JP7620131B2 - Computer system and game system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a computer system that controls the execution of a game.

In addition to the traditional single play and multiplayer play styles, other styles of gameplay are known, such as proxy play and proxy-type shared play. Proxy-type shared play is a style of play in which the player who starts the game (the starting player: the host player using the first game device) temporarily entrusts the gameplay operations during play to another player (the guest player using the second game device), thereby sharing the gameplay.

Proxy-type shared play is popular because, for example, if a host player has the rights to play a game, his friend can become a guest player and temporarily enjoy playing the game together even if he does not have the rights to play the game. Proxy-type shared play is not only a way to simply enjoy playing together by taking turns taking control of the game, but also provides a form of assistance and guidance that differs from traditional multiplayer play in that "the host player progresses through the game while the guest player temporarily plays the game on his behalf" (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-113426 A

Instruction and assistance (hereafter collectively referred to as "instruction") that is achieved through shared play, not just proxy-type instruction, is effective. However, conventional techniques have focused on the instruction itself. For example, did the person receiving instruction continue to practice after receiving instruction and improve? Did the person providing instruction gain something that was commensurate with the effort they put in simply by providing it? Conventional techniques are techniques that are focused on the period up until the instruction is given, but are not concerned with what happens after the instruction is given. However, if appropriate involvement is not made after the instruction is given, there is a risk that problems will arise with the continuity of the instruction, and whether or not the instruction itself will continue in the future.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide technology that brings sustainability to teaching mechanisms that utilize shared play.

A first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a computer system for controlling execution of a teaching mode in which a teaching player gives a given teaching action to a taught player as a game play mode of a given game, the computer system comprising:
A storage means for storing play data of each player (e.g., the server system 1100 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s, the game management unit 210, the play history storage control unit 212, the server storage unit 500s in FIG. 11, the user management data 600 and the play history data 620 in FIG. 16, and step S18 in FIG. 20);
analysis means for analyzing the game play of the trainee player (for example, the server system 1100 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 11, the game management unit 210, the analysis unit 214, the analysis result data 745 in FIG. 18, and step S32 in FIG. 21);
a receiving means for receiving a request to receive the instruction action based on an operation input by the player to be trained (e.g., the server system 1100 in FIG. 1, the instruction selection screen W5 in FIG. 5, the instruction request operation icon 54 in FIG. 6, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 11, the game management unit 210, the receiving unit 216, the instruction selection setting data 750 in FIG. 18, step S12 in FIG. 20, and step S40 in FIG. 21);
a training mode control means for controlling the game play mode of the trainee player to be changed to the training mode when the reception means has received the instruction, (e.g., the server system 1100 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s, the game management unit 210, the training mode control unit 224 in FIG. 11, the training mode control data 740 in FIG. 18, and steps S50 to S60 in FIG. 21);
improvement determination means (e.g., the server system 1100 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s, the game management unit 210, the improvement determination unit 230 in FIG. 11, the improvement determination control data 780 in FIG. 12, steps S72 to S74 in FIG. 20) for determining whether or not the game play of the trained player has improved based on a pre-analysis result analyzed by the analysis means before the training mode control means controls the training mode and a post-analysis result analyzed by the analysis means after the training mode control is performed;
a privilege-granting control means (e.g., the server system 1100 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 11, the game management unit 210, the privilege-granting control unit 236 in FIG. 12, the privilege-granting control data 782 in FIG. 12, steps S80 to S82 in FIG. 20) for granting a given privilege to the training player and/or the trained player based on a result of the determination by the improvement determination means;
A computer system comprising:

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

The "player to be trained" is the original player (starting player) in that game play, and is the player who receives training relating to the play.
"Instructional actions" are actions that have an external influence on the game play of the starting player, and are actions that assist and teach the starting player to solve problems in the game play of the starting player (meaning points that are lacking in order to achieve good results, points that the player is dissatisfied with) by himself. Examples of instructional actions include a) playing on behalf of the other player, b) adding the instructor player's voice to the game audio being listened to by the trained player, and c) adding a display based on the instructor player's operation to the game screen being listened to by the trained player.
A "training player" is a player who performs training actions.

According to the first aspect, the computer system can switch between a standard mode for enjoying game play as before and a teaching mode for realizing teaching actions through shared play as a control pattern for the game.
The computer system analyzes the play of the trained player in the standard mode, accepts the trained player's request to receive instruction based on the analysis result, and controls the mode to switch to the instruction mode if the request is received.Then, the computer system compares the analysis results before and after the instruction to determine whether the trained player has improved before and after the instruction, and if the player has improved, the computer system can give a privilege to the trained player and/or the training player.

For the player being taught, the benefit is a reward if he or she improves, and for the player teaching, it is a reward for achieving improvement. This provides the player being taught with the motivation to practice and improve on their own after the instruction. If the player improves as a result, the player being taught will want to receive instruction again if another problem arises. The teaching player will also be motivated to try teaching again. This makes it possible to bring sustainability to the system of assistance and instruction that uses shared play.

The second invention is a computer system according to the first invention, in which the instruction action has a plurality of different types with different teaching methods, and the instruction mode control means has an instruction type determination means (e.g., the instruction selection screen W5 in FIG. 5, a selection input from the instruction method candidate list 34, the instruction type determination section 228 in FIG. 11, the recommended instruction type 527 in FIG. 13, the applied instruction type 753 in FIG. 18, step S40 in FIG. 21) that determines the type of the instruction action in the instruction mode based on a selection operation by the instruction player or the instructionee player.

According to the second invention, the computer system performs the type of instruction action selected by the instruction player or the trained player in the instruction mode. For example, if the instruction player selects it, he or she can provide instruction in a way that he or she is good at. Also, for example, if the trained player selects it, he or she can adjust the degree and method of interference with the player's gameplay.

The third invention is the computer system of the second invention, in which the bonus granting control means variably controls the bonus to be granted based on the type of training action in the training mode (e.g., bonus definition data 550, bonus granting requirements 552, and training type conditions 552b in FIG. 15).

According to the third invention, the computer system can change the reward depending on the teaching method. Since the effort of the training player differs depending on the teaching method, it becomes possible to give a reward according to the effort, which can increase the motivation of the training player more than if the reward was fixed.

The fourth invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to third inventions, in which the analysis means analyzes the operation input status of a specific command or specific action by the trained player (hereinafter referred to as the "specific operation input status"), and the improvement determination means determines the improvement based on the specific operation input status included in the pre-analysis result and the specific operation input status included in the post-analysis result (for example, improvement determination criteria data 540, improvement determination requirements 543, and operation input status difference conditions 543b in FIG. 14).

What greatly influences the outcome of a game, and what may cause a player to be dissatisfied with their own play, is whether or not the player was able to make the player character act as they wanted, in other words, whether or not they were able to input commands and actions appropriately.

According to the fourth invention, the computer system can determine whether or not a player has improved by comparing a specific command input or a specific action input before and after training. For example, in a fighting game, the improvement can be determined by focusing on whether or not a command that causes the player's character to perform a special move is input. Or, in an action game, the improvement can be determined by focusing on whether or not the player's character is able to perform an action to jump over a trap. Thus, the computer system can realize an appropriate improvement determination from the user's perspective by focusing on important commands and actions in gameplay.

A fifth aspect of the present invention further comprises a frequency determination means (for example, the frequency determination unit 234 in FIG. 11, the play date and time 623 of the play history data 620 in FIG. 3) for determining whether or not the play participation status of the trained player after the control of the training mode by the training mode control means has become higher in frequency than the play participation status before the control of the training mode,
When the frequency determination means makes a positive determination, the privilege granting control means grants a given privilege to the training player and/or the trained player (for example, the privilege definition data 550, the privilege granting requirements 552, and the frequency condition 552h in FIG. 15).
A computer system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention.

One measure of the degree of the effort that the trained player puts into solving the problem is how often he plays and practices/trains after receiving the training. "High frequency" here refers to the threshold at which a special benefit is given as a reward for practicing/training. Thus, according to the fifth invention, the computer system can encourage the trained player to take on challenges in an attempt to overcome the problem.

The sixth invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, in which the analysis means calculates an effort equivalent value that represents the effort required for the trained player to complete a specific progress unit of the game (e.g., analysis parameter value 746 in FIG. 18), and the improvement determination means determines the improvement based on the effort equivalent value included in the pre-analysis result and the effort equivalent value included in the post-analysis result (e.g., improvement determination requirement 543 and effort equivalent value difference condition 543e in FIG. 14).

A "unit of game progression" is a division in controlling the progress of the game. For example, in a fighting game, it could be a battle round. In a racing game, it could be one race, one lap, or a section of the course. It could also be a division in the scenario of a championship that takes place within the game. In an action game, it could be a stage, the movement from one location to another, or the period from encountering an opposing character to being knocked down. In a training game or a romance simulation game, it could be a unit of elapsed time within the game space. In a shooting game, it could be a stage or a scene. In an RPG, it could be an area on the map, a specific dungeon, or the period from encountering a specific character to the conclusion.

The "effort" referred to here refers to the financial and time costs, trouble, and price paid by the player to achieve a goal. For example, this would include the time required to complete a unit of game progress, the number of plays required to complete a unit of game progress that can be attempted over and over again, the number of pieces or items consumed, the number of attacks, the number of commands or action inputs, the stamina consumed, the items consumed, the number of friendly characters defeated, etc.

The skill of a player being taught can be measured by the amount of effort required to complete a specific unit of game progress. According to the sixth invention, by judging the player's improvement by focusing on the effort required before receiving the instruction and the effort required after receiving the instruction, it is possible to accurately judge the player's improvement.

The seventh invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, in which the improvement determination means determines the improvement based on whether or not a given objective set during the game has been achieved.

The eighth invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, in which the bonus granting control means variably controls the bonus to be granted based on the duration of the instruction mode.

According to the seventh or eighth aspect of the invention, the criteria for judging improvement are clear and easy to understand for the player.

The ninth invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to eighth inventions, in which the improvement determination means determines the degree of improvement and/or the improved event (hereinafter collectively referred to as "improvement content") (e.g., improvement recognition point 541 in FIG. 14), and the reward granting control means variably controls the reward to be granted based on the improvement content determined by the improvement determination means (e.g., improvement recognition point condition 552j in FIG. 15).

"Degree of improvement" indicates, for example, how much skill has increased. "Improvement events" are events in which improvement in the game can be identified from the game screen or game progress. For example, in a fighting game, this would be going from being unable to use a special technique to being able to do so. In a side-scrolling action game, this would be grabbing a pendulum and using the swing of the pendulum to jump over an obstacle (clearing the obstacle and moving on).

