JP2010269073A - Game system, game control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system or the like capable of displaying demonstration data of appropriate contents on respective game devices when players cooperate with each other or the like and play a game. <P>SOLUTION: A data storage part 210 stores demonstration movies associated with each of a plurality of missions, respectively. A discrimination part 251 discriminates whether the demonstration movie of the mission to be played together with the other players can be displayed on the basis of play history for the respective missions in the player of the game device 201. A display part 260 displays the demonstration movie when it is discriminated that the demonstration movie can be displayed and a substituting movie substituting the demonstration movie when it is discriminated that it cannot be displayed, in synchronism with the game devices 201 of the other players playing together. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system, a game control method, and a program capable of displaying demo data with appropriate contents on each game device when players of a plurality of game devices play the same game together.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, network games (online games) in which a plurality of game devices are connected via a network or the like and games can be enjoyed with other players have been widely used.
In such a network game, not only a game in which each player is divided into opponents and fighting, but also a game in which the players can play the same game in cooperation with each other is known.
As an example, there is an action game in which a predetermined number of players form a team (group), and each player cooperates or acts individually to clear a mission.

In this action game, a demo movie is often displayed on each game device to explain the introduction to the mission before starting the mission.
As an example of a game apparatus that displays such a demo movie, an invention is disclosed in which the display content of the movie is changed in accordance with a player's operation input (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-34499 (pages 8-12, FIG. 3)

By the way, in the action game described above, one of the missions is selected and played from among a plurality of missions. At that time, if the story in the game is emphasized, it is recommended to play each mission in a predetermined order (for example, in order of numbers). In many cases, the demo movie includes a video or the like that reveals the contents of a related mission before that in order to explain the introduction of the mission.
Therefore, it has been desired to form a team of players with the same degree of mission progress (which missions have been played) and play each mission in the recommended order.

Nevertheless, in practice, it is often difficult to form a team between players with the same mission progress. In addition, beginners with low progress are more likely to want to form teams with advanced players with high progress.
In other words, there are many cases in which teams are formed by players having different degrees of mission progress, and in this case, the mission is selected in accordance with the degree of progress of any player. For example, when a team is formed by a player A who has already played missions 1 to 5 and a player B who has already played missions 1 to 6, players A and B Playing mission 7 together.

Thus, even when a team is formed between players having different degrees of progress, and a mission is selected in accordance with any degree of progress, a demo movie for that mission is displayed on each game device. Become. That is, when the players A and B play the mission 7, the demonstration movie of the mission 7 is displayed on the game devices of the players A and B, respectively.
At this time, if the displayed demo movie includes a video about the previous mission, there is a problem that the player who has never played the previous mission will be awakened. In other words, in the case of the above-described players A and B, if the demo movie of mission 7 includes an image of mission 6 or the like, player A can roughly grasp the contents of mission 6 that has not been played. As a result, the player A is distracted to play the mission 6 anew, and even when the mission 6 is played, the player A loses freshness.

  For this reason, there has been a demand for the development of a game system capable of displaying a demo movie without clarifying the contents of an unplayed mission in each game device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when a player of a plurality of game devices plays the same game together, a game system capable of displaying demo data with appropriate contents on each game device, It is an object to provide a game control method and a program.

  In the game system according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of game devices are communicably connected, and a plurality of issues (for example, missions, scenarios, events, etc.) that the players of the plurality of game devices can play. ), Each game device is configured to include a data storage unit, a determination unit, and a display unit.

First, the data storage unit stores demo data (for example, demo movie) associated with each of a plurality of tasks. Further, the determination unit determines whether or not the demo data of the task to be played can be displayed based on the play history of each task in the player of the game device. For example, the discriminator, when the demo data of the task to be played includes data that reveals the content of the previous task, the demo data only when the obvious task has been played. Is determined to be displayable.
When the display unit determines that the demo data can be displayed, the display unit displays the demo data. On the other hand, when the display unit determines that the demo data cannot be displayed, the display unit replaces the demo data (for example, a demo movie with noise). The alternative demo movie, which is difficult to visually recognize by adding, etc., is displayed in synchronization with the game devices of other players playing together.
Thereby, in each of the game devices of each player, when the task that is clarified by the demo data has been played, the demo data is displayed as it is, while when the clarified task is unplayed, Alternative data that does not reveal the content of the assignment is displayed.

