JP7578760B2 - Program, system, and method for providing a game - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a program, a system, and a method for providing a game.

Conventionally, various types of games using objects such as characters have been provided. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a game in which a party made up of a main character and sub-characters battles an enemy character. In such games, the party is typically made up of characters selected by the player from a number of available characters.

JP 2016-49296 A

However, when the characters that make up a party are selected by the player, the use of certain characters that are advantageous to the game's progress or that the player prefers may be concentrated, resulting in the creation of characters that are hardly used at all. This bias in the characters that are used may limit the diverse enjoyment of the game.

One of the objectives of the embodiments of the present invention is to promote the use of a variety of objects in games in which multiple characters and other objects are used. Other objectives of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reference to this specification as a whole.

A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for providing a game, and causes a computer to execute the following processes: accepting a selection of an object from a predetermined number of objects (two or more) when a first event occurs; executing the first event based at least on the value of a first parameter associated with the selected object; and updating the value of a second parameter associated with the selected object, the second parameter causing a change in the value of the first parameter, each time the first event is executed.

A system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system for providing a game, comprising one or more computer processors, and the one or more computer processors execute, in response to execution of readable instructions, the following processes: accepting a selection of an object from among a predetermined number of objects equal to or greater than two when a first event occurs; executing the first event based at least on the value of a first parameter associated with the selected object; and updating, each time the first event is executed, the value of a second parameter associated with the selected object, the second parameter causing a change in the value of the first parameter.

A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for providing a game, executed by one or more computers, and includes the steps of: accepting a selection of an object from a predetermined number of objects equal to or greater than two when a first event occurs; executing the first event based at least on the value of a first parameter associated with the selected object; and updating, each time the first event is executed, the value of a second parameter associated with the selected object, the second parameter causing a change in the value of the first parameter.

Various embodiments of the present invention promote the use of a variety of objects in games in which multiple characters or other objects are used.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network including a game providing server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed by a player information table 151. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed by an object information table 152. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed by a player object management table 153. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a map screen 50. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a party list confirmation screen 60. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a party setting screen 70. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of details of an individual display area 73. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 when a player plays a dungeon. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a party list setting screen 80. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a dungeon screen 90. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a hierarchical structure of a plurality of events. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an event type and a corresponding painting object. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a process executed by the server 10 in response to the occurrence of a battle event. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a party selection screen 100. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a party setting (dungeon) screen 110. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the party setting (dungeon) screen 110 in a state where a first status button 1161 is selected. A figure showing an example of the party setting (dungeon) screen 110 in a state where a second status button 1162 is selected. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning window 120.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals may be used to denote the same or similar components.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network including a game providing server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the server 10 is communicatively connected to player terminals 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. Although only one player terminal 30 is shown in Figure 1, the server 10 can be communicatively connected to multiple player terminals 30. The server 10 provides a game to a user who operates the player terminal 30. The game providing server 10 is an example of a device that implements all or part of the system of the present invention.

First, the hardware configuration of the game providing server 10 will be described. The game providing server 10 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a computer processor 11, a main memory 12, an input/output I/F 13, a communication I/F 14, and a storage (memory device) 15, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

The computer processor 11 is configured as a CPU or GPU, etc., and loads various programs stored in the storage 15, etc., into the main memory 12 and executes various instructions contained in the programs. The main memory 12 is configured, for example, from a DRAM, etc.

The input/output I/F 13 includes various input/output devices for exchanging information with an operator, etc. The input/output I/F 13 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), an audio input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. The input/output I/F 13 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

The communication I/F 14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination of these, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via a communication network 20, etc.

The storage 15 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. The storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system and various data. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the storage 15 has a player information table 151 that manages information about players of the game, an object information table 152 that manages information about objects used in the game, and a player-specific object management table 153 that manages information on each object of each player. In addition, for example, the storage 15 stores a server-side program 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The program 40 is a program that causes the game providing server 10 to function as all or part of a system for providing a game. At least a part of the server-side program 40 can be configured to be executed on the player terminal 30 side via a web browser or other application.

In this embodiment, the game providing server 10 may be configured using multiple computers, each having the hardware configuration described above. For example, the server 10 may be configured by one or multiple server devices.

The game providing server 10 configured in this way functions as a web server and an application server, and executes various processes in response to requests from a web browser or other application (e.g., a game application) installed in the player terminal 30, and transmits screen data (e.g., HTML data) and control data, etc., according to the results of the processes, to the player terminal 30. A web page or other screen based on the received data is displayed on the player terminal 30.

Next, the hardware configuration of the player terminal 30 will be described. The player terminal 30 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a computer processor 31, a main memory 32, an input/output I/F 33, a communication I/F 34, and a storage (memory device) 35, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

The computer processor 31 is configured as a CPU or GPU, and loads various programs stored in the storage 35, etc., into the main memory 32 and executes various commands contained in the programs. The main memory 32 is configured, for example, from a DRAM, etc.

The input/output I/F 33 includes various input/output devices for exchanging information with an operator, etc. The input/output I/F 33 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), a voice input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. The input/output I/F 33 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

The communication I/F 34 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination of these, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20, etc.

Storage 35 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk or a flash memory. Storage 35 stores various programs including an operating system and various data. The programs stored in storage 35 can be downloaded from an application market, etc., and installed.