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the computer system can change the rewards depending on the level of improvement, so that the trained player and the training player can be rewarded according to their efforts. This provides motivation to the trained player and the training player.

Furthermore, as a tenth aspect of the invention, the analysis means may analyze problems in the game play of the trained player (e.g., problem type 523 in FIG. 13), the improvement determination means may determine the improvement content for each problem (e.g., problem type condition 543a in FIG. 14), and the bonus granting control means may variably control the bonus to be granted based on the improvement content for each problem determined by the improvement determination means (e.g., problem type condition 552a and improvement certification point condition 552j in FIG. 15), thereby forming a computer system of the ninth aspect of the invention.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the computer system can provide rewards according to the improvement made for each problem, further motivating the player being trained and the player providing the training.

An eleventh invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to tenth inventions, in which the analysis means analyzes problems in the game play of the trained player, and the training mode control means has a training player selection means (e.g., the training player selection unit 226 in FIG. 11, the training player candidate selection condition data 530 in FIG. 12, step S38 in FIG. 21) that selects the training player based on the problems included in the results of the preliminary analysis.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the computer system can select a teaching player appropriate to the problem, thereby improving the efficiency of teaching.

The twelfth invention is a computer system according to the eleventh invention, in which the training player selection means, when there are multiple problems included in the preliminary analysis result, accepts a selection operation of the trainee player and selects the training player based on the problem selected based on the selection operation of the trainee player (for example, the problem presenting unit 20 in FIG. 5 and the training selection setting data 750 for each problem type 751 in FIG. 18).

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, if the analysis reveals that the game play of the trained player has multiple problems, the computer system can select a training player to provide guidance only on the problems selected by the trained player. In other words, usability can be improved.

The thirteenth invention is a computer system according to the eleventh or twelfth invention, in which the bonus granting control means variably controls the bonus to be granted based on the problem (e.g., bonus granting requirements 552 and problem type conditions 552a in FIG. 15).

Problems vary in difficulty in solving. If the same value of reward is awarded for solving a difficult problem as for solving an easy problem, it will be difficult for the trained player and the training player to accept. According to the thirteenth invention, the computer system can change the content of the reward based on the problem, making it possible to award a reward appropriate to the problem.

The fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a computer system according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in which a standard bonus is set according to the type of the problem (e.g., standard bonus 554 in FIG. 15), and the bonus granting control means determines the bonus to be granted based on the standard bonus corresponding to the type of the problem (e.g., additional bonus 555 in FIG. 15).

According to the fourteenth invention, the computer system can determine the content of the benefits by adding, deleting, increasing or decreasing the amount of the benefits based on the standard benefits.

The fifteenth invention is a computer system according to any one of the eleventh to fourteenth inventions, in which the bonus-granting control means variably controls the bonus to be granted based on the length of time in the instruction mode or the number of times in the instruction mode required for the improvement determination means to determine that there has been improvement in the problem (for example, bonus-granting requirement 552, required time condition 552c, required number condition 552d in FIG. 15).

According to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, the computer system can award rewards according to the amount of work and effort required by the instructing player and the instructed player to improve. For example, if the rewards are changed so that the value of the rewards increases in a positive relationship with the length of time in the instructing mode or the number of times in the instructing mode, the instructed player and the instructed player will be able to receive better rewards the harder they try, which will have the effect of increasing their motivation.

The sixteenth invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to fifteenth inventions, in which the bonus-granting control means variably controls the bonus to be granted based on the relationship between the training player and the trained player (for example, bonus-granting requirements 552 and player relationship conditions 552e in FIG. 15).

The content of the "relationship" can be set appropriately. For example, it can be a relationship of registering friends who recognize each other as friends, being members of the same team, a friend-enemy relationship, or a hierarchical relationship. According to the sixteenth invention, the computer system can grant benefits based on the relationship between the trained player and the training player, so that it can, for example, encourage training between friends or encourage training that overcomes friend-enemy relationships.

The seventeenth invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to sixteenth inventions, in which the bonus granting control means variably controls the bonus to be granted based on the playing level of the training player and/or the playing level of the trained player (for example, bonus granting requirements 552, trained player level conditions 552f, and training player level conditions 552g in FIG. 15).

According to the seventeenth aspect of the invention, the computer system can grant rewards according to the playing levels of the instructing player and the instructed player. For example, if the reward given to an instructed player at a beginner level is set to be higher than the reward given to an instructed player at an advanced level, the computer system can provide motivation to actively encourage the use of the instructing system when the playing level is relatively low.

The eighteenth invention is a computer system according to any one of the first to seventeenth inventions, in which the computer system is a server system that is communicatively connected to the player terminals of each player.

According to the 18th invention, a server system can be realized that provides the same effects as the 1st to 17th inventions.

The 19th invention is a game system that includes a player terminal for each player and a computer system according to any one of the first to seventeenth inventions that is a server system connected for communication with the player terminals.

According to the 19th aspect, a game system can be realized that provides the same effects as the first to seventeenth aspects.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a configuration example of a player terminal. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining game play in standard mode and the data saved accordingly. Diagram to outline gameplay analysis and teaching modes. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen display related to a training mode. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing examples of displays in a teaching mode in a fighting action game. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing examples of displays in a teaching mode in an action RPG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of training history data. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining game play by a trained player after receiving training. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the provision of a bonus in accordance with the improvement of a player who has received instruction. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server system according to the first embodiment. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of programs and data stored in a server storage unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of analysis criteria data. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of improvement assessment criteria data. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a benefit definition day. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of user management data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of standard mode control data. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of instruction mode control data. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a player terminal according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a process executed in the server system. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a training mode process. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a player terminal according to a second embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing examples of programs and data stored in a terminal storage unit according to the second embodiment.

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

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system.
The game system 1000 includes a server system 1100 and player terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b) connected to each other via a network 9 so that data communication is possible.

The game system 1000 is a computer system that provides an online game that allows shared play to players 2 (2a, 2b), who are users of the player terminal 1500. Of course, the game system 1000 may also provide other services in addition.

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

The server system 1100 is a computer system having, for example, a main device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and storage 1140, and a control board 1150 mounted on the main device 1101.

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

The server system 1100 then realizes the function of providing a game provision service by the control board 1150 performing calculations based on specific programs and data.

Note that in FIG. 1, only two player terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b) are depicted, but in actual system operation, multiple player terminals 1500 can access the server system 1100 at the same time.

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

Figure 2 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a player terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b). The player terminal 1500 is a computer system used by a user who has completed a registration procedure to use the game system 1000 of this embodiment, and is an electronic device that can access the server system 1100 via the network 9. The player terminal 1500 is a device with which the user plays the game.

The player terminal 1500 shown in FIG. 2 is a device known as a smartphone, but any computer may be used, such as a wearable computer such as a smart watch or smart glasses, a portable game device, a tablet computer, or a personal computer. When multiple electronic devices are communicatively connected to perform one function, such as a combination of a smartphone and a smart watch communicatively connected to the smartphone, these multiple electronic devices can be considered as one player terminal 1500.

The player terminal 1500 is equipped with a directional input key 1502, button switches 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device and a contact position input device, an internal battery 1509, a speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, a camera 1520, a control board 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 that can read and write data from a memory card 1540 that is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, etc. that are not shown are provided. In addition, an IC card reader that can read and write data contactlessly from IC card-type credit cards and prepaid cards that can be used to pay for the use of the game system 1000, etc., may be provided.

The control board 1550 is equipped with (1) a CPU 1551 and various microprocessors such as a GPU and a DSP, (2) various IC memories 1552 such as a VRAM, a RAM, and a ROM, (3) a wireless communication module 1553 for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station or a wireless LAN base station connected to the network 9, and (4) an interface circuit 1557.

The interface circuit 1557 includes (1) a driver circuit for the touch panel 1506, (2) a circuit for receiving signals from the directional input keys 1502 and the button switches 1504, (3) an output amplifier circuit for outputting audio signals to the speaker 1510, (4) an input signal generation circuit for generating an audio signal collected by the microphone 1512, (5) a circuit for inputting image data of an image captured by the camera 1520, and (6) a signal input/output circuit for the memory card reader 1542.

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

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

Next, the game providing service will be described.
The game played on the player terminal 1500 is an online game executed in a client-server system in which the server system 1100 serves as a game server.
Information relating to the progress of the game and information relating to the display of the game screen is generated by the server system 1100 and provided to the player terminal 1500 as appropriate. The player terminal 1500 functions as a terminal for operation input and game screen display. That is, the player terminal 1500 displays the game screen based on the information provided by the server system 1100, and transmits operation input information to the server system 1100 one by one. The server system 1100 progresses the game based on the operation input information transmitted from the player terminal 1500.

The game provided by the server system 1100 has two modes, a "standard mode" and a "tutoring mode," which the starting player can select at will.
The "standard mode" is a mode that provides the same gameplay as in the past, in which the player plays the game using his/her own player character and only his/her own ability. The "instruction mode" is a mode in which the guest player can use the shared play environment to "instruct" the starting player on the gameplay.

"Instructional actions" are actions of interference that have an external influence on the playing actions of the starting player for the purpose of providing instruction. Proxy play is a typical example. Other examples of instructional actions include, for example, adding sounds based on external operations to the game sounds, or adding displays based on external operations to the game screen.

In this embodiment, such interference behavior is used by the starting player to receive guidance on game play from other players. The starting player is the "instructed player" who receives guidance on game play, and the other player who performs the instruction behavior is the "instructing player." Hereinafter, interference behaviors are collectively referred to as "instruction behaviors."

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of game play in standard mode and data that is saved in association with the game play.
When receiving the game provision service, the starting player selects either the standard mode or the instruction mode. When the standard mode is selected, the server system 1100 starts game play by starting progress control in the standard mode.

The server system 1100 creates and saves play history data 620 for each player each time a game is played in standard mode. The play history data 620 includes, for example, a unique play ID 621, play date and time 623, a player account 625, save data at the start of play 626 related to the play of the history data, save data at the end of play 627, and play reproduction data 630 for each game progression unit required to reproduce the play of the history data. Of course, other data than these may also be included as appropriate.

