JP7804286B2 - Program, information processing device, and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

(1) Date of publication on the website: April 14, 2023. Website address: https://gnn.gamer.com.tw/detail.php?sn=248268 (2) Date of publication on the website: April 20, 2023. Website address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8gEi0BQoqo (3) Date of publication on the website: April 20, 2023. Website address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8gEi0BQoqo v=JfPhkFigeMk (4) Website publication date: April 20, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=27AeK2bUsOg (5) Website publication date: April 20, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=gRQBkpunCpg (6) Website publication date: April 20, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://www.4gamer.ネット/ゲームス/487/G048777/20230420024/ (7) Website publication date: April 20, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://app. famitsu. com/20230420_2075513/ (8) Website publication date: April 21, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://gnn. gamer. com. tw/detail. php? sn=248614 (9) Website publication date: April 27, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://www. inven. co. kr/webzine/news/? news=284123 (10) Website publication date: April 28, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/id1576831351

Article 30, paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applies. (11) Website publication date: April 28, 2023. Website address: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heavenburnsred&hl=ja&gl=US (12) Website publication date: April 28, 2023. Website address: https://apps.apple. com/tw/app/%E7%B7%8B%E6%9F%93%E5%A4%A9%E7%A9%BA-heaven-burns-red/id1576831351 (13) Website publication date: April 28, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://apps.apple. com/hk/app/%E7%B7%8B%E6%9F%93%E5%A4%A9%E7%A9%BA-heaven-burns-red/id1576831351 (14) Website publication date: April 28, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://apps.apple. com/mo/app/%E7%B7%8B%E6%9F%93%E5%A4%A9%E7%A9%BA-heaven-burns-red/id1576831351 (15) Website publication date: April 28, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://apps.apple. com/kr/app/%E7%B7%8B%E6%9F%93%E5%A4%A9%E7%A9%BA-heaven-burns-red/id1576831351 (16) Website publication date: April 28, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heavenburnsred&hl=zh-tw&gl=US&pli=1 (17) Website publication date: April 28, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heavenburnsred&hl=zh-tw&gl=US&pli=1 com/store/apps/details? id=com. heavenburnsred&hl=ko&gl=US&pli=1

(18) Website publication date: April 28, 2023. Website address: https://twitter.com/heavenburnsred/status/1651768196477616135?s=20 (19) Website publication date: April 28, 2023. Website address: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1973710/_/ (20) Website publication date: April 28, 2023. Website address: https://gnn.gamer.com.tw/detail.php? sn = 249016 (21) Website publication date: April 28, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://www. 4gamer. net/games/487/G048777/20230428017/ (22) Website publication date: April 28, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://www. gamer. new. jp/news/202304280021/ (23) Website publication date: April 20, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v = aPAV_zNA3-Y (24) Website publication date: April 20, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v = qXXYrzBmA4Q (25) Website publication date: April 20, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://gamebiz.jp/news/367612 (26) Website publication date: April 20, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://www.famitsu.com/news/202304/20300175. html (27) Website publication date: April 25, 2023 (Reiwa 5) Website address: https://www. famitsu. com/news/202304/25300645. html

Article 30, paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applies (28) Website publication date: April 27, 2023 Website address: https://bbs.rulliweb.com/news/read/181324 (29) Website publication date: April 28, 2023 Website address: https://bbs.rulliweb.com/news/read/181404 (30) Website publication date: April 21, 2023 Website address: https://thekoreannews.com/detail.php? Number = 100671 & Thread = 26 (31) Website publication date: April 28, 2023. Website address: https://thekoreannews.com/detail.php? Number = 100944 & Thread = 26 (32) Website publication date: April 20, 2023. Website address: https://dengekionline.com/articles/182473/ (33) Magazine publication date: April 27, 2023. Magazine name: Weekly Famitsu May 18, 2023 Special Issue (No. 1796)

This disclosure relates to a program, an information processing device, and an information processing method.

Technology that uses gauge displays in fishing games is known.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-190840

In fighting games, the value of a display parameter related to the gauge display (e.g., HP: Hit Points) often changes during an attack event by an amount corresponding to the power of the attack. This type of gauge display change lacks originality and makes it difficult to enhance the sense of realism of the offense and defense.

Therefore, in one aspect, the present disclosure aims to change the values of display parameters in a novel manner.

In one aspect, a game process for performing game processing relating to a game executable between a first game medium and a second game medium;
causing a computer to execute an output process of outputting a progress status of the game process via a first display medium associated with the first game medium and a second display medium associated with the second game medium;
The game processing includes:
a first event process for detecting a first event associated with the first game medium during the progress of the game;
a second event process for detecting a second event associated with the second game medium during the progress of the game;
a first parameter process for changing a value of a predetermined parameter based on the first event;
a second parameter process for changing a value of the predetermined parameter based on the second event;
The output process includes:
a first display process for changing a value of a first display parameter associated with the first display medium when the value of the predetermined parameter changes during the progress of the game;
a second display process for changing a value of a second display parameter associated with the second display medium when the value of the predetermined parameter changes during the progress of the game,
A program is provided in which at least one of the first display process and the second display process changes a rate of change in the value of the display parameter relative to a change in the value of the predetermined parameter while the game is in progress.

In one aspect, the present disclosure makes it possible to change the values of display parameters in novel ways.

1 is a block diagram of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a server device. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a fishing game. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a gauge display on a fishing game screen. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of the movements of the fish-side gauge and the rod-side gauge that can be realized as the fishing game progresses. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a gauge display according to a comparative example (part 1). FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a gauge display according to a comparative example (part 2). FIG. 10 is an example functional block diagram relating to game functions of a game system related to the fishing game described above. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of information relating to a user. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of information relating to rod parameters. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of information relating to a fish object. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of information relating to fish parameters. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the length of the fish-side gauge in the fish-side gauge section. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the length of the rod-side gauge in the rod-side gauge section. 10 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the game system regarding a fishing game.

Each embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that in the attached drawings, for ease of viewing, only some of the reference symbols may be assigned to multiple parts with the same attribute.

(Game system overview)
An overview of a game system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the game system 1 according to this embodiment. The game system 1 includes a server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 20. For simplicity, three terminal devices 20 are shown in Fig. 1, but the number of terminal devices 20 may be two or more.

The server device 10 is an information processing device such as a server managed by a game operator. The terminal device 20 is an information processing device used by a user, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, PC (Personal Computer), or game device. The terminal device 20 may be implemented as a combination of some or all of these information processing devices with a device worn on a part of the body, such as a head-mounted display (HMD), smart glasses, or motion capture sensor, or as a device worn on a part of the body itself. The terminal device 20 is capable of executing a game application according to this embodiment. The game application may be received by the terminal device 20 from the server device 10 or a predetermined application distribution server via the network 30, or may be pre-stored in a storage device provided in the terminal device 20 or a storage medium such as a memory card readable by the terminal device 20. The server device 10 and terminal device 20 are communicatively connected via the network 30. For example, the server device 10 and terminal device 20 cooperate to execute various game-related processes.

The network 30 may include a wireless communication network, the Internet, a VPN (Virtual Private Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a wired network, or any combination thereof.

Here, we will provide an overview of the game according to this embodiment. The game according to this embodiment is, for example, a role-playing game or a simulation game, and game media is used as the game is played. For example, the game according to this embodiment is a game in which game media is moved around on a field within a three-dimensional virtual space.

Game media is electronic data used in games, and includes any media such as cards, items, points, in-service currency (or in-game currency), tickets, characters, avatars, parameters, etc. Game media may also be game-related information such as level information, status information, game parameter information (such as stamina and attack power), or ability information (such as skills, abilities, spells, and jobs). Game media is electronic data that can be acquired, owned, used, managed, exchanged, synthesized, strengthened, sold, discarded, or gifted by users within a game, but the manner in which game media can be used is not limited to those explicitly stated in this specification.

