JP7603218B2 - GAME PROGRAM, GAME DEVICE AND GAME SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, there is technology that supports players in multiplayer games in which remote players communicate over a network using conversational voice, or so-called voice chat, while playing the game. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information input device that includes an operation unit and a voice input unit, and that essentially disables voice input to the voice input unit when an operation is received on the operation unit. With this configuration, the information input device can prevent operation sounds from the game machine from reaching the other player mixed in with the conversational voice.

JP 2013-235032 A

By the way, the sense of realism of the game can be increased by using peripheral devices of the game device, such as headphones used for voice chat. For this reason, there is a need to promote playing using such peripheral devices of the game device, but the above-mentioned conventional technology has an issue in that it is not possible to promote playing using peripheral devices of the game device.

This disclosure provides a game program, a game device, and a game system that can promote play using peripheral devices of the game device.

A first aspect includes a computer comprising:
an acquisition means for acquiring, from a game device which progresses a game, game information including a state of the game and device information relating to peripheral devices externally attached to the game device;
a determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied with respect to the situation and the use of the peripheral device corresponding to the situation, based on the game information and the device information;
The game program causes the game device to function as a granting means for granting an advantageous effect in the progress of the game to the user of the game device when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

In addition, in the first aspect, the specified condition may further include that the peripheral device is a device that performs a specified function.

In addition, in the first aspect, the specified condition may further include that the peripheral device is a specific model or type of device that performs the specified function.

In addition, in the first aspect, the predetermined condition may further include the situation in which the user selects a predetermined game mode and plays the game.

In addition, in the first aspect, the predetermined condition may further include the situation being that a specific scene has been reached in the progress of the game.

In addition, in the first aspect,
the specific scene occurs in a predetermined game mode selected by a user;
The computer can further function as a notification control means for notifying, before the specific scene in the game mode is reached, a notice that the specific scene will occur thereafter.

In addition, in the first aspect,
the peripheral device includes an audio input/output device having a microphone and a speaker;
the acquiring means, when the game is being played in a multiplayer mode, acquires game device information and the device information relating to each of a plurality of game devices operated by a plurality of users participating in the multiplayer mode;
The computer,
further functioning as a determination means for determining whether or not the multi-play is being performed, whether or not the plurality of users are communicating by voice, and whether or not the plurality of users are each remote, based on the game information, the game device information, and the device information;
the predetermined conditions include that the determining means determines that the multiplay is being performed, that the plurality of users are communicating by voice, and that the plurality of users are each remotely located;
When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the granting means can grant an effect advantageous to the progress of the game to each of the multiple users.

In the first aspect, the computer includes:
and further functioning as a first detection means, in cooperation with a call unit that realizes voice communication between the plurality of users via a network, for detecting that a voice input to the call unit from one of the plurality of users is output from the call unit of another of the plurality of users;
The determining means can determine, based on a result of the detection, whether or not the plurality of users are communicating with each other by voice.

In the first aspect, the computer includes:
and further functioning as a second detection unit that detects whether game sound of the game is being output from the speaker of each of the plurality of users based on the device information;
The determining means can determine, based on a result of the detection, whether or not the plurality of users are communicating with each other by voice.

In addition, in the first aspect,
the game device information includes location information indicating a location of the game device,
The determining means can determine whether or not each of the plurality of users is remote based on the position information.

The second aspect is
an acquisition unit that acquires, from a game device that progresses a game, game information including a state of the game and device information relating to peripheral devices externally attached to the game device;
a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied with respect to the situation and the use of the peripheral device corresponding to the situation, based on the game information and the device information;
and an granting unit that grants an advantageous effect to the progress of the game to a user of the game device when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

The third aspect is:
an acquisition unit that acquires, from a game device that progresses a game, game information including a state of the game and device information relating to peripheral devices externally attached to the game device;
a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied with respect to the situation and the use of the peripheral device corresponding to the situation, based on the game information and the device information;
and a granting unit that grants an advantageous effect in the progress of the game to a user of the game device when the predetermined condition is satisfied.
It is a game system.

According to the present disclosure, a game program, a game device, and a game system are provided that can promote play using peripheral devices of a game device.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game system according to a first embodiment. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between play using a peripheral device and a predetermined condition in the game system according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing a series of operations of the game system in the first embodiment. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between play using a peripheral device and a predetermined condition in the game system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is an example of a screen that is displayed on a display during a game. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of play using a mixer in the game system according to the first embodiment.

[First embodiment]
A game system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Game Description>
In the game system 1 shown in FIG. 1, a server device 2 and a plurality of game devices 5 are communicably connected to each other via a communication network 6, and a game is executed on the game devices 5.