A "game progression unit" is a division in controlling the progress of the game. For example, in a fighting game, it could be a battle round. In a racing game, it could be one race, one lap, or a section of the course. It could also be a division in the scenario of a championship that takes place within the game. In an action game, it could be a stage, the movement from one location to another, or the period from encountering an opposing character to being knocked down. In a training game or a romance simulation game, it could be a unit of elapsed time within the game space. In a shooting game, it could be a stage or a scene. In an RPG, it could be an area on the map, a specific dungeon, or the period from encountering a specific character to the conclusion.

The play reproduction data 630 includes reproduced game progress unit identification information 631 indicating which game progress unit the data corresponds to, operation input information time series data 632, progress status information time series data 633, and play result time series data 635. Of course, other data may also be included as appropriate.

Operation input information time-series data 632 is prepared for each player involved in the game play. One operation input information time-series data 632 stores information on operation input by that player (e.g., various information describing the input, such as the type of operation input, position, direction, amount of operation, operation force, and input time) in association with input time information (e.g., date and time, elapsed time from the start of game play, number of frames drawn on the game screen, etc.).

The progress status information time series data 633 stores information indicating the game progress status at each moment (for example, the stage number being played, the battle round, the win/loss results for each round, the position coordinates for each player character, the position and posture of the player character, a list of parameter values indicating the state of the player character, the appearance of items, the appearance and unlocking of secret doors, the use of specific techniques, the opening of secret stages, etc.) in association with time information.

When an NPC (a character that appears in the game and is automatically controlled by a computer: a non-player character) appears in the game, the progress status information time series data 633 can include NPC control time series data 634 that stores control information related to the NPC in chronological order.

The play performance time series data 635 stores information indicating the player's play performance at each point in time (e.g., points acquired, items acquired, number of clears per game progress unit, number of kills, hit rate, win/loss results by round, time required, etc.) in association with time information.

Figure 4 is a diagram to explain the overview of gameplay analysis and instruction mode.

When receiving the game provision service, if the starting player selects the instruction mode, the server system 1100 analyzes the starting player's past game play to find problems and starts control in the instruction mode using the shared play environment.

The server system 1100 performs an analysis on the past play history data 620 of the starting player (in the example of FIG. 4, the trained player 2a). The number of play history data 620 to be analyzed can be "1" or multiple, depending on the time going back.

The server system 1100 performs an analysis to determine "problems" in play.
"Problems" include (1) being unable to clear a game progression unit, (2) being unable to achieve high results in the game (for example, if a stage is ranked as excellent, good, or average at the end of the stage according to the results of that stage, not being able to get an excellent or good rating, not reaching a certain standard score), (3) being unable to perform a big move, (4) being unable to perform an action to avoid an obstacle, or being unable to enter into a specific command or specific action operation input situation (hereinafter, these will be collectively referred to as "specific operation input situations") or being able to do so only a small number of times, etc. Other examples of problems include (5) being unable to beat a boss character in a stage, (6) being unable to obtain a specific item, (7) not knowing how or when to overcome obstacles on the map, (8) lacking skill in operation input, and (9) not being able to discern the key points of the strategy.

In other words, a "problem" refers to a state in which game progress has stalled, a reason for poor performance, an inability to achieve a given goal set during the game (especially (1) (5) (6) above), or an inability to realize a certain event (especially (3) (7) above).

In this embodiment, the "problem" is determined by calculating the value of a predetermined type of analysis parameter (analysis parameter value) with reference to the operation input information time series data 632, the progress status information time series data 633, and the play performance time series data 635, and comparing the calculated analysis parameter value with a predetermined standard.

For example, in the case of an action RPG, if a game over has occurred repeatedly at a certain game stage in multiple previous plays, the inability to clear that game stage becomes a problem. If the progress status information time series data 633 shows that the player character's HP reaches "0" before the HP of the boss character in that game stage reaches "0", then the specific problem becomes that the boss character cannot be beaten.

Similarly, even if a stage cannot be cleared, for example, suppose there is a difficult spot with a secret escape route at a certain location on the game map. If the operation input information time series data 632 and the progress status information time series data 633 show that the HP of the player character reaches "0" near the difficult spot and the game is over, and if the player character's position is tracked but does not reach the escape route, then the detailed problem is that the escape route cannot be found.

For example, in a fighting game, if the operation input information time series data 632 contains a number of inputs similar to operation input commands for big moves, but the progress status information time series data 633 does not show the execution of the big move, and instead shows that the player is being attacked by the opponent, then the detailed problem is that the player does not have the skill to correctly input the operation input command for the big move.

The server system 1100 presents the analyzed problems to the player and accepts a request as to whether or not to receive guidance aimed at resolving the problems. Then, upon accepting the request, the server system 1100 realizes the guidance mode by controlling the progress of the game progress unit related to the problem selected for guidance as a shared play.

If the problem is related to the entire gameplay, the server system 1100 can execute the instruction mode as a shared play from the beginning to the end of the game. Also, if the problem is related to an enemy NPC that appears in a specific game stage that cannot be defeated, the server system 1100 can execute the instruction mode as a shared play for only that specific game stage. Of course, multiple game stages including the specific game stage may also be executed as a shared play.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen display related to the training mode.
When the server system 1100 starts the game providing service, it displays a mode selection screen W4 on the player terminal 1500. On this screen, a standard mode selection operation icon 10 and a training mode selection operation icon 12 are displayed. A player who wants to receive training (trainee player 2a) selects the latter icon to request training. Receiving an operation input to the training mode selection operation icon 12 is one way of receiving a request to receive training.

When the server system 1100 receives a selection operation of the instruction mode selection operation icon 12, it analyzes the play of the player and displays the instruction selection screen W5 on the player terminal 1500 based on the analysis results.

The instruction selection screen W5 includes a problem presentation section 20 for each analyzed problem, and a selection confirmation operation icon 29. The problem presentation section 20 is displayed, for example, in a tab-switchable manner. One problem presentation section 20 includes an analyzed problem type display 21, an instruction player display 23 that indicates the instruction player who will provide instruction for that problem, and an instruction method display 25 that indicates how to provide instruction for that problem.

The instructor player displayed in the instructor player display 23 is automatically selected and presented by the server system 1100 based on the type of problem displayed in the problem type display 21.

The server system 1100 selects candidates for training players from among players who are in standby and have logged in but are not playing the game (not playing in standard mode or training mode) based on given training player candidate selection conditions. Alternatively, the server system 1100 may select candidates for training players from among the starting player's past shared playing partners based on the training player candidate selection conditions.

The "conditions for selecting a training player candidate" may be, for example, "a player who does not have the problem displayed in the problem type display 21," "a player with the highest player level of each of the training player candidates," or "a player whose training experience for the problem displayed in the problem type display 21 exceeds a reference value." Note that training experience is represented by the accumulated value of training points given to training players who perform a training action, as described below.

If the trainee player 2a is not satisfied with the training player displayed in the training player display 23, he or she can operate the training player candidate display operation icon 24 to display the training player candidate list 30, and then select the preferred training player from the candidate selection operation icon 32 to switch.

The candidate selection operation icon 32 includes icons such as the avatar and face photo of each training player candidate, as well as display of player level and training experience information (in the example of FIG. 5, this corresponds to the accumulated value of training points and a ranking based on this accumulated value. In addition, it can include the accumulated training time and the number of times of training). Note that the training player candidate list 30 includes "Do not receive training (training player not set)", and by selecting this option, the trainee player 2a can choose not to receive training on this problem this time.

The type of teaching method displayed in the teaching method display 25 is preset based on the type of problem displayed in the problem type display 21, but the trainee player 2a can operate the teaching method candidate display operation icon 26 to display the teaching method candidate list 34, and can select a teaching method from the candidate selection operation icon 36.

When the selection confirmation operation icon 29 is operated, the server system 1100 starts controlling the instruction mode according to the settings of each problem presentation unit 20.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example in the instruction mode in a fighting action game.
This example is an example in which a problem has arisen in which the player character 4 operated by the trained player 2a has not been able to win a match against an enemy NPC 6 that appears in a certain game stage in the past multiple plays shown in the play history data 620, and a teaching action of "proxy play" is being carried out.

The training mode screen W6 in a fighting action game displays a training mode notification 50 informing the player that the game is in training mode, a training target problem notification 52, and a training request operation icon 54.

At the start of the training mode, the control rights for the player character 4 belong to the trainee player 2a. However, when the trainee player 2a operates the training request operation icon 54 at the desired timing, the control rights are transferred to the training player 2b. The training player 2b instructs the trainee player 2a by demonstrating the entire process of defeating the enemy NPC 6 from start to finish. The same applies to cases where a problem in a fighting action game is "not being able to perform combos."

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example in the instruction mode in the action RPG.
In this example, in the past several plays shown in the play history data 620, there is a problem in which the player character 4 operated by the trained player 2a has not been able to defeat an enemy NPC 6 that appears in a certain game stage, so this is an example in which training action is carried out through "voice communication" and "additional display of a display object."

The instruction mode screen W7 displays an instruction mode notification 50, an instruction target problem notification 52, and an instruction request operation icon 54. In this example, an operation input to the instruction request operation icon 54 corresponds to a request operation for receiving the final instruction action. Note that the instruction request operation icon 54 does not have to be displayed.

Since the types of teaching actions do not include "proxy play", the operating right of the player character 4 is held by the trainee player 2a from the start of the teaching mode to the end.
Since the types of training actions include "voice communication", the server system 1100 enables voice chat between the player terminal 1500a of the trained player 2a and the player terminal 1500b of the training player 2b.

In addition, since the types of instructional actions include "additional display of display objects," when the instruction player 2b inputs a display object operation to display a display object for instruction on the player terminal 1500b, the server system 1100 additionally displays various display objects 56 on the game screen in response to the display object operation.

Specifically, multiple types of display 56 are provided (in the example of FIG. 7, hand-drawn display 56a, which is a line drawn with a finger on the game screen, and instruction display 56b), and the training player 2b can operate the display by inputting handwriting with a fingertip or a stylus pen on the touch panel 1506 (see FIG. 2), or by touching the display to select an icon type and indicate a position, and can provide instruction on the movement line for defeating enemy NPC 6, key positions in the game space, items that should be used, and the timing at which they should be used, all of which are clearly indicated on the display 56.

When a teaching action is performed in this teaching mode, the server system 1100 generates and stores teaching history data 770 linked to the trained player 2a and the teaching player 2b. After the instruction, the server system 1100 also awards teaching points to the teaching player 2b as a reward for the teaching action.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the training history data 770. As shown in FIG.
The training history data 770 includes a unique training ID 771, a training date and time 772 indicating the date and time from the start of training to the end of training, a training player account 773, a trained player account 774, a problem type to be trained 775, a training type 776, and a training effort equivalent value 777.

