JP7708397B2 - 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.

Traditionally, online games known as social games have been offered, which combine games with communication-based networking services known as social networking services (hereinafter referred to as "SNS").

In the case of online multiplayer games in which a certain number of players (registered users) can participate and play at the same time, a process known as matching is typically used to automatically match up the players who wish to participate.

Recently, when teams made up of multiple players compete against each other, a system has been developed in which the player characters operated by the players on each team are selected and determined in a given order (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 5658054

However, in the game system that performs matching described in Patent Document 1, the order in which player characters are selected is simply determined, and the selectable player characters are not presented to each player, and the player character to be used in the game is not selected from among them. There is room for further consideration from the perspective of revitalizing the game and maintaining and improving the interest of the game.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a game system that can increase the player's interest in the game and maintain that interest over the long term while invigorating the game by providing a sense of self-satisfaction, creating a sense of freshness, and preventing a decline in interest.

(1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides
A game system that controls a game in which a plurality of players participate using player characters set in a game space, and provides information about the game to a terminal device, comprising:
a matching control means for executing a matching process for matching two or more players participating in the game;
a selection control means for executing a selection control process for allowing each of the matched players who have been matched by the matching process to select a player character to be used in the game as a character to be used;
a game control means for controlling the selected player character and progressing the game based on an instruction from the matching player;
a registering means for registering character information relating to a player character used in the game for each of the matching players in a storage means as used character history information;
Equipped with
The selection control means
a character candidate setting process for setting, as a character candidate, a player character selectable by each matching player from among a plurality of player characters according to a selection condition determined at least based on the character usage history information of each matching player; and
The system is configured to execute the selection control process, which includes a character selection process for selecting a character to be used by each matching player in the game from the set character candidates based on a given instruction.

With this configuration, the present invention can allow a player to select, for example, a player character that has been used frequently or for a long time in the game, or a new player character, as the character to be used in the matching game.

Therefore, with this invention, the more a player uses a favorite player character (i.e., the higher the attachment factor that quantifies the player's affection for the player character), the more motivated the player is to participate in the game using that player character, thereby increasing the player's self-satisfaction and livening up the game.

In addition, the present invention allows newer characters to be used in matching games, providing an opportunity to use new player characters or player characters that have not been used before, giving players a fresh feel for the game and preventing a decline in motivation to participate in the game.

Furthermore, by using the player's usage history of the player's player character when selecting a player character, the present invention can also take into consideration whether the player was able to select (i.e., use) the player's desired player character in past games, thereby incorporating an aspect that does not reduce the player's interest in the game.

In other words, the present invention can invigorate the game by providing a sense of self-satisfaction, creating a sense of novelty, and preventing a decline in interest, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game and maintaining that interest over the long term.

Note that "games" include, for example, battle games in which the player fights or engages in combat with enemy characters or other player characters, shooting games, action games, RPGs, music games, sports games, and the like.

The "character usage history information" also includes, for example, information on the number of times and duration of usage for each type of player character in the game. However, the "character usage history information" may also include information indicating the desired selection of a character to be used (hereinafter referred to as "selected character information") and information on the character finally selected to be used (hereinafter referred to as "selected character to be used").

The "selection conditions determined at least based on the character usage history information of each matching player" is intended to include information other than the character usage history information. However, the selection conditions may include only the character usage history information.

Furthermore, the "given instruction" includes, for example, an instruction from a matching player and an instruction based on a game program.

(2) The present invention also provides
the used character history information includes at least one of the number of times and the duration of use of the player character for each player in a game;
The selection control means
The usable character candidate setting process has a configuration in which the usable character candidate is set in accordance with the selection condition that is determined based on at least one of the number of times of use and the duration of use.

With this configuration, the more a player uses a favorite player character, the more motivated he or she is to participate in the game using that player character, thereby increasing the player's self-satisfaction and livening up the game.

In addition, the present invention allows newer characters to be used in matching games, providing an opportunity to use new player characters or player characters that have not been used before, giving players a fresh feel for the game and preventing a decline in motivation to participate in the game.

(3) The present invention also provides
The use character history information includes selection desired character information indicating a selection desired by the player as the use character, and selection desired character information of the use character actually selected in a previous matching game,
The selection control means
The game device is configured to set the character candidates to be used that are selectable for a specific player and unselectable for other players different from the specific player in accordance with the desired character information of each player participating in the game and the selection conditions that are determined at least based on the desired character information.

With this configuration, the present invention can, for example, allow a player to preferentially select a player character desired by the player in a game in which the current player character is being set, when a given condition is met, such as when the player was unable to select a desired player character in a game including the previous game or when the player was unable to select a desired player character many times.

Therefore, the present invention can select a player character to be used in a game, taking into consideration not only whether the character can be used in the game, but also whether the character was selected according to the player's wishes.

(4) The present invention also provides
The character usage history information includes selected character information indicating the character the player desired to select as the character to be used in the previous matching game, and selected character information of the character to be used that was actually selected in the previous matching game.

With this configuration, the present invention can, for example, allow the player to give priority to selecting the current player character if the player is unable to set the character desired in the previous game.

(5) The present invention also provides
The selection control means
If there is a limit to the number of types of player characters that can be used in the game,
The character selection process is configured to compare, for each player, character history information of the player selecting the character to be used with character history information of other players, and execute a determination process based on the comparison result to determine whether or not the character of the relevant player can be used.

With this configuration, for example, in a case where there are player characters that multiple players wish to use, and the game prohibits or is desirable in prohibiting the use of the same player character, the present invention can set candidate characters to be used by each player from the perspective of fairness, based on the character usage history of each player who wishes to use the same player character.

(6) The present invention also provides
The selection control means
The game device is configured to execute the character selection process for each of the matched players within a range of the number of selectable player characters of the same type that can be selected in the game.

With this configuration, the present invention allows players to select up to the selectable number even when there are multiple players wishing to use the same player character, so that player character preferences can be met as much as possible within the constraints of the game specifications.

Therefore, the present invention can liven up the game while increasing the player's interest in the game and maintaining that interest for a long period of time.

(7) The present invention also provides
The selection control means
When a plurality of player characters of the same type are selected, the appearance of each of the player characters of the same type is changed in accordance with a predetermined change condition.

With this configuration, the present invention allows players to select and set player characters of the same type within the same game while changing aspects of the appearance that can be changed, such as the color, shape, or size of the appearance.

The present invention therefore provides a sense of satisfaction to many players while eliminating the inconvenience of being unable to distinguish between games that look the same.

(8) The present invention also provides
The number of player characters of the same type that can be set varies depending on the number of people participating in the game.

With this configuration, when there are a large number of participants, the present invention allows many players to participate even in games with a small number of player character types by increasing the number of identical player characters that can be set, and maintains the interest of the game even in such cases.

(9) The present invention also provides a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of:
The system further comprises a providing means for providing the already registered used character history information to the relevant player at a given timing.