  As a result, when the players play the same game together, it is possible to display demo data with appropriate contents on each game device.

In the above game system,
Demo data and alternative data are demo video and alternative video consisting of video data with the same display time,
The display unit may display a demo video or an alternative video based on the determination result of the determination unit prior to playing the assignment.
In this case, since either the demonstration video or the alternative video with the same display time is displayed on each game device, each player can start to play the task in synchronization after the display ends.

Each of the game devices further includes a dependency information storage unit that stores dependency information indicating a dependency relationship with other tasks for each demo data stored in the data storage unit,
The determination unit may determine whether or not the demo data can be displayed based on the dependency information and the play history.
In this case, for example, other issues that are clarified by the demo data are stored in the dependency information as issues depending on the demo data, and the demo data is based on the dependency information and the play history of each issue by the player. Determine whether can be displayed. For this reason, for example, even if some tasks before the task to be played have not been played, if the task on which the demo data depends on the dependency information has been played, the demo data can be displayed as it is. .

Each of the above game devices
Demo data that is determined not to be displayable by the determination unit is difficult to view by, for example, adding noise to a part of the video and / or muting part of the sound. An alternative data generation unit may be further provided for processing (which makes it difficult to hear) and generating alternative data.
In this case, the demo data of the task to be played is displayed as substitute data appropriately processed so that the content of the unplayed task is not clarified. For this reason, since the unplayed task is still unclear, the player is not motivated or interested in playing the unplayed task.

Each of the above game devices
When the determination unit determines that the demo data cannot be displayed, it further includes an alternative data generation unit that extracts a digest of a played task based on the play history of the player and generates alternative data. Good.
In this case, the digest of the player's own play is displayed as substitute data, and the content of the unplayed task is not clarified. For this reason, since the unplayed task is still unclear, the player is not motivated or interested in playing the unplayed task.

  In the game control method according to the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of game devices are communicably connected, and each player of the plurality of game devices can share any one of the issues that can be played. A game control method for controlling each game device of a game system to be played, comprising a data storage unit, a determination unit, and a display unit.

First, demo data (for example, demo movie) associated with each of a plurality of tasks is stored in the data storage unit. In the determination step, it is determined whether or not the demo data of the task to be played can be displayed based on the play history of each task in the player of the game device. For example, in the discrimination step, if the demo data of the task to be played includes data that makes clear the content of the previous task, the demo data is only played if the obvious task has been played. Is determined to be displayable.
In the display step, when it is determined that the demo data can be displayed, the demo data is displayed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the demo data cannot be displayed, alternative data (for example, a demo movie with noise) is substituted for the demo data. The alternative demo movie, which is difficult to visually recognize by adding, etc., is displayed in synchronization with the game devices of other players playing together.
Thereby, in each of the game devices of each player, when the task that is clarified by the demo data has been played, the demo data is displayed as it is, while when the clarified task is unplayed, Alternative data that does not reveal the content of the assignment is displayed.

  As a result, when the players play the same game together, it is possible to display demo data with appropriate contents on each game device.

  A program according to a third aspect of the present invention is a game system in which a plurality of computers are communicably connected, and each player of the plurality of computers plays any one of a plurality of tasks that can be played. Each of the computers (including electronic devices) is configured to function as the game device.

  This program can be recorded on a computer-readable information recording medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.

  The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information recording medium can be distributed and sold independently of the computer.

  According to the present invention, when the players play the same game together, it is possible to display demo data with appropriate contents on each game device.

It is a mimetic diagram showing the outline composition of the typical information processor with which the game device concerning this embodiment is realized. (A), (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the whole structure of the game system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the schematic structure of the game device which concerns on this embodiment. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows the game data and movie data which are memorize | stored in a data storage part, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the dependence data memorize | stored in a data memory part. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the demo movie by which (a) is reproduced | regenerated, and it is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the alternative movie by which (b) is reproduced | regenerated. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the game control process which concerns on this embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following, for ease of understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an information processing apparatus for games will be described. However, the present invention is similarly applied to information processing apparatuses such as various computers, PDAs, and mobile phones. Can be applied. That is, the embodiment described below is for explanation, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a typical information processing device in which a game device in the game system according to the embodiment of the present invention is realized. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an interface 104, a controller 105, an external memory 106, and a DVD (Digital Versatile). Disc) -ROM drive 107, image processing unit 108, audio processing unit 109, and NIC (Network Interface Card) 110.