The training effort equivalent value 777 may include, for example, the length of time required for this training mode. In addition, if the training player 2b consumes consumable media such as items or stamina value during the training mode, it may include a list of items required for the training mode.

Figure 9 is a diagram for explaining the game play by the trained player 2a after the training. The trained player 2a, who has received the training, practices and trains by repeatedly playing in standard mode in order to solve the problem himself. The server system 1100 generates and saves the play history data 620 regardless of whether it is before or after the training (see Figure 3).

Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining the provision of benefits in accordance with the improvement of the trained player 2a who has received training. The server system 1100 stores and preserves pre-training play history data 620bt, training history data 770, and post-training play history data 620at for the trained player 2a who has received training.

The server system 1100 compares the play history data 620bt before the instruction with the play history data 620at after the instruction to determine the improvement of the instructionee player 2a.
Specifically, improvement determination parameter values are calculated and evaluated for each of the pre-lesson play history data 620bt and the post-lesson play history data 620at.

"Parameter values for improvement assessment" are parameter values used in the improvement assessment criteria, and basically include analysis parameter values used to determine the type and presence or absence of problems. They also include parameter values necessary for the improvement assessment criteria, as appropriate.

Specifically, parameter values for judging improvement can be, for example, parameter values indicating whether a game progress unit was cleared successfully/unsuccessfully, the length of time required to clear a game progress unit, the number of items required to clear a game progress unit, the amount of damage received by the player character 4, the amount of damage inflicted on the enemy NPC 6, the number of times or distance traveled off the race course, specific operational input status, etc.

The server system 1100 calculates and compares the same type of improvement judgment parameter value for the play history data 620bt before the training and the play history data 620at after the training, and if the difference meets a predetermined improvement judgment criterion, it judges that the player has "improved (positive judgment)."

If it is determined that the player has improved, the server system 1100 gives a bonus to at least one of the trained player 2a and the training player 2b, and preferably to both of them. The bonus is a reward for the trained player 2a's improvement and a reward for the training player 2b's improvement, providing strong motivation for both players to try using the training system again.

The contents of the bonus can be set as appropriate. The contents of the bonus for the trained player 2a and the bonus for the training player 2b can be the same or different. For example, the bonus can be the grant of items that can be used in the game, the opening of new game stages, the grant of lottery rights for items, etc., skill improvement of the player character 4, leveling up or synthesis of items, the grant of in-game currency, the grant of electronic information that can be used to pay for game play (for example, virtual currency, coupons, etc.). Of course, other contents can also be included as appropriate.

Then, the server system 1100 can change or determine the content of the benefit, i.e., its value. The benefit can be changed by switching to a benefit of higher (or lower) value, or by fixing a standard benefit as a benchmark and changing the quality or quantity of the benefit to be added. In this embodiment, the latter method is used.

Benefit changes are based on several criteria.
First, the server system 1100 changes and determines the benefit depending on the content of the improvement judged (the degree of improvement or the improved event; hereinafter, referred to as "improvement content").

Specifically, the bonus will be changed so that the higher the level of improvement, the more valuable it will be. For example, in a racing game, the problem of not being able to clear the set lap time can occur both before and after training, but if the lap time is shortened, the level of improvement will differ depending on the amount of time shortened, and the bonus content will change depending on that level of improvement.

In addition, for events of improvement, since the event can only be realized with improved skill, the higher the skill required to realize the event, the more valuable the bonus will be. For example, in a fighting game, if there are multiple special techniques with different levels of difficulty for command input, the more difficult the special technique that can be performed after training is, compared to the difficulty of the special technique that could be performed before training, the more valuable the bonus will be. Also, if we look at the input success rate of the same special technique, the greater the increase in input success rate after training compared to before training, the more valuable the bonus will be.

Secondly, the server system 1100 changes and determines the bonus based on a comparison of the problems before and after the instruction. The problems analyzed for the play before and after the instruction are compared, and if a problem that existed before the instruction has disappeared after the instruction, it can be determined that the problem has been resolved (maximum degree of improvement). In other words, a problem that has disappeared after the instruction can be considered an improvement. Therefore, the server system 1100 determines whether problems have been resolved before and after the instruction, and changes and determines the bonus so that the more problems have been resolved, and the more difficult it is to resolve the resolved problems, the higher the value of the bonus.

Thirdly, the server system 1100 changes and determines the benefits based on the player level of the trained player 2a and the player level of the teaching player 2b. Specifically, if the trained player 2a is at a beginner level, it is relatively easy for him to improve, but it is difficult for a trained player 2a at an advanced level to improve further. Therefore, the higher the player level of the trained player 2a, the more valuable the benefit the server system 1100 will be. Also, if we focus on the player level of the teaching player 2b, the number of teaching players with a relatively low level will be greater than the number of teaching players with a relatively high level. Therefore, from the standpoint of rarity, the benefit of a teaching player with a relatively low level is changed and determined so that it is less valuable than the benefit of a teaching player with a relatively high level.

The bonus given to the training player 2b is divided according to the number of training players involved in the improvement assessment. For example, it may be divided equally among the training players 2b, or the bonus may be prioritized in descending order of the training date and time closest to the current date and time. If the trained player 2a is configured to be able to declare and input a training evaluation after training and the training history data 770 is configured to include the results of the training evaluation, the bonus may be prioritized in ascending order of the training evaluation of the training players to whom the bonus is to be given.

Next, a functional configuration for realizing such control of instructional actions will be described.
11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system 1100. The server system 1100 includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, a sound output unit 390s, an image display unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

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

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

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

The user management unit 202 performs processing related to user registration procedures and stores and manages various information linked to user accounts. Specifically, the user management unit 202 performs (1) providing unique user accounts to registered users, (2) registration information management for registering and managing personal information for each user account, (3) play history management for storing and managing the content of each play as play history data 620, (4) management of game-related items owned by the user, and (5) registration and management of friend players. Of course, management functions for other data linked to accounts other than these can also be included as appropriate.

The game management unit 210 executes various controls to control the progress of an online game that allows shared play at a given game progress unit. Specifically, the game management unit 210 has a play history storage control unit 212, an analysis unit 214, a reception unit 216, a progress control unit 220, an improvement determination unit 230, a training effort equivalent value calculation unit 232, a frequency determination unit 234, a reward allocation control unit 236, and a ranking management unit 238.

The play history storage control unit 212 controls the storage management of data describing the play of each player who played in standard mode. This includes generating play history data 620 (see FIG. 3) and storing and saving it in the server storage unit 500s.

The analysis unit 214 analyzes the game play of the trained player in standard mode. Specifically, the analysis unit 214 performs the analysis by calculating an analysis parameter value and judging problems in the game play based on the analysis parameter value. More specifically, the analysis unit 214 calculates the analysis parameter value including (1) a value indicating a specific operation input situation (the operation input situation of a specific command or specific action by the trained player, the number of incorrect inputs, etc.) and (2) an effort equivalent value indicating the effort required by the trained player to complete a specific game progress unit of the game. Then, problems are judged based on the analysis parameter value.

The reception unit 216 performs control to receive a request to receive instruction from the training player based on the operation input of the trained player.

The progress control unit 220 executes various processes related to controlling the progress of the game. Specifically, the progress control unit 220 has a standard mode control unit 222 and a training mode control unit 224.

When the reception unit 216 receives the instruction, the instruction mode control unit 224 controls the game play mode of the trained player to change to the instruction mode. The instruction mode control unit 224 further includes a training player selection unit 226 and an instruction type determination unit 228.

The training player selection unit 226 selects a training player based on the problem included in the results of the preliminary analysis by the analysis unit 214. Furthermore, when there are multiple problems included in the results of the preliminary analysis, the training player selection unit 226 accepts a selection operation by the trained player and selects a training player based on the problem selected based on the selection operation by the trained player. This corresponds to the selection of a training player to be displayed on the training player display 23 (see FIG. 5).

The instruction type determination unit 228 determines the type of instruction action in the instruction mode based on the selection operation of the teaching player or the trained player.

The improvement determination unit 230 determines whether the game play of the trained player has improved based on the pre-analysis result analyzed by the analysis unit 214 before the training mode control by the training mode control unit 224 and the post-analysis result analyzed by the analysis unit 214 after the training mode control. The improvement determination unit 230 also determines the improvement based on at least one of the following: (1) the specific operation input situation included in the pre-analysis result and the specific operation input situation included in the post-analysis result, (2) the effort equivalent value included in the pre-analysis result and the effort equivalent value included in the post-analysis result, and (3) whether a given objective set during the game has been achieved. In this case, the improvement determination unit 230 determines the degree of improvement and the presence or absence of an improved event for each problem analyzed by the analysis unit 214, i.e., the "improvement content."

The training effort equivalent value calculation unit 232 calculates an effort equivalent value that represents the effort required by the training player in the training mode based on the training mode data.

The frequency determination unit 234 determines whether the play participation status of the trained player after the training mode control unit 224 has controlled the training mode has become more frequent than the play participation status before the training mode control was performed.

The reward giving control section 236 gives a given reward to the training player and/or the trained player based on the result of the determination by the improvement determination section 230 .
Specifically, when the frequency determination unit 234 makes a positive determination, the bonus-granting control unit 236 variably controls the bonus to be granted based on at least one of the following: (1) the type of instruction action in the instruction mode, (2) the duration of the instruction mode, (3) the determined improvement, (4) the improvement for each problem determined by the improvement determination unit 230, (5) the duration of the instruction mode or the number of times the instruction mode was performed until the improvement determination unit 230 determined that the problem had improved, (6) the relationship between the training player and the trained player, and (7) the play level of the training player and/or the play level of the trained player. Then, the bonus-granting control unit 236 determines the bonus to be granted based on the standard bonus corresponding to the type of problem.

The ranking management unit 238 statistically processes the instruction evaluations given to each instruction player based on the evaluation operations of the instructionee player, and manages the rankings of the instruction players.

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

The sound generation unit 290s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates or decodes audio data, and generates or decodes audio data such as operation sounds and sound effects related to games, background music, and voice calls for system management of the server system 1100. Audio signals related to system management are then output to the sound output unit 390s.

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

The image generation unit 292s generates images, synthesizes images, and outputs image signals to display them on the image display unit 392s. This includes some of the functions for generating screens related to system management of the server system 1100 and various screens related to the game (or data for displaying them on the player terminal 1500).

