JP2006014953A - Game system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system allowing a player to communicate with a specific player and construct an intimate relationship or exchange beneficial information. <P>SOLUTION: This game system is so formed that a plurality of terminal devices and a server are connected to one another via a communication line and a plurality of players operate characters corresponding to respective players using the respective terminal devices to play the game. This game system is characterized in having a picture display means displaying a game picture including character pictures showing the respective characters on a display means, a selecting means selecting either character picture out of the character pictures contained in the game picture, a message input means inputting a message according to the operation of a player, and a message transmission means transmitting the message input by the message input means to the terminal device used by the player operating the character indicating the character picture selected by the selecting means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention relates to a game system in which a plurality of terminal devices and a server are connected via a communication line. In particular, the present invention relates to a game system capable of executing a multiplayer online game such as MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game), RTS (Real Time Strategy), and FPS (First Person Shooting Game).

In recent years, with the development of information communication technology, a game system in which a plurality of business or home terminal devices and a server are connected via a communication line has spread, and various online games are executed in this game system. It is possible. Recently, multiplayer online games such as MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game), RTS (Real Time Strategy), and FPS (First Person Shooting Game) have been provided as online games.

Such a multiplayer online game allows players to play games with an unspecified number of players who do not know their faces in remote locations via the network such as the Internet. The ability to communicate through this medium is a great attraction and has gained strong support throughout the world.
On the other hand, from the viewpoint of game makers, a multiplayer online game is a game in which data and programs relating to new events, characters, items, etc. are sequentially updated and distributed to each terminal device via a network. It is also possible to construct a game environment that can be continued semipermanently without being bored with, so that there is an advantage that stable profit can be secured.

By the way, in a multiplayer online game, generally, a character corresponding to each player is set, and the player participates in the game in the virtual game space by operating his / her character (for example, patents). Reference 1). As the player becomes proficient in the game, the corresponding character clears various conditions (so-called missions) and gains experience. As a result, the player or the character operated by the player increases the level set in the game. As the level increases, the ability and position in the game improve, and various functions can be performed. In addition, when the conditions are cleared, money that can be used on the game is awarded to the player as an amount corresponding to the difficulty level of the conditions. Therefore, it is possible to acquire a large amount of money that can be used in the game, and it is possible to advantageously advance the game by purchasing weapons and items that can be used in the game.

In some online games, when a message is transmitted from a terminal device operated by each player to a server, a message is transmitted from the server to a terminal device operated by all players, so-called chat can be performed (for example, Patent Document 2). 3). By chatting, the player can communicate with other players and obtain various information about the game.

JP 2002-224448 A JP 2004-89584 A JP 2003-181147 A

However, when chatting as described above is performed, a message is transmitted to all players participating in the game in the same virtual game space, so that there is a problem that the message is also transmitted to a player who does not want to transmit the message. As a result, there is a problem that it is not possible to communicate with a specific player to establish an intimate relationship or exchange useful information, and to make full use of the features of the online game.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a game system capable of establishing an intimate relationship and exchanging useful information by communicating with a specific player. There is to do.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides the following.
(1) A plurality of terminal devices provided with display means and a server are connected via a communication line,
A game system in which a plurality of players use a terminal device to operate a character corresponding to each player and play a game,
Image display means for displaying a game image including a character image representing each character on the display means;
Selection means for selecting any one of the character images included in the game image in accordance with the operation of the player;
Message input means for inputting a message in accordance with the operation of the player;
A message system comprising: a message transmission unit configured to transmit a message input by the message input unit to a terminal device used by a player operating the character represented by the character image selected by the selection unit.

According to the invention of (1), the player can specify a player as a transmission destination by selecting a character image included in the game image, and can transmit a message. Therefore, it is possible to establish a close relationship and exchange useful information by communicating with a specific player. In addition, if a character image included in the game image is selected, a player that is a message transmission destination can be specified, which is advantageous in that the operability is excellent.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(2) The game system according to (1) above,
Each of the plurality of terminal devices includes a touch panel that is provided on the front surface of the display unit, can detect contact by the player, and outputs a detection signal indicating a contact position when the contact is detected,
The selection means selects a character image displayed at a display position that matches a contact position indicated by a detection signal output from the touch panel.

According to the invention of (2), it is possible to specify a player as a message transmission destination by touching the character image via the touch panel, so that the operability is greatly improved.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(3) The game system of (1) above,
The image display means displays a game image including the character image so that the character image moves according to the operation of the player,
The selecting means selects another character image touched by the character image moved according to the player's operation.

According to the invention of (3), the player who is the message transmission destination can be specified by bringing the character image operated by the user into contact with another character image, so the player who is the message transmission destination is specified. Therefore, the operation only for the purpose can be omitted, and the operability is greatly improved. In addition, since it is possible to send a message when the characters come into contact with each other, it is possible to give the player a feeling as if the characters are actually talking with each other. improves.

According to the present invention, it is possible to establish an intimate relationship and exchange useful information by communicating with a specific player.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a game system according to the present invention.
The game system includes a plurality of terminal devices 1, a store server 2 connected to a plurality of (here, eight) terminal devices 1 via a dedicated line 5, and a plurality of store servers 2 and a communication line 4. And a center server 3 for managing a game played by a plurality of players using the terminal device 1, and a card vending machine 6 connected to the store server 2 via a dedicated line 5. Is installed in each store. The store servers 2 can also communicate with each other via the communication line 4.

The terminal device 1 accepts a predetermined operation performed by the player via the touch panel 14 (not shown), and is transmitted from the store server 2 (or the center server 3) or data from other terminal devices 1 The game progresses based on the above.

Each terminal device 1 is associated with a unique machine ID.
The machine ID includes a code for each store server 2 to which the terminal device 1 is connected and a code for each terminal device 1 in the store in which the terminal device 1 is disposed. For example, when the code of the store server A of the store A is A and the code of the terminal device 1 in the store A is 1, the machine ID of the terminal device 1 is a1.

The store server 2 is communicably connected to a plurality of (here, eight) terminal devices 1 and the center server 3, and transmits and receives data between the terminal device 1 and the center server 3.
The center server 3 is communicably connected to the plurality of store servers 2 and has history data regarding each player. The center server 3 performs processing such as authentication of each player by transmitting and receiving data to and from the terminal device 1 via the store server 2.
The store server 2 corresponds to the server in the present invention.

The card vending machine 6 can communicate with the center server 3 via the store server 2. The card vending machine 6 accepts an input operation of personal data performed by the player and issues an ID card 8 (not shown). The player is registered in the center server 3 by the personal data input at this time, and ID data that can identify the player is given to each player by the center server 3. This ID data is assigned to the issued ID card 8 in advance. The password input by the player when the ID data is given is stored in the RAM 303 and used for player authentication at the start of the game.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of eight terminal devices and a card vending machine installed in one store. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the terminal device.
In the following description, an arcade game device including two displays (first display 11 and second display 12) will be described as an example of a terminal device, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this example. It can be similarly applied to a home video game device configured by connecting a home video game device to a home television, a personal computer functioning as a video game device by executing a video game program, and the like. it can.

In the present embodiment, the game played using the terminal device 1 is an MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) incorporating elements of an action game. A player who operates each terminal device 1 uses various buttons 118 and an operation lever 119 to operate a character corresponding to the player to play a game. Each character belongs to an adventurer's guild on the game (refers to a trade association composed of adventurers; hereinafter simply referred to as a guild), and from the guild to a mission (on the game set for the player). ). After accepting the mission from the guild, the character plays a mission game that adventures in the virtual game space. In the mission game, the character can be strengthened by increasing the level by playing against monsters, and items can be acquired. Characters corresponding to each of a plurality of players play a game in the same virtual game space, so sometimes challenge a mission together with characters corresponding to other players or exchange information with characters corresponding to other players. Can be. When you return to the guild after clearing the above mission in the virtual game space, you can get rewards according to the type of mission from the guild and accept new missions.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the terminal device 1 includes a housing 10, a first display 11 provided on the front surface of the housing 10 so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle, and a first display 11 provided above the first display 11. 2 displays 12. The first display 11 displays a game image representing a virtual game space in which characters are arranged, an image representing a guild, and the like. On the second display 12, various images such as an image showing a map (overall view) of the virtual game space and an image for advertising a game are displayed.
The first display 11 corresponds to the display means in the present invention.

A touch panel 14 is installed in front of the first display 11. The touch panel 14 can detect contact by the player, and outputs a detection signal indicating a contact position to an operation input unit 114 (not shown) described later when the contact is detected.
The player can input various instructions by touching the touch panel 14.
Speakers 13 for outputting sound are installed on both the left and right sides of the second display 12.

Below the first display 11, a coin insertion slot 15 into which coins are inserted and an ID card insertion slot 16 into which an ID card is inserted are provided.
Coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 15 are detected by a coin sensor 115 (not shown). The ID card inserted into the ID card insertion slot 16 is read by the ID card reader 116 (not shown).

The casing 10 is provided with an operation table 18 that protrudes forward. On the upper surface of the operation table 18, an attack button 118a, a defense button 118b, a magic use button 118c, and an operation lever 119 are provided. . The attack button 118a is a button for inputting an instruction to cause the character to perform an attack action. The defense button 118b is a button for inputting an instruction to cause the character to perform a defense action. The magic use button 118c is a button for inputting an instruction to cause the character to perform a magic use operation. The operation lever 119 is used to input an instruction for moving the character.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the terminal device.
The control unit 100 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 1 and includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, and a RAM 103.

The ROM 102 stores various image data and programs.
That is, the ROM 102 stores, for example, various character images representing characters that can be operated by the player, characters operated by other players, monster images representing monsters appearing in the virtual game space, and various types of images for representing the virtual game space. Image data representing an image displayed on the first display 11 and / or the second display 12 such as a background image and an image representing a guild is stored. The ROM 102 stores, for example, objects, texture data, background images, and the like that constitute a character or a monster. An object or the like constituting a character or a monster is composed of a predetermined number of polygons so that three-dimensional drawing is possible.
The ROM 102 also stores an ability value setting table (not shown) in which a player or a character level corresponding to the player is associated with an ability value of the character.

The ROM 102 may be a storage medium built in the terminal device 1 or a removable storage medium. Further, the ROM 102 may be configured by both of them.
In addition, among various data stored in the ROM 102, data that can be stored in a removable recording medium can be read by a driver such as a hard disk drive, an optical disk drive, a flexible disk drive, a silicon disk drive, or a cassette medium reader. May be. In this case, the recording medium is, for example, a hard disk, an optical disk, a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, a semiconductor memory, or the like.

The RAM 103 temporarily stores information, variables, and the like during processing. For example, player participation information (see FIG. 10), player information (see FIG. 14), and the like are stored.
In response to an input operation using the touch panel 14 of the player, the CPU 101 performs a single mode in which the player participates in one mission (condition) on the game alone, or a multi mode in which the player participates in the mission together with other players. One of the modes is selected, and the selection result is stored in the player information.

The communication interface circuit 104 is for transmitting and receiving data (for example, player participation information, player information, etc.) to and from the store server 2 via the dedicated line 5.
The communication interface circuit 104 transmits an instruction input by the player via the touch panel 14, various buttons 118, or the operation lever 119 to the store server 2 via the dedicated line 5, and the store server 2 performs a game based on the instructions. To advance.
Further, the communication interface circuit 104 receives a display command for the first display 11 or the second display 12 from the store server 2 via the dedicated line 5. Based on the display command, various images are displayed on each of the first display 11 and the second display 12.