The game according to this embodiment is an online game executed by the game system 1. In this game, a user of the game device 5 causes one or more player characters (corresponding to objects) to act in a virtual game space, and causes the player characters to fight against enemy characters, which are non-player characters.

The above-mentioned games are played using a gaming device 5, which may be a home gaming console such as PlayStation (registered trademark), a portable gaming console such as Nintendo Switch (registered trademark), or an electronic device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet. The following describes an example in which the gaming device 5 is a smartphone.

Overview of Game System 1
The game system 1 is made up of a server device 2 and a plurality of game devices 5. The server device 2 stores game programs and game data, and manages the game data of the game devices 5 (for each account information described below).

The game device 5 executes a predetermined game based on the user's operation. To this end, the game device 5 receives (specifically, downloads and installs) a game program and game data from the server device 2 via the communication network 6. Each user is assigned account information including identification information and a password in association with the game device 5. This account information is transmitted from the game device 5 to the server device 2 at the time of login, and is used for user authentication in the server device 2.

After user authentication, the server device 2 and the game device 5 are able to communicate with each other. After logging in, the game device 5 receives data necessary for the game to proceed (data related to the game progress status) from the server device 2, and progresses the game while outputting game images and sounds to the display 61 and speaker 62 based on the user's operations.

<Configuration of Game System 1>
The hardware configuration of the server device 2 and the game devices 5 will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. Note that each of the game devices 5 has the same configuration.

<Configuration of Server Device 2>
1, the server device 2 includes a network interface 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The network interface 21 and the storage unit 22 are electrically connected to the control unit 23 via a bus 29.

The network interface 21 is communicatively connected to each game device 5 via a communication network 6 such as the Internet or a LAN.

The storage unit 22 is composed of a hard disk drive (HDD), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 22 stores various programs including a part of the game program according to this embodiment, as well as various data such as a user DB 221 and a lottery list 222.

In user DB221, for each user identification number playing the game, information about the player character operated by the user (status, etc.), the amount of consumable media that can be used in the virtual game space, game information, game device information, equipment information, etc. are stored in association with each other. Hereinafter, this information is collectively referred to as "user information."

"Consumable media" refers to currency, points, etc. that can be used within the virtual game space, and are consumed within the game to progress through the game. Consumable media are given to users as rewards for completing quests, or through charges in the real world.

"Game information" refers to information about each game being played on the game device 5. Game information includes, for example, information for identifying each game and the status of each game.

The game status may be, for example, the selected game mode, the game's operating status (e.g., running, sleeping, stopped, etc.), the progress of each stage or scene in the game (e.g., not played, in progress (playing), completed (cleared), etc.), or parameter values representing the state of the player character operated by the user and other virtual game space objects (the terrain of the game space, objects that make up the field, or NPC (non player character) objects such as enemy characters).

"Game mode" refers to, for example, tutorial mode, multiplayer (cooperative or competitive) or single player, online mode or local connection mode, training mode, etc.

"Parameters" include, for example, a character's fighting power, HP, attack power, defense power, stamina, intelligence, skill level, skill type or rank, or the value or rarity of an item.

"Game device information" is information related to the game device 5. The game device information includes, for example, the model, manufacturer, serial number, and location information of the game device 5.

"Location information" is information indicating the location of the game device 5. In other words, location information is also information indicating the location of the user who owns the game device 5. The location information may be, for example, the latitude and longitude coordinates of the game device 5 at a specific time measured using the positioning unit 58 of the game device 5. As another example, the location information may be an access point for Wi-Fi communication of the game device 5.

"Device information" is information relating to peripheral devices (hereinafter simply referred to as "peripheral devices") externally attached to the game device 5. Device information includes, for example, the model of the peripheral device, the serial number, the available connection type (wired/wireless), or if the available connection type is wired, the type of connector terminal (USB, HDMI (registered trademark), plug/jack, etc.), if the available connection type is wireless, whether or not connection is possible via Bluetooth (registered trademark) or infrared communication, the operating status of the peripheral device (operating or stopped), and audio data such as the below-described call audio data and audio data relating to game audio (hereinafter also referred to as "game audio data").

The peripheral device may be, for example, an audio input/output device equipped with a microphone and speaker.

The lottery list 222 is used when the lottery execution means 233 (described below) performs a lottery process generally known as gacha, and includes multiple pieces of information about the game media to be selected. The lottery list 222 associates information about the game media (such as name, parameters, rarity, and level) with the selection ratio in the lottery.