In this embodiment, the player terminal 30 may be configured as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, a personal computer, a dedicated game terminal, or the like.

A user (game player) of a player terminal 30 configured in this manner can play a game provided by the server 10 by communicating with the server 10 via a web browser or other application installed in the storage 35, etc.

Next, the functions of the game providing server 10 configured in this manner will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the computer processor 11 of the server 10 is configured to function as a management function control unit 111 and a game progress control unit 112 by executing instructions contained in a program (e.g., at least a part of the server-side program 40) loaded into the main memory 12.

The management function control unit 111 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of the management functions of the game. For example, the management function control unit 111 transmits screen data and control data of various screens related to the management functions to the player terminal 30, executes various processes in response to operation input by the player via the screen displayed on the player terminal 30, and transmits screen data and control data according to the results of the processes to the player terminal 30. The management functions controlled by the management function control unit 111 include, for example, login processing (user authentication), billing control, and player management (for example, updating the player information table 151), etc.

The game progress control unit 112 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of the progress of the game. For example, the game progress control unit 112 transmits screen data and control data of various screens related to the game to the player terminal 30, executes various processes in response to operation input by the player via the screen displayed on the player terminal 30, and transmits screen data and control data according to the results of the processes to the player terminal 30. For example, in the case where the game provided by the server 10 is a game involving a battle with an enemy character, the game progress control unit 112 may be configured to execute various processes including processing for the battle with the enemy character.

In this embodiment, the game progress control unit 112 is configured to accept a selection of objects from a predetermined number of objects, two or more, in response to the occurrence of a first event. For example, the game progress control unit 112 accepts a selection of one or more objects from a predetermined number of objects before or after the occurrence of a first event. Such object selection is performed, for example, via a screen displayed on the player terminal 30.

In this embodiment, an object is one of the elements used in a game, and includes various types of electronic and virtual objects depending on the design of the game. For example, an object may be configured as a character. For example, a number of selected characters may be set as a party or a deck, etc.

The game progress control unit 112 is also configured to execute a first event based at least on the value of a first parameter associated with the selected object. In other words, the first event can be said to be an event executed using the selected object. The first event includes, for example, a battle between a selected character and an enemy character. The first parameter can include various parameters used in the progression of the game.

The game progress control unit 112 is also configured to update the value of a second parameter associated with a selected object (an object used to execute the first event) each time a first event is executed. In this embodiment, the value of the second parameter is configured to vary the value of the first parameter (affect the value of the first parameter).

In this manner, the game providing server 10 in this embodiment is configured to execute a first event using an object selected from a predetermined number of objects in response to the occurrence of the first event, and to update the value of the second parameter of the object used to execute the first event each time the first event is executed. Since the value of the second parameter fluctuates the value of the first parameter used to execute the first event, when the first event is next executed, it may be preferable to select a different object taking into account such fluctuations in the value of the first parameter. In this manner, the game providing server 10 prevents the use of a few objects from becoming concentrated in a game in which multiple objects such as characters are used, and as a result, can promote the use of a variety of objects.

In this embodiment, the game progress control unit 112 can be configured to display a screen on the player terminal 30 for accepting the selection of an object from among a predetermined number of objects. In this case, the screen can be configured to display the objects so that their appearance is based at least on the value of the second parameter. For example, the screen displays some or all of the predetermined number of objects with an appearance (such as color, shape, pattern, effects, and the addition of screen elements) based at least on the value of the second parameter. Such a configuration supports the selection of objects taking into account the value of the second parameter.

In this embodiment, the game progress control unit 112 may be configured to repeatedly cause an event specified from among a plurality of events including the first event to occur. The event to be generated from among the plurality of events may be specified automatically by a computer (server 10) according to a predetermined rule, for example, or may be specified by the player via a screen displayed on the player terminal 30. This configuration may provide the player with enjoyment regarding the occurrence of the event.

In this embodiment, multiple events may be associated with each of multiple event points arranged on the map. For example, the game progress control unit 112 may be configured to generate an event specified from multiple events associated with an event point selected from the multiple event points arranged on the map. The event point may also be called a stage, site, area, etc. This configuration may provide the player with the enjoyment of selecting an event point on the map.

In this case, the game progress control unit 112 may be configured to accept the setting of the predetermined number of objects from among the plurality of objects in association with the selection of an event point from among the plurality of event points. For example, the game progress control unit 112 displays a screen for setting the predetermined number of objects on the player terminal 30 before or after the selection of an event point, and accepts the setting of the predetermined number of objects by the player (selection of the predetermined number of objects from among the plurality of objects) via the screen. Then, when repeatedly executing a first event included in the plurality of events associated with the event point selected on the map, the object selected from the set predetermined number of objects will be used. This configuration may provide the player with the enjoyment of setting the predetermined number of objects in association with the selection of an event point on the map.

In this embodiment, various rules may be applied to the update of the value of the second parameter that is performed each time the first event is executed. For example, the game progress control unit 112 may be configured to increase the value of the second parameter associated with the selected object (the object used in the execution of the first event) each time the first event is executed. For example, the second parameter is increased by a predetermined value each time the first event is executed, and the predetermined value is configured as a fixed value or a variable value. In this case, the value of the first parameter may be configured to decrease according to an increase in the value of the second parameter, and the first event may be executed so that the larger the value of the first parameter, the more advantageous it is for the player. This configuration may promote the selection of other objects when the next first event is executed, since the object used in the execution of the first event is no longer advantageous for the execution of the first event due to the decrease in the value of the first parameter. As a result, the concentration of use on some objects is suppressed.