The first drawing processing unit 111 displays a game image in which a character is arranged in the virtual game space, an image representing a guild, and the like on the first display 11 and includes a VDP (Video date Processor), a video RAM, and the like. The first drawing processing unit 111 extracts image data from the ROM 102 with reference to the player information (see FIG. 14) stored in the RAM 103 in accordance with the display command. Then, by storing image data in the video RAM according to the priority order displayed on the first display 11 (for example, in the order of the background image, the monster image, and the character image), a game image is generated and output to the first display 11 To do. As a result, a game image is displayed on the first display 11.
When displaying a game image as a three-dimensional image, the first drawing processing unit 111 moves an object (for example, an object constituting a character or a monster) stored in the ROM 102 from a position in the three-dimensional space. Performs calculation for conversion to a position in the pseudo three-dimensional space, light source calculation processing, and the like, and writing processing of image data to be drawn on the video RAM based on the calculation result (for example, designated by polygons) The game image is generated and output to the first display 12 by mapping texture data to the area of the video RAM. As a result, a game image composed of a three-dimensional image is displayed on the first display 11. In the game system according to the present embodiment, since characters corresponding to each of a plurality of players play a game in the same virtual game space, when the characters are close to each other in the virtual game space, the first The drawing processing unit 111 displays a game image including a plurality of character images representing each character on the first display 11.
The 1st drawing process part 111 functions as an image display means to display the game image containing the character image showing each character on the 1st display 11 as a display means.

The second drawing processing unit 112 displays an image representing a virtual game space map, an image representing a game advertisement, and the like on the second display 12, and includes a VDP (Video date Processor), a video RAM, and the like. The second drawing processing unit 112 extracts a predetermined image from the ROM 102 according to the display command. Then, the image data is stored in the video RAM according to the priority order displayed on the second display 12, thereby generating a predetermined image and outputting it to the second display 12. As a result, a predetermined image is displayed on the second display 12.

The sound reproduction unit 113 outputs predetermined sound, BGM, and the like to the speaker 12 in accordance with an instruction from the store server 2.
The touch panel 14 is a rectangular thin layer provided in front of the first display. The touch panel 14 is formed by covering a pressure-sensitive material made of a linear transparent material at predetermined pitches in the vertical and horizontal directions with a transparent cover. It is configured. A conventionally known touch panel can be used as the touch panel 14. When touched, the touch panel 14 outputs a detection signal indicating a contact position to the operation input unit 114.

The operation input unit 114 is a microcomputer provided with a memory 114a and a timer 114b, and buffers a contact position indicated by a detection signal output from the touch panel 14 as data in a predetermined area of the memory 114a. Is used to determine the instruction content based on the data, and the determination result is supplied to the control unit 100 as an operation command.

The coin sensor 115 transmits a predetermined signal to the control unit 100 when a coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 15 is detected. The ID card reader 116 reads ID data from the ID card 8 inserted in the ID card insertion slot 16 and supplies the ID data to the control unit 100.
The attack button 118a is a button for causing the character to perform an attack action, the defense button 118b is a button for causing the character to perform a defense action, and the magic use button 118c is a magic use for the character. It is a button to perform the operation of. The various buttons 118 (118a to 118c) transmit a detection signal to the control unit 100 when an operation by the player is detected. When the player is tilted in a predetermined direction by the player, the operation lever 119 transmits a detection signal corresponding to the direction to the control unit 100.

In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the terminal device 1 includes a touch panel 14, various buttons 118, and an operation lever 119 as means (input means) for a player to input instructions. However, the terminal according to the present embodiment. For example, the device 1 may include only the touch panel 14 or may include only the various buttons 118 and the operation lever 119. Further, the input means included in the terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to this example, and for example, conventionally known input means such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a pointing device can be employed.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the store server.
The store server 2 includes a control unit 200 that controls the overall operation of the store server 2. The control unit 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, and a RAM 203.

The ROM 202 stores a game control program. The CPU 201 of the store server 2 executes a game control program stored in the ROM 202 and performs various processes for proceeding with the game. Further, the ROM 202 includes, for example, mission list data (see FIG. 20) indicating a list of missions that can be set for the player in the game system of the present embodiment, mission reference data indicating detailed contents of each mission, and the like on the guild bulletin board. A message list storing messages that can be entered (see FIG. 23), a reward determination table (see FIG. 26) for determining the amount of reward for completing the mission, and exchanging messages with other players in the mission game (so-called so-called) Various data, table data, etc. used for game progress, such as a chat message list (FIG. 29) used when performing (chat), are stored. In the present embodiment, the case where the ROM 202 of the store server 2 stores a chat message list will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the ROM 102 of the terminal device 1 stores the chat message list. It is good.

The ROM 202 may be a storage medium built in the store server 2 or a removable storage medium. Further, the ROM 202 may be configured by both of them.
In addition, among various data stored in the ROM 202, data that can be stored in a removable recording medium can be read by a driver such as a hard disk drive, an optical disk drive, a flexible disk drive, a silicon disk drive, or a cassette medium reader. May be. In this case, the recording medium is, for example, a hard disk, an optical disk, a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, a semiconductor memory, or the like.

The RAM 203 temporarily stores information, variables, and the like during processing. For example, player participation information (see FIG. 10), player information (see FIG. 14), and the like are stored. Furthermore, when player history data (see FIG. 13) is supplied from the center server 3, the RAM 203 stores this history data.

The communication interface circuit 204 is for transmitting / receiving various data to / from the center server 3 and other store servers 2 via a network such as the Internet.
In addition, the store server 2 includes an interface circuit group 205, and a plurality of (here, eight) terminal devices 1 and one card vending machine 6 are connected via the dedicated line 5 by the interface circuit group 205. Connected with.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the center server.
The center server 3 includes a control unit 300 that controls the overall operation of the center server 3. The control unit 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303.

The ROM 302 may be a storage medium built in the center server 3 or a removable storage medium. Further, the ROM 302 may be configured by both of them.
Of various data stored in the ROM 302, data that can be stored in a removable recording medium can be read by a driver such as a hard disk drive, an optical disk drive, a flexible disk drive, a silicon disk drive, or a cassette medium reader In this case, the recording medium is, for example, a hard disk, an optical disk, a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, or a semiconductor memory.

The RAM 303 stores, for example, ID data, history data (see FIG. 13), passwords, and the like of each player.
The communication interface circuit 304 is for transmitting / receiving various data to / from the plurality of store servers 2 via a network such as the Internet.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the card vending machine.
The control unit 600 controls the overall operation of the card vending machine 6 and includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, and a RAM 603.

The ROM 602 stores various image data, programs, and the like such as image data constituting a biographical image, image data constituting an image representing an instruction for purchasing an ID card, and the like.

The ROM 602 may be a storage medium built in the card vending machine 6 or a removable storage medium. Further, the ROM 602 may be configured by both of them.
In addition, among various data stored in the ROM 602, data that can be stored in a removable recording medium can be read by a driver such as a hard disk drive, an optical disk drive, a flexible disk drive, a silicon disk drive, or a cassette medium reader. May be. In this case, the recording medium is, for example, a hard disk, an optical disk, a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, a semiconductor memory, or the like.

The RAM 603 temporarily stores information, variables, and the like during processing. For example, history data (see FIG. 13), evaluation messages, biographical data, etc. are stored.
The CPU 601 generates a plurality of evaluation messages based on history data stored in the ROM 602 based on an instruction input via the operation button 618 or ID data read from an ID card reader 616 described later. The evaluation message is edited according to the time axis on the game, and biographical data indicating the game process of the player is generated in the RAM 603.
The communication interface circuit 604 is for transmitting / receiving data (for example, history data) to / from the store server 2 via the dedicated line 5.
The drawing processing unit 111 displays a biographical image or the like on the display 61, and includes a VDP (Video date Processor), a video RAM, and the like.
The drawing processing unit 611 extracts various image data constituting a biographical image from the ROM 602 based on the biographical data stored in the RAM 603, and stores the image data in the video RAM according to the priority displayed on the display 61. A biographical image is generated and output to the display 61. As a result, a biographical image is displayed on the display 61.

The sound reproducing unit 613 outputs predetermined sound, BGM, and the like to the speaker 63.
The coin sensor 615 transmits a predetermined signal to the control unit 600 when a coin inserted into the card vending machine 6 is detected.
The operation button 618 is composed of a plurality of buttons and is used for inputting various instructions to the card vending machine 6. The operation button 618 transmits a detection signal to the control unit 600 when the player's operation is detected.
When a predetermined amount of coins and personal data are input to the card vending machine 6, the ID card payout device 617 receives one ID from a plurality of ID cards stored at a predetermined location in the card vending machine 6. The card is paid out.
The ID card reader 616 is for reading ID data from the ID card 8 inserted in the card vending machine 6.

Next, the flow of game play in the game system of the present embodiment described above will be described.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flow of game play in the game system of the present embodiment.
First, a player who newly plays a game purchases the ID card 8 from the card vending machine 6 (ST1). Specifically, the player inserts a predetermined amount of coins into the card vending machine 6 and inputs the player's personal data (for example, name or name, date of birth, blood type, constellation, etc.) using the operation buttons 618. By doing so, the ID card 8 is paid out from the ID card payout device 617.
If the player continues to play the game, the ID card 8 has already been acquired, so the ST1 procedure need not be performed.

Next, a player who newly plays a game or a player who continues to play a game performs an operation at the start of the game on the terminal device 1 (ST2). Examples of operations at the start of the game include insertion of coins into the coin insertion slot 15 and insertion of the ID card 8 into the ID card insertion slot 16.

If a new game is to be performed after performing the procedure of ST2, a character is created (ST3a). Specifically, the player inputs an instruction using the touch panel 14 to select the appearance, ability, characteristics, and the like of the character corresponding to the player (character operated by the player), and the character according to the player's preference. Create
On the other hand, when the game is to be continued, the history data (see FIG. 13) indicating the game result is stored in the RAM 303 of the center server 3, so that the history data is called from the center server 3 and Character appearance, ability, identification, etc. are set (ST3b).

After completing the procedure of ST3 (ST3a or ST3b), next, a mission acceptance format is selected (ST4).
As described above, the mission is accepted from the guild, but either a single mode in which the player accepts the mission alone or a multi-mode in which the mission is accepted with other players can be selected. Further, the reward obtained when the mission is cleared is prorated according to the number of players who have cleared the mission.
Therefore, when the single mode is selected, the player has to clear the mission alone, so that the difficulty level of the mission increases, but many rewards can be obtained. On the other hand, when the multi-mode is selected, the mission can be cleared together with other players, so that the difficulty of the mission is reduced, but the rewards that can be acquired are reduced.

When the procedure of ST4 is completed, the game starts, and the character corresponding to the player appears in the guild and can take various actions in the guild (ST5). In the guild, the player can, for example, perform the following (i) to (v) (see FIG. 17).
(I) Refer to or accept a mission (only before mission acceptance).
In this embodiment, for example, there are a plurality of types of missions such as missions with serious contents and missions with comical contents (see FIGS. 20 and 21A). By selecting a mission that the player is interested in, the contents of the mission can be referred to (see FIG. 21B). If a mission is referred to, its contents are grasped and it is selected to participate in the mission, the mission is accepted (see FIG. 21C).