Unless otherwise specified, "game media owned by a user" below refers to game media associated with a user's user ID. Furthermore, "granting game media to a user" refers to associating game media with a user ID. Furthermore, "discarding game media owned by a user" refers to dissociating a user ID from a game media. Furthermore, "consuming game media owned by a user" refers to causing some effect or influence in the game in response to dissociating a user ID from a game media. Furthermore, "selling game media owned by a user" refers to dissociating a user ID from the game media and associating the user ID with other game media (e.g., virtual currency or items). Furthermore, "transferring game media owned by a user to another user" refers to dissociating a user ID from a game media and associating the game media with the other user's user ID.

The game according to this embodiment includes, as an example, a first game part, a second game part, and a third game part.

In the first game part, the user controls a user character to progress through the game while exploring a field in a virtual space. Specifically, the user character moves around the field in response to user operations. The user character may also take the form of an avatar (the user's alter ego). The field is provided with a variety of areas, such as fishing spots and dungeons, and various mini-games and events occur depending on the area, such as a fishing game at the fishing spot or a battle against an enemy character encountered in a dungeon. The main story of the game progresses as events are executed. Furthermore, in the first game part, the user may be awarded game content such as items, virtual currency, or characters if, for example, they achieve success in a mini-game or win a battle against an enemy character.

In the second game part, the user changes the game content they own. The user collects various game content, such as items, virtual currency, and characters. Specifically, by moving the user's character to a specific area on the field, such as a fishing spot or mining site, a sub-event occurs in which game content can be acquired. Sub-events include, for example, progressing through a sub-story and playing a mini-game, but the content of the sub-event is not limited to these. Various game content can be awarded to the user depending on the results of the sub-event.

In the third game part, the user changes parameters related to the game content. For example, the user strengthens the user character. Specifically, as described above, the game content granted to the user in the first and second game parts is consumed, changing various game parameters of the user character. Game parameters include, but are not limited to, the user character's level, HP, attack power, defense power, attributes, and skills. The user character is strengthened in accordance with changes in the user character's game parameters. Strengthening the user character increases the likelihood that the user character will win a battle against an enemy character in the first game part.

In this way, in the game according to this embodiment, the user repeatedly plays the first game part, the second game part, and the third game part.

The following mainly describes a fishing game at a fishing spot that can be played in the first game part. In a modified version, the fishing game may also be played as the third game part. Fishing spots may be set in multiple locations on the field.

(Configuration of the server device)
The following is a specific description of the configuration of the server device 10. The server device 10 is configured by a server computer. The server device 10 may be realized by a plurality of server computers working together.

The server device 10 includes a server communication unit 11, a server storage unit 12, and a server control unit 13.

The server communication unit 11 includes an interface that communicates with external devices wirelessly or via a wired connection to send and receive information. The server communication unit 11 may include, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication module or a wired LAN communication module. The server communication unit 11 can send and receive information to and from the terminal device 20 via the network 30.

The server storage unit 12 is, for example, a storage device that stores various information and programs necessary for game processing. For example, the server storage unit 12 stores game applications.

The server storage unit 12 also stores various images (texture images) for projection (texture mapping) onto various objects placed in the three-dimensional virtual space.

For example, the server storage unit 12 stores an image of a user character, which is the game medium. In this embodiment, only one user character is represented in the virtual space, but two or more user characters may be represented. The user character may also be a group of multiple characters. Furthermore, the user characters used in the virtual space may be interchangeable by the user as appropriate.

The server storage unit 12 also stores images of various items (game media) that can be worn or used by the user character. These items may include fishing equipment in the fishing game described below.

The server storage unit 12 also stores images related to other game media, such as buildings, walls, trees, or NPCs (Non-Player Characters). In this embodiment, the other game media may include fish objects in a fishing game, as described below.

The server storage unit 12 also stores background images (background images), such as the sky or distant views. Hereinafter, objects onto which background images are projected are also referred to as background objects. Note that multiple types of background images may be prepared and used separately.

The server storage unit 12 also stores an image (field image) of a field (e.g., the ground). The field image is projected onto the field surface, which will be described later. Hereinafter, an object onto which the field image is projected onto the field surface will also be referred to as a field object. Note that a field object is used as a virtual field (ground) within the virtual space. The field object may also include a virtual sea within the virtual space (e.g., the sea at a fishing spot).

The server control unit 13 is a dedicated microprocessor or a CPU that performs specific functions by loading specific programs. For example, the server control unit 13 executes a game application in response to user operations on the display unit 23. The server control unit 13 also executes various processes related to the game.

For example, the server control unit 13 causes the display unit 23 to display a field image in which a field object, a user character, etc. are displayed. Furthermore, in response to a predetermined user operation, the server control unit 13 realizes the user character's activities in the virtual space (such as playing a fishing game, which will be described later) by moving the user character on the field object relative to the field object in the virtual space. Specific details of the processing by the server control unit 13 will be described later.

Figure 1A shows an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10.

The server device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, RAM (Random Access Memory) 112, ROM (Read Only Memory) 113, auxiliary storage device 114, drive device 115, and communication interface 117, all connected via a bus 119, as well as a wired transceiver unit 125 and a wireless transceiver unit 126 connected to the communication interface 117.

The auxiliary storage device 114 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and is a storage device that stores data related to application software and the like.
Wired transceiver 125 includes a transceiver capable of communicating using a wired network such as network 30 (see FIG. 1 ). Peripheral devices (not shown) may be connected to wired transceiver 125. However, some or all of the peripheral devices (not shown) may be connected to bus 119 or to wireless transceiver 126.

The wireless transceiver 126 is a transceiver capable of communicating using a wireless network such as network 30 (see Figure 1). Wireless networks may include mobile phone wireless networks, the Internet, a VPN (Virtual Private Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), etc. The wireless transceiver 126 may also include a near field communication (NFC) unit, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication unit, a Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity) transceiver unit, an infrared transceiver unit, etc.

The server device 10 may be connectable to a recording medium 116. The recording medium 116 stores a predetermined program. The program stored on the recording medium 116 is installed on the auxiliary storage device 114 of the server device 10 via the drive device 115. The installed predetermined program can be executed by the CPU 111 of the server device 10. For example, the recording medium 116 may be a recording medium that records information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, flexible disk, or magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory that records information electrically, such as a ROM or flash memory. The recording medium 116 does not include a carrier wave.

(Configuration of terminal device)
A specific description will be given of the configuration of the terminal device 20. As shown in Fig. 1, the terminal device 20 includes a terminal communication unit 21, a terminal storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an input unit 24, and a terminal control unit 25.

The device communication unit 21 includes an interface that communicates with external devices wirelessly or via a wired connection to send and receive information. The device communication unit 21 may include, for example, a wireless communication module compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark), a wireless LAN communication module, or a wired LAN communication module. The device communication unit 21 can send and receive information to and from the server device 10 via the network 30.

The device storage unit 22 includes, for example, a primary storage unit and a secondary storage unit. For example, the device storage unit 22 may include semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, or the like. The device storage unit 22 stores various information and programs used in game processing received from the server device 10. The information and programs used in game processing may be obtained from an external device via the device communication unit 21. For example, a game application program may be obtained from a specified application distribution server. Hereinafter, the application program will also be simply referred to as an application. Also, for example, some or all of the above-mentioned information about the user and information about the opponent's game content may be obtained from the server device 10.

The display unit 23 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 is capable of displaying a variety of images. The display unit 23 is configured, for example, as a touch panel, and functions as an interface that detects a variety of user operations.

The input unit 24 includes an input interface that includes, for example, a touch panel that is integrated with the display unit 23. The input unit 24 is capable of accepting user input to the terminal device 20. The input unit 24 may also include physical keys, or may further include any input interface, such as a pointing device such as a mouse. The input unit 24 may also include a controller (for example, a controller with a built-in acceleration sensor, etc.) that can be used by a user wearing a head-up display.

The terminal control unit 25 includes one or more processors. The terminal control unit 25 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 20.

The terminal control unit 25 sends and receives information via the device communication unit 21. For example, the terminal control unit 25 receives various information and programs used in game processing from at least one of the server device 10 and other external servers. The terminal control unit 25 stores the received information and programs in the device memory unit 22.

