JP7625464B2 - Game system, server device and program - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, there have been game systems in which a player controls a player character in a game space to play a game against an opponent's player character.

For example, there is a system in which a game is played against a computer-controlled character (also called a "ghost character") (see Patent Document 1).

The technology shown in Patent Document 1 involves a match between a computer-controlled character (COM character) controlled based on the play data of a selected opponent and a player character based on the player's operational input, and if the player's COM character is defeated, a rematch is held with a computer-controlled character controlled based on the opponent player's play data.

There is also a game device that, based on received play history information of other players, generates a game screen in which a pseudo-player playing according to the play history information participates in and plays the game together with the player (see Patent Document 2).

There is also a system in place that, when a player selects a ghost (a virtual opponent) in a competitive game and uses the ghost's data in the game, causes the game results to be reflected in the ghost's data (see Patent Document 3).

Patent No. 5068080 JP 2004-146956 A JP 2013-99439 A

In such game systems, matching between players is often done randomly, and even if there is filtering by rank, etc., it is uncertain whether the matching will result in a high level of satisfaction. Even when matching is done using ghost characters, it is hoped that matching will be done in a way that increases player satisfaction.

In addition, players often simply play games using ghost characters as practice before playing a competitive game against other real players, which creates the problem that gameplay with ghost characters has little room for development.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a game system etc. that allows for development in game play with a character controlled by a computer based on the player's game play information, and can increase the desire to play a game involving a character controlled by the computer.

(1) The present invention provides
A game system for performing game processing of a game in which characters corresponding to multiple players participate in the game, comprising:
a first matching processing unit that performs processing for enabling matching of a plurality of characters including a character corresponding to a player controlled by a computer based on game play information of the player;
a game processing unit that progresses a game in which the plurality of characters matched by the first matching processing unit participate;
a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied in a game in which the plurality of characters matched by the first matching processing unit participate;
a second matching processing unit that performs processing for enabling matching of a plurality of players corresponding to the plurality of characters matched by the first matching processing unit when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied,
The game processing unit:
The present invention relates to a game system characterized in that a game in which each character corresponding to each of the multiple players participates is progressed based on input information of each of the multiple players matched by the second matching processing unit.

The present invention also relates to a server device including each of the above-mentioned units. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-mentioned units. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-mentioned units.

The present invention allows for development in gameplay with computer-controlled characters based on the player's gameplay information, and increases the desire to play games involving computer-controlled characters.

Note that "matching-enabling processing" includes both making it possible to match multiple players with a 100% probability, and making it possible to match players with a given probability (e.g., 75%). (The same interpretation will be used in the following explanation.)

(2) In addition, in the game system, the program, the information storage medium, and the server device according to the present invention,
a game play information control unit that performs a process of updating the game play information of a player according to the progress of the game in which the player has participated,
The game processing unit:
A character corresponding to a player controlled by the computer may be controlled based on the most recently updated game play information of that player.

According to the present invention, the character controlled by the computer based on the player's game play information uses the latest game play information of the player, further increasing the interest of the game.

(3) In addition, in the game system, the program, the information storage medium, and the server device according to the present invention,
The first matching processing unit includes:
The plurality of characters may be randomly selected for matching, or a character of a predetermined player may be matched with a plurality of characters including another character selected based on a selection operation of the player. According to the present invention, the first matching can be made appropriate.

(4) In addition, in the game system, the program, the information storage medium, and the server device according to the present invention,
The system may further include a display control unit that displays, on a terminal device of each player corresponding to the plurality of characters matched by the first matching processing unit, at least one of information about the matched other characters and information about the other players corresponding to the matched other characters.

According to the present invention, each player can learn about the characters and information of other players during the first matching.

(5) In addition, in the game system, the program, the information storage medium, and the server device according to the present invention,
The determination unit is
It may be possible to determine whether or not the specified condition is satisfied based on at least one of progress information of a game in which the multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit participate and result information of the game.

According to the present invention, whether or not a predetermined condition has been met is determined based on at least one of game progress information and result information for the first match, so that it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not to progress to a second match, thereby increasing the desire to play a game involving a computer-controlled character.

(6) In addition, in the game system, the program, the information storage medium, and the server device according to the present invention,
The system may further include a notification unit that, when the specified condition is satisfied, notifies a terminal device of each player corresponding to each of the plurality of characters matched by the first matching processing unit of information indicating that the specified condition has been satisfied.

According to the present invention, the player corresponding to the character matched in the first match can know that a predetermined condition has been met in the game in the first match.

(7) In addition, in the game system, the program, the information storage medium, and the server device according to the present invention,
The terminal device of each player may further include a display control unit that displays a list of information on opponent players who meet the predetermined conditions for the player. According to the present invention, the player can see at a glance the list of opponent players who may develop into a second matching.

(8) In addition, in the game system, the program, the information storage medium, and the server device according to the present invention,
Each player's terminal device may further include a display control unit that displays a list of the judgment results of the judgment unit in each game in which the player's character participates with another character matched by the first matching processing unit.

According to the present invention, the player can check at a glance the list of judgment results of the first matching game in which the player's character participated, which can increase the player's motivation to play the next second matching game.

(9) In addition, in the game system, the program, the information storage medium, and the server device according to the present invention,
The determination unit is
The predetermined condition may be controlled so as to be set based on information input by the player. According to the present invention, the predetermined condition can be set to reflect the player's will.

(10) In addition, in the game system, the program, the information storage medium, and the server device according to the present invention,
The second matching processing unit includes:
When it is determined that the specified condition is satisfied, a determination may be made as to whether or not a plurality of players corresponding to each of the plurality of characters matched by the first matching processing unit are in a state where they are able to participate in the same game, and when it is determined that they are in a state where they are able to participate, a process may be performed to make the plurality of players eligible to be matched.

According to the present invention, second matching is possible when the situation is such that the other player can definitely participate, so that second matching can be performed at an appropriate time.

(11) In addition, in the game system, the program, the information storage medium, and the server device according to the present invention,
The system may further include a notification unit that, when it is determined that the specified condition is satisfied, notifies a terminal device of each player corresponding to each of the plurality of characters matched by the first matching processing unit of information indicating the login tendencies of players of the other matched characters.

According to the present invention, it is possible to know the login tendency of the other player in the first match, and to log in when the other player is able to participate, thereby giving the player an opportunity for second matching.

(12) In addition, in the game system, the program, the information storage medium, and the server device according to the present invention,
a reception unit that receives, for each player, whether or not the player desires to be matched by the second matching processing unit,
The second matching processing unit includes:
When it is determined that the specified condition is satisfied, and a plurality of players corresponding to each of the plurality of characters matched by the first matching processing unit have accepted a request for matching by the second matching processing unit as acceptable, a process may be performed to make the plurality of players available for matching.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reflect the player's intention regarding matching through the second matching.

(13) In addition, in the game system, the program, the information storage medium, and the server device according to the present invention,
The system may further include a notification unit that, when the game processing unit progresses a game in which characters corresponding to each of the multiple players matched by the second matching processing unit participate, notifies the multiple players as to whether or not a predetermined relationship is established between the multiple players based on input information of each of the multiple players.

According to the present invention, the notification can provide an opportunity to consider establishing a predetermined relationship, and encourage continued game play between players who have been matched together through the second match.

(14) In addition, in the game system, the program, the information storage medium, and the server device according to the present invention,
The determination unit is
It may also be possible to determine whether or not the abilities of the multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit are comparable in a game in which they participate, and if it is determined that they are comparable, to determine that the specified condition is satisfied.

According to the present invention, when the skills of the players in the first matched game are comparable, it is determined that a predetermined condition is met and the game progresses to a second match, making it possible to achieve a high-quality second match.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a server device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of player information according to the embodiment. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example of information on a character corresponding to a player according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of game play information of a player according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen relating to a first matching in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for a predetermined condition according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen of match results in each game of the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen of second matching candidates (real match candidates) in this embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to the present embodiment.

The present embodiment will be described below. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[1] Game System First, an overview and a general configuration of the game system of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of the game system of this embodiment.

The server device 10 is an information processing device capable of providing a given service (for example, a service for exchanging business cards with players or a service for allowing players to play games) using a terminal device (game device) 20 that is communicatively connected via the Internet (an example of a network).

The terminal device 20 is an information processing device such as a game device, smartphone, mobile phone, PHS, computer, game device, PDA, portable game machine, image generating device, etc., and is a device that can be connected to the server device 10 via a network such as the Internet (WAN) or LAN.

[1.1] Game System Configured as a Client-Server Model As shown in FIG. 1, the game system of this embodiment comprises a server device 10 and a terminal device 20.
(For example, terminal devices 20A, 20B, and 20C) may be configured to be connectable to the Internet (an example of a network).