(Ii) Collect information about other characters or missions.
In the guild, you can get information about other characters or missions.
In particular, it is possible to obtain hints for capturing missions, information on monsters appearing in the virtual game space, information on items that can be acquired, and the like by paying a predetermined amount of money that can be used on the game. As information on other characters, information on what characters are present in the virtual game space and what kind of adventure the characters are having can be obtained. The information that can be obtained in the procedure (ii) is information that is predetermined in the program and is not information that can be obtained from other players.

(Iii) Receive a reward for completing the mission (only if you have completed the mission).
Here, an experience value corresponding to the level of a player who has completed the mission (a character corresponding to the player) or money that can be used on the game is paid from the guild. However, when the mission is cleared in the multi mode, the reward is distributed by the number of players who have cleared the mission.

(Iv) Use a bulletin board.
In the guild bulletin board, each player can write a message, and the message written by each player is displayed on the first display 11 of the terminal device 1 (see FIG. 24). The bulletin board can be used for players to exchange information, and can write messages for other players to exchange information about missions, invite them to participate in missions, and the like.

(V) Buying and selling personal belongings (items possessed by a character).
Items acquired by the character in the virtual game space and items acquired as a reward for completing the mission can be bought and sold through the guild.
(Vi) Start the mission and move to the mission game (only after accepting the mission).
If the mission is accepted in the procedure (i) above, the mission game can be entered by performing the procedure (vi).

In the above-described ST5 procedure, the player can input various instructions by touching the image displayed on the first display 11 via the touch panel 14.

In ST5, when the procedure (vi) is performed, the process shifts to a mission game (ST6). The mission game is a game for performing a mission received from the guild, and is the core of the game in the present embodiment. In the mission game of ST6, the player uses the various buttons 118 and the operation lever 119 to operate the character corresponding to the player and perform an adventure in the virtual game space. During the mission game, when the character's vitality becomes 0 due to an attack from a monster or the like, the game ends (ST7).

In the mission game, when a character image representing another character is displayed on the first display 11, a chat button is also displayed on the first display 11. At this time, when the chat button is touched via the touch panel 14, a chat window is opened, and a plurality of types of chat messages are displayed in the chat window.
The player can input a chat message by touching one of the plurality of chat messages via the touch panel 14. Furthermore, by touching the character image representing the character that is the destination of the chat message via the touch panel 14, the chat device is connected via the store server 2 to the terminal device 1 of the player who operates the character as the destination. You can send a message.

When the mission is cleared in ST6, the player returns to the guild of ST5, receives a reward for completing the mission, accepts a new mission, and shifts to the mission game again.
Thus, the game in the present embodiment is a game that progresses by alternately performing the guild (ST5) and the mission game (ST6).

Next, processing performed in the game system of the present embodiment when the game is advanced as described above will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing up to the ID card issuance in the card vending machine 6, the store server 2, and the center server 3.

First, the CPU 601 of the card vending machine 6 accepts the insertion of coins into the card vending machine 6 (step S600). When the CPU 601 receives a predetermined signal output from the coin sensor 615 when detecting a coin, the CPU 601 inputs personal data (for example, name or name, date of birth, blood type, constellation, etc.) by the operation of the player. Accept (step S601). Further, the CPU 601 accepts a password input by a player operation (step S602). This password is used when the center server 3 authenticates the player. Next, the CPU 601 transmits the input personal data and password to the center server 3 via the dedicated line 5 and the store server 2 by the communication interface circuit 604 (step S603).

The CPU 301 of the center server 3 stores the personal data and password transmitted from the terminal device 1 in the RAM 303 (step S310). As a result, the player is registered in the center server 3, and then the CPU 301 transmits a response signal to the terminal device 1 (step S311).

The CPU 601 of the card vending machine 6 extracts one ID card 8 from the plurality of ID cards 8 stored in the card vending machine 6 (step S604). Then, the ID data stored in the extracted ID card 8 is transmitted to the center server 3 (step S605), and the ID card 8 is paid out. As a result, the player can obtain the ID card 8.
On the other hand, the center server 3 that has received the ID data stores the ID data in association with the personal data and password stored in the RAM 303 (step S312).

In the game system of the present embodiment, the game progresses as each terminal device 1 and the store server 2 connected to the terminal device 1 via the dedicated line 5 transmit and receive data to and from each other. At this time, player participation information stored in the RAM 203 of the store server 2 and the RAM 303 of the center server 3 connected to each terminal device 1 through the dedicated line 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing player participation information.
From the left column, in order of acceptance (RN), which is the order in which participation in the game is accepted by the center server 3, machine ID (CN), which is identification information of the terminal device 1, and identification information of the store server 2 Information with a certain store server symbol (SN) is stored. In the game according to the present embodiment, a predetermined number (for example, 20 players) can participate in the same game, and the participation status of the players is managed by the player participation information shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the contents of data transmission / reception processing by the store servers A, B, and C. (A), (b), (c) is a figure for demonstrating the content of the process by store server A, B, C, respectively. In the column on the left side of the chart, the machine ID (CN) of the terminal device 1 that is the transmission source of the data received by the store server 2 (store server A, B, or C), and until the store server 2 receives the data The store server symbol (SN) of the store server 2 to be routed is written. In the column on the right side of the chart, the machine ID (CN) of the terminal device 1 that is the transmission destination of the data transmitted from the store server 2 (store server A, B or C) and the time until the terminal device 1 receives the data. The store server symbol (SN) of the store server 2 to be routed is written. The CPU 201 included in the store servers A, B, and C is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 203 when receiving data transmitted from the terminal device 1 participating in the game (for example, the terminal device a1). Update various data.

The CPU 201 of the store server A receives the data from any one of the terminal devices a1 to a8 as shown in the second line from the top of the chart of (a), and the remaining terminal devices a1 to a8 and the store To servers B and C. Then, the CPU 201 of the store server B receives the data from any one of the terminal devices a1 to a8 via the store server A as shown in the second line from the top of the chart of (b), and the terminal It transmits to apparatus b1-b8. The CPU 201 of the store server C receives data from any one of the terminal devices a1 to a8 via the store server A as shown in the second line from the top of the chart of (c), and receives the terminal device c1. To c8.

The CPU 201 of the store server B receives the data from any one of the terminal devices b1 to b8 and transmits it to the store server A as shown in the third line from the top of the chart of (b). Then, the CPU 201 of the store server A receives data from any one of the terminal devices b1 to b8 via the store server B as shown in the third line from the top of the chart of (a), and the terminal It transmits to the devices a1 to a8, the remaining terminal devices b1 to b8, and the terminal devices c1 to c8. The CPU 201 of the store server C receives the data from any one of the terminal devices b1 to b8 via the store servers B and A as shown in the third line from the top of the chart of (c), and the terminal Transmit to devices c1-c8.

Similarly, the CPU 201 of the store server C receives data from any one of the terminal devices c1 to c8 and transmits it to the store server A as shown in the fourth line from the top of the chart of (c). Then, the CPU 201 of the store server A receives the data from any one of the terminal devices c1 to c8 via the store server C as shown in the fourth line from the top of the chart of (a), and the terminal The data is transmitted to the devices a1 to a8, the terminal devices b1 to b8, and the remaining terminal devices c1 to c8. The CPU 201 of the store server B receives the data from any one of the terminal devices c1 to c8 via the store servers C and A as shown in the fourth line from the top of the diagram of (b), and the terminal It transmits to apparatus b1-b8.

In this way, when the CPU 201 transmits data from each terminal device 1 between the store servers A, B, and C, each time data from each terminal device 1 is received, the various data stored in the RAM 203 are stored. Since the data is updated, each terminal device 1 uses the data stored in the RAM 203 to progress the game, thereby synchronizing the time progress in the game progress between the terminal devices 1 (matching the game progress status). Can be easily controlled.
The message (chat message) in the present invention is transmitted only to the terminal device 1 that is the transmission destination of the message, and is not transmitted / received by the data transmission / reception method described with reference to FIG. .

That is, the store server 2 (here, the store server A) that first accepts participation in the game receives data from the terminal device 1 connected by the dedicated line 5 and sends it to all other terminal devices 1. While transmitting, the data from the terminal device 1 connected by the other store server 2 (here store server B or C) exclusive line 5 is received via the other store server (store server B or C). However, it is transmitted to all other terminal devices 1.
The other store server 2 (store server B or C) receives data from the terminal device 1 connected by the dedicated line 5 via the store server 2 (store server A), and the dedicated line 5 Is transmitted to the terminal device 1 connected by.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing until the game starts in the terminal device 1, the store server 2, and the center server 3.
First, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 1 accepts coin insertion from the coin insertion slot 15 (step S100). When the CPU 101 receives a predetermined signal output from the coin sensor 115 when a coin is detected, the CPU 101 reads the ID data of the player from the ID card 8 inserted into the ID card insertion slot 16 by the ID card reader 116. (Step S101). Next, a password input by the player's operation is accepted (step S102). Next, the CPU 101 transmits the read ID data together with the password input by the operation of the player, to the center server 3 via the dedicated server 5 and the store server 2 through the communication interface circuit 104 (step). S101).

The CPU 301 of the center server 3 determines whether or not there is ID data received from the terminal device 1 in the ID data stored in the RAM 303, and if it is determined that there is ID data, the ID data Authentication is performed by determining whether or not the player password associated with the data and stored in the RAM 303 matches the password received from the terminal device 1 (step S301). At the time of authentication, the CPU 301 refers to the history data stored in the RAM 303 to determine whether this player is a new player who plays a game or a player who continues to play a game.

Then, the CPU 301 of the center server 3 updates the player participation information (see FIG. 10) stored in the RAM 303 (step S302), transmits the player participation information to the store server 2, and is stored in the RAM 203 of the store server 2. The player participation information is updated (step S201). Next, the CPU 301 of the center server 3 transmits the authentication result as a response signal to the terminal device 1 (step S303).

Based on the response signal received from the center server 3, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 1 determines whether the player who starts the game is a player who starts a new game or a player who continues to play a game. (Step S104).

If it is determined in step S104 that the player starting the game is a new player, the CPU 101 creates a character based on the player's operation (step S104). In this process, the player uses the touch panel 14 while viewing the image displayed on the first display 11 to input an instruction to select the appearance, ability, characteristics, etc. of the character corresponding to the player (character operated by the player). Then, the CPU 101 creates a character according to the instruction.
Next, based on the result of the processing in step S104, the CPU 101 generates player information (see FIG. 14) consisting of a plurality of items such as information about the player and the ability value of the character corresponding to the player. Setting is performed (step S107). Note that the player information shown in FIG. 14 indicates player information regarding all the players participating in the game, but the player information generated in this process is only a predetermined item for one player.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S104 that the player who starts the game is a player who continues to play the game, the CPU 101 sends a signal requesting the history data of the player to the communication interface circuit 104. The data is transmitted to the center server 3 through the dedicated line 5 (step S105). When the center server 3 receives the signal from the terminal device 1, the center server 3 reads the history data about the player from the RAM 303 and transmits the history data to the terminal device 1 (step S304).

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of history data. The history data shown in FIG. 13A is the history data (hereinafter also referred to as player history data) of the player and the character, and the history data shown in FIG. 13B corresponds to the player (player). This is history data (hereinafter also referred to as game history data) indicating the game process of the character. These history data are data updated at a predetermined timing (for example, when a mission is cleared, when a reward for clearing a mission is received, or when a monster is defeated).

