part object as a base part object and the part object granted by lottery as a material object.

Figure 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 1500 in this embodiment. The user terminal 1500 includes an operation input unit 100, a device processing unit 200, a sound output unit 390, an image display unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a device storage unit 500.

The operation input unit 100 outputs operation input signals corresponding to various operation inputs made by the user, the player, to the device processing unit 200. For example, this can be realized by a push switch, joystick, touchpad, trackball, acceleration sensor, gyro, CCD module, etc. Examples of this include the directional input keys 1502, button switches 1504, and touch panel 1506 in Figure 2.

The device processing unit 200 is realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, and an IC memory, and controls the input and output of data between each functional unit including the operation input unit 100 and the terminal storage unit 500. It controls the operation of the user terminal 1500 by executing various arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, and various data received from the server system 1100. This corresponds to the control board 1550 in Figure 2.

In this embodiment, the device processing unit 200 has a game management unit 210, a timing unit 280, a sound generation unit 290, an image generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

The game management unit 210 executes various processes related to controlling the progress of the game. Specifically, the game management unit 210 has a body part object assignment control unit 212, a player character configuration unit 220, a body part performance setting unit 222, a parameter value change unit corresponding to the game progress result 224, a synthesis control unit 230, and a damage spread control unit 240. Of course, other functional units may also be included as appropriate.

The body part object assignment control unit 212 controls the assignment of body part objects 8 to the player, which are body part objects 8 that can be assigned to any of the body parts 7 constituting the player character PC, and which have parameter values (reference parameter values) set as standards for the performance of the assigned body part 7.

The part object assignment control unit 212 has an assignment object selection unit 214 and a selection probability control unit 216 .
The grant object selection unit 214 selects a part object to be granted to the player based on a given selection probability.

When there is a specific part object among the part objects constituting the player PC, the selection probability control unit 216 increases the selection probability of a part object that can be assigned to the same part as a part that can be assigned to a non-specific part object, compared to when there is no specific part object.

The player character configuration unit 220 controls the configuration of the player character PC by assigning a body part object 8 (selected body part object) selected from the body part objects 8 owned by the player based on the player's selection operation to a selected body part.

Specifically, the player character construction unit 220 constructs the player character PC by assigning body part objects to the body parts that make up a selected model selected based on the player's selection operation from among multiple character models that differ in the number and/or positions of the body parts that make up the selected model.

The part performance setting unit 222 sets the performance of the part to which the part object 8 is assigned based on the reference parameter value of the part object 8 assigned to the part 7. In this case, if there is a specific part object whose reference parameter value satisfies a given specific value condition among the part objects 8 constituting the player character PC, the part performance setting unit 222 improves and sets the performance of the part to which a non-specific part object that does not satisfy the specific value condition is assigned.

Specifically, the part performance setting unit 222 improves and sets the performance of the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned by adding a given additional amount to the reference parameter value of the non-specific part object to set the performance of that part.

More specifically, the part performance setting unit 222 sets the amount of improvement in performance of the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned (the additional amount given based on the relative positional relationship) based on the positional relationship between the specific part object and the non-specific part object.

In addition, the part performance setting unit 222 uses the dependency relationship set for part 7 to set the amount of performance improvement (additional amount given based on the dependency relationship) of the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned based on the dependency relationship between the part to which the specific part object is assigned and the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned.

The part performance setting unit 222 also uses the attributes set for part 7 to set the amount of performance improvement (additional amount given based on the attribute relationship) for the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned, based on a combination of the attributes of the specific part object and the attributes of the non-specific part object.

The part performance setting unit 222 also sets the amount of performance improvement (additional amount granted based on the capabilities of the specific part object) of the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned based on the reference parameter value of the specific part object.

The part performance setting unit 222 also sets the amount of performance improvement (additional amount given based on the number of objects) for the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned based on the number of specific part objects or non-specific part objects.

The game progress result parameter value change unit 224 changes the reference parameter value of the part object 8 (part object 8 assigned to part 7) constituting the player character PC based on the game progress result using the player character PC.

At that time, if there is a specific part object among the part objects constituting the player character PC, the game progress result corresponding parameter value change unit 224 increases the amount of change in the reference parameter value of the non-specific part object based on the game progress result, compared to when there is no specific part object.

The synthesis control unit 230 performs control to improve the parameter value of the base part object by synthesizing a base part object and a material part object that can be assigned to the same part among the part objects owned by the player based on the synthesis instruction operation by the player. From another perspective, the synthesis control unit 230 can be said to function as a second part object assignment control unit through the special mechanism of "synthesis."

The damage spread control unit 240 manages damage to the body part objects 8 that constitute the player character PC based on the game progress control. When a specific body part object falls into a given damaged state during the game progress, the damage spread control unit 240 controls to reduce the performance of the body parts to which non-specific body part objects are assigned.