By accessing the server device 10 from the terminal device 20, the player can play the game based on information transmitted from the server device 10 via the Internet.

In this embodiment, each game may be provided to the terminal device 20 by a single server device 10, or multiple server devices 10 may be linked together to form a server system and each game may be provided to the terminal device 20.

Although not shown, the game system may be a system in which a game server device that executes the game, a matching server device that performs matching control, and terminal devices 20 are mutually connected via the Internet.

In addition, various processes related to the present invention may be performed only by the server device 10, or various processes related to the present invention may be performed only by the terminal device 20.

[1.2] Terminal Device In this embodiment, the terminal device may be realized by a single game device having the functions of the server device 10, that is, a device that operates independently (standalone) without relying on other devices such as a server device.

In addition, in this embodiment, the present invention may be realized by the terminal device 20 alone, without connecting to the server device 10. For example, the present invention may be realized as a game system realized by multiple terminal devices 20 through P2P (peer-to-peer) communication.

The system may be realized by connecting multiple such terminal devices by wire or wirelessly, with one terminal device functioning as the server device 10.

The terminal device may be not only a game device, but also a tablet information terminal device, a personal computer, or a game device (casing) installed in an amusement park.

[1.3] Cloud-based Game System The game system of this embodiment may be a cloud-based game system. For example, in a cloud-based game system, the server device 10 (cloud device) alone performs basic processing (including game processing, drawing processing, etc.), and the terminal device 20 only controls the display of the processing results of the server device 10 (cloud device). The terminal device 20 only transmits information such as controller input information to the server device 10. In this case, the terminal device 20 may transmit information other than the input information.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the functions of the processing unit 200 of the terminal device 20 and the execution of the game program, except for input, may be executed by the server device 10, and the terminal device 20 may realize the above game by executing input and image display by streaming.

The game system may also store information stored in the server device 10 and information stored in the terminal device 20 in a given storage area on the Internet.

[1.4] Terminal Device Equipped with Multiple Controllers In the present embodiment, one terminal device 20 may be equipped with multiple controllers (input units 260). Note that when multiple players play a game using their own controllers on one terminal device 20, it is assumed that the multiple players are actually close to each other.

[1.5] Example of a Social Game The server device 10 may function as an SNS server that provides a communication-type service. Here, the SNS server may be an information processing device that provides a service that allows communication between multiple players.

In addition, when the server device 10 functions as an SNS server, for example, it is capable of providing games known as social games that are executed using the operating environment (API (Application Programming Interface), platform, etc.) of the SNS that it provides.

Unlike existing online games, social games include games that do not require dedicated client software and can be played with just a web browser and an SNS account. The server device 10 is also configured to connect to other players' terminal devices 20 via a network and provide an online game in which players can share the same game progress online at the same time.

[1.6] Examples of Browser Games In particular, the server device 10 may provide games provided on the web browser of the terminal device 20, such as browser games (games that can be launched simply by opening the installation site in the web browser) created in various languages, such as HTML, FLASH (registered trademark), CGI, PHP, shockwave, Java (registered trademark) applet, and JavaScript (registered trademark).

The terminal device 20 also has a web browser capable of viewing web pages (data in HTML format). That is, the terminal device 20 has a communication control function for communicating with the server device 10, and a web browser function for controlling display using data received from the server device 10 (web data, data created in HTML format, etc.), as well as transmitting player operation data to the server device 10, and executes various processes for providing a game screen to the player and allowing the player to play the game. However, the terminal device 20 may also acquire game control information provided by the server device 10, execute a predetermined game process, and play a game based on the game process.

Specifically, when the terminal device 20 makes a request to the server device 10 to play a predetermined game, the terminal device 20 is connected to the game site of the server device 10 and the game begins. In particular, the terminal device 20 may be configured to use an API as necessary to cause the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server to perform a predetermined process, or to obtain player information and the like managed by the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server to execute the game.

[1.7] Others The server device 10 may be composed of one (device, processor) or multiple (devices, processors). Information (e.g., player information, game information, etc.) stored in the memory area (memory unit 170 described later) of the server device 10 may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (intranet or internet). The communication line between the terminal device 20 and the server device 10 may be wired or wireless.

[2] Server Device Next, the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the server device 10 of this embodiment. Also, the server device 10 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (parts) of Fig. 2 are omitted.

The server device 10 includes an input unit 160 for use in input by the administrator and others, an information storage medium 180 in which specific information is stored, a communication unit 196 for communicating with the terminal device 20 and others, a processing unit 100 that mainly executes processing related to the game to be provided, and a storage unit 170 that mainly stores various data used in the game.

The input unit 160 is used by a system administrator or the like to input game-related settings and other necessary settings and data. For example, the input unit 160 in this embodiment is configured with a mouse, keyboard, etc.

The information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions are realized by optical disks (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disks (MO), magnetic disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, or memory (ROM), etc.

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (e.g., terminals, other servers, or other network systems), and its functions are configured by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc.

The memory unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, etc., and its functions are realized by a RAM (VRAM) etc. The information stored in the memory unit 170 may be managed by a database.

In addition to the main memory unit 171, the memory unit 170 of this embodiment also includes an image buffer 172, a game data memory unit 174 in which game information indicating information related to the game is stored, and a player information memory unit (user information memory unit) 176.

In particular, the game data storage unit 174 stores information about the game space (game field) in which the game is played, information about the virtual camera, setting values used in the game, etc.

The player information storage unit 176 also stores player information (user information) for each player (user) in association with a player ID. The player ID is player identification information for identifying the player.

Note that player information may be a concept that includes not only player information associated with a player, but also information about the player's character, the player's gameplay information, etc.

The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main memory unit 171 in the memory unit 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs.

The processing unit 100 performs various processes of this embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores programs for causing a computer to function as each part of this embodiment (programs for causing a computer to execute the processes of each part).

For example, the processing unit 100 (processor) controls the entire server device 10 based on a program stored in the information storage medium 180, and performs various processes such as controlling the transfer of data between each unit. Furthermore, the processing unit 100 performs processes to provide various services in response to requests from the terminal device 20.

In this embodiment, the server device 10 may perform some or all of the processing of the processing unit 100, or the terminal device 20 may perform some of the processing of the processing unit 100.

The processing unit 100 includes a first matching processing unit 111, a second matching processing unit 112, a game processing unit 113, a judgment unit 114, a game play information control unit 115, a display control unit 116, a reception unit 119, a communication control unit 120, a Web processing unit 121, a management unit 122, a notification unit 123, an image generation unit 130, and a sound processing unit 140.

The first matching processing unit 111 performs processing to enable matching of multiple characters, including a character corresponding to a player controlled by a computer, based on the player's game play information.

The first matching processing unit 111 may also be capable of matching multiple randomly extracted characters, or may be capable of matching a character of a specific player with multiple characters including another character (a character corresponding to another player) selected based on the selection operation of the player.

When it is determined that a predetermined condition is met, the second matching processing unit 112 performs processing to enable matching of multiple players corresponding to each of the multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit 111.

When it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied, the second matching processing unit 112 determines whether or not the multiple players corresponding to each of the multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit 111 are in a state where they can participate in the same game, and when it is determined that they are in a state where they can participate, performs processing to make the multiple players matchable.

In addition, when it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied and multiple players corresponding to each of the multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit 111 have accepted the request for matching by the second matching processing unit as acceptable, the second matching processing unit 112 performs processing to enable matching of the multiple players.

The game processing unit 113 executes game processing. For example, the game processing unit 113 progresses a game in which multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit 111 participate.

The game processing unit 113 also progresses a game in which each character corresponding to each of the multiple players matched by the second matching processing unit 112 participates, based on the input information of each of the multiple players.

The game processing unit 113 may also control a character corresponding to a player controlled by a computer based on the latest updated game play information of that player.

The determination unit 114 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is met in a game in which multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit 111 participate.

For example, the determination unit 114 determines whether a predetermined condition is met based on at least one of progress information of a game in which multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit 111 participate and result information of the game.

The determination unit 114 may also determine whether or not the abilities of the characters in a game in which multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit 111 participate are comparable, and if it is determined that the abilities are comparable, determine that a predetermined condition is met.

The determination unit 114 may also determine that a predetermined condition is satisfied when a predetermined event occurs during a game in which multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit 111 participate.

The determination unit 114 may also be configured to control the setting of certain conditions based on the player's input information.

The game play information control unit 115 performs processing to update the game play information of a player according to the progress of the game in which the player is participating.

The display control unit 116 controls the display of given information on the terminal device 20. The display control unit 116 may also control transmission so that a game screen is displayed on the terminal device 20. In other words, the display control unit 116 generates display control information for the game screen, etc., and controls the generated display control information to be displayed on the player's terminal device 20.

The display control unit 116 performs control to display the game image (game screen) on the display unit 290 of the terminal device 20.