Furthermore, in the case where the value of the second parameter is increased each time the first event is executed, the game progress control unit 112 may be configured to execute the first event so that the smaller the value of the second parameter, the more advantageous it is for the player. In this case, for example, the first event is executed directly based on the value of the second parameter itself in addition to the value of the first parameter. Such a configuration makes it possible to execute the first event directly based on the value of the second parameter.

Furthermore, in the case of increasing the value of the second parameter, the game progress control unit 112 may be configured to increase the value of the second parameter associated with the selected object (the object used in the execution of the first event) each time the first event is executed, as well as to decrease the value of the second parameter associated with some or all of the objects other than the selected object (the objects not used in the execution of the first event) among the predetermined number of objects. This configuration makes it possible to decrease the value of the second parameter that was increased by using it in the first event by not using it in the first event, and as a result, it is possible to prevent excessive suppression of concentration of use on some objects.

The decrease in the value of the second parameter may also be achieved by executing an event. For example, the game progress control unit 112 may be configured to execute a second event that decreases the value of the second parameter associated with at least a portion of a predetermined number of objects. For example, the second event is identified and occurs from among a plurality of events, and the value of the second parameter of some or all of the predetermined number of objects is decreased by a predetermined value in response to the execution of the second event. This configuration allows the value of the second parameter to be decreased by an event, and may provide the player with the enjoyment of adjusting the value of the second parameter.

The decrease in the value of the second parameter may also be achieved by using electronic and virtual items. For example, the game progress control unit 112 may be configured to decrease the value of the second parameter associated with at least a portion of a predetermined number of objects in response to the use of a predetermined item. For example, the predetermined item is used in response to an instruction from the player, and the value of the second parameter of some or all of the predetermined number of objects is decreased by a predetermined value in response to the use of the predetermined item. This configuration allows the value of the second parameter to be decreased by an item, and may provide the player with the enjoyment of adjusting the value of the second parameter.

The game progress control unit 112 can also be configured to provide a predetermined reward (item, points, etc.) to the player upon execution of the first event, in which case the value of the predetermined reward may vary based at least on the value of a second parameter associated with the selected object (the object used to execute the first event). For example, in a case where the value of the second parameter is increased each time the first event is executed, the value of the predetermined reward decreases in accordance with the increase in the value of the second parameter (e.g., the quantity of rewards decreases and/or the quality of the rewards deteriorates). Such a configuration can further prevent usage from concentrating on a few objects.

Next, a specific example of one aspect of the game providing server 10 of this embodiment having such functions will be described. In this example, the game providing server 10 provides an RPG in which a party made up of multiple characters (objects) fights against an enemy character. Note that the RPG is one example of a game in this embodiment, and various types of games can be applied in various aspects of the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates information managed by player information table 151 in this example. In this example, player information table 151 manages information about players of the game, and as shown, manages information such as "basic information" including account name, gender, date of birth, etc., "acquired dungeon score" indicating the dungeon score acquired by the player, "owned item information" which is information about items owned by the player, and "owned skill information" which is information about skills owned by the player, in association with a "player account" which identifies an individual player. In this example, the dungeon score is the score that can be acquired when playing a map of a specific dungeon.

The owned item information includes information that can identify the items owned by the player (e.g., item IDs). The owned skill information includes information that can identify the skills owned by the player (e.g., skill IDs). In this example, the player can obtain items or skills as various rewards such as rewards for clearing a stage, by exchanging them for coins or other compensation, or by drawing lots (gacha).

Figure 3 illustrates information managed by the object information table 152 in this example. The object information table 152 in this example manages information related to characters used in the game, and as shown in the figure, manages information such as "basic information" including names, etc., and "battle parameter basic value information" which is information related to the basic values of the battle parameters (first parameters) possessed by the character, in association with a "character ID" that identifies an individual character.

The basic battle parameter value information sets the basic values of multiple battle parameters used in battles, such as attack power and defense power. These basic battle parameter values are different for each character.

Figure 4 illustrates information managed by the per-player object management table 153 in this example. The per-player object management table 153 in this example manages information about characters owned by each player, and as shown in the figure, manages information such as "experience points", "levels" that increase stepwise as experience points increase, "battle parameter information" that is information about battle parameters (current values) possessed by the character, "wear value" that indicates the value of memory wear (second parameter), "equipped item information" that is information about items (weapons, armor, etc.) equipped by the corresponding character, "equipped skill information" that is information about skills (magic, etc.) equipped by the corresponding character, and "party setting information" that is information about the settings of the corresponding character in the party, in association with a combination of a "player account" that identifies an individual player and a "character ID" that identifies an individual character.

Memory wear is a parameter used when playing a specific dungeon map in this example game. More details will be given later.

The party setting information includes information (e.g., a party ID) that can identify the party to which the corresponding character is set. In this example, the party is made up of five characters, and the player can set multiple parties. Furthermore, one character can only be set to one party; one character cannot be set to multiple parties.