The image display unit 392s is realized by a device that displays images, such as a flat panel display, a head-mounted display, or a projector. In the example of FIG. 1, this corresponds to the touch panel 1108.

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

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

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

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing examples of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s. In this embodiment, the server storage unit 500s stores a server program 501, a distribution client program 503, game initial setting data 510, analysis criteria data 520, training player candidate selection condition data 530, improvement judgment criteria data 540, bonus definition data 550, and training point definition data 560.

The server storage unit 500s also stores the following data, which are sequentially generated and managed: user management data 600, logged-in user list 660, standard mode control data 700, training mode control data 740, training history data 770, improvement assessment control data 780, bonus granting control data 782, training player ranking data 790, and current date and time 800. The server storage unit 500s also stores other programs and data (e.g. timers, counters, various flags, etc.) as appropriate.

The server program 501 is a program for realizing the functions of the user management unit 202 and the game management unit 210 by being read and executed by the server processing unit 200s.
The delivery client program 503 is an original client program provided to the player terminal 1500 .
The game initial setting data 510 includes various initial setting data necessary for controlling the execution of the game.

The analysis criteria data 520 is data for analyzing the game play of the player being trained and judging the analysis results, and is prepared for each analysis result, i.e., problem. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, one analysis criteria data 520 includes judgment requirements 521, problem type 523, and recommended instruction type 527.

The judgment requirement 521 is information describing the judgment criteria, and includes data on four conditions: a game progress unit condition 521a, an operation input condition 521b, a progress status condition 521d, and a play result condition 521f. The AND or OR of these four conditions describes the criteria for determining that there is a problem indicated by the judgment requirement 521 in the reference data, that is, the problem type 523, and the parameters describing these four conditions are the aforementioned "analysis parameters." Note that these four conditions can also be "undetermined" or "unconditional," meaning that the condition does not actually exist.

The game progress unit condition 521a indicates the requirements that must be satisfied by the reproduced game progress unit identification information 631 of the play history data 620 (see FIG. 3). For example, in the case of an RPG, the analysis results will differ depending on whether the analyzed play has progressed only to the initial stage or has reached the final stage.

The operation input conditions 521b indicate requirements that the operation input information time series data 632 of the play history data 620 must satisfy. The operation input conditions 521b include specific operation input situation conditions 521c.

For example, in the case of a fighting game, the operation input conditions 521b can be used to describe the specific operation input situation conditions 521c, such as the types of correct commands and actions (meaning a combination of one or more operation inputs) input during play, combinations of correct commands input in succession, the presence or absence of combinations of incorrect operation inputs similar to correct commands that are thought to be operation errors, and the occurrence rate of these. By appropriately combining sub-conditions described using these, it is possible to know whether the trainee player 2a who played the game to be analyzed uses only specific commands or uses commands evenly, whether he or she can stably succeed in combos, or whether he or she is aiming for combos but cannot succeed. In other words, the operation input conditions 521b describe the conditions regarding when and what operation input the trainee player 2a is making.

The progress condition 521d indicates the requirements that the progress information time series data 633 of the play history data 620 must satisfy. The progress condition 521d also includes an effort equivalent value condition 521e.

For example, in a shooting game, the progress condition 521d can describe conditions such as the number of times enemy characters were shot down, the time interval between shots down, the hit rate of attacks, the timing of using items and defeating enemies, etc. The effort equivalent value condition 521e describes conditions related to the effort equivalent value, such as (1) a given time until the end of the game progress unit, whether or not it is cleared, (2) the type and quantity of items consumed, (3) the endurance value/stamina consumed, and (4) the number of allies shot down/killed.

Then, by appropriately combining the sub-conditions described using these, it is possible to know the accuracy of the target player's aim, how well they can use items, under what circumstances they will receive damage, how long they can play the game for, and whether they were able to shoot down boss characters. In other words, the progress condition 521d describes the conditions regarding what and when is happening in the play being analyzed.

The play performance conditions 521f indicate the requirements that the play performance time-series data 635 of the play history data 620 must satisfy. For example, the player level, total points, score acquisition pace, item acquisition, number of kills, hit rate, clear rate per game progress, number of wins and losses, etc. can be used to describe the conditions. In other words, the play performance conditions 521f describe the conditions for the play performance in the play being analyzed by appropriately combining sub-conditions described using these.

The recommended instruction type 527 is set to the type of instruction action that is appropriate for instruction of the problem type 523. The recommended instruction type 527 indicates the type of instruction method that is displayed by default in the instruction method display 25 of the instruction selection screen W5 (see FIG. 5).

As a specific example of the analysis criteria data 520, for example, in the case of a fighting game, the operation input condition 521b and the progress condition 521d may be used as the judgment requirement 521 describing "the ratio of defense command inputs to the number of attacks received from the opponent is lower than a given standard," and analysis criteria data 520 may be prepared in which the problem type 523 is "insufficient defense." The criteria data is data for analyzing whether "the instruction method of the recommended instruction type 527 is necessary for the trainee player who is inexperienced in defensive actions."

Similarly, in the case of a fighting game, the operation input condition 521b and the progress condition 521d can be used to create a judgment requirement 521 describing "input errors similar to combo commands (for example, in the case of a combo consisting of multiple commands such as technique A → technique B → technique C → technique D, the commands for technique A and technique B are entered correctly, but the input of technique C or technique D is incorrect)," and analysis standard data 520 can be prepared with problem type 523 set to "combo command input error." This standard data is data for analyzing whether "a training method of recommended training type 527 is necessary for a trained player who cannot perform combos."

For example, in a shooting game in which the game progresses while taking evasive and attacking actions, (1) analysis standard data 520 can be prepared in which the game progress unit condition 521a is a "predetermined stage (where avoiding movable obstacles is the main play element)" and the progress status condition 521d is a judgment requirement 521 describing "the number of times the game ends in the stage is a predetermine standard number or more," and the problem type 523 is "predetermined stage: poor at evasion." Also, analysis standard data 520 can be prepared in which the game progress unit condition 521a is the same, but the progress status condition 521d is a judgment requirement 521 describing "the locations where the game ends in the stage are concentrated near a specific trap," and the problem type 523 is "predetermined stage: timing to evade a specific trap has not been mastered."

For example, in the case of an action RPG, analysis reference data 520 can be prepared in which the game progress unit condition 521a is "a specified stage (where movable obstacles are cleared by finding a shortcut and avoiding them)" and the progress status condition 521d is "game over when the player character is near a movable obstacle" and "there is no trace of movement near the shortcut", and the problem type 523 is "no shortcut found". The reference data is data for analyzing that "a teaching method of the recommended teaching type 527 is necessary for a trained player who cannot find a shortcut in the specified stage".

For example, in a side-scrolling action game in which the player progresses while avoiding obstacles and acquiring items, the progress condition 521d and the play performance condition 521f can be used to set the judgment requirement 521 as "not being able to acquire an item at the item collection location in the latter half of the stage," and analysis standard data 520 can be prepared with the problem type 523 being "mistake in the latter half of the stage." This standard data is data for analyzing whether "a training method of the recommended training type 527 is necessary for a trained player who is unable to acquire enough items in the stage."

Returning to FIG. 12, the training player candidate selection condition data 530 is prepared for each type of problem, and stores information on the conditions for selecting a training player candidate suitable for teaching the problem. One training player candidate selection condition data 530 stores the applicable problem type and the candidate selection condition in association with each other. The training player displayed in the training player display 23 on the training selection screen W5 (see FIG. 5) is selected from among players who satisfy the training player candidate selection condition data 530.

The improvement judgment standard data 540 is prepared according to the improvement content (degree of improvement or type of improvement) of the trained player 2a before and after instruction, and stores various information necessary to judge whether improvement has occurred in that content.
As shown in FIG. 14, for example, one improvement determination standard data 540 stores improvement certification points 541, improvement determination requirements 543, and improvement reward instruction points 545 in association with each other.

The improvement certification points 541 are points awarded when it is determined that improvement has been made based on the reference data, and are a numerical representation of the improvement in skill estimated to be necessary for improvement. In other words, the improvement certification points 541 are set to a higher value the higher the degree of improvement described by the improvement assessment requirements 543, and the higher the skill estimated to be necessary to realize the improved event, the higher the improvement assessment requirements 543 are set to.

The improvement judgment requirements 543 include various data for describing the degree of improvement and the events in which improvement has occurred. Specifically, the improvement judgment requirements 543 include a problem type condition 543a, an operation input status difference condition 543b, a progress status difference condition 543c, a play performance difference condition 543d, and an effort equivalent value difference condition 543e, which are described using AND or OR. The parameters that describe these are the aforementioned "improvement judgment parameters."

The problem type condition 543a indicates the condition for the type of problem to which the criteria data applies. This condition is not limited to being used to indicate that a problem has been detected, but can also be used to indicate problems that have disappeared after instruction when comparing problems before and after instruction. The latter is suitable for describing improvements.

The operation input situation difference condition 543b describes the condition for the difference between the analysis parameter value calculated from the operation input information time series data 632 of the play history data 620 "before training" and the analysis parameter value calculated from the operation input information time series data 632 of the play history data 620 "after training". For example, by defining a threshold or range for the difference for a specific operation input situation (specifically, the number of inputs of a combo consisting of a succession of specific techniques, the number of incorrect inputs, etc.), it is possible to describe the condition for considering a specific operation input to have improved after training compared to before training.

The progress status difference condition 543c describes the condition regarding the difference between the analysis parameter value calculated from the progress status information time series data 633 of the play history data 620 "before training" and the analysis parameter value calculated from the progress status information time series data 633 of the play history data 620 "after training". For example, in the case of a racing game, by defining the threshold value or range of the difference regarding the number of times going off the course and the distance traveled off the course, it is possible to describe the condition for determining that driving has improved before and after training.

The play performance difference condition 543d describes the condition for the difference between the analysis parameter value calculated from the play performance time series data 635 of the play history data 620 "before training" and the analysis parameter value calculated from the play performance time series data 635 of the play history data 620 "after training". For example, in the case of a shooting game, by defining thresholds and ranges for differences such as hit rate, number of kills, number of hits received, etc., it is possible to describe the conditions for determining that a player has achieved better play performance after training, in other words, has improved.

