JP7790909B2 - Game system, program, and game providing method - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, there have been game systems in which each character has an ability panel (ability map) that lists the abilities they can acquire and the points required to acquire those abilities.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes an example in which there is an ability map of special abilities and basic abilities, and squares on the map are unlocked based on the player's operation, and the ability corresponding to that square is assigned to the character.

The technology described in Non-Patent Document 1 also includes a function that allows points spent to be recovered in order to acquire abilities, and allows abilities acquired by a character to be passed on to other specified characters.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-952

Dragon Quest XI official website [searched September 22, 2021] (https://www.dq11.jp/)

However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is designed to simultaneously strengthen the abilities of multiple characters. Therefore, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, if a player, for example, stops strengthening the abilities of a first character and tries to focus on strengthening the abilities of a second character, the process of strengthening the abilities of the first character will not make it easier to strengthen the abilities of the second character.

Furthermore, the technology described in Non-Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the character from which the player changed the target of ability enhancement to another character.

As a result, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the technology disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 have the problem that the process of the player selecting a specific character from multiple characters and acquiring that character's abilities becomes a chore.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a game system etc. that can determine inheritance details that indicate the details of inheriting information about game elements associated with a first object to a second object, and that can further improve the player's convenience (for example, the player's convenience when changing the object to be strengthened) while also increasing the enjoyment of the game.

(1) The present invention provides
A game system for controlling information about game elements,
a storage control unit that stores game elements in a storage unit in association with each of a plurality of objects;
an inheritance control unit that performs processing to determine inheritance content indicating content of inheritance of information about game elements associated with a first object to a second object,
The inheritance control unit
The present invention relates to a game system that performs processing to determine the inheritance content based on the relationship between the information on the first object and the information on the second object.

The present invention also relates to a server device including each of the above-mentioned units. It also relates to a game device (terminal device) including each of the above-mentioned units. It also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-mentioned units. It 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 also relates to a game provision method in which a computer executes each of the above sections.

That is, the present invention is
A game providing method for providing information about a game, comprising:
storing game elements in a storage unit in association with each of a plurality of objects;
performing a process of determining inheritance content indicating content of inheritance of information about game elements associated with the first object to the second object;
The present invention relates to a game providing method in which, in the process of determining, the inheritance content is determined based on the relationship between the information of the first object and the information of the second object.

According to the present invention, inheritance content is determined based on the relationship between information about a first object and information about a second object, thereby improving player convenience (e.g., player convenience when changing the object being strengthened) while also increasing the entertainment value of a game featuring multiple objects.

(2) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, information storage medium, and game providing method according to the present invention,
a square control unit that prepares a map composed of a plurality of squares for the object and associates a game element with at least one square;
a game element control unit that causes a player or an object of the player to acquire game elements corresponding to squares that satisfy predetermined conditions, in order from a predetermined square;
a display control unit that controls the display of the map of the object and information about the game elements corresponding to each square on the display unit,
The inheritance control unit
A process may be performed to determine inheritance details indicating details of information relating to game elements associated with squares on a map of the first object to be inherited by the second object.

According to the present invention, the player can determine the inheritance content indicating the content of the inheritance of information about game elements associated with squares on the map of a first object to a second object, thereby further improving player convenience (e.g., player convenience when changing the object to be strengthened).

(3) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, information storage medium, and game providing method according to the present invention,
The display control unit
Information common to the first object and the second object may be controlled so as to be displayable on the map.

According to the present invention, information common to the first object and the second object is controlled so that it can be displayed on the map, allowing the player to check the information common to the first and second objects when changing the object to be strengthened. As a result, convenience for the player can be further improved.

(4) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, information storage medium, and game providing method according to the present invention,
The storage control unit
storing in the storage unit the acquisition status of the game elements in association with each of the plurality of objects;
The inheritance control unit
A process of determining the inheritance content may be performed based on the relationship between the acquisition status of the game elements of the first object and the acquisition status of the game elements of the second object.

According to the present invention, the relationship between the acquisition status of the game elements of the first object and the acquisition status of the game elements of the second object can affect the inheritance content, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the game.

(5) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, information storage medium, and game providing method according to the present invention,
The inheritance control unit
A process for determining the inheritance content may be performed based on at least one of the intimacy and compatibility between the information on the first object and the information on the second object.

According to the present invention, at least one of the intimacy and compatibility between the information on the first object and the information on the second object can affect the inheritance content, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

(6) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, information storage medium, and game providing method according to the present invention,
The inheritance control unit
The inheritance content may be determined based on at least one of the degree of match between the type of the first object and the type of the second object, and the degree of match between the attributes of the first object and the attributes of the second object.

According to the present invention, at least one of the degree of match between the type of the first object and the type of the second object and the degree of match between the attributes of the first object and the attributes of the second object can affect the inheritance content, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the game.

(7) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, information storage medium, and game providing method according to the present invention,
The inheritance control unit
A process of determining the inheritance content may be performed based on the degree of coincidence between the game element associated with the first object and the game element associated with the second object.

According to the present invention, the degree of correspondence between the game elements associated with the first object and the game elements associated with the second object can affect the inheritance content, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

(8) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, information storage medium, and game providing method according to the present invention,
The inheritance control unit
At least one of the amount of information about the game elements inherited by the second object and the probability of inheritance may be changed based on the relationship between the information about the first object and the information about the second object.

According to the present invention, the relationship between the information of the first object and the information of the second object affects at least one of the amount of information about game elements inherited by the second object and the probability of inheritance, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

(9) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, information storage medium, and game providing method according to the present invention,
The inheritance control unit
Of the game elements already acquired by the first object, game elements to be inherited by the second game object may be determined as the inheritance content.

According to the present invention, the game elements to be inherited by the second game object from among the game elements already acquired by the first object are determined as the inheritance content, so the process of acquiring game elements for the first object is not wasted. Furthermore, since the present invention determines the game elements to be inherited taking into account the relationship between the first and second objects, the player is forced to consider the relationship between the first and second objects, further increasing the enjoyment of the game.

(10) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, information storage medium, and game providing method according to the present invention,
a game element control unit that performs processing to allow the player or the object to acquire a game element on the condition that the player or the object consumes a predetermined consumption value from predetermined parameters that are set in association with the player or the object of the player;
The inheritance control unit
The content of the returned predetermined parameter consumed to acquire the game element associated with the first object may be determined as the inherited content.

According to the present invention, the inheritance content is determined based on the return content of the predetermined parameters consumed to acquire the game elements associated with the first object (for example, at least one of whether or not to return all or part of the predetermined parameters to the player or the second object, and the amount of return when returning). This forces the player to further consider the relationship between the first and second objects to ensure that the predetermined parameters are not wasted when inheriting game elements, further increasing the enjoyment of the game.

(11) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, information storage medium, and game providing method according to the present invention,
a game element control unit that performs processing to allow the player or the object to acquire a game element on the condition that the player or the object consumes a predetermined consumption value from predetermined parameters that are set in association with the player or the object of the player;
The inheritance control unit
The inheritance content may be determined to be a change in at least one of the amount and type of consumption value required to acquire the game element associated with the second object.

According to the present invention, the inheritance content is determined to be a change in at least one of the amount and type of consumption value required to acquire the game element associated with the second object. This forces the player to further consider the relationship between the first and second objects so that the game element associated with the second object can be easily acquired, further increasing the enjoyment of the game.

(12) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, information storage medium, and game providing method according to the present invention,
a game processing unit that changes the predetermined parameter when a given game is progressed,
The game processing unit
At least one of a process of controlling the game so that it can be played within a predetermined period of time and a process of controlling the predetermined parameter so that it can be changed until it reaches a predetermined limit value may be performed.

According to the present invention, at least one of the following processes is performed: controlling the game so that it can be played within a predetermined period of time, and controlling the predetermined parameters so that they can be changed until a predetermined limit value is reached. This motivates players to play the game so that the predetermined parameters can be changed, further increasing the game's enjoyment.

(13) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, information storage medium, and game providing method according to the present invention,
an object control unit that accepts selection of an object from among the plurality of objects based on input information from a player;
a game element control unit that causes a player or an object to acquire a game element corresponding to the object selected by the object control unit,
The object control unit
When the first object is selected, the selection target may be changed from the first object to the second object based on input information from the player.

