JP2017000271A - Game program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To browse information related to a game by a simple operation during execution of the game.SOLUTION: A game program causes an information processing device 3 including an input part 7 on which a user executes an input operation, to function as: a game processing part 15 for executing a game; a menu processing part 17 that displays a menu screen 25 including a first menu item 45 related to a display of an electronic book related to the currently-executing game, on a display part 9 by a user's input operation during the execution of the game; and an electronic book processing part 19 that, when the first menu item 45 of the menu screen 25 is selected by the user's input operation, displays the electronic book on the display part 9 during the execution of the game.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a game program and a recording medium on which the game program is recorded.

  Conventionally, a strategy book describing a game strategy is sold at a bookstore or the like. When a user plays a game, the game is generally advanced with reference to these strategies. However, in this case, there is a need to purchase a strategy book or to find out where the target information exists in the strategy book.

  Therefore, for the purpose of saving such trouble, game software having a function of displaying and playing back a game capture method in accordance with an operation of a game operating device is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). ).

JP 2002-153667 A

  In the above-described prior art, no specific operation method performed by the user is disclosed, and there is a possibility that a complicated operation is required for the user to browse the capture method.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and a game program capable of browsing information related to the game with a simple operation during the execution of the game and a record in which the game program is recorded The purpose is to provide a medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, a game program according to the present invention includes an information processing apparatus including an input unit that is input by a user, a game processing unit that executes a game, and an electronic book related to the game that is being executed. A menu processing unit that displays a menu screen including a first menu item related to the display of the menu on the display unit during the execution of the game by the user input operation, and the first menu item of the menu screen by the user input operation Is selected, the electronic book processing unit is configured to display the electronic book on the display unit during execution of the game.

  The game program of the present invention causes the information processing apparatus to function as a game processing unit, a menu processing unit, and an electronic book processing unit. The menu screen displayed on the display unit by the menu processing unit includes a first menu item related to display of an electronic book related to the game being executed by the game processing unit. An electronic book processing part displays an electronic book on a display part during execution of a game, when the 1st menu item is selected by user's input operation.

  Thereby, the user can browse information related to the game as an electronic book by a simple and easy operation of selecting the first menu item on the menu screen during game execution, and closes the menu screen after browsing. Just go back to the game. Therefore, for example, the game screen is closed by interrupting / stopping the game, a browser for connecting to the Internet or a reader for browsing electronic books is started, and after browsing, the browser or reader is closed and the game is restarted. There is no need to perform troublesome operations such as starting up, and the operation for browsing information related to the game can be greatly simplified. Further, by simplifying the operation, the time required for the transition between the game progress screen and the electronic book display screen can be greatly reduced.

  In addition, since the electronic book can be browsed without interrupting / stopping the game, etc. (in other words, the electronic book can be browsed as part of the game function), the user can play the game while playing the game. You can browse information related to the game in real time.

  Furthermore, since a desired electronic book can be displayed as needed by the user's voluntary operation on the menu screen regardless of the progress of the game, etc., the satisfaction degree of the user's needs can be increased.

  In addition, since the progress of the game is generally stopped while the menu screen is displayed, it is possible to view the electronic book with peace of mind without worrying about the progress of the game against the user's intention during the display of the electronic book.

  In the game program of the present invention, it is preferable that the menu processing unit displays the menu screen including a second menu item related to acquisition of the electronic book related to the game being executed during execution of the game. Displayed on the display unit, the electronic book processing unit acquires the electronic book during execution of the game when the second menu item on the menu screen is selected by the user's input operation.

  In the present invention, the menu screen includes a second menu item related to acquisition of an electronic book related to the game being executed. The electronic book processing unit acquires the electronic book during execution of the game when the second menu item is selected by a user input operation.

  Thereby, the user can acquire the electronic book relevant to the game currently performed in real time as needed during the play of a game. At this time, since a desired electronic book can be acquired by the user's voluntary operation on the menu screen regardless of the progress of the game, etc., the satisfaction degree of the user's needs can be increased.

  In the game program of the present invention, it is preferable that the information processing apparatus is connected to the information processing apparatus via a network during execution of the game when the second menu item on the menu screen is selected by an input operation of the user. It further functions as a communication processing unit connected to a server that provides the electronic book.

  The game program of the present invention further causes the information processing apparatus to function as a communication processing unit. When the second menu item on the menu screen is selected by a user input operation, the communication processing unit connects to a server that provides an electronic book via a network during the execution of the game. The electronic book processing unit acquires an electronic book from a connected server via a network.