  Note that a DVD-ROM storing a game program and data is loaded into the DVD-ROM drive 107, and the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on to execute the program. Realized.

  The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 100 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data.

  The ROM 102 records an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on, and when this is executed, the program recorded on the DVD-ROM is read out to the RAM 103 and execution by the CPU 101 is started. The The ROM 102 stores an operating system program and various data necessary for operation control of the entire information processing apparatus 100.

  The RAM 103 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and holds programs and data read from the DVD-ROM and other data necessary for game progress and chat communication.

  The controller 105 connected via the interface 104 receives an operation input performed when the user executes the game. For example, the controller 105 accepts input of a character string (message) or the like according to the operation input.

  The external memory 106 detachably connected via the interface 104 stores data indicating the progress of the game, chat communication log (record) data, and the like in a rewritable manner. The user can record these data in the external memory 106 as appropriate by inputting an instruction via the controller 105.

  A DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 107 stores a program for realizing the game and image data and sound data associated with the game. Under the control of the CPU 101, the DVD-ROM drive 107 performs a reading process on the DVD-ROM loaded therein, reads out necessary programs and data, and these are temporarily stored in the RAM 103 or the like.

  The image processing unit 108 processes the data read from the DVD-ROM by the CPU 101 or an image arithmetic processor (not shown) included in the image processing unit 108, and then processes the processed data on a frame memory ( (Not shown). The image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal (video signal) at a predetermined synchronization timing and output to a monitor connected to the image processing unit 108. Thereby, various image displays are possible.

The image calculation processor can execute a two-dimensional image overlay calculation, a transmission calculation such as α blending, and various saturation calculations at high speed.
In addition, the polygon information arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space and added with various kinds of texture information is rendered by the Z buffer method, and a rendered image is obtained by overlooking the polygon arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space from a predetermined viewpoint position. High speed execution of the obtained operation is also possible.

  Further, the CPU 101 and the image arithmetic processor operate in a coordinated manner, so that a character string can be drawn as a two-dimensional image in a frame memory or drawn on the surface of each polygon according to font information that defines the character shape. is there. The font information is recorded in the ROM 102, but it is also possible to use dedicated font information recorded in the DVD-ROM.

  The audio processing unit 109 converts audio data read from the DVD-ROM into an analog audio signal and supplies the analog audio signal to an external speaker to output the audio. For example, the sound processing unit 109 generates sound effects and music data to be generated during the game under the control of the CPU 101, and outputs sound corresponding to the sound effects from the speaker.

  The NIC 110 is used to connect the information processing apparatus 100 to a computer communication network (not shown) such as the Internet, and is based on the 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard used when configuring a LAN (Local Area Network). Or modems that connect to the Internet using telephone lines, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modems, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modems, and cables that connect to the Internet using cable television lines A modem or the like, and an interface (not shown) that mediates between them and the CPU 101 are configured.

In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 uses a large-capacity external storage device such as a hard disk so as to perform the same function as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the external memory 106, the DVD-ROM attached to the DVD-ROM drive 107, and the like. You may comprise.
Further, it is possible to adopt a form in which a keyboard for accepting a character string editing input from a user, a mouse for accepting various position designations and selection inputs, and the like are connected.

  Further, instead of the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, a general computer (general-purpose personal computer or the like) can be used as a game apparatus. For example, a general computer, like the information processing apparatus 100, includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, DVD-ROM drive, and NIC, and an image processing unit that has a simpler function than the information processing apparatus 100. In addition to having a hard disk as an external storage device, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, and the like can be used. In addition, a keyboard, a mouse or the like is used as an input device instead of a controller. Then, after the game program is installed, when the program is executed, it functions as a game device.