According to the present invention, when the selected object is changed from the first object to the second object, the state in which the player or object acquires the game element corresponding to the selected first object can be changed to the state in which the player or object acquires the game element corresponding to the selected second object. Under such circumstances, a process is performed to determine the inheritance content based on the relationship between the information about the first object and the information about the second object, making the determination of the inheritance content meaningful and improving the player's convenience when changing the object to be strengthened.

(14) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, information storage medium, and game providing method according to the present invention,
The inheritance control unit
The game elements that have been acquired from among the game elements associated with the first object may be inherited by the second object based on the inheritance content, on the condition that the acquired game elements are returned to a state before use (e.g., an initial state).

According to the present invention, when an acquired game element associated with the first object is inherited by a second object, the game element is returned to its state before use (e.g., its initial state), thereby maintaining game balance. Furthermore, since the present invention inherits the game element to the second object based on the inheritance content, the player can newly use the acquired game element for the second object, thereby increasing the entertainment value of the game.

(15) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, information storage medium, and game providing method according to the present invention,
The inheritance control unit
If it is not possible to restore the acquired game element to the state before its use, the inheritance content may be determined based on information about the game element.

According to the present invention, if it is not possible to restore the acquired game element to its pre-use state, the inheritance content is determined based on information about that game element. For example, if there is another acquired game element that can be restored to its pre-use state, the inheritance content can be determined to inherit that other game element to a second object, further increasing convenience for the player and the enjoyment of the game.

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 the terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displaying a map according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of information related to game elements according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displaying a map according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of information related to game elements according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displaying a map according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displaying a map according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen according to the present embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process related to inheritance processing in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen according to the present embodiment.

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

[1] Game System First, the outline and 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 the system configuration of the game system of this embodiment.

The server device 10 of this embodiment is an information processing device capable of providing a given service using a terminal device (game device) 20 connected for communication 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 console, image generation 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 in a client-server model The game system of this embodiment may be configured such that a server device 10 and terminal devices 20 (e.g., terminal devices 20A, 20B, 20C) are connectable to the Internet (an example of a network), as shown in FIG.

By accessing the server device 10 from the terminal device 20, players 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 to form a server system and each game may be provided to the terminal device 20.

In addition, various processes related to the present invention may be performed solely by the server device 10, or solely 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 (standalone) that operates independently without relying on other devices such as a server device.

Furthermore, 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 using multiple terminal devices 20 via P2P (peer-to-peer) communication.

Furthermore, multiple such terminal devices can be connected by wire or wirelessly, with one terminal device functioning as the host (server device 10) and the system implemented by multiple terminal devices.

Note that the terminal device may not only be a game device, but may also be a tablet-type 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 also be a cloud-based game system. For example, in a cloud-based game system, basic processing (including game processing, drawing processing, etc.) is performed solely by the server device 10 (cloud device), and the terminal device 20 controls input and displays the processing results of the server device 10 (cloud device). In other words, the terminal device 20 transmits information such as controller input information to the server device 10. Note that the terminal device 20 may also transmit information other than 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 displaying images via streaming.

The game system may also store some or all of the information stored in the server device 10 in a given storage area on the Internet (for example, a given storage area on the cloud).

The game system may also store some or all of the information stored on the terminal device 20 in a given storage area on the Internet (e.g., a given storage area on the cloud).

[1.4] Terminal Device Equipped with Multiple Controllers In this 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 In this embodiment, the SNS server may function as a social networking service (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.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when functioning as an SNS server, for example, it is possible to provide games known as social games that are executed using the operating environment (API (Application Programming Interface), platform, etc.) of the SNS provided.

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. This embodiment also provides a configuration that allows players to connect to other players' terminal devices 20 via a network, enabling them to simultaneously share the same game progress online.

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

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

Specifically, when the terminal device 20 makes a request to the server device 10 to play a predetermined game, it 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 needed to cause the server device 10, which functions as an SNS server, to perform predetermined processing, or to obtain player information managed by the server device 10, which functions as an SNS server, and then run the game.

[1.7] Others The server device 10 and the terminal device 20 of this embodiment may be configured as a single (device, processor) or as 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 (an intranet or the 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. In this embodiment, some of the components (each unit) of Fig. 2 may be omitted.

In this embodiment, it includes an input unit 160 used for administrator and other input, an information storage medium 180 storing predetermined information, a communication unit 196 that communicates with terminal devices 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, in this embodiment, the input unit 160 is configured with a mouse, keyboard, etc.

The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions are realized by optical disks (CDs, DVDs), magneto-optical disks (MOs), magnetic disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, or memory (ROMs).

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

The memory unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, communication unit 196, etc., and its functions are realized by RAM (VRAM), etc. The information stored in the memory unit 170 may be managed in 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 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) such as the player name in association with the player ID for each player (user). The player ID is player identification information for identifying the player. For example, in this embodiment, the player information storage unit 176 may store information on one or more game elements associated with objects in association with the player ID and each object ID. The object ID is object identification information for identifying the object.

The processing unit 100 performs various processes using a 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 unit of this embodiment (programs for causing a computer to execute the processing of each unit).

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. It also 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 game element control unit 110, a memory control unit 111, an inheritance control unit 112, a square control unit 113, a game processing unit 114, an object 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 game element control unit 110 controls game elements. For example, the game element control unit 110 performs processing to acquire game elements in association with a player or an object (e.g., the player's object) based on player input information and computer control (CPU control).

Furthermore, for example, the game element control unit 110 performs processing to allow a player or an object to acquire a game element on the condition that the player or the object consumes a predetermined consumption value (required cost value) from predetermined parameters set in association with the player or the player's object.

For example, when using a map consisting of multiple squares, the game element control unit 110 causes the player or object to acquire game elements corresponding to squares that satisfy a predetermined condition (release condition), starting from a predetermined square (e.g., a square adjacent to the start square).

Furthermore, for example, the game element control unit 110 causes the player or object to acquire game elements corresponding to the object selected by the object control unit 115. In other words, the game element control unit 110 controls the player or object to not acquire game elements corresponding to objects not selected by the object control unit 115.

The storage control unit 111 controls the storage of game elements in the storage unit 170 (e.g., the player information storage unit 176) in association with each of a plurality of objects. For example, the storage control unit 111 controls the storage of game elements in the player information storage unit 176 in association with the object IDs of each of a plurality of objects owned by player P1.

For example, the memory control unit 111 may store the acquisition status of game elements in association with each of multiple objects in the memory unit 170 (e.g., the player information memory unit 176).

The inheritance control unit 112 determines inheritance content indicating how information related to a game element associated with a first object is to be inherited by a second object. The inheritance control unit 112 then performs processing to determine the inheritance content based on the relationship between the information of the first object and the information of the second object.

The inheritance control unit 112 also performs processing to determine the inheritance content, which indicates the content of the information about the game elements associated with the squares on the map of the first object that will be inherited by the second object.

For example, the inheritance control unit 112 performs processing to determine the inheritance content based on the relationship between the acquisition status of game elements of the first object and the acquisition status of game elements of the second object.

Furthermore, for example, the inheritance control unit 112 performs processing to determine the inheritance content based on at least one of the intimacy and compatibility between the information of the first object and the information of the second object.

Furthermore, for example, the inheritance control unit 112 performs processing to determine the inheritance content based on at least one of the degree of match between the type of the first object and the type of the second object, and the degree of match between the attributes of the first object and the attributes of the second object.

Furthermore, for example, the inheritance control unit 112 performs processing to determine the inheritance content based on the degree of match between the game elements associated with the first object and the game elements associated with the second object.

Furthermore, for example, the inheritance control unit 112 changes at least one of the amount of information about the game element inherited by the second object and the inheritance probability based on the relationship between the information about the first object and the information about the second object.

Furthermore, for example, the inheritance control unit 112 determines, as the inheritance content, the game elements that are to be inherited by the second game object from among the game elements already acquired by the first object.

Furthermore, for example, the inheritance control unit 112 determines the return content of the specified parameters consumed to acquire the game elements associated with the first object (for example, at least one of whether to return all or part of the specified parameters to the player or the second object, and the amount to be returned when returning them) as the inheritance content.

Furthermore, for example, the inheritance control unit 112 determines that the inheritance content is to change at least one of the amount and type of consumption value required to acquire the game element associated with the second object.