The terminal control unit 25 launches a game application in response to user operations. The terminal control unit 25 cooperates with the server device 10 to execute the game. For example, the terminal control unit 25 causes the display unit 23 to display various images used in the game (e.g., various field images described below). For example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that detects user operations may be displayed on the screen. The terminal control unit 25 can detect user operations on the screen via the input unit 24. For example, the terminal control unit 25 can detect user tap operations, long tap operations, flick operations, swipe operations, etc. A tap operation is an operation in which the user touches the display unit 23 with their finger and then releases their finger. The terminal control unit 25 transmits operation information to the server device 10.

The hardware configuration of the terminal device 20 may be substantially the same as the hardware configuration of the server device 10 described above with reference to FIG. 1A. However, the hardware configuration of the terminal device 20 may differ from the hardware configuration of the server device 10 described above with reference to FIG. 1A in that it includes a display device corresponding to the display unit 23.

(Fishing game)
Next, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment will be described using a fishing game as an example.

Figure 2 shows an example screen of a fishing game.

The example shown in Figure 2 depicts a screen in which a user character is fishing with a fishing tackle object in hand. Strictly speaking, the fishing tackle object is a combination of various objects such as a rod, reel, line, hook, and bait, but here it will be referred to as a "rod object" for the sake of brevity. The rod object is an item associated with the user character, and the user character and the rod object essentially form a single integrated game medium. Therefore, in the following description, "rod side" is essentially synonymous with "user character side."

Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the gauge display G300 on the fishing game screen G200. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the movements of the fish-side gauge G1 and the rod-side gauge G2 that can be realized as the fishing game progresses.

In this embodiment, the fishing game screen G200 includes a gauge display G300 that indicates the progress of the game, as shown in Figure 3. The gauge display G300 extends linearly across the screen and includes a fish-side gauge section G301 and a rod-side gauge section G302. In a modified example, the gauge display G300 may extend vertically across the screen, or may be circular or semicircular.
A display G10, which schematically represents a fish object, is associated with the fish-side gauge section G301. For example, the display G10 may be located to the right of the right end of the fish-side gauge section G301. The display G10 may be fixed or movable. For example, the display G10 may move (see arrow R403 in FIG. 4 ) in a manner linked to the expansion and contraction of the fish-side gauge G1, which will be described later. The display G10 may also change color and/or size depending on the value of any parameter (e.g., a fish-side gauge parameter, which will be described later). The display G10 may also be displayed at the right end of the fish-side gauge G1, which will be described later, and move in a manner linked to the expansion and contraction of the fish-side gauge G1, which will be described later.

The fish-side gauge section G301 includes a fish-side gauge G1 (an example of a first gauge display) that visually represents the value of a fish-side gauge parameter (described below). The fish-side gauge G1 is expandable within a range from the left end to the right end. In this embodiment, as an example, the left end of the fish-side gauge G1 is the initial position (an example of a first initial position), and when it extends to the right end (an example of a first position) (arrow R301 in Figure 3), it represents a "victory" for the fish. Note that in the case of a "victory" for the fish, the fish object will escape without being reeled in.

A display G20 representing a rod object is associated with the rod side gauge section G302. For example, the display G20 may be located to the left of the left end of the rod side gauge section G302. The display G20 may be fixed or movable. For example, the display G20 may move (see arrow R404 in FIG. 4) in a manner linked to the expansion and contraction of the rod side gauge G2, which will be described later. The display G20 may also change color and/or size depending on the value of any parameter (for example, a rod side gauge parameter, which will be described later). The display G20 may also be displayed at the left end of the rod side gauge G2, which will be described later, and move in a manner linked to the expansion and contraction of the rod side gauge G2, which will be described later.

The rod side gauge section G302 includes a rod side gauge G2 (an example of a second gauge display) that visually represents the value of a rod side gauge parameter (described below). The rod side gauge G2 is extendable within a range from its left end to its right end. The right end of the rod side gauge G2 is adjacent to the left end of the fish side gauge G1 in the left-right direction of the screen. In this embodiment, as an example, the right end of the rod side gauge G2 is the initial position (an example of a second initial position), and when it extends to the left end (an example of a second position) (arrow R302 in Figure 3), it represents a "victory" for the rod side (i.e., the user character's side). In the case of a "victory" for the rod side, a fish object is reeled in. The reeled fish object may be associated with the corresponding user ID, indicating that it has been acquired by the corresponding user.

Figures 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams showing gauge displays for comparative examples.

In this embodiment, as described above, the fish-side gauge G1 and rod-side gauge G2 extend linearly in the left-right direction of the screen, with their respective initial positions adjacent to each other and their respective limit positions furthest from each other in the left-right direction. The fish-side gauge G1 and rod-side gauge G2 each increase and decrease (expand or contract) (see arrows R401 and R402). When the fish-side gauge G1 and rod-side gauge G2 are in their respective initial positions, their expansion is 0, and they may be essentially hidden.

In addition, in this embodiment, the fish-side gauge G1 and the rod-side gauge G2 each change in an increasing or decreasing manner (see arrows R401 and R402) based on the value of a common game parameter (described below). In other words, despite using the value of a common game parameter (fish internal HP, described below) (an example of a predetermined parameter), the fish-side gauge G1 and the rod-side gauge G2 can each be changed. This makes it possible to more intuitively recognize the offense and defense (tug-and-war) between the rod side and the fish side, increasing the enjoyment of the game.

The comparative example shown in Figure 5 is a display mode in which the value of a common game parameter is represented by the position of a movable display G501 resembling a fish. The position of the movable display G501 can move left and right from an initial position R510. Specifically, the position of the movable display G501 moves to the right as the fish gains the upper hand, and reaching the right end indicates a "victory" for the fish. Conversely, the position of the movable display G501 moves left as the rod gains the upper hand, and reaching the left end indicates a "victory" for the rod. This display mode, like a tug-of-war, moves the movable display G501, which corresponds to the center of the rope, left and right, making it intuitive to recognize which side is currently in the upper hand. However, this display mode lacks originality and fails to realistically represent the offense and defense (tug-of-war) between the rod and the fish.

In the comparative example shown in Figure 6, the fish and the rod are each given their own unique game parameter (e.g., HP: Hit Point) values, and when the game parameter value for the fish (initial value is the maximum value Max at the right end) reaches 0 at the left end (arrow R601 in Figure 6), the rod "wins." Conversely, when the game parameter value for the rod (initial value is the maximum value Max at the left end) reaches 0 at the right end (arrow R602 in Figure 6), the fish "wins." This type of display format is used in typical fighting games, so it lacks originality and does not realistically represent the offense and defense (tug-and-war) between the rod and the fish.

In contrast, as described above, this embodiment realizes a display format that is innovative yet allows the attack and defense (tug) between the rod and the fish to be more intuitively recognized.

Next, further details of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 7 onwards.

Figure 7 is an example functional block diagram of the game functions of the game system 1 related to the fishing game described above. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of information related to the user. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of information related to rod parameters. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of information related to the fish object. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram of information related to fish parameters. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of the length a of the fish side gauge G1 in the fish side gauge section G301. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of the length c of the rod side gauge G2 in the rod side gauge section G302. Note that in Figure 8 (and similarly in Figure 9 below), "***" indicates that some information is stored, and "..." indicates that the same information is repeatedly stored.

Note that each unit of the game system 1 described below may be realized by the server device 10 alone. In this case, the data output by the output processing unit 150 may be received by the terminal device 20 and output to the display unit 23. Alternatively, each unit of the game system 1 described below may be realized by the terminal device 20 alone. In this case, some of the information (information about other users) in the user information storage unit 134 described below may not be stored. Alternatively, each unit of the game system 1 described below may be realized by a combination of the server device 10 and the terminal device 20. In this case, for example, some or all of the functions of the output processing unit 150 (drawing processing portion) may be realized by the terminal device 20 alone.

The game system 1 includes an operation information acquisition unit 132, a user information storage unit 134, a fish information storage unit 136, a game processing unit 140, and an output processing unit 150. The game processing unit 140 includes a fish-side game processing unit 141, a rod-side game processing unit 142, a game start processing unit 143, a fish internal HP storage unit 144, and a game end processing unit 145.