"Gacha" is a method in which the server device 2 selects any game medium from the lottery list 222 based on a predetermined selection ratio by lottery. The selected game medium is given to the user's game device 5. "Giving the game medium selected by gacha to the user/the user owns it" is synonymous with "associating/being associated with the game medium selected by the lottery process with identification information indicating the user."

The control unit 23 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the device 2.

The control unit 23 executes various programs to function as an information processing means 231, a matching means 232, a lottery execution means 233, an acquisition means 234, a determination means 235, an awarding means 236, a first detection means 237, and a second detection means 238.

-Information processing means-
The information processing means 231 transmits and receives various data to and from each game device 5. Main data received by the information processing means 231 include game program download request information, a gacha lottery request in response to a user operation, a quest execution request, account information, game information, game device information, device information, etc. Main data transmitted by the information processing means 231 include information for confirming that the game device 5 has received the game program, information regarding the game media obtained by the gacha, etc.

"Game media" refers to electronic data that represents elements related to the game, including the name of the character used as the player character, and items (weapons, armor, tools) used by the player character in the virtual game space. Users can obtain game media by directly purchasing it for a fee, clearing quests, or through a lottery method known as gacha. The obtained game media is stored and managed in user DB221 in association with the identification information of the user who has come to own the game media.

-Method of verification-
The matching means 232 uses the user identification information received from the game device 5 to authenticate the user account.

-Lottery execution method-
In response to a gacha lottery request, the lottery execution means 233 selects one or more game media by lottery from the lottery list 222 based on the selection probability for each game medium. The lottery execution means 233 associates information about the selected game media with identification information of the user who performed the operation that is the source of the lottery request in the user DB 221. As a result, the game media that the user won as a result of their own gacha draw are awarded to the user.

-Method of acquisition-
The acquisition means 234 acquires, via the network interface 21, from the game device 5 that is progressing through the game, game information including the status of the game, and device information relating to peripheral devices externally attached to the game device 5. For example, a function (not shown) (hereinafter also referred to as a "connection control unit") that the game device 5 is provided with for general purposes for controlling connections with peripheral devices detects the connection between the game device 5 and the peripheral devices. The acquisition means 234 acquires the device information from the connection control unit. This "connection between the game device 5 and the peripheral devices" may be wired or wireless, and in the case of wireless, for example, a Bluetooth connection or the like is conceivable.

For example, when a game is being played multiplayer, the acquisition means 234 may acquire game device information and equipment information regarding each of multiple game devices 5 operated by multiple users (hereinafter simply referred to as "multiple users") participating in the multiplayer game.

-Method of Determination-
The determining means 235 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied based on the game information and the device information.

The "predetermined condition" is a condition related to the game situation and the use of a peripheral device corresponding to the game situation. For example, when determining whether a peripheral device is being used, the determination means 235 may determine that a peripheral device is being used if at least one of the following conditions is met: (a) connection of the peripheral device to the game device 5 is detected; (b) sound or information is being output from the peripheral device while the game is in progress; and (c) information output from the peripheral device is being input to the game device 5. In addition, by setting the predetermined condition as "use of a peripheral device corresponding to the game situation," it is possible to exclude to a certain extent the use of peripheral devices unrelated to the game.

For example, if the peripheral device corresponding to the "starting up" game status is "headphones," the specified condition may be "the game status is 'starting up'" and "connection of headphones to the game device 5 is detected." The determination means 235 then determines whether the game status is "starting up" and whether connection of headphones to the game device 5 is detected for this specified condition.

The predetermined condition may further include that the peripheral device is a device that exhibits a predetermined function. Taking this into consideration, the predetermined condition may include at least one of the following (1) to (4), as shown in FIG. 2.
(1) The peripheral device must be a device that performs a specified function. (2) The peripheral device must be in a specified game mode (e.g., multiplayer mode, etc.).
(3) Multiple users are communicating by voice (for example, using voice chat, etc.)
(4) Multiple users playing remotely (e.g., multiple users are in different locations, etc.)

Examples of "predetermined functions" include a function for outputting sound provided by headphones or speakers, a function for inputting sound provided by a microphone, and a function provided by a controller for transmitting user operations and instructions to the game device 5.

In the specified conditions, from (1) to (4) above, the three AND/OR conditions of "multiplayer", "multiple users communicating by voice", and "multiple users being in different locations" are hereafter referred to as "voice chat conditions".

According to the above configuration, it is possible to promote play using peripheral devices that have specific functions. For example, it is possible to promote play using devices that have the functions of outputting and inputting audio (such as earsets and headsets) while communicating with each other through voice, such as through voice chat, using the devices. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to clarify the type of play to be promoted.