(Outline of the game system)
2A and 2B are schematic views showing an example of the entire configuration of the game system according to the present embodiment. In these drawings, the information processing apparatus 100 functioning as the game apparatus 201 is shown as a game system 200 connected via a short-distance network 208 or a wide area network 209, respectively. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

In the game system 200 of FIG. 2A, as an example, a plurality of game devices 201 are connected via a short-distance network 208 using an ad hoc mode of wireless communication.
In the short-distance network 208, for example, one game device 201 serves as a parent device, and the remaining game devices 201 serve as child devices, so that the game devices 201 can communicate with each other. Specifically, by making it possible for players close to each other to communicate with each game device 201 via the short-distance network 208, each player forms a team and plays the same mission in the action game together. .

In addition, in the game system 200 of FIG. 2B, as an example, a plurality of game devices 201 are connected via a wide area network 209 such as the Internet.
In the wide area network 209, the game apparatuses 201 can communicate with each other after being matched by a predetermined lobby server.
For example, a player of any game device 201 recruits friends who play the same mission together in the lobby server. When it is decided to form a team with another player who has applied for it, information (IP address, etc.) necessary for P2P (Peer to Peer) communication is exchanged in each game device 201 through the lobby server. Thereafter, the game devices 201 that form a team can communicate with each other.

  As described above, the game system 200 may use any one of the short-distance network 208 and the wide-area network 209. In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the short-distance network 208 in FIG. It will be described as a game system 200 using

(Outline of game device)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of each game device 201 in the game system 200 described above. As described above, the game devices 201 can communicate with each other between the game devices 201 that form a team, and as an example, each player clears a mission (issue) while cooperating. An action game shall be executed. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The game device 201 includes a data storage unit 210, a play history storage unit 220, an operation reception unit 230, a communication unit 240, a processing control unit 250, and a display unit 260.

First, the data storage unit 210 stores various data regarding a plurality of missions that can be played in a game (for example, an action game).
For example, the data storage unit 210 stores game data 211 and movie data 212 corresponding to each mission, as shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, the unit that can be played in the game is described as a mission, but it can be appropriately read as a scenario, an event, or the like according to the type of game.

Each game data 211 includes a game image (objects such as terrain, buildings, and characters) for the mission, management information (position information and status information of the player character and other characters), and the like.
That is, data necessary for each player who forms a team to play a mission together is appropriately stored. It should be noted that management information such as position information and status information of each character is updated as appropriate according to the play status of the player of the game device 201 and the players of other game devices 201.

Each movie data 212 is video and audio data constituting a demo movie that is played back in order to explain its introduction into the mission.
In addition, since each mission in the whole game (or each chapter of the game) is related with a story, it is recommended to play in a predetermined order (for example, number order). Each movie data 212 may include a video or the like in which the content of the mission prior to the mission becomes clear.

Further, the data storage unit 210 stores dependency data indicating the dependency relationship in each mission.
For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the data storage unit 210 stores dependency data indicating dependency relationships with missions whose contents are clear in each movie data 212.
More specifically, the dependency data in FIG. 4B indicates that the demonstration movie X (movie data) of mission 3 includes an image or the like in which the contents of mission 2 are clear. Similarly, it is shown that the demonstration movie Y of mission 5 includes images and the like in which the contents of mission 3 and mission 4 are clear.
Moreover, it is shown in the demo movie Z of mission 7 that the content of any mission is not clear.

  Note that a DVD-ROM or the like mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 107 described above can function as such a data storage unit 210.

Returning to FIG. 3, the play history storage unit 220 stores a mission play history by the player. That is, the play history of the mission played by the player of the game apparatus 201 is stored.
Note that the stored play history may include information such as whether or not the played mission has been captured (cleared), and to which scene (how much rate) the player has progressed when not captured.

  The above-described RAM 103, external memory 106, and the like can function as such a play history storage unit 220.

The operation receiving unit 230 receives various operations by the player. That is, when a team is formed to play a mission, a button operation or the like performed by the player of the game apparatus 201 is accepted. When a button operation or the like is received, operation information indicating the content (which button has been pressed or the like) is supplied to the communication unit 240 and the processing control unit 250.
Note that the controller 105 described above can function as such an operation receiving unit 230.