The operation information acquisition unit 132, the processing units of the game processing unit 140 other than the fish internal HP storage unit 144, and the output processing unit 150 can be realized by the CPU 111 shown in FIG. 1A executing one or more programs stored in the storage device shown in FIG. 1A (e.g., ROM 113, etc.). In the following, with regard to the processing of each unit, "calculation" is a concept that includes processing that simply reads calculated values, setting values, etc. stored as data.

The user information storage unit 134 and fish information storage unit 136 can be realized, for example, by the auxiliary storage device 114 shown in FIG. 1A. The fish internal HP storage unit 144 of the game processing unit 140 can be realized, for example, by the RAM 112 shown in FIG. 1A.

The operation information acquisition unit 132 acquires user operation information. The user operation information is generated in response to various operations performed by the user on the terminal device 20. The operation information may also be generated by gestures, voice input, etc. Operation information during a fishing game may include, for example, tapping on the screen of the terminal device 20, as described below. The operation information to be acquired is arbitrary, and may include input based on motion capture, which detects the orientation and movement of the terminal using an acceleration sensor or angular velocity sensor, or input based on gaze detection. In the case of gaze detection, a head-mounted display or smart glasses are suitable.

The user information storage unit 134 stores information about each of multiple users. The information about users will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 shows information about each of two users. The information about a user includes various information unique to that user. For example, the information about a user includes a user ID, a user name, a rank, information about the user character, information about the game media used, and friend information.

A user ID is information that can uniquely identify a user. Hereinafter, a user ID will also be simply referred to as a user.

A username is information that indicates the name of a user. Unlike a user ID, a username does not necessarily have to be able to uniquely identify a user. A username may be arbitrarily determined and changed in response to user operations on the terminal device 20.

Rank is a parameter that indicates a user's level of proficiency with games in general (or fishing games). In this embodiment, the rank value may increase as the user plays the game. The higher the rank, the greater the user's level of proficiency with the game.

Information about the user character relates to the user character that the user controls in the virtual space. Information about the user character may include a character ID that identifies the user character and information for drawing.

The information regarding the game media to be used relates to the game media to be used by the user in the competitive game part. In this embodiment, the game media to be used includes game media related to a fishing game. The game media to be used in a fishing game includes fishing equipment (such as fishing rods) as described above. The game media to be used in a fishing game may also include information regarding usable bait (including artificial bait).

Friend information represents the user IDs of users who are friends with each other. For example, if user A is friends with users B and C, the friend information associated with user A includes the user IDs of users B and C. Friend relationships are established through friend requests, etc. In this way, friend information includes the user IDs of other users who are associated with the user unidirectionally or bidirectionally. Users who are friends may be able to communicate with each other, for example, by sending and receiving messages on the game system 1. Information about a user may include information indicating the group to which the user belongs (for example, a guild or party) instead of or in addition to the friend information.

The content of the information about the user is not limited to that described above. For example, the information about the user may further include information indicating a predetermined number of points held by the user in the game. These points are consumed by the user to play game parts. The amount of points consumed may vary for each game part. These points may increase, for example, over time or in response to the use of a predetermined game medium.

In this embodiment, the information about the game media used shown in Figure 8 may include information about rod parameters (hereinafter also referred to as "rod parameter information"). Figure 9 shows an example of rod parameter information. In the example shown in Figure 9, rod parameter information about one specific rod is shown. If there are multiple types of rods that can be used, rod parameter information may be set for each rod.

The rod parameter information includes a rod event (an example of a second event) and a change parameter value for each rod event. The rod event is an event that reduces the value of the fish's internal HP (Hit Point), which will be described later, and the change parameter value represents the amount of reduction. In the example shown in FIG. 9, two rod events are defined: a tap operation event and a timeout event that occurs every predetermined time. Change parameter values -α1 and -α2 are associated with each rod event. In this case, when a tap operation event is detected, the value of the fish's internal HP is reduced by α1. Furthermore, when a timeout event that occurs every predetermined time is detected, the value of the fish's internal HP is reduced by α2. Note that a timeout event is an event that occurs every predetermined time, and corresponds to, for example, an event in which a timer that is reset every predetermined time ΔT _times out. The predetermined time _ΔT may be defined as a specific numerical value and may be defined in a manner that can vary for each rod. Furthermore, the change parameter values -α1 and -α2 may vary depending on the rank, etc., of the information about the user. For example, they may be the same or different for each rod event. The value of the change parameter may differ depending on the rank or type of rod, or may be set appropriately depending on the game medium used in the game or user information. The same applies to the predetermined time ΔT _rod .

The rod event shown in FIG. 9 is merely an example, and rod events may include tap operation events occurring a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined period of time, changes in the game situation that occur with a predetermined probability (for example, a storm occurring at a fishing spot in the game), etc. Rod events may also include specific operations via a touch panel or controller (long tap operations, flick operations, swipe operations, etc.), input of specific commands (including various combinations such as specific operations on a joystick or operations of specific buttons in specific patterns), specific gesture input, voice input, etc. The content of rod events may also vary depending on the game media used in the game and user information.

The fish information storage unit 136 stores information about fish objects that are the target of fishing in the fishing game. The fish information storage unit 136 stores information about each of multiple fish objects. The information about the fish objects will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 shows information about each of two fish objects. The information about the fish objects includes various information unique to the fish objects. For example, the information about the fish objects includes a fish ID, a fish name, a rank, and information about fish parameters (hereinafter also referred to as "fish parameter information").

The fish ID is information that can uniquely identify a fish object. The fish name is information that indicates the name of the fish.

Rank is a parameter that indicates the strength (difficulty of catching) of a fish in a fishing game. In this embodiment, the rank value varies depending on the attributes of the fish. For example, tuna has a higher rank value than sardines.

Fish parameter information includes fish events that cause changes to fish HP, as described below, and the values of the change parameters for each fish event.

Figure 11 shows an example of fish parameter information. In the example shown in Figure 11, fish parameter information for one specific fish is shown. Fish parameter information may be set for each fish. Furthermore, even if the fish are the same type, it may be set for each size.

The fish parameter information includes a fish event (an example of a first event) and a change parameter value for each fish event. A fish event is an event that increases the value of the fish's internal HP, and the change parameter value represents the amount of increase. In the example shown in FIG. 11 , a timeout event that occurs every predetermined time is defined as one fish event, and a change parameter value β1 is associated with each fish event. In this case, when a timeout event is detected, the value of the fish's internal HP is incremented by β1. Note that a timeout event is an event that occurs every predetermined time. In this embodiment, it corresponds to an event in which a timer that is reset every predetermined time ΔT _fish times out. The predetermined time ΔT _fish may be defined as a specific numerical value and may be defined in a manner that can vary for each fish object. For example, the predetermined time ΔT _fish may differ for each fish object, such that the higher the rank of the fish object, the shorter the predetermined time ΔT _fish . Similarly, the change parameter value β1 may differ for each fish object, such that the higher the rank of the fish object, the greater the change parameter value β1. Furthermore, the content of the fish event may vary depending on the type of fish object.

The game processing unit 140 executes game processing related to the fishing game.

As described above, the game processing unit 140 includes a fish-side game processing unit 141, a rod-side game processing unit 142, a game start processing unit 143, a fish internal HP memory unit 144, and a game end processing unit 145.

The fish-side game processing unit 141 includes a fish event processing unit 1410 and a fish HP increase processing unit 1412.

The fish event processing unit 1410 detects a fish event. The fish event is as described above with reference to Fig. 11. For example, if the fish event is a timeout event that occurs every predetermined time, the fish event processing unit 1410 may detect a fish event every time _a timer that is reset every predetermined time ΔT times out.

The fish HP increase processing unit 1412 increases the value of the fish's internal HP based on a fish event. Specifically, based on a single fish event, the fish HP increase processing unit 1412 increases the value of the fish's internal HP by the value of the change parameter associated with that single fish event (e.g., β1 in Figure 11).

The rod-side game processing unit 142 includes a rod event processing unit 1420 and a fish HP reduction processing unit 1422.

The rod event processing unit 1420 detects a rod event. Rod events are as described above with reference to FIG. 9. For example, if the rod event is a tap operation event, the fish event processing unit 1410 may detect the tap operation event based on the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 132.