  As a result, the user can automatically connect to a server that provides a desired electronic book via the network only by performing a simple and easy operation of selecting the second menu item on the menu screen. Therefore, for example, there is no need to perform a cumbersome operation such as starting a web browser for connecting to a network or searching for a server that provides a desired electronic book after connection, and an operation for acquiring information related to the game Can be greatly simplified.

  In addition, by using, for example, an official site of the game as a server that provides an electronic book, the reliability of information to be acquired can be improved, and there is an effect of increasing the user's level of security.

  In the game program of the present invention, preferably, the menu processing unit displays the menu screen including a list display of the electronic books acquired by the electronic book processing unit, and the electronic book processing unit includes the electronic book processing unit, The electronic book selected from the list display by a user input operation is displayed.

  In the present invention, the menu screen includes a list display of electronic books acquired by the electronic book processing unit. The electronic book processing unit displays an electronic book selected from the list display by a user input operation.

  Thereby, since the user can grasp | ascertain immediately all the acquired electronic books by list display, a user's convenience can be improved. Moreover, since the electronic book once acquired is added to the list display, the user can browse as many times as necessary.

  In the game program of the present invention, it is preferable that the electronic book processing unit obtains the electronic book related to the game being executed in a format separated for each category according to the input operation of the user.

  In general, in a game, for example, in a game in which a plurality of characters, scenarios, etc. appear, it is desired to browse only information about a specific character or scenario, or, for example, map data or item data out of capture information in a role playing game, a simulation game, etc. There is a need to browse only. However, commercially available strategy guides and electronic books that are generally available on the market contain all information, and do not meet the needs of users and are expensive.

  In the present invention, the electronic book processing unit acquires an electronic book related to the game being executed in a format that is separated into categories for each category in accordance with a user input operation. Thereby, the user can selectively acquire and browse only the information that he / she needs, and the satisfaction degree of the user's needs can be increased. Further, since it is sufficient to pay only the cost for the separate volume, the cost can be reduced as compared to the case of purchasing a strategy book or electronic book in which all information is included. Further, since the communication capacity can be reduced, there is an effect that the processing load on the server and the information processing apparatus can be reduced.

  In the game program of the present invention, it is preferable that the information processing apparatus reproduces a sound related to the game being executed while the electronic book is being displayed by the electronic book processing unit. Further function as part.

  The game program of the present invention further causes the information processing apparatus to function as a sound processing unit. The sound processing unit reproduces a sound related to the game being executed while the electronic book is displayed by the electronic book processing unit.

  Thereby, since the user can browse the electronic book while continuously listening to the sound of the game being executed, it is possible to maintain a sense of immersion in the game. In particular, when the electronic book is, for example, a novel or a comic, reading the game sound while listening to it can enhance the sense of immersion and excitement.

  In addition, the game program of the present invention is preferably applied to a portable information processing apparatus having one display unit.

  In the case of a portable information processing device, for example, when the user goes out on the train or in a car, the user has more opportunities to execute the game while going out. Very inconvenient. For this reason, a user's convenience can be improved significantly by acquiring an electronic book and browsing with the display part of an information processor. At this time, in the case of an information processing apparatus having one display unit, for example, the game screen is closed by stopping / stopping the game, the browser for connecting to the Internet is started, the electronic book is browsed, and the browse is performed. It is necessary to perform complicated and troublesome operations such as closing the browser or the like later, restarting the game, and redisplaying the game screen.

  As described above, the game program of the present invention can acquire and view an electronic book only by operating the game menu screen. Therefore, the game program of the present invention is applied to a portable information processing apparatus having one display unit. Is particularly effective, and the effect that the operation can be simplified becomes remarkable.

  In order to achieve the above object, a recording medium of the present invention is a recording medium in which the information processing apparatus can read the game program.

  According to the game program and the recording medium of the present invention, information related to the game can be browsed with a simple operation during the execution of the game.

It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the whole structure of the game system which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of a functional structure of a server and information processing apparatus. It is a flowchart showing an example of the process sequence in connection with acquisition / display of an electronic book performed by CPU of information processing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of a game progress screen. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the main menu screen. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the menu screen regarding an electronic book. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the list display of the electronic book provided with a server. It is explanatory drawing showing the other example of the list display of the electronic book provided with a server. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the book screen showing the content of an electronic book. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of information processing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the whole structure of a game system in case an information processing apparatus is a portable game machine provided with two display parts. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the whole structure of a game system in case an information processing apparatus is a stationary game machine.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<1. Overall configuration of game system>
First, an example of the overall configuration of the game system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes an information processing device 3 and a server 5. The information processing apparatus 3 and the server 5 are communicably connected via a network NW such as a LAN or the Internet.