With this configuration, the present invention allows the player to recognize information about player characters that the player has previously selected or wishes to select, and this information can be useful in clarifying the player's guidelines for the game, including not only the use of player characters, but also their development and the acquisition of new characters.

(10) The present invention also provides a method for producing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of:
The selection control means
execute a character selection execution determination process for determining whether or not to execute the selection control process in accordance with at least one of a play situation of the player to be matched and an instruction from the player to be matched;
When it is determined in the character selection execution determination process that the selection control process is to be executed, the selection control process is executed.

With this configuration, the present invention can reflect the player's intentions and circumstances in the selection control process that selects the player character to be used in the game, allowing the player to select a player character that is more in line with their wishes.

In particular, the present invention allows a player to actively use the selection control process based on the player's instructions when using the same type of player character in a game to refer to the training status or level-up of other players, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game and maintaining that interest over the long term.

(11) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides
A program for controlling a game in which a plurality of players participate using player characters set in a game space, and for providing information about the game to a terminal device, comprising:
a matching control means for executing a matching process for matching two or more players participating in the game;
a selection control means for executing a selection control process for allowing each of the matched players who have been matched by the matching process to select a player character to be used in the game as a character to be used;
a game control means for controlling the selected player character and progressing the game based on an instruction from the matching player; and
a registration means for registering, for each of the matching players, character information relating to the player characters used in the game in a storage means as used character history information;
The computer functions as
The selection control means
a character candidate setting process for setting, as a character candidate, a player character selectable by each matching player from among a plurality of player characters according to a selection condition determined at least based on the character usage history information of each matching player; and
The system is configured to execute the selection control process, which includes a character selection process for selecting a character to be used by each matching player in the game from the set character candidates based on a given instruction.

With this configuration, the more a player uses a favorite player character (i.e., the higher the attachment factor that quantifies the player's attachment to the player character), the more motivated the player is to participate in the game using that player character, so the game can be made more lively while increasing the player's self-satisfaction.The player's self-satisfaction can be increased.

In addition, the present invention allows newer characters to be used in matching games, providing an opportunity to use new player characters or player characters that have not been used before, giving players a fresh feel for the game and preventing a decline in motivation to participate in the game.

Furthermore, by using the player's usage history of the player's player character when selecting a player character, the present invention can also take into consideration whether the player was able to select a player character as desired in past games, thereby incorporating an aspect that does not reduce the player's interest in the game.

In other words, the present invention can invigorate the game by providing a sense of self-satisfaction, creating a sense of novelty, and preventing a decline in interest, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game and maintaining that interest over the long term.

(12) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides
A method for providing a game, comprising: providing, from a server device, to a terminal device, information relating to a game in which a plurality of players participate using player characters set in a game space, the method comprising:
The server device,
a matching control means for executing a matching process for matching two or more players participating in the game;
a selection control means for executing a selection control process for allowing each of the matched players who have been matched by the matching process to select a player character to be used in the game as a character to be used;
a game control means for controlling the selected player character and progressing the game based on an instruction from the matching player;
a registering means for registering character information relating to a player character used in the game for each of the matching players in a storage means as used character history information;
and
The selection control means
a character candidate setting process for setting, as a character candidate, a player character selectable by each matching player from among a plurality of player characters according to a selection condition determined at least based on the character usage history information of each matching player; and
a character selection process for selecting a character to be used by each matching player in the game from among the set character candidates based on a given instruction;
When the selection control process is executed,
transmitting information regarding the operation of the player received by the terminal device to the server device;
The apparatus has a configuration for receiving information related to the game from a server device that executes processing related to the game.

With this configuration, the more a player uses a favorite player character (i.e., the higher the attachment factor that quantifies the player's affection for the player character), the more motivated the player is to participate in the game using that player character, so the game can be invigorated while increasing the player's self-satisfaction.The player's self-satisfaction can be increased.

In addition, the present invention allows newer characters to be used in matching games, providing an opportunity to use new player characters or player characters that have not been used before, giving players a fresh feel for the game and preventing a decline in motivation to participate in the game.

Furthermore, by using the player's usage history of the player's player character when selecting a player character, the present invention can also take into consideration whether the player was able to select a player character as desired in past games, thereby incorporating an aspect that does not reduce the player's interest in the game.

In other words, the present invention can invigorate the game by providing a sense of self-satisfaction, creating a sense of novelty, and preventing a decline in interest, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game and maintaining that interest over the long term.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of a game system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a game server device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a terminal device according to an embodiment. 11 is a diagram illustrating a selection control process executed by a server device according to an embodiment, for selecting a player character to be used in a game with which a player has been matched. FIG. 1 is an example of character history information stored in a character history information storage unit according to an embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of a selection control process executed by the server device of one embodiment for selecting a player character to be used in a game with which a player has been matched.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 of this embodiment is configured such that a server device 10 that provides game services and terminal devices 20 (e.g., terminal devices 20A, 20B, and 20C) can be connected to the Internet (an example of a network).

By accessing the server device 10 from the terminal device 20, a user (i.e., a player) can play a game transmitted from the server device 10 via the Internet. Furthermore, by accessing the server device 10 from the terminal device 20, a user can communicate with other users (players).

The server device 10 is an information processing device capable of providing a service that allows users to play games using the terminal devices 20 connected for communication via the Internet. The server device 10 may also function as an SNS server that provides a communication-type service. Here, the SNS server may be an information processing device that provides a service that allows communication between multiple users.

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

In particular, the server device 10 is capable of providing games provided on the web browser of the terminal device 20, such as browser games (games that can be started simply by opening the installation site in a web browser) created in a variety of languages, including HTML, FLASH, CGI, PHP, shockwave, Java (registered trademark) applet, and JavaScript (registered trademark).

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

On the other hand, the server device 10 may be composed of one (device, processor) or multiple (devices, processors).

Then, the billing information, game information, and other information stored in the memory area of the server device 10 (the memory unit 140 described below) may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (an intranet or the Internet), and when functioning as an SNS server, the information stored in the player information storage unit 146, etc., stored in the memory area may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (an intranet or the Internet).

Specifically, the server device 10 of this embodiment receives input information based on the operation of the user of the terminal device 20 (i.e., the player who executes the game), and performs game processing based on the received input information. The server device 10 then transmits the game processing results to the terminal device 20, and the terminal device 20 performs various processes to provide the game processing results received from the server device 10 so that they can be viewed by the user.

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

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

Specifically, when the terminal device 20 makes a request to the server device 10 to play a specific game, the terminal device 20 is connected to the game site of the server device 10 and the game begins. In particular, the terminal device 20 is configured to use an API as necessary to cause the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server to perform a specific process, or to obtain the player information storage unit 146 managed by the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server to execute the game.