The fish HP reduction processing unit 1422 reduces the value of the fish's internal HP based on a rod event. Specifically, based on a rod event, the fish HP reduction processing unit 1422 reduces the value of the fish's internal HP by the value of the change parameter associated with that rod event (e.g., α1 in Figure 9).

The game start processing unit 143 performs processes related to the fishing game, such as preparing to start the game. For example, the game start processing unit 143 performs processes such as accepting the user's item selection (e.g., bait selection) and adjusting the rod level.

The fish internal HP memory unit 144 stores and updates the value of the fish internal HP, which changes dynamically as the fishing game progresses. Specifically, when the fish internal HP value is increased by the fish HP increase processing unit 1412, and when the fish internal HP value is decreased by the fish HP decrease processing unit 1422, the fish internal HP memory unit 144 stores the changed value. Note that if the increase in the fish internal HP value by the fish HP increase processing unit 1412 and the decrease in the fish internal HP value by the fish HP decrease processing unit 1422 occur simultaneously (in the same processing cycle), the value after these cancellations may be stored. In this case, if the amount of increase in the fish internal HP value by the fish HP increase processing unit 1412 and the amount of decrease in the fish internal HP value by the fish HP decrease processing unit 1422 are the same, the value of the fish internal HP does not change.

In this embodiment, the fish internal HP memory unit 144 may store and update the history of changes in the fish internal HP value in the fishing game, as well as the maximum HP value and minimum HP value described below, while the fishing game is in progress.

The game end processing unit 145 generates a game end event when a game end condition is met. The game end condition is met when the value of the fish's internal HP reaches either an upper limit HP _Max or a lower limit HP _Min . The upper limit HP _Max is greater than the initial value of the fish's internal HP (the value at the start of the game), and the lower limit HP _Min is less than the initial value of the fish's internal HP. In this embodiment, as an example, the initial value of the fish's internal HP is "200," the upper limit HP _Max is "400," and the lower limit HP _Min is "0."

The game end condition may also be met when other end conditions are met. These other end conditions may be met when the time elapsed since the start of the game reaches an upper limit, when the user inputs a forced end command, etc.

In a modified example, the game end processing unit 145 may generate a game end event when a game end condition is met, in addition to or instead of a game end event. The game end condition may be met when the fish internal HP value reaches either a break upper limit value HP _Max1 or a break lower limit value HP _Min1 . In this case, the break upper limit value HP _Max1 may be smaller than the upper limit value HP _Max , and the break lower limit value HP _Min1 may be larger than the lower limit value HP _Min . When the game end condition is met, the fish-side gauge section G301 or the rod-side gauge section G302 described above with reference to Figures 3 and 4 may be reset after reaching the end position.

The output processing unit 150 performs output processing related to the fish-side gauge unit G301 and the rod-side gauge unit G302 described above with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

The output processing unit 150 includes a fish-side output processing unit 151 and a rod-side output processing unit 152.

The fish-side output processing unit 151 performs output processing related to the fish-side gauge unit G301 described above with reference to Figure 3, etc.

The fish side output processing unit 151 includes a fish side gauge parameter update unit 1510 and a fish gauge drawing processing unit 1512.

The fish gauge parameter update unit 1510 changes the value of the fish gauge parameter (an example of a first display parameter) associated with the fish object when the value of the fish's internal HP changes during the game.

In this embodiment, the fish-side gauge parameter update unit 1510 uses the minimum value (hereinafter also referred to as the "minimum HP value") among the various fish internal HP values updated during the game (the history of changes in the stored values in the fish internal HP memory unit 144). The minimum HP value is the value with the largest difference (an example of a first maximum difference value) from the upper limit value HP _Max (an example of a first limit value), and can change dynamically during the game. Specifically, the fish-side gauge parameter update unit 1510 calculates the current value of the fish-side gauge parameter based on the minimum HP value, the current value of the fish internal HP, and the upper limit value HP _Max .

In this case, the current value of the fish-side gauge parameter is the ratio of the magnitude of the difference between the current _value of the fish's internal HP and the minimum HP value, when the magnitude of the difference between the upper limit value HP Max and the minimum HP value is set to 1. That is,
Current value of fish-side gauge parameter = (current value of fish internal HP - minimum HP value) / (upper limit HP _Max - minimum HP value) Equation (1)
The minimum HP value at the start of the game is equal to the initial value.
In a modified example, the current value of the fish-side gauge parameter may be the ratio of the magnitude of the difference between the initial _value of the fish's internal HP and the current value of the fish's internal HP, where the magnitude of the difference between the upper limit value HP Max and the initial value of the fish's internal HP is 1. That is,
Current value of fish-side gauge parameter = (current value of fish internal HP - initial value of fish internal HP) / (upper limit value HP _Max - initial value of fish internal HP) Equation (2)
In this case, however, when the current value of the fish's internal HP minus the initial value of the fish's internal HP is equal to or less than 0, the current value of the fish-side gauge parameter may be set to 0.

In this embodiment, the current value of the fish-side gauge parameter is the ratio of the magnitude of the difference between the current _value of the fish's internal HP and the minimum HP value, when the magnitude of the difference between the upper limit value HP Max and the minimum HP value is set to 1, but any other value based on this ratio may be used. For example, the current value of the fish-side gauge parameter may be a value that is different from this ratio but can be uniquely derived from this ratio (for example, the value of equation (1A) described below).

The fish gauge drawing processing unit 1512 expands or contracts the fish side gauge G1 of the fish side gauge section G301 in the manner described above with reference to Figure 3, etc. In this embodiment, the fish gauge drawing processing unit 1512 draws the fish side gauge G1 in a manner that can be expanded or contracted depending on the current value of the fish side gauge parameter calculated by the fish side gauge parameter update unit 1510.

At this time, the fish gauge drawing processing unit 1512 calculates the current value of the length a of the fish side gauge G1 so that a/b = the current value of the fish side gauge parameter, where "a" is the length of the fish side gauge G1 and "b" is the length of the fish side gauge section G301 (maximum length of the fish side gauge G1), as shown in Figure 12.

In this case, the smaller the minimum HP value, the smaller the growth rate of the fish-side gauge G1 (growth per unit increase in the fish's internal HP value). Hereinafter, this function of dynamically changing the growth rate of the fish-side gauge G1 as the game progresses will also be referred to as the "dynamic gauge growth rate change function."

For example, in case 1, assume that the minimum HP value is 100 and the fish's internal HP value increases from 250 to 350.

When the fish's internal HP value is 250, the current values of the fish's gauge parameters are as follows:

(250 - 100) / (400 - 100) = 150/300 (= 1/2)
When the value of the fish's internal HP is 350, the current values of the fish's gauge parameters are as follows:

(350 - 100) / (400 - 100) = 250/300 (= 5/6)
Therefore, when the value of the fish internal HP increases from 250 to 350, the length a of the fish side gauge G1 increases by 1/3.

Next, for Case 2, let's consider the case where the minimum HP value is 150 and the fish's internal HP value increases from 250 to 350.

When the fish's internal HP value is 250, the current values of the fish's gauge parameters are as follows:

(250 - 150) / (400 - 150) = 100/250 (= 2/5)
When the value of the fish's internal HP is 350, the current values of the fish's gauge parameters are as follows:

(350 - 150) / (400 - 150) = 200/250 (= 4/5)
Therefore, when the value of the fish's internal HP increases from 250 to 350, the value of the fish's gauge parameter increases by 2/5.
Since 2/5>1/3, the elongation rate of the fish side gauge G1 is smaller in case 1, where the minimum HP value is relatively small, than in case 2.

However, if the comparison is with the length a of the fish-side gauge G1 itself, and the fish's internal HP value is the same 250 (the same also applies to other values such as 350), in Case 2 a = 100/250 (= 2/5), which is shorter than the a = 150/300 (= 1/2) in Case 1. In other words, the dynamic gauge elongation change function for the fish-side gauge G1 can be said to be a function that changes the length a of the fish-side gauge G1 depending on the difference in the minimum HP value, even if the fish's internal HP value is the same.