As shown in FIG. 13A, the player history data includes items such as player ID data, player name, level, character weapons and armor, personal belongings, possession money, skill level, and the like. In addition, as shown in FIG. 13B, the game history data includes, for each mission cleared by the player, the date and time when the mission was cleared, the player who participated, the level at the time of clearing, the required time, the earned reward, etc. There are multiple history data consisting of multiple types of elements.

In step S <b> 304, history data as shown in FIG. 13 is transmitted from the center server 3 to the terminal device 1.
The CPU 101 of the terminal device 1 that has received the history data from the center server 3 makes player information consisting of a plurality of items such as information about the player and the ability value of the character corresponding to the player based on this history data (see FIG. 14). Is set to generate a character (step S107). The CPU 101 determines the character's ability value with reference to the ability value setting table stored in the ROM 102 based on the level of the player (character corresponding to the player) included in the history data.
Note that the player information shown in FIG. 14 indicates player information regarding all the players participating in the game, but the player information generated in this process is only a predetermined item for one player.

After performing the process of step S107, the CPU 101 accepts selection of a mission commission format in accordance with the player's operation (step S108). In this process, the player operates the touch panel 14 while viewing the image displayed on the first display 11 and is in a single mode in which the player accepts the mission alone or in a multi-mode in which the mission is accepted with other players. An instruction to select one of them is input, and the CPU 101 stores data corresponding to the input instruction in the mission acceptance format column of the player information (see FIG. 14) stored in the RAM 103. Note that the player information shown in FIG. 14 indicates player information regarding all players participating in the game, but in this process, data is stored only in the data for one player in the mission acceptance format column. It is.

Next, the CPU 101 transmits player information related to one player stored in the RAM 103 to the store server 2 via the dedicated line 5 by the communication interface circuit 104 (step S109).

The CPU 201 of the store server 2 uses the player information relating to one player to make settings for the player to participate in the game (step S202). In this processing, the CPU 201 adds player information regarding one player received from the terminal device 1 to the player information already stored in the RAM 203. Further, the CPU 201 sets the play field coordinates of the character corresponding to the newly joined player to an initial value (a value corresponding to the location of the guild) (see FIG. 14).

FIG. 14 shows the player information stored in the RAM 203 of the store server 2.
As shown in FIG. 14, the RAM 203 of the store server 2 stores player information for a plurality of players (five players in the figure). The player information includes a plurality of items, for example, information relating to the player, character level, ability value, information relating to skill level, and the like are stored. In the figure, information on the mission currently being set is stored in the mission column. The mission acceptance format field stores data on whether single mode or multi-mode is selected. The play field coordinate field stores data relating to the position where the character is present in the virtual game space at that time.

After executing the process of step S202, the terminal device 1 and the store server 2 start the game (steps S110 and S203).
As shown in FIG. 12, in the game played in the game system according to the present embodiment, each player can participate at a favorite time, and a plurality of players can play a game simultaneously in the same virtual game space. Can do. This is one of the features of MMORPG.
Further, while the game is in progress, as described with reference to FIG. 11, since data transmission is performed between the store server 2 and each terminal device 1 participating in the game, temporal synchronization is controlled. The same player information is always stored in the RAM 203 of the store server 2 and the RAM 103 of each terminal device 1.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed in the terminal device 1 while the game is in progress.
First, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 1 performs a guild execution process (step S120). The guild execution process will be described later with reference to FIG. 16, but as shown in ST5 of FIG. 8, mission reference and acceptance, information collection, receipt of reward for clearing the mission, use of the guild bulletin board or item You can buy and sell. Further, the guild execution process ends when the character accepts the mission and starts the mission.

When the guild execution process in step S120 is completed, the CPU 101 performs a mission game execution process (step S121). The mission game execution processing will be described later with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28. The player operates various characters 118 and an operation lever 119 to operate a character corresponding to the player, and adventures in the virtual game space. I do. It is also possible to send and receive chat messages with other players.
This mission game execution process ends when a predetermined mission end condition is satisfied. As the mission end condition, for example, clearing the mission, returning to the guild, the character's vitality becoming zero, and the like can be mentioned.

When the mission completion condition as described above is satisfied and the mission game execution process of step S121 is completed, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the character's life force has become 0 (step S122).
If it is determined that the character's vitality has become 0, the character cannot continue the game, so various processes relating to the end of the game (for example, generation of history data based on player information, history data to the center server 3) Etc.) is executed (step S123), and this subroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S122 that the character's vitality is not zero, other mission end conditions (for example, clearing the mission, returning to the guild, etc.) are satisfied. The process returns to the guild execution process in step S120. Therefore, in this game execution process, the guild execution process in step S120 and the mission game execution process in step S121 are repeatedly executed until the vitality of the character becomes zero. Of course, although not shown in the figure, when an instruction to end the game is input by the player, whether or not the life force of the character is 0 is related to the end of the game in step S123. After executing the processing, this subroutine is terminated.

Next, the guild execution process that is called and executed in step S120 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 will be described.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a guild execution processing routine that is called by step S120 of the flowchart shown in FIG.
FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing an image displayed on the first display 11 of the terminal device 1 when the subroutine shown in FIG. 16 is executed.

When the guild execution process shown in FIG. 16 is executed, an image as shown in FIG. 17A is displayed on the first display 11 by the first drawing processing unit 111. An image indicating the current character location “guild” is arranged at the upper left of the screen, and an image indicating an instruction to the player “Please select what to do” is arranged at the upper right of the screen. In the center of the screen, images showing options of “mission reference / acceptance”, “bulletin board”, “reward”, “information collection”, and “sales of personal belongings” are arranged in order from the top. The player can input an instruction corresponding to the option by touching an image indicating the option via the touch panel 14.

When the subroutine shown in FIG. 16 is executed, first, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a mission reference / acceptance instruction has been input (step S130). This instruction is an instruction that is input when an image showing an option of “mission reference / acceptance” is touched by the player via the touch panel 14.
When determining that a mission reference / acceptance instruction has been input, the CPU 101 executes a mission reference / acceptance process (step S131). The mission reference / acceptance process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 18. When the player accepts the mission in the mission reference / acceptance process, as shown in FIG. The option “reference / accept mission” displayed on the screen is changed to an option “start mission”.

Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not an instruction to use the bulletin board has been input (step S132). This instruction is an instruction input when an image indicating an option “Bulletin Board” is touched by the player via the touch panel 14.
When determining that the instruction to use the bulletin board has been input, the CPU 101 executes the bulletin board use process (step S133). This bulletin board use process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a reward payment request instruction has been input (step S134). This instruction is an instruction that is input when an image indicating an option “reward” is touched by the player via the touch panel 14.
When determining that the instruction for the remuneration payment is input, the CPU 101 executes a remuneration process (step S135). This reward payment process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not an information collection instruction has been input (step S136). This instruction is an instruction input when an image indicating an option “collect information” is touched by the player via the touch panel 14.
When it is determined that an information collection instruction has been input, various information display processing is performed (step S137). In this process, the CPU 101 acquires information selected from the ROM 203 by the CPU 201 of the store server 2 executing a program stored in the ROM 202 (for example, information on other characters or missions) from the store server 2, Based on the information, the first drawing processing unit 111 displays an image representing the information on the first display 11.

Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not an instruction for buying and selling personal belongings has been input (step S138). This instruction is an instruction that is input when an image indicating an option “buy and sell goods” is touched by the player via the touch panel 14.
If it is determined that an instruction to buy and sell personal belongings has been input, processing to buy and sell personal belongings is performed (step S139). In this process, when the player selects a personal belonging to be sold to the guild from among the personal belongings of the character, the instruction is transmitted to the store server 2, and the CPU 201 of the store server 2 stores the player information stored in the RAM 203. A process of increasing the money held and deleting the data of the belongings that are the subject. On the other hand, when the player selects an item sold by the guild, the instruction is transmitted to the store server 2, and the CPU 201 of the store server 2 decreases the money of the player information stored in the RAM 203 and becomes a target. Process to add the data of the selected item.

Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a mission start instruction has been input (step S140). This instruction is given when an image showing an option “start mission” is touched by the player via the touch panel 14 when an image as shown in FIG. 17B is displayed on the first display 11. It is an instruction to be input.
If it is determined that a mission start instruction has been input, this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the mission start instruction has not been input, the process returns to step S130.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a mission reference / acceptance process routine that is called in step S131 of the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the store server 2 in response to the subroutine shown in FIG. 18 executed by the terminal device 1.

First, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 1 transmits a mission list request signal to the store server 2 via the dedicated line 5 by the communication interface circuit 104 (step S1310). This process corresponds to the process of step S3310 in FIG. 19. When the CPU 201 of the store server 2 receives the mission list request signal from the terminal device 1, the CPU 201 of the store server 2 currently stores the mission list data stored in the ROM 202. Mission list data relating to missions that the player can participate in is extracted and transmitted to the terminal device 1.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of mission list data.
The leftmost column stores a mission code (for example, “AA”, “AB”, etc.) composed of a two-digit symbol assigned to each mission. In the right column, the number of people who can participate in each mission is stored. As the number of people who can participate, “1” is stored as the number of people who can participate in the single mode, and “4” is stored as the number of people who can participate in the multi mode.

In the present embodiment, the case where the number of people who can participate in the single mode is 1 and the number of people who can participate in the multi mode is 4 will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example.
For example, there may be a mission in which the number of people who can participate in the single mode is zero. In this case, since it is not possible to participate in the mission in single mode, it is necessary to select in multi mode. Further, the number of people who can participate in the multimode is not particularly limited.

The content of the mission “AA” is “I want you to deliver my luggage to Mr. XX”, and the participation possible level is 1. The participation possible level is a minimum level necessary for accepting the mission, and a player who has not reached the level cannot accept the mission. The content of the mission “AB” is “I want you to escort the princess from monster Δ △”, and the possible participation level is 3. The content of the mission “AC” is “I want you to search the XX cave and find a treasure”, and the participation possible level is 5. The content of mission “AD” is “I want you to search for a hidden treasure by searching for an isolated island □□” and the possible participation level is 7. The content of mission “AE” is “I want to explore ancient ruins and solve the mystery of ■■”, and the level of participation is 9. The content of the mission “AF” is “search for a land that has not reached the former”, and the participation possible level is 11. The difficulty level of the mission increases in the order of the missions “AA” to “AF”, and the participation possible level is set so as to increase according to the difficulty level of the mission. Of course, the mission (condition) in the present invention is not limited to this example, and is not particularly limited as long as it can be set on the game.

After the process of step S1310, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the mission list data has been received from the store server 2 (step S1311). If it is determined that the mission list data has not been received, the process returns to step S1310.
On the other hand, when determining that the mission list data has been received from the store server 2, the CPU 101 controls the first drawing processing unit 111 to display an image as shown in FIG. 21A on the first display 11. Is performed (step S1312).

FIG. 21A is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the first display 11 when the process of step S1312 is performed.
An image indicating the location of the current character “Guild” is arranged at the upper left of the screen, and an image showing an instruction to the player “which mission do you want?” Is arranged at the upper right of the screen. In the center of the screen, “Luggage delivery to Mr. XX”, “From △△ to ●● escort the princess”, “The treasure of the cave”, “Search for the isolated island”, “The mystery of the ancient ruins” In this way, an image showing the contents of the mission is arranged. Images showing options of “reference” and “acceptance” are arranged so as to correspond to each mission.
The player can input an instruction corresponding to the option by touching an image indicating the option via the touch panel 14. For example, by touching an image indicating an option “reference” corresponding to “XX cave treasure” via the touch panel 14, information on “XX cave treasure” can be obtained. Further, the user can accept the mission “XX cave treasure” by touching the touch panel 14 with an image showing an option “accept” corresponding to “XX cave treasure”.