In this example, the player can acquire characters at various times; for example, characters can be acquired as various rewards such as a reward for clearing a stage, characters can be acquired in exchange for coins or other compensation, or characters can be acquired through a lottery (gacha). Also, in this example, characters included in the party gain experience points in response to clearing a stage. In addition, characters may gain experience points by using specific items. Characters level up in response to an increase in experience points, and the values of their battle parameters increase.

Figure 5 shows an example of a map screen 50 displayed on a player terminal 30. In the game of this example, multiple types of maps with different rules, restrictions, rewards, etc. are provided, and the map screen 50 is a screen for playing a "specific dungeon map" from among these multiple types of maps. As shown in the figure, the screen 50 has a map display area 52, a party list button 54, and a challenge button 56.

The map display area 52 displays a map including multiple event points 521 connected by routes, and a current position object 522 is placed on the event point 521 that corresponds to the player's current position. The player can change the current position to the selected point 521 by selecting one of the multiple event points 521. The current position object 522 moves in response to the change in the player's current position. In this example, the player must clear the event points 521 in order from the left side of the map display area 52 to the right side of the map display area 52.

The party list button 54 is a screen element for checking the multiple parties (party list) that have been set. When this button 54 is selected, a party list confirmation screen 60, as shown in FIG. 6, is displayed in place of the map screen 50. As shown in the figure, this screen 60 has a list display area 62 that displays a list of the parties that have been set, and a back button 64 for returning to the previous screen.

In the list display area 62, three individual display areas 63, each of which displays information about an individual party, are arranged vertically. In this example, three parties can be set in advance as parties for the map of a specific dungeon. In the individual display area 63, character image areas 631 corresponding to each of the five characters that make up the corresponding party are arranged horizontally. In the bottom right corner of each character image area 631, a circular wear value object WV is arranged that displays the memory wear value (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "wear value") of the corresponding character.

The wear value object WV is configured to change its appearance based on the wear value. Specifically, the wear value object WV is displayed in a first manner (e.g., a light blue background) when the wear value is in the good range of 0 to 2, in a second manner (e.g., a white background) when the wear value is in the normal range of 3 to 6, and in a third manner (e.g., a red background) when the wear value is in the bad range of 7 or more.

In this example, the wear value is set to "3" as the default value, and as will be explained in more detail later, it fluctuates depending on whether or not the character participates in a battle. At this stage, before play of the dungeon has begun, the wear value of all characters is set to the default value.

When an individual display area 63 is selected, a party setting screen 70, as shown in FIG. 7, is displayed in place of the party list confirmation screen 60. The screen 70 is used to set up the corresponding party, and as shown in the figure, has a list display area 72 that displays a list of the five characters that make up the party, and a back button 74 for returning to the previous screen.

Five individual display areas 73, each displaying information about an individual character, are arranged vertically in the list display area 72. Figure 8 illustrates an example of the details of the individual display area 73. As shown in the figure, the area 73 displays the name, level (current value/maximum value), HP, etc. of the corresponding character, and also has a character image area 731 displaying an image of the character, an equipment item setting area 733 for setting items to be equipped to the character, and an equipment skill setting area 734 for setting skills to be equipped to the character. The character image area 731 has the above-mentioned wear value object WV, which displays the wear value of the corresponding character, arranged in the lower right corner.

When the character image area 731 is selected, a list of characters owned by the player is displayed, and the player can change the characters included in the party by selecting the desired character from the displayed list of characters. As the characters included in the party are changed, the display content in the individual display area 73 is updated, and the party setting information in the per-player object management table 153 is updated.

In the equipment item setting area 733, three individual display areas 7331, each corresponding to an individual item, are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The individual display area 7331 displays an image of the corresponding item, and when this area 7331 is selected, a list of items that can be equipped by the corresponding character is displayed, and the player can change the item equipped by the corresponding character by selecting the desired item from the displayed list. As the item equipped by the character is changed, the display content in the equipment item setting area 733 is updated, and the equipment item information in the per-player object management table 153 is updated.

Similarly, the equipment skill setting area 734 has two individual display areas 7341 arranged side by side in the left-right direction, each of which corresponds to an individual skill. The individual display area 7341 displays an image of the corresponding skill, and when that area 7341 is selected, a list of skills that can be equipped by the corresponding character is displayed, and the player can change the skill equipped by the corresponding character by selecting the desired skill from the displayed list. As the skill equipped by the character is changed, the display content in the equipment skill setting area 734 is updated, and the equipment skill information in the per-player object management table 153 is updated.

Returning to the map screen 50 in FIG. 5, the challenge button 56 on the screen 50 is a screen element for playing the dungeon corresponding to the selected event point 521 (where the current position object 522 is located). FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the process executed by the server 10 (in response to selection of the challenge button 56 on the map screen 50) when the player plays an individual dungeon. As shown in the figure, the server 10 first accepts the setting of a party list to be used in the dungeon (step S100).

Figure 10 shows an example of a party list setting screen 80 that is displayed in place of the map screen 50 in response to the selection of the challenge button 56 on the map screen 50. The screen 80 is a screen for setting a party list to be used in the dungeon, and as shown in the figure, like the party list confirmation screen 60 described above, it has a list display area 82 that displays a list of the parties set at that time, a back button 84 for returning to the previous screen, and in addition to these, a challenge button 86. In the list display area 82, like the list display area 62 on the party list confirmation screen 60 described above, three individual display areas 83 that each display information about an individual party are arranged vertically. In the individual display area 83, character image areas 831 corresponding to each of the five characters that make up the corresponding party are arranged horizontally, and a wear value object WV is arranged in the lower right corner of each character image area 831. Note that at this stage, the dungeon play has not yet started, so the wear value of all characters is set to the default value "3".