Furthermore, this configuration is essentially equivalent to a configuration in which the current value of the fish side gauge parameter is calculated using the following formula (1A) instead of formula (1), and the current value of the length a of the fish side gauge G1 is calculated so that (b-a)/b = the current value of the fish side gauge parameter.
Current value of fish-side gauge parameter = (upper limit value HPMax - current value of fish internal HP) / (upper limit value HPMax - minimum HP value) Formula (1A)
The relationship is: current value of the fish-side gauge parameter according to equation (1A) = (1 - current value of the fish-side gauge parameter according to equation (1)).
In the case of the modified formula (2), the fish gauge drawing processing unit 1512 also calculates the current value of the length a of the fish-side gauge G1 so that a/b = the current value of the fish-side gauge parameter. In this case, although the above-mentioned function of dynamically changing the gauge elongation rate cannot be obtained, the effect described above with reference to Figures 3 and 4 can be obtained.

The rod-side output processing unit 152 performs output processing related to the rod-side gauge unit G302 described above with reference to Figure 3, etc.

The rod-side output processing unit 152 includes a rod-side gauge parameter update unit 1520 and a rod gauge drawing processing unit 1522.

The rod side gauge parameter update unit 1520 changes the value of the rod side gauge parameter (an example of a second display parameter) associated with the rod object when the value of the fish's internal HP changes during the game.

In this embodiment, the rod-side gauge parameter update unit 1520 uses the maximum value (hereinafter also referred to as the "maximum HP value") among the various values of the fish's internal HP updated during the course of the game (the history of changes in values in the fish's internal HP storage unit 144). The maximum HP value is the value (an example of a second maximum difference value) with the largest difference from the lower limit value HP _Min (an example of a second limit value), and can change dynamically during the course of the game. Specifically, the rod-side gauge parameter update unit 1520 calculates the current value of the rod-side gauge parameter based on the maximum HP value, the current value of the fish's internal HP, and the lower limit value HP _Min .

In this case, the current value of the rod-side gauge parameter is a value obtained by subtracting from 1 the ratio of the magnitude of the difference between the lower limit value HP _Min and the current value of the HP inside the fish, when the magnitude of the difference between the lower limit value HP _Min and the maximum HP value is set to 1. That is,
Current value of rod-side gauge parameter = 1 - (current value of fish internal HP - lower limit HP _Min ) / (maximum HP value - lower limit HP _Min ) Equation (3)
The maximum HP value at the start of the game is equal to the initial value.

In this embodiment, since the lower limit HP _Min is "0", equation (3) can also be rewritten as equation (3A) below.
Current value of rod-side gauge parameter = 1 - (current value of fish internal HP) / (maximum HP value) Equation (3A)
When the lower limit HP _Min is "0", the lower limit HP _Min may not appear in the program as in equation (3A), but equation (3A) can be said to be a relational equation that utilizes the lower limit HP _Min . This also applies to equation (1A) described above. Furthermore, when the upper limit HP _Max is "0", this also applies to equation (1) described above.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the current value of the rod-side gauge parameter is a value obtained by subtracting from 1 the ratio of the magnitude of the difference between the lower limit value HP _Min and the current value of the fish's internal HP, when the magnitude of the difference between the lower limit value HP _Min and the maximum HP value is set to 1, but any other value based on this value may be used. For example, the current value of the fish-side gauge parameter may be another value that is different from this value but can be uniquely derived from this value.

The rod gauge drawing processing unit 1522 expands or contracts the rod side gauge G2 of the rod side gauge unit G302 in the manner described above with reference to Figure 3 etc. In this embodiment, the rod gauge drawing processing unit 1522 draws the rod side gauge G2 in a manner that can be expanded or contracted according to the current value of the rod side gauge parameter calculated by the rod side gauge parameter update unit 1520.

At this time, as shown in Figure 13, the rod gauge drawing processing unit 1522 sets the length of the rod side gauge G2 to "c" and the length of the rod side gauge section G302 (maximum length of the rod side gauge G2) to "d", and calculates c/d = the current value of the rod side gauge parameter.

In this case, the higher the maximum HP value, the smaller the extension rate of the rod-side gauge G2 (extension per unit increase in the fish's internal HP value). In this way, the rod-side gauge G2 also has a function that allows the extension rate of the rod-side gauge G2 to change dynamically as the game progresses (dynamic gauge extension rate change function).

For example, in case 3, when the maximum HP value is 300, the internal HP value of the fish decreases from 250 to 150.
When the value of the fish's internal HP is 250, the current values of the rod-side gauge parameters are as follows:
1 - (250 - 0) / (300 - 0) = 5/30 (= 1/6)
When the value of the fish's internal HP is 150, the current values of the rod-side gauge parameters are as follows:
1 - (150 - 0) / (300 - 0) = 15/30 (= 1/2)
Therefore, if the value of the fish internal HP decreases from 250 to 150, the value of the rod side gauge parameter increases by 1/3.
Next, as Case 4, when the maximum HP value is 350, the internal HP value of the fish decreases from 250 to 150.
When the value of the fish's internal HP is 250, the current values of the rod-side gauge parameters are as follows:
1 - (250 - 0) / (350 - 0) = 10/35 (= 2/7)
When the value of the fish's internal HP is 150, the current values of the rod-side gauge parameters are as follows:
1 - (150 - 0) / (350 - 0) = 20/35 (= 4/7)
Therefore, if the value of the fish's internal HP decreases from 250 to 150, the value of the rod-side gauge parameter increases by 2/7.
Since 2/7<1/3, the elongation rate of the rod side gauge G2 is smaller in case 4, where the maximum HP value is relatively large, than in case 3.

However, if the comparison is made with the length c of the rod-side gauge G2 itself, when the value of the internal fish HP is the same 250 (the same also applies to other values such as 150), in case 4, c = 10/35 (= 2/7), which is longer than c = 5/30 (= 1/6) in case 3. In other words, the dynamic change function of the gauge elongation rate for the rod-side gauge G2 can be said to be a function that changes the length c of the rod-side gauge G2 depending on differences in the maximum HP value, even when the internal fish HP value is the same.
In this embodiment, by taking into account the minimum HP value and the maximum HP value, a dynamic change function for the gauge extension rate of the fish-side gauge G1 and the rod-side gauge G2 can be realized. Here, a low minimum HP value stored during the game indicates an advantage for the rod, and a high maximum HP value indicates an advantage for the fish. Therefore, this embodiment realizes a dynamic change function for the gauge extension rate of the fish-side gauge G1 and the rod-side gauge G2 according to the game situation. This makes it possible to express the "toughness of the balance of forces" or "sudden collapse (due to the breakdown of the balance)" seen in the real world, rather than expressing the balance of forces in a virtual space, which tends to be expressed digitally through on/off operations. For example, this can express the tension of a tug-of-war right before a rubber band is thrown. Specifically, in the above calculation method, the higher the maximum HP value, the lower the gauge extension rate of the rod-side gauge G2. This gives the player the feeling that a reversal is difficult, and can express a tug-of-war situation. Furthermore, the lower the minimum HP value, the slower the fish-side gauge G1 expands, giving the player the feeling that the rod-side is gaining an advantage (the feeling that the rod-side is about to overwhelm the player). In other words, even if the fish's internal HP is the same, by varying the gauge expansion rate of the gauges (fish-side gauge G1 and rod-side gauge G2; the same applies below) depending on the game situation at that time (maximum HP value and minimum HP value), a sense of tension in the game's progress can be expressed. Furthermore, by representing the rod-side and fish-side gauges based on the value of the fish's internal HP, a balanced relationship can be expressed as if they were a single gauge, but the actions of the rod-side and fish-side can be expressed separately using each gauge, allowing for the interactive execution of actions by both sides to be expressed.