The display control unit 116 may also cause the terminal device of each player corresponding to the multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit 111 to display at least one of information about the matched other characters and information about the other players corresponding to the matched other characters.

The display control unit 116 may also display information about the character to be operated by the other player matched with the player and information about the other player on the terminal device of each player matched with the player by the second matching processing unit 112.

The display control unit 116 may also display a list on each player's terminal device 20 of information about opponent players who meet certain conditions for the player.

The display control unit 116 may also display a list of the judgment results of the judgment unit 114 for each game in which the player's character participates with another character matched by the first matching processing unit 111 for each player.

The reception unit 119 receives input from the player. The reception unit 119 may also receive touch input on a touch panel as the player's input. The reception unit 119 receives and accepts the contents of the input (touch position, timing, etc.) from the terminal device 20.

The receiving unit 119 also receives a given instruction from the player, and receives, for each player, whether or not the player desires to be matched by the second matching processing unit 112.

The reception unit 119 may also receive input, instructions, and matching preferences from the player through data transmission and reception by the communication control unit 120.

The communication control unit 120 establishes a connection (session or connection) with the terminal device 20 and performs processing to send and receive data via the network.

The web processing unit 121 functions as a web server. For example, the web processing unit 121 performs a process of transmitting data in response to a request from a web browser installed in the terminal device 20 through a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), and a process of receiving data transmitted by the web browser of the terminal device 20.

The management unit 122 manages game information and player information associated with the player's identification information for each player.

The notification unit 123 also notifies the player of given information. Note that "notifying" information means notifying (providing, presenting, displaying) the information to the player (player's terminal device 20).

For example, the notification unit 123 may accept a selection of a candidate player based on the player's input, and perform notification processing (notification processing by sound output, notification processing by display output, notification processing by vibration, etc.) on the terminal device of the selected candidate player.

The term "notification" refers to at least one of the following: the server device 10 sends information to the player's terminal device 20 by email (which may be a mail magazine, etc.) sent and received by SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), sending information by a given protocol, not limited to SMTP, sending a push notification, presenting (displaying) a given screen of a given application (banner display screen, notice screen, pop-up screen, etc.), and the web processing unit 121 of the server device 10 notifying the player by a web page. It indicates that the server device 10 actively sends information to the player's terminal device 20. In addition, the server device 10 may also send information to the requested terminal device 20 in response to a request from the player's terminal device 20, which may be considered as one form of "notification". In addition, a push notification refers to displaying a message window in a partial area (such as the top edge) of the screen of the terminal (smartphone).

In particular, when a predetermined condition is met, the notification unit 123 notifies the terminal device of each player corresponding to each of the multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit 111 of information indicating that the predetermined condition has been met.

In addition, when it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied, the notification unit 123 may notify the terminal device of each player corresponding to each of the multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit 111 of information indicating the login tendency of the player of the other matched characters.

In addition, when the game processing unit 113 progresses a game in which characters corresponding to each of multiple players matched by the second matching processing unit 112 participate, based on input information of each of the multiple players, the notification unit 123 may notify the multiple players of whether or not a specified relationship is established between the multiple players.

The image generation unit 130 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a program such as a video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, etc. The image generation unit 130 generates an image of one game screen per frame time (for example, 1/60th of a second) in accordance with the progress of the game. The generated image is transmitted to the terminal device 20.

The image generation unit 130 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating a game image, which is output to the image buffer 172 or transmitted to the terminal device 20. The image generation unit 130 may generate an image (a so-called three-dimensional image) that can be seen from a virtual camera (a given viewpoint) in the object space (game space).

For example, when the image generation unit 130 generates a three-dimensional game image, it first performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping, or perspective transformation, and creates drawing data (position coordinates of vertices of primitive surfaces, texture coordinates, color data, normal vectors, alpha values, etc.) based on the results of this processing. Then, based on this drawing data (primitive surface data), it draws the object (one or more primitive surfaces) after perspective transformation (after geometry processing) in the image buffer 172 (a buffer that can store image information in pixel units, such as a frame buffer or work buffer; VRAM). This generates an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (a given viewpoint) in the object space.

The sound processing unit 140 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates game sounds such as background music, sound effects, or voice, and transmits them to the terminal device 20.

The processing unit 100 works in conjunction with the terminal device 20 to execute game processing for the game provided in this embodiment for each player based on the player's input entered via the terminal device 20.

The processing unit 100 may also have a timer function, which may be used to synchronize with each terminal device 20 in order to manage the progress of the game. In particular, the current time and a preset time may be output to each unit.

[3] Terminal Device Next, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is an example of a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 20 of this embodiment. Also, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (parts) of Fig. 3 are omitted.

The input unit 260 allows the player to input operation data, and this function can be realized by a touch panel or a touch panel display, etc. That is, the input unit 260 has a detection unit 262 capable of detecting two-dimensional pointed position coordinates (x, y) on the screen on which an image is displayed. For example, the input unit 260 has a detection unit 262 capable of detecting two-dimensional contact position coordinates (x, y) in a contact detection area (touch panel).

Note that touch operations on the display screen (hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, referred to as the "touch panel") may be performed using a fingertip or an input device such as a touch pen.

Furthermore, the input unit 260 may include a button, lever, keyboard, steering wheel, microphone, acceleration sensor, etc., capable of inputting input information (operation signal) other than the indicated position.

The memory unit 270 serves as a work area for the processing unit 200, communication unit 296, etc., and its functions can be realized by a RAM (VRAM) or the like. In this embodiment, the memory unit 270 includes a main memory unit 271 used as a work area, an image buffer 272 in which the final display image and the like are stored, a game data memory unit 274, and a player information memory unit 276. Note that some of these may be omitted, or the memory unit 170 of the server device 10 may form part of them.

The image buffer 272 may store image data generated by the image generation unit 230 or image data received from the server device 10.

The game data storage unit 274 stores information about the game space (game field) in which the game is played, information about each character, information about the virtual camera, and other setting values used in the game. The terminal device 20 may also store information received from the server device 10 in the game data storage unit 274.

The player information storage unit 276 stores player information. The terminal device 20 may receive player information corresponding to a player ID from the server device 10 and store the information in the player information storage unit 276.

The information storage medium 280 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or a memory (ROM), etc.

In addition, the information storage medium 280 can store programs for causing a computer to function as each part of this embodiment (programs for causing a computer to execute the processing of each part). Note that the processing unit 200 performs various processes of this embodiment based on the programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 280, as described below.

The display unit 290 outputs the image generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, HMD (head mounted display), etc.

In particular, in this embodiment, the display unit 290 also functions as an input unit 260 where the player operates the game by using a touch panel display. Here, the touch panel that can be used may be, for example, a resistive film type (four-wire type, five-wire type), a capacitive type, an electromagnetic induction type, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave type, an infrared scanning type, or the like.

The sound output unit 292 outputs the sound generated by this embodiment, and this function can be realized by a speaker or headphones, etc.

The communication unit 296 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (e.g., the server device 10 or other terminal devices 20), and its functions can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc.

The terminal device 20 receives, via the network, programs and data for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment, which are stored in the information storage medium 180 or the storage unit 170 of the server device 10, and stores the received programs and data in the information storage medium 28.
0 or the storage unit 270. The case where the terminal device 20 functions by receiving the program or data in this manner is also included within the scope of the present invention.

The processing unit 200 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, image generation processing, and sound generation processing in conjunction with the server device 10 based on input data and programs from the input unit 260.

In particular, in this embodiment, game processing includes processing for starting a game when a game start condition is met, processing for progressing the game, processing for placing objects such as characters and enemy characters, processing for displaying objects, processing for calculating game results, and processing for ending a game when a game end condition is met.

The processing unit 200 also performs game processing (e.g., processing of a competitive game, etc.) based on the player's input information input by the input unit 260. The processing unit 200 may be executed in conjunction with the server device 10, or a part or all of the processing unit 200 may be formed in the server device 10.

The processing unit 200 performs various processes using the memory unit 270 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 200 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs.

The processing unit 200 includes a display control unit 211, a reception unit 212, a notification unit 213, a communication control unit 220, a web browser 221, an image generation unit 230, and a sound processing unit 240. Note that some of these may be omitted.

The display control unit 211 performs processing to display a game screen on the display unit 290. For example, the display control unit 211 may display the game screen using a web browser 221. Furthermore, the display control unit 211 causes the display unit 290 to display information required during the game based on information transmitted from the server device 10. For example, the terminal device 20 displays the display information of the game screen received from the server device 10.

The display control unit 211 may also perform processing similar to all or part of the processing performed by the display control unit 116 of the server device 10.