When the individual display area 83 is selected, the party setting screen 70 (see FIG. 7) described above is displayed instead of the party list setting screen 80. As described above, the player can set up a party via this screen 70. When setting up a party, it is also possible to include a character that is not included in any of the three parties as a new character in the party. In other words, the party setting at this stage is performed for all characters owned by the player.

Once the party has been set up, the player can begin playing the dungeon by selecting the challenge button 86 on the party list setting screen 80. Note that the player can also immediately begin playing the dungeon without making any changes to the party currently set (without setting the party via the party setting screen 70).

Returning to the flow diagram of FIG. 9, when the Challenge button 86 on the party list setting screen 80 is selected, the server 10 then accepts the selection of an event (step S110).

Figure 11 shows an example of a dungeon screen 90 that is displayed in place of the party list setting screen 80 in response to selection of the challenge button 86 on the screen. The screen 90 has an event display area 92 that displays some of the events included in the dungeon being played as picture objects 921, a dungeon information display area 94 located in the upper left corner of the screen, an escape button 95 located to the right of the area 94, a use item button 96, and a to-be-acquired item button 98.

In this example, multiple events are preset in each dungeon (each event point 521), and these multiple events have a hierarchical structure. In other words, as shown in FIG. 12, each of the multiple events (picture objects) belongs to one of multiple hierarchies from 1 to N.

In this example, the events are classified into a number of types, and a picture object is set for each of the event types. FIG. 13 illustrates the event types and the corresponding picture objects in this example. As shown in the figure, the event types in this example include a "normal battle" event (first event) in which a battle with an enemy character takes place, a "strengthening" event in which a temporary ability increase effect is given to all characters included in the party list, an "item" event in which an item is obtained, a "boss battle" event (first event) in which a battle with a boss character takes place, a "transfer" event in which the player advances to the next level, and a "recovery" event (second event) in which the wear value of all characters included in the party list is restored (decreased), and a number of picture objects with different appearances are set for each of the event types.

Returning to the dungeon screen 90 in FIG. 11, in the event display area 92 of the screen 90, up to three painting objects 921 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on each of the first line at the forefront, the second line behind it, and the third line at the back. On the first line at the forefront, painting objects 921 corresponding to events that are selectable at that time among the events belonging to the current level are arranged. On the second line in the middle, painting objects 921 corresponding to the next event that will be selectable are arranged, and on the third line at the back, painting objects 921 corresponding to the event that will be selectable after that are arranged. These events are randomly determined from all the events belonging to each level when each level starts.

The dungeon information display area 94 displays the floor on which the player is currently located, the number of remaining picture objects in the dungeon being played (i.e., the number of remaining events), and the dungeon score expected to be obtained.

The escape button 95 is a screen element for escaping from a dungeon. When this button 95 is selected, the player escapes from the dungeon being played, and the display returns to the map screen 50, instead of the dungeon screen 90. In this example, an escape item must be used to escape.

The use item button 96 is a screen element for using an item possessed by the player. When this button 96 is selected, a screen displaying a list of items possessed by the player is displayed, and the item selected by the player via this screen is used.

The Items to be Acquired button 98 is a screen element for checking the items that are scheduled to be acquired (provisionally granted) up to that point in the dungeon being played. When this button 98 is selected, a screen is displayed that displays a list of items that are scheduled to be acquired in the dungeon being played.

Returning to the flow diagram of FIG. 9, if an escape from the dungeon has been performed by selecting the escape button 95 when the selection of the event is accepted in step S110 (YES in step S120), the process proceeds to the provision of a reward in step S150. On the other hand, if no such escape has been performed (NO in step S120), the server 10 then generates an event corresponding to the painting object 921 selected via the event display area 92, and executes that event (step S130). Events that are executed include the types of events described above.

Here, we will explain the case where the selected event is a "normal battle event" or a "boss battle event" (hereinafter, these two may be collectively referred to as "battle events"). Figure 14 is a flow diagram illustrating the processing executed by the server 10 in response to the occurrence of a battle event. When a battle event occurs, the server 10 first accepts the selection of a party to be used in the battle (step S200), as shown in the figure.

15 illustrates a party selection screen 100 that is displayed in place of the dungeon screen 90 in response to the occurrence of a battle event (in response to the selection of a painting object 921 corresponding to a battle event). The screen 100 is a screen for selecting a party to be used in a battle, and as shown in the figure, similar to the party list setting screen 80 described above, it has a list display area 102 that displays a list of the set parties, a back button 104, and further has a start button 106 containing the text "GO!" instead of the challenge button 86 of the party list setting screen 80. In the list display area 102, similar to the list display area 82 of the party list setting screen 80 described above, three individual display areas 103 that each display information about an individual party are arranged vertically. In the individual display area 103, character image areas 1031 corresponding to each of the five characters that make up the corresponding party are arranged horizontally, and a wear value object WV is arranged in the lower right corner of each character image area 1031. At this stage, the play of the dungeon has started, so as will be described later, the wear value of the character may change each time a battle is performed. The player can select the party to use in battle by selecting one of the three individual display areas 103 with a single tap operation.