Furthermore, even on terminal devices 20 with small screens, such as smartphones, where expression is more limited than on terminal devices 20 with large screens, the display of both players' gauges effectively conveys the sense of tension between the two players. In particular, on terminal devices 20 using touch panels, the area used for operation is limited, limiting the range of UI (User Interface) placement. However, this embodiment is effective because it effectively conveys the sense of tension described above within a small occupying area. Furthermore, on touch panels, the user does not feel the sensation of pressing a button, so feedback on the operation is poor and it is difficult to sense the sense of operation. In contrast, this embodiment enables a variety of representations of the power relationships described above, thereby conveying a virtual sense of operation. Meanwhile, even on displays using HMDs or large stationary screens, the ability to express the above effects within a small occupying area increases the degree of freedom of expression, such as placement and positional relationships with other UIs. Furthermore, while methods for rendering special effects and effects are conceivable to convey the sense of tension and suspense in a game, this may increase the processing load of rendering. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the amount of change in each gauge is simply varied depending on the changing value of the gauge, thereby minimizing the load on the rendering process and allowing the user to intuitively recognize the sense of urgency in the game's progress. This effect is particularly noticeable when the terminal device 20 is a mobile terminal or HMD that cannot be equipped with a high-performance GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and has poor rendering processing capabilities.

Next, an example of the operation of the game system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 14 onwards.

Figure 14 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the game system 1 for the fishing game described above. The processing shown in Figure 14 is initiated when a transition event occurs in the fishing game that leads to a state in which it is possible to reel in a fish object, and may be executed repeatedly at predetermined intervals. The transition event is arbitrary, but may be, for example, an event in which a pull by the fish object occurs followed by a hook strike (first tap operation) by the rod object.

In the flowchart shown in Figure 14, the processing order of each step may be changed as long as the relationship between input and output of each step is not affected.

In step S1400, the game system 1 determines whether the game timer has timed out. The game timer measures the maximum time (upper limit) that one fishing game session can continue, and is reset when the fishing game starts. Note that the maximum time (upper limit) that one fishing game session can continue may differ for each fish object; for example, the higher the rank of the fish object, the shorter the time it may be set. If the determination result is "NO," the process proceeds to step S1402; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1414.

In step S1402, the game system 1 acquires and stores operation information for the current processing cycle. Note that the operation information may be stored (accumulated) as history for each fishing game.

In step S1404, the game system 1 determines whether the fish timer has timed out. The fish timer is a timer that generates fish-side events and is reset when the fishing game starts. The fish timer times out every predetermined time _ΔT and is reset (restarted). If the determination result is "YES," the process proceeds to step S1406; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1408.

In step S1406, the game system 1 increases the value of the fish's internal HP and updates the stored value (fish's internal HP value) in the fish's internal HP memory unit 144. At this time, if the fish's internal HP value updates the maximum HP value in the current fishing game, the new maximum HP value may be stored in the fish's internal HP memory unit 144. Note that the amount of increase in the fish's internal HP value for each fish-side event is determined by the value of the change parameter in the fish parameter information associated with the corresponding fish object, as described above with reference to Figure 11.

In step S1408, the game system 1 determines whether a tap operation event (rod-side event) has occurred based on the operation information obtained in step S1402. Note that a tap operation event may be a single tap operation, or one of a series of tap operations or a predetermined number of operations. If the determination result is "YES," the process proceeds to step S1410; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1412.

In step S1410, the game system 1 reduces the value of the fish's internal HP and updates the value (fish's internal HP value) stored in the fish's internal HP memory unit 144. At this time, if the fish's internal HP value updates the minimum HP value in the current fishing game, the new minimum HP value may be stored in the fish's internal HP memory unit 144. Note that the amount by which the fish's internal HP value is reduced for each rod-side event is determined by the value of the change parameter in the rod parameter information associated with the corresponding rod object, as described above with reference to Figure 9.

In step S1412, the game system 1 determines whether the value of the fish's internal HP has reached the upper limit HP _Max . If the determination result is "YES", the game system 1 proceeds to step S1414; otherwise, the game system 1 proceeds to step S1416.

In step S1414, the game system 1 generates and outputs a game end screen indicating the fish's victory, and ends the processing for this fishing game. The game end screen may include information such as the results of this fishing game.

In step S1416, the game system 1 determines whether the value of the fish's internal HP has reached the lower limit HP _Min . If the determination result is "YES", the game system 1 proceeds to step S1418; otherwise, the game system 1 proceeds to step S1420.

In step S1418, the game system 1 generates and outputs a game end screen indicating victory for the fishing rod side, and ends the processing for this fishing game. Note that the game end screen may include information such as the results of this fishing game.

In step S1420, the game system 1 updates the value of the fish gauge parameter based on the stored value (fish internal HP value) in the fish internal HP memory unit 144. The method for updating the value of the fish gauge parameter is as described above in relation to the fish gauge parameter update unit 1510.

In step S1422, the game system 1 updates the value of the rod-side gauge parameter based on the stored value (fish internal HP value) in the fish internal HP memory unit 144. The method for updating the value of the rod-side gauge parameter is as described above in relation to the rod-side gauge parameter update unit 1520.

In step S1424, the game system 1 updates the fish side gauge G1 and rod side gauge G2 of the gauge display G300 based on the values of the fish side gauge parameters and rod side gauge parameters updated in steps S1420 and S1422. The method for updating the lengths of the fish side gauge G1 and rod side gauge G2 is as described above with reference to the fish gauge drawing processing unit 1512 and the rod gauge drawing processing unit 1522.

Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, it is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the claims. It is also possible to combine all or several of the components of the above-described embodiments.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, a characteristic configuration was described for a fishing game, but such a characteristic configuration can be applied to any competitive game other than a fishing game. For example, in a fighting game, the gauge display for one player and the gauge display for the other player may be updated by increasing or decreasing the value of a common predetermined parameter in response to each event. Furthermore, competitive games are not limited to one-on-one battles, but may also be one-on-many battles. In this case, the gauge display for the other player may be a single gauge display. In this case, the value of the display parameter for the single gauge for the other player may change in response to, for example, the occurrence of a tap operation event for each player. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to three-way battles between three players or battles between four or more players. In this case, for example, the gauge displays for each player may be arranged in parallel or radially extending from the center. Furthermore, opponents are not limited to non-player characters (NPCs) and may be people. Battles between groups may also be held. In this case, the gauge display for one group may be a single gauge display. In this case, for one gauge for one group, the value of a display parameter may be changed in response to the occurrence of a tap operation event by each player forming the group, for example.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, with regard to the dynamic change function of the gauge elongation rate, the smaller the minimum HP value, the smaller the elongation rate of the fish-side gauge G1 (elongation per unit increase in the fish's internal HP value), but the opposite may also be true. In other words, with regard to the dynamic change function of the gauge elongation rate, the smaller the minimum HP value, the greater the elongation rate of the fish-side gauge G1. The same applies to the rod-side gauge G2.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, with regard to the dynamic gauge elongation rate change function, the fish-side gauge parameter update unit 1510 and the rod-side gauge parameter update unit 1520 change the elongation rate of the fish-side gauge G1 and the rod-side gauge G2 based on predetermined information (e.g., minimum HP value or maximum HP value) that represents the change in the value of the fish's internal HP during the corresponding fishing game, but this is not limited to this. Equivalently, the fish-side gauge parameter update unit 1510 and the rod-side gauge parameter update unit 1520 may change the elongation rate of the fish-side gauge G1 and the rod-side gauge G2 based on the change in the value of the fish's internal HP during the corresponding fishing game. Further, in the above-described embodiment, with regard to the dynamic gauge elongation rate change function, both the fish-side gauge parameter update unit 1510 and the rod-side gauge parameter update unit 1520 change the elongation rate of the fish-side gauge G1 and the rod-side gauge G2, but this is not limited to this. In other words, only one of the fish side gauge parameter update unit 1510 and the rod side gauge parameter update unit 1520 may change the elongation rate of the fish side gauge G1 or the rod side gauge G2.

In the above-described embodiment, the gauge display G300 extends linearly across the screen, but as described above, it may also have a circular or semicircular shape. In this case, the circle or other graphic may expand or contract as the value of a display parameter, such as a rod-side gauge parameter, increases or decreases. The color of the gauge display G300 may also change as it expands or contracts. Note that this color change does not depend on the shape of the gauge display G300 and can also be applied to linear gauges. The shape of the gauge display G300 itself may change as the value of a display parameter, such as a rod-side gauge parameter, increases or decreases. Vibrations may also be output by an actuator that may be worn on the user's body depending on the value of the rod-side gauge parameter. In this case, the vibration pattern may change depending on the value of the rod-side gauge parameter, such that the vibration becomes stronger as the value of the rod-side gauge parameter increases.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the fish event and the rod event were different types of events, but they may be the same. For example, the fish event and the rod event may both be tap operation events.

