JP2002078963A - Entertainment device and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new communication means based on pictographic characters in a role playing game executed on an entertainment device. SOLUTION: A storage section 53 stores a symbol data group formed of symbols expressing meanings by their appearances and management data showing symbols that can be selected by a player, a control section 51 displays symbols that can be selected by a player in a selectable state and also displays one or a plurality of symbols corresponding to operation data accepted by an input section 70.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game executed by an entertainment apparatus, and to a technique for exchanging information between a character in charge of a player and another character.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a role-playing game executed by an entertainment apparatus, a character in charge of a player often proceeds with a scenario while performing a pseudo-conversation with another character. In this case, selectable messages are displayed in a list on a screen, and a method is mainly used in which a player operates an input device such as a controller to select a message that the character wants to speak.

[0003]

However, the method of selecting a message from the displayed message list is, from the point of view of the player, a feeling that the player is simply playing a game according to a prepared scenario. It is difficult to increase the feelings of the character obtained by playing the game while thinking about the message that will be his own dialogue. Also, the message originally changes according to the player's age, language used, language proficiency, etc. However, according to the conventional method, it must be a uniform message and lacks freshness. I can say. For this reason,
There is a demand for the development of an unprecedented conversation method with a high degree of freedom.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique that enables a player to create a message himself and have a conversation with another character in a game executed on an entertainment device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a technique that allows a player to enjoy the process of gradually learning a language in a game executed on an entertainment device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a game that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people regardless of age and language.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides input means capable of receiving operation data from a player and output means for outputting image data for displaying information necessary for a game. An entertainment apparatus that includes at least a storage unit and a control unit, wherein the control unit performs a process based on a game program and game data stored in the storage unit to advance a game, The game data includes a symbol data group composed of symbols representing meaning by appearance, and management data indicating symbols that can be selected by the player, wherein the control unit selects a symbol that can be selected by the management data, Output from the output means so that the player is displayed in a selectable state, and the selection is accepted by the input means One or more symbols and provides entertainment apparatus and outputs from the output means. Here, the game program is a program generated in a virtual space for executing a game in which a game proceeds by communicating between a player character operated by a player and another character. The types of symbols that can be used by the character can be increased or decreased as the game progresses.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In this embodiment, a character (player character) that can be operated by a player can communicate with a character (game character) appearing in a game, specifically, have a pseudo conversation.
The information exchanged in this conversation is shown in FIGS.
The pictograms represented by figures, symbols, etc. as shown in FIG.
As shown in (d), they are appropriately combined ("message").

That is, in the present embodiment, the player can create a message composed of a combination of pictograms representing the contents desired to be conveyed to the game character. The pictograms available to the player are displayed in a list that can be selected.

On the other hand, the game character transmits a message combining pictograms to the player. By estimating the contents of this message, the player can collect information necessary for the progress of the game, and can further increase the types of pictograms that can be used.

The game character interprets the message input by the player and performs various predetermined operations such as responding according to the content of the message. Then, when the player character and the game character repeatedly communicate with each other through conversation or the like, the scene changes, and the game scenario proceeds.

First, a hardware configuration of an entertainment apparatus 10 to which the present invention is applied in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In this figure, an entertainment device 1
0 is a main CPU 100, a graphics processor (GP) 110, and an I / O processor (IOP) 12
0, a CD / DVD reading unit 130, a sound reproduction processor (SPU) 140, a sound buffer 141, an OS-ROM 150, and a main memory 160.
And an IOP memory 170.

The main CPU 100 and GP 110
Are connected by a dedicated bus 101. Also,
The main CPU 100 and the IOP 120 are connected by a bus 102. Also, IOP120 and CD / D
VD reading unit 130, SPU 140, and OS-ROM1
50 is connected to the bus 103.

The main CPU 100 has a main memory 1
60, and the IOP 120 has an IOP memory 17
0 is connected. Further, a controller (PAD) 180 is connected to the IOP 120.