The reception unit 212 performs processing to receive input from the player. For example, the reception unit 212 may transmit input information received by the terminal device 20 to the server device 10, which then receives the input information. The reception unit 212 may also perform processing similar to all or part of the processing performed by the reception unit 119 of the server device 10.

The notification unit 213 notifies the player of given information. For example, the notification unit 213 displays the information on the game screen. The notification unit 213 may also perform the same processing as the notification unit 123 of the server device 10, in whole or in part.

The communication control unit 220 performs processing to transmit and receive data to and from each of the server devices 10. The communication control unit 220 also performs processing to store data received from the server device 10 in the storage unit 270, to analyze the received data, and to control processing related to the transmission and reception of other data.

The communication control unit 220 may store and manage destination information (network information such as IP addresses and port numbers) of other terminal devices 20 and the server device 10 in the storage unit 270 or the information storage medium 280. The communication control unit 220 may communicate with the server device 10 when it receives input information for starting communication from the player.

In particular, the communication control unit 220 performs the process of transmitting the player's identification information and input information to the server device 10 and receiving data (the player's web page, game screen, etc.) from the server device 10.

The communication control unit 220 may transmit and receive data to and from the server device 10 at a predetermined cycle, or may transmit and receive data to and from the server device 10 when input information is received from the input unit 260. In particular, the communication control unit 220 of this embodiment performs processing to receive given screen information (e.g., information about a game screen, etc.) from the server device 10.

The web browser 221 is an application program for viewing web pages (game screens), and downloads HTML files, image files, etc. from the web server (server device 10), analyzes the layout, and controls the display. The web browser 221 also sends data to the web server (server device 10) using input forms (links, buttons, text boxes, etc.).

The web browser 221 of this embodiment can realize a browser game. For example, the web browser 221 may execute a program written in JavaScript (registered trademark), FLASH (registered trademark), Java (registered trademark), or the like, received from a web server (server device 10).

The terminal device 20 can display information from a web server specified by a URL (short for Uniform Resource Locator) via the Internet using the web browser 221. For example, the terminal device 20 can display a game screen (data such as HTML) received from the server device 10 using the web browser 221.

The image generation unit 230 performs drawing processing based on various processes (e.g., game processing) performed by the processing unit 200, thereby generating an image, which is output to the display unit 290 by the display control unit 211. The image generated by the image generation unit 230 may be a so-called two-dimensional image, or a so-called three-dimensional image. Note that the image generation unit 230 may perform processing similar to all or part of the processing performed by the image generation unit 130 of the server device 10.

The sound processing unit 240 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 200, generates game sounds such as background music, sound effects, or voice, and outputs them to the sound output unit 292. Note that the sound processing unit 240 may perform the same processing as the sound processing unit 140 of the server device 10 in whole or in part.

When the terminal device 20 of this embodiment plays a game with multiple terminal devices 20 by P2P or the like, one terminal device 20 may act as a host and execute processing. In such a case, the terminal device 20 as the host may perform the processing of the server device 10, such as the first matching processing unit 111, the second matching processing unit 112, the game processing unit 113, the determination unit 114, and the game play information control unit 115, just like the server device 10.

[4] Overview In this embodiment, a plurality of players play a game (for example, a battle game, a communication game, etc.) using characters operated by each player.

Conventionally, there are games that use characters (hereafter also referred to as "ghost characters") that are controlled by a computer (CPU) using the player's game play information. For example, in competitive games, many players practice using ghost characters beforehand before playing in real life.

In addition, when a character CA1 controlled by player A based on input information from player A and a character CB1 controlled by player B based on input information from player B are pitted against each other in a real battle, if the two players have similar skills, they may be able to play a satisfying game together. However, there are many things that cannot be determined until they actually battle each other, such as whether the game content was good or whether the opponent was a good match for the player, and so matching that allows for a game that is satisfying for both players is an issue.

In this embodiment, therefore, the ghost character CA1 of player A and the ghost character CB1 of player B are pitted against each other, and when certain conditions are met, such as a competitive game in which the two are closely matched, player A and player B are matched, and character CA1 is controlled based on input information from player A, and character CB1 is controlled based on input information from player B to execute the competitive game.

In this way, the ghost characters can be used not just for practice, but as a preliminary battle before the player actually enters the input controls to battle.

In addition, by playing against the opponent's ghost character in advance, the player can learn what kind of player the opponent is, what character he or she uses, and how he or she fights, without having to fight the player directly. This makes it possible to actually play a match after learning about the opponent's gameplay habits in advance. In other words, according to this embodiment, when players play against each other in real time, a fulfilling battle environment can be provided for both players, enabling high-quality matching.

[5] Description of Player Information In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the server device 10 manages information on a plurality of players (for example, players A, B, C, D, etc.) to which the game is provided.

For example, the server device 10 stores player information for each player in the player information storage unit 176 in association with the player ID. For example, the server device 10 of this embodiment stores the player name, player level, game play time, and results (the number of victories, draws, and losses of the opponent) in the game (e.g., a competitive game) provided as player information in the player information storage unit 176.

The player level is a value that indicates the player's overall game level, and is a parameter that increases as the game progresses. The player level may also be a value that indicates the player's skill or ability. In such cases, the higher the value, the higher the level (skill, ability).

The game play time is the total time that the player has played the game. The results indicate the results of the game played by the player against the opposing player (number of wins, draws, losses). The results may be managed separately for the results of games played based on the player's own input information and the results of games controlled by the computer based on the player's game play information, or they may be managed together.

The server device 10 may obtain the game experience history of the player from a game management server of an operating company that provides various games, and store the game experience history as part of the player's information in association with the player ID. The game experience history includes information other than the games provided by the server device 10. For example, for each game, it may include whether or not the game has been played, the game play time if there has been game play experience, the game result history, the player level, the character level, etc.

The server device 10 may also store the player's login history (login date and time and logout date and time) in the player information storage unit 176 as part of the player's information, in association with the player ID for each player. The server device 10 may analyze the login trends (login time zone, login day of the week, etc.) based on the login history for each player.

Additionally, the player information may further include at least one of the following information:
(1) The player's nickname (2) The player's current experience points, points, and rewards earned,
(3) Information about other players with whom the player has a certain relationship (friendship); (4) Information about charges, such as charge history and charge amount; (5) Player parameters (points)
(6) If the player belongs to a team, the name of the team, its ID, and information on the team's performance. Player information is updated at predetermined intervals. For example, the predetermined intervals include every given period (e.g., every 5 minutes), when the player logs in or out, a specified time in the game (e.g., 8:00 a.m.), when a specified event occurs (when any individual or team match ends), etc.

The player's terminal device 20 may receive player information of the player's player ID from the server device 10 and store it in the player information storage unit 276 of the terminal device 20.

[6] Description of Character Information In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the server device 10 stores, for each player, character information corresponding to the player in the player information storage unit 176.

Note that "a character corresponding to a player" can be rephrased as "the player's character," "a character owned by the player," or "a character associated with a player ID (player identification information)."

For example, the server device 10 stores, in the player information storage unit 176, a character ID (identification information for identifying a character), a character name, a character level, game play time, and results (number of victories, number of draws, number of losses, etc.) in association with the player ID as character information.

The character ID is information for identifying a character. In this embodiment, the player can own different types of characters. Also, in this embodiment, the player may be limited to owning only one character of the same type, or may own multiple characters of the same type.

The level is a value that indicates the ability of a character, and may also be referred to as rank or rank. The higher the level value, the higher the ability of the character. For example, in the fighting game provided in this embodiment, the higher the level, the stronger the character.

The level of each character is a separate parameter from the player's level. Game play time is the total time spent playing the game using that character. Performance indicates the results (number of wins, draws, and losses) of a match game in which the player plays against an opposing player using that character. The total of the number of wins, draws, and losses for each character becomes the number of wins, draws, and losses for the player. For example, the total of the number of wins for player A's characters CA1 and CA2 becomes player A's number of wins.

In this embodiment, one player may be associated with (possess) one character, or one player may be associated with (possess) multiple characters.

Furthermore, the character information may further include at least one of the following information:
(1) Character parameters (stamina, experience, level, ability), characteristics and attributes,
(2) Information on the characters of other players with whom the player has a predetermined relationship (friend relationship); (3) Position information indicating the position of the character in the game space;
(4) If the player belongs to a team, the character ID of the character belonging to the team and position information indicating the position of each character within the game space. In addition, the player's terminal device 20 may receive information on the character having the player's player ID from the server device 10 and store it in the player information storage unit 276 of the terminal device 20.

[7] Game Play Information In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the server device 10 stores the game play information of each player in the player information storage unit 176 in association with the player ID.

"Game play information" is information recorded in a format that can be used as control data for a character (ghost character) controlled by a computer (CPU). In other words, "game play information" is associated with at least a player ID.

For example, the server device 10 stores the player ID, the character ID of the character, and the input history (operation history) as game play information in the player information storage unit 176.