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

The server device 10 includes an input unit 120 for use in administrator and other input, a display unit 130 for performing predetermined displays, an information storage medium 180 in which predetermined information is stored, a communication unit 196 for communicating with terminal devices 20 and others, a processing unit 100 that mainly executes processes related to the game to be provided, and a storage unit 140 that mainly stores various data used in the game.

The input unit 120 is used by a system administrator or the like to input game-related settings and other necessary settings and data. For example, the input unit 120 in this embodiment is configured with a mouse, a keyboard, and the like.
The display unit 130 displays an operation screen for a system administrator. For example, the display unit 130 in this embodiment is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like.

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

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

The memory unit 140 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, etc., and its functions are realized by a RAM (VRAM) etc. The information stored in the memory unit 140 may be managed in a database.

In addition to the main memory unit 142, the memory unit 140 of this embodiment also includes a game data memory unit 144 in which game information indicating information related to the game is stored, a player information memory unit 146 in which player information indicating information about each player and information related to the player's game (hereinafter referred to as "player-related information") are stored, and a character history information memory unit 148 in which information related to the history of games in which each player was matched is stored.

The game data storage unit 144 stores information about the game field on which the game is played, condition information used for various judgments, information about each object on the game field, information for changing each object, various table information, and information about player characters that can be used in the game (hereinafter also referred to as "character information").

The player information storage unit 146 stores the following player-related information for each player:
(A1) The player's nickname, player ID, and if the player belongs to a team, the name of the team and its ID (hereinafter referred to as "affiliation information");
(A2) Information regarding individual and team performance, such as current points, rewards earned, or game time (hereinafter also referred to as "performance information");
(A3) position information indicating the position of each player or team within the game field;
(A4) Information on the values of parameters (hereinafter referred to as "energy parameter values") that are directly related to the victory or defeat of each player's player character, such as experience points and life energy (hereinafter also referred to as "energy parameter information"), and information on whether or not a player has been defeated (whether or not the game is over) (hereinafter also referred to as "defeat information"); and
(A5) Information regarding charges, such as charge history and charge amount,
etc. are stored.

As described below, the character history information storage unit 148 stores, for each player, information about the player characters used in past games as character history information, in association with the player ID.

The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main memory unit 142 in the memory unit 140 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs.

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

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

Specifically, the processing unit 100 of this embodiment has at least a communication control unit 101, a Web processing unit 102, a game management unit 103, a player character management unit 104, a matching processing unit 105, a character selection setting processing unit 106, a timer management unit 109, and an information provision unit 110.

For example, the game management unit 103 of this embodiment constitutes the game control means of the present invention. The player character management unit 104 constitutes the registration means of the present invention. Also, for example, the matching processing unit 105 of this embodiment constitutes the matching control means of the present invention, and the character selection setting processing unit 106 constitutes the selection control means of the present invention.

The communication control unit 101 performs processing to transmit and receive data to and from the terminal device 20 via the network. That is, the server device 10 performs various processing based on information received from the terminal device 20, etc. by the communication control unit 101. In particular, the communication control unit 101 of this embodiment performs processing to transmit a game screen to a player's terminal device 20 based on a request from the player's terminal device 20.

The web processing unit 102 functions as a web server. For example, the web processing unit 102 performs a process of transmitting data in response to a request from a web browser 211 installed in the terminal device 20, and a process of receiving data transmitted by the web browser 211 of the terminal device 20, via a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

In this embodiment, the server device 10 is described as having a function as an SNS server, but the server device 10 may be formed as a server for the game and a server for the SNS separately. Also, the game processing of this embodiment may be performed in part or in whole by the server device 10, or in part by the terminal device 20.

The game management unit 103 works in conjunction with the terminal device 20 to construct a game space as a virtual space, and executes various game processes related to various competitive games such as battle games, action games, RPGs, sound games, or sports games in which multiple players compete against each other and engage in combat or hand-to-hand combat, based on player operations input via the terminal device 20.

The player character management unit 104 manages each player character and information about each player character that each player uses in the game.

In particular, the player character management unit 104 registers in the character history information storage unit 148 information such as player characters that have been selected and used in a game in which multiple players participate (hereinafter also referred to as "selected used characters"), and player characters that are selectable by each player when playing the game and are candidates for selection (hereinafter referred to as "candidate used characters").

The matching processing unit 105 executes a matching process during the game to determine the targets for individual or group matches, or players who will cooperate with each other in playing the game (hereinafter referred to as "matching players").

The character selection setting processing unit 106 executes a selection control process that allows each player matched by the matching process (hereinafter referred to as the "matched player") to select a player character to be used in the game as the character to be used.

The timer management unit 109 has a timer function and is used to manage the progress of the game. In particular, the timer management unit 109 works in conjunction with the game management unit 103 to output the current time and preset times to each unit. The timer management unit 109 is also used to synchronize with each terminal device.

The information providing unit 110 generates various game information and provides it to the corresponding terminal device 20 so that the terminal device 20 can process the game.

In particular, the information providing unit 110 generates information (i.e., game information) for controlling each player's target player character by the corresponding terminal device 20, and provides the generated game information to the corresponding terminal device 20.

[3] Terminal Device Next, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the terminal device 20 of this embodiment. Also, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (parts) of Fig. 2 are omitted.

The input unit 260 is a device for inputting input information from the player, and outputs the player's input information to the processing unit 200. In this embodiment, the input unit 260 includes a detection unit 262 that detects the player's input information (input signal). The input unit 260 may be, for example, a lever, a button, a steering wheel, a microphone, a touch panel display, a keyboard, or a mouse.

The memory unit 270 serves as a work area for the processing unit 200, the communication unit 296, etc., and its functions can be realized by a RAM (VRAM) or the like. The memory unit 270 of this embodiment includes a main memory unit 271 used as a work area, and an image buffer 272 in which the final display image, etc. are stored. Note that some of these may be omitted.

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

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

In this embodiment, the programs and game data for causing a computer to function as each part of this embodiment, which are stored in the information storage medium 180 and memory unit 140 of the server device 10, are received via a network, and the received programs and data are stored in the information storage medium 280. The programs and data received from the server device 10 may also be stored in the memory unit 270. The case where a network system is operated by receiving programs and data in this manner is also included within the scope of the present invention.

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), or the like. The sound output unit 292 outputs the sound generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, or the like. For example, the display unit 290 constitutes the display means of the present invention.

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

The processing unit 200 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, display control, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on game-related information acquired from the server device 10 via the communication unit 296, input information acquired from the input unit 260, or programs, etc.

The processing unit 200 performs various processes using the main memory unit 271 in 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 communication control unit 210, a web browser 211, a game processing unit 212, a display control unit 213, a drawing unit 220, and a sound processing unit 230. Note that some of these may be omitted.

The communication control unit 210 performs processing to transmit and receive data to and from each of the server devices 10. The communication control unit 210 also performs processing to store data received from the server devices 10 in the storage unit 270, to analyze the received data, and to control processing related to the transmission and reception of other data.