Furthermore, for example, the inheritance control unit 112 inherits to the second object, based on the inheritance content, any acquired game elements among the game elements associated with the first object, on the condition that they are restored to their pre-use state. Further, for example, if it is not possible to restore the acquired game elements to their pre-use state, the inheritance control unit 112 determines the inheritance content based on information about the game elements.

The square control unit 113 prepares a map consisting of multiple squares for each object and associates a game element with at least one square. For example, the game system may prepare a unique map for each of multiple objects, or may prepare a common map for multiple objects.

The square control unit 113 may also arrange the multiple squares in multiple predetermined ranges.

The square control unit 113 also controls the release of squares. For example, starting from a specific square (e.g., the starting square), the square control unit 113 determines whether a specific condition associated with an unreleased square has been met based on the player's input information (operation information), and releases that square if the specific condition has been met.

The game processing unit 114 executes game processing based on the player's input information. For example, the game processing unit 114 may receive the player's input information (operation information) from the player's terminal device 20 and execute game processing.

The game processing unit 114 performs processing to change the specified parameters when a given game is progressed. For example, the game processing unit 114 performs at least one of processing to control the game so that it can be played within a specified period of time, and processing to control the specified parameters so that they can be changed (e.g., increased) until they reach a specified limit value (e.g., an upper limit value).

The object control unit 115 accepts the selection of an object from among multiple objects based on input information from the player. For example, if the first object is selected, the object control unit 115 changes the selected object from the first object to the second object based on input information from the player.

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 controls the display of video of the player's gameplay and game images (game screen) on the display unit 290 of the player's terminal device 20.

For example, the display control unit 116 may display a map made up of multiple squares. In such a case, released squares may be distinguished from unreleased squares and displayed. Furthermore, among the unreleased squares, released squares may be distinguished from unreleased squares and displayed.

For example, the display control unit 116 of this embodiment may control the display of a map for each object. In other words, the display control unit 116 controls the display of the map of the object and information about the game elements corresponding to each square on the display unit (the display unit of the player's terminal device 20).

The display control unit 116 may display the inheritance content determined by the inheritance control unit 112 on the display unit.

The display control unit 116 may also control information common to the first object and the second object to be displayed on the map.

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

The reception unit 119 may also receive inputs and instructions 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 communicate (send and receive) data over the network.

The web processing unit 121 functions as a web server. For example, the web processing unit 121 performs processing to send data in response to requests from a web browser installed on the terminal device 20, and to receive data sent by the web browser on the terminal device 20, via a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

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

The notification unit 123 also notifies the player of given information. Note that "notifying" information means notifying the player (the player's terminal device 20) of the information. Note that "notifying" may be interpreted as synonymous with providing, presenting, or displaying.

Note that "notification" refers to at least one of the following: sending from the server device 10 to the player's terminal device 20 via email (which may be a newsletter, etc.) sent and received via SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol); sending via a given protocol, not limited to SMTP; sending a push notification; presenting (displaying) a specific screen of a specific application (a banner display screen, a notice screen, a pop-up screen, etc.); or notifying via a web page by the web processing unit 121 of the server device 10. It also refers to active transmission by the server device 10 to the player's terminal device 20. Note that in this embodiment, sending information to the player's terminal device 20 in response to a request from the player's terminal device 20 may also be considered a form of "notification." Note that a push notification refers to displaying a message window in a certain area (such as the top edge) of the terminal (smartphone) screen. Note that "notification" includes audio notifications in which displayed messages are converted into audio. "Notification" also includes notifications via vibration.

The image generation unit 130 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a program such as a video codec, and an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer. The image generation unit 130 generates one game screen image per frame time (e.g., 1/60 seconds) as the game progresses. The generated image is sent 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 also generate an image (a so-called three-dimensional image) that can be seen from a virtual camera (a given viewpoint) within the object space (game space).

For example, when generating a 3D game image, the image generation unit 130 first performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping, or perspective transformation, and then creates rendering data (position coordinates of vertices of primitive surfaces, texture coordinates, color data, normal vectors, alpha values, etc.) based on the results of these processing. Then, based on this rendering data (primitive surface data), the object (one or more primitive surfaces) after perspective transformation (after geometry processing) is rendered 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 seen from a virtual camera (a given viewpoint) in 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 voices, and transmits them to the terminal device 20.

The processing unit 100 works in conjunction with the terminal device 20, and executes game processing for the game provided in this embodiment for each player based on input from the player 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. Furthermore, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (units) of Fig. 3 are omitted.

The input unit 260 is used by the player to input input information (operation information). For example, this function may be realized by a touch panel or a touch panel display. That is, the input unit 260 includes a detection unit 262 that can detect two-dimensional pointed position coordinates (x, y) on the screen on which an image is displayed. For example, the input unit 260 includes a detection unit 262 that can detect two-dimensional contact position coordinates (x, y) in a contact detection area (touch panel).

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

The input unit 260 may also include buttons, levers, keyboards, steering wheels, microphones, acceleration sensors, etc. that can input input information (operation signals) 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 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, etc. is 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 constitute part of them.

The image buffer 272 may be configured to 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 object, information about the virtual camera, other setting values used in the game, etc. Note that the terminal device 20 may store information received from the server device 10 in the game data storage unit 274.

The player information storage unit 276 stores player information. Note that 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 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by optical disks (CDs, DVDs), magneto-optical disks (MOs), magnetic disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, or memory (ROMs), etc.

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

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. The touch panel may be, for example, a resistive film type (four-wire type, five-wire type), a capacitance type, an electromagnetic induction type, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave type, or an infrared scanning type.

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

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

The terminal device 20 may receive, via a network, programs and data for causing a computer to function as each part of this embodiment, which are stored in the information storage medium 180 or memory unit 170 of the server device 10, and store the received programs and data in the information storage medium 280 or memory unit 270. Such cases in which the terminal device 20 functions by receiving programs and data are also included within the scope of the present invention.

The processing unit 200 (processor) works in conjunction with the server device 10 to perform processing such as game processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing 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 enemy objects, processing for displaying objects, processing for calculating the game result, 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 music game, a competitive game, etc.) based on player 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 executed independently of the server device 10.
It may be formed as 0.

The processing unit 200 also 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 generation unit 240. Note that some of these units may be omitted.

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

In addition, the display control unit 211 may perform all or part of the same processing as the display control unit 116 of the server device 10.

The reception unit 212 performs processing to receive input information 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. It 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 all or part of the same processing as the notification unit 123 of the server device 10. The notification unit 213 may also notify the player of information received from the server device 10.

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

The communication control unit 220 may also 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 information storage medium 280. The communication control unit 220 may then communicate with the server device 10 when it receives input information from the player to start communication.

In particular, the communication control unit 220 transmits player identification information and input information to the server device 10 and receives data (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 interval, 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., game screen information, etc.) from the server device 10.

The web browser 221 is an application program for viewing web pages (game screens), downloading HTML files, image files, etc. from the web server (server device 10), analyzing the layout, and controlling 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 implement 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 use the web browser 221 to display information from a web server specified by a URL (short for Uniform Resource Locator) via the Internet. For example, the terminal device 20 can use the web browser 221 to display a game screen (data such as HTML) received from the server device 10.

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 all or part of the same processing as the image generation unit 130 of the server device 10.

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

In this embodiment, when a game is played by multiple terminal devices 20 via P2P or the like, one terminal device 20 may act as a host and execute processing. In such a case, the terminal device 20 acting as the host may perform the processing of each processing unit (part or all of each processing unit) of the server device 10.

[4] Overview The game system of this embodiment is a game system that provides a given game (for example, a music game) and controls information related to game elements such as abilities and items.

The game system of this embodiment has the feature of selecting an arbitrary object from multiple objects as an object to be strengthened based on information input by the player, allowing the selected object to acquire game elements and strengthen (grow) that object.

For example, the game system of this embodiment places a map EB1 made up of multiple squares in a virtual game space, and sets game elements in association with each square. Figure 4 shows an example of a game screen W4 showing the map EB1 associated with player P1's object OB1. The game screen W4 is displayed on player P1's terminal device 20.

The game system then begins with square M1 adjacent to the start square MS, and when a predetermined condition (release condition) is met for an unreleased square, the game system allows player P1 or object OB1 to acquire the game element corresponding to that square. The player unlocks squares one after another to acquire more game elements and strengthen object OB1.