If there are multiple stages (missions, quests), gameplay information may be stored for each stage in association with a stage ID (stage identification number).

For example, the server device 10 stores the input history CA1-1 associated with player ID=A and character ID=CA1 in the memory area of the player information storage unit 176.

The "input history" is, for example, a history of input information actually input by a player according to the time lapse from the start of a game to the end of a game period such as a round, stage, or quest. For example, the "input history" can be the presence or absence of a command input by the player for each frame (for example, every 1/60th of a second), and if there is a command input, the content of the command (such as a command for moving, punching, kicking, jumping, walking, dashing, crouching, moving sideways, guarding, etc.). In other words, the "input history" can be the presence or absence of an input signal by the player for each frame (for example, every 1/60th of a second), and if there is an input signal, the content of the input signal, for example, an input signal indicating the direction input by the player (for example, the up, down, left, and right directions indicated by the lever), and an input signal corresponding to a limb activation technique input by the player (right punch, left punch, right kick, left kick).

The server device 10 may determine whether a "predetermined event" has been triggered based on the input history, and if a predetermined event has been triggered, may store the triggering details of the predetermined event in the player information storage unit 176 as part of the game play information. A "predetermined event" may be a special attack (e.g., a throwing technique, a combo), etc.

The server device 10 may determine the battle pattern based on the input history and store the battle pattern in the player information storage unit 176 as part of the game play information. For example, the server device 10 may determine the battle pattern from the input history as one of an upper attack pattern, an interruption attack pattern, and a lower attack pattern.

In addition, if a character violates etiquette (for example, attacking a fallen enemy), the server device 10 may associate information about the violation with the character ID (or the player ID corresponding to the character ID) and store the information in the player information storage unit 176 as part of the game play information.

The server device 10 may also associate character design information (such as information about clothing and hairstyle) with the character ID and store the information in the player information storage unit 176 as game play information.

The server device 10 may also record the update date and time in association with the game play information.

For example, the server device 10 performs a process of updating the game play information of a player according to the progress of the game in which the player participates.

The player's terminal device 20 may receive game play information for the player's player ID from the server device 10 and store it in the player information storage unit 276 of the terminal device 20.

[8] Character Control [8.1] Character Control Based on Input Information The server device 10 controls a character associated with a player based on input information (operation information, input operation) of the player.

For example, in a "competitive game between real players," character CA1 associated with player A is controlled based on input information from player A, and character CB1 associated with player B is controlled based on input information from player B, and a competitive game is executed in which character CA1 and character CB1 compete against each other.

In this embodiment, in the second match, the character is controlled based on the player's input information.

[8.2] Character Control Based on Computer Control The server device 10 may also control a character associated with a player by a computer based on game play information associated with the player.

In this embodiment, in the first match, at least one or both characters are controlled based on computer control.

The server device 10 controls the character corresponding to the computer-controlled player based on the latest updated game play information of that player. In this way, ghost character battles can be conducted based on the latest information.

[9] First Matching In this embodiment, first, a process is performed to enable matching (combination) of multiple characters including a ghost character (a character corresponding to a player controlled by a computer based on the game play information of the player). In other words, the server device 10 performs a process to generate a group consisting of multiple characters that participate in the same game together.

[9.1] Matching Including Ghost Characters For example, the server device 10 may enable matching between ghost characters in a one-on-one battle game.

The server device 10 may also enable matching in a one-on-one competitive game, with one player acting as a ghost character and the other as a character controlled based on input information from the player.

In addition, in a game in which three or more characters participate as a group, the server device 10 may set at least one character as a ghost character to enable character matching.

[9.2] First Matching Rule The server device 10 may be configured to enable matching between a plurality of randomly selected characters.

The server device 10 may also be configured to enable matching of a given player's character (a character controlled based on the player's input information, or a character controlled by a computer based on game play information corresponding to the player) with multiple characters, including characters corresponding to other players selected based on the selection operation of the player.

For example, when the server device 10 receives a selection of a ghost character as an opponent from player A, it may also receive a selection from player A of a character (e.g., character CB1) to be used as a ghost character from among a plurality of characters other than the character corresponding to player A (e.g., characters CB1, CC1, CD1).

The server device 10 may be configured to enable matching regardless of the levels of the multiple characters to be matched or the player level.

The server device 10 may also be configured to match multiple characters so that the levels of the characters to be matched are the same or the level difference is within a predetermined value (for example, the level difference between the characters to be matched is within 5).

In addition, when the player level indicates skill, the server device 10 may enable matching so that the levels of the players corresponding to the multiple characters to be matched are the same or the level difference is within a predetermined value.

[9.3] Display control The server device 10 may be configured to display, on the terminal device of each player corresponding to the multiple characters matched by the first matching, at least one of information about the matched other characters and information about the other players corresponding to the matched other characters.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when a character CA1 corresponding to player A and a character CB1 corresponding to player B are matched in the first matching, the server device 10 displays information about player A and information about the opponent on the terminal device 20A of player A. The opponent's information is, for example, information about character CB1 and information about player B. To be more specific, the server device 10 displays the player name, character name, and character level of player A himself on the terminal device 20A of player A, and displays the player name, character name, and character level of the opponent player B.

In addition, although not shown, the server device 10 controls the terminal device 20B of player B to display information about the opponent, i.e., at least one of the information about character CA1 and the information about player A.

[10] Game Processing by First Matching The server device 10 allows the multiple characters matched in the first matching to participate in the same game, and progresses the game in which they play together.

For example, the game in this embodiment is a competitive game, and the player whose vitality value reaches 0 first within the time limit (for example, within 60 seconds) or who is judged to be knocked out first loses. The other player is then judged to have won. If neither player's vitality value has reached 0 when the time limit is 0, the player with the greater vitality value is judged to have won. Also, if both players are judged to have been knocked out or if both players have the same vitality value when the time limit is 0, it is judged to be a draw.

In a competitive game, the winner of one round (one stage, one quest) may be determined. For example, the player who wins a certain number of rounds (e.g., three rounds) first (e.g., three rounds first) may be determined to be the winner, and the other player may be determined to be the loser.

For example, in a "battle game matching ghost characters," character CA1 associated with player A is controlled by a computer based on game play information associated with player ID=A and character ID=CA1, and character CB1 associated with player B is controlled by a computer based on game play information associated with player ID=B and character ID=CB1, and a battle game is executed in which character CA1 and character CB1 battle against each other.

The player who operates the character matched in the first matching inputs commands and plays a battle game. For example, character CA1 associated with player A may be controlled based on input information from player A, and character CB1 associated with player B may be controlled by a computer based on game play information associated with player ID=B and character ID=CB1, and a battle game may be executed in which character CA1 and character CB1 battle against each other.

The player corresponding to the ghost character matched in the first match may be able to view the game progressing in real time on the player's terminal device.

The player corresponding to the ghost character matched in the first match does not have to view the game proceeding in real time. For example, on the terminal device of the player, after the end of the competitive game, the player may be able to view the results of the match or a replay video of the competitive game based on the player's operation. In this way, the player can know how the ghost character fought.

[11] Determination Process Then, the server device 10 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game in which the multiple characters matched in the first matching participate.

The specified conditions are the conditions for transitioning from a battle between computer-controlled ghost characters (ghost battle) to a battle between characters controlled by the player's input operations (real battle).

In other words, the predetermined conditions are conditions for evaluating whether the first match was a good match or not, etc. In other words, if the match is good, the player is deemed to have passed and a second match to challenge a real match is permitted, whereas if the match is bad, the player is deemed to have failed and a second match to challenge a real match is not permitted.

Specifically, the following describes an example in which the server device 10 matches a character CA1 (ghost character CA1) corresponding to computer-controlled player A with a character CB1 (ghost character CB1) corresponding to computer-controlled player B through the first matching.

[11.1] Specified Conditions For example, the server device 10 may determine whether or not a game in which multiple characters CA1, CB1 matched through a first matching participates is close, and if it is determined that the game is close, determine that a specified condition is satisfied.

For example, the server device 10 determines whether the game is close or not based on the game result, the length of the game period until the game result is determined, the level of each character, etc.

For example, if the level of character CA1 is lower than the level of character CB1 and character CA1 wins or draws, it may be determined that the game is close and that a specified condition is met.

Also, for example, if character CA1 wins by winning three rounds and character CB1 is determined to have lost, if character CA1 loses a round, it may be determined that the game is close.

Also, if the game period from the start of the game to when the game result is determined is longer than a predetermined period (3 minutes or more), it may be determined that the game is close.

The server device 10 may also determine that a predetermined condition is met when at least one character in a game in which multiple characters matched through the first matching participates performs a predetermined event (e.g., a special technique such as a "body drop") during the game.