The main CPU 100 has an OS-ROM 15
0 or a CD / DVD-
By executing a program transferred from the ROM or the like to the main memory 160, predetermined processing is performed.

The GP 110 is a drawing processor having a rendering function and the like of the present entertainment apparatus, and performs a drawing process according to an instruction from the main CPU 100.

The IOP 120 includes a main CPU 100,
Peripheral device, for example, CD / DVD reading unit 130, SP
It is an input / output sub-processor that controls the exchange of data with U140 and the like.

The CD / DVD reading section 130 is a
CD-ROM, DVD-R mounted on DVD drive
The data is read from the OM and transferred to the buffer area 161 provided in the main memory 160.

The SPU 140 has a sound buffer 141
The compressed waveform data and the like stored in the
Playback at a predetermined sampling frequency based on a sounding instruction from the like.

The OS-ROM 150 stores the main C
This is a non-volatile memory in which programs executed by the PU 100 and the IOP 120 are stored.

The main memory 160 stores the main CPU 10
0, which stores instructions executed by the main CPU 100, data used by the main CPU 100, and the like. The main memory 160 has a CD-R
A buffer area 161 for temporarily storing data read from a recording medium such as an OM or a DVD-ROM is provided.

The IOP memory 170 is a main storage device of the IOP 120, and stores instructions to be executed by the IOP 120, data used by the main CPU 100, and the like.

The controller 180 is an interface for receiving an instruction from a player.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the use state of the entertainment apparatus 10. In the figure, a controller 180 is connected to a connector section 12 of an entertainment apparatus main body 11. A video / audio output cable 14 is connected to the video / audio output terminal 13 of the entertainment apparatus main body 11. The other end of the cable 14 is connected to an image / audio output device 15 such as a television receiver. The player of the entertainment apparatus uses the controller 180 to instruct an operation. The entertainment device 10 receives an instruction from the player via the controller 180, and outputs image data and audio data corresponding to the instruction to the image and audio output device 15. Then, the image and sound output device 15 outputs the image and the sound.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration realized by the entertainment device 10 and the like in the present embodiment.

In the figure, an input unit 70 for receiving various instructions by a player's operation can be realized by a controller 180 having a plurality of operation buttons. The operation data received by the input / output unit 70 is sent to the game execution unit 50.

The game execution section 50 is realized by the entertainment apparatus 10 and controls each section according to a predetermined rule to control the progress of the game; operation data transmitted from the input section 70;
In particular, an interface unit 52 for converting a pictograph message from a player, a storage unit 53, and an image generation unit 5
And 4.

The control unit 51 and the interface unit 52
It is realized by the main CPU 100 executing a program stored in the main memory 160 or the like.

The storage unit 53 is realized by a recording medium such as an optical disk, the reading unit 130, the main memory 160, and the like. The storage unit 53 includes a dictionary 60 for interpreting a message based on a combination of pictographs, and a scenario data file for recording a scenario for proceeding with the game, data for generating pictographs, the progress of the scenario, and other necessary data. 61 are stored. The structure of the dictionary 60 will be described later.

The image generation unit 54 is realized by the GP 110 or the like, and performs a process of generating an image to be displayed as a game screen according to the progress of the scenario and outputting the image to the display unit 80 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 51. Here, the image to be displayed as the game screen includes a player character,
The behavior of the game character, its surroundings, map information, a pictograph message indicating the content of the comment of the game character, a pictograph selectable by the player, a message to the pictograph selected by the player, and the like. Data for generating these images is stored in the scenario data file 61 in association with the scenario.

The display unit 80 can be realized by the television receiver 15 or the like, and performs processing for displaying the image data generated by the image generation unit 80 on a screen.

Next, a description will be given of a pictogram message used in a conversation between the player character and the game character in the present embodiment.