The determination means 235 determines, for example, based on the game information, game device information, and device information, whether or not multiplayer is taking place ((2) above), whether or not multiple users are communicating by voice ((3) above), and whether or not multiple users are remotely located ((4) above).

The determination means 235 determines whether or not multiple users are communicating by voice, for example, based on the result of detection by the first detection means 237 described below. If the result of detection by the first detection means 237 is, for example, that "voice input to the communication unit 65 from one of the multiple users is being output from the communication unit 65 of another of the multiple users," the determination means 235 determines that multiple users are communicating by voice.

The determination means 235 determines whether multiple users are remotely located, for example, based on location information included in the game device information.

The determination means 235 determines whether or not multiple users are communicating by voice, for example, based on the result of detection by the second detection means 238 described below. For example, if the result of detection by the second detection means 238 is that "it has been detected that game sounds of the game are being output from the speakers of each of the multiple users," the determination means 235 determines that multiple users are communicating by voice.

-Method of granting-
The granting means 236 grants an advantageous effect for the progress of the game to the user of the game device 5 when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

An "effect advantageous to the progress of the game (hereinafter simply referred to as a "game effect")" may be any setting change that gives an advantage to the game, such as the provision of a reward (e.g. game media), favoring the parameters of a player character, unlocking a game event, or providing a handicap to an opposing player character or enemy character (disadvantaging parameters).

According to the above configuration, the granting means 236 can grant a game effect to a user who uses a peripheral device corresponding to the game situation. Therefore, the granting means 236 can promote play using the peripheral devices of the game machine.

The specified condition, in regard to (1) above, may further include, for example, that the device is a specific model or type of device that performs the specified function. For example, if the device that performs the specified function is an "earphone," the specified condition may include that the device is a specific model or type of earphone.

The granting means 236 may, for example, grant a first reward to the user of the game device 5 if the peripheral device of the game device 5 is a specific model or type of device that performs a specified function, and grant a second reward to the user of the game device 5 if the peripheral device is not a specific model or type of device that performs a specified function. The first reward is a reward that provides a more advantageous effect to the user than the second reward.

For example, if the device performing the specified function is a device such as earphones or headphones that has the function of outputting sound and the specific model is "headphones of model a from manufacturer A," when the peripheral device is earphones of model a, the granting means 236 may grant an item with twice the parameter value compared to when the peripheral device is earphones of model other than a (e.g., earphones of model b).

According to the above configuration, peripheral devices that perform a specific function can be limited to a specific model or type, and play using this specific model or type can be promoted. For example, headsets that output audio can be limited to a specific model from a specific manufacturer, and play using this model while communicating via audio, such as through voice chat, can be promoted. Therefore, with the above configuration, the type of play to be promoted can be made clearer.

Regarding (2) above, the predetermined condition may further include, for example, the user selecting a predetermined game mode as the game situation and playing the game. For example, if the predetermined game mode is "multiplayer", the predetermined condition may further include the user selecting multiplayer in advance (before the game starts) and playing the game.

According to the above configuration, game effects can be granted on the condition that a specific game mode, such as multiplayer, is being played. This makes it possible to clearly indicate the game mode to be promoted when playing using peripheral devices, for example.

The granting means 236, for example, when a predetermined condition is met, grants an effect that is advantageous to the progress of the game to each of the multiple users participating in the multiplay. For example, when a condition related to voice chat is met, the granting means 236 may open up a specific game event to each of the multiple users participating in the multiplay.

The above configuration can promote multiplayer games using peripheral devices. Furthermore, in the With/After COVID era, it may be necessary for users to be far apart. However, when users are far apart, they cannot talk to each other directly in multiplayer games. In multiplayer games, users can talk to each other, which can increase the interest of the game. With the above configuration, by using earphones or headsets, users can play multiplayer games while talking to each other through voice chat, even when they are far apart, so it is possible to meet the above needs while increasing the interest.

-First detection means-
The first detection means 237, in cooperation with the communication unit 65, detects that voice input from one of the multiple users to the communication unit 65 described below is output from the communication unit 65 of another of the multiple users.

The first detection means 237, for example, inquires of the call unit 65 provided in the game device 5 of the multiple users as to whether or not a voice input from one of the multiple users to the call unit 65 described below is being output from the call unit 65 of another of the multiple users. Based on the result of this inquiry, the first detection means 237 detects that a voice input from one of the multiple users to this voice chat app is being output from the voice chat app of another of the multiple users, i.e., that multiple users are engaged in a voice chat.