The communication control unit 210 may store and manage destination information (IP address, port number) of the server in the information storage medium 280. The communication control unit 210 may communicate with the server device 10 when receiving input information for starting communication from the player.

In particular, the communication control unit 210 transmits player identification information and operation information to the server device 10, and receives information about the game (player information, game card information, the player's web page, game screen, etc.) from the server device 10.

The communication control unit 210 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 210 of this embodiment performs processing to receive a game screen from the server device 10.

The web browser 211 is an application program for viewing web pages (game screens), and downloads HTML files, image files, etc. from the web server (server device 10), analyzes the layout, and controls the display. The web browser 211 also sends data to the web server (server device 10) using input forms (links, buttons, text boxes, etc.).

The web browser 211 of this embodiment can realize a browser game. For example, the web browser 211 may execute a program written in JavaScript (registered trademark), FLASH, Java (registered trademark), or the like, received from a web server (server device 10).

The terminal device 20 can display information from a web server specified by a URL via the Internet using the web browser 211. For example, the terminal device 20 can display a game screen (data such as HTML) received from the server device 10 using the web browser 211.

The game processing unit 212 performs various game calculation processes. For example, it performs processes to start a game when a game start condition is met, to execute a game, and to end a game when a game end condition is met.

The game processing unit 212 may then perform processing to place and set various objects (objects constructed from primitives such as polygons, free-form surfaces, or subdivision surfaces) representing display items such as player characters, buildings, stadiums, cars, trees, pillars, walls, and maps (terrain) in the object space.

The object space here refers to a virtual space, and includes both two-dimensional space and three-dimensional space. Two-dimensional space is, for example, a space in which an object is placed using two-dimensional coordinates (X, Y), and three-dimensional space is, for example, a space in which an object is placed using three-dimensional coordinates (X, Y, Z).

In addition to setting the game cards as deck data, the game processing unit 212 also controls the sending and receiving of various information at login, executes game processing based on the player's operation when executing a game in real time in conjunction with the server device 10, and executes game processing including replaying received automatic calculation data when executing a game by automatic calculation.
Furthermore, the display control unit 213 performs processing for displaying on the display unit 290. For example, the display control unit 213 may use the Web browser 211 for display.

The drawing unit 220 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 213. The image generated by the drawing unit 220 may be a so-called two-dimensional image, or a so-called three-dimensional image.

The sound processing unit 230 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed in the processing unit 200, generates game sounds such as background music, sound effects, or voice, and outputs them to the sound output unit 292.

[4] Method of this embodiment [4.1] Overview Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a selection control process will be described which is executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment and is used to select a player character to be used in a game with which a player has been matched.

Note that FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the selection control process executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment, for selecting a player character to be used in the game with which the player has been matched.

The server device 10 of this embodiment works in conjunction with the terminal devices 20 operated by each player, and is configured to form, for example, one game space (i.e., a game field in a virtual three-dimensional space) and execute various games within the game field using multiple player characters that are operated and controlled by multiple players.

In particular, the server device 10 of this embodiment executes various controls to execute competitive games such as battle games, action games, RPGs, sound games, or sports games, or cooperative play games.

In other words, the server device 10 of this embodiment is a server device that controls a game in which multiple players participate using player characters set in a game space, and provides information about the game to the terminal device 20.

As shown in FIG. 4, the server device 10 of the present embodiment
(A1) Matching multiple players at the start of a game according to the operation instructions of each player and the game program,
(A2) Selecting candidates for player characters (hereinafter referred to as "candidate characters") to be used in the game by each matched player (i.e., matching players) from among a plurality of player characters based on an indicator of the degree of attachment to the player characters, and presenting the candidates to each matched player;
(A3) executing a selection control process for setting a player character (i.e., a character to be used) to be used in the game from among the presented character candidates to be used;
It has a configuration.

Specifically, as shown in FIG.
(B1) executing a matching process for matching two or more players participating in a game;
(B2) executing a selection control process for selecting, for each matching player, a player character to be used in the game as a character to be used;
(B3) Controlling the selected player character based on instructions from the matching player to progress through the game;
(B4) For each matching player, character information regarding the player character used in the game is registered in the character history information storage unit 148 as character history information;
It has a configuration.

Then, the server device 10 performs the selection control process as follows:
(B2-1) A character candidate setting process for setting, as a character candidate, a player character selectable by each matching player from among a plurality of player characters defined in the character information, according to a selection condition determined at least based on the character history information of each matching player; and
(B2-2) It has a configuration for executing a character selection process for selecting a character to be used by each matching player in the game from among the set character candidates based on a given instruction.

In particular, the server device 10
(C1) To allow a player to select a player character that has been used many times or for a long time in the game, or a new player character, as a character to be used in the matching game; or
(C2) To allow players to select a character to be used in the matching game while taking into consideration whether each matching player was able to select a character as desired in a past game,
It has the following configuration.

Figure 4 shows an example in which player 1 and player 2 are matched by the matching process, player characters CH1, CH2, and CH3 are presented as candidates for characters to be used, and player character CH3 is selected as the character to be used.

In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates the matching process and selection control process performed by player 2.

With this configuration, the server device 10 of this embodiment and the game system 1 including it are able to invigorate the game by providing a sense of self-satisfaction, creating a sense of freshness, and preventing a decline in interest, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game and maintaining that interest over the long term.

In the matching process of this embodiment, it is sufficient to match at least two players, and it is also possible to match two or three players, and two or more teams consisting of multiple players.

[4.2] Character History Information and Registration Process Thereof Next, the character history information stored in the character history information storage unit 148 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

Note that FIG. 5 is an example of character history information stored in the character history information storage unit 148 in this embodiment.

The character history information is information for each player that is used in the selection control process to set the player character to be used in the game, and is stored in the character history information storage unit 148.

In particular, the character history information is associated with the player ID as shown in FIG.
(A1) Character information regarding the player character used in the game (hereinafter referred to as "character usage history information");
(A2) an index for each player character, which is a cumulative index regarding the use of the player character used in the game of the matching player (hereinafter referred to as the "player character cumulative use index (cumulative index)");
It consists of:

As shown in FIG. 5, the used character history information includes a past game ID for each game that has been played in the past (hereinafter, also referred to as an “executed game”).
(A1-1) Information on the player character used in each game (hereinafter referred to as the "selected used character") (hereinafter referred to as the "selected used character information (selected character)"), which includes an ID indicating the type of the player character (hereinafter simply referred to as the "character ID");
(A1-2) Information on a character (hereinafter referred to as a "selectively presented character") that is presented in each game and that includes the character ID and
(A1-3) Information on a player character (hereinafter referred to as a "selected character") that a player desires to use in a game among the selectable characters of each game (hereinafter referred to as "selected character information"), which includes the character ID and
Includes:

In addition to the above, the used character history information may also include the character IDs of player characters that were presented as selectable characters for each past game, but that were unused in the presented game.