After the process of step S1312, the CPU 101 determines whether a mission reference instruction has been input (step S1313). This instruction can be input by touching an image indicating an option “reference” via the touch panel 14.
When determining that a mission reference instruction has been input, the CPU 101 transmits a mission reference request signal to the store server 2 via the dedicated line 5 by the communication interface circuit 104 (step S1314). This process corresponds to step S3312 in FIG. The store server 2 that has received the mission reference request signal from the terminal device 1 has the mission reference data stored in the ROM 202 (for example, data that describes the details of the mission in detail, a moving image or a still image that indicates the content). From this, mission reference data regarding the target mission is extracted, and the mission reference data is transmitted to the terminal device 1.

If it is determined in step S1313 that a mission reference instruction has not been input, or if the process of step S1314 has been executed, then the CPU 101 determines whether or not mission reference data has been received (step S1315). .
When determining that the mission reference data has been received, the CPU 101 controls the first drawing processing unit 111 to perform processing for displaying an image as shown in FIG. 21B on the first display 11 (step S1316). .

FIG. 21B is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the first display 11 when the process of step S1316 is performed.
An image indicating the location of the current character “Guild” is arranged at the upper left of the screen, and an image indicating the name of the mission to be referred to is “about the cave treasure” at the upper right of the screen. On the left side of the screen, an image representing the entrance of the XX cave is arranged. On the right side, an image representing a message explaining the contents of the mission is arranged, and further, an image showing options of “accept” and “return” is arranged.

When it is determined in step S1315 that the mission reference data has not been received from the store server 2 or when the process of step S1316 has been executed, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a mission acceptance instruction has been input (step S1317). ). This instruction can be input by touching an image indicating an option of “accept” via the touch panel 14.
When determining that a mission acceptance instruction has been input, the CPU 101 transmits a mission acceptance request signal to the store server 2 via the dedicated line 5 by the communication interface circuit 104 (step S1318). This process is a process corresponding to the process of step S3314 of FIG.

If it is determined in step S1317 that the mission acceptance instruction has not been input, or if the process of step S1318 has been executed, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a standby image display command has been received from the store server 2 (step S1317). S1319). This process is a process corresponding to the process of step S3322 in FIG. 19, and the standby image display command includes data on the number of people who can participate in the mission and the number of registered participants.

When determining in step S1319 that the standby image display command has been received, the CPU 101 controls the first drawing processing unit 111 based on the standby image display command (step S1320).
The first drawing processing unit 111 extracts predetermined image data from the ROM 102 based on data relating to the number of participants who can participate and the number of registered participants included in the standby image display command, and stores them in the video RAM with a predetermined priority. By storing the image data, a standby image is generated. Then, the first drawing processing unit 111 outputs a standby image to the first display 11. As a result, an image as shown in FIG. 21C is displayed on the first display 11, for example.

FIG. 21C is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the first display 11 when the process of step S1320 is performed.
An image indicating the location of the current character “Guild” is arranged at the upper left of the screen, and an image indicating the name of the mission “XX cave treasure” is displayed at the upper right of the screen.
In the center of the screen, an image indicating that the number of people who can participate is four and the current number of registered participants is three is displayed.

If it is determined in step S1319 that the standby image display command has not been received from the store server 2 or if the process of step S1320 has been executed, then the CPU 101 has received a notification signal from the store server 2 or not. Is determined (step S1321). This process is a process corresponding to the process of step S3324 in FIG.

If it is determined in step S1321 that the notification signal has been received, the CPU 101 controls the first drawing processing unit 111 to indicate that the mission has been set on the first display 11 as shown in FIG. Is displayed (step S1322).

FIG. 21D is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the first display 11 when the process of step S1322 is performed.
An image indicating the location of the current character “Guild” is arranged at the upper left of the screen, and an image indicating the name of the accepted mission, “XX cave treasure” is arranged at the upper right of the screen. On the left side of the screen, an image showing the entrance of the XX cave is arranged. On the right side, an image indicating that the mission has been accepted is arranged.

If it is determined in step S1321 that a notification signal has not been received, or if the process of step S1322 is executed, the CPU 101 determines whether or not to end the mission reference / acceptance process (step S1323). The mission reference / acceptance process ends when the player uses the touch panel 14 to input an instruction to end this process and return to the subroutine of FIG.
If it is determined in step S1323 that the mission reference / acceptance process is to be terminated, this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined not to end the mission reference / acceptance process, the process proceeds to step S1313.

Next, the flowchart shown in FIG. 19 will be described.
First, the CPU 201 of the store server 2 determines whether or not a mission list request signal has been received from the terminal device 1 (step S3310). This process is a process corresponding to the process of step S1310 of FIG.
When determining that the mission list request signal has been received from the terminal device 1, the CPU 201 of the store server 2 extracts the mission list data related to the mission that the player can participate in from the mission list data stored in the ROM 202. To the terminal device 1 (step S3311). This process is a process corresponding to step S1311 of FIG. 18, and the mission list image (see FIG. 21A) is displayed on the first display 11 of the terminal device 1 that has received the mission list data. (FIG. 18, step S1312).

When it is determined in step S3310 that the mission list request signal has not been received, or when the process of step S3311 is executed, the CPU 201 of the store server 2 determines whether or not the mission reference request signal has been received from the terminal device 1. Judgment is made (step S3312). This process is a process corresponding to the process of step S1314 in FIG.

If it is determined in step S3312 that a mission reference request signal has been received from the terminal device 1, the CPU 201 extracts mission reference data related to the target mission from the mission reference data stored in the ROM 202, and the mission The reference data is transmitted to the terminal device 1 (step S3313). This process corresponds to step S1315, and the mission reference image (see FIG. 21B) is displayed on the first display 11 of the terminal device 1 that has received the mission reference data (see FIG. 21B). 18, Step S1316).

If it is determined in step S3312 that the mission reference request signal has not been received, or if the process of step S3313 has been executed, the CPU 201 determines whether a mission acceptance request signal has been received (step S3314). This process is a process corresponding to step S1318 of FIG.

If it is determined in step S3314 that the mission acceptance request signal has been received, the CPU 201 of the store server 2 determines the player level included in the player information (see FIG. 14) stored in the RAM 203 and the mission list stored in the ROM 202. The participation level included in the data (see FIG. 20) is compared (step S3315). Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the player level is equal to or higher than the mission participation level based on the comparison result in step S3315 (step S3316).
For example, since the player “Ding” in the player information shown in FIG. 14 has a level of 11, it is possible to participate in the mission “AB” whose participation possible level is 3, but the player in the player information shown in FIG. “Class A” cannot participate in the mission “AB” because the level is “1”.

If it is determined in step S3316 that the level of the player is not equal to or higher than the level in which the mission can participate, the CPU 201 does not register the player for participation in the mission (step S3317), and moves the process to step S3321.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3316 that the level of the player is equal to or higher than the mission participation level, the CPU 201 determines whether another player has already registered to participate in the mission (step S3318). ).
If it is determined that another player has not yet registered to participate in the mission, the CPU 201 refers to the mission list data stored in the ROM 202 and causes the RAM 203 to store data relating to the number of people that can participate in the mission. Thus, the number of people who can participate in the mission is set (step S3319).
For example, if the player has selected the single mode, data indicating that the number of people who can participate is “1” is stored in the RAM 203. When the player selects the multi mode, the RAM 203 stores data indicating that the possible number of participants is “4”.

If it is determined in step S3318 that another player has already registered to participate in the mission, or if the process of step S3319 is executed, the CPU 201 performs a process of updating the number of registered participants (step S3320). ).
When the process of step S3319 is executed, the CPU 201 stores data indicating that the registered number of participants in the mission is “1” in the RAM 203 in this process.
On the other hand, if another player has already registered to participate in the mission, the RAM 203 stores data indicating the registered number of participants in the mission, so the CPU 201 stores the data in the RAM 203 in this process. It is updated so that the number of registered registered participants is incremented by one.

When it is determined in step S3314 that the mission acceptance request signal has not been received, or when the process of step S3320 is executed, the CPU 201 sequentially updates (adds 1) each time the process of step S3320 is performed. It is determined whether or not the number of people registered for participation is the same as the number of people who can participate in the mission set in step S3319 (step S3321).
If the single mode is selected, the number of people who can participate in the mission is set to “1” in step S3319. In step S3320, the number of people registered to participate in the mission is stored in the RAM 203 as “1”. The determination in is “YES”.
If the multi-mode is selected, the number of people who can participate in the mission is set to “4” in step S3319, and the number of people registered to participate in the mission is stored in the RAM 203 as “1” in step S3320. The determination in step S3321 is “NO”. Thereafter, the process of step S3320 is repeatedly performed, and when the number of registered participants in the mission is “4”, the determination in step S3321 is “YES”.

When it is determined in step S3321 that the number of registered participants is the same as the number of people who can participate, the CPU 201 of the store server 2 stores the standby image including data regarding the number of registered participants and the number of people who can participate in the terminal device 1 during participation registration. A display command is transmitted (step S3322).
This process is a process corresponding to the process of step S1319 in FIG. 18, and a standby image (see FIG. 21C) is displayed on the first display 11 of the terminal device 1 that has received the standby image display command. (FIG. 18, step S1320).
Thereafter, this subroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3321 that the registered number of participants is the same as the number of people who can participate, the CPU 201 of the store server 2 updates the data in the mission column of the player information (see FIG. 14) stored in the RAM 203. Then, a mission is set for the player who is registered for participation (step S3323).
Next, the CPU 201 transmits a notification signal indicating that the mission has been set to the terminal device 1 that has been registered for participation (step S3324). This process is a process corresponding to the process of step S1321 in FIG. 18, and an image indicating that a mission has been set on the first display 11 of the terminal device 1 that has received the notification signal (see FIG. 21D). Is displayed (FIG. 18, step S1322).
Thereafter, this subroutine is terminated.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a bulletin board use process that is called by step S133 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 and executed by the terminal device 1, and a process executed by the store server 2 corresponding to this process. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a message list used when the process of step S1334 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 22 is performed.

First, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 1 transmits a request signal for requesting an input completed message to the store server 2 (step S1330). When the store server 2 receives this request signal, the store server 2 transmits the message (input completed message) already input by the terminal device 1 and stored in the RAM 203 to the terminal device 1 that is the transmission source of the request signal (step S3330).

When the terminal device 1 receives the input message from the store server 2, the first drawing processing unit 111 displays an image indicating the input message as shown in FIG. 24A on the first display 11 (step). S1331).

FIG. 24A is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the first display 11 of the terminal device 1 when the process of step S1331 of FIG. 22 is executed.
An image indicating the current character location “guild” is arranged at the upper left of the screen, and an image “bulletin board” is arranged at the upper right of the screen. On the right side, an image showing an option of “new input” is arranged. “New input” is an option used when a new message is input instead of inputting a message for another player's message. The player can input an instruction to input a new message by touching an image “new input” via the touch panel 14.