As an example different from the above, the first detection means 237 may collect chat logs or chat data from each of the communication units 65 of the game devices 5 of the multiple users, which indicates that the users are chatting while playing a game. Then, based on this log or data, the first detection means 237 may detect that a voice input from one of the multiple users to this voice chat app is being output from the voice chat app of another of the multiple users, i.e., that multiple users are engaged in voice chat.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to detect that multiple users are exchanging voices via the communication unit 65, and then determine whether multiple users are exchanging voices. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to more accurately determine whether multiple users are exchanging voices.

-Second detection means-
The second detection means 238 detects that game sound of the game is being output from the speakers of each of the multiple users based on the device information. For example, if the model included in the device information is a headset model, the second detection means 238 may detect that game sound of the game is being output by detecting that audio data including game sound data is being output from the game device 5 to the headset of this model during game play based on the game information and the device information. For example, when detecting that this audio data is being output, the second detection means 238 may indirectly detect whether or not there is audio data output from the game device 5 to the headset during play, regardless of the content of the audio data. In addition, as another example, the second detection means 238 may directly detect that game sound of the game is being output by analyzing the content of the audio data and determining whether or not it is game sound of the game being played.

For example, even if a peripheral device equipped with a speaker is connected to the game device 5, it is possible that the device is simply connected but is not outputting any sound, including game audio. With the above configuration, it is possible to more accurately determine whether a peripheral device is being used to play, since it detects that the peripheral device is outputting game audio and then determines whether multiple users are communicating via audio.

<Configuration of Game Device 5>
A display 61, a speaker 62, a touch pad 63, and a microphone 64 are externally connected or built into the game device 5. The game device 5 also has a network interface 51, a graphics processing unit 52, an audio processing unit 53, an operation unit 54, a storage unit 55, and a control unit 56. The network interface 51, the graphics processing unit 52, the audio processing unit 53, the operation unit 54, and the storage unit 55 are electrically connected to the control unit 56 via a bus 59. The microphone 64 inputs surrounding sounds (analog vibration signals) and converts them into electrical signals (digital signals) to generate sound data.

The network interface 51 is communicatively connected to the communication network 6 to transmit and receive various data between the game device 5 and the server device 2.

The graphics processing unit 52 renders game images including characters and various objects related to the virtual game space in a moving image format according to the game image information output from the control unit 56. The graphics processing unit 52 is connected to a display 61, which may be, for example, a liquid crystal type, and the game images rendered in a moving image format are displayed on the display 61 as a game screen.

The audio processing unit 53 is connected to the speaker 62, and plays and synthesizes game audio according to the instructions of the control unit 56, and outputs it from the speaker 62.

The operation unit 54 is connected to the touchpad 63, and transmits and receives data related to operation inputs to and from the touchpad 63. The user inputs operation signals to the game device 5 by touching the touchpad 63.

The storage unit 55 is composed of a HDD, SSD, RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 55 stores game data downloaded from the server device 2, various programs including parts of the game program, account information for the player's device 5, etc.

The control unit 56 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the device 5.

The storage unit 55 stores user information. The user information is at least a portion of the information in the user DB 221 stored in the storage unit 22 of the server device 2. The user DB 221 manages a master of the user information, and the storage unit 55 of the game device 5 stores at least a portion of the information in the master that is distributed from the server device 2.

The control unit 56 executes various programs to function as a communication means 561, a game execution means 562, and a notification control means 563.

--Communication means 561--
The communication unit 561 is a function for communicating with the server device 2 via the network interface 51 .

The communication means 561 generates and transmits information that can be grasped by the server device 2 in response to various operation signals received by the operation unit 54 from the touchpad 63. For example, the communication means 561 transmits account information, download request information for new game data, a gacha execution request, a quest execution request, user information (game information, game device information, equipment information), etc. to the server device 2. The communication means 561 also receives from the server device 2 new game data sent from the server device 2 in response to download request information, information on the game medium selected by lottery processing, etc.

-Game execution means-
The game execution means 562 reads data such as virtual game space objects and textures included in the game data from the storage unit 55 in accordance with the operation of the touch pad 63 by the user of the own device 5, or uses the data received from the server device 2 to generate two-dimensional or three-dimensional game image information while executing a game program. As the game image information is processed by the graphics processing unit 52, the processed game images are successively displayed on the display 61.

The game execution means 562 then places a character on the game image in accordance with the operation of the user of the player's device 5, and controls the behavior of the character in the virtual game space in accordance with the user's operation and the progress of the game. For example, the game execution means 562 executes a quest in the game in accordance with the user's operation via the touchpad 63 (hereinafter simply referred to as "user operation"). The game execution means 562 also causes the player character to use the game medium selected by the user in accordance with the user operation.