The communication unit 240 transmits / receives necessary information to / from other game apparatuses 201 that form a team.
For example, when playing the mission together, the communication unit 240 transmits the operation information by the player himself received by the operation accepting unit 230 described above to the other game devices 201, and also forms a team. The operation information by the other player is received from the other game device 201.
The NIC 110 described above can function as such a communication unit 240.

The process control unit 250 controls the entire game device 201. For example, prior to playing a mission, a demo movie about the mission is played. Then, after the reproduction is finished, a game screen for the mission is displayed, and the game is advanced according to the operation information of the player himself and other players who form a team.
Specifically, the process control unit 250 includes a determination unit 251, an alternative data generation unit 252, a movie playback unit 253, and a game processing unit 254.

The determination unit 251 determines whether or not a demo movie (movie data) about a mission to be played can be displayed based on a play history or the like.
Specifically, the determination unit 251 determines whether the demo movie of the mission to be played can be displayed based on the dependency data stored in the data storage unit 210 and the play history stored in the play history storage unit 220. To do.
Specifically, the determination by the determination unit 251 will be described below assuming that the dependency data illustrated in FIG. 4B is stored in the data storage unit 210.
For example, when the mission 3 is to be played, the determination unit 251 refers to the dependency data of the mission 3 and identifies the mission 2 having a dependency relationship. The determining unit 251 then refers to the play history and determines that the demo movie X of the mission 3 can be displayed when the mission 2 has been played. Conversely, when mission 2 is not played, it is determined that the demo movie X of mission 3 cannot be displayed (cannot be displayed).
Similarly, when the mission 5 is to be played, the determination unit 251 refers to the dependency data of the mission 5 and identifies the missions 3 and 4 having a dependency relationship. Then, the determination unit 251 determines that the demo movie Y of the mission 5 can be displayed when both of the missions 3 and 4 have been played based on the play history. On the other hand, when only one of the mission 3 and the mission 4 is played, or when both the missions 3 and 4 are not played, the determination unit 251 determines that the demo movie Y of the mission 5 cannot be displayed. .

In addition to this, the determination unit 251 may determine whether or not a demo movie for a mission to be played can be displayed based on only the play history without considering the dependency data described above.
For example, it is determined that demo data of a mission can be displayed only when all of the missions before the mission to be played (for example, missions with a small number) have been played by the play history. Also good.

When the determination unit 251 determines that the demo movie cannot be displayed, the alternative data generation unit 252 generates an alternative movie that replaces the demo movie.
Specifically, the alternative data generation unit 252 processes the video and audio of the demo movie (movie data) that has been determined not to be displayed, and generates an alternative movie (movie data) that is difficult to view. For video processing, for example, any of predetermined methods (single or combined) such as adding noise, reducing brightness to darken, or applying mosaic processing can be adopted. is there. In addition, any of the predetermined methods (single or combined) such as adding noise or muting a part of the sound can be employed for processing the sound.
In other words, the alternative data generation unit 252 processes the original movie data so that the video of the original movie data is difficult to view and / or the processed movie data that is difficult to hear (difficult to hear) the original movie data. Generate as

In addition, the alternative data generation unit 252 may extract a digest from a mission that has been played by the player to generate an alternative movie.
For example, the alternative data generation unit 252 extracts a digest composed of specific scenes (characteristic scenes, etc.) of a mission that has been played based on the play history stored in the play history storage unit 220 and replaces the alternative movie ( Movie data). At that time, the alternative data generation unit 252 generates movie data so that the playback time of the alternative movie is equal to the playback time of the original demo movie.

The movie playback unit 253 plays back a demo movie of a mission to be played or an alternative movie thereof.
Specifically, when the discriminating unit 251 determines that the demo movie about the mission can be displayed, the movie playback unit 253 plays the demo movie (movie data), while the demo movie cannot be displayed. When it is determined, the alternative movie (movie data) generated by the alternative data generation unit 252 is reproduced.
For example, when it is determined that the demo movie can be displayed, the movie playback unit 253 plays back the demo movie as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the demo movie cannot be displayed, the movie playback unit 253 plays back an alternative movie (for example, the original demo movie added with noise) as shown in FIG.
The reproduced movie image is displayed on the display unit 260 described later, and the reproduced movie sound is output from a speaker (not shown) or the like.
Note that, regardless of whether the demo movie or the alternative movie is played, since the playback times are equal as described above, a synchronized movie is displayed on each game device 201. That is, each movie starts at the same time and ends at the same time.