In the center of the screen, an input completion message input by each player is displayed.
For example, an image “A-“ I am A. Please ”.” Indicates a message “I am A. Please” entered by the player “A”. On the left side, an image indicating an option “comment” is arranged. “Comment” is an option used when a message is input in response to a message from another player, instead of inputting a new message. The player can input an instruction to input a message to another player by touching the image “comment” via the touch panel 14.
In addition, the image “Ding-“ I am a Ding. Please ”.” Placed immediately below it is the message “Ding” entered by the player “Ding” in response to the message from the player “A”. Is displayed. Below the message of the player “Ding”, there are images “Oh-Would you like to adventure with me?” And “丙-“ Would you like to adventure with me? ” Has been placed. This is a message input by the players “B” and “丙” to search for players who participate in the mission.

After the process of step S1331, the CPU 101 determines whether an instruction to input a message has been input (step S1332). An instruction to input a message can be input by the player touching an image “new input” or “comment” via the touch panel 14.

If it is determined in step S1332 that an instruction to input a message has been input, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 1 transmits a request signal to request a message list to the store server 2 (step S1334). Receiving this request signal, the CPU 201 of the store server 2 extracts the message list stored in the ROM 202 and transmits it to the terminal device 1 that is the transmission source of the request signal (step S3331).

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a message list.
Message numbers are stored in the left column, and messages corresponding to the numbers are stored in the right column. For example, the number “001” corresponds to the message “I am“ Class A (player name) ”. The number “002” corresponds to the message “Would you like to adventure with me?”. Further, the message “Let's adventure together” corresponds to the number “003”. Although not shown in the drawing, many other messages are stored in this message list.

The CPU 101 of the terminal device 1 that has received the message list from the store server 2 controls the first drawing processing unit 111 based on the message list, and sends any one message from the plurality of messages to the first display 11. Processing for displaying selectable message options is performed (step S1335).

In FIG. 24B, when the image shown in FIG. 24A is displayed on the first display 11, the player “A” inputs a message in response to the message from the user via the touch panel 14. This is an image displayed on the first display 11 when an instruction to that effect is input.
An image indicating the current character location “guild” is arranged at the upper left of the screen, and an image “bulletin board” is arranged at the upper right of the screen. Below that, an image showing the message of the player “O” to whom the player “O” is to input a message is arranged.
Further, a message list in which a plurality of options indicating messages are arranged in the vertical direction is displayed below the image indicating the message of the player “B”.
When the image shown in FIG. 24B is displayed, the player can input an instruction to transmit the message to the store server 2 by touching the image representing the message to be input via the touch panel 14. it can.

After the process of step S1335, the CPU 101 determines whether or not an instruction to select a message has been input (step S1336). This instruction is input by touching any one of a plurality of options indicating a message via the touch panel 14 when the image shown in FIG. 24B is displayed on the first display 11. can do.

When determining in step S1336 that an instruction to select a message has been input, the CPU 101 transmits the message to the store server 2 via the dedicated line 5 by the communication interface circuit 104 (step S1337).
On the other hand, when receiving a message from the terminal device 1, the CPU 201 of the store server 2 stores the message in the RAM 203 (step S3332). Here, the message stored in the RAM 203 is transmitted and received between the terminal device 1 and the store server 2 in step S1330, S1331 or S3330 described above, and displayed on the first display 11 of the terminal device 1, that is, the input Message.

Thereafter, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 1 determines whether or not the bulletin board use process is to be terminated (step S1338). The bulletin board use process ends when the player inputs an instruction to end the process and return to the subroutine of FIG. 16 using the touch panel 14.
If it is determined in step S1338 that the bulletin board use process is to be terminated, this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined not to end the bulletin board use process, the process returns to step S1330. Then, the CPU 101 again transmits a request signal for requesting an input completed message (step S1330). The store server 2 that has received the request signal transmits an input completion message to the terminal device 1 (step S3330). And the terminal device 1 which received the input completion message from the shop server 2 displays the input completion message on the 1st display 11 (step S1331).

FIG. 24C shows that when the image shown in FIG. 24B is displayed on the first display 11, the player touches the image “Let's adventure together” via the touch panel 14. It is an image displayed on the first display 11 of the terminal device 1.
The image shown in FIG. 24C is different from the image shown in FIG. 24A in that the message “Let's adventure together” added by the player “Class A” is added to the message of player “O”. Displayed.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the remuneration payment process called by step S135 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 and executed by the terminal device 1, and the process executed in the store server 2 in response to this process.
First, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 1 transmits a reward payment request signal to the store server 2 (step S1350). When the reward payment request signal is received from the terminal device 1, the CPU 201 of the store server 2 determines whether or not the player has cleared the mission based on the player information (see FIG. 14) stored in the RAM 203 (step). S3350).
If it is determined in step S3350 that the player has cleared the mission, the CPU 201 of the store server 2 refers to the reward determination table based on the cleared mission and determines a reward amount (step S3351).

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of the reward determination table.
The left column of the reward determination table stores a mission code composed of a two-digit symbol, and the right column stores a reward amount corresponding to the mission. For example, the reward amount corresponding to the mission “AA” is 100, and the reward amount corresponding to the mission “AB” is 300.

After the process of step S3351, the CPU 201 refers to the player information (see FIG. 14) stored in the RAM 203, and determines whether or not the player has cleared the mission in the multi mode (step S3352). If it is determined that the multi mode has been cleared, the reward determined in step S3351 is prorated according to the number of participants in the mission (step S3353). For example, when four players participate in the mission “AA”, the reward amount is 25.

When it is determined in step S3352 that the player has cleared the mission in the single mode instead of the multi mode, or when the process of step S3353 is executed, the CPU 201 updates the player information (see FIG. 14) stored in the RAM 203. (Step S3354). Specifically, the data in the mission column is cleared and the amount of money is increased by the reward amount. The CPU 101 of the terminal device 1 updates the player information in synchronization with the player information updated in the store server 2 (step S1351).

Next, the mission game will be described.
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a mission game execution process routine that is called in step S121 of the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the store server 2 in response to the subroutine shown in FIG. 27 executed by the terminal device 1.
FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a chat message list.
FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the first display 11 of the terminal device 1 by executing the processing illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28.

First, the CPU 101 of the terminal device 1 determines whether or not an operation instruction for the character has been input (step S150). An operation instruction for the character can be input by the player operating the various buttons 118 or the operation lever 119.
When an operation instruction for the character is input, the CPU 101 transmits an operation command to the store server 2 (step S151). This process corresponds to step S330 in FIG.

If it is determined in step S150 that an operation instruction for the character has not been input, or if the process of step S151 is executed, the CPU 101 determines whether or not player information has been received from the store server 2 (step S150). S152). This process is a process corresponding to step S332 in FIG.
When determining that the player information has been received, the CPU 101 updates the player information stored in the RAM 103 based on the player information (step S153).

If it is determined in step S152 that the player information has not been received from the store server 2, or if the process of step S153 has been executed, the CPU 101 determines whether a display command has been received from the store server 2 ( Step S154). This process corresponds to step S333, S335, S338, or S341 in FIG.

If it is determined in step S154 that a display command has been received, the CPU 101 executes image display processing for the first display 11 or the second display 12 (step S155).
In this process, the CPU 101 supplies a display command to the first drawing processing unit 111 or the second drawing processing unit 112. The first drawing processing unit 111 extracts image data from the ROM 102 with reference to the player information (see FIG. 14) stored in the RAM 103 in accordance with the display command. Then, by storing image data in the video RAM according to the priority order displayed on the first display 11 (for example, in the order of the background image, the monster image, and the character image), a game image is generated and output to the first display 11 To do. As a result, a game image is displayed on the first display 11.

When displaying a game image as a three-dimensional image, the first drawing processing unit 111 moves an object (for example, an object constituting a character or a monster) stored in the ROM 102 from a position in the three-dimensional space. Performs calculation for conversion to a position in the pseudo three-dimensional space, light source calculation processing, and the like, and writing processing of image data to be drawn on the video RAM based on the calculation result (for example, designated by polygons) The game image is generated and output to the first display 12 by mapping texture data to the area of the video RAM. As a result, a game image composed of a three-dimensional image is displayed on the first display 11.
The second drawing processing unit 112 extracts a predetermined image from the ROM 102 according to the display command. Then, the image data is stored in the video RAM according to the priority order displayed on the second display 12, thereby generating a predetermined image and outputting it to the second display 12. As a result, a predetermined image is displayed on the second display 12.

In step S154, when a display command for displaying a game image is received from the store server 2 (FIG. 28, step S333), the game image is displayed on the first display 11 by performing the process of step S155. (See FIG. 30A).
The image shown in FIG. 30A is an image displayed on the first display 11 of the terminal device 1 operated by the player “P1”. The character image P1 ′ corresponding to the player “P1” and the player “P2” are displayed. And a character image P2 ′ corresponding to.
At this time, the first drawing processing unit 111 functions as an image display unit that displays a game image including a character image representing each character on the first display 11.

Further, when a display command for displaying the chat button is received from the store server 2 in step S154 (FIG. 28, step S335), the chat button is displayed on the first display 11 by performing the process of step S155. 92 is displayed (see FIG. 30A). Accordingly, when a game image including a character corresponding to another player is displayed on the first display 11, the chat button 92 is displayed.
A chat button 92 “CHAT” is arranged at the lower right of the image shown in FIG. The player can input an instruction to execute the chat by touching the chat button 92 via the touch panel 14.

In step S154, when the display command for displaying the chat window is received from the store server 2 (FIG. 28, step S338), the first display 11 has three types by performing the process of step S155. A chat window 90 including chat messages 90a to 90c is displayed (see FIG. 30B).
A chat window 90 including three chat messages 90a to 90c such as “What are you doing?”, “Where are you?”, And “Who are you?” Is arranged at the lower right of the image shown in FIG. Has been. The player can select a chat message to be transmitted by touching any one chat message via the touch panel 14.
Thereafter, the player “P1” can transmit the selected chat message to the terminal device 1 of the player “P2” by touching the character image P2 ′ corresponding to the player “P2” via the touch panel 14.

When a display command for displaying a chat message is received from the store server 2 in step S154 (FIG. 28, step S341), the process of step S155 is performed so that the first display 11 displays a chat message. 91 is displayed (see FIGS. 30C and 30D).
The image shown in FIG. 30C is the terminal device 1 operated by the player “P1” when the chat message 90b is selected via the touch panel 14 when the image shown in FIG. 30B is displayed. This is the first display 11. A chat message 91 “Where is this?” Is displayed near the character image P1 ′ corresponding to the player “P1”.
At this time, an image as shown in FIG. 30D is displayed on the first display 11 of the terminal device 1 operated by the player “P2” as the destination of the chat message.
A chat message 91 “Where is this?” Is displayed near the character image P1 ′ corresponding to the player “P1”. In the lower right of the screen, a chat window 90 including three chat messages 90d to 90f of “It is a ruin”, “I don't know”, and “I don't reply” is displayed.

If it is determined in step S154 that a display command has not been received, or if the process of step S155 has been executed, the CPU 101 determines whether or not an instruction to execute chat has been input (step S156). . This instruction can be input by the player touching the chat button 92 via the touch panel 14.
If it is determined that an instruction to execute chat is input, the CPU 101 transmits a chat execution command to the store server 2 (step S157).
This process is a process corresponding to step S336 in FIG.

If it is determined in step S156 that an instruction to execute chat is not input, or if the process of step S157 is executed, the CPU 101 determines whether an instruction to select a chat message is input. Judgment is made (step S158). This instruction can be input by the player touching any one of the three chat messages 90 a to 90 c included in the chat window 90 via the touch panel 14. At this time, the CPU 101 functions as a message input unit that inputs a message in accordance with the operation of the player.