The server device 10 may also determine that a predetermined condition is met when the battle patterns of multiple characters matched by the first matching are the same in a game in which the multiple characters participate.

The server device 10 may also determine whether a predetermined condition is met based on the parameters of the characters, such as win rate and stamina value, in a game in which multiple characters matched by the first matching participate.

The server device 10 may also control the setting of certain conditions based on the player's input information.

Figure 8 shows an example of a setting screen for the predetermined conditions displayed on the terminal device 20A of player A. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the server device 10 accepts input from player A as to whether or not each condition has been set. Note that there may be one condition or multiple conditions. Then, in the game based on the first matching, if all the set conditions are satisfied, it is determined that player A's predetermined conditions have been satisfied.

As the conditions for switching from a ghost match to a real match, Player A sets the condition "When a player wins or draws against an opponent stronger than the player" to "Yes" and the condition "When a specified event is triggered" to "No" and then inputs the "Set" button. If the player wins or draws against an opponent stronger than the player (a character with a higher level than the player's character) in the ghost match, it will be determined that the specified conditions have been met and the player will be able to challenge a real match.

The server device 10 basically determines whether or not a predetermined condition has been met at the end of the first matching game, but may also determine whether or not a predetermined condition has been met at various times during the game (e.g., when an event occurs), when saving, etc.

The server device 10 also sets a predetermined condition for each player in association with the player ID. In other words, the predetermined conditions for each of the multiple players may be the same or different. For example, if the predetermined conditions are different for player A and player B, even if player B exists as a player who satisfies the predetermined conditions for player A, player A may not exist as a player who satisfies the predetermined conditions for player B. In such a case, player A may challenge player B to a match for the second matching, and if player B accepts, the second matching between player A and player B may be made possible.

[11.2] List display The server device 10 may also display on each player's terminal device 20 a list of the judgment results (judgment results as to whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied) for each game in which multiple characters, including the characters of the players matched in the first matching, participate.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the server device 10 controls the display on player A's terminal device 20A (the display unit of terminal device 20A) of a screen (ghost match result screen) including the match number, match date, player A's character used in the match, opponent information (opponent player name, opponent character name), ghost match result, pass/fail (pass/fail result of whether or not a certain condition for transitioning from a ghost match to a real match was met), ghost match evaluation, a "Match" button corresponding to an instruction to a real match, and the opponent's login status for each game match of the first matching.

As shown in FIG. 9, if the predetermined conditions associated with player A are met, the player is judged as having "passed," and if the predetermined conditions for transitioning from a ghost match to a real match are not met, the player is judged as having "failed."

For example, the ghost match numbered "2" is a match between the player's character CA2 and character CB1, and if character CA2 is level "6" and opponent character CB1 is level "35", then the player's character CA2 will have defeated character CB1, whose level is 10 or more levels higher. In such a case, the content of the match is deemed highly rated by character CA2, and a star mark is displayed. If a player with a lower level defeats a player with a higher level, and the level difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 10 or more), a strong message such as "overthrowing the ruling class" may be displayed.

The ghost match numbered "6" is a match between the player's character CA1 and character CE1, with character CA1's level being "30" and opponent character CE1's level being "35." In other words, character CA1 is matched up against character CE1 who is at a higher level than the player's character and whose level difference is less than a predetermined value (e.g., less than 10). If character CA1 wins against character CE1, the match content is judged to be an average evaluation for character CA1, and a circle mark is displayed.

The ghost matches with numbers "1", "3" and "5" did not meet the specified conditions and were therefore deemed to have failed, with the lowest possible evaluation being displayed as a cross mark.

In addition, the ghost match numbered "4" was unsuccessful because it did not meet the specified conditions, but if the specified conditions associated with the opposing player were met, the match content would be judged as low rated by character CA1 and a triangular mark would be displayed. For example, suppose a match is between your character CA1 and character CD1, and character CA1's level is "30" and the opposing character CD1's level is "20". In this case, character CA1 has lost to CD1, who is at a lower level than character CA1, so the match content is judged as low rated by character CA1 and a triangular mark would be displayed.

In addition, since the ghost battles with numbers "2" and "6" have met certain conditions, the "Battle" button is displayed to allow players to input instructions for a real battle.

In addition, Michael, the opponent in the ghost match with number "2," is currently logged in, indicating that Player A is currently in a situation where he can play a real match with a real opponent by inputting inputs.

The server device 10 may also display a list of information about opponent players who meet certain conditions for the player on each player's terminal device 20.

In other words, as shown in FIG. 10, the server device 10 displays on the terminal device 20A of the player A (the display unit of the terminal device 20A) a list of players who are opponents of the character of the player A (or any of the characters, if there are multiple characters such as CA1 or CA2) in each game in the first matching and who satisfy a predetermined condition, that is, a list of second matching candidates (real match candidates).

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when a character CA1 of player A and a character CB1, which is an opponent character, play a game in a first matching and satisfy a predetermined condition, the server device 10 may display the following as a second matching candidate on the terminal device 20A of player A:
The display control is performed to display information about the player B (player name) of the character CB1. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the evaluation of the first matching and information about whether the opponent is logged in or not may be displayed. In addition, although not shown, the character name, level, and match result of the opponent in the first matching may also be displayed.

[11.3] Notification Furthermore, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the server device 10 may be configured to notify the terminal device of each player corresponding to each of the multiple characters matched in the first matching of information indicating that the predetermined condition has been satisfied.

For example, in the first matching game, player A's character CA1 and player B's character CB1 compete against each other, character CA1's level is "30" and opponent player B's character CB1's level is "35", with character CA1 winning and character CB1 losing.

The server device 10 may then notify the terminal device 20A of player A and the terminal device 20B of player B of a common message. For example, the server device 10 may notify the terminal device 20A of player A and the terminal device 20B of player B of a message M1 stating, "Character CA1 (level 30) has defeated character CB1 (level 35)."

The server device 10 may also notify different messages to the terminal device 20A of player A and the terminal device 20B of player B.

For example, in this embodiment, the notification content may be changed depending on the hierarchical relationship between player A and player B.

Specifically, when a character CA1 of player A and a character CB1 of player B compete against each other in a first matching game, the server device 10 determines that one of players A and B is the higher-ranked player and the other is the lower-ranked player.

For example, the upper and lower rank players may be determined based on the level of the characters. That is, if the level of character CA1 used by player A in the first matching game is "30" and the level of character CB1 used by player B in the first matching game is "35", then player B will be the upper rank player and player A will be the lower rank player.

In this embodiment, players with higher levels may be considered to be upper tier players and players with lower levels may be considered to be lower tier players, or players with longer game play times may be considered to be upper tier players and players with shorter game play times may be considered to be lower tier players. Players with longer experience of a certain game may be considered to be upper tier players and players with shorter experience of a certain game may be considered to be lower tier players. Players who possess a certain item may be considered to be upper tier players and players who do not possess a certain item may be considered to be lower tier players. Players who are ... determined to be upper tier players and lower tier players, respectively, based on this information.

And in the first matching game of this embodiment, let's say that character CA1 wins and character CB1 loses.

The server device 10 then notifies the terminal device 20A of the lower-ranked player A of a message M2 stating, "You have obtained the right to challenge player B in real life." Meanwhile, the server device 10 notifies the terminal device 20B of the higher-ranked player B of a message M3 stating, "Player A has appeared as a challenge candidate." In this way, it is possible to give both the lower-ranked player A and the higher-ranked player B a desire to compete in a match, and to motivate them to take on the second matching match.

The notification content may be changed based on the difference between the upper and lower ranks (e.g., the level difference). For example, in the first matching game, player A's character CA1 and player B's character CB1 are playing against each other, and character CA1's level is "30," while opponent player B's character CB1's level is "55," resulting in a level difference of 11 or more.

The server device 10 then notifies the terminal device 20A of the lower-ranked player A of a message M4 saying, "You have obtained the right to challenge player B in real life. You can now fight a strong opponent!". On the other hand, the server device 10 notifies the terminal device 20B of the higher-ranked player B of a message M5 saying, "A rival has appeared! Player A has finally appeared as a challenge candidate." In this way, appropriate notifications can be given to players A and B, which can inspire the fighting spirit of both players and further motivate both players to challenge the second matching battle.

[12] Second Matching When it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied, the server device 10 performs a process of making it possible to match (make it possible to combine) multiple players corresponding to the multiple characters matched in the first matching. In other words, the server device 10 performs a process of generating a group made up of multiple players who will participate in the same game.

In the second matching of this embodiment, if it is determined that a certain condition is met, such as the game being a close match in the first matching, matching is made possible so that a game can be played based on the player's input operations. In other words, the game played in the second matching is characterized in that the characters are not computer-controlled, but are operated and controlled by an actual player (human). In other words, the second matching may be interpreted as re-matching based on the player's input operations.