The improvement reward instruction points 545 indicate instruction points given to the instruction player 2b as a reward for achieving improvement of the reference data.
For example, in the improvement judgment standard data 540 for judging improvement in a specific game progress unit (e.g., a game stage in which the clearing condition is to shoot down a special enemy NPC), the progress status difference condition 543c of the improvement judgment requirement 543 is set to "there is progress status information indicating the shooting down (clearing) of a special enemy NPC in a specific game progress unit." The improvement reward instruction point 545 is set higher for the improvement judgment requirement 543 with a smaller threshold or range of the effort equivalent value indicated by the effort equivalent value difference condition 543e.

Returning to FIG. 12, bonus definition data 550 is prepared for each type of bonus, and stores various information related to the content of the bonus and the requirements for granting the bonus. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, one bonus definition data 550 includes a unique bonus ID 551, bonus grant requirements 552, bonus grant target settings 553, standard bonus 554, and additional bonus 555.

The bonus granting requirements 552 include a problem type condition 552a, a training type condition 552b, a required time length condition 552c, a required number of times condition 552d, a player relationship condition 552e, a trained player level condition 552f, a training player level condition 552g, a frequency condition 552h, an improvement certification point condition 552j, and a resolution condition 552k. Of course, other data can also be included as appropriate. The bonus granting requirements 552 are written as AND or OR of the sub-conditions of the problem type condition 552a to the resolution condition 552k. The parameters describing these sub-conditions are the "granting judgment parameters" mentioned above. Note that any of these sub-conditions can be set to "not set."

The question type condition 552a is a condition regarding the type of question for which improvement has been determined.
The instruction type condition 552b is a condition regarding the type of instruction action of the instruction determined to be an improvement.
The required time length condition 552c is a condition regarding the length of time required in the instruction mode until improvement is judged.
The required number of times condition 552d is a condition regarding the number of times the instruction mode is required until improvement is determined.
The player relationship condition 552e is a condition about the relationship between the training player and the trained player.

The trainee player level condition 552f is a condition regarding the playing level of the trainee player. By appropriately combining and setting the condition and the reward content, the value of the reward for improvement can be changed according to the skill of the trainee player 2a.

The training player level condition 552g is a condition regarding the playing level of the training player. By appropriately combining and setting the condition and the reward content, the training reward can be changed according to the skill of the training player 2b.

The frequency condition 552h is a condition on the play participation status before and after the instruction, a condition on the frequency of playing the game, and indicates the standard for determining whether the play participation status of the trained player 2a after the instruction has become more frequent than the play participation status before the instruction. By setting this condition appropriately, it becomes possible to set a benefit (reward) according to how frequently the trained player 2a plays the game after the instruction to learn the contents of the instruction.

The improvement certification point condition 552j is a condition regarding the improvement content. In this embodiment, the improvement content (degree of improvement and improved events) is quantified as the improvement certification point 541, focusing on the required skill. Therefore, the improvement certification point condition 552j can be described by the threshold value or range of the point. By setting the condition appropriately, it is also possible to grant benefits in stages according to the improvement content.

The resolution condition 552k is set to include in the requirements that the player has improved to the extent that the problem can be considered resolved. The reward in the reward definition data 550 for which this condition is set is a special reward that is granted when the problem is resolved.

Standard benefits 554 defines the criteria for the benefits to be granted.

Additional bonuses 555 are prepared for each type of bonus that is added to the standard bonus. Each additional bonus 555 stores an associated additional bonus type and an additional number calculation function (or table data). The additional number calculation function is a function whose variables are parameter values describing each sub-condition of the bonus grant requirement 552 (e.g., time length for required time length condition 552c, point value indicated by improvement certification point condition 552j, etc.), and whether to set the parameter value as a positive or negative function can be set appropriately depending on the settings of the standard bonus, how the improvement content is divided, etc.

Returning to FIG. 12, the training point definition data 560 is prepared according to the amount of points to be given to the training player 2b as a reward each time training is performed. Each piece of training point definition data 560 stores the problem type, training type, and training effort equivalent value condition (requirements for the training effort equivalent value to apply the definition data; range and threshold) that determine the application requirements for the definition data to be applied, in association with the amount of points to be given. The amount of points to be given is set so that the more difficult the problem content is to solve, the larger the amount of points to be given, and the larger the training effort equivalent value is. The training point definition data 560 may be realized as a function or table data that calculates the amount of points to be given, with parameter values describing the application requirements for the definition data being applied as variables.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the user management data 600. As shown in FIG.
The user management data 600 is prepared for each user who has completed a prescribed registration procedure, and stores various data relating to the user. One piece of user management data 600 includes, for example, a unique user account 601, friend registration data 603, player level 605, payment fund balance 607, play history data 620 (see FIG. 3), and problem registration data 650. Of course, data other than these may also be included as appropriate.

Friend registration data 603 is data that is set for each player who is recognized as a friend. One piece of friend registration data 603 stores a friend account and a relationship value (e.g., intimacy level) in association with each other. Of course, other data besides this can also be included as appropriate.

The player level 605 is automatically set according to the user's performance when playing the game in standard mode, with the higher the performance, the higher the level.

The payment fund balance 607 is balance information of funds used to pay for things such as playing a game or purchasing items related to the game. The funds can be set appropriately, for example, points, items, in-game currency, electronic money, etc. The funds can be obtained separately by purchasing with real currency or by fulfilling given conditions for granting, such as participating in an event.

The problem registration data 650 is prepared for each problem identified by analyzing the user's play history data 620, and stores various data related to the problem. One problem registration data 650 includes, for example, a unique problem ID 651, a registration date and time 652 which is the date and time when the problem was identified, a problem type 653, an improvement judgment result 654 judged for the problem, a granted reward ID list 655 which indicates the rewards granted for the problem, and a resolution flag 656 which is set when the problem is considered to have been resolved. Of course, other data than these can also be included as appropriate.

Returning to FIG. 12, standard mode control data 700 is created for each game play in standard mode, and stores various data describing the progress of that game play. This is so-called play data. As shown in FIG. 17, for example, one piece of standard mode control data 700 includes a unique play ID 701, a play date and time 703 indicating the date and time from the start of play to the end of play, a player account 705, and control data for each game progress unit 710. Of course, other data than these can also be included as appropriate.

The game progress unit control data 710 includes game progress unit identification information 711, operation input information time series data 712, progress status information time series data 713, NPC control time series data 714, and play performance time series data 715. The game progress unit control data 710 is the source data of the play reproduction data 630 (see FIG. 3) of the play history data 620.

Returning to FIG. 12, the training mode control data 740 is created for each game play in the training mode, and stores various data describing the progress of that game play. As shown in FIG. 18, for example, one piece of training mode control data 740 includes a unique training ID 741, a training date and time 742 indicating the date and time from the start of training to the end of training, a trained player account 743, analysis result data 745, training selection setting data 750, and training mode progress control data 760. Of course, other data than these may also be included as appropriate.

The analysis result data 745 includes an analysis parameter value 746 and a list of identified problem types 747. The analysis parameter value 746 is a parameter value that describes the judgment requirement 521 of the analysis criteria data 520 (see FIG. 13). The analysis result data 745 may also include, as appropriate, a parameter value that describes the improvement judgment requirement 543 of the improvement judgment criteria data 540 (see FIG. 14).

The instruction selection setting data 750 is prepared for each problem identified by the analysis, and stores the contents selected and set for that problem on the instruction selection screen W5 (see FIG. 5). Specifically, one instruction selection setting data 750 includes a problem type 751, a responsible instruction player account 752, and an applicable instruction type 753. Of course, other data may also be included as appropriate.

The instruction mode progress control data 760 stores information related to progress control of the instruction mode. For example, it includes an instruction mode player account 761, an operation right setting player account 762 for proxy play, control data by game progress unit 763 (data structure is the same as the data of the same name in the play history data 620: see FIG. 3), and an instruction effort equivalent value 764. Of course, other data can also be included as appropriate. For example, if the instruction type is "additional display of display object", control information such as the type of display object and display position will also be included as appropriate.

Returning to FIG. 12, improvement assessment control data 780 is created when an improvement assessment is performed, and stores various data necessary for improvement assessment. The improvement assessment control data 780 stores, for example, a target problem ID indicating the problem to be assessed for improvement, improvement assessment parameter values (for example, parameter values for describing each of operation input situation difference condition 543b to effort equivalent value difference condition 543e) which are parameter values for assessing improvement assessment requirements 543 (see FIG. 14), and improvement certification points. Of course, data other than these may also be stored as appropriate.

The bonus granting control data 782 is created when a step related to bonus granting is executed, and stores various data related to the control of bonus granting. For example, the bonus granting control data 782 includes a target problem ID indicating which problem the bonus granting control is to be performed for, improvement certification points which are the results of the improvement judgment, and a bonus grant requirement determination parameter value for determining whether the bonus grant requirement 552 (see FIG. 15) is satisfied. Of course, other data than these may also be included as appropriate. The bonus grant requirement determination parameter value stores the parameter values of the sub-conditions describing the bonus grant requirement 552 in a predetermined order.

The training player ranking data 790 is created for each player who has performed a training action. One training player ranking data 790 stores, for example, a training player account, total acquired training points, and a ranking position in association with each other.

FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a player terminal 1500. The player terminal 1500 includes an operation input unit 100, a device processing unit 200, a sound output unit 390, an image display unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a device storage unit 500.

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

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

In this embodiment, the device processing unit 200 has a player terminal calculation unit 260, a timing unit 280, a sound generation unit 290, an image generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

The player terminal calculation unit 260 controls the player terminal 1500 to function as a client device that communicates with the server system 1100. Specifically, the player terminal calculation unit 260 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 261 and an image display control unit 262.

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

The image display control unit 262 performs control to display game screens, various operation screens, etc. based on various data received from the server system 1100.

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

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

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

The image generation unit 292 performs image generation and image synthesis based on the processing results of the image display control unit 262, and outputs image signals to display them on the image display unit 392. In the example of FIG. 2, this corresponds to a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a graphics controller mounted on the control board 1550.

The image display unit 392 is realized by a device that displays images, such as a flat panel display, a head-mounted display, or a projector. In the example of FIG. 2, this corresponds to the touch panel 1506.

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

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

In this embodiment, the images of the game screen and various other screens are generated by the server system 1100, but they can also be generated by the player terminal 1500. In this case, the image display control unit 262 controls objects placed in a virtual three-dimensional space to generate 3DCG, for example, and the image generation unit 292 renders the 3DCG and executes various controls to generate the game screen.

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

Specifically, the terminal storage unit 500 records a client program 502 for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to function as the player terminal calculation unit 260, operation input data 690, and the current date and time 800. Of course, other data can also be stored as appropriate.