For example, as the game progresses, player P1 may wish to change the object being strengthened to another object OB2 while strengthening object OB1. Therefore, the game system of this embodiment determines, depending on the relationship between object OB1 and object OB2, whether or not to inherit the game elements acquired by object OB1 to object OB2, and if so, what the inheritance content should be.

For example, if object OB1 and object OB2 are highly compatible, the game system may determine that object OB2 should inherit the game elements acquired by object OB1, namely items A, B, and C. In this case, even if player P1 begins to strengthen object OB2 along the way, the process of acquiring game elements in map EB1 can be prevented from going to waste.

Furthermore, when the compatibility between objects OB1 and OB2 is normal, the game system determines that object OB2 will not inherit the game elements acquired by object OB1, namely items A, B, and C, and will instead inherit 50% (e.g., 10) of the value consumed by object OB1 to acquire all of items A, B, and C (e.g., a total of 20). In this case, even if player P1 begins to strengthen object OB2 midway through, he or she can regain some of the consumed parameters by unlocking squares on map EB1, ensuring that the process of acquiring game elements is not wasted.

Furthermore, if object OB1 and object OB2 are incompatible, the game system will determine that inheritance will not occur. In other words, it will determine that item A, item B, and item C, which are game elements acquired by object OB1, will not be inherited by object OB2, and that the specified parameters will not be returned. In such a case, if player P1 begins to strengthen object OB2 midway through the game, the process of unlocking squares on map EB1 and acquiring game elements will be wasted.

In other words, according to the game system of this embodiment, a process is performed to determine the inheritance details (e.g., whether or not to inherit, the degree of inheritance, the game elements to be inherited, and the return details of specified parameters) of information related to game elements associated with object OB1 to object OB2 based on the relationship between objects OB1 and OB2.This improves convenience for the player when changing the object to be strengthened, while also increasing the entertainment value of the game as it features multiple objects.

The game system may also notify player P1 of the inheritance details. For example, before changing the object to be strengthened from object OB1 to object OB2, the game system may display the inheritance details on the display unit of player P1's terminal device 20. This allows player P1 to carefully decide in advance whether or not to change the object to be strengthened, ensuring the game's enjoyment. Below, we will mainly explain in detail the objects associated with player P1 (for example, objects owned by player P1).

[5] Description of the Game The game system of this embodiment has a game part in which a given game is executed. In the game part, for example, a music game is provided. For example, in the music game, the input of the player P1 is evaluated based on the input position of the player P1 in each of one or more input areas and the time difference between the input timing of the player P1 and the judgment reference timing.

In addition, in this music game, when input from player P1 is received, a process may be performed to display a video or still image related to the object on player P1's device.

The game system also introduces objects and calculates player P1's score based on the evaluation of player P1's input. If the game system determines that player P1's input is a failure at each judgment reference timing, it subtracts points from the score, and if the game system determines that player P1's input is a success, it adds points to the score. After the game ends, the total score for one song is calculated, and if the total score is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it may determine that the game is cleared, and if the total score is less than the predetermined value, it may determine that the game is over (failed). The game may then be one in which players compete against other players for total points.

In the game part, as the game progresses, a value to be added to a predetermined parameter corresponding to an object that appears in the game is determined, and the value to be added is added to the predetermined parameter. For example, the added value may increase as the total score increases.

There may be multiple types of predetermined parameters. For example, parameter X may be a value that increases more easily than parameter Y. Also, the predetermined parameter may be the number of predetermined items possessed.

The specified parameters are the parameters required to acquire game elements on the map. For example, if the consumption value of item A is "4" and the parameter type is parameter X, item A can be acquired by consuming (subtracting) 4 from parameter X of object OB1.

The game system may also perform processing to control game parts so that they can be played within a predetermined period (e.g., during an event period). The game system may also set an upper limit (e.g., 100) for a predetermined parameter, and control the parameter so that it can be changed (increased) until the upper limit is reached.

[6] Description of Objects An object is an object that appears in the game and is controlled by the player, and can be, for example, a character, a moving object (vehicle, airplane), an NPC (non-player character, computer-controlled character), etc.

The game system stores multiple objects associated with each player in the player information storage unit 176.

Note that strengthening an object means that the number of game elements the object has acquired, or the parameters and number (quantity) of the abilities and items the object has acquired, are strengthened (grown, increased).

[7] Explanation of Game Elements In this embodiment, a "game element" is information that is advantageous to a player or an object, such as an item, an ability, a new song (a game based on a song), an image or video for displaying the game story, etc. The "game element" may also be referred to as game content.

The game system stores game elements associated with each player in the player information storage unit 176. For example, the game system stores game elements associated with each of multiple objects in the player information storage unit 176.

An "item" may be an object that allows the player to progress through the game with an advantage, a costume that can be worn by an object such as a character, or the authority (a virtual ticket) to execute a lottery program (selection program) that provides an item that is won based on lottery probabilities (selection probabilities).

"Ability" can be referred to as "skill." Note that for each ability, ability information such as an ability level indicating the degree of growth and ability parameters (ability values) may be stored in the player information storage unit 176. Note that the higher the ability level or ability parameter value, the higher the ability. Furthermore, ability parameters may be values that indicate the ease of using (activating) an ability.

In addition, when a quest (mission) is completed based on the information input by player P1, player P1 may gain experience points and increase ability parameters according to the accumulated experience points.

In the game system, it is the object that acquires the items (including costumes), abilities, images, and videos among the game elements associated with the object, but it is player P1 that acquires the authority to run the lottery program and music among the game elements. In this embodiment, it may be determined in various ways whether it is the player or the object that acquires all the game elements associated with the object.

[8] Acquisition of Game Elements The game system of this embodiment accepts the selection of some of the objects to be strengthened from among the multiple objects owned by player P1 (e.g., objects OB1, OB2, OB3, OB4, and OB5) based on input information from player P1. The selected objects (objects to be strengthened) may be one object or multiple objects.

For example, let's consider a case where the number of objects to be selected is limited to one. When the game system accepts the selection of object OB1 based on input information from player P1, it causes player P1 or object OB1 to acquire the game element corresponding to object OB1 under predetermined conditions. In other words, the game system grants the game element corresponding to object OB1 to player P1 or object OB1 under predetermined conditions.

For example, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a map EB1 associated with object OB1 is used to allow player P1 or object OB1 to acquire game elements corresponding to object OB1 under predetermined conditions, thereby strengthening (growing) object OB1.

Furthermore, player P1 can change the selected object (object to be strengthened) to another object. In other words, when object OB1 is selected, the game system may change the selected object from object OB1 to another object based on input information from player P1. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, by inputting (e.g., touch input) into the "Change" 41 area, the game system transitions to a selection object change screen, and accepts input to select a new object to be selected (e.g., object OB2) based on input information from player P1.

[9] Explanation of Map Next, we will explain the map, which is made up of multiple squares. A map is made up of squares corresponding to multiple game elements, arranged in a tree structure.

In other words, the map is made up of multiple squares, which are connected in a tree structure based on the starting square. Note that the map can also be called an event board, skill tree, or skill panel. Also, "squares" can be called "panels."

In this embodiment, a map may be prepared for each object, or a common map may be prepared for multiple objects.

As shown in FIG. 4, the game system displays player P1's object OB1 and a map EB1 associated with object OB1 on player P1's terminal device 20.

In the map EB1 shown in Figure 4, of the multiple squares, squares M1 to M3 are released, and squares M4 to M7 are not released. A released square means that the game element corresponding to that square has already been acquired by player P1 or object OB1, and an unreleased square means that the game element corresponding to that square has not yet been acquired by player P1 or object OB1. Note that "release" can also be referred to as "open" or "unlocked."

The game system also stores information about game elements in the player information storage unit 176, in association with the object ID. For example, Figure 5 shows an example of information about game elements associated with object OB1.

For example, the game system associates a game element with a map square ID that corresponds to the object ID, and sets a corresponding predetermined parameter for acquiring the game element and an acquisition status.

In addition, as shown in box M1, if the game element is an item, the content of the item that player P1's object OB1 will acquire when the specified conditions in box M1 are met (e.g., a 20% increase in score) may also be predefined and stored.

In addition, as shown in box M5, if the game element is an ability, the content of the ability that player P1's object OB1 will acquire when the specified conditions in box M5 are met, as well as values such as the ability level and ability parameters, may also be defined and stored in advance.