1 Game system 10 Server device 11 Server communication unit 12 Server memory unit 13 Server control unit 20 Terminal device 21 Terminal communication unit 22 Terminal memory unit 23 Display unit 24 Input unit 25 Terminal control unit 30 Network 114 Auxiliary storage device 115 Drive device 116 Recording medium 117 Communication interface 119 Bus 125 Wired transmission/reception unit 126 Wireless transmission/reception unit 132 Operation information acquisition unit 134 User information storage unit 136 Fish information storage unit 140 Game processing unit 141 Fish side game processing unit 142 Rod side game processing unit 143 Game start processing unit 144 Fish internal HP storage unit 145 Game end processing unit 150 Output processing unit 151 Fish side output processing unit 152 Rod side output processing unit 1410 Fish event processing unit 1412 Fish HP increase processing unit 1420 Rod event processing unit 1422 Fish HP reduction processing unit 1510 Fish side gauge parameter update unit 1512 Fish gauge drawing processing unit 1520 Rod side gauge parameter update unit 1522 Rod gauge drawing processing unit

Claims (15)

a game process for performing game processing relating to a game executable between the first game medium and the second game medium;
causing a computer to execute an output process of outputting a progress status of the game process via a first display medium associated with the first game medium and a second display medium associated with the second game medium;
The game processing includes:
a first event process for detecting a first event associated with the first game medium during the progress of the game;
a second event process for detecting a second event associated with the second game medium during the progress of the game;
a first parameter process for changing a value of a predetermined parameter based on the first event;
a second parameter process for changing a value of the predetermined parameter based on the second event;
The output process includes:
a first display process for changing a value of a first display parameter associated with the first display medium when the value of the predetermined parameter changes during the progress of the game;
a second display process for changing a value of a second display parameter associated with the second display medium when the value of the predetermined parameter changes during the progress of the game,
A program in which at least one of the first display process and the second display process changes a rate of change in the value of the display parameter relative to a change in the value of the predetermined parameter while the game is in progress. The program described in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first display process and the second display process changes the rate of change based on the change in the value of the specified parameter during the progress of the game or on specified information representing the change. The program described in claim 2, wherein the predetermined information includes a detection history of at least one of the first event and the second event during the progress of the game. The first event includes a predetermined input from a user or an event that occurs every time a predetermined time elapses , and
The program according to claim 1 , wherein the second event includes a predetermined input from the user or an event that occurs every time a predetermined time elapses . The program described in claim 2, wherein the change includes a minimum or maximum value of the specified parameter updated during the progress of the game. the first parameter processing is to change the value of the predetermined parameter in one of increasing and decreasing directions based on the first event;
the game processing further includes a first progress process for generating an end event or a break event of the game when the value of the predetermined parameter reaches a first limit value on the one side;
2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the first display process calculates the current value of the first display parameter based on a first maximum difference value, which is the largest difference from the first limit value among the values of the specified parameter updated during the progress of the game, the current value of the specified parameter, and the first limit value. The program of claim 6, wherein the current value of the first display parameter is based on the ratio of the magnitude of the difference between the current value of the specified parameter and the initial value or the first maximum difference value of the specified parameter, when the magnitude of the difference between the first limit value and the initial value or the first maximum difference value of the specified parameter is set to 1. the second parameter processing changes the value of the predetermined parameter to the other of the increasing and decreasing directions based on the second event;
the game processing further includes a second progress processing for detecting an end event or a break event of the game when the value of the predetermined parameter reaches a second limit value of the other side;
The program according to claim 6, wherein the second display process calculates the current value of the second display parameter based on a second maximum difference value, which is the largest difference from the second limit value among the values of the specified parameter updated during the progress of the game, the second limit value, and the current value of the specified parameter. The program described in claim 8, wherein the current value of the second display parameter is based on a value obtained by subtracting from 1 the ratio of the magnitude of the difference between the current value of the specified parameter and the second limit value, when the magnitude of the difference between the second maximum difference value and the second limit value is 1. The output process includes:
a first drawing process for drawing a first gauge display in a manner that can be expanded or contracted in accordance with a current value of the first display parameter between a first position corresponding to the first limit value and a first initial position corresponding to an initial value of the predetermined parameter;
9. The program according to claim 8, further comprising a second drawing process for drawing a second gauge display in a manner that can be expanded or contracted depending on a current value of the second display parameter between a second position corresponding to the second limit value and a second initial position corresponding to an initial value of the predetermined parameter. The program described in claim 10, wherein the first gauge display and the second gauge display extend linearly in the left-right direction of the screen such that the first initial position and the second initial position are adjacent to or coincide with each other, and the first position and the second position are furthest from each other in the left-right direction. The program described in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the output process further outputs a result indicating an advantage or victory of the first game medium over the second game medium when the value of the specified parameter reaches the first limit value, and further outputs a result indicating an advantage or victory of the second game medium over the first game medium when the value of the specified parameter reaches the second limit value. a game process for performing game processing relating to a game executable between the first game medium and the second game medium;
causing a computer to execute an output process of outputting a progress status of the game process via a first display medium associated with the first game medium and a second display medium associated with the second game medium;
The game processing includes:
a first event process for detecting a first event associated with the first game medium during the progress of the game;
a second event process for detecting a second event associated with the second game medium during the progress of the game;
a first parameter process for changing a value of a predetermined parameter in one of increasing and decreasing directions based on the first event;
a second parameter process for changing the value of the predetermined parameter to the other of the increasing and decreasing directions based on the second event,
The output process includes:
a first display process for changing a value of a first display parameter associated with the first display medium when the value of the predetermined parameter changes during the progress of the game;
a first drawing process for drawing a first gauge display between a first position corresponding to a first limit value on one side of the predetermined parameter value and a first initial position corresponding to an initial value of the predetermined parameter in a manner that can be expanded or contracted in accordance with a current value of the first display parameter;
a second display process for changing a value of a second display parameter associated with the second display medium when the value of the predetermined parameter changes during the progress of the game;
and a second drawing process for drawing a second gauge display between a second position corresponding to a second limit value on the other side related to the value of the specified parameter and a second initial position corresponding to an initial value of the specified parameter in a manner that can be expanded or contracted according to a current value of the second display parameter. a game processing unit that performs game processing relating to a game that can be executed between the first game medium and the second game medium;
an output unit that outputs a progress status of the game processing via a first display medium associated with the first game medium and a second display medium associated with the second game medium;
The game processing unit
a first event processing unit that detects a first event associated with the first game medium during the progress of the game;
a second event processing unit that detects a second event associated with the second game medium during the progress of the game;
a first parameter processing unit that changes a value of a predetermined parameter based on the first event;
a second parameter processing unit that changes the value of the predetermined parameter based on the second event,
The output unit
a first display processing unit that changes a value of a first display parameter associated with the first display medium when the value of the predetermined parameter changes during the progress of the game;
a second display processing unit that changes a value of a second display parameter associated with the second display medium when the value of the predetermined parameter changes during the progress of the game,
At least one of the first display processing unit and the second display processing unit changes a rate of change of the value of the display parameter relative to a change in the value of the predetermined parameter during the progress of the game. a game processing step of performing game processing relating to a game executable between the first game medium and the second game medium;
an output step of outputting a progress status of the game processing via a first display medium associated with the first game medium and a second display medium associated with the second game medium;
The game processing step includes:
a first event processing step of detecting a first event associated with the first game medium during the progress of the game;
a second event processing step of detecting a second event associated with the second game medium during the progress of the game;
a first parameter processing step of changing a value of a predetermined parameter based on the first event;
a second parameter processing step of changing the value of the predetermined parameter based on the second event,
The output step includes:
a first display processing step of changing a value of a first display parameter associated with the first display medium when the value of the predetermined parameter changes during the progress of the game;
a second display processing step of changing a value of a second display parameter associated with the second display medium when the value of the predetermined parameter changes during the progress of the game,
An information processing method executed by a computer, wherein at least one of the first display processing step and the second display processing step changes the rate of change of the value of the display parameter relative to a change in the value of the specified parameter during the progress of the game.