  The information processing device 3 is a portable game machine that a user can carry and play a game. A plurality of information processing apparatuses 3 are connected to the network NW. In FIG. 1, only one information processing apparatus 3 is illustrated in a simplified manner. The information processing apparatus 3 includes an input unit 7, a display unit 9, and an audio output unit 11.

  The user performs various input operations using the input unit 7. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the input unit 7 includes a cross key 7a and a plurality of buttons 7b and 7c, but may include a joystick, a touch panel, and the like in addition to these. The display unit 9 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and performs various displays such as a game screen. The sound output unit 11 outputs various sounds (music, sound effects, sounds, etc.) related to the game. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the audio output unit 11 is a speaker, but may include an audio output terminal into which a headphone / earphone terminal is inserted.

  The information processing apparatus 3 is not limited to a portable game machine, and may be a stationary game machine. In addition to game machines, for example, server computers, desktop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, and the like that are manufactured and sold as computers, mobile phones, smartphones, fablets, etc. As such, a telephone set that is manufactured or sold is also included.

  The server 5 is a server that provides an electronic book related to a game executed on the information processing apparatus 3. The electronic book may be provided for a fee or may be provided free of charge. In FIG. 1, the server is configured by one server, but may be configured by a plurality of servers. Although details will be described later, the information processing device 3 can acquire an electronic book related to the game from the server 5 and display it on the display unit 9 while the game is being executed.

<2. Server e-book database>
Next, an example of the contents of the electronic book database of the server 5 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 5 has an electronic book database 13. In the electronic book database 13, for each game that can be executed by the information processing device 3, an electronic book related to the game is stored. An “electronic book” here is an electronic file in which information related to a game is recorded. For example, information on a printed book on a paper medium that has already been published is converted into digital character information or image information to be converted into an electronic file. It is a file. The electronic book may be created directly as electronic data, not from a printed book on paper. In addition, electronic books do not necessarily have to be formatted as books.

  The electronic book related to the game is, for example, a strategy book in which strategy information for allowing the user to efficiently advance the game is described. The capture information includes, for example, map data related to the terrain of the virtual space in the game, item data related to the effectiveness and obtaining method of items used in the game, status and abilities of friendly characters and enemy characters appearing in the game, etc. Character data, scenario data relating to a scenario that progresses in the game, and the like are included.

  In general, a strategy book has contents in which all the strategy information as described above is included in one book. On the other hand, in the electronic book database 13, the capture information regarding one game is stored as a plurality of electronic books in a format separated into categories according to the user's needs. Examples of the category include map data, item data, each character, each scenario, and the like, but may be divided into other categories.

  Note that an electronic book related to a game is not limited to a strategy book. For example, it may be a novel, a short story, a comic, or the like that represents a story (such as a story or anecdote) about the scenario or character of the game. In this case, examples of the category of the volume include each character, each scenario, and the like.

  The server 5 has a configuration (CPU, memory, input / output device, recording device, communication device, etc.) as a general computer in addition to the electronic book database 13, but illustration and description thereof are omitted. .

<3. Functional configuration of information processing apparatus>
Next, an example of a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the arrow shown in FIG. 2 shows an example of the signal flow, and does not limit the signal flow direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 3 includes a game processing unit 15, a menu processing unit 17, an electronic book processing unit 19, and a communication processing unit 21 in addition to the input unit 7, the display unit 9, and the audio output unit 11 described above. A sound processing unit 23, a recording device 117, and a communication device 123.

  The game processing unit 15 performs processing necessary for game execution including graphic processing and the like. The game processing unit 15 advances the game according to an input operation via the user input unit 7. The image generated by the game processing unit 15 is output to the display unit 9 and displayed.

  The menu processing unit 17 displays a menu screen 25 including various menu items related to the game being executed by the game processing unit 15 (see FIG. 5 described later) on the display unit 9 during the execution of the game. The display of the menu screen 25 is executed by, for example, a predetermined input operation through the user input unit 7 on the game progress screen. Further, the menu processing unit 17 outputs a command corresponding to the menu item to the corresponding processing unit so that the menu item selected by the user input operation on the menu screen 25 is executed.

  In this specification, “game is being executed” means that the game program is being executed (running), and that the execution of the game program is not interrupted or stopped.

  The menu screen 25 includes a first menu item 45 (“capture guide” shown in FIG. 5 described later) related to display of an electronic book related to the game being executed. When the first menu item 45 is selected by the user's input operation, the menu processing unit 17 causes the display unit 9 to display a menu screen 29 (see FIG. 6 described later) regarding the electronic book during execution of the game. The menu screen 29 includes a second menu item 31 (“download” shown in FIG. 6 described later) related to acquisition of an electronic book related to the game being executed. Further, the menu screen 29 includes a list display 33 of electronic books acquired by the electronic book processing unit 19.