On the other hand, the player character cumulative usage indicator (accumulation indicator) is associated with the character ID of the player character as shown in FIG.
(A2-1) Information regarding the usage history, such as the number of times the device has been used in a game (hereinafter referred to as the "number of uses") and the time the device has been used (hereinafter referred to as the "usage time") (hereinafter referred to as the "usage history information"); and
(A2-2) Accumulative parameters such as the cumulative amount charged to a game character and the cumulative number of points consumed (hereinafter also referred to as "accumulated parameters").
etc.

In addition, information regarding the display and behavior of each player character in the game, as well as data regarding basic specifications, is stored in the game data storage unit 144.

In addition to the above, the player character cumulative usage indicator in this embodiment may also include information such as the amount of charges spent on training the player character.

[4.3] Matching Processing Next, the matching processing in this embodiment will be described.

The matching processing unit 105 of this embodiment executes a matching process in which, before the start of the game or at a given timing during the game, at least two or more players are matched from among a plurality of players, and the matched players are determined as matching players.

That is, the matching processing unit 105 executes a matching process to determine opponents in a competitive game, or to select multiple players for cooperative play to complete a game task.

The matching processing unit 105 of this embodiment uses the player character information of each player as a matching condition in the matching process, and matches two or more players who meet the matching condition as matching players.

For example, the matching processing unit 105 matches multiple players in one game based on the attributes of the players (level, generation/age/gender, total game play time, number of login days, number of consecutive login days), the attributes of the player characters (level, nature, characteristics, abilities, etc.), or both.

For example, the matching processing unit 105 may perform random matching through a lottery process.

[4.4] Selection Control Processing [4.4.1] Basic Principles of Selection Control Processing Next, the basic principles of selection control processing in this embodiment will be described.

The character selection setting processing unit 106 performs the following for each matching player:
(A1) a character candidate setting process for setting, as a character candidate, a player character selectable by each matching player from among a plurality of player characters according to a selection condition determined based on the character usage history information of each matching player; and
(A2) a character selection process for selecting a character to be used by each matching player in the game from among the set character candidates based on a given instruction;
The selection control process includes:

In other words, the character selection setting processing unit 106 of this embodiment does not allow the player to directly select from among player characters (hereinafter referred to as "player character selection candidates") whose number is equal to or greater than the number of player characters that can participate in the game, but first sets multiple player characters as usable character candidates from among the player character selection candidates in accordance with the selection conditions.

In particular, the character selection setting processing unit 106 may, as a usable character candidate setting process, define selection conditions so that a player character that has been used many times in the game or for a long time is selected as a favorite player character to which the player has a high degree of attachment, and set multiple player characters as usable character candidates based on the defined selection information (usable character candidate setting process 1).

In addition, the character selection setting processing unit 106 may, as a usable character candidate setting process, define selection conditions to allow selection of a player character that has been used a small number of times in the game or has had zero or no usage time, in order to give the player character an opportunity to be used, and may set multiple player characters as usable character candidates based on the defined selection information (usable character candidate setting process 2).

Furthermore, as a process for setting candidate characters to be used, the character selection setting processing unit 106 may take into consideration whether or not the player was able to select a player character as desired in past games, and may specify selection conditions so that the player can select a player character that he or she wishes to select in the current game (hereinafter referred to as the "desired character"), and may set multiple player characters as candidate characters to be used based on the specified selection information (candidate character setting process 3).

The character selection setting processing unit 106 of this embodiment then executes a character selection process for each matching player, in which each matching player selects a character to be used in the game, either at the instruction of the corresponding player or under the instruction of the game program, such as a lottery.

The character selection setting processing unit 106 may execute the use character candidate setting process by combining the use character candidate setting process 1 or the use character candidate setting process 2 with the use character candidate setting process 3.

The character selection setting processing unit 106 may also execute a character candidate setting process according to selection conditions determined based on the character usage history information of each matching player and other information.

In this case, the other information includes whether the player has paid any fees and the amount of such fees, and whether the player has selectable player characters and how many of them they have.

[4.4.2] Character Candidate Setting Process Next, the basic principle of the character candidate setting process in this embodiment will be described.

(Selectable settings for characters with high attachment levels)
The character selection setting processing unit 106 uses factors such as the degree of attachment of the matching player to the player character to set characters selectable by the player as candidate characters to be used.

In other words, the more a player uses a favorite player character, the stronger the player's attachment to that character is deemed to be, and the more often that player is able to participate in games with that player character. As a result, in order to increase the player's self-satisfaction, in this embodiment, the process of setting candidate characters to be used is executed according to selection conditions determined based on the character usage history information of each matching player.

Specifically, the character selection setting processing unit 106 uses selection criteria for each matching player that are determined by an index indicating each player's degree of attachment to the player character (i.e., the player character cumulative usage index), which is a cumulative index regarding usage in the game.

In particular, the character selection setting processing unit 106 sets, for each matching player, the player character cumulative use index,
(A1) The number of times the player character has been used in the game (cumulative number of times),
(A2) the cumulative usage time of the player character; and
(A3) The cumulative amount of charges and the cumulative amount of points consumed, including in-game currency, used for the player character;
The selection criteria are determined by.

The character selection setting processing unit 106 then sets the player characters selectable by each matching player as candidate characters to be used based on the selection conditions determined by the player character cumulative usage indicators for each matching player.

For example, the character selection setting processing unit 106 uses as selection conditions that the player character has been selected and used in five or more games played to date, that the player character has been used for five or more hours, or that both conditions are met.

The character selection setting processing unit 106 then sets, for each player, a player character that meets these selection conditions as the selectable presented character, and executes processing to present the set selectable character to the player.

(Selectable settings for less frequently used characters)
Alternatively, the character selection setting processing unit 106 may set characters selectable by the player by using information indicating the frequency of use of the player's character by the matching player.

In other words, in order to give new player characters or previously unused player characters an opportunity to use and to create a fresh feel to the game, in this embodiment, the process of setting candidate characters to be used is executed according to selection conditions determined based on the character usage history information of each matching player.

Specifically, the character selection setting processing unit 106 uses selection conditions determined for each matching player by the player character cumulative usage indicators, such as the number of uses, usage time, charge amount, or point consumption, in the same way as in the use character candidate setting process 1.

For example, the character selection setting processing unit 106 uses as selection conditions that the player character is unused in the games that have been played up to now, that the player character has been used for less than 0.5 hours, or that both conditions are met.

The character selection setting processing unit 106 then sets, for each player, a player character that meets these selection conditions as the selectable presented character, and executes processing to present the set selectable character to the player.

(Selectable settings for the desired character)
The character selection setting processing unit 106 may set characters that can be selected by the player by utilizing information indicating the past usage history and frequency of the matching player's player characters, including information on player characters that the player has desired to use in games that have been played up to now.