When the individual display area 103 is selected by a long tap operation, a party setting (dungeon) screen 110 as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed instead of the party selection screen 100. This screen 110 is a screen for setting up the corresponding party, and as shown in the figure, like the party setting screen 70 described above, it has a list display area 112 that displays a list of the five characters that make up the party, a back button 114 for returning to the previous screen, and further has a first status button 1161 and a second status button 1162 located in the upper left corner of the screen.

Five individual display areas 113, each displaying information about an individual character, are arranged vertically in the list display area 112. When a character image area 1131 of the individual display area 113 is selected, a list of 15 characters included in the party list is displayed, and the player can change (replace) the characters included in the party by selecting the desired character from the characters displayed in the list. In other words, at this stage, the characters that make up each party can be changed within the range of the 15 characters included in the three parties in the party list.

FIG. 17 illustrates the party setting (dungeon) screen 110 with the first status button 1161 selected. In the individual display area 113 of the party setting (dungeon) screen 110 in this state, as shown in the figure, a status information display area 1135 is arranged to the right of the character image area 1131. This area 1135 has a two-tiered table format, with the wear value of the corresponding character displayed in the upper tier. The wear value is displayed in an appearance according to the range in which the value falls. Specifically, if the wear value is in the good range of 0 to 2, it is displayed in a first manner (e.g., light blue text color) with the text "Good" added, if the wear value is in the normal range of 3 to 6, it is displayed in a second manner (e.g., white text color), and if the wear value is in the worsened range of 7 or more, it is displayed in a third manner (e.g., red text color) with the text "Worsened" added.

The lower section of the status information display area 1135 displays information about the temporary ability boost effect currently occurring for the corresponding character (for example, "Attack power up (small)"). In this example, the temporary ability boost effect occurs in response to the execution of a strengthening event, which will be described later.

Figure 18 illustrates an example of the party setting (dungeon) screen 110 when the second status button 1162 is selected. In the individual display area 113 of the party setting (dungeon) screen 110 in this state, a status information display area 1135 is arranged to the right of the character image area 1131, as shown in the figure, in the same way as the party setting (dungeon) screen 110 in the state in which the first status button 1161 illustrated in Figure 17 is selected.

The upper section of the status information display area 1135 for this state displays the wear value, level, HP, etc. of the corresponding character. The wear value is displayed in one of the first to third modes described above depending on the range in which the value falls. The lower section of the status information display area 1135 displays the current value of the battle parameter. This current value reflects the temporary ability increase effect and the fluctuation effect according to the range of the wear value. Specifically, the fluctuation effect according to the range of the wear value is that when the wear value is in the good range, the battle parameter is strengthened, for example, the value is multiplied by a predetermined strengthening factor (for example, 1.1 times). Conversely, when the wear value is in the worsening range, the battle parameter is weakened, for example, the value is multiplied by a predetermined weakening factor (for example, 0.9 times).

Returning to the party selection screen 100 in FIG. 15, when a party is selected via the list display area 102 of the screen 100 and the start button 106 is selected, the party selection is confirmed. Returning to the flow diagram in FIG. 14, the server 10 then determines whether the selected party includes a character whose wear value is in the deteriorated range (7 or more) (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "character with deteriorated memory") (step S210), and if a character with deteriorated memory is included (YES in step S210), a warning window is displayed on the player terminal 30 (step S220).

Figure 19 shows an example of a warning window 120 that is displayed on the player terminal 30 when the selected party includes a character with memory deterioration. As shown in the figure, the window 120 notifies the player that the party includes a character with memory deterioration, and has an OK button 122 and a Cancel button 124. The player selects the OK button 122 if they wish to continue the battle as is, or selects the Cancel button 124 if they wish to redo their party selection.

Returning to the flow diagram of FIG. 14, if the cancel button 124 in the warning window 120 is selected (NO in step S230), the process returns to accepting party selection in step S200.

On the other hand, if the selected party does not include a character with memory deterioration (NO in step S210), or if the party includes a character with memory deterioration but the OK button 122 in the warning window 120 is selected (YES in step S230), the server 10 then executes a battle (step S240).

Battles with enemy characters are controlled based on a comparison of the battle parameters (current values) of each character in the party and the enemy character. For example, when an ally character in the party attacks an enemy character, damage based on the comparison of the battle parameters is inflicted on the enemy character, and when an enemy character attacks an ally character, similar damage is inflicted on the ally character. The player wins when the party defeats all enemy characters (reducing their HP to 0), but the player loses if the HP of all characters in the party reaches 0 before all enemy characters are defeated.

If the battle results in a loss for the player (NO in step S250), the player drops out of the dungeon (fails the exploration) and the process proceeds to the dropout process. The dropout process includes a process of canceling any items and dungeon score that were to be acquired and returning to the display of the map screen 50.

On the other hand, if the player wins (YES in step S250), the server 10 then updates the wear value of each character included in the party list (step S260). Specifically, of the 15 characters included in the party list, the wear value of 5 characters included in the party used in the battle is increased by 1, and the wear value of the remaining 10 characters is decreased by 1. However, the minimum wear value is 0 and cannot be a negative value.