A "consumption value" is a value consumed (subtracted) from a predetermined parameter associated with a player or player's object in exchange for allowing the player or player's object to acquire a game element. In the example of Figure 5, the type of predetermined parameter is parameter Y, and the consumption value of parameter Y is shown.

"Acquisition status" refers to whether the game element corresponding to a square has been acquired by player P1 or object OB1, is acquireable, or is not acquireable. In other words, it refers to whether the square has been released, is acquireable, or is not acquireable. For example, using the example of map EB1 shown in Figure 4, this indicates that the game elements corresponding to squares M4, M5, and M7 adjacent to square M3, which has been released (game elements have been acquired), can be acquired by consuming a consumption value from a specified parameter. On the other hand, square M6, which is not adjacent to square M3, which has been released (game elements have been acquired), cannot be released, and the game element corresponding to square M6 cannot be acquired.

In this embodiment, the player P1 is first required to satisfy a predetermined condition for the square M1 adjacent to the given start square MS. When the game system receives the selection of square M1 from the player P1 and the predetermined condition (release condition) is satisfied, the game system releases square M1 and allows the object OB1 to acquire the item A.

In this embodiment, acquired game elements may be controlled so that they can be used immediately upon acquisition, or the game elements may be used (activated) based on a player's instruction to use them.

The game system then selects and controls adjacent squares connected to the released square, and when a predetermined condition for the selected square is met, releases that square, making it possible to acquire the game element corresponding to that square. Note that the "predetermined condition" may be, for example, that the selected square is an unreleased square, that the square is adjacent to an released square or the starting square, and that a predetermined consumption value for that square is consumed.

The game system may associate game elements with all squares, or may associate game elements with only some of the squares. In other words, the game system may provide blank squares. The game system manages blank squares as if they have no information about game elements (game elements, consumption value, acquisition status, square release status). For example, in the example of Figure 4, if square M5 is a blank square, square M6 is considered to be adjacent to square M3 and is controlled as an acquireable square.

In the example in Figure 4, the starting square is square MS, but the starting square may also be square M1.

Also, for example, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the goal squares are the squares M4, M6, and M7 at the end of the path traced from square M1. In other words, a goal square is a square at the end of a path beyond which movement is not possible. In this embodiment, multiple goal squares may be placed on a single map.

In this way, the game system of this embodiment can encourage the strengthening (growth) of object OB1 as each square on map EB1 corresponding to object OB1 is unlocked.

The game system also has a map reset function. For example, the object's reset function returns (deletes) game elements that the object has acquired on the map from the game elements owned by the object, returns all or part of the specified parameters consumed to acquire the game elements associated with the object to the object (adds them to the specified parameters of the object), and further returns each square on the object's map to an unreleased state. In this way, the player can once again proceed with unlocking the map as they wish.

Furthermore, the map may be different for each object, or it may be common to all objects.

Note that different maps mean that at least one of the following is different: the number of squares, the content of the game elements associated with the squares (including the parameter values of the game elements), and the number of blank squares.

When an object OB1 is selected, if the game system changes the selected object from the object OB1 to another object OB2 based on the player's input information, it performs a process of making the object OB2 or the player P1 acquire a game element using a map EB2 corresponding to the object OB2.

Figure 6 shows an example of a game screen W6 showing a map EB2 associated with player P1's object OB2. The game screen W6 is displayed on player P1's terminal device 20. Figure 7 shows an example of information related to game elements associated with object OB2. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, map EB2 has the same game elements in some squares as map EB1. By providing a wide variety of maps in this way, players can enjoy strengthening each object.

Furthermore, when all squares are unlocked, the game system may perform a completion achievement effect and provide a new map. The player may then play the game by unlocking each square on the new map to acquire game elements.

[10] Display of Common Information The game system of this embodiment may be controlled so that information common to the first object and the second object can be displayed on the map.

For example, when the game system receives an instruction to display "common game elements" as information common to objects OB1 and OB2, it will identify and display the common game elements on the map.

For example, Figure 8 shows an example of a game screen W8 in which common game elements are identifiable on the map EB1 of object OB1. For example, the game screen W8 is displayed on the terminal device 20 of player P1. When the game system receives an instruction to display common game elements on the map EB1, it identifiable displays the game elements common to object OB1 and object OB2 on the game screen W8 by indicating them with a marker MK.

For example, if the game system receives input from the "Change" button 41 on the map screen of an object (e.g., object OB1) as the selected object (object to be strengthened), and then receives selection of an object to be compared (object OB2), it may consider this to be an instruction to display "common game elements," and may compare the two objects and distinguishably display the common game elements.

For example, Figure 9 shows an example of a game screen W9 in which, when a selection of an object to be compared (object OB2) is accepted, common game elements are identifiable on the map EB2 of object OB2. For example, game screen W9 is displayed on the terminal device 20 of player P1. When a selection of an object to be compared (object OB2) is accepted, the game system identifiable displays the common game elements on the game screen W9 by indicating the game elements common to objects OB1 and OB2 with a marker MK.

Note that "common information" is not limited to "common game elements," but can also be "game element consumption values," "released squares," and "unreleased squares."

Although not shown, the game system may display the map EB1 of the object OB1 and the map EB2 of the object OB2 side by side on the same screen, distinguishing between the common game elements.

[11] Inheritance Processing The game system of this embodiment also includes, for example, a plurality of objects OB1, OB2,
The information about the game elements of one of the objects OB3, OB4, and OB5 is passed on to the other object, so that the strengthening process of one of the objects can be effectively utilized without being wasted.

For example, the game system determines the inheritance content for inheriting information about game elements of one object to another object, and performs the inheritance process based on that inheritance content.

[12] Inheritance Content Determination Process The game system of this embodiment determines (decides) the inheritance content based on the relationship between the information of the first object, which is the inheritance source, and the information of the second object, which is the inheritance destination.

The inheritance content is the information about the game elements associated with the first object that is inherited by the second object. Note that when the inheritance content is determined, the second object is in an inheritance candidate state before the inheritance process is executed.

Note that "inheritance" means granting, succession, transfer, transfer, etc.

[12.1] Description of Inheritance Content For example, the "inheritance content" may be "inheritance yes/no" indicating whether or not inheritance is performed.

The "inheritance content" may also refer to game elements acquired by the first object (the inheritor) that are to be inherited by the second object (the inheritor). In such cases, the "inheritance content" may also include the release of squares corresponding to those game elements and the number of released squares.

In addition, the "inheritance content" may be an inheritance probability indicating the probability for determining whether or not one or more game elements acquired by the first object (the inheritor) will be inherited by the second object (the inheritor).

In other words, the game system determines which game elements, among those already acquired by one object, should be inherited by the other object as the inheritance content. For example, if object OB1 has acquired items A, B, and C, at least one of those items A, B, and C will be inherited by object OB2.

The game system also performs processing to allow the player or the object to acquire a game element on the condition that the player or the object consumes a predetermined consumption value from predetermined parameters set in association with the player or the player's object.

The "inheritance content" may also be "return/non-return," which indicates whether all or part of the specified parameters consumed to acquire the game elements associated with the first object from which the inheritance is made should be returned to the player or the second object to which the inheritance is made.

In addition, the "inheritance content" may be the "return amount" when all or part of the specified parameters consumed to acquire the game elements associated with the first object from which the inheritance originates are returned to the player or the second object to which the inheritance originates.

If the first object has acquired multiple game elements, the "inheritance content" may be the "return amount" when returning all or part of the total value of the consumed predetermined parameters to the player or the second object that is the inheritance destination. For example, if the inheritance source object OB1 has acquired items A, B, and C, the total value of the consumed predetermined parameters is "20," so the return amount when returning them to the inheritance destination object OB2 is determined within a range of 1 to 20.

The "inheritance content" may also be an inheritance ratio indicating the proportion of the total value of the specified parameters consumed by the first object to acquire the game element that is to be inherited by the second object.

In addition, the "inheritance content" may be information indicating the ease of acquiring the game element in the map of the second object to which it is inherited.

For example, the "inheritance content" may be the degree of change (e.g., the degree of reduction) in at least one of the amount and type of consumption value required to acquire the game element associated with the second object to which the inheritance is made. For example, if the consumption value is reduced, it will be easier to acquire the game element.

[12.2] Description of the Process for Determining Inheritance Content Based on the Relationship Between the First and Second Objects The game system determines the inheritance content based on the relationship between the information of the inheritance source object and the information of the inheritance destination object.