The game execution means 562 generates game information. The game execution means 562 also acquires device information of the peripheral devices connected to the game device 5 from the connection control unit. The game execution means 562 acquires call information from the call unit 65. The game execution means 562 also transmits the game information and the device information of the peripheral devices connected to the game device 5 to the server device 2 via the network interface 51.

-Notification control means-
The notification control means 563 controls the display on the display 61 and the audio output from the speaker 62 in response to operations by the user of the player's device 5 during game execution.

The positioning unit 58 measures the position information using a predetermined positioning method. The positioning unit 58 has, for example, a GPS receiver, receives signals transmitted by GPS satellites, and measures the latitude and longitude coordinates of the game device 5 as the user's current position.

The call unit 65 realizes voice communication between multiple users over a network. The call unit 65 is typically a voice chat application program (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "voice chat app") or a voice chat function, but the call unit 65 is not limited to these. This voice chat app is a program separate from the game program. Also, this voice chat function is one function of the game program related to this embodiment. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the call unit 65 is a voice chat function.

The call unit 65 generates call information. Here, "call information" refers to information related to voice communication. The call information includes, for example, the state of the call (e.g., logged in/logged off from a voice chat app, talking, etc.), voice data related to the call (hereinafter also referred to as "call voice data"), etc.

The call unit 65 transmits the call voice data generated by the microphone 64 to the game device 5 of the other user via the network interface 51, for example. The call unit 65 also receives the call voice data of the other user from the game device 5 of the other user via the network interface 51, and outputs the data by the audio processing unit 53 and the speaker 62.

<Operational Flow of Game System 1>
3, a description will be given of the flow and interactions from the process of detecting a connection with a peripheral device in the game devices 5a and 5b to the process of reflecting game effects to the users of the game devices 5a and 5b. In this example, the peripheral device is a "headset."

As shown in FIG. 3, first, the connection control unit of the game device 5a, 5b detects that a headset has been connected to the game device 5 (step ST1).

Next, the call unit 65 of each of the game devices 5a and 5b starts a voice chat in response to input from each user (step st2). The call unit 65 of the server device 2 relays the transmission and reception of the call voice data and the like in this voice chat between the game devices 5a and 5b (step st3). Thereafter, in parallel with the subsequent processing, the voice chat processing by the call unit 65 is performed at any time by transmitting and receiving the call voice data.

Next, the game execution means 562 of each of the game devices 5a and 5b starts the multiplay game in response to input from each user (step st4). The information processing means 231 of the server device 2 relays the transmission and reception of game data and the like for the progress of the game in this multiplay between the game devices 5a and 5b (step st5). After this, the game execution means 562 performs processing for progressing the game at any time in parallel with the subsequent processing.

Next, the game execution means 562 of each of the game devices 5a and 5b that are progressing the game transmits game information, game device information, device information, and call information related to each user to the server device 2 via the network interface 51 (step st6).

Next, the acquisition means 234 of the server device 2 acquires game information, game device information, equipment information, and call information from each of the game devices 5a, 5b that are progressing the game (step st7).

Next, the determination means 235 of the server device 2 determines whether or not multiplayer is taking place based on the game information (step ST8).

Then, the determination means 235 of the server device 2 determines whether the users of the game devices 5a and 5b are remote based on the game device information (step st9).

Next, the determination means 235 of the server device 2 determines whether or not the users of the game devices 5a and 5b are communicating via voice based on the device information and the call information (step ST10).

Next, if a predetermined condition is met, the granting means 236 of the server device 2 executes processing within the area indicated by the composite fragment opt1 (Option1). Specifically, if a predetermined condition is met, the granting means 236 grants the game effect to each user of the game devices 5a and 5b (step st11).

Next, the granting means 236 of the server device 2 transmits effect information regarding the granted game effect to each of the game devices 5a and 5b via the network interface 21 (step ST12).

Next, the game execution means 562 of each of the game devices 5a and 5b that progress the game receives the effect information via the network interface 51 and reflects it in the game (step st13). For example, if the game effect is "increase the attack power of the player character," each of the game execution means 562 increases the attack power of each of the player characters.

In summary, the control unit 23 (computer) of the server device 2 functions as an acquisition means 234 that acquires game information including the game status and device information related to peripheral devices externally attached to the game device 5 from the game device 5 that progresses the game, a determination means 235 that determines whether or not a predetermined condition related to the status and the use of the peripheral devices corresponding to the status is satisfied based on the game information and device information, and a granting means 236 that grants an effect advantageous to the progress of the game to the user of the game device 5 if the predetermined condition is satisfied.