Next, a provisional reward is given (step S270). The provisionally given reward is preset for each event, and includes an item and a dungeon score. In this example, the number of dungeon score points given increases as the number of characters with wear values in the good range (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "characters with good memories") included in the party increases, while the number of characters with deteriorated memories decreases. Specifically, the number of points increases by a certain number of points for each character with good memory included in the party, and decreases by a certain number of points for each character with deteriorated memory. As described above, the provisionally given reward is actually given to the player upon escaping from or clearing the dungeon.

The above describes the case where the event that occurs is a battle event. Next, we will explain the cases where other types of events occur. First, if the event that occurs is an strengthening event, the value of one parameter selected at random from multiple battle parameters is temporarily strengthened (the temporary ability increase effect described above). This strengthening applies to all 15 characters included in the party list. This strengthening is only effective in the next battle, and will disappear when the next battle event is completed.

If the event that occurs is an item event, an item is provisionally awarded through a lottery. Specifically, an on-screen presentation appears in which a treasure chest is selected from a predetermined number (e.g., three) of treasure chests, and the item determined through a predetermined lottery process is provisionally awarded to the player.

Also, if the event that occurs is a transfer event, it will proceed to the next layer.

In addition, if the event that occurs is a recovery event, the wear value is restored for all 15 characters included in the party list. Specifically, the wear value of each character is reduced by 3. Note that in this example, instead of or in addition to the recovery of wear values due to such a recovery event, the wear values of some or all of the 15 characters included in the party list may be restored by using a specific recovery item.

Returning to the flow diagram of FIG. 9, once an event has been executed in this manner, if the dungeon has not been cleared (NO in step S140), the server 10 returns to accepting the selection of an event in step S110. Specifically, the dungeon screen 90 is displayed again, and another selection of an event is accepted.

When the dungeon screen 90 is displayed again, the display in the event display area 92 is updated. First, if the executed event is a transfer event, the game proceeds to the next layer, and from all events belonging to the new layer, the events selectable at that time, the events selectable next time, and the events selectable the time after that are randomly determined, and the corresponding picture objects 921 are placed on the first to third lines, respectively.

In addition, if the executed event is not a transfer event, in the event display area 92, the painting object 921 that was previously placed on the first line and was not selected disappears, the painting object 921 that was previously placed on the middle second line moves to the first line at the forefront, the painting object 921 that was previously placed on the backmost third line moves to the middle second line, and the painting object 921 that corresponds to the newly determined event from among the remaining events in the current hierarchy is placed on the backmost third line.

As described above, painting objects 921 that were previously placed on the first line and were not selected disappear, but painting objects 921 that correspond to a transfer event or a boss battle event do not disappear and remain on the first line as selectable painting objects 921. Also, each layer from 1 to N-1 contains one transfer event, and the N layer (deepest layer) contains one boss event. In other words, at each layer from 1 to N-1, a transfer event is eventually executed to proceed to the next layer, and at the N layer (deepest layer), a boss battle event is ultimately executed.

By repeating the occurrence and execution of events in this way, the player clears the dungeon when they defeat the boss character by executing the boss battle event in the deepest level. When the player escapes in response to the selection of the escape button 95 on the dungeon screen 90 (YES in step S120) or when the dungeon is cleared (YES in step S140), the server 10 grants a reward to the player (step S150). Specifically, the provisionally granted items and dungeon score are actually granted to the player. In response to the granting of the items and dungeon score, the possessed item information and acquired dungeon score in the player information table 151 are updated.

When the dungeon is cleared, escaped, or dropped out (search fails), the display returns to the map screen 50. When returning to the map screen 50, the character's wear value is initialized and set to a default value of "3". The player selects the next event point 521 (dungeon) to challenge via the map display area 52. Note that when returning to the map screen 50, the character's wear value may be maintained without being initialized.

In the above example, multiple events set at an event point 521 selected from multiple event points 521 arranged on the map are displayed as painting objects 921 on the dungeon screen 90, and an event corresponding to the painting object 921 selected via the screen 90 is generated and executed, but this design is one design example of the game of this embodiment, and various other designs can be applied to the game of this embodiment.

In the above example, when the memory wear value increases and enters the worsening range, the value of the battle parameter decreases and the number of dungeon score points granted decreases; conversely, when the memory wear value decreases and enters the good range, the value of the battle parameter increases and the number of dungeon score points granted increases; however, this effect is one example of an effect that corresponds to a change in the memory wear value, and in other examples of this embodiment, various effects can occur in response to a change in the memory wear value.

In the above example, the memory wear value of the character is displayed via the wear value object WV, but this is not limited to this. For example, the display mode of the character itself in the character image areas 631, 731, 831, 1031, 1131, etc. may be changed based on the memory wear value.

In the above example, the memory wear value increases as battles are performed, but the memory wear value is one example of a parameter that is updated as battles are performed, and in other examples of this embodiment, other parameters may be applied. For example, a parameter that decreases each time a battle is performed may also be applied.

The game providing server 10 according to the present embodiment described above is configured to execute a first event (e.g., a battle event in the above example) using an object selected from a predetermined number of objects (e.g., characters included in the party list in the above example) when the first event occurs, and to update the value of the second parameter (e.g., memory wear value in the above example) of the object used to execute the first event each time the first event is executed. The value of the second parameter fluctuates the value of the first parameter (e.g., a battle parameter in the above example) used to execute the first event, so that when the next first event is executed, it may be preferable to select another object in consideration of such fluctuation in the value of the first parameter. In this way, the game providing server 10 prevents the use of some objects from concentrating in a game in which multiple objects such as characters are used, and as a result, it can promote the use of a variety of objects.