The timing unit 280 uses the system clock to measure the current date and time, time limits, etc.

The sound generation unit 290 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of playing audio files, etc., and generates sound signals for music, sound effects, and various operation sounds, and outputs them to the sound output unit 390.

The sound output unit 390 is realized by a device that outputs (emits) sound based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 290. This corresponds to the speaker 1510 in FIG. 2.

The image generation unit 292 controls the generation of various image data and the generation and output of image signals for displaying those images on the image display unit 392.

The image display unit 392 displays various images based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 292. For example, this can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a projector, or a head-mounted display. In this embodiment, this corresponds to the touch panel 1506 in FIG. 2.

The communication control unit 294 executes data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with external devices via the communication unit 394.

The communication unit 394 connects to the network 9 to realize communication. For example, this is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc., and corresponds to the wireless communication module 1553 in FIG. 2.

The terminal storage unit 500 stores programs and various data for implementing various functions for the terminal processing unit 200 to comprehensively control the user terminal 1500. It is also used as a working area for the terminal processing unit 200, and temporarily stores the results of calculations executed by the terminal processing unit 200 according to various programs and input data input from the operation input unit 100. These functions are implemented, for example, by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, and optical disks such as CD-ROMs and DVDs. This corresponds to the IC memory 1552 and memory card 1540 mounted on the control board 1550 in Figure 2. A configuration using online storage is also possible.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing examples of programs and data stored in the device storage unit 500. The device storage unit 500 stores a game program 502, game initial setting data 510, save data 690, play data 700, and current date and time 800. Of course, other programs and data can also be stored as appropriate.

The game program 502 enables the device processing unit 200 to realize the functions of the game management unit 210. In this embodiment, the game program 502 is downloaded from the server system 1100 and stored in the device storage unit 500.

The game initial setting data 510 stores various initial setting data and definition data required to run the game. In this embodiment, like the game program 502, it is downloaded from the server system 1100 and stored in the terminal storage unit 500.

The game initial setting data 510 includes base character candidate definition data 512, part object definition data 530, attribute relationship definition data 560, and composite pattern definition data 570. Of course, other data may also be included as appropriate.

The base character candidate definition data 512 is prepared for each character model that can be selected as the base character 6, and stores various initial setting data related to the character model. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, one base character candidate definition data 512 includes a unique character type 513, body part definition data 514, subordinate relationship data 515, and model data 516.

Part definition data 514 is prepared for each part 7 set for the character. One piece of part definition data 514 includes, for example, the part name, the part relative position coordinates for a specified representative point of the character, and an assignment possibility indicating whether or not a part object 8 can be assigned to the part. Of course, other data than these can also be included as appropriate.

The dependency data 515 defines the dependency relationships between body parts 7 of the character. For example, the hierarchical dependency relationships of body parts 7 are described using tree structure data of body part names. Then, for each lower body part 7 in the dependency relationship with respect to the higher body part 7 in the dependency relationship, the relative position coordinates, range of possible changes, type of connection relationship, etc. are stored. Depending on the method of constructing the character model, this may be so-called "bone data."

The model data 516 is a dedicated object that corresponds to the base body when the player character PC is designed as a dress-up doll. In this embodiment, the player character PC is designed to be constructed as a whole character by assembling parts to each part, so the model data 516 is data that defines the positional relationship of each part 7 to which the object is to be attached.

Returning to FIG. 8, the region object definition data 530 is prepared for each type of region object 8, and stores initial settings related to the region object.
10, one piece of part object definition data 530 includes a unique part object type 531, an assignable part list 532, a specific value condition 533 for the part object to be recognized as a specific part object, an initial reference parameter value 534, performance value definition data 535, change amount definition data 536, additional amount definition data 540, an initial winning probability 550, and a winning probability when a specific part object exists 552. Of course, data other than these can also be included as appropriate.

The performance value definition data 535 is data for determining the performance value of the part object based on the reference parameter value at that time. For example, the performance value definition data 535 stores a list of performance values by performance in association with thresholds and ranges of the reference parameter values.

The change amount definition data 536 stores various data that defines how to change the reference parameter value of the part object based on the game progress result. For example, the change amount definition data 536 includes a change implementation requirement, a first change amount determination function, and a second change amount determination function.

The change implementation requirement is a condition that must be met in order to grant a change amount. The change implementation requirement can be determined, for example, based on a parameter value that indicates the progress of the game. For example, it can be set every time "10" enemies are defeated, every time "3" stages are cleared, etc.

The first change amount determination function is a function for determining the change amount when a specific part object exists on the player character PC. As the variable, the value of a parameter representing the game progress result is used.
The second change amount determination function is a function for determining the change amount in the case where the specific part object does not exist on the player character PC. As the variable, the value of a parameter representing the game progress result is used.