The second matching allows multiple players to be matched, but if one player is associated with one character, "allowing multiple players to be matched" may mean "allowing multiple characters to be matched."

The server device 10 may automatically enable the second matching by computer control (CPU control). For example, the server device 10 randomly selects one candidate from among multiple match candidates (players B, D, and G) that satisfy certain conditions for one player A, and enables the second matching by pairing player A with the selected player.

The opponent player for the second match may be determined from among multiple match candidates that satisfy a predetermined condition through a selection operation by the player. For example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, player A may click the "Match" button to select an opponent.

In addition, when it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied, the server device 10 may determine whether or not the multiple players corresponding to the multiple characters matched by the first matching are in a state where they can participate in the same game, and when it is determined that they are in a state where they can participate, perform a process to make the multiple players matchable. For example, the server device 10 may determine whether or not the multiple players are logged in, and when they are logged in, determine that they are in a state where they can participate.

[12.1] Display Before the start of the game, the server device 10 may display, on the terminal device of each player matched by the second matching, information about the characters to be operated by the other players matched with the player, and information about the other players.

[12.2] Notification Furthermore, when it is determined that predetermined conditions are satisfied, the server device 10 may notify the terminal device 20 of each player corresponding to each of the multiple characters matched by the first matching of information indicating the login tendencies of the players of the other matched characters.

For example, when player A's character CA1 plays a ghost match with opponent player B's character CB1 and certain conditions are met, server device 10 notifies player A's terminal device 20 of the match result, the judgment result of the judgment condition (pass/fail result), and the login time zone and login day of the week (one example of login tendency) of opponent player B in the real match. As a result, player A can log in when opponent player B is able to participate, and can provide player A with an opportunity for second matching. Note that login tendency includes player B's login time zone (e.g., between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.) and login day of the week (e.g., Saturday, Sunday). Server device 10 also notifies player B's terminal device 20 of the judgment result and player A's login tendency.

[12.3] Desirability of Second Matching The server device 10 may receive and manage in advance for each player whether or not he/she desires to be matched through the second matching.

Then, when it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied and multiple players corresponding to multiple characters matched in the first matching have accepted a request to be matched in the second matching, the server device 10 may perform a process to enable matching of the multiple players.

The server device 10 may also perform control to hide the "Battle" button for real battles shown in FIG. 9, for example, when at least one of the multiple players combined in the second matching declines the desire to be matched in the second matching.

[12.4] Cancellation of the Second Matching Furthermore, the server device 10 may cancel the second matching when receiving an instruction to cancel the second matching from at least one of the players in the second matching.

In addition, the server device 10 may perform control to hide the "Battle" button for real battle shown in FIG. 9 when, for example, an instruction to cancel matching through the second matching is received.

[12.5] Others Furthermore, the server device 10 may perform control so as not to carry out the second matching if at least one of the multiple players who have been paired together to allow the second matching has a history of violating etiquette.

[13] Game Processing by Second Matching Based on input information of each of the players matched by the second matching, the server device 10 progresses a game in which each character corresponding to each of the multiple players participates. The game is a competitive game similar to the game by the first matching, but differs in that the characters are controlled in real time based on input operations by the players rather than being computer-controlled.

For example, assume that the server device 10 has matched a character CA1 (ghost character CA1) corresponding to computer-controlled player A with a character CB1 (ghost character CB1) corresponding to computer-controlled player B through the first matching.

Then, it is determined that a predetermined condition is met in a game in which the multiple characters CA1 and CB1 matched through the first matching participate.

The server device 10 then performs a second matching process to match a character corresponding to player A (e.g., character CA1) with a character corresponding to player B (e.g., character CB1), and proceeds with the game.

For example, when the server device 10 receives a match instruction (real match instruction) for the second match from at least one of player A and player B, it inquires of the other player as to whether or not they would like to play against each other, and if it receives an acknowledgement instruction from the other player, it matches the character corresponding to player A (e.g., character CA1) with the character corresponding to player B (e.g., character CB1) and starts the game.

The characters controlled by each player matched in the second match may be limited to the same as the characters in the first match, or may be different characters.

For example, if a character CA1 (ghost character CA1) corresponding to computer-controlled player A is matched with a character CB1 (ghost character CB1) corresponding to computer-controlled player B in the first matching, and player A and player B are matched in the second matching, the game may proceed with the character corresponding to player A being the same character CA1 and the character corresponding to player B being the same character CB1.

Also, before the start of the second matching game, the player may be able to select the character to be used in the second matching game based on the player's selection instruction.

For example, if the character CA1 (ghost character CA1) corresponding to computer-controlled player A is matched with the character CB1 (ghost character CB1) corresponding to computer-controlled player B in the first matching, and player A and player B are matched in the second matching, the game of the second matching may proceed with the character corresponding to player A being the character CA2 selected by player A, and the character corresponding to player B being the character CB2 selected by player B.

[14] Friend Relationship Furthermore, the server device 10 may, after progressing the game in which the characters corresponding to the multiple players matched by the second matching participate, notify the multiple players whether or not to establish a predetermined relationship (friend relationship) with the multiple players, for example, at the end of the game, based on the input information of each of the multiple players matched by the second matching. In this way, the notification can provide an opportunity to consider establishing a predetermined relationship, and encourage continuous game play between the players matched by the second matching.

In other words, the second matching is expected to result in a more suitable game, but if a player actually plays the game in the second matching and recognizes that it was a suitable match, he or she may want to continue playing against the other player in the future. Therefore, when multiple players matched in the second matching indicate that they want to be friends, the server device 10 establishes a friend relationship between the multiple players and encourages continued game play.

[15] Flowchart Next, the flow of processing by the server device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. First, a first matching for combining a plurality of characters including a ghost character is enabled (step S1).

Next, a game is played in which the multiple characters matched in the first match participate (step S2).

Then, in a game in which the multiple characters matched by the first matching participate, it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition is met (step S3).

If it is determined that the predetermined conditions are met (Y in step S3), a second matching is made possible (step S4) in which players corresponding to the multiple characters matched in the first matching are paired together. On the other hand, if the predetermined conditions are not met (N in step S3), the process ends.

Then, based on the input information of each of the multiple players matched by the second matching, a game is played in which each character corresponding to each of the multiple players participates (step S5). This ends the process.

[16] Ranking Display In this embodiment, a plurality of players compete against each other among a large number of players, and the players are ranked based on the number of wins, level, etc. of the players.

In particular, in this embodiment, the data used in the rankings is data in which the control of the characters participating in the game is based on the player's input operations. In other words, for games that include ghost characters, the number of wins and losses is not used when tallying up the rankings. In this way, achievements in serious competitive games are reflected in the ranking evaluation, which increases the significance of the rankings and gives honor to those who rank highly, making it possible to carry out rankings that satisfy players. It is also possible to have rankings specifically for games that use ghost characters.

[17] Characters by AI In this embodiment, the control of the ghost character may include control by artificial intelligence (AI). That is, the server device 10 performs machine learning for each player based on the player's character ID, level, and game play information (input history) to generate a learning model. The server device 10 uses the learning model for the player to input the character ID and level corresponding to the player, and computer-controls the character based on the output game play information.

[18] Team Match The first and second matching in this embodiment may include matching between teams.

In other words, this embodiment may also be applied to games in which teams (groups) consisting of one or more characters (one or more players) compete against each other.

For example, a first team is generated that is made up of one or more characters including a ghost character. A second team is also generated that is made up of one or more characters. The second team may or may not be ghost characters.

Then, a process is performed to enable a first match between the first team and the second team, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the first match game, a process is performed to enable a second match that enables a combination of a player corresponding to each character constituting the first team with a player corresponding to each character constituting the second team, and the second match game is controlled to play a real battle game in which characters are controlled based on input information from each player.

[19] Examples of game applications In this embodiment, examples of competitive games (mainly fighting games) have been described, but the present invention can also be applied to other competitive games, such as sports games, racing games, action games, music games, training games, simulation games, puzzle games, and RPG games.

This embodiment may also be applied to various games in which multiple characters appear in a game space. For example, it may be applied to a training game in which player A's character CA1 creates a house or vegetables in a game space that is a virtual three-dimensional space, or a communication-type game in which character CA1 converses with player B's character CB1. In such a case, it may be determined that a predetermined condition is met when at least one of ghost character CA1 and ghost character CB1 triggers a predetermined event (for example, when ghost character CA1 and ghost character CB1 obtain a specific item together). Then, when the predetermined condition is met, character CA1 may be controlled based on input information from player A, and character CB1 may be controlled based on input information from player B.

[20] Supplementary explanation of the predetermined condition In this embodiment, various predetermined conditions for transitioning to a real battle are considered. For example, the server device 10 may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when at least one of the above-described conditions and the following conditions (A) to (H) is satisfied.