In other embodiments of the present invention, some or all of the functions of the game providing server 10 in the above-described embodiment may be realized by cooperation between the game providing server 10 and the player terminal 30, or may be realized by the player terminal 30.

The processes and procedures described in this specification may be realized by software, hardware, or any combination thereof, other than those explicitly described. For example, the processes and procedures described in this specification may be realized by implementing logic equivalent to the processes and procedures in a medium such as an integrated circuit, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a magnetic disk. In addition, the processes and procedures described in this specification may be implemented as a computer program equivalent to the processes and procedures, and executed by various computers.

Although the processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, multiple software, multiple components, and/or multiple modules. Also, the software and hardware elements described herein may be realized by integrating them into fewer components or breaking them down into more components.

In this specification, even if a component of the invention is described as either singular or plural, or described without being limited to either singular or plural, the component may be either singular or plural unless the context requires otherwise.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Game providing server 11 Computer processor 111 Management function control unit 112 Game progress control unit 15 Storage 151 Player information table 152 Object information table 153 Object management table for each player 30 Player terminal 40 Server side program 50 Map screen 521 Event points 60 Party list confirmation screen 631 Character image area 70 Party setting screen 731 Character image area 80 Party list setting screen 831 Character image area 90 Dungeon screen 921 Painting object 100 Party selection screen 1031 Character image area 110 Party setting (dungeon) screen 1131 Character image area 120 Warning window WV Wear value object

Claims (8)

A program for providing a game, comprising:
A process of setting a predetermined number of objects from among a plurality of objects owned by a player;
a process of starting a play using the predetermined number of objects in a dungeon including a plurality of events in response to an instruction from the player;
a process of accepting a selection of any of the plurality of event objects of the first line via a first screen on which at least a plurality of event objects of a first line each corresponding to a selectable event among the plurality of events and a plurality of event objects of a second line each corresponding to an event that becomes selectable after the event corresponding to the first line ends are arranged;
executing a selected event corresponding to an event object selected from the plurality of event objects in the first line;
after the selected event ends, a process of making the plurality of event objects in the first line unselectable and making the plurality of event objects in the second line selectable on the first screen is executed;
the process of executing the selected event includes accepting, by the player, a selection of an object to be used in the selected event from among the predetermined number of objects;
and causing the computer to execute a process of varying a parameter associated with the use object in a predetermined direction when the selection event is successful.
program. the process of executing the selected event includes executing the selected event in such a manner that the greater the change in the parameter associated with the use object in the predetermined direction , the more disadvantageous the selected event becomes for the player;
The program of claim 1. The object has a form according to a range that includes the value of the associated parameter among a plurality of predetermined ranges.
The program of claim 1. The object has associated therewith a base value in addition to the parameters;
causing the computer to further execute a process of displaying a second screen including information about the object;
the second screen has a first state in which the parameters and the base values associated with the object are displayed, and a second state in which the parameters and the aspects associated with the object are displayed.
The program of claim 3. causing the computer to execute a process of randomly determining, when play of the dungeon is started, an event object to be placed on the first screen from among a plurality of event objects corresponding to the plurality of events;
The program of claim 1. causing the computer to further execute a process of initializing the parameters of each of the predetermined number of objects in response to clearing the dungeon;
The program of claim 1. 1. A system for providing a game, comprising one or more computer processors, the one or more computer processors, in response to execution of readable instructions:
A process of setting a predetermined number of objects from among a plurality of objects owned by a player;
a process of starting a play using the predetermined number of objects in a dungeon including a plurality of events in response to an instruction from the player;
a process of accepting a selection of any of the plurality of event objects of the first line via a first screen on which at least a plurality of event objects of a first line each corresponding to a selectable event among the plurality of events and a plurality of event objects of a second line each corresponding to an event that becomes selectable after the event corresponding to the first line ends are arranged;
executing a selected event corresponding to an event object selected from the plurality of event objects in the first line;
after the selected event ends, a process of making the plurality of event objects in the first line unselectable and making the plurality of event objects in the second line selectable on the first screen is executed;
the process of executing the selected event includes accepting, by the player, a selection of an object to be used in the selected event from among the predetermined number of objects;
The one or more computer processors further execute a process of varying a parameter associated with the use object in a predetermined direction when the selection event is successful.
system. 1. A method for providing a game, executed by one or more computers, comprising:
setting a predetermined number of objects from among a plurality of objects owned by a player;
initiating a play of a dungeon including a plurality of events using the predetermined number of objects in response to an instruction from the player;
receiving a selection of any of the plurality of event objects in the first line via a first screen on which at least a plurality of event objects in a first line corresponding to selectable events among the plurality of events and a plurality of event objects in a second line corresponding to events that will become selectable after the event corresponding to the first line ends are arranged;
executing a selected event corresponding to an event object selected from among the plurality of event objects of the first line;
after the selected event ends, making the plurality of event objects in the first line unselectable and making the plurality of event objects in the second line selectable on the first screen,
the step of executing the selection event includes accepting, by the player, a selection of an object to be used in the selection event from among the predetermined number of objects;
The method further comprises varying a parameter associated with the use object in a predetermined direction if the selection event is successful.
method.