The additional amount definition data 540 stores various data for determining an additional amount (improvement amount) when the reference parameter value of the part object is improved as a non-specific part object.
11, the additional amount definition data 540 includes an application requirement 541, an object number-based additional amount determination function 543, an object capability-based additional amount determination function 544, a position-based additional amount determination function 545, a dependency-based additional amount determination function 546, an attribute-based additional amount determination function 547, and a total additional amount determination function 548. Of course, data other than these may be included as appropriate.

The application requirements 541 define the requirements for applying the definition data. The content of the requirements can be set as appropriate, but in this embodiment, the requirements include at least one of the following: 1) game progress conditions 541a described as thresholds and ranges of parameters that indicate the game progress results; 2) player level conditions 542b, which are conditions related to the player's skill and proficiency that are automatically set for each player based on past play history; and 3) specific part object conditions 541c, which are conditions related to the type of part object 8 recognized as a specific part object, the type of assigned part, and the number of specific part objects, and are described as AND or OR of these. Of course, the application requirements 541 can also be set to "none."

The object number-based additional amount determination function 543 is a function that determines the additional amount to be imparted based on the number of specific part objects. The object capability-based additional amount determination function 544 is a function that determines the additional amount to be imparted based on the reference parameter value of the specific part object. These may be table data instead of functions.

The position-based additional amount determination function 545 is a function that determines the additional amount to be added based on the relative positional relationship between the specific part object and the non-specific part object. Alternatively, it may be table data (see FIG. 4).

The dependent reference additional amount determination function 546 is a function that determines the additional amount to be added based on the dependent relationship between a specific part object and a non-specific part object. Alternatively, it may be table data (see FIG. 5).

The attribute-based additional amount determination function 547 is a function that determines the additional amount to be added based on the attribute relationship between the specific part object and the non-specific part object. Alternatively, it may be table data (see FIG. 6).

The total added amount determination function 548 is a function that uses as variables the added amount based on the number of specific part objects, the added amount based on the ability of the specific part objects, the added amount based on the relative positional relationship, the added amount that determines the added amount based on the subordinate relationship, and the added amount based on the attribute relationship, and ultimately determines the total value that is added to the reference parameter value when the part object is a non-specific part object.

Returning to FIG. 10, the initial winning probability 550 defines the initial probability that a specific body part object will be given to the player when the player character PC does not have that body part object. This is the probability that the body part object will be won in the random lottery process under those conditions.

The winning probability when a specific body part object exists 552 defines the probability that a specific body part object will be given to the player when the specific body part object exists on the player character PC. This is the probability that the body part object will be won in a random lottery process under the specified conditions.

Returning to FIG. 8, attribute relationship definition data 560 is prepared for each combination of attributes of part objects 8, and stores the attribute combination and an attribute relationship setting of either a mutually-helpful relationship, an opposing relationship, or a neutral relationship.

The composite pattern definition data 570 is prepared for each composite pattern of part objects 8, and stores various data that defines the pattern. One composite pattern definition data 570 includes a unique composite pattern ID 571, a base part object type 572, a material part object type 573, a first composite result determination function 574, and a second composite result determination function 575. Of course, data other than these can also be included as appropriate.

The combination of the base part object type 572 and the material part object type 573 indicates the type of synthesis indicated by the definition data.

The first synthesis result determination function 574 is a function that is applied when a specific part object exists on the player character PC, and is a function that calculates the amount of change in the reference parameter value of the base part object resulting from synthesis from the reference parameter value of the material part object. It may be realized by table data.

Similarly, the second synthesis result determination function 575 is a function that is applied when the player character PC does not have a specific part object, and is a function that calculates the amount of change in the reference parameter value of the base part object associated with synthesis from the reference parameter value of the material part object. This may be realized by table data.
Even if the reference parameter values of the material part objects are the same, the value derived by the first synthesis result determination function 574 will be greater than the value derived by the second synthesis result determination function 575 .

The save data 690 includes owned part object save data 691, player character save data 692, and play history data 693. Of course, other data may also be included as appropriate.

The owned body part object save data 691 is prepared for each body part object 8 owned by the player, and includes an owned body part object ID that is uniquely set each time the object is owned, the body part object type, and the reference parameter value at the time of saving. Of course, other data may also be included as appropriate.

The play data 700 stores various data describing the latest game progress status.
12, the data includes player character management data 710, a specific part object list 730, and game progress result data 732. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

The player character management data 710 is prepared for each player character PC and stores various data for controlling that character. In the example of FIG. 12, there is one player character management data 710, but if one player uses multiple player characters PC, player character management data 710 for each character is stored.

One player character management data 710 includes a unique character ID 711, a base character type 712, assignment setting data 720, and status data 728. Of course, other data may also be included as appropriate.

The allocation setting data 720 is prepared for each part 7 (see part definition data 514 in Figure 9) of the base character type 712, and stores information related to the part object 8 (selected part object) selected for allocation to that part by the player's selection operation.
Each piece of allocation setting data 720 includes a part ID 721 , selected part object management data 722 , and a performance value 727 .