Returning to FIG. 3, the game processing unit 254 generates a game screen according to the game data of the mission after the playback by the movie playback unit 253 is completed, and advances the game according to the player's own operation or the operations of other players.
That is, the progress of the action game is controlled while controlling each character and the like according to the operation of each player who forms a team.

  The CPU 101 described above can function as the processing control unit 250 having such a configuration.

The display unit 260 displays various videos necessary for the game. For example, a movie about the mission is displayed, and then a game screen is displayed.
That is, when a mission to be played together by a player who forms a team is selected, the display unit 260 displays a demo movie or an alternative movie for the mission, and when the display of the movie is finished, a game screen for the mission is displayed. indicate.
Note that the above-described image processing unit 108 and the like can function as such a display unit 260.

(Overview of game device operation)
Hereinafter, the operation of the game apparatus 201 having such a configuration will be described with reference to the drawings. As an example, the operation of the game apparatus 201 after forming a team will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of game control processing executed by each game device 201 in the team.

First, the game device 201 receives a mission selection by the player (step S301).
For example, the mission selected from the operation reception unit 230 is specified in a state where a selection screen for selecting one mission to be played as a team from a plurality of missions is displayed on the display unit 260. Instead of selecting a mission in each game device 201, another game device 201 may acquire information on the mission selected by the representative game device 201 in the team.

The game device 201 reads the dependency data stored in the data storage unit 210 and the play history stored in the play history storage unit 220 (step S302).
That is, information necessary for determination by the determination unit 251 is read.

Based on the read play history or the like, the game device 201 determines whether or not a demo movie for the mission to be played can be displayed (step S303).
That is, the determination unit 251 determines whether or not the demo movie of the mission to be played can be displayed based on the read dependency data and the play history.
For example, in the situation where the dependency data shown in FIG. 4B is stored in the data storage unit 210 and the mission 3 is to be played, the determination unit 251 has played the mission 2 based on the play history. Next, it is determined that the demo movie X of mission 3 can be displayed. Conversely, when the mission 2 is not played based on the play history, the determination unit 251 determines that the demo movie X of the mission 3 cannot be displayed (cannot be displayed).
Similarly, the dependency data of FIG. 4B is stored in the data storage unit 210, and in a situation where the mission 5 is to be played, the determination unit 251 has played both the missions 3 and 4 according to the play history. In some cases, it is determined that the demo movie Y of mission 5 can be displayed. On the other hand, when only one of the missions 3 and 4 is played according to the play history or when both the missions 3 and 4 are not played, the determination unit 251 cannot display the demo movie Y of the mission 5 Is determined.

When the game device 201 determines that the demo movie can be displayed (step S303; Yes), the game device 201 reads the demo movie (movie data) for the mission from the data storage unit 210 (step S304).
On the other hand, when it is determined that the demo movie is not displayable (not displayable) (step S303; No), the game device 201 generates an alternative movie (movie data) instead of the movie data (step S305).

The game device 201 reproduces the demo movie of the mission to be played or the alternative movie (step S306).
That is, when the discriminating unit 251 determines that the demo movie about the mission can be displayed, the movie playing unit 253 plays the demo movie, and on the other hand, it is determined that the demo movie about the mission cannot be displayed. In this case, the alternative movie generated by the alternative data generation unit 252 is reproduced.
For example, when it is determined that the demo movie can be displayed, the movie playback unit 253 plays back the demo movie as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the demo movie cannot be displayed, the movie playback unit 253 plays back the alternative movie as shown in FIG.

The game device 201 generates a game screen according to the game data of the mission after the movie has been played back, and controls the game according to the operation of the player or the operation of another player (step S307).
That is, the game processing unit 254 generates a game screen according to the game data of the mission after the playback by the movie playback unit 253 is completed, and advances the game according to the operation of the player or the operation of another player.