(A) When playing against the same opponent multiple times For example, the server device 10 may determine that a specified condition is met when the same multiple characters play a competitive game against each other a specified number of times or more (e.g., three or more times) in the first matching.

(B) When an enemy character uses a specific character For example, the server device 10 may determine that a specified condition is met when the opponent uses the same character CA1 as the player's character CA1 in the first matching, or when the opponent uses a character CX1 that is incompatible with the player's character CA1 in the first matching.

(C) When a player requests matching after a match For example, the server device 10 may determine that a specified condition has been met when at least one of multiple players A and B corresponding to multiple characters CA1 and CB1 who competed in the first matching requests matching.

(D) When the match content includes a specific technique or combo For example, the server device 10 may determine that a specified condition is met when the match content between multiple characters CA1 and CB1 who competed in the first matching includes a special technique or combo.

(E) When it is determined that the content of the match is a specific play style For example, when the server device 10 determines that the content of the match between the multiple characters CA1 and CB1 who competed in the first matching is a specific play style, the server device 10 may determine that a predetermined condition is satisfied. Note that the server device 10 determines whether or not the play style is a specific play style based on the ratio and order of the techniques used by the characters.

(F) When the match content includes content that the player has previously set For example, when the match content between multiple characters CA1 and CB1 competing in the first matching includes content that the player has previously set (for example, content such as executing a specific event), the server device 10 may determine that a specified condition has been met.

(G) When a player watches a match between ghosts For example, the server device 10 may determine that a predetermined condition is met when at least one of the players A and B corresponding to the characters CA1 and CB1 who competed in the first match watches a match video of the characters CA1 and CB1 who competed in the first match. The server device 10 may also determine that a predetermined condition is met when at least one of the players A and B watches the match video for a predetermined period of time or more (for example, 3 minutes or more).

(H) When a player has consumed a specified amount of consideration For example, the server device 10 may determine that a specified condition has been satisfied when at least one of multiple players A and B corresponding to multiple characters CA1 and CB1 who competed in the first matching has consumed a specified amount of consideration.

For example, if player A is a professional gamer (character CA1 is the ghost of the professional gamer), and if regular player B wishes to play a real match with the professional gamer, control may be performed so that player B can spend a specified amount (money such as 100 yen, in-game currency such as 100 points, or a given item, etc.) to become eligible for a second match with professional gamer player A.

[21] Others The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, a term cited in the description of the specification or drawings as a term with a broad meaning or synonymous meaning can be replaced with a term with a broad meaning or synonymous meaning in other descriptions of the specification or drawings.

The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations with the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effect). The present invention also includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. The present invention also includes configurations that achieve the same effects as the configurations described in the embodiments or that can achieve the same purpose. The present invention also includes configurations in which publicly known technology is added to the configurations described in the embodiments.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible that do not substantially depart from the novel aspects and effects of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

10 Server device, 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Terminal device,
100 Processing section, 111 First matching processing section, 112 Second matching processing section, 113 Game processing section, 114 Determination section, 115 Game play information control section,
116 Display control unit, 119 Reception unit, 120 Communication control unit,
121 Web processing unit, 122 Management unit, 123 Notification unit,
130 image generating unit, 140 sound processing unit,
160 Input unit, 170 Storage unit, 171 Main storage unit, 172 Image buffer, 174 Game data storage unit, 176 Player information storage unit,
180 Information storage medium, 196 Communication Department,
200 Processing unit, 211 Display control unit,
212 Reception unit, 213 Notification unit, 220 Communication control unit,
221 Web browser, 230 Image generation unit, 240 Generation unit,
260 Input unit, 262 Detection unit, 270 Storage unit,
271 main memory unit, 272 image buffer, 274 game data memory unit,
276 player information storage unit,
280 information storage medium, 290 display unit, 292 sound output unit, 296 communication unit

Claims (16)

A game system for performing game processing of a game in which characters corresponding to multiple players participate in the game, comprising:
a first matching processing unit that performs processing for matching characters corresponding to each of the plurality of players, the first matching processing unit being configured to match ...
a game processing unit that progresses a game in which the plurality of characters matched by the first matching processing unit participate;
a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied in a game in which the plurality of characters matched by the first matching processing unit participate;
a second matching processing unit that performs processing for enabling matching of a plurality of players corresponding to the plurality of characters matched by the first matching processing unit when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied,
The game processing unit:
A game system characterized by progressing a game in which each character corresponding to each of the multiple players participates, based on input information of each of the multiple players matched by the second matching processing unit. Regarding claim 1,
a game play information control unit that performs a process of updating the game play information of a player according to the progress of the game in which the player has participated,
The game processing unit:
A game system characterized in that a character corresponding to a player controlled by the computer is controlled based on the latest updated game play information of the player. In claim 1 or 2,
The first matching processing unit includes:
A game system characterized by making it possible to match the multiple randomly extracted characters, or making it possible to match a specified player's character with multiple characters including other characters selected based on the player's selection operation. In any one of claims 1 to 3,
A game system further comprising a display control unit that displays at least one of information about the matched other characters and information about the other players corresponding to the matched other characters on a terminal device of each player corresponding to the multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit. In any one of claims 1 to 4,
The determination unit is
A game system characterized by determining whether or not the specified conditions are met based on at least one of progress information of a game in which the multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit participate and result information of the game. In any one of claims 1 to 5,
A game system characterized in that it further includes a notification unit that, when the specified conditions are met, notifies a terminal device of each player corresponding to each of the multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit of information indicating that the specified conditions have been met. In any one of claims 1 to 6,
The game system further comprises a display control unit, which displays, in the terminal device of each player, a list of information on opponent players who satisfy the predetermined condition for that player. In any one of claims 1 to 7,
A game system further comprising a display control unit that displays a list of the judgment results of the judgment unit in each game in which the player's character participates with another character matched by the first matching processing unit on each player's terminal device. In any one of claims 1 to 8,
The determination unit is
A game system characterized by controlling the predetermined conditions in a configurable manner based on information input by a player. In any one of claims 1 to 9,
The second matching processing unit includes:
A game system characterized in that, when it is determined that the specified condition is satisfied, it is determined whether or not multiple players corresponding to each of the multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit are in a state where they are able to participate in the same game, and when it is determined that they are in a state where they are able to participate, a processing is performed to make the multiple players matchable. In any one of claims 1 to 10,
A game system characterized in that, when it is determined that the specified condition is satisfied, a notification unit notifies a terminal device of each player corresponding to each of the multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit of information indicating the login tendencies of players of the other matched characters. In any one of claims 1 to 11,
a reception unit that receives, for each player, whether or not the player desires to be matched by the second matching processing unit,
The second matching processing unit includes:
A game system characterized in that, when it is determined that the specified conditions are met and a plurality of players corresponding to each of the plurality of characters matched by the first matching processing unit have accepted a request for matching by the second matching processing unit as acceptable, a processing is performed to make the plurality of players available for matching. In any one of claims 1 to 12,
A game system characterized in that the game system further includes a notification unit that, when the game processing unit progresses a game in which each character corresponding to each of the multiple players matches the multiple players by the second matching processing unit based on input information of the multiple players, notifies the multiple players of whether or not a predetermined relationship is established between the multiple players. In any one of claims 1 to 13,
The determination unit is
A game system characterized by determining whether or not the skills of the multiple characters matched by the first matching processing unit are comparable in a game in which they participate, and determining that the specified condition is met if it is determined that the skills are comparable. A server device for performing game processing of a game in which characters corresponding to a plurality of players participate in the game,
a first matching processing unit that performs processing for matching characters corresponding to each of the plurality of players, the first matching processing unit being configured to match ...
a game processing unit that progresses a game in which the plurality of characters matched by the first matching processing unit participate;
a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied in a game in which the plurality of characters matched by the first matching processing unit participate;
a second matching processing unit that performs processing for enabling matching of a plurality of players corresponding to the plurality of characters matched by the first matching processing unit when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied,
The game processing unit:
A server device characterized in that a game in which each character corresponding to each of the multiple players participates is progressed based on input information of each of the multiple players matched by the second matching processing unit. A program for performing game processing for a game in which characters corresponding to multiple players participate in the game,
a first matching processing unit that performs processing for matching characters corresponding to each of the plurality of players, the first matching processing unit being configured to match ...
a game processing unit that progresses a game in which the plurality of characters matched by the first matching processing unit participate;
a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied in a game in which the plurality of characters matched by the first matching processing unit participate;
causing a computer to function as a second matching processing unit that performs processing for enabling matching of a plurality of players corresponding to the plurality of characters matched by the first matching processing unit when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied;
The game processing unit:
A program for progressing a game in which each character corresponding to each of the plurality of players participates, based on input information of each of the plurality of players matched by the second matching processing unit.

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