The selected part object management data 722 stores a part object ID 723 indicating the owned part object ID of the assigned part object 8 (see owned part object save data 691 in FIG. 8), a part object type 724 indicating the type of the assigned part object 8, a reference parameter value 725, and a total added amount 726. Of course, other data than these may also be included as appropriate.

The reference parameter value 725 is a reference parameter value that is applied to the relevant part object during game play. The saved reference parameter value of the owned part object save data 691 (see FIG. 8) of the part object ID 723 is copied into the reference parameter value 725 at the start of the game. Then, each time a time comes during game play when a change amount based on the game progress result is added, the determined change amount is added to the reference parameter value 725. When the game is saved, the reference parameter value 725 at that time is overwritten onto the saved reference parameter value of the owned part object save data 691 (see FIG. 8) of the part object ID 723.

The total addition amount 726 is the sum of the addition amounts of the reference parameter values that have been added to the relevant part object since the start of the game. The initial value of the total addition amount 726 is "0". If, at the start of the game, the player character PC already has a part object 8 that is recognized as a specific part object, and the relevant part object is a non-specific part object, the addition amount is determined and added. In addition, when a new specific part object appears during game play, the addition amount for that object is determined and added.

In other words, in this embodiment, the influence of the specific part object on the non-specific part object is a temporary measure when configured as the player character PC. In other words, the reference parameter value of the part object 8 is raised due to the influence of the specific part object when it is used in the configuration of the player character PC, but when it is removed from the configuration of the player character PC, the reference parameter value returns to the state before the increase.

Therefore, when setting the performance value 727 of the part to which the part object is assigned during game play, the value obtained by adding the total additional amount 726 to the reference parameter value 725 is referenced.
If the addition of an additional amount to the reference parameter value based on the presence of a specific part object is to be a permanent measure, the total additional amount 726 can be omitted, and the additional amount can be added to the reference parameter value 725 each time.

The status data 728 stores various parameter values that indicate the latest status of the player character PC. For example, information such as durability (corresponding to so-called hit points), attack power, defense power, movement power, recovery power, status abnormalities, position, speed, etc. is stored.

Next, the operation of the game system 1000 of this embodiment will be described.
13 and 14 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing in the user terminal 1500. The flow of processing explained here is realized by the user terminal 1500 executing the game program 502 in the device processing unit 200.

As shown in FIG. 13, the user terminal 1500 first executes a player character configuration process (step S4).
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the player character configuration process.
In this process, the user terminal 1500 presents options for the base character 6 and accepts a selection operation (step S10). It is preferable to present the player character save data 692 from the save data 690 as a default, as appropriate.

Next, the user terminal 1500 presents a selection of body part objects 8 that can be assigned to the body part 7 of the selected base character 6, and accepts the selection operation (step S12). The body part objects 8 to be selected are body part objects 8 already owned by the user, i.e., body part objects 8 managed by the owned body part object save data 691 (see FIG. 8). Of course, one or more new body part objects 8 may be given to the user at this time, and these may also be included. The result of the selection operation, i.e., the result of the assignment, is stored as assignment setting data 720 (see FIG. 12).

Next, the user terminal 1500 references the saved reference parameter value from the owned part object save data 691 (see FIG. 8) for each selected part object (selected part object) and copies it to the reference parameter value 725 of each assigned setting data 720 (step S14).

If the selected part objects 8 match the specific part object (YES in step S20), the user terminal 1500 executes loop A (steps S22 to S28) for each of the selected part objects 8 that match.

In loop A, the user terminal 1500 registers the part object 8 to be processed as a specific part object (step S24), calculates the amount of addition for each non-specific part object, and adds these to the respective total addition amounts 726 (see FIG. 12) (step S26), and ends loop A (step S28).

Regarding step S26, specifically, definition data that satisfies the application requirement 541 is searched for among the additional amount definition data 540 (see FIG. 11) of the part object definition data 530 (see FIG. 10) of the non-specific part object to be processed. Then, based on the object number-based additional amount determination function 543, the object capability-based additional amount determination function 544, the position-based additional amount determination function 545, the dependency-based additional amount determination function 546, and the attribute-based additional amount determination function 547 of the searched additional amount definition data 540, each additional amount is calculated. Then, according to the total additional amount determination function 548, the calculated load amounts are added up to calculate the total additional amount 726 for the non-specific part object to be processed.

When loop A has been executed for all specific body part objects among the selected body part objects 8, the user terminal 1500 ends the player character configuration process.

Returning to FIG. 13, the user terminal 1500 then displays a menu and accepts menu selection operations (step S40). The menu items can be set as appropriate, but in this embodiment include "Execute lottery to grant new body part object 8," "Merge body part objects," "Start game play," and "End program." Of course, other items may also be added as appropriate.