＜Effects＞
According to this embodiment, when a peripheral device corresponding to the game situation is used, an effect advantageous to the progress of the game can be given to the user, and therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to promote play using the peripheral devices of the game device.

[Variations]
Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The following cases are also included in the present invention.

[First Modification]
In the above embodiment, the play using peripheral devices is described as a play using audio input/output devices such as earphones, headphones, earsets, and headsets, but the present invention is not limited to this. The play using peripheral devices according to this embodiment may be, for example, at least one of the following plays (a) to (c), as shown in FIG.
(a) Playing using audio output devices such as speakers or headphones of a specific model or type depending on the game scene. (b) Playing music games using audio output devices such as headphones or speakers. (c) Playing competitive games or e-sports games using operating devices such as controllers.

<(A) Playing using audio output devices such as speakers or headphones of a specific model or type depending on the game scene>
An example of promoting the use of audio output devices such as recommended speakers and headphones according to game scenes will be described. In order to promote the use of peripheral devices in accordance with game scenes, the predetermined condition may further include, for example, a game situation in which a specific scene has been reached in the progress of the game. The "specific scene" is, for example, a scene that occurs in a specific game mode selected by the user. The specific scene may be, for example, a specific scene in a scenario of a story mode selected by the user. With this configuration, it is possible to promote the use of recommended peripheral devices in accordance with a specific screen.

The notification control means 563 may, for example, notify the user of a warning that a specific scene will occur before a specific scene is reached in the game mode. The notification control means 563 may, for example, cause the display 61 to display a recommended device screen 610 in FIG. 5, which will be described later, before the specific scene is reached. The notification control means 563 may, for example, cause a warning that a specific scene will occur on the game's top page, etc., depending on the progress of the game, such as an estimated N minutes (N: natural number) before the specific scene is reached. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the user of recommended peripheral devices in advance and then have the user view the specific scene.

<Notification control means>
An example of the process of the notification control unit 563 will now be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the notification control means 563 causes the display 61 to display a recommended device screen 610. The recommended device screen 610 includes a recommendation area 611 and a close button 612. In this example, the specific scene is a movie scene (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "movie scene") that plays at the end of Chapter N of the game's story. The notification control means 563 causes the display 61 to display the recommended device screen 610 three hours before the estimated arrival time at which the movie scene will be activated in the game's progression.

The recommendation area 622 displays an explanation of how the movie scene will work (such as "There is an important movie scene at the end of this chapter"), an explanation of the estimated time of arrival (such as "This can usually be reached in about three hours of play"), a recommendation message (such as "To enjoy powerful bass, we recommend the following audio equipment"), a recommended specific model or type of audio output device (such as "●● company headphones, model number:..."), and the game effect granted by using the recommended specific model or type of audio output device (such as "").

When the close button 612 is selected, the notification control means 563 hides the recommended device screen 610.

<(a) Playing music games using audio output devices such as headphones or speakers>
An example of encouraging the use of an audio output device such as headphones in a music game (so-called rhythm game) will be described. In a music game, it is necessary to perform an action such as tapping on notes that move in time with the music output from a peripheral device. Therefore, if a delay occurs in an audio output device such as headphones, the user may not be able to perform an action well in time with the music, and may lose motivation to play. For this reason, for a play using a peripheral device in a music game, a peripheral device that meets a predetermined condition may be considered as an "audio output device," and the granting means 236 may grant a game effect by adjusting the judgment of the player's action in accordance with the characteristics of the peripheral device. For example, in the case of a model in which the audio output device is prone to delays, the granting means 236 may measure the amount of delay before music is output from the audio output device, and adjust the timing of note judgment according to the amount of delay, or delay the timing at which the notes start moving compared to when there is no delay.

<(c) Playing competitive games or e-sports games using controllers or other operating devices>
An example of promoting play using an operating device such as a controller in a competitive game or e-sports will be described. In competitive games or e-sports, the speed and accuracy of the user's operation may determine the outcome, and ease of operation of the operating device may be required more than in other games. For this reason, differences in the model or type of the operating device may cause a handicap between competing users. For this reason, for play using peripheral devices in competitive games or e-sports, a peripheral device that meets a predetermined condition may be a "specific model or type of operating device," and the granting means 236 may grant a handicap related to the game (such as making parameters advantageous/disadvantageous, disabling a specific operation frame, etc.) according to the characteristics of the peripheral device used. For example, when using a lever controller, when switching from a left direction input to a right direction input, the lever needs to go through a neutral (no input) state. On the other hand, when using a leverless controller, it may be possible to switch from a left direction input to a right direction input without going through this neutral state. Therefore, in the case of a match between a player using a leverless controller and a player using a lever controller, the granting means 236 may make the parameters of the player character operated by the player using the lever controller more advantageous, or may ignore the no-input state when switching the above-mentioned directional input. The granting means 236 may also execute a process of invalidating a specific frame, such as eliminating a stiff frame after a command is activated by input. Conversely, the granting means 236 may make the parameters of the player character operated by the player using the lever controller less advantageous, or may handle the player character to go through a no-input state when switching the above-mentioned directional input. The granting means 236 may also execute a process of adjusting the stiff frame after a command is activated by input so that it is longer.