As described above, the message used in the conversation between the player character and the game character is composed of a combination of a plurality of pictograms (including a case where there is one pictogram). Here, pictograms are figures, symbols, and the like for symbolizing the meaning assigned in advance by itself.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of pictographs and an example of a message created by combining pictographs. In this figure, (a) is a pictogram represented by a pattern in which a person points to himself / herself. The meaning of the pictogram is left to the interpretation of the player, and for example, it can be expected to be taken as meaning representing oneself. FIG. 2B shows pictograms represented by a pattern in which a person points to a partner. this is,
For example, it can be expected to be accepted as meaning representing the other party. FIG. 2C shows pictograms represented by a pattern imitating a heart. This can be expected to be received, for example, in the meaning of the mind. Or the meaning of expressing love,
Furthermore, it can be expected that it will be received in the meaning of the feeling or the heart.

FIG. 2D shows a case where a message is created by combining these. The meaning of the message is also left to the player's interpretation. If the example of this figure is a message of a game character, it is "myself", "opponent", and "heart", so it can be expected to be received as meaning "I like you". Also, in some situations, it can be expected to mean "I will give you a heart." Conversely, when the player intends to express the meaning as described above, the player can create a message as shown in FIG.

FIG. 2E shows pictographs expressing "x". By using this pictogram, the message can be made a negative nuance. For example, FIG.
When used in combination with other pictograms as in (f), it can be received as a negative sentence. In the case of this figure, it can be interpreted as "I do not like you". Of course, in this case, the interpretation is left to the player. The same applies to the following examples.

FIG. 2G shows pictographs expressing "?". By using this pictogram, it is possible to express mystery or doubt. For example, when used in combination with other pictograms, a question can be made.

The message using pictograms in this embodiment can be further expressed as shown in FIG. In this case, the terms "self", "partner", "heart", and "heart" are used, and "heart" is used twice. This emphasizes "heart" and "I love you."
Can be used as meaning.

Further, pictograms can include items that appear during the game. This makes it possible to include, in the message, items and the like found by the player character in the game. This processing is realized by associating the flags of the available pictogram list with the scenario, and details will be described later.

As described above, according to the present invention, various meanings can be expressed by combining pictograms.
Therefore, when the player wants to convey his or her intention to the game character, a flexible message with a high degree of freedom can be created. Further, when the player interprets the message of the game character, the player can enjoy a new way of inferring an optimum content from various interpretable meanings.

Next, using a message with pictograms,
A process in the case where the game progresses in the present embodiment will be described. The progress of the game is executed by the control unit 51 according to the scenario recorded in the scenario file 61.
Various scenes (scenes) are prepared in the scenario file 61 as sub-scenarios, and the scenes change according to the operation contents of the player.

FIG. 6 is an image diagram of a scene transition. In this figure, scene 1 is the start scene of the scenario. The scene has a transition rule, and transitions to any one of scene 2, scene 3, and scene 4 according to the operation of the player there. Similarly, the scene transitions according to a predetermined transition rule, for example, a rule such as “in scene 2, if an item has been acquired, go to scene 5; otherwise, go to scene 7”. Will do.

In the present embodiment, the player character starts from a state in which there is no usable pictogram. That is,
I can't speak any words. By communicating with game characters that can already use pictograms, pictograms that can be used can be gradually increased. That is, the player character recognizes the content of the pictogram used by the game character by repeating the message spoken (displayed) by the game character, for example, in a parrot return, or by estimating the content based on the surrounding situation, and You can use it.

For example, an available flag is provided for each pictogram managed by the game execution unit 50, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied by the operation of the player or the action of the game character, the corresponding pictogram is set. The information can be realized by recording information indicating that the information can be used.

FIG. 7 is an image diagram for explaining the processing at this time. In the figure, reference numeral 310 is a table in which conditions 311 and processes 312 included in the scenario file are associated with each other. Reference numeral 300 denotes a pictograph list in which pictograph IDs 301, which are identification codes of pictographs that can be used in the game, display data 302 for generating the pictographs, and usable flags 303 for determining whether or not the player can be used. .

The condition 311 describes a condition such as "the player has performed a predetermined operation in the scene 5" or "the player has a conversation with XX". The processing 312 describes the processing contents of the control unit 51 when the condition is satisfied.