If the menu item "Execute lottery to grant new body part object 8" is selected (YES in step S42), the user terminal 1500 checks whether a specific body part object exists on the player character PC (step S44).

If there is a specific body part object (YES in step S44), the user terminal 1500 increases the winning probability of body part objects 8 not yet owned by the player among all possible body part objects 8 in preparation for the award lottery (random lottery process using random number generation) (step S46), and executes the award lottery (step S48).

In steps S46 to S48, specifically, of all the body part objects 8 that can be won in the grant lottery, for body part objects 8 that the player does not own, the winning probability when a specific body part object exists 552 (see FIG. 10) is used, and for body part objects 8 that the player already owns, the initial winning probability 550 is used. In the save data 690 (see FIG. 8), new owned body part object save data 691 for the granted body part object 8 is newly created.

If the "Combine Part Objects" item is selected from the menu (YES in step S60), the user terminal 1500 assumes that a synthesis request operation has been detected, and accepts a selection operation of the base part object and the material part object to be used in the synthesis (step S62).

Then, the user terminal 1500 determines the amount of increase in the reference parameter value 725 of the base part object based on the reference parameter value 725 of the base part object and the reference parameter value 725 of the material part object (step S64).

Specifically, the synthesis pattern definition data 570 (see FIG. 8) is searched for definition data that matches the combination of the selected base part object and material part object. Then, by referring to the searched definition data, if the player character PC has a specific part object, the amount of increase is determined according to the first synthesis result determination function 574. If there is no specific part object, the amount of increase is determined according to the second synthesis result determination function 575.

Next, the user terminal 1500 executes the synthesis (step S66).
The user terminal 1500 adds the determined increase amount to the reference parameter value 725 of the base part object, and deletes the possessed part object save data 691 (see FIG. 8) of the material part object.

Moving on to FIG. 14, if the "Start Game Play" item is selected from the menu (YES in step S80), the user terminal 1500 assumes that it has detected an operation to start game play, and first refers to the performance value definition data 535 (see FIG. 10) for each part object 8 assigned to each part 7 of the player character PC, and sets a performance value 727 (see FIG. 12) based on the value obtained by adding the total additional amount 726 to the latest reference parameter value 725 at that time, i.e., the reference parameter value to which the additional amount has been added (step S82).
In this case, it is preferable for the user terminal 1500 to display on the game screen a specific part object as one of the presentation displays, as well as a presentation display showing that the effect extends to non-specific objects, and a notification display of the total added amount 726.

Next, the user terminal 1500 starts controlling the progress of game play (step S84). Accordingly, the user terminal 1500 also starts damage spread control that reduces the performance of parts to which non-specific part objects are assigned when a specific part object falls into a given damage state during the game progress.

After game play has commenced, the user terminal 1500 monitors whether the change implementation requirements of the respective change amount definition data 536 are satisfied for each part object 8 assigned to each part of the player character PC.
Then, if there is a part object 8 for which the change implementation requirements are met (YES in step S86), the change amount is calculated for each corresponding part object 8 in accordance with the change amount definition data 536, and the calculated change amount is added to its reference parameter value 725 (step S88).

If a new specific part object is generated as a result of this change in the reference parameter value 725 (YES in step S90), the user terminal 1500 registers the part object 8 that is recognized as the new specific part object as a specific part object (step S92), calculates the amount of addition for each non-specific part object, and adds these to the total addition amount 726 (see FIG. 12) (step S94).

Also, if a new body part object addition event occurs during game play (YES in step S100), the user terminal 1500 checks whether a specific body part object exists on the player character PC (step S102).

If there is a specific body part object (YES in step S102), the user terminal 1500 prepares for the award lottery by increasing the winning probability of body part objects 8 not yet owned by the player among all possible body part objects 8 (step S104), and then executes the award lottery (step S106).

When game play has ended (YES in step S110), the user terminal 1500 saves the save data 690 (step S112).

If the "End Program" item is selected from the menu (YES in step S112), the user terminal 1500 ends the series of processes.

As described above, according to this embodiment, in a game in which the player character is a character designed to be made up of multiple parts and bodies, the handling of the parts and bodies can add an unprecedented level of interest.

In other words, the player character can be customized by assigning part objects to each part based on the player's operation. Part objects have parameter values that serve as the basis for the performance of the part to which the part object is assigned. In other words, each part object is given individual abilities that affect the performance of the part to which it is assigned. And if there is a part object among the part objects that can be considered a specific part object, the performance of non-specific part objects can be improved.

There have been no games to date that include an element in which a change in the ability of an object assigned to a certain body part reaches a certain state, thereby influencing the performance of other body parts. Therefore, in a game in which the player character is a character designed to be made up of multiple body parts and parts, it is possible to add unprecedented interest in the handling of body parts and parts.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Comparing this embodiment with the first embodiment, the difference is that in the first embodiment, the game management unit 210 is realized in the user terminal 1500, but in this embodiment, this is realized in the server system 1100. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and components similar to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

In the server system 1100B of this embodiment, the control board 1150 (see FIG. 1) performs calculations based on predetermined programs and data to realize a user management function related to user registration, etc., and a game management function that provides the data necessary for registered players to play the game on the user terminal 1500 and manages the execution control of the game on the user terminal 1500. In other words, the game in this embodiment is realized as a kind of client-server type online game.

FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system 1100B in this embodiment. The server system 1100B includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, a sound output unit 390s, an image display unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

The operation input unit 100s is a means for inputting various operations for managing the server. This corresponds to the keyboard 1106 in FIG. 1.

The server processing unit 200s is realized by electronic components such as processors that are arithmetic circuits such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, FPGA, etc., as well as IC memory, and controls the input and output of data between each functional unit including the operation input unit 100s and the server storage unit 500s. It then performs various types of arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, data received from the user terminal 1500, etc., and performs integrated control of the operation of the server system 1100B.

The server processing unit 200s includes a user management unit 202, a game management unit 210B, a timing unit 280s, a sound generation unit 290s, an image generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s. Of course, other functional units may also be included as appropriate.

The user management unit 202 handles the processing related to the user registration procedure and stores and manages the information of each user linked to the user account.

The game management unit 210B functions as the game management unit 210 of the first embodiment and also functions as a game server.

The timing unit 280s uses the system clock to measure the current date and time, time limit, etc.

The sound generation unit 290s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates or decodes audio data, and generates or decodes audio data such as the server's system management and operation sounds, background music and sound effects related to the game, etc. Then, audio signals related to system management are output to the sound output unit 390s.

The sound output unit 390s emits an audio signal. In the example of FIG. 1, this corresponds to a speaker (not shown) provided on the main device or touch panel 1108.

The image generation unit 292s generates images and outputs a signal to display the generated images on the image display unit 392s. In this embodiment, it has the function of generating images related to the system management of the server, images of the game screen, data for displaying the game screen on the user terminal 1500, etc.

The communication control unit 294s executes data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with external devices via the communication unit 394s.

The communication unit 394s connects to the network 9 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In the example of FIG. 1, it corresponds to the communication device 1153.

The server storage unit 500s stores programs and various data for implementing various functions for the server processing unit 200s to comprehensively control the server system 1100. It is also used as a working area for the server processing unit 200s, and temporarily stores the results of calculations executed by the server processing unit 200s according to various programs. This function is implemented, for example, by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, optical disks such as CD-ROMs or DVDs, online storage, etc. In the example of Figure 1, this corresponds to storage media such as the IC memory 1152 and hard disk mounted on the main unit 1101, and the storage 1140.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing examples of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s in this embodiment. The server storage unit 500s in this embodiment stores a server program 501, a distribution client program 503, game initial setting data 510, user management data 600, play data 700, and the current date and time 800.

The server program 501 is a program that is read and executed by the server processing unit 200s to realize the functions of the user management unit 202 and the game management unit 210B.

The distribution client program 503 is the original client program provided to the user terminal 1500.

The user management data 600 is prepared for each registered user and stores various data (e.g., save data 690) that is linked to a user account 601, which is unique identification information.

In this embodiment, play data 700 is created for each game play.

Figure 18 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 1500B in this embodiment. The user terminal 1500B includes an operation input unit 100, a device processing unit 200, a sound output unit 390, an image display unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a device storage unit 500. The device processing unit 200 in this embodiment includes a user terminal calculation unit 260, a timing unit 280, a sound generation unit 290, and a communication control unit 294.

The user terminal calculation unit 260 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 261 and a game screen display control unit 262.

The operation signal transmission control unit 261 executes processing to transmit various data and requests to the server system 1100B in response to operations performed on the operation input unit 100.

The game screen display control unit 262 performs control for displaying a game screen based on various data received from the server system 1100B. In this embodiment, the game space image (e.g., a 3DCG image) is generated by the server system 1100B, but it is also possible to generate the game space image by the user terminal 1500. In that case, the game screen display control unit 262 includes control of objects arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space for generating the 3DCG, for example.

The sound generation unit 290 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of playing audio files, etc., and generates sound signals for game-related sound effects, background music, and various operation sounds based on the processing results by the game screen display control unit 262, and outputs them to the sound output unit 390.

The terminal storage unit 500 of the user terminal 1500B stores a client program 504. Of course, other programs and data can also be stored as appropriate.

The client program 504 is application software that the device processing unit 200 reads and executes to realize the functions of the user terminal computing unit 260. In this embodiment, it is a copy of the distribution client program 503 (see FIG. 17) provided by the server system 1100.

The client program 504 may be a dedicated client program depending on the technical method used to realize the online game, or may be configured with a web browser program and a plug-in that realizes interactive image display.