When determining in step S158 that an instruction to select a chat message has been input, the CPU 101 stores the selected chat message in the RAM 103 (step S159).
If it is determined in step S158 that an instruction to select a chat message has not been input, or if the process of step S159 is executed, the CPU 101 instructs to select a character that is a destination of the chat message. It is determined whether or not is input (step S160).
This instruction can be input by the player touching the character image P <b> 2 ′ via the touch panel 14.
At this time, the CPU 101 functions as a selection unit that selects any one of the character images included in the game image in accordance with the operation of the player.

If it is determined in step S160 that an instruction to select a destination character has been input, the CPU 101 stores destination data indicating the terminal device 1 that is the destination of the chat message in the RAM 103 (step S161).
Next, the CPU 101 transmits the chat message and transmission destination data stored in the RAM 103 to the store server 2 (step S162). The CPU 201 of the store server 2 that has received the chat message and the transmission destination data specifies the terminal device 1 that is the transmission destination based on the transmission destination data, and transmits the chat message to the terminal device 1 that is the transmission destination.
At this time, the CPU 101 serves as a message transmission unit that transmits the chat message input by the CPU 101 as the message input unit to the terminal device 1 used by the player operating the character represented by the character image selected by the CPU 101 as the selection unit. Function.

If it is determined in step S160 that an instruction to select a destination character has not been input, or if the process of step S162 is executed, the CPU 101 uses the player information (see FIG. 14) stored in the RAM 103. With reference to, it is determined whether or not a predetermined mission end condition is satisfied (step S163). Examples of the predetermined mission condition include clearing the mission, returning to the guild, and having the character's vitality become zero.

If it is determined not to end the mission game, the process proceeds to step S150. On the other hand, if it is determined that the mission game is to be terminated, this subroutine is terminated.

Next, the process of the store server 2 will be described.
First, the CPU 201 determines whether an operation command has been received from the terminal device 1 (step S330). When determining that the operation command has been received, the CPU 201 updates the player information stored in the RAM 203 in accordance with the operation command (step S331), and transmits the player information to the terminal device 1 (step S332). This process corresponds to step S152 in FIG.

Next, the CPU 201 transmits a display command for displaying a game image on the first display 11 of the terminal device 1 to the terminal device 1 based on the player information (step S333). This process corresponds to step S154 in FIG.

If it is determined in step S330 that no operation command has been received, or if the process of step S333 has been executed, the CPU 201 refers to the player information and displays the game image displayed on the first display 11 of the terminal device 1. It is determined whether or not other characters are included in (step S334). When it is determined that other characters are included, the CPU 201 transmits a display command for displaying the chat button to the store server 2 (step S335). This process corresponds to step S154 in FIG.

When it is determined in step S334 that no other character is included in the same game image, or when the process of step S335 is executed, the CPU 201 determines whether a chat execution command has been received (step S336). . This process corresponds to step S157 in FIG.
When determining that the chat execution command has been received, the CPU 201 selects a predetermined number (for example, three) of chat messages from the chat message list stored in the ROM 202.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a chat message list.
In the leftmost column, a 4-digit number for identifying a chat message and a chat message corresponding to each number are stored. This shows the first message.
In the right column, three first response messages are stored for one initial message. Further, in the right column, three second response messages are stored for one first message.
The first message is a message displayed on the first display 11 of the terminal device 1 that has touched the chat button 92 via the touch panel 14 and has input an instruction to execute the chat (see FIG. 30B). The first response message is a message displayed on the first display 11 of the terminal device 1 that has received the first message (see FIG. 30D). Although not shown in the figure, the second response message is a message displayed on the first display 11 of the terminal device 1 that has received the first message.

After executing the process of step S337, the CPU 201 transmits a display command for displaying the chat window including the chat message selected in step S337 to the terminal device 1 (step S338). This process corresponds to step S154 in FIG.

If it is determined in step S336 that no chat execution command has been received, or if the process of step S338 has been executed, the CPU 201 determines whether a chat message and destination data have been received (step S339). . This process corresponds to step S162 in FIG.
When determining in step S339 that the chat message and the destination data have been received, the CPU 201 identifies the terminal device 1 that is the destination of the chat message based on the destination data (step S340), and the destination terminal. A display command for displaying a chat message is transmitted to the device 1 (step S341). This process corresponds to step S154 in FIG.

Next, the CPU 201 refers to the player information (see FIG. 14) stored in the RAM 203 and determines whether or not a predetermined mission end condition is satisfied (step S342).
When it is determined that the predetermined mission end condition is not satisfied, the process of step S330 is returned, and when it is determined that the predetermined mission end condition is satisfied, this subroutine is ended.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a biographical data generation process executed by the center server 3. This process is a process executed when the game according to the present embodiment is started. First, the CPU 301 starts a time measuring process for measuring an elapsed time after starting the game according to the present embodiment (step S350). In this process, a timer is set in the RAM 303, an interrupt process or the like is performed at a predetermined cycle, and the elapsed time is measured by sequentially counting up the timer values stored in the RAM 303. It is good also as providing a timer. Note that the current time may be acquired through the Internet at a predetermined cycle instead of the process of step S350.

Next, the CPU 301 determines whether or not history data (see FIG. 13B) including a plurality of types of elements related to mission completion is stored in the RAM 303 (step S351). When the terminal device 1 executes the process of step S123 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 15, history data is transmitted from the terminal device 1 to the center server 3 and the history data is stored in the RAM 303. In step S351, it is determined whether or not the history data newly stored in the RAM 303 includes history data including a plurality of types of elements related to mission clearing.

Next, the CPU 301 refers to the history data evaluation table stored in the ROM 302 based on the history data stored in the RAM 303 (see FIG. 13B), and determines an evaluation point (step S352).
FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of a history data evaluation table.
In the history data evaluation table, game history elements and evaluation points are associated with each mission. For example, in the case of mission “AA”, the evaluation point is 1 if the level at that time is 3 or less, and the evaluation point is 0 if the level exceeds 3. Therefore, the clearer the mission, the higher the rating.
The evaluation point is 1 if the required time is within 1 hour, and the evaluation point is 0 if it exceeds 1 hour. Therefore, the evaluation is higher when the mission is cleared in a short time. If the number of participants in the mission is 1, the evaluation point is 1. If the number of participants exceeds 1, the evaluation point is 0. Therefore, selecting a single mission has a higher evaluation than selecting a multi-mission.

If the history data evaluation table shown in FIG. 32 is referred to based on the game history data shown in FIG. 13B, the evaluation point of the mission “AA” of the player “Ding” is 2, and the evaluation of the mission “AB” The point is 1, and the evaluation point of mission “AC” is 2.

After the process of step S352, the CPU 301 refers to the evaluation message creation table corresponding to the evaluation point, and creates an evaluation message using the history data stored in the RAM 303 (step S353).
FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of the evaluation message creation table.
In the evaluation message creation table, for each mission, an evaluation message when the evaluation point is 2 or more and an evaluation message when the evaluation point is less than 2 are stored. In each evaluation message, a column for entering a game history element and a fixed sentence are alternately arranged, and an evaluation message can be created by inserting a game history element in each column.

When an evaluation message is created by referring to the evaluation message creation table shown in FIG. 33 using the game history data shown in FIG. 13B, the result is as follows.
That is, since the evaluation point for the mission “AA” of the player “Ding” is 2, the evaluation message “Ding” is “1 person” and “Level 2”, “2 hours” is brilliant. An evaluation message indicating a good evaluation is given.
Further, since the evaluation point for the mission “AB” of the player “Ding” is 1, the evaluation message “Ding” is “3 people” and “Level 11” requires “2 hours”. Somehow defeated △△ and escorted the princess. "

After the process of step S353, the CPU 301 edits the evaluation message created in step S353 according to the time axis on the game, and generates biographical data (step S354).
For example, when the evaluation messages are created for the missions “AA” to “AE” shown in FIG. 13B in step S35, these evaluation messages are edited in accordance with the time axis on the game in step S354. Therefore, the evaluation messages are arranged in the order of missions “AA”, “AC”, “AD”, “AE”, “AB”.
Next, the CPU 301 stores the biographical data in the RAM 303 (step S356), and returns the process to step S351.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the card vending machine 6 and the center server 3 when displaying a biographical image.
First, the CPU 601 reads the player ID data from the ID card 8 by the ID card reader 616 (step S610).
The CPU 601 that has read the ID data from the ID card 8 by the ID card reader 616 uses the communication interface circuit 604 to request biographical data corresponding to the ID data via the store server 2 via the dedicated line 5. A request signal is transmitted to the center server 3 (step S611).
When the CPU 301 of the center server 3 receives this request signal, the biographical data corresponding to the ID data is stored in the biographical data stored in the RAM 303 (biographical data stored in the RAM 303 in step S356 in FIG. 31). The biographical data is extracted and transmitted to the card vending machine 6 that is the transmission source of the request signal (step S370). Further, together with the biographical data, image data indicating the content of the biographical data may be extracted from the ROM 302, and the image data may be transmitted together with the biographical data.

Upon receiving the biographical data from the center server 3, the card vending machine 6 displays a biographical image as shown in FIG. 35 on the display 61 by the drawing processing unit 611 based on the biographical data (step S612). Exit the subroutine.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of a biographical image displayed on the display 61 of the card vending machine 6 when the process shown in FIG. 34 is executed.
On the upper side of the screen, an image of “Ding biography” is arranged. On the left side of the screen, a biographical image representing the biographical data in the form of a chart is arranged. Specifically, an evaluation message related to clearing a mission and a date and time when the mission is cleared are arranged in association with each other. An image showing the contents of the biographical data is arranged on the right side of the screen.

As described above, according to the game system of the present embodiment, a player can specify a player as a transmission destination by selecting a character image included in the game image and transmit a message. Therefore, it is possible to establish a close relationship and exchange useful information by communicating with a specific player. In addition, if a character image included in the game image is selected, a player that is a message transmission destination can be specified, which is advantageous in that the operability is excellent.

In the present invention, as in this embodiment, each of the plurality of terminal devices 1 is provided on the front surface of the display means (first display 11) and can detect contact by the player. The touch panel 14 that outputs a detection signal indicating a contact position is provided, and the selection means (CPU 101) may select a character image displayed at a display position that matches the contact position indicated by the detection signal output from the touch panel 14. desirable. By touching the character image via the touch panel 14 while performing character movement and attacking operations using the various buttons 118 or the operation lever 119, the player to which the message is to be transmitted can be specified, and the operability is dramatically improved. It is because it improves.

In the present embodiment, three chat messages corresponding to the progress of the game or chat are selected from a chat message list (see FIG. 29) in which a plurality of types of chat messages are stored. In the present invention, a chat window is displayed, and one message to be transmitted is selected from the displayed chat window. However, in the present invention, all chat messages included in the chat message list (all predetermined chat messages). It is good also as selecting one message to transmit from among. Further, the terminal device 1 may include an input unit such as a keyboard, and the input unit may input a message freely created by the player. Further, the game system of the present invention may be configured such that the chat message transmitted / received in the mission game is stored in the RAM 203 of the store server 2 as an input message, and the input message can be viewed on the guild bulletin board. . In this way, a plurality of players can provide information for dialogue to an unspecified number of players without being affected by each dialogue time, and the information provision to the game is possible. Since an unspecified number of participating players can browse without being affected by the viewing time, it is possible to further encourage dialogue between the players.