  When the first menu item 45 or the second menu item 31 is selected by a user input operation or when a specific electronic book is selected from the list display 33, the menu processing unit 17 Is output to the electronic book processing unit 19.

  Note that while the menu screen is displayed by the menu processing unit 17, the game processing unit 15 interrupts the progress of the game, and when the display of the menu screen ends, the game processing unit 15 resumes the progress of the game. .

  When the first menu item 45 on the menu screen 25 is selected by the user's input operation, the electronic book processing unit 19 displays the electronic book during the execution of the game according to the command output from the menu processing unit 17. This is displayed on part 9. Specifically, when the first menu item 45 is selected on the menu screen 25, the menu screen 25 transitions to the menu screen 29 by the menu processing unit 17. When a specific electronic book is selected from the list display 33 on the menu screen 29, the electronic book processing unit 19 displays the selected electronic book in accordance with a command output from the menu processing unit 17. 9 is displayed.

  In addition, when the second menu item 31 is selected on the menu screen 29 by the user's input operation, the electronic book processing unit 19 responds to a command output from the menu processing unit 17 while the electronic book is being executed. Is acquired (downloaded) from the electronic book database 13 of the server 5. At this time, the electronic book processing unit 19 acquires an electronic book related to the game being executed in a format separated for each category in accordance with a user input operation. Specifically, as described above, in the electronic book database 13, electronic books related to one game are stored in advance as a plurality of electronic books in a format divided into categories according to the user's needs. When connected to the server 5 by the processing unit 21, a list display 35 of the plurality of electronic books is displayed on the display unit 9 (see FIG. 7 described later). The electronic book processing unit 19 acquires an electronic book selected from the list display 35 by a user input operation.

  When the second menu item 31 is selected on the menu screen 29 by a user input operation, the communication processing unit 21 controls the communication device 123 to connect to the server 5 via the network NW during the execution of the game. . At this time, the address information on the network NW of the server 5 that provides the electronic book related to the game being executed is registered in advance in the program, and the communication processing unit 21 automatically uses the address information. Connect to. When the download of the electronic book by the electronic book processing unit 19 is completed, the communication processing unit 21 releases the connection with the server 5.

  The sound processing unit 23 cooperates with the game processing unit 15 to process sounds (music, sound effects, voices, etc.) associated with the execution of the game. The sound generated by the sound processing unit 23 is output to the audio output unit 11 and reproduced. Further, the sound processing unit 23 reproduces a sound related to the game being executed while the electronic book is displayed by the electronic book processing unit 19. The sound played back at this time may be played back continuously on the game progress screen before the electronic book is displayed, for example, or may be set in advance as a sound during display of the electronic book It may be a thing. Alternatively, the user may select a desired sound.

  The recording device 117 is composed of, for example, a hard disk. The electronic book acquired from the electronic book database 13 of the server 5 by the electronic book processing unit 19 is recorded in the recording device 117. Thereby, once the electronic book is acquired, the electronic book processing unit 19 reads the electronic book from the recording device 117 and displays the electronic book even when the information processing apparatus 3 is in an offline state where the information processing apparatus 3 is not connected to the network NW. Can do.

  The communication device 123 communicates with the server 5 via the network NW under the control of the communication processing unit 21. The communication method is not particularly limited as long as information can be transmitted and received.

  Note that the processing in each processing unit described above is not limited to the example of sharing of these processing, and may be processed by, for example, a smaller number of processing units (for example, one processing unit), Further, it may be processed by a further subdivided processing unit. The functions of each processing unit described above are implemented by a game program executed by a CPU 101 (see FIG. 10) to be described later. For example, a part of them is a dedicated integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA, and other electrical circuits. It may be implemented by an actual device such as a circuit.

<4. Processing procedures and screen display related to electronic book acquisition / display>
Next, with reference to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 4 to 9, an example of a processing procedure related to acquisition / display of an electronic book executed by the CPU 101 of the information processing apparatus 3 will be described with reference to a screen display example at that time. .

  In step S5, the information processing apparatus 3 starts a game program by the game processing unit 15 and executes the game. FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen in progress of the game displayed on the display unit 9 at this time. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a screen on which the character 37 that is the main character operated by the user moves on the field in the virtual space in the game is displayed on the display unit 9.