For example, processing 312 corresponding to a certain condition
If the processing that makes the pictogram of the pictogram ID 003 available is described in the
To make the emoji available.

In this way, the player can use more pictographs as the game progresses, and can create more diverse and complicated messages. This is a game where you can experience the process of a little child learning a language little by little,
It is possible to further increase the player's interest in the present game.

The game execution section 50 displays on the display section 80 a pictogram that can be used by a player in a certain scene. This is done by referring to the available flag 303 of the pictogram list 300 and using the available pictogram ID 301
Is extracted, and pictographs are generated and displayed with reference to the display data 302 corresponding to the ID. FIG. 3 is an image diagram illustrating an example of the screen at this time. In FIG. 3A, on a screen 201, a player character 202 and a game character 203 are displayed as characters. In a pictographic area 204 provided in a part of the screen, pictographic characters usable by the player are displayed in a list format. This display can be, for example, in a scroll format or in a hierarchical structure.

The player can operate the input unit 70 such as a controller to select a pictogram from the pictogram area 204. Upon receiving a player's selection operation, the game execution unit 50 provides a balloon unit 205 on the screen 201,
Emoticons are displayed according to the order of reception. The process of displaying the selected pictogram can be performed by a conventional technique, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, pictograms input by the player are divided into two characters as one unit. This is a convenient break for the game execution unit 50 to interpret the message input by the player and for the player to interpret the message of the game character.

Accordingly, when the player inputs, for example, pictographs “×”, “×”, “△”, and “□” in this order, during the blowing, “だ ×” as shown in FIG.
It is displayed as “△ □”. In addition, "○""X"
If “△” is entered in this order, “○ ×” “△”
Are displayed separated from each other.

On the other hand, when the game character 203 speaks, the balloon 205 is also provided, and a message using pictograms is displayed there. In this case, FIG.
(C) As shown in FIG.
03, so that it is possible to recognize that the message is a message of the game character 203. Also, the message of the game character 203 is divided into two characters and displayed in a balloon similarly to the message of the player character.

A process in which the game execution unit 50 interprets the meaning of a pictogram when a message is input by a player's operation and advances the game will be described.

The interpretation of a message by pictograms is basically performed in any combination of pictograms, regardless of the input order of the pictograms. Therefore, for example, "myself", "partner" and "heart" in FIG. 4A are treated as the same as "myself", "heart" and "partner" in FIG. 4B.

When receiving a message from the player, the control unit 51 determines the combination of the pictogram ID corresponding to the pictogram included in the message, the game character that is the opponent of the player character's conversation, and the scene in which the conversation was performed. The dictionary 60 searches for data in which the key includes a response process to the message. Then, the progress of the subsequent game is changed according to the reaction process recorded in the data. Here, the reaction process can include a case-based process that changes the reaction depending on whether the player character has already performed an action.

Here, the configuration of the dictionary 60 will be described with reference to FIG. The dictionary 60 manages, using a database, reaction processing data 604 that defines a reaction of a game character or the like determined by a message of the player received by the control unit 51 or the like. The dictionary 60 is created for messages that are expected to be input from the player in advance of the scenario.

In this figure, the reaction data 600 includes a pictograph index 601 of a combination of pictographs constituting a message assumed in advance, and game character information 6.
02, scene information 603, and reaction processing data 604.

The game character information 602 is an item that records to which game character the reaction processing data 604 is applied. With this item, even in the same scene, the reaction process can be changed depending on the game character with which the player has a conversation. Scene information 6
03 is an item in which scene the reaction process data 604 is applied is recorded. Reaction processing data 60
Item 4 is an item in which a response process to the received message is recorded.

The control unit 51 has a pictograph index 601
, Game character information 602 and scene information 603
The specific reaction data 600 is extracted using the key as a key, and the processing recorded in the reaction processing data 604 of the reaction data 600, for example, replying a predetermined message, ending a conversation, doing nothing, or performing a predetermined action And take it.

