JP2002315966A - Video game device, control method therefor, program of video game, and computer readable recording medium with the program recorded thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video game for a network allowing a player to express a feeling and receive/answer by a simple operation. SOLUTION: When a player pushes a prescribed operation key of a keypad, this video game device 1 makes a character 201 to play a gesture in a screen. Responding to that another player pushes a prescribed operation key of the keypad, this video game device makes a character 202 of the other player to play the gesture in a screen. In this case, an expression window 210 displaying the expression of the character 202 by zooming up and an expression mark 215 showing the extent of the expression expressed by the gesture are displayed on the screen.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a video game apparatus and a control method thereof, a video game program and a computer-readable recording medium storing the program, and in particular, a plurality of players participate via a network. And a network-enabled video game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a network-compatible video game in which a plurality of players simultaneously participate in a network to play a game or cooperate has increased. In such a video game, a chat function is usually provided for players to communicate with each other during the game.

[0003]

However, since chat can only transmit character information, it is difficult to express emotions. In chat, it is common to express the emotion by using different words or using emoticons, but these methods are narrow in expression,
There is a disadvantage that the message input operation of the player becomes complicated. In addition, even when a simple answer is made, the player needs to input a message such as "yes" or "no", and from this point, it is desired to reduce the work load of the player.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a video game apparatus and a control method thereof, in which a player can express emotions and answer with a simple operation, a video game program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the program. The task is to provide.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a video game program capable of operating each character in a common virtual space by a plurality of players operating input devices. When the computer capable of connecting to the server via the network reads this video game program, (a) the player operates the computer in response to pressing a predetermined operation key of the input device of the computer. While making the own character in the screen to perform a gesture assigned to the operation key in advance, and transmitting a self-character operation notification signal designating the gesture to the server,
(B) When the other character operation notification signal designating the gesture of the other character operated by another player is received from the server, the other character in the screen is caused to perform the gesture specified by the other character operation notification signal.
Data used to cause the character to make a gesture is stored in a storage device provided in the computer.

As described above, according to the present invention, the player character can perform a gesture by a simple operation of pressing the operation key of the input device. By preparing gestures that express emotions such as anger, sadness, surprise, joy, etc., and answering gestures indicating affirmative or negative intentions, the player can express his or her own emotions through gestures of his own character. Can reply to the remarks of other players. Also, since the player can confirm the gesture of another character by the operation of another player on the screen,
From the gesture, the emotions and reactions of other players can be known. Further, the player can respond to the gesture of the other character with the gesture of the own character, and can communicate with the other player only by the gesture.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the video game device according to the present embodiment. The video game device 1 includes, as an example, a control device 2 that controls the video game device 1, and an input device (for example, a keypad) 3 and an output device (for example, a television set) 6 connected to the control device 2. ing.
The game device 1 further includes a memory card 5 for storing game data such as game progress data and environment setting data.

[0008] The control device 2 is one computer. In this example, the control device 2 is a home game machine. However, it is not limited to this.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 2 includes a main control unit 11, a RAM (Random A)
ccess Memory (random access memory) 12, interface unit 13, sound processing unit 14, graphic processing unit 15, CD-ROM drive 16, communication interface 17, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 18, and these components A bus 19 is provided for connection to. The CD-ROM drive 16 is a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read), which is a recording medium that stores a program, image data, sound data, and the like for realizing processing related to a game described later.
Only Memory) 4 is configured to be removably mounted.

The main control unit 11 has a CPU (Central Processes).
sing Unit; central processing unit), ROM (Read Only M)
emory; read-only memory) and the like, and the CPU controls each unit of the control device 2 according to a program stored in the RAM 12 (or ROM in some cases). The ROM stores a basic program such as a boot program of the control device 2 and an OS (Operating System). The main control unit 11 includes an oscillator and a timer counter (both not shown), generates a clock signal based on a timing signal output from the oscillator at predetermined intervals, and converts the clock signal into a timer counter. The time is measured by counting according to.