  In step S <b> 10, the information processing apparatus 3 determines whether the user has performed a menu screen display operation via the input unit 7. The display operation of the menu screen is, for example, an operation of pressing the button 7c on the game progress screen as shown in FIG. When the display operation of the menu screen is not performed (step S10: NO), the process returns to step S5 and the game continues. On the other hand, when the display operation of the menu screen is performed (step S10: YES), the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S <b> 15, the information processing apparatus 3 causes the menu processing unit 17 to display the menu screen 25 relating to the game being executed on the display unit 9. FIG. 5 shows an example of the menu screen 25. There are a plurality of menu screens displayed by the menu processing unit 17 and has a hierarchical structure. The menu screen 25 is a main menu screen that is displayed first after the user performs a menu screen display operation. . In the example shown in FIG. 5, the menu screen 25 includes a plurality of menu items 39, 41, 43, 45, 47 related to the game being executed, a return button 49, and an information display column 51.

  When one of the menu items 39, 41, 43, 45, 47 is selected by the user's input operation, a transition is made to a lower-level menu screen corresponding to the content of the selected menu item. The return button 49 is displayed on the menu screen of each hierarchy, and when selected, the screen changes to the menu screen of the next higher hierarchy. When the return button 49 is selected on the main menu screen 25, the screen returns to the game progress screen. The information display column 51 displays information such as the mission of the character 37 who is the main character and the accompanying person.

  The menu item 45 is a first menu item for displaying an electronic book as described above. In this example, the first menu item 45 is displayed as “Strategy Guide”, but is not limited to this. For example, when the content of the electronic book is not a strategy book but a novel or a comic, it may be “novel” or “comic” depending on the content. Alternatively, it may be simply “electronic book” or the like. The contents of the menu screen 25 are not limited to the above, and may include other menu items and information.

  Returning to FIG. 3, in the next step S <b> 20, in the information processing apparatus 3, has the menu processing unit 17 selected the first menu item 45 (in this example, “strategy guide”) by the user's input operation on the menu screen 25? Determine whether or not. If the first menu item 45 has not been selected (step S20: NO), the process returns to step S15 to continue displaying the menu screen. On the other hand, when the first menu item 45 is selected (step S20: YES), the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S <b> 25, the information processing apparatus 3 causes the menu processing unit 17 to display the menu screen 29 related to the electronic book on the display unit 9. FIG. 6 shows an example of the menu screen 29. As described above, the menu screen 29 includes the second menu item 31 (in this example, “download”) for acquiring an electronic book, a list display 33 of the acquired electronic book, and a return button 49. .

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, three electronic books have already been acquired, and these electronic books are displayed in the list display 33. Note that the list display 33 is blank when no volume has been acquired yet. In this example, the second menu item 31 is displayed as “download”, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when an electronic book is charged, it may be “purchase” or the like. Further, the second menu item 31 may be displayed in the list display 33. Further, the contents of the menu screen 29 are not limited to the above, and may include other menu items and information.

  Returning to FIG. 3, in the next step S <b> 30, the information processing apparatus 3 determines whether the menu processing unit 17 has selected the second menu item 31 (“Download” in this example) on the menu screen 29 by the user's input operation. Determine whether. When the second menu item 31 is selected (step S30: YES), the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S <b> 35, the information processing device 3 is connected to the server 5 via the network NW by the communication processing unit 21.

  In step S <b> 40, the information processing apparatus 3 accesses the electronic book database 13 of the server 5 and displays a list of items provided as electronic books related to the game being executed on the display unit 9. FIG. 7 shows an example of the list display 35. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, an electronic book that is a strategy book for a game that is being executed is provided for a fee in a format that is divided into categories. In this example, the categories to be classified are map data, item data, and each character.

  The electronic book “Strategy Guide: Map Data”, which is a category of map data, includes detailed map information regarding the terrain of the virtual space in the game, information regarding enemy characters that appear for each map point, and the like. In addition, the electronic book “Strategy Guide: Item Data”, which is a category of item data, includes information on the effectiveness and obtaining method of items used in the game. In addition, in the electronic book “Strategy Guide: Character 1 (or 2, 3)” which is a category of each character, for example, there are a plurality of accompanying ally characters in the game, and the main character operated by the user is those In the case where there is a scenario such as a romantic relationship with one of the characters, information for favorably promoting the romantic relationship with a specific character is included.

  As described above, the electronic book is not limited to a strategy book, and may be a short story related to a game being executed. FIG. 8 shows an example of the list display 35 in this case. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a short story for each character is provided as an electronic book.

  Each electronic book may be provided free of charge. Moreover, the category and content of an electronic book are not limited to the above. The list display 35 may include other menu items and information.

  Returning to FIG. 3, in the next step S <b> 45, the information processing apparatus 3 determines whether or not the electronic book processing unit 19 has selected an electronic book acquired by a user input operation in the list display 35. If a specific electronic book has not been selected (step S45: NO), the process returns to step S40 and the list display is continued. On the other hand, when a specific electronic book is selected (step S45: YES), the process proceeds to step S50.