In the game control process as described above, when another mission that is revealed by the demo movie has been played in each of the game apparatuses 201 of each player, the demo movie is displayed as it is, while the other mission that becomes apparent. If is not played, an alternative movie whose contents of other missions are not clear is displayed.
As a result, when the players play the same game together, it is possible to display demo data with appropriate contents on each game device 201.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the case where the demo movie or the alternative movie is displayed before the start of the mission has been described. However, the timing for displaying the movie is not limited to such a start, but is arbitrary.
For example, the present invention can be appropriately applied to a case where a demo movie or the like is displayed during or at the end of a mission.
In the above embodiment, movie data is reproduced and a demo movie or alternative movie is displayed. However, what is displayed is not limited to such movie data and is arbitrary.
For example, the present invention can be applied as appropriate when displaying demo data that reproduces a game scene from game data or the like, or alternative data thereof.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where a demo movie or the like is displayed on each game device 201 has been described. However, the display of the demo movie or the like may be omitted under a predetermined condition.
For example, if each player has already played a mission to be played as a team, the display (playback) of the demo movie is omitted on each game device 201 so that the mission can be played immediately. Good.
At this time, it may be possible to set whether or not the demo movie can be omitted, and each player (team) may arbitrarily select to display or omit the demo movie or the like.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when the players play the same game together, the game system, the game control method, and the program that can display the demo data of appropriate contents on each game device Can be provided.

100 Information processing apparatus 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Interface 105 Controller 106 External Memory 107 DVD-ROM Drive 108 Image Processing Unit 109 Audio Processing Unit 110 NIC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 200 Game system 201 Game device 208 Short distance network 209 Wide area network 210 Data storage part 220 Play log | history storage part 230 Operation reception part 240 Communication part 250 Process control part 260 Display part

Claims (7)

A game system in which a plurality of game devices are communicably connected, and each player of the plurality of game devices plays any one of a plurality of issues that can be played,
Each of the game devices
A data storage unit for storing demo data associated with each of the plurality of tasks;
A discriminator for discriminating whether or not the demo data of the task to be played can be displayed based on the play history of each task in the player of the game device;
When it is determined that the demo data can be displayed, the demo data is displayed. When it is determined that the demo data cannot be displayed, alternative data in place of the demo data is replaced with the game device of the other player who plays together. A display unit that displays in synchronization with
A game system characterized by that. The game system according to claim 1,
The demo data and the alternative data are a demo video and an alternative video composed of video data having the same display time,
The display unit displays the demo video based on the determination result of the determination unit, or the alternative video, prior to playing the task,
A game system characterized by that. The game system according to claim 1 or 2,
Each of the game devices further includes a dependency information storage unit that stores dependency information indicating a dependency relationship with other issues for each demo data stored in the data storage unit,
The determination unit determines whether or not the demo data can be displayed based on the dependency information and the play history.
A game system characterized by that. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Each of the game devices
The demo data determined not to be displayed by the determination unit is further processed by a predetermined method so as to be difficult to visually recognize and / or hear, and further includes an alternative data generation unit that generates the alternative data.
A game system characterized by that. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Each of the game devices
When it is determined by the determination unit that the demo data cannot be displayed, a substitute data generation unit that extracts the digest of the played task based on the play history and generates the replacement data is further provided.
A game system characterized by that. Game control for controlling each game device of a game system in which a plurality of game devices are communicably connected and each player of the plurality of game devices plays any one of a plurality of issues that can be played together A method,
A data storage unit that stores demo data associated with each of the plurality of tasks, a determination unit, and a display unit;
A determination step of determining whether or not the demo data of the task to be played can be displayed based on the play history of each of the tasks in the player of the game device;
When the display unit determines that the demo data can be displayed, the demo data is displayed. When the display unit determines that the demo data is not displayable, the alternative data in place of the demo data is played together. A display step of displaying in synchronization with the game device of the player,
A game control method characterized by the above. The computers in the game system in which a plurality of computers are communicably connected and each player of the plurality of computers plays any one of a plurality of tasks that can be played,
A data storage unit for storing demo data associated with each of the plurality of tasks;
A discriminator for discriminating whether or not demo data of a task to be played can be displayed based on a play history of each of the tasks in the player of the game device;
When it is determined that the demo data can be displayed, the demo data is displayed. When it is determined that the demo data cannot be displayed, alternative data in place of the demo data is replaced with the game device of the other player who plays together. A display that displays in sync with
A program characterized by functioning as

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