[Second Modification]
In the above embodiment, the communication unit 65 is mounted on the game device 5, but the present invention is not limited to this. The communication unit 65 may be mounted on a device other than the game device 5.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the game device 5 and a terminal device (hereinafter also referred to as the "chat terminal") equipped with a call unit 65 such as a voice chat app may be separate devices. In this case, a possible mode is that the game sound output from the game device 5 and the chat sound (call sound) output from the chat terminal are synthesized in a mixer, which is a peripheral device, and the synthesized sound is output from headphones. In such a mode, the specified conditions may be "sound is being externally output from the game device 5 to the peripheral device (mixer)," "multiplayer is in progress," and "the other user in the multiplayer is also externally outputting sound."

[Second embodiment]
In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 23 of the server device 2 is provided with the acquisition unit 234, the determination unit 235, and the granting unit 236, but the present invention is not limited to this. As a second embodiment, the functions of the acquisition unit 234, the determination unit 235, and the granting unit 236 may be provided in the game device 5.

For example, the control unit 56 (computer) of the game device 5 may function as a game execution means 562 for progressing the game, an acquisition means for acquiring device information relating to peripheral devices externally connected to the computer, a determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined condition relating to the game situation and the use of the peripheral devices corresponding to the situation is satisfied based on the game situation and the device information, and a granting means for granting the user an advantageous effect in the progress of the game if the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[Other embodiments]
The various control means and processing procedures described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses. The various control means and processing procedures can be appropriately modified in design without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the game device 5 is a smartphone, but the game device 5 may be an amusement device provided at a game center, etc.

The game may be an action game, a shooting game, a role-playing game, a simulation game, a board game, a puzzle game, etc., and can be applied to various types of games.

In the above embodiment, the object is a player character, but this is not limiting. For example, the object can be a card or an item (weapon, armor, and other equipment) used in the virtual game space.

In the above embodiment, the server device 2 and multiple game devices 5 function together to make the game program work, but this is not limited to the above. All of the means of the game program, i.e., the acquisition means, the determination means, the granting means, etc., may be provided in the server device 2 alone, in the game device 5 alone, in a communication terminal separate from the server device and the game device 5, or in two devices that are combined among these (e.g., distributed processing in the server device 2 and the game device 5). In addition, when the server device, the game devices, and the communication terminals function together, it is also possible to change which means are to be functioned in which device as appropriate.

Even when these other embodiments are adopted, the effects of this embodiment are achieved. In addition, this embodiment can be combined with other embodiments, and other embodiments can be combined with each other as appropriate.

1 Game system 2 Server device 23 Control unit 234 Acquisition means 235 Determination means 236 Granting means 237 First detection means 238 Second detection means 5 Game device 56 Control unit

Claims (6)

Computer,
Game information, including game progress;
device information relating to peripheral devices that are externally attached to a game device that progresses the game and that are recommended for use in a specific scene in the game;
Acquiring means to obtain
a notification control means for notifying, before the degree of progress reaches the specific scene, a notice of the occurrence of the specific scene, together with the device information;
Function as a
A game program, wherein the preview includes information regarding the time until the progress reaches the specific scene . The game program according to claim 1, wherein the specific scene occurs in a predetermined game mode selected by the user. 3. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein the notification control means notifies the user of the advance notice at a time when the peripheral device is not externally connected to the game device. Computer,
Game information, including game progress;
device information on recommended peripheral devices that are externally attached to a game device that progresses the game and that are recommended for use in relation to outputting audio and/or video of specific scenes in the game; and
Acquiring means to obtain
a notification control means for notifying, before the degree of progress reaches the specific scene, a notice of the occurrence of the specific scene, together with the device information;
A game program that functions as a A storage unit that stores the game program according to any one of claims 1 to 4;
A control unit that executes the game program;
An information processing device comprising: A storage unit that stores the game program according to any one of claims 1 to 4;
A control unit that executes the game program;
A game system comprising:

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