  In step S <b> 50, the information processing apparatus 3 downloads and acquires the selected electronic book from the server 5 by the electronic book processing unit 19. Then, it returns to previous step S25 and the menu screen 29 regarding an electronic book is displayed. The acquired electronic book is added to the list display 33 on the menu screen 29.

  On the other hand, if the second menu item 31 (“download” in this example) is not selected in the previous step S30 (step S30: NO), the process proceeds to step S55.

  In step S <b> 55, the information processing apparatus 3 determines whether the electronic book processing unit 19 has selected an electronic book to be browsed by a user input operation in the acquired electronic book list display 33. If a specific electronic book has not been selected (step S55: NO), the process returns to step S25, and the display of the menu screen 29 relating to the electronic book is continued. On the other hand, when a specific electronic book is selected (step S55: YES), the process proceeds to step S60.

  In step S <b> 60, the information processing apparatus 3 causes the electronic book processing unit 19 to display the content of the selected electronic book on the display unit 9. FIG. 9 shows an example of a book screen 53 of an electronic book. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, “Strategy Guide: Map Data” is selected from the electronic book list display 33 illustrated in FIG. 6, and information on enemy characters that appear for each map point in the electronic book is displayed. It is displayed. While the book screen 53 is being displayed, the user can perform an input operation using the input unit 7 to scroll the screen in an arbitrary direction, zoom in / out, or scroll in page units. is there.

  Note that the book screen 53 includes a return button 49. When the return button 49 is selected by the user's input operation while the book screen 53 is being displayed, the screen may return to the menu screen 29 or directly to the progress screen of the game.

  Returning to FIG. 3, in the next step S <b> 65, the information processing apparatus 3 determines whether or not the user has performed an end operation of browsing the electronic book via the input unit 7. The browsing end operation is an operation such as selecting the return button 49 on the book screen 53, for example. When the browsing end operation is not performed (step S65: NO), the process returns to step S60 and the display of the electronic book is continued. On the other hand, when the browsing end operation is performed (step S65: YES), the process proceeds to step S70.

  In step S70, the information processing apparatus 3 ends the display of the menu screen, displays the progress screen of the game on the display unit 9, and resumes the progress of the game. This flow is completed by the above.

  Note that the above-described processing procedure is an example, and at least a part of the above procedure may be deleted or changed, or a procedure other than the above may be added. For example, when the user performs an input operation on the game progress screen, a menu screen related to the electronic book may be directly displayed without going through the main menu screen. In this case, step S15 and step S20 are not necessary.

<5. Hardware configuration of information processing apparatus>
Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 3 that implements each processing unit implemented by the program executed by the CPU 101 described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the information processing apparatus 3 includes, for example, a CPU 101, a ROM 103, a RAM 105, a dedicated integrated circuit 107 constructed for a specific application such as an ASIC or FPGA, an input device 113, and an output. A device 115, a recording device 117, a drive 119, a connection port 121, and a communication device 123 are included. These components are connected to each other through a bus 109, an input / output interface 111, and the like so that signals can be transmitted to each other.

  For example, the game program can be recorded in the ROM 103, the RAM 105, the recording device 117, or the like.

  In addition, the game program may be temporarily or permanently recorded on a removable recording medium 125 such as a magnetic disk such as a flexible disk, various optical disks such as a CD / MO disk / DVD, or a semiconductor memory. it can. Such a recording medium 125 can also be provided as so-called package software. In this case, the game program recorded in these recording media 125 may be read by the drive 119 and recorded in the recording device 117 via the input / output interface 111, the bus 109, or the like.

  In addition, the game program can be recorded in, for example, a download site, another computer, another recording device, or the like (not shown). In this case, the game program is transferred via a network NW such as a LAN or the Internet, and the communication device 123 receives this program. The program received by the communication device 123 may be recorded in the recording device 117 via the input / output interface 111, the bus 109, or the like.

  Further, the game program can be recorded in an appropriate external connection device 127, for example. In this case, the game program may be transferred via an appropriate connection port 121 and recorded in the recording device 117 via the input / output interface 111, the bus 109, or the like.

  Then, the CPU 101 executes various processes according to the program recorded in the recording device 117, whereby the processes by the menu processing unit 17 and the electronic book processing unit 19 are realized. At this time, for example, the CPU 101 may directly read and execute the program from the recording device 117 or may be executed after being once loaded into the RAM 105. Further, for example, when receiving the program via the communication device 123, the drive 119, and the connection port 121, the CPU 101 may directly execute the received program without recording it in the recording device 117.

  In addition, the CPU 101 performs various processes based on signals and information input from the input device 113 such as a mouse, a keyboard, a microphone, a game controller (not shown) including the input unit 7 as necessary. You may go.