The operation of the game system 1000 in this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the processing related to game management is executed by the server system 1100B, but the flow of the operation is basically the same as in the first embodiment. In other words, the flowcharts of the user terminal 1500 in the first embodiment (see Figures 13, 14, and 15) can be interpreted as being executed by the server system 1100B as appropriate.

According to this embodiment, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained in online games.

[Modifications]
Although the embodiment to which the present invention is applied has been described above, the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described forms, and constituent elements can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

(Variation 1)
For example, in the second embodiment, an example was given of an online game being realized in a client-server type computer system, but it may also be realized in a computer system in which multiple user terminals 1500B, which can be considered game devices, are connected peer-to-peer. In that case, one of the user terminals 1500B is made to function as the server system 1100B of the second embodiment. Alternatively, the functions of the game management unit 210B may be shared among multiple user terminals 1500B.

Similarly, in the second embodiment, it is also possible to configure the functions of the game management unit 210 to be shared between the server system 1100B and the user terminal 1500B.

(Variation 2)
In addition, in the above embodiment, the performance of the part object 8 assigned to the part 7 was directly determined as the performance of the part 7, so the influence of the specific part object was realized by changing the reference parameter value 725 of the part object 8 assigned to the part 7, but this is not limited to this.

It is also possible to store parameter values representing the performance of each part 7 in the play data 700, and change the performance of the part by changing the parameter values representing the performance of the part, instead of changing the reference parameter value 725 of the part object 8 assigned to the part 7.

In addition, if the game is set so that the performance of the player character PC is set as the overall performance of the character as a whole, rather than by body part 7, then the "improvement of the performance of the body parts to which non-specific body part objects are assigned" in the above embodiment can be read as "improvement of the overall performance of the character as a whole." In other words, it can also be said that "the performance parameter values of the player character PC calculated based on the reference parameter values of the non-specific body part objects are improved."

(Variation 3)
Furthermore, the player character PC is not limited to a design based on a living thing such as a human or animal. It may be designed based on a robot, a battleship, an airplane, a racing car, or the like. The genre of the game in which the player character PC appears is not important. For example, it may be a shooting game, a RPG, a sports game, a fighting game, or the like.

(Variation 4)
Furthermore, the above embodiment can be similarly applied to a game in which the player character PC is provided with a transformation function or a merging function (collectively referred to as the transformation function).

Specifically, in the base character candidate definition data 512 (see FIG. 9) for a base character 6 with a transformation function, body part definition data 514 is provided for both "before transformation" and "after transformation." In addition, "body part change relationship definition data" is provided separately, which defines which body part the pre-transformation body part changes to after transformation.

In addition, the part object definition data 530 (see FIG. 10) for the part object 8 that can be used for the base character 6 with a transformation function includes performance value definition data 535 for each of the parts before and after transformation.

For a player character PC using a base character 6 with a transformation function, the allocation setting data 720 is updated before and after the transformation based on the "part change relationship definition data," and the performance value 727 is updated based on the performance value definition data 535 before or after the transformation.

PC... Player character 6... Base character 7... Part 8... Part object 10... Specific part object 12 (12a, 12b, ...)... Additional amount (given based on relative value relationship)
13 (13a, 13b, ...) ... Additional amount (given based on the dependency relationship)
14 (14a, 14b, ...) ... Additional amount (given based on attribute relationship)
200... Terminal processing unit 210, 210B... Game management unit 212... Part object assignment control unit 214... Assignment object selection unit 216... Selection probability control unit 220... Player character configuration unit 222... Part performance setting unit 224... Parameter value change unit corresponding to game progress result 230... Synthesis control unit 240... Damage spread control unit 500... Terminal memory unit 501... Server program 502... Game program 503... Distribution client program 504... Client program 510... Game initial setting data 512... Base character candidate definition data 514... Part definition data 515... Subordinate relationship data 530... Part object definition data 531... Part object type 532... Assignable part list 534... Initial standard parameter value 535... Performance value definition data 536... Change amount definition data 540... Added amount definition data 541... Application requirements 543...Object number-based additional amount determination function 544...Object ability-based additional amount determination function 545...Position-based additional amount determination function 546...Dependent-based additional amount determination function 547...Attribute-based additional amount determination function 548...Total additional amount determination function 550...Initial winning probability 552...Winning probability when specific part object exists 560...Attribute relationship definition data 570...Synthetic pattern definition data 690...Save data 691...Owned part object save data 700...Play data 710...Player character management data 712...Base character type 720...Assignment setting data 722...Selected part object management data 724...Part object type 725...Reference parameter value 726...Total additional amount 727...Performance value 730...Specific part object list 732...Game progress result data 1000...Game system 1100, 1100B...Server system 1500, 1500B...user terminal

Claims (15)