In other words, in order to allow a player to select the player character they wish to set in the currently matched game while taking into consideration whether or not the player was able to select a player character as they wished in past games, in this embodiment, the character candidate setting process is executed according to selection conditions determined based on the character usage history information of each matched player.

In particular, the character selection setting processing unit 106 uses selection conditions determined by character usage history information, including previously executed game character information (information indicating the player character actually used), selected character information (information indicating the player character actually presented to the player by the character usage candidate setting process), and desired character information (information indicating the player character that the player desired to select but was not set as the character to be used).

Specifically, for each matching player, the character selection setting processing unit 106 reads out used character history information, including information on selected used characters, selected presented character information, and desired character information, from games previously played.

The character selection setting processing unit 106 also determines the selection conditions for each matching player based on the read character usage history information for each matching player.

Then, the character selection setting processing unit 106 sets the player characters selectable by each matching player as candidate characters to be used based on the determined selection conditions for each matching player.

For example, the selection conditions include that the player character is a player character that has actually been used based on the character usage history information and that has actually been presented to the player by the character usage candidate setting process.

In addition, for example, the selection conditions include that the player character is a player character that has not actually been used based on the used character history information and that has actually been presented to the player by the used character candidate setting process.

Furthermore, for example, the selection conditions include that the player character is a player character that has not actually been used and that the player wishes to set based on the character usage history information.

(Usable character priority setting process)
In the character candidate setting process, the character selection setting processing unit 106 may execute a process for setting character candidates to be used by a specific player in priority over other players in accordance with selection conditions determined based on the selected character information and the desired character information (i.e., a usable character priority setting process).

In particular, when the types of player characters available in the game are limited (for example, when there is only one), the character selection setting processing unit 106 executes a usable character priority setting process.

For example, if a player has not been able to set a desired player character in previous games, including the previous game, or if the player has not been able to set a desired player character many times, a given condition (hereinafter also referred to as "usable character priority condition") is met, in which the player's desired player character may be preferentially set in the game in which the current player character is being set.

Specifically, in the character candidate setting process for each player, if the available character priority condition is met, the character selection setting processing unit 106 removes the player's character from the available characters of other matching players and sets the character as an available character for the relevant player.

In particular, in this embodiment, the usable character priority condition includes the player being unable to select a character that he or she desired in a predetermined number of past matching games or more (e.g., three or more games).

The character selection setting processing unit 106 also determines whether the usable character priority conditions are met based on the character usage history information of the relevant player.

The character selection and setting processing unit 106 may also set a usable character priority condition such that, if the player was unable to set the player character they desired in the previous game only, the player's desired player character is selected with priority.

The character selection setting processing unit 106 may also include other conditions as the usable character priority conditions, such as when the player's game performance using the player's desired player character is below a certain level, or when the game performance when executed using another player character of the player is above a certain level.

[4.4.3] Character Selection Process Next, the character selection process in this embodiment will be described.

(Basic principles of character selection process)
The character selection setting processing unit 106 executes a character selection process for each matching player, which allows the matching player to select a character to be used.

Specifically, the character selection setting processing unit 106 executes a character selection process in which each matching player selects a character to be used in the game from among the character candidates that are set as selectable by the character candidate setting process and presented to each matching player, at the player's instruction or under the instruction of the game program, such as a lottery.

On the other hand, when the character selection setting processing unit 106 executes the character selection process, it causes the player character management unit 104 to register and update the character usage history information.

In particular, the player character management unit 104 newly registers or updates the selected character information, selected presented character information, and desired character information for each player in the character history information storage unit 148 at a given time, such as when the character selection process is executed or when the player character is decided and the game is started.

The player character management unit 104 accepts the characters to be selected from each matching player before the character selection and setting process is executed, or before the character candidates to be used are set by the character selection and setting process and the character to be used is determined.

Then, the player character management unit 104 registers the received selected character together with other information for each player in the character history information storage unit 148.

(Adjustment of characters to be used in character selection process)
If the game specifications impose a limit on the number of types of player characters that can be used in the game, the character selection setting processing unit 106 adjusts the characters that can be used by each player when the character selection process is executed.

Specifically, when there is a limit to the number of types of player characters used in the game, and the number of characters selected by each matching player through the character selection process is greater than a predetermined number of types, the character selection setting processing unit 106 compares the character usage history information of each player and, based on the comparison results, executes a determination process to determine whether or not the character used by the relevant player can be used.

In this case, when there is a limit to the number of types of player characters that can be used in the game, the character selection setting processing unit 106 performs a character selection process in which, for each player, the character history information of the player who selects the character to be used is compared with the character history information of other players, and a determination process is performed to determine whether or not the character of the relevant player can be used based on the comparison result.

For example, if the game specifications specify that the number of types of player characters that can be used in the game is "1", and the character selection process accepts settings for the same type of player character used by multiple players, the character selection setting processing unit 106 compares the character usage history information of the relevant players.

The character selection setting processing unit 106 then executes a determination process to allow a player who has not used the target player character as a playable character in a previous game to use the playable character, and to prohibit the use of other playable characters.

In addition, if there is no player who has not used the target player character in past games, the character selection setting processing unit 106 executes a determination process to determine that the player who has used the character the least number of times is permitted to use the character and to prohibit the use of other characters.

When the number of players who have not used the target player character in past games is equal to or greater than the number of types of player characters used in the game, or when the number of players who have used the target player character the least is equal to or greater than the number of types of player characters used in the game, the character selection setting processing unit 106 determines that the use of the character is permitted for a player whose game environment meets given conditions, such as a player with a high or low level or other given parameter, a player with a long number of consecutive login days, or a player who has a given item, and executes a determination process to prohibit the use of other characters.

On the other hand, the character selection setting processing unit 106 may execute a character selection process for each matched player within the range of the selectable number of player characters of the same type that can be selected in the game.

Specifically, the character selection setting processing unit 106 monitors the characters selected by each player through the character selection process, and when multiple player characters of the same type are selected, selection is permitted on a first-come, first-served basis up to the selectable number, and once the selectable number reaches the upper limit, further selection as a character to be used is prohibited.

In addition, when multiple player characters of the same type are selected in the game, the character selection setting processing unit 106 may change the appearance of each player character of the same type according to predetermined change conditions.

For example, the character selection and setting processing unit 106 controls the change of appearance in order of players with high or low given parameters such as level or strength, or in order of players with the longest number of consecutive login days.

In particular, the character selection setting processing unit 106 changes the appearance by changing the color, shape (part of it), size, or a combination of two or more of these.

Furthermore, the character selection setting processing unit 106 may change the number of player characters of the same type that can be set depending on the number of people participating in the game.

[4.5] Information Provision Processing Next, the information provision processing of this embodiment will be described.