Next, the operation of the game system 1000 will be described.
20 is a flow chart for explaining the flow of processing executed by the server system 1100. It is assumed that the players who can become the trainee player 2a and the training player 2b are in a logged-in state. To facilitate understanding of the invention, the following description is based on the assumption that the player is a starting player who is about to start playing the game and is playing the game for the first time.

The server system 1100 accepts the mode selection of the game play mode (step S12). This corresponds to the process of displaying the mode selection screen W4 (see FIG. 4) on the player terminal 1500 of the starting player and obtaining the result of the selection operation input.

If the result of the mode selection is standard mode (standard in step S14), the server system 1100 executes game progress control in standard mode to realize game play (step S16), and saves the play history data 620 (see Figure 3) after the game ends (step S18).

Next, the server system 1100 refers to the problem registration data 650 (see FIG. 16) in the user management data 600 of the starting player to determine whether there are any unresolved problems. If there are any unresolved problems (YES in step S20), the server system 1100 executes loop A for each problem that has been advised but has not been resolved (steps S70 to S84).

It is assumed that the start player is playing the game for the first time, so at this stage, although the first game play has ended, the start player has not received any instruction, so Loop A is skipped.

The server system 1100 executes game termination processing (step S90) and ends the series of processing.

Now, let us continue to explain the process flow assuming that the same player plays the game for the second or subsequent time. Each time the same player plays the game for the second or subsequent time, the play history data 620 is saved (step S18), but since the player has not yet received any instruction, loop A is skipped and the process flow ends (NO in step S20).

After playing the game several times, the player becomes aware of his/her weak points. If the player feels that he/she would like to receive guidance from someone, the player selects "training mode" in the mode selection. If the result of the mode selection is "training mode" (training in step S14), the server system 1100 executes training mode processing (step S30).

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the instruction mode process.
In this process, the server system 1100 analyzes the past game play of the starting player (the trainee player 2a) (step S32). Specifically, a predetermined number of play history data 620 are analyzed starting from the most recent play time, and an analysis parameter value is obtained. If there are multiple analysis objects, an analysis parameter value is obtained for each of them, and the statistical value (for example, the average value, the median value, or the maximum or minimum value depending on the content represented by the analysis parameter value) is set as the current analysis parameter value 746 (see FIG. 18). Then, the server system 1100 searches for the analysis reference data 520 (see FIG. 13) that satisfies the judgment requirement 521, and sets the problem type 523 in the determined problem type list 747 (see FIG. 18).

Next, the server system 1100 compares the determined problem type list 747 with the problem registration data 650 of the starting player (trainee player 2a), and if there are any problems not registered in the determined problem type list 74, creates new problem registration data 650 (step S34).

Next, the server system 1100 displays the instruction selection screen W5 on the player terminal 1500 and presents the identified problems to the starting player (the player being trained 2a) (step S36).

The server system 1100 also determines the training player 2b and training method to be presented as default for each presented problem on the training selection screen W5 (step S38). Specifically, the server system 1100 selects training player candidates according to the training player candidate selection condition data 530 (see FIG. 12) in which the type of the presented problem matches the applicable problem type, and sets one of them as the default. Also, the recommended training type 527 of the analysis criteria data 520 in which the presented problem is set as the problem type 523 is set as the default training method (see FIG. 13). The server system 1100 then accepts the selection of the training player 2b and type of training action (training type) for each problem (step S40).

That is, through steps S36 to S40, the instruction selection screen W5 (see FIG. 5) is displayed on the player terminal 1500a of the starting player.
Then, in response to operational inputs made by the start player on the screen, the server system 1100 appropriately sets and changes the instruction selection setting data 750 (see FIG. 18).

Next, the server system 1100 executes loop B for each problem for which a training player 2b has been selected (for which the player has not refused to receive training) (steps S50 to S60).

In loop B, the server system 1100 creates a shared play environment in which the instructor player in charge of the problem being processed in loop B is the guest player (step S52), and performs an instruction action of the type indicated by the applicable instruction type 753 in response to operational input on the player terminal 1500b of the instructor player in charge (step S54).

For example, if the applied instruction type 753 is "proxy play", the server system 1100 changes the operation right of the player character 4 from the starting player (instructed player 2a) to the instructing player 2b to enable proxy play. If the applied instruction type 753 is "additional display of display object", the operation right of the player character 4 remains with the starting player (instructed player 2a) and an additional display object 56 (see FIG. 7) is displayed on the game screen in response to the display operation of the display object by the instructing player 2b.

The game progress unit executed in the instruction mode is determined by the content of the problem to be processed. For example, in a side-scrolling action game, if the problem is "failure to avoid flying obstacles" and flying obstacles appear throughout the entire game progress unit, in step S54, proxy play may be enabled throughout the entire game progress unit, and proxy play may begin when operation of the instruction request operation icon 54 (see FIG. 6) is detected. Alternatively, proxy play may be performed in response to an instruction request operation for a predetermined number of game progress units from the beginning. Also, if the problem is "unable to defeat the boss character in the third stage," play may begin from the third stage, and proxy play may be performed in response to an instruction request operation.

When the instruction mode is realized in game progress units corresponding to the problem to be processed, the server system 1100 calculates the instruction effort equivalent value 764 (see FIG. 18) for this instruction (step S56), saves the instruction history data 770 (see FIG. 8) (step S58), and ends loop B (step S60).

When loop B has been executed for all problems for which guidance has been requested, the server system 1100 awards guidance points to the training player 2b as a reward for this guidance (step S62), ends the guidance mode processing, and ends the series of processes.

The instruction points granted in step S62 are granted by the operator of the game system 1000, but it is also possible for the points to be paid by the trained player 2a. In that case, the amount of instruction points to be paid can be deducted from the payment fund balance 607 (see FIG. 16) of the trained player 2a.

The trained player 2a who has received the training plays the game in the standard mode after the training in order to make the contents of the training his or her own (see FIG. 9).
20, in the standard mode after training, the server system 1100 performs the same processing as before training (steps S12 to S16), and when the game play ends, saves the play history data 620 of the game play that would have reflected the results after training (step S18). Thus, the play history data 620bt before training, the training history data 770, and the play history data 620at after training, all of which relate to the starting player (trainee player 2a), are saved in the server system 1100 (see FIG. 10).

It is unclear at this stage whether the problems identified in the play history data 620bt before the training have been resolved in the game play after the training, so the server system 1100 determines that the starting player (trainee player 2a) has an unresolved problem (YES in step S20) and executes loop A (steps S70 to S84).

In loop A, the server system 1100 calculates a parameter value for judging improvement for the problem being processed (step S72).
Specifically, the server system 1100 searches for standard data from the improvement judgment criteria data 540 (see FIG. 14 ) in which the problem type condition 543a of the improvement judgment requirement 543 matches the type of problem to be processed, and obtains improvement judgment parameter values (for example, parameter values for describing each of the operation input status difference condition 543b through effort equivalent value difference condition 543e) to determine whether the improvement judgment requirement 543 of the standard data is satisfied.

Then, the server system 1100 uses the obtained parameter value for improvement judgment to judge the improvement (step S74). Specifically, if the improvement judgment requirement 543 of the searched improvement judgment standard data 540 is not satisfied, it is not judged that the player has improved. If it is satisfied, the result of the judgment of the improvement certification point 541 of the searched improvement judgment standard data 540, that is, the result of the judgment is stored in the bonus award control data 782 (see FIG. 12) as one of the parameter values for judging the award requirement.

The server system 1100 also awards the improvement reward coaching points 545 (see FIG. 14) of the improvement determination criteria data 540 that have been determined to have improved to the coached player (step S76). The coaching points awarded in this step are awarded by the operator of the game system 1000, but it is also possible for the points to be paid by the coached player 2a. In this case, the amount of coaching points to be paid can be deducted from the payment fund balance 607 (see FIG. 16) of the coached player 2a.

Depending on the improvement determined, the problem being evaluated is deemed to have been resolved. In that case, the server system 1100 sets the resolution flag 656 in the problem registration data 650 (see FIG. 16) for the problem being processed to "1" to flag it (step S78).

Next, the server system 1100 calculates the parameter values for determining the bonus grant requirements 552 (see FIG. 15) (the parameter values for describing the required time length condition 552c to the frequency condition 552h) (step S80).

Then, if there is a match in the bonus definition data 550 for which the bonus granting requirements 552 are satisfied and whose bonus ID 5551 is not registered in the granted bonus ID list 655 of the problem being processed among the problem registration data 650 of the trained player 2a, the server system 1100 grants a bonus according to the definition data (step S82). That is, the standard bonus 554 and additional bonus 555 are granted to the trained player 2a and the training player 2b according to the settings of the bonus grant target setting 553. Then, the bonus ID 551 is added to the granted bonus ID list 655.

When the server system 1100 has executed loop A for all problems related to the starting player that have been advised but not yet resolved, it executes a game end process (step S90) and ends the series of processes.

As described above, this embodiment can provide technology that brings sustainability to assistance and guidance mechanisms that utilize shared play.

Specifically, the game system 1000 (particularly the server system 1100) can switch between two control patterns related to the game: a standard play mode for enjoying game play as before, and a teaching mode for realizing teaching actions through shared play.

The game system 1000 then analyzes the play of the trained player 2a, accepts a request from the trained player 2a to receive instruction based on the analysis results, and executes control in the instruction mode if a request is made. It then compares the analysis results before and after the instruction to determine whether the trained player has improved before and after the instruction, and if so, grants a bonus to the trained player 2a and the training player 2b.

For the trained player 2a, the benefit is a reward if he or she improves, and for the training player 2b, it is a reward for achieving improvement. This provides the trained player 2a with the motivation to practice and improve on his or her own after training. If this results in improvement, the trained player 2a will want to receive training again if another problem arises. The training player 2b will also be motivated to try training again. This makes it possible to bring sustainability to the system of assistance and training that utilizes shared play.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Comparing the second embodiment with the first embodiment, the difference is that in the first embodiment, each function of game management is realized by the server system 1100, whereas in the second embodiment, game management is realized by the player terminal 1500. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and components similar to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a player terminal 1500B in this embodiment. The player terminal 1500B in this embodiment has a game management unit 210B and an instruction player terminal control unit 240 instead of the player terminal calculation unit 260 in the first embodiment.

The game management unit 210B corresponds to the game management unit 210 in the first embodiment, and realizes the function of the player terminal 1500a of the trained player 2a. However, the function of the ranking management unit 238 is also assumed to be in the server system 1100 in this embodiment.