As described above, the reaction processing data 604 can have different processing contents depending on the case. For example, data can be recorded such that the process A is performed when the player has acquired a certain item, and the process B is performed otherwise when the player has acquired an item. The control unit 51
By referring to the scenario data file 61 that records the progress of the scenario, the case is determined,
Perform the corresponding processing. By doing so, even if the player inputs the same message to the same game character in the same scene, the reaction of the game character and the like will change depending on the operation contents of the player up to that point.

When a message using pictograms is output in response to the game character, the pictogram can be used by the player character. By doing so, the player character can increase the vocabulary through the conversation, and the game characteristics are improved. This can be achieved by describing, in the reaction processing data 604, a process of operating the available flag 303 of the pictograph list 300 together with a process of outputting a predetermined message to the game character.

Note that the configuration of the dictionary is not limited to this example, and any configuration can be adopted. For example, a dictionary can be managed for each game character and each scene in advance. In this case, the search time can be shortened.

When the interface section 52 receives a message from the player, the pictograph constituting the message, the game character having a conversation, and the scene in which the conversation took place as keys, and the corresponding reaction data 600 from the dictionary 60 is used. Is extracted.

Then, the reaction processing data 604 recorded in the reaction data 600 is transferred to the control unit 51.
Then, the control unit 51 advances the game by causing the game character to make a reaction such as speaking according to the reaction processing data 604.

At this time, since the meaning of the message is interpreted by the combination of pictograms as described above, it is sufficient for the interface unit 52 to search for data that matches the combination of pictograms instead of matching messages. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of dictionaries prepared in advance. Furthermore, there is an effect that the game can be enjoyed even in a linguistic sphere having a different grammar system such as a word order. Further, since there is no need to manage the parts of speech, there is an effect that the load of the interpretation processing is reduced.

Further, the interface unit 52 includes the dictionary 6
Before searching using 0, synonymous pictograms can be sorted out. For example, it is assumed that pictograms such as “↓” and “shaking head” having negative nuances like the pictogram “x” are converted to “x” before the search is performed. Dictionary 6
By registering the 0 index 601 by performing this process in advance, the number of data items in the dictionary 60 can be further reduced, and the effect of increasing the search speed can be obtained.

On the other hand, since the order of pictographs does not matter in the interpretation of the meaning of the message, the interpretation may be unclear. For example, "○""foot""x"
Consider the case where the emoticon "spear" is received. here,
“Foot” is a pictogram of a foot pattern and represents a meaning such as “go” or “come”. Further, “spear” is a pictogram of a spear pattern and represents a meaning such as “battle”.

At this time, depending on the degree of “○” and “X”, a meaningless message or a plurality of meanings are generated. In order to prevent this, in the present embodiment,
The displayed pictograms are divided in units of two characters. By performing such a process, for example, it becomes clear that “○” and “foot” are a set, and “×” and “spear” are a set, and the meaning of this message is “ Is not ". Of course "foot" and "○"
The same meaning can be conveyed even if the order is changed.

When the player wants to represent the meaning of "hot water", for example, the player can input pictographs representing the meanings of "fire" and "water" as a set, and the range of expression can be further expanded.

Similarly, the message from the game character is also delimited in units of two characters, so that the player can easily interpret the story of the game character.

For example, a combination of “pictographs pointing at oneself” and “pictographs pointing at the other party” is interpreted as meaning “us”, or “pictographs of apples” and “pictographs of cups” are combined. Interpreted as "apple juice" or "bread emoji"
And the combination of "meat pictogram" can be interpreted as "sandwich".

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.

For example, the present invention can be applied by adding a communication function to the entertainment device 10 and constructing a network system in which a plurality of entertainment devices 10 are connected via a network.

In this case, a pictogram or a combination of pictograms can be transmitted from one entertainment apparatus 10 to another entertainment apparatus 10 and displayed. Also at this time, by using the above-described message interpretation method, mutual intention can be expressed.
That is, the present invention is also applicable as a communication tool in a network system. Of course, not only communication between characters,
It can also be used as a communication tool between the players of the entertainment device 10 connected to the network.