[12.2.1] Relationship Based on Acquisition Status of Game Elements For example, the game system performs processing to determine the inheritance content based on the relationship between the acquisition status of game elements of object OB1 and the acquisition status of game elements of object OB2. The acquisition status includes the content of the acquired game elements, the time (period) required to acquire them, etc.

Specifically, if object OB1 and object OB2 have acquired items A and B, which are common game elements, the game system determines that items A and B should be inherited by object OB2.

Furthermore, if object OB1 acquires items A and B over a period of one week or more, the game system determines that they can be inherited and that items A and B should be inherited by object OB2.

Furthermore, if object OB1 acquires item A and item B over a period of 24 hours or more but less than one week, the game system determines that inheritance is possible and that item A or item B should be inherited by object OB2.

Furthermore, if object OB1 acquires item A and item B within 24 hours, the game system determines that inheritance is not permitted.

[12.2.2] Relationships Based on Intimacy, Compatibility, etc. The game system may also determine the inheritance content based on at least one of the intimacy and compatibility between the information on the object OB1 and the information on the object OB2.

For example, the intimacy between two objects is expressed as a numerical value from 0 to 100, with a higher numerical value indicating a higher intimacy. The intimacy is a value that changes as the game progresses. For example, when two objects appear together in the same game space and play a game, the intimacy is controlled to increase. For example, the intimacy is controlled to increase as the time that the two objects appear together in the same game space and play a game increases.

If the intimacy between two objects (for example, the intimacy between object OB1 and object OB2) is 80 or higher, the game system determines that inheritance is possible, and that all items acquired by the inheritor (for example, object OB1) should be inherited by the inheritee (for example, object OB2).

On the other hand, if the intimacy between two objects (for example, the intimacy between object OB1 and object OB2) is greater than or equal to 50 and less than 80, the game system determines that inheritance is possible, and that some of the items acquired by the inheritor (for example, object OB1) should be inherited by the inheritee (for example, object OB2).

Furthermore, the game system determines that inheritance is not possible if the intimacy between two objects (for example, the intimacy between object OB1 and object OB2) is less than 50.

For example, let's consider a case where the compatibility between two objects is predefined as one of three types: "good," "normal," or "bad." If the compatibility between the two objects is "good," the game system determines that inheritance is possible, and that all items acquired by the inheritance source (e.g., object OB1) should be inherited by the inheritance destination (e.g., object OB2).

Furthermore, if the compatibility between the two is "normal," the game system determines that inheritance is possible, and that some of the items acquired by the inheritor (e.g., object OB1) will be inherited by the inheritee (e.g., object OB2).

In addition, the game system will determine that if the two characters are "poor" in compatibility, the inheritance will not be possible.

[12.2.3] Relationships Based on Object Types, Attributes, etc. The game system may also perform processing to determine the inheritance content based on the degree of match between the types of object OB1 and object OB2.

The type of object can be, for example, a rarity indicating the degree of rarity, or an object type (a type that classifies the character's personality, such as Type A, Type B, or Type C). The higher the rarity number, the rarer the object.

For example, if the rarity of object OB1 is "5" and the rarity of object OB2 is "5", and they match with a high value, it is determined that inheritance is possible, and all game elements acquired by object OB1 will be inherited by object OB2 as inheritance content.

Furthermore, if the rarity of object OB1 is "5" and the rarity of object OB2 is "3," it is determined that inheritance is possible, and that some (e.g., at least one) game element acquired by object OB1 will be inherited by object OB2.

Furthermore, if the rarity of object OB1 is "5" and the rarity of object OB2 is "1", the inheritance content is determined to be non-inheritable.

Furthermore, the game system determines that the type of object OB1 is type A and the type of object OB2 is type A, and they match, and the object OB1 is inheritable.
The inheritance content is determined to be that all game elements acquired by object OB1 are inherited by object OB2.

Furthermore, the game system determines that if the type of object OB1 is type A and the type of object OB2 is type B, and they do not match, inheritance is not permitted.

The game system may also perform processing to determine the inheritance content based on the degree of similarity between the attributes of object OB1 and object OB2. "Attributes" indicate the nature and classification of an object.

Furthermore, if an object is given the attribute "water," "wood," or "fire," and the attribute of object OB1 and object OB2 match, both being "water," the game system determines that inheritance is possible and that all game elements acquired by object OB1 will be inherited by object OB2.

On the other hand, if the attribute of object OB1 is "water" and the attribute of object OB2 is "wood," the game system determines that inheritance is not possible.

[12.2.4] Relationships Based on the Degree of Similarity of Game Elements The game system may also determine the inheritance content based on the degree of similarity between the game elements associated with object OB1 and the game elements associated with object OB2.

For example, the inheritance content may be determined so that the more common game elements there are, the easier it is to inherit, regardless of whether game elements have been acquired for object OB1 or object OB2.

For example, the inheritance content is determined so that the more common game elements there are, the greater the number of game elements to be inherited, or the lower the consumption value of certain parameters that must be consumed to acquire the game elements in the inheritance destination object OB2.

[12.2.5] Relationship-Based Control The game system may also vary at least one of the amount of information about game elements inherited by object OB2 (e.g., the number of game elements or, if the game elements are ability parameters, the value of the ability parameters) and the inheritance probability based on the relationship between the information about object OB1 and the information about object OB2.

For example, the game system may set the inheritance probability to 80% if object OB1 and object OB2 are compatible, and 20% if they are not compatible.

The game system may also change whether or not to return certain parameters inherited by object OB2, and the amount of return, based on the relationship between the information of object OB1 and the information of object OB2.

For example, if the inheritance source object OB1 acquires items A, B, and C, the total value of the consumed predetermined parameters is "20". If the compatibility between the object OB1 and the object OB2 is good, 100% of the value, "20", is returned to the object OB2. If the compatibility between the object OB1 and the object OB2 is normal, 30% of the value, "6", is returned to the object OB2.
If the compatibility between object OB1 and object OB2 is poor, the object OB1 is not returned to object OB2.

The game system may also change the amount of consumption value required to acquire a game element associated with object OB2 based on the relationship between the information of object OB1 and the information of object OB2. Such a change is also an example of inheritance content. For example, the degree of change (degree of reduction) in the consumption value may be determined based on the relationship between the information of object OB1 and the information of object OB2. For example, the higher the intimacy (or the better the compatibility) between objects OB1 and OB2, the higher the reduction rate of the consumption value of a specified parameter in object OB2 may be controlled.

The game system may also change the type of consumption value required to acquire the game element associated with object OB2 based on the relationship between the information about object OB1 and the information about object OB2. Such a change is also an example of inheritance content.

For example, suppose parameter X is a value that increases more easily than parameter Y, and the type of consumption value for object OB1 is parameter Y. Then, when inheriting from object OB1 to object OB2, the type of consumption value is changed from parameter Y to parameter X based on the relationship between the information for object OB1 and the information for object OB2. In this way, object OB2 can more easily acquire items on the map.

[12.3] Inheritance Based on the State of Game Elements The game system may inherit acquired game elements (e.g., items A, B, and C) from the game elements associated with object OB1 to object OB2 on the condition that the acquired game elements (e.g., items A, B, and C) are returned to their pre-use state (e.g., their initial state). In other words, squares M1, M2, and M3 on map EB1 of object OB1 are set to unreleased, and the game elements (e.g., items A, B, and C) acquired on the map are returned (deleted) from the game elements owned by object OB1, and the state is updated to unacquired.

In addition, if it is not possible to restore an acquired game element to its pre-use state, the game system will determine the inheritance content based on the information about that game element.

For example, if player P1 uses the execution authority for a lottery program that he acquired in association with object OB1, it is impossible to return it to the state before use. In such a case, game elements other than the execution authority for the lottery program (game elements acquired by object OB1) may be inherited by object OB2, or all game elements acquired by object OB1 may be made non-inheritable to object OB2. The game elements inherited by object OB2 are returned (deleted) from object OB1 and updated to an unacquired state, and the squares on map EB1 corresponding to those game elements are also updated to an unreleased state.

[12.4] Others For the sake of convenience, the matters described above have been explained mainly based on the relationship between object OB1 and object OB2. However, the inheritance content is determined according to the combination of two objects, such as the relationship between object OB1 and object OB3, the relationship between object OB1 and object OB4, or the relationship between object OB1 and object OB5.