Specifically, in standard mode, the game management unit 210B first controls the game progress on its own machine and also judges the player's improvement. With regard to the awarding of a bonus, the game management unit 210B exchanges various data (e.g., parameter values related to the training player 2b among the parameter values for determining the bonus awarding requirements 552) with the server system 1100 as necessary, and when it has determined the bonus to be awarded, it requests the server system 1100 to award the bonus to the training player 2b. Alternatively, it requests information to establish a peer-to-peer communication connection with the training player 2b from the server system 1100, and after the peer-to-peer connection is established, it requests the player terminal 1500B of the training player 2b to award the bonus.

In addition, for the training mode, the game management unit 210B establishes a peer-to-peer communication connection with the player terminal 1500B of the guest player (training player 2b) to realize shared play. To this end, the game management unit 210B obtains, for example, from the server system 1100, information regarding the exchange of account and pass information between the host player and guest player to establish a peer-to-peer connection with the player terminal 1500b of the training player 2b, information regarding the selection of a training player, and the like.

When the teaching player terminal control unit 240 is connected to the player terminal 1500a of the trained player 2a as a guest player, it accepts operational inputs by the user of that player terminal to perform teaching actions as the teaching player 2b, and exchanges various information, including information on the operational inputs, with the player terminal 1500B of the trained player 2a.

In addition, the game management unit 210B requests the server system 1100 each time data in the user management data 600 is referenced or updated.

As shown in FIG. 23, the terminal storage unit 500 of this embodiment stores a game program 506, game initial setting data 510, analysis criteria data 520, training player candidate selection condition data 530, improvement determination criteria data 540, bonus definition data 550, standard mode control data 700, training mode control data 740, training history data 770 in which the player using the player terminal is the trained player 2a, improvement determination control data 780, bonus granting control data 782, and the current date and time 800.

The game program 506 is stored in place of the client program 502. By executing this program, the terminal processing unit 200 can implement a game management unit 210B and a training player terminal control unit 240.

The game initial setting data 510 to the bonus definition data 550 may be downloaded from the server system 1100 in advance and stored, or the necessary data may be obtained by making an appropriate reference request to the server system 1100 each time reference is required.

The process flow in the player terminal 1500B of this embodiment is similar to the process flow in the server system 1100 in the first embodiment (see Figures 20 and 21). That is, the process execution subject in the process flow in the server system 1100 in the first embodiment should be replaced with the player terminal 1500B.

And according to this embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained.

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

(Variation 1)
For example, the first embodiment shows an example in which the server system 1100 has the functions of the game management unit 210, and the second embodiment shows an example in which the player terminal 1500a of the trained player 2a has the functions of the game management unit 210, but an intermediate configuration is also possible. That is, based on the first embodiment, a configuration can be adopted in which a part of the functions of the game management unit 210 is executed by the player terminal 1500a of the trained player 2a. Conversely, based on the second embodiment, a configuration can be adopted in which a part of the functions of the game management unit 210B is executed by the server system 1100. Alternatively, a configuration can be adopted in which a part of the functions of the game management unit 210B is executed by the player terminal 1500b of the training player 2b in the server system 1100.

(Variation 2)
In the above embodiment, the default teaching method for each problem is automatically determined, but the trainee player 2a can change the default selection, but this is not limited to the above. Similarly, the default may be automatically determined, but the training player 2b can change the selection. In that case, for example, a step may be provided in which, immediately after the start of processing of loop B, options for teaching methods are presented on the player terminal 1500b of the training player 2b in charge of the problem to be processed, and a selection by the training player is accepted.

(Variation 3)
In the above embodiment, the shared play environment is not used in the standard mode, and is used in the training mode. However, a configuration in which common play is possible even in the standard mode is also possible.

(Variation 4)
In the above embodiment, the trainee player 2a selects the training player 2b. However, the training player 2b may select the person to whom he or she will provide training, that is, the trainee player 2a.

Specifically, based on the first embodiment, the server system 1100 (training player selection unit 226) accepts registration of players who want to receive training, manages the registration information, and matches the registered players (training player candidates) with the problems of the trained players 2a who have selected the training mode, thereby determining the training player who will be in charge of the problem. Furthermore, when matching, the server system 1100 (training player selection unit 226) presents a list of information on the problems of the matching candidates (e.g., problem type, a list of benefits expected to be given when the player improves, etc.) and information on the trained player 2a (e.g., player level, number of times the same problem has been trained in the past, etc.) on the player terminal 1500b of the registered player (training player candidate). Then, the server system 1100 may accept the selection of the problem to be trained by the registered player (training player candidate) from the list and perform matching.

(Variation 5)
The present invention can be applied regardless of the type of contract or purchase of the game. For example, the present invention can be applied to a case where the contract for the game provision service has two types of contract: a provisional contract for trial use and a full contract. The full contract includes the purchase of game software by download (a lump sum or installment purchase of permanent play rights), the package purchase of an information storage medium on which the game software is recorded, and a subscription contract.

More specifically, if a user who received instruction during a provisional contract renews the contract with a full contract, a configuration can be added in which a reward is given to the instruction player 2b who provided instruction to that user.

Furthermore, when based on the first embodiment, the user management data 500 includes information indicating the history of the contract type. Then, the server system 1100 is configured to execute a first additional step before step S12 of checking the history of the contract type of the starting player and detecting that this is the first play after the contract type has been changed from a provisional contract to a full contract, and a second additional step of granting a given reward to the training player who has trained the starting player if this is detected in the step.

In other words, it is possible to realize a configuration in which a trained player whose contract form for game play meets a given form change condition (changing from a provisional contract to a formal contract) is detected, and a given reward is given to the training player who has trained the trained player.

2a... trained player 2b... training player 10... standard mode selection operation icon 12... training mode selection operation icon 20... problem presentation section 21... problem type display 23... training player display 24... training player candidate display operation icon 25... training method display 26... training method candidate display operation icon 30... training player candidate list 34... training method candidate list 54... training request operation icon 200s... server processing section 210... game management section 212... play history storage control section 214... analysis section 216... reception section 220... progress control section 222... standard mode control section 224... training mode control section 226... training player selection section 228... training type determination section 230... improvement determination section 232... training effort equivalent value calculation section 234... frequency determination section 236... privilege grant control section 238... ranking management section 500s... server storage section 501...Server program 510...Game initial setting data 520...Analysis criterion data 523...Problem type 527...Recommended instruction type 530...Instruction player candidate selection condition data 540...Improvement judgment criterion data 550...Benefit definition data 554...Standard benefit 600...User management data 620...Play history data 650...Problem registration data 700...Standard mode control data 740...Instruction mode control data 745...Analysis result data 770...Instruction history data 780...Improvement judgment control data 782...Benefit granting control data 1000...Game system 1100...Server system 1500...Player terminal W4...Mode selection screen W5...Instruction selection screen

Claims (19)

A computer system for controlling execution of a teaching mode in which a teaching player provides a given teaching action regarding a given game to a taught player, comprising:
an analysis means for analyzing a game play of the game by the trained player;
an improvement determination means for determining whether or not the game play of the trained player has improved based on a pre-analysis result obtained by the analysis means before the training mode is executed and a post-analysis result obtained by the analysis means after the training mode is executed;
a privilege granting control means for granting a given privilege to the training player and/or the trained player based on a result of the determination by the improvement determination means;
A computer system comprising: There are several types of instructional actions with different teaching methods,
a training mode control means for determining a type of the training action in the training mode based on a selection operation of the training player or the trained player, and for controlling the execution of the training mode in accordance with the determined type of the training action ;
The computer system of claim 1 further comprising : the privilege granting control means variably controls the privilege to be granted based on the type of the training action in the training mode.
3. The computer system of claim 2. the analysis means analyzes an operation input situation of a specific command or a specific action by the trained player (hereinafter referred to as a "specific operation input situation");
the improvement determination means determines the improvement based on the specific operation input situation included in the pre-analysis result and the specific operation input situation included in the post-analysis result.
A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. a frequency determining means for determining whether or not a play participation state of the trained player after the training mode is executed has become higher in frequency than a play participation state before the training mode is executed ;
Further comprising:
the benefit giving control means gives a given benefit to the training player and/or the trained player when the frequency determining means makes a positive determination.
A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. the analysis means calculates an effort equivalent value representing an effort required for the trained player to complete a specific progress unit of the game,
the improvement determination means determines the improvement based on the effort equivalent value included in the pre-analysis result and the effort equivalent value included in the post-analysis result.
A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. the improvement determination means determines the improvement based on whether or not a given objective set during the game has been achieved;
A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. the privilege granting control means variably controls the privilege to be granted based on the time length of the instruction mode;
A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The improvement determination means determines the degree of improvement and/or the improved event (hereinafter collectively referred to as "improvement content");
The privilege granting control means variably controls the privilege to be granted based on the improvement content determined by the improvement determination means.
A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. the analysis means analyzes problems in game play of the trained player,
The improvement determination means determines the improvement content for each of the problem areas,
The privilege granting control means variably controls the privilege to be granted based on the improvement details for each of the problems determined by the improvement determination means.
10. The computer system of claim 9. the analysis means analyzes problems in game play of the trained player,
a training mode control means for selecting the training player based on the problem included in the result of the preliminary analysis and controlling execution of the training mode by the selected training player ;
The computer system of claim 1 further comprising : said training mode control means , when a plurality of problems are included in said preliminary analysis result, accepts a selection operation of said trained player, and selects said training player based on the problem selected based on the selection operation of said trained player;
12. The computer system of claim 11. the reward granting control means variably controls the reward to be granted based on the problem;
13. A computer system according to claim 11 or 12. Standard benefits are set according to the type of problem,
the reward granting control means determines a reward to be granted based on the standard reward corresponding to the type of the problem;
14. The computer system of claim 13. the benefit provision control means variably controls the benefit to be provided based on the time length of the instruction mode or the number of times the instruction mode is performed, which is required until the improvement determination means determines that the player has improved with respect to the problem.
A computer system according to any one of claims 11 to 14. the privilege granting control means variably controls the privilege to be granted based on the relationship between the training player and the trained player.
A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 15. the benefit provision control means variably controls the benefit to be provided based on the play level of the training player and/or the play level of the trained player.
A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 16. The computer system is a server system that is communicatively connected to the player terminals of each player.
A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 17. a player terminal for each player;
A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, which is a server system connected in communication with the player terminal;
A game system comprising:

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