In the present embodiment, the case where the terminal device 1 includes image display means (first display 11), selection means (CPU 101), message input means (CPU 101), and message transmission means (CPU 101) has been described. Is not limited to this example, and the store server 2 or the center server 3 may include any one of the means.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of terminal devices 1, the store server 2 connected to the plurality of terminal devices 1 via the dedicated line 5, and the plurality of store servers 2 are connected to the communication line 4. Although the game system provided with the center server 3 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a game system including a single game device (terminal device), a game system in which a plurality of game devices (terminal devices) are connected via a communication line, and a plurality of game devices (terminal devices) and a server are connected to the Internet. The present invention can be applied to a game system or the like that is connected via a network.

Next, another example of the game system according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 36 is a block diagram of another example of the game system according to the present invention.
The game system includes a plurality of terminal devices 1010, a store server 1020 that is communicably connected to the plurality of terminal devices 1010 via a dedicated line 1050, and a communicable connection that is connected to the plurality of store servers 1020 via a communication line 1040. The card server 1030 is connected to the store server 1020 via a dedicated line 1050, and one card vending machine 1060 is provided for each store. In the store Q, a store server 1020 for the game A and a store server 1020 for the game B are installed.

The center server 1030 includes a database server 1039 and a plurality of game servers 1031, 1032,.
The database server 1039 performs (1-1) data management for each ID data given to each player, (1-2) player authentication at the start of the game, and (1-3) game data transmission processing.

Specifically, as the above (1-1), the database server 1039 manages, for example, ID data given to each player, a password used when authenticating the player, a type of game played by the player, game data, and the like ( Storage, setting, updating, etc.). Further, the game data includes, for example, a game progress state (character-specific data and the like), a character operated by the player, a level value and an ability value of the character, an ability value increase / decrease value, and the like.

In addition, as (1-2), the database server 1039 authenticates the player using, for example, ID data and a password, and permits participation in the game.
Further, as (1-3), the database server 1039 transmits character data from the game data to the terminal device 1 based on, for example, the ID data of the player.

The game servers 1031, 1032,... Are installed corresponding to each game that can be executed in the game system according to the present embodiment. One of the plurality of game servers is a game server corresponding to the game according to the present embodiment.
The game servers 1031, 1032,... (Hereinafter also referred to as game server 1031) are (2-1) matching processing between the terminal devices 1010 installed in different stores, and (2-2) the data after matching. Organize traffic related to transmission and reception.

Specifically, the game server 1031 and the like determine whether or not another player is participating when a certain player operates the terminal device 1010 and participates in the game as (2-1). When it is determined that another player is participating, matching with the terminal device 1010 operated by the player is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that no other player is participating, a CPU player is set. When setting a CPU player, the store server 1020 may be set as a CPU player, and the center server 1030 (for example, the game server 1031 etc.) may be set as a CPU player.

Moreover, the game server 1031 etc. perform traffic arrangement | positioning regarding transmission / reception of the data between the terminal devices 1 matched by the matching process of said (2-1) as said (2-2). For example, the game server 1031 or the like receives the data received from the terminal device 1 connected to the store server (for game A) 1020 of the store P and the terminal device 1 connected to the store server (for game A) 1020 of the store Q. Send to. Thus, the store server 1020 according to this embodiment directly receives only data from the center server 1030 and does not directly transmit / receive data between the store servers 1020.

Store server 1020 is connected to center server 1030 via router 1070. The router 1070 has a predetermined routing table.
When a plurality of store servers 1020 are installed in the same store as in the store Q shown in the figure, the router 1070 receives game data from the center server 1030, refers to the routing table, and The game data is transmitted to the store server 1020 connected to the terminal device 1010 via the dedicated line 1050.
Further, when data is transmitted / received between the terminal devices 1010 connected to each of the plurality of store servers 1020 installed in the same store, the router 1070 receives game data, etc. from the terminal device 1010 via the store server 1020. Is received, the game data is transmitted to the store server 1020 connected to the destination terminal device 1010 via the dedicated line 1050 with reference to the routing table.

The store server 1020 is (3-1) traffic arrangement concerning data transmission / reception between the center server 1030 and the terminal device 1010 or between the terminal devices 1010 connected to each of the plurality of store servers 1020 installed in the same store. (3-2) The application is downloaded to the terminal device 1.

Specifically, the store server 1020 performs traffic arrangement relating to transmission / reception of game data and the like between the center server 1030 and the terminal device 1010 as the above (3-1). However, if the destination terminal device 1010 is connected to the same store server 1020 or is connected to another store server 1020 installed in the same store, game data or the like is transmitted to the center server 1030 Instead, game data or the like is transmitted to the terminal device 1010.

Moreover, the store server 1020 downloads an application to the terminal device 1010 at the timing when the request signal indicating that the download is requested from the center server 1030 is received from the terminal device 1010 as (3-2). The application includes various data (for example, image data) and a program related to the game contents, and a board program for assigning game functions to input means (for example, a plurality of input switches, not shown) provided in the terminal device 1010 And are included. The application download is not limited to being performed from the store server 1020, and may be performed from the center server 1030.

The terminal device 1010 is connected to the store server 1020 via a dedicated line 1050.
The terminal device 1010 performs (4-1) application download and (4-2) game progress.
Specifically, as described in (4-1), when the power is turned on, the terminal device 1010 transmits a request signal to the store server 1020 to request download of the application, and downloads the application. The downloaded application is stored in a temporary storage area such as a RAM in the terminal device 1010.
In addition, as the above (4-2), the terminal device 1010 progresses the game using the downloaded application. The game progresses as follows.
The terminal device 1010 receives data for each ID data given to each player from the database server 1039 at the start of the game. While the game is in progress, data between the terminal device 1010 and another terminal device 1010 in the same game is transmitted / received via the center server 1030 via the store server 1020. However, if another terminal device 1 is connected to the same store server 1020 or is connected to another store server 1020 installed in the same store, game data or the like is transmitted to the center server 1030. Instead, game data and the like are transmitted to the terminal device 1010. At the end of the game, game data updated during the game or the game result itself is transmitted to the database server 1039.
The progress of the game is not limited to the terminal device 1010, and may be performed by the store server 1020.

The card vending machine 1060 can communicate with the center server 1030 via the store server 1020. The card vending machine 1060 accepts an input operation of personal information performed by the player, and sells an ID card storing ID data. The ID card is used when starting a game, and ID data is read by an ID card reader included in the terminal device 1010.

In this embodiment, the 1st drawing process part with which the terminal device 1010 is provided functions as an image display means which displays the game image containing the character image showing each character on the 1st display as a display means.
The CPU provided in the terminal device 1010 functions as a selection unit that selects any one of the character images included in the game image.
The CPU included in the terminal device 1010 functions as a message input unit that inputs a message in accordance with the operation of the player.
The CPU included in the terminal device 1010 functions as a message transmission unit that transmits a message input by the message input unit to a terminal device used by a player who operates the character represented by the character image selected by the selection unit.
When the destination terminal device 1010 is connected to the same store server 1020, the CPU of the terminal device 1010 that functions as a message transmission means transmits the message without going through the game server 1031 or the like of the center server 1030. A message is transmitted to the previous terminal device 1010. On the other hand, when the terminal device 1010 of the transmission destination is connected to a different store server 1020, the CPU of the terminal device 1010 functioning as a message transmission means passes through the game server 1031 of the center server 1030, etc. A message is transmitted to the terminal device 1010.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but only specific examples are illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited. The specific configuration of each unit and the like can be appropriately changed. The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

It is a lineblock diagram of the game system concerning the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the eight terminal devices 1 and the card vending machine 6 installed in one shop. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the terminal device 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a terminal device 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the shop server 2. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a center server 3. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a card vending machine 6. FIG. It is a figure which shows the flow of the game play in the game system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process until ID card issue in the card vending machine 6, the store server 2, and the center server 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows player participation information. It is a figure for demonstrating the content of the transmission / reception process of the data by the shop server. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process until the game start in the terminal device 1, the store server 2, and the center server 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of log | history data. It is a figure which shows an example of player information. 4 is a flowchart showing a game execution processing routine executed by the terminal device 1. It is a flowchart which shows the guild execution process routine called in step S120 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, and performed by the terminal device 1. It is a figure which shows typically the image displayed on the 1st display 11 of the terminal device 1 when the subroutine shown in FIG. 16 is performed. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a mission reference / acceptance process routine that is called in step S131 of the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by the shop server 2 corresponding to the subroutine shown in FIG. 18 performed by the terminal device 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows mission list data. It is a figure which shows typically the image displayed on the 1st display 11 of the terminal device 1 when the subroutine shown in FIG. 18 is performed. It is a flowchart which shows the bulletin board use process called by step S133 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, and performed by the terminal device 1, and the process performed by the shop server 2 corresponding to this process. It is a figure which shows an example of a message list. It is the figure which showed typically the image displayed on the 1st display 11 of the terminal device 1 when the process shown in FIG. 22 is performed. It is a flowchart which shows the reward payment process called in step S135 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, and performed by the terminal device 1, and the process performed in the shop server 2 corresponding to this process. It is a figure which shows an example of a reward determination table. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a mission game execution processing routine that is called in step S121 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 and executed by the terminal device 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by the shop server 2 corresponding to the subroutine shown in FIG. 27 performed by the terminal device 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a chat message list. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on the 1st display 11 of the terminal device 1 by performing the process shown in FIG.27 and FIG.28. It is a flowchart which shows the biographical data generation process performed by the center server 3. It is a figure which shows an example of a historical data evaluation table. It is a figure which shows an example of an evaluation message preparation table. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by the card vending machine 6 and the center server 3 when displaying a biographical image. It is a figure which shows an example of the biographical image displayed on the display 61 of the card vending machine 6 when the process shown in FIG. 34 is performed. It is a block diagram which shows another example of the game system which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Terminal device 2 Store server 3 Center server 4 Communication line 5 Dedicated line 6 Card vending machine 8 ID card 10 Case 11 1st display 12 2nd display 13, 63 Speaker 14 Touch panel 15,615 Coin insertion slot 16 ID card insertion slot 18 Operation console 100, 200, 300, 600 Control unit 101, 201, 301, 601 CPU
102, 202, 302, 602 ROM
103, 203, 303, 603 RAM
104, 204, 304, 604 Communication interface circuit 111 First drawing processing unit 112 Second drawing processing unit 113, 613 Audio reproduction unit 114 Operation input unit 115, 615 Coin sensor 116, 616 ID card reader 118a Attack button 118b Defense Button 118c magic use button 119 operation lever 205 interface circuit group 611 drawing processing unit 617 ID card dispensing device 618 operation button

Claims (3)

A plurality of terminal devices having a display means and a server are connected via a communication line,
A game system in which a plurality of players use a terminal device to operate a character corresponding to each player and play a game,
Image display means for displaying a game image including a character image representing each character on the display means;
Selection means for selecting any one of the character images included in the game image in accordance with the operation of the player;
Message input means for inputting a message in accordance with the operation of the player;
A game system comprising: a message transmission unit configured to transmit a message input by the message input unit to a terminal device used by a player operating a character represented by the character image selected by the selection unit. Each of the plurality of terminal devices includes a touch panel that is provided on the front surface of the display unit, can detect contact by a player, and outputs a detection signal indicating a contact position when the contact is detected,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects a character image displayed at a display position that matches a contact position indicated by a detection signal output from the touch panel. The image display means displays a game image including the character image so that the character image moves according to the operation of the player,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit selects another character image touched by the character image moved according to the operation of the player.

Images