As another modification, the types of pictograms that can be used by the player may be increased according to the operation time of the player. Furthermore, when the player clears a predetermined task, for example, when the player defeats an enemy or clears an event mini-game or the like in a game, the number may be increased.

Conversely, if the enemy defeats the game or fails to clear an event or mini-game during the game, the types of pictograms that can be used may be reduced.

By increasing or decreasing the number of pictographs that can be used in this way, the game characteristics can be further improved.

[0081]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a game executed by an entertainment device, a player can create a message by himself and have a conversation with another character.

Also, by restricting the types of pictograms that can be used by the player, the player can enjoy the process of gradually learning the language.

Further, according to the present invention, a wide range of people regardless of age and language can enjoy the game.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an entertainment device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of pictographs and an example of a message created by combining pictographs.

FIG. 3 is an image diagram illustrating one scene of a game.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a message created by combining pictograms.

FIG. 5 is an image diagram showing a structure of reaction data recorded in a dictionary.

FIG. 6 is an image diagram illustrating a scene transition.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining processing for increasing the number of usable pictograms.

FIG. 8 is a hardware configuration diagram of the entertainment device.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state of use of the entertainment device.

[Explanation of symbols]

50: game execution unit, 51: control unit, 52: interface, 53: storage unit, 54: image generation means, 60: dictionary file, 61: scenario data file, 70: input unit, 80: display unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Kentaro Yoshida 7-1-1, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (72) Inventor Junichi Sudo 7-1-1, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. F-term (reference) 2C001 AA00 AA11 AA14 BA00 BA06 BA07 CA01 CB01 CB06 CC02 CC08