  Then, the CPU 101 may output the result of executing the above processing from, for example, the output device 115 including the display unit 9 and the audio output unit 11, and the CPU 101 further outputs the processing result as necessary. It may be transmitted via the communication device 123 or the connection port 121, or may be recorded on the recording device 117 or the recording medium 125.

<6. Effects of the embodiment>
As described above, the game program according to the present embodiment causes the information processing apparatus 3 to function as the game processing unit 15, the menu processing unit 17, and the electronic book processing unit 19. The menu screen 25 displayed on the display unit 9 by the menu processing unit 17 includes a first menu item 45 related to display of an electronic book related to a game being executed by the game processing unit 15. When the first menu item 45 is selected by a user input operation, the electronic book processing unit 19 displays the electronic book on the display unit 9 during the execution of the game.

  Thereby, the user can view information related to the game as an electronic book by a simple and easy operation of selecting the first menu item 45 or the electronic book on the menu screens 25 and 29 during the game execution. After browsing, it is possible to return to the progress of the game simply by closing the menu screen 25 or the like. Therefore, for example, the game program is closed by stopping / stopping the game program, the browser for connecting to the Internet or the reader for browsing the electronic book is started, or the browser or reader is closed after browsing the game program It is not necessary to perform troublesome operations such as restarting the game, and the operation for browsing information related to the game can be greatly simplified. Further, by simplifying the operation, the time required for the transition between the game progress screen and the electronic book display screen can be greatly reduced.

  In addition, since the electronic book can be browsed without interrupting / stopping the game program (in other words, the electronic book can be browsed as part of the game function), the user is playing the game. You can browse information related to the game in real time.

  Furthermore, since a desired electronic book can be displayed as needed by the user's voluntary operation on the menu screen regardless of the progress of the game, etc., the satisfaction degree of the user's needs can be increased. In addition, since the progress of the game is generally stopped while the menu screen is displayed, it is possible to view the electronic book with peace of mind without worrying about the progress of the game against the user's intention during the display of the electronic book.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the menu screen 29 includes a second menu item 31 related to acquisition of an electronic book related to the game being executed. When the second menu item 31 is selected by a user input operation, the electronic book processing unit 19 acquires an electronic book during the execution of the game.

  Thereby, the user can acquire the electronic book relevant to the game currently performed in real time as needed during the play of a game. At this time, since a desired electronic book can be acquired by the user's voluntary operation on the menu screen regardless of the progress of the game, etc., the satisfaction degree of the user's needs can be increased.

  Further, the game program of the present embodiment causes the information processing device 3 to further function as the communication processing unit 21. When the second menu item 31 on the menu screen 29 is selected by a user input operation, the communication processing unit 21 connects to the server 5 that provides an electronic book via the network NW during the execution of the game. The electronic book processing unit 19 acquires an electronic book from the connected server 5 via the network NW.

  Accordingly, the user can automatically connect to the server 5 that provides a desired electronic book via the network NW only by performing a simple and easy operation of selecting the second menu item 31 on the menu screen 29. it can. Therefore, there is no need to perform a cumbersome operation such as starting a web browser for connecting to the network NW or searching for a server 5 that provides a desired electronic book with a search engine or the like after connection. The operation for obtaining information can be greatly simplified.

  In addition, by setting the server 5 that provides an electronic book as an official site of the game, for example, the reliability of the information to be acquired can be improved, and there is an effect of increasing the user's level of security.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the menu screen 29 includes a list display 33 of electronic books acquired by the electronic book processing unit 19. The electronic book processing unit 19 displays an electronic book selected from the list display 33 by a user input operation.

  Thereby, since the user can grasp | ascertain immediately by list display about all the classifications etc. of the acquired electronic book, a user's convenience can be improved. Moreover, since the electronic book once acquired is added to the list display, the user can browse as many times as necessary.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, the following effects can also be acquired. That is, in general, in a game, for example, in a game in which a plurality of characters, scenarios, etc. appear, only information on a specific character or scenario is to be browsed, or, for example, map data or There is a need to view only item data. However, commercially available strategy guides and electronic books that are generally available on the market contain all information, and do not meet the needs of users and are expensive.

  In the present embodiment, the electronic book processing unit 19 acquires an electronic book related to the game being executed in a format that is separated into categories for each category in accordance with a user input operation. Thereby, the user can selectively acquire and browse only the information that he / she needs, and the satisfaction degree of the user's needs can be increased. Further, since it is sufficient to pay only the cost for the separate volume, the cost can be reduced as compared to the case of purchasing a strategy book or electronic book in which all information is included. Furthermore, since the communication capacity can also be reduced, there is an effect that the processing load on the server 5 and the information processing apparatus 3 can be reduced.