[12.5] Display of Inheritance Content The game system may display the determined inheritance content on the terminal device 20 of the player P1. For example, the inheritance content may be displayed for the player P1 to confirm before the actual inheritance is performed. In this embodiment, the inheritance content may also be displayed for the player P1 to confirm after the inheritance.

For example, Figure 10 shows an example of a game screen W10 that displays the inheritance content when information about the game elements of object OB1 is inherited by inheritance candidate object OB2. The game screen W10 is displayed on the terminal device 20 of player P1.

For example, the game system may display inheritance details such as "Inheritable," "Inheritable"; "Inherited items are Item A and Item B," "Parameter Y return amount is 5," and "Opened squares on map EB2 are Square L1 and Square L2."

The game system displays the inheritance details before transferring them from object OB1 to object OB2. Player P1 checks the inheritance details displayed on game screen W10, and if there are no problems, player P1 inputs (touches) the inheritance button 101, thereby transferring information about the game elements of object OB1 to object OB2.

In other words, when the game system receives an inheritance instruction based on input information from player P1, it inherits information about the game elements associated with object OB1 to object OB2 based on the inheritance content. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, when the game system receives input (touch input) from inherit button 101, it inherits items A and B to object OB2. In other words, it causes object OB2 to acquire items A and B. It then adds the return amount of parameter Y, "5," to parameter Y of object OB2, and marks squares L1 and L2 on map EB2 of object OB2 as released.

Note that while the game system displays the inherited content before inheritance, it does not necessarily have to be displayed before inheritance; it may be displayed after inheritance.

In addition, if information about the game elements of object OB1 is inherited by object OB2 based on the inheritance content, the game system also performs processing to change the target for strengthening (selection target) from object OB1 to object OB2.

[13] Flowchart An example of the flow of processing related to inheritance in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. For convenience of explanation, an example will be described regarding objects OB1, OB2, OB3, OB4, and OB5 associated with player P1.

First, as shown in FIG. 11, the game system selects one of the objects to be strengthened as the first object (step S1).

For example, if object OB1 is the only object to be strengthened, the game system selects object OB1. If there are multiple objects to be strengthened (for example, if objects OB1 and OB5 exist), the game system selects one object (for example, object OB1) based on the input information of player P1.

Then, the inheritance candidate object is selected as the second object (step S
2) For example, based on input information from player P1, one object (for example, object OB2) is selected from among objects (for example, OB2, OB3, OB4) that are not currently being strengthened (selected).

Next, the inheritance content is determined based on the relationship between the information of the first object (e.g., object OB1) and the information of the second object (e.g., object OB2) (step S3). The inheritance content is then displayed on the terminal device of player P1 (step S4).

Then, based on the input information from player P1, it is determined whether an inheritance instruction has been accepted (step S5). If an inheritance instruction has been accepted (Y in step S5), information about the game elements associated with the first object is inherited by the second object based on the inheritance content (step S6). On the other hand, if an inheritance instruction has not been accepted (N in step S5), the processing ends. This ends the processing.

[14] Explanation of the use of game elements The game system of this embodiment causes player P1's object in the game to use (activate) game elements that the object has acquired, based on input information from player P1 or computer control (CPU control).

For example, if the game element is an item, you will be able to use that item in the game part.

Furthermore, if the game element is a skill, it becomes possible to develop the skill, change the skill's parameters to the player's advantage (for example, increase them), improve the skill's performance, etc.

Also, if the game element is a new game (for example, a song), a new game will be added.

Also, for example, if the ability acquired by object OB1 is "score increase," and that ability is used, when a music game of a song is played using object OB1, the points awarded per successful judgment reference timing may be controlled to be increased (e.g., doubled).

Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, before starting a quest (music game), a selection of an ability to be activated may be accepted in advance from player P1, and the selected ability may be used.

[15] Application Examples [15.1] Application Examples to Other Games The game system of this embodiment is not limited to music games, but can also be implemented in games such as battle games, fighting games, role-playing games (RPG games), sports games, racing games, action games, training games, simulation games, puzzle games, and communication-type games.

For example, in a fighting game, an "item" may be an item that restores vitality or an item that increases attack power or defense power. Furthermore, for example, an "ability" may be an attack power increase, a defense power increase, an HP increase, a critical increase, or the like. For example, an "attack power increase" is an ability that increases the attack power of an object OB1 controlled by a player P1. A defensive power increase is an ability that increases the defensive power of an object OB1 controlled by a player P1. An HP increase is an ability that increases the HP value (vital power value) of an object OB1 controlled by a player P1. A critical increase is an ability that increases the damage rate, hit rate, and fatality rate of an opponent when an object OB1 controlled by a player P1 attacks the opponent.

"Ability" can also be interpreted as a technique, magic, special move, or special skill. "Ability" can also be interpreted as an item that makes an object stronger.

[15.2] Application Examples of Maps Although the game system of this embodiment has been described as using a different map for each of a plurality of objects, a common map may also be used for a plurality of objects.

Figure 12 shows an example of a game screen W12 when a common map ES is used by multiple objects OB1, OB2, and OB3. The game screen W12 is displayed on the terminal device 20 of player P1.

When the game system uses a common map for multiple objects, the squares released by one object may be the same as the squares released by another object.

In addition, the game system may assign the same game elements (e.g., items, abilities, etc.) to the square IDs associated with objects OB1, OB2, and OB3, but may also assign different game elements to each object.

In addition, the game system may assign the same consumption value and type of specified parameters to the square IDs associated with objects OB1, OB2, and OB3, but may also assign different values to each object.

The game system also manages and controls, for each object, the release status corresponding to each square ID and the acquisition status of game elements corresponding to each square ID.

For example, the game system sets the starting square corresponding to object OB1 to square NA, and in the example of Figure 12, squares N1, N2, N3, N5, N8, and N10 are opened in this order to acquire game elements.

Also, for example, suppose the starting square corresponding to object OB2 is set to square NB, and in the example of Figure 12, squares N6, N7, N8, N5, N3, and N4 are unlocked in this order to acquire game elements.

For example, the start square corresponding to object OB3 is set to square NC. In the example of Figure 12, let's assume that none of the squares for object OB3 have been released. In this way, when multiple objects share map ES, it is possible that each object will have a different route to release on map ES.

Even when multiple objects share a map ES, the game system determines the inheritance content based on the relationship between the information of the inheritance source object and the information of the inheritance destination (inheritance candidate) object. The inheritance content is then presented to player P1.

For example, in the example of FIG. 12 , when object OB1 is the inheritance source and object OB2 is the inheritance destination (inheritance candidate), three squares (L3, L5, and L8) have been unlocked in both objects OB1 and OB2, resulting in the acquisition of the same game elements. In this case, the game system determines the inheritance content based on the information on the game elements that have been acquired. For example, the total value consumed to acquire the game elements in the three squares (L3, L5, and L8) is determined as the return amount, and is determined as the content to be returned (inherited) to object OB2. If the game element consumption value for square L3 is "2," the game element consumption value for square L5 is "3," and the game element consumption value for square L8 is "5,""10" is added to the predetermined parameter of object OB2. In this way, player P1 can discard the abilities and other skills he or she has developed in object OB1 and allocate them to object OB2, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

In addition, the game system may also accept the selection of multiple objects to be compared in map ES (for example, accepting the selection of objects OB1 and OB2), and distinguishably display common features between the two (for example, squares captured by both objects OB1 and OB2, or game elements).

When using a common map for multiple objects, the starting square may be different for each object, as shown in Figure 12, or the starting square may be the same for each object.

Although not shown, the map may have multiple squares divided into multiple predetermined ranges. For example, there may be a predetermined range AR1 in which multiple squares are arranged, a predetermined range AR2 in which multiple squares are arranged, a predetermined range AR3 in which multiple squares are arranged, a predetermined range AR4 in which multiple squares are arranged, and a predetermined range AR5 in which multiple squares are arranged.

Furthermore, each of the predetermined ranges AR1 to AR5 may be used as a general concept for each ability. For example, in the case of a fighting game or RPG game, each square belonging to the predetermined range AR1 may correspond to an offensive ability, each square belonging to the predetermined range AR2 may correspond to a defensive ability, each square belonging to the predetermined range AR3 may correspond to an HP ability, each square belonging to the predetermined range AR4 may correspond to a critical hit ability, and each square belonging to the predetermined range AR5 may correspond to a magic ability.