During the game, the information providing unit 110 may provide the relevant terminal device 20 with information regarding the use of a player character that the relevant player has used in the past, along with various game information related to the control and display of the game.

Specifically, the information providing unit 110 reads out the usage history information of the relevant player, and provides the read out usage history information regarding the relevant player's player character to the relevant terminal device 20.

[4.6] Modifications Next, modifications of this embodiment will be described.

(Variation 1: Character Selection Execution Determination Process)
In this embodiment, when executing a selection control process to select a player character to be used in the game, it may be determined whether or not to execute the selection control process based on the playing status of a player to be matched (hereinafter referred to as a "matching target player") or instructions from the matching target player.

In other words, in this embodiment, a character selection execution determination process may be executed to determine whether or not to execute the selection control process based on the playing status of the matched player or instructions from the matched player, with the player's intentions and circumstances reflected in the matching.

Specifically, before the matching process is executed or during the execution of a past game, the character selection setting processing unit 106 executes a character selection execution determination process that determines whether or not to execute a selection control process according to at least one of the play status of the matching target player (progress in tasks, game time, acquisition of equipment of specific items, etc.) and the instructions of the matching target player.

The character selection setting processing unit 106 then executes the selection control process when the character selection execution determination process determines that the selection control process should be executed.

(Modification 2: Another Example of the Configuration of the Server Device)
In the game system 1 of the present embodiment, the game is executed and the matching process is executed by a single server device 10, but this may be realized by a plurality of server devices.

[5] Operation in this embodiment Next, the operation of the selection control process executed by the server device 10 in this embodiment for selecting a player character to be used in the game with which the player has been matched will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of a selection control process executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment for selecting a player character to be used in a game with which a player has been matched.

In this operation, it is assumed that player character information is stored, including the number of times each type of player character is used as a cumulative player character usage indicator.

This action is also executed before the start of a particular game for a player, and is executed simultaneously for multiple player characters.

Furthermore, this operation will be explained using an example in which the number of uses is detected as an indicator of the cumulative use of the player character when the matching game is started.

First, when the game management unit 103 receives an instruction to execute a matching process or a command to start execution, such as a player's operation instruction or the arrival of a specified timing (step S101), the matching processing unit 105 executes a matching process that matches two or more players in a specific game using given matching conditions, such as random or the same level (step S102).

Next, the character selection setting processing unit 106 reads out the character usage history information already registered for each matched player (step S103).

Next, the character selection setting processing unit 106 determines selection conditions for each matching player based on the character usage history information, and executes a character usage candidate setting process that sets multiple selectable player characters for each matching player according to the selection conditions (step S104).

At this time, the character selection setting processing unit 106 may set the desired character that could not be set as a usable character in the previous game as a usable character in the current game.

In addition, at this time, the character selection setting processing unit 106 may, based on the character usage history information of each matching player, if the above-mentioned usable character priority conditions are met, preferentially set the player character desired by that player in the game in which the current player character is being set.

Next, the character selection setting processing unit 106 provides a number of selectable player characters (i.e., candidate characters to be used) to the terminal device 20 of each corresponding matching player, and waits to receive an instruction to select a player character from each matching player (step S105).

Next, the character selection setting processing unit 106 executes a character selection process to select and determine the characters to be used in the game by each matching player based on the selection instructions received from each matching player (step S106).

At this time, the character selection setting processing unit 106 works in conjunction with the game management unit 103 to manage the prohibition of selection and control changes to the appearance of the characters used.

Next, the game management unit 103 starts playing the game formed from one game space for each matching player (step S107).

Next, the character selection setting processing unit 106 appropriately registers (updates) the used character history information, including information on selected used characters, selected presented character information, and desired character information, for each matching player in previously executed games (step S108), and ends this operation.

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

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

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

In addition, in this embodiment, the game system of the present invention is applied to a server device 10 that runs in conjunction with a terminal device 20 via a network, but it can also be applied to a tablet-type information terminal device, a personal computer, or a game device installed in an amusement park.

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

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

1: Game system 10: Server device 20: Terminal device 100: Processing unit 101: Communication control unit 102: Web processing unit 103: Game management unit 104: Player character management unit 105: Matching processing unit 106: Distribution control unit 109: Timer management unit 110: Information provision unit 111: Information provision unit 120: Input unit 130: Display unit 140: Storage unit 142: Main storage unit 144: Game data storage unit 146: Player information storage unit 148: Player character information storage unit 180: Information storage medium 196: Communication unit 200: Processing unit 210: Communication control unit 211: Web browser 212: Game processing unit 213: Display control unit 220: Drawing unit 230: Sound processing unit 260: Input unit 262: Detection unit 270: Storage unit 271 : Main memory unit 272 : Image buffer 280 : Information storage medium 290 : Display unit 292 : Sound output unit 296 : Communication unit 310 : Distribution control unit

Claims (13)