  In addition, the game program of the present embodiment further causes the information processing apparatus 3 to function as the sound processing unit 23. The sound processing unit 23 reproduces a sound related to the game being executed while the electronic book is displayed by the electronic book processing unit 19.

  Thereby, since the user can browse the electronic book while continuously listening to the sound of the game being executed, it is possible to maintain a sense of immersion in the game. In particular, when the electronic book is, for example, a novel or a comic, it is possible to enhance the sense of immersion and excitement by reading the game sound while listening to it.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the information processing device 3 is a portable information processing device including one display unit 9. Here, in the case of a portable information processing device, for example, when the user is out on the road, such as traveling on a train or a car, the user has more opportunities to execute the game. It is very inconvenient to do. For this reason, the convenience of the user can be greatly improved by acquiring the electronic book and allowing it to be viewed on the display unit 9 of the information processing apparatus 3. At this time, if the information processing device 3 has only one display unit 9, for example, the game program is interrupted / stopped, the game screen is closed, a browser for connecting to the Internet is started, and the electronic book is loaded. It is necessary to perform a complicated and troublesome operation such as browsing, closing the browser after browsing, restarting the game program, and redisplaying the game screen.

  As described above, the game program according to the present embodiment can acquire and view an electronic book only by an operation on the menu screen during the game. Therefore, the portable information processing device 3 having one display unit 9 is provided. It is particularly effective to apply to the above, and the effect that the operation can be simplified becomes remarkable.

<7. Modification>
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described. Note that, in the following modified examples, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the above embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the game program of the present invention may be applied to an information processing apparatus 55 that is integrally provided with two or more display units. The information processing apparatus 55 according to this modification includes two display units 57 and 59. Note that the number of display units is not limited to two, and may be three or more. While the game is running, the game progress screen is displayed on one of the display units 57 and 59, and the menu screen is displayed on the other. For this reason, in this modification, while displaying a game progress screen on one of the display parts 57 and 59, the electronic book relevant to the said game can be simultaneously displayed on the other. Therefore, since the user can proceed with the game while browsing the capture guide or the like, an operation for switching between the game progress screen and the menu screen becomes unnecessary, and the user's trouble can be further reduced.

  Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the game program of the present invention may be applied to a stationary information processing apparatus 61. An input device 63 (corresponding to an input unit) such as a game controller and a display device 65 (corresponding to a display unit) such as a television are communicably connected to the information processing device 61. In addition, although FIG. 12 illustrates a case where they are connected by wire, they may be connected wirelessly. Also in this case, the same effect as that of the above embodiment is obtained.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the above-mentioned embodiment and each modification are implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Information processing apparatus 5 Server 7 Input part 9 Display part 15 Game process part 17 Menu process part 19 Electronic book process part 21 Communication process part 23 Sound process part 25 Menu screen 29 Menu screen 31 2nd menu item 33 List display 45 1st Menu item 125 Recording medium NW network

Claims (8)

An information processing apparatus including an input unit that is input by a user is provided.
A game processing unit for executing a game;
A menu processing unit that displays a menu screen including a first menu item related to display of an electronic book related to the game being executed on the display unit during execution of the game by the user's input operation;
An electronic book processing unit that displays the electronic book on the display unit during execution of the game when the first menu item on the menu screen is selected by the user's input operation;
A game program characterized by functioning as The menu processing unit
The menu screen including a second menu item related to acquisition of the electronic book related to the game being executed is displayed on the display unit during execution of the game,
The electronic book processing unit
The game program according to claim 1, wherein the electronic book is acquired during the execution of the game when the second menu item on the menu screen is selected by the user's input operation. The information processing apparatus;
A communication processing unit connected to a server that provides the electronic book via a network during execution of the game when the second menu item on the menu screen is selected by the user's input operation;
The game program according to claim 2, further functioning as a game program. The menu processing unit
Displaying the menu screen including a list display of the electronic books acquired by the electronic book processing unit;
The electronic book processing unit
The game program according to claim 2, wherein the electronic book selected from the list display by the user's input operation is displayed. The electronic book processing unit
5. The game program according to claim 2, wherein the electronic book related to the game being executed is acquired in a form separated into categories according to an input operation of the user. 6. . The information processing apparatus;
A sound processing unit that reproduces a sound related to the game being executed while the electronic book is being displayed by the electronic book processing unit;
The game program according to claim 1, further functioning as a game program. The information processing apparatus includes:
The game program according to claim 1, wherein the game program is a portable information processing apparatus including one display unit.   A recording medium readable by an information processing apparatus, on which the game program according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is recorded.

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