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. An input device for receiving operation data from a player, an output device for outputting image data for displaying information necessary for a game, a storage device, and a control device, wherein the control device comprises: An entertainment apparatus for performing a game by performing processing based on a game program and game data stored in the storage means, wherein the game data includes a symbol data group including symbols representing meaning by appearance. And control data indicating a symbol that can be selected by the player, the control unit outputs a symbol that can be selected by the management data from the output unit so that the symbol is displayed in a state that can be selected by the player, Outputting one or a plurality of symbols selected by the input unit from the output unit. Entertainment device. 2. The entertainment device according to claim 1, wherein the game data further includes a dictionary data group in which one symbol or a combination of a plurality of symbols, a game progress status, and a response process are associated with each other. An entertainment apparatus, wherein the control means having received the selection extracts response processing corresponding to the received one or more symbols and the game progress status from the dictionary data group, and performs the response processing. 3. The entertainment device according to claim 1, wherein the game program communicates between a player character generated in a virtual space and operated by a player and a character other than the player character. An entertainment device, which is a program for executing a game in which a scenario progresses by taking, wherein the types of symbols selectable by a player increase or decrease as the game progresses. 4. A program for receiving an operation of a game player and causing the entertainment device to execute a game in which a scenario in which a game player and a character have a pseudo-conversation to progress a scenario, and an entertainment device recording game data therefor. A readable recording medium, wherein the game data includes a symbol data group composed of symbols representing meaning by appearance, and wherein the program extracts a symbol that can be selected by a player from the symbol data group. A recording medium characterized by causing an entertainment device to execute a process of displaying a symbol that can be selected by the player in a selectable state and a process of displaying a selected symbol. 5. The recording medium according to claim 4, wherein the game data further includes a dictionary data group in which one symbol or a combination of a plurality of symbols, a game progress status, and a response process are associated with each other. When the program receives the selection of the symbol,
A recording medium characterized by extracting response processing corresponding to the symbols and the game progress from the dictionary data group from the dictionary data group, and causing the entertainment apparatus to further execute the response processing. 6. The recording medium according to claim 4, wherein the program further includes a process of increasing or decreasing the types of symbols that can be selected by the player as the game progresses. A recording medium characterized by being executed. 7. A method for communicating with a character generated in a virtual space by an entertainment device, wherein a symbol representing a meaning by an appearance is selectively displayed, and input information for designating a combination of the symbols is provided. When accepted, the action of the character is determined with reference to a rule that defines the relationship between the input information and the action of the character,
Displaying. A communication method comprising the steps of: 8. A program for causing an entertainment apparatus to execute a game in which a plurality of characters acting in a virtual world can communicate with each other, wherein a symbol whose meaning is defined in advance and whose meaning is represented by appearance is provided. A program for causing an entertainment apparatus to perform a process of creating a message by combining the processes and a process of outputting the message as the communication means. 9. The program according to claim 8, wherein the meaning of the symbol included in the output message is not notified to the entertainment operator. 10. The program according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of characters acting in the virtual world include a player character that can be operated by an operator of an entertainment apparatus, and the player character transmits a message. A symbol that can be used for a program is a symbol included in a message output by another character. 11. The program according to claim 8, wherein the specific symbol combination is defined to have a different meaning from the previously defined combination of the specific symbols. Program to do. 12. The program according to claim 8, wherein the combination of the same symbols has a defined meaning that emphasizes a previously defined meaning of the symbol alone. 13. An entertainment apparatus for executing a game in which a plurality of characters acting in a virtual world can communicate with each other, wherein an operator of the entertainment apparatus determines a meaning by an appearance whose meaning is defined in advance. An entertainment apparatus comprising: means for creating a message by combining symbols to be represented; and means for outputting the message. 14. The entertainment device according to claim 13, wherein the meaning of the symbol included in the output message is not notified to the operator of the entertainment device. 15. The entertainment device according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of characters acting in the virtual world include a player character that can be operated by an operator of the entertainment device, and the player character transmits a message. An entertainment device, wherein the symbol that can be used at times is a symbol included in a message output by another character. 16. The entertainment device according to claim 13, wherein the combination of the specific symbols has a different meaning defined from the combination of the meanings of the specific symbols defined in advance. A unique entertainment device. 17. The entertainment apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the combination of the same symbols has a defined meaning that emphasizes a previously defined meaning of the symbol alone. 18. A program for exchanging information between a plurality of computer systems connected via a network, wherein the program accepts an operation of an operator and generates a combination of symbols representing meaning by appearance. And a process for transmitting a combination of the symbols as the information to be transferred. 19. The program according to claim 18, wherein the symbols that can be used for the combination are symbols included in a combination of pictograms that have already been passed. 20. The program according to claim 18, wherein the combination of the symbols is a unit of two symbols. 21. The program according to claim 18, wherein
A program characterized in that the combination of the same symbols defines a meaning that emphasizes the meaning represented by the symbol alone. 22. A computer network system for exchanging information between a plurality of computer systems connected via a network, wherein the computers constituting the computer network receive an operation of an operator and have a meaning according to the appearance. A computer network system comprising: means for generating a combination of symbols to be represented; and means for transmitting a combination of symbols as the information to be transferred. 23. The computer network system according to claim 22, wherein the symbols that can be used for the combination are symbols included in a combination of symbols that have already been passed. 24. The computer network system according to claim 22, wherein the combination of the symbols is a unit of two symbols. 25. The computer network system according to claim 22, wherein the combination of the same symbols is defined to have a meaning that emphasizes the meaning represented by the symbol alone. 26. A program for causing an entertainment apparatus to execute a game in which a game player accepts an operation and a scenario in which a game player and a character have a pseudo-conversation to progress a scenario, and an entertainment apparatus recording game data for the program. A readable recording medium, wherein the game data is data including a symbol data group composed of symbols representing meaning by appearance, and the program is capable of selecting a symbol included in the symbol data group. A recording medium characterized by causing an entertainment apparatus to execute a process of displaying a selected symbol and a process of displaying a selected symbol. 27. The method of claim 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 1.
A recording medium on which the program described in any one of 8, 19, 20 and 21 is recorded.