A game system that controls a game in which a plurality of players participate using player characters set in a game space, and provides information about the game to a terminal device, comprising:
a matching control means for executing a matching process for matching two or more players participating in the game;
a selection control means for executing a selection control process for allowing each of the matched players who have been matched by the matching process to select a player character to be used in the game as a character to be used;
a game control means for controlling the selected player character and progressing the game based on an instruction from the matching player;
a registering means for registering character information relating to a player character used in the game for each of the matching players in a storage means as used character history information;
Equipped with
the used character history information includes at least one of the number of times and the duration of use of the player character for each player in a game;
The selection control means
a character candidate setting process for setting, as a character candidate, a player character selectable by each matching player from among a plurality of player characters, according to a selection condition determined based on at least one of the number of times of use and the duration of use of each matching player; and
A game system characterized by executing the selection control process, which includes a character selection process that selects a character for each matching player to use in the game from the set character candidates based on given instructions. A game system that controls a game in which a plurality of players participate using player characters set in a game space, and provides information about the game to a terminal device, comprising:
a matching control means for executing a matching process for matching two or more players participating in the game;
a selection control means for executing a selection control process for allowing each of the matched players who have been matched by the matching process to select a player character to be used in the game as a character to be used;
a game control means for controlling the selected player character and progressing the game based on an instruction from the matching player;
a registering means for registering character information relating to a player character used in the game for each of the matching players in a storage means as used character history information;
Equipped with
The use character history information includes selection desired character information indicating a selection desired by the player as the use character, and selection desired character information of the use character actually selected in a previous matching game,
The selection control means
(a) setting player characters selectable by each matching player as character candidates from among a plurality of player characters according to selection conditions determined at least on the basis of the character usage history information of each matching player, and (b) setting the character candidates selectable for a specific player and unselectable for other players different from the specific player according to the desired character selection information of each player participating in the game and the selection conditions determined at least on the basis of the desired character selection information; and
A game system characterized by executing the selection control process, which includes a character selection process that selects a character for each matching player to use in the game from the set character candidates based on given instructions. 3. The game system according to claim 2 ,
In this game system, the used character history information includes selected character information indicating the character the player desired to select as the used character in the previous matching game, and selected character information of the used character that was actually selected in the previous matching game. A game system that controls a game in which a plurality of players participate using player characters set in a game space, and provides information about the game to a terminal device, comprising:
a matching control means for executing a matching process for matching two or more players participating in the game;
a selection control means for executing a selection control process for allowing each of the matched players who have been matched by the matching process to select a player character to be used in the game as a character to be used;
a game control means for controlling the selected player character and progressing the game based on an instruction from the matching player;
a registering means for registering character information relating to a player character used in the game for each of the matching players in a storage means as used character history information;
Equipped with
The selection control means
a character candidate setting process for setting player characters selectable by each matching player as character candidates from among a plurality of player characters according to selection conditions determined at least based on the character usage history information of each matching player;
a character selection process for selecting a character to be used by each matching player in the game from among the set character candidates based on a given instruction; and
when there is a limit to the number of types of player characters used in the game, the character selection process includes a process of comparing, for each player, character history information of the player selecting a character to be used with character history information of other players to obtain a comparison result, and determining whether or not the character of the relevant player can be used based on the comparison result ;
A game system which executes the selection control process, comprising: In the game system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The selection control means
The game system executes the character selection process for each of the matched players within a range of selectable numbers of player characters of the same type that can be selected in the game. 6. The game system according to claim 5 ,
The selection control means
When a plurality of player characters of the same type are selected, the game system changes the appearance of each of the player characters of the same type in accordance with a predetermined change condition. 7. The game system according to claim 5 ,
A game system in which the number of player characters of the same type that can be set varies depending on the number of people participating in the game. In the game system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
The game system further comprises a providing means for providing the already registered used character history information to the relevant player at a given timing. A game system that controls a game in which a plurality of players participate using player characters set in a game space, and provides information about the game to a terminal device, comprising:
a matching control means for executing a matching process for matching two or more players participating in the game;
a selection control means for executing a selection control process for allowing each of the matched players who have been matched by the matching process to select a player character to be used in the game as a character to be used;
a game control means for controlling the selected player character and progressing the game based on an instruction from the matching player;
a registering means for registering character information relating to a player character used in the game for each of the matching players in a storage means as used character history information;
Equipped with
The selection control means
a character selection execution determination process for determining whether or not to execute the selection control process in accordance with at least one of a play situation of the player to be matched and an instruction from the player to be matched ;
a character candidate setting process for setting, as a character candidate, a player character selectable by each matching player from among a plurality of player characters according to a selection condition determined at least based on the character usage history information of each matching player; and
A game system characterized by executing the selection control process, which includes a character selection process that selects a character for each matching player to use in the game from the set character candidates based on given instructions. A program for controlling a game in which a plurality of players participate using player characters set in a game space, and for providing information about the game to a terminal device, comprising:
a matching control means for executing a matching process for matching two or more players participating in the game;
a selection control means for executing a selection control process for allowing each of the matched players who have been matched by the matching process to select a player character to be used in the game as a character to be used;
a game control means for controlling the selected player character and progressing the game based on an instruction from the matching player; and
a registration means for registering, for each of the matching players, character information relating to the player characters used in the game in a storage means as used character history information;
The computer functions as
the used character history information includes at least one of the number of times and the duration of use of the player character for each player in a game;
The selection control means
a character candidate setting process for setting, as a character candidate, a player character selectable by each matching player from among a plurality of player characters, according to a selection condition determined based on at least one of the number of times of use and the duration of use of each matching player; and
A program for executing the selection control process, which includes a character selection process for selecting a character to be used by each matching player in the game from the set character candidates based on given instructions. A program for controlling a game in which a plurality of players participate using player characters set in a game space, and for providing information about the game to a terminal device, comprising:
a matching control means for executing a matching process for matching two or more players participating in the game;
a selection control means for executing a selection control process for allowing each of the matched players who have been matched by the matching process to select a player character to be used in the game as a character to be used;
a game control means for controlling the selected player character and progressing the game based on an instruction from the matching player; and
a registration means for registering, for each of the matching players, character information relating to the player characters used in the game in a storage means as used character history information;
The computer functions as
The use character history information includes selection desired character information indicating a selection desired by the player as the use character, and selection desired character information of the use character actually selected in a previous matching game,
The selection control means
(a) setting player characters selectable by each matching player as character candidates from among a plurality of player characters according to selection conditions determined at least on the basis of the character usage history information of each matching player, and (b) setting the character candidates selectable for a specific player and unselectable for other players different from the specific player according to the desired character selection information of each player participating in the game and the selection conditions determined at least on the basis of the desired character selection information; and
A program for executing the selection control process, which includes a character selection process for selecting a character to be used by each matching player in the game from the set character candidates based on given instructions. A program for controlling a game in which a plurality of players participate using player characters set in a game space, and for providing information about the game to a terminal device, comprising:
a matching control means for executing a matching process for matching two or more players participating in the game;
a selection control means for executing a selection control process for allowing each of the matched players who have been matched by the matching process to select a player character to be used in the game as a character to be used;
a game control means for controlling the selected player character and progressing the game based on an instruction from the matching player; and
a registration means for registering, for each of the matching players, character information relating to the player characters used in the game in a storage means as used character history information;
The computer functions as
The selection control means
a character candidate setting process for setting player characters selectable by each matching player as character candidates from among a plurality of player characters according to selection conditions determined at least based on the character usage history information of each matching player ;
a character selection process for selecting a character to be used by each matching player in the game from among the set character candidates based on a given instruction ; and
when there is a limit to the number of types of player characters used in the game, the character selection process includes a process of comparing, for each player, character history information of the player selecting a character to be used with character history information of other players to obtain a comparison result, and determining whether or not the character of the relevant player can be used based on the comparison result;
a program for executing the selection control process, A program for controlling a game in which a plurality of players participate using player characters set in a game space, and for providing information about the game to a terminal device, comprising:
a matching control means for executing a matching process for matching two or more players participating in the game;
a selection control means for executing a selection control process for allowing each of the matched players who have been matched by the matching process to select a player character to be used in the game as a character to be used;
a game control means for controlling the selected player character and progressing the game based on an instruction from the matching player; and
a registration means for registering, for each of the matching players, character information relating to the player characters used in the game in a storage means as used character history information;
The computer functions as
The selection control means
a character selection execution determination process for determining whether or not to execute the selection control process in accordance with at least one of a play situation of the player to be matched and an instruction from the player to be matched;
a character candidate setting process for setting, as a character candidate, a player character selectable by each matching player from among a plurality of player characters according to a selection condition determined at least based on the character usage history information of each matching player; and
A program for executing the selection control process, which includes a character selection process for selecting a character to be used by each matching player in the game from the set character candidates based on given instructions.