The "release condition" may also be completing (clearing) a given quest.

[15.3] Example of Automatically Selecting an Object to be Successored The game system may automatically select an object to be inherited (an inheritance candidate) based on the computer (CPU control), that is, select an object to be selected (an object to be strengthened), and determine the information and inheritance details common between the inheritor and the inheritor. The common information and inheritance details may then be displayed on the terminal device 20 of player P1.

Furthermore, in addition to the inheritance source object OB1, the game system may have multiple candidate objects for inheritance. For example, if multiple candidate objects OB2, OB3, OB4, and OB5 exist, the game system may determine common information and inheritance content for each of the following combinations: inheritance source object OB1 and inheritance destination object OB2; inheritance source object OB1 and inheritance destination object OB3; inheritance source object OB1 and inheritance destination object OB4; and inheritance source object OB1 and inheritance destination object OB5. The common information and inheritance content for each combination may then be displayed on the terminal device 20 of player P1.

The game system may also select the inheritance target object with the best inheritance content and present the inheritance target object with the best inheritance content as a recommended object on the terminal device 20 of player P1. For example, the "inheritance target object with the best inheritance content" may be at least one of the object with the most inherited game elements, the object with the largest return amount of specified parameters, and the object with the most unlocked squares.

[15.4] Inheritance Timing The game system performs inheritance processing based on the inheritance content at the timing of player P1's input, based on the input information of player P1, but the inheritance processing may also be performed automatically by a computer (CPU control) at a given timing.

[16] Regarding the Game Providing Method This embodiment relates to a game providing method for providing information about a game, which stores game elements in a storage unit in association with each of a plurality of objects, performs a process of determining inheritance content indicating the content of inheritance of information about the game element associated with a first object to a second object, and in the determination process, performs a process of determining the inheritance content based on the relationship between the information about the first object and the information about the second object.

This embodiment may also be a game provision method in which a server device provides information about a game to a terminal device. That is, the server device stores game elements in a storage unit in association with each of a plurality of objects, and performs a process of determining inheritance content indicating how information about a game element associated with a first object is to be inherited by a second object. In the determination process, the server device determines the inheritance content based on the relationship between the information about the first object and the information about the second object. Then, when the server device performs the process of determining the inheritance content, the terminal device transmits information about the player's input to the server device and receives information about the game from the server device.

The storage unit may be at least one of the storage unit of the server device, the storage unit of the terminal device, and a given storage unit on the Internet (a storage area on the cloud).

[17] Others The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, terms cited in the specification or drawings as broadly defined or synonymous terms can be replaced with broadly defined or synonymous terms in other descriptions in the specification or drawings.

The present invention includes configurations that are substantially identical to the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations with the same function, method, and result, 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 or purposes as the configurations described in the embodiments. 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 without substantially departing from the novel features and advantages 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 unit, 110 Game element control unit, 111 Memory control unit,
112 inheritance control unit, 113 square control unit, 114 game processing unit,
115 Object control unit, 116 Display control unit, 119 Reception unit,
120 communication control unit,
121 Web processing unit, 122 Management unit, 123 Notification unit,
130 image generation 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 Sound 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 controlling information about game elements,
a storage control unit that stores game elements in a storage unit in association with each of a plurality of objects;
an inheritance control unit that performs processing to determine inheritance content indicating content of inheritance of information related to game elements associated with a first object to a second object;
a square control unit that prepares a map composed of a plurality of squares for the object and associates a game element with at least one square;
a game element control unit that causes a player or an object of the player to acquire game elements corresponding to squares that satisfy predetermined conditions, in order from a predetermined square;
a display control unit that controls the display of a map of the object and information about game elements corresponding to each square on a display unit;
Including,
The inheritance content is:
The second object inherits information about a game element associated with a square on a map of the first object,
The inheritance control unit
A game system characterized by performing a process for determining the inheritance content based on the relationship between the information of the first object and the information of the second object. In claim 1,
The display control unit
A game system characterized by controlling information common to the first object and the second object so that it can be displayed on the map. In claim 1 or 2,
The storage control unit
storing in the storage unit the acquisition status of the game elements in association with each of the plurality of objects;
The inheritance control unit
A game system characterized by performing a process to determine the inheritance content based on the relationship between the acquisition status of the game elements of the first object and the acquisition status of the game elements of the second object. In any one of claims 1 to 3,
The inheritance control unit
A game system comprising: a process for determining the inheritance content based on at least one of the intimacy and compatibility between the information on the first object and the information on the second object. In any one of claims 1 to 4,
The inheritance control unit
A game system characterized by performing a process to determine the inheritance content based on at least one of the degree of match between the type of the first object and the type of the second object, and the degree of match between the attributes of the first object and the attributes of the second object. In any one of claims 1 to 5,
The inheritance control unit
A game system characterized by performing a process to determine the inheritance content based on the degree of match between the game elements associated with the first object and the game elements associated with the second object. In any one of claims 1 to 6,
The inheritance control unit
A game system characterized by changing at least one of the amount of information regarding game elements inherited by a second object and the probability of inheritance based on the relationship between the information of the first object and the information of the second object. In any one of claims 1 to 7,
The inheritance control unit
A game system characterized in that game elements to be inherited by a second object from among game elements already acquired by the first object are determined as the inheritance content. In any one of claims 1 to 8,
a game element control unit that performs processing to allow the player or the object to acquire a game element on the condition that the player or the object consumes a predetermined consumption value from predetermined parameters that are set in association with the player or the object of the player;
The inheritance control unit
A game system characterized in that the return content of a predetermined parameter consumed to acquire a game element associated with the first object is determined as the inheritance content. In any one of claims 1 to 9,
a game element control unit that performs processing to allow the player or the object to acquire a game element on the condition that the player or the object consumes a predetermined consumption value from predetermined parameters that are set in association with the player or the object of the player;
The inheritance control unit
A game system characterized in that the inheritance content is determined to be a change in at least one of the amount and type of consumption value required to acquire the game element associated with the second object. In claim 9 or 10,
a game processing unit that changes the predetermined parameter when a given game is progressed,
The game processing unit
A game system characterized by performing at least one of a process of controlling the game so that it can be played within a predetermined period of time, and a process of controlling the predetermined parameter so that it can be changed until it reaches a predetermined limit value. In any one of claims 1 to 11,
an object control unit that accepts a selection of an object from among the plurality of objects based on input information from a player;
a game element control unit that causes a player or an object to acquire a game element corresponding to the object selected by the object control unit,
The object control unit
A game system characterized in that, when the first object is selected, the selected object is changed from the first object to the second object based on input information from a player. In any one of claims 1 to 12,
The inheritance control unit
A game system characterized in that acquired game elements among the game elements associated with the first object are inherited to the second object based on the inheritance content, on the condition that they are returned to their state before use. In claim 13,
The inheritance control unit
A game system characterized in that, when it is impossible to return the acquired game element to its state before use, the inheritance content is determined based on information about the game element. A program for controlling information about game elements,
a storage control unit that stores game elements in a storage unit in association with each of a plurality of objects;
an inheritance control unit that performs processing to determine inheritance content indicating content of inheritance of information related to game elements associated with a first object to a second object;
a square control unit that prepares a map composed of a plurality of squares for the object and associates a game element with at least one square;
a game element control unit that causes a player or an object of the player to acquire game elements corresponding to squares that satisfy predetermined conditions, in order from a predetermined square;
causing the computer to function as a display control unit that controls the display of a map of the object and information about game elements corresponding to each square on a display unit;
The inheritance content is:
The second object inherits information about a game element associated with a square on a map of the first object,
The inheritance control unit
A program that performs processing to determine the inheritance content based on a relationship between information on the first object and information on the second object. A game providing method for providing information about a game, comprising:
The computer
storing game elements in a storage unit in association with each of the plurality of objects;
performing a process of determining inheritance content indicating content of inheritance of information about game elements associated with the first object to the second object;
A map consisting of a plurality of squares is prepared for the object, and a game element is associated with at least one square;
having the player or the player's object acquire game elements corresponding to squares that satisfy predetermined conditions, in order from a predetermined square;
Controlling the display of the map of the object and information about the game elements corresponding to each square on the display unit;
The inheritance content is:
The second object inherits information about a game element associated with a square on a map of the first object,
A game providing method characterized in that, in the determining process, the inheritance content is determined based on the relationship between the information of the first object and the information of the second object.