A program for causing a computer system to execute a game in which a player operates a player character (hereinafter referred to as a "PC") to enjoy the game,
a PC configuration means for configuring a PC by assigning to a selected part a selected part object selected based on a selection operation by the player from among part objects possessed by the player, the selected part object being assignable to any part constituting a character and having parameter values set as standards for performance of the assigned part;
a part performance setting means for setting the performance of the part to which the selected part object is assigned based on the parameter value of the selected part object, the part performance setting means improving and setting the performance of a part to which a non-specific part object, whose parameter value does not satisfy a given specific value condition, is assigned among the selected part objects constituting the PC;
and causing the computer system to function as
the PC configuration means presents to the player options of body part objects that can be assigned to the selected body part from among the body part objects owned by the player, and assigns to the selected body part the selected body part object selected from the options based on a selection operation by the player;
program. the part performance setting means sets the performance of the part by adding a given additional amount to the parameter value of the non-specific part object, thereby improving and setting the performance of the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned;
The program according to claim 1. the part performance setting means sets an improvement amount of the performance of the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned based on a positional relationship between the specific part object that satisfies the specific value condition and the non-specific part object among the selected part objects constituting the PC.
The program according to claim 1 or 2. Each part has a subordinate relationship based on its position.
the part performance setting means sets an improvement amount of the performance of the part to which the specific part object is assigned based on the subordinate relationship between the part to which the specific part object is assigned and the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned.
The program according to claim 3. The part object has an attribute defined therefor,
the part performance setting means sets an improvement amount of the performance of the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned based on a combination of an attribute of a specific part object that satisfies the specific value condition among the selected part objects constituting the PC and an attribute of the non-specific part object.
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4. a parameter value changing means for changing the parameter value of the selected body part object constituting the PC based on a result of a game progress using the PC;
6. The program according to claim 1, for causing the computer system to further function as a the parameter value changing means, when a specific part object that satisfies the specific value condition is present among the selected part objects constituting the PC, increases an amount of change of the parameter value of the non-specific part object based on the game progress result, compared to when the specific part object is not present;
The program according to claim 6. the part performance setting means sets an improvement amount of the performance of the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned, based on the parameter value of a specific part object that satisfies the specific value condition among the selected part objects constituting the PC .
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7. a synthesis control means for synthesizing a base part object and a material part object that can be assigned to the same part among the part objects owned by the player based on a synthesis instruction operation by the player, thereby improving the parameter value of the base part object;
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 8, for causing the computer system to further function as a a region object selection and granting means for selecting the region object to be granted to the player based on a given selection probability and granting the region object to the player ;
a selection probability control means for increasing the selection probability of a part object that can be assigned to the same part as the non-specific part object when a specific part object that satisfies the specific value condition is present among the selected part objects constituting the PC, compared to when the specific part object is not present ;
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 9, for causing the computer system to further function as a a damage spread control means for reducing the performance of a part to which the non-specific part object is assigned when a specific part object that satisfies the specific value condition among the selected part objects constituting the PC falls into a given damaged state during the progress of a game;
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 10, for causing the computer system to function as a the part performance setting means sets an improvement amount of the performance of the part to which the non-specific part object is assigned based on the number of the non-specific part objects.
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 11. the PC configuration means configures the PC by assigning the part objects to the parts constituting a selected model based on a selection operation by a player from among a plurality of character models differing in the number and/or position of the parts constituting the selected model;
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 12. A server system that is connected to a player terminal for communication and executes a game in which a player operates a player character (hereinafter referred to as a "PC") on the player terminal to enjoy the game, comprising:
a PC configuration means for configuring a PC by assigning to a selected part a selected part object selected based on a selection operation by the player from among part objects possessed by the player, the selected part object being assignable to any part constituting a character and having parameter values set as standards for the performance of the assigned part;
a part performance setting means for setting the performance of the part to which the selected part object is assigned based on the parameter value of the selected part object, the part performance setting means improving and setting the performance of a part to which a non-specific part object whose parameter value does not satisfy a given specific value condition is assigned among the selected part objects constituting the PC;
Equipped with
the PC configuration means presents to the player options of body part objects that can be assigned to the selected body part from among the body part objects owned by the player, and assigns to the selected body part the selected body part object selected from the options based on a selection operation by the player;
Server system. A computer system for executing a game in which a player operates a player character (hereinafter referred to as a "PC") to enjoy the game,
a PC configuration means for configuring a PC by assigning to a selected part a selected part object selected based on a selection operation by the player from among part objects possessed by the player, the selected part object being assignable to any part constituting a character and having parameter values set as standards for the performance of the assigned part;
a part performance setting means for setting the performance of the part to which the selected part object is assigned based on the parameter value of the selected part object, the part performance setting means improving and setting the performance of a part to which a non-specific part object whose parameter value does not satisfy a given specific value condition is assigned among the selected part objects constituting the PC;
Equipped with
the PC configuration means presents to the player options of body part objects that can be assigned to the selected body part from among the body part objects owned by the player, and assigns to the selected body part the selected body part object selected from the options based on a selection operation by the player;
Computer system.

Images