The RAM 12 is a main storage device used by the CPU of the main control unit 11 to execute a program.
A program to be executed by the CPU and data necessary for the execution are stored. The RAM 12 is also used as a work area when executing a program.

The interface section 13 is configured so that the input device 3 and the memory card 5 can be detachably connected. This interface unit 13
Are the units connected to the bus 19 (mainly the main control unit 11)
And data transfer between the input device 3 and the memory card 5.

The sound processing unit 14 is a game BGM.
This is a circuit that performs processing for reproducing audio data such as (Back Ground Music) and sound effects. The sound processing unit 14 is controlled by the RAM 12 according to a command from the main control unit 11.
Then, an audio signal is generated based on the data stored in the output device 6 and supplied to the output device 6.

The graphic processing unit 15 includes a frame buffer (not shown), and draws an image according to a command from the main control unit 11 on the frame buffer. Further, the graphic processing unit 15 generates a video signal by adding a predetermined synchronization signal to the image data drawn in the frame buffer, and supplies the video signal to the output device 6.

The CD-ROM drive 16 is a reading device for reading data stored on a CD-ROM 4 as a recording medium. The game device 1 sends a CD-R to the control device 2.
By executing the control according to the game program recorded in the OM 4, the control regarding the game described later is realized.

The communication interface 17 is a circuit for controlling communication when performing various data exchanges with other devices on the network 100, and is connected to the network 100 via a communication line 99 as required. The communication interface 17 controls the exchange of information (programs and data) between the control device 2 and the communication network 100.
Game programs and data downloaded from the external communication network 100 via the communication interface 17 and the communication line 99 can be stored in the HDD 18.

The HDD 18 is an auxiliary storage device used by the CPU of the main control unit 11 to execute a program. The HDD 18 can store various data and programs such as information downloaded using the communication interface 17 and information read from the CD-ROM 4.

The CD-ROM 4 stores game software. The game software includes a game program for causing the main control unit to perform a process required for executing a computer game, and necessary data. The game program includes a program that causes the game device 1 to execute the method according to the present embodiment. CD
-The game software stored in the ROM 4 is a CD-
The data can be read by operating the ROM drive 16.

The game apparatus 1 can store game software in the HDD 18. This game software may be preinstalled on the HDD 18, installed from the CD-ROM 4,
As described above, it can also be downloaded from another device on the communication network 100.

The input device 3 includes a plurality of operating tools operated by a player to input various instructions relating to the game to the control device 2. When the operating tool is operated, the input device 3 sends a command signal corresponding to the operating tool to the control device 2 via the interface unit 13. In the present embodiment, as an example, a keypad 30 generally attached to a consumer game machine is prepared as the input device 3.

FIG. 2A is a plan view showing the keypad 30, and FIG. 2B is a rear view showing the keypad 30. As shown in FIG. 2A, the keypad 30 includes a cross key 31 for inputting a direction instruction and operation keys (for example, an operation key for inputting various commands to the control device 2).
○ button 32, Δ button 33, □ button 34, × button 35, start button 36, select button 42) and the like are provided as operating tools. A circle is marked on the surface of the button 32, a triangle is marked on the surface of the button 33, a square is marked on the surface of the button 34, and a cross is marked on the surface of the × button 35. . The keypad 30
Have joysticks 37a and 37 as operating tools.
b is also provided. As shown in FIG. 2B, a plurality of operation keys (R1 button 3
8, R2 button 39, L1 button 40, L2 button 4
1) is provided as an operation tool. Further, the keypad 30 has a vibration (vibration) function.
That is, the keypad 30 has a built-in motor, and the motor operates by receiving a predetermined control signal from the control device 2, so that the keypad 30 can be vibrated as a whole.

The memory card 5 is an auxiliary storage device constituted by a flash memory and controlled by the control device 2 to store game data. Writing of data to the memory card 5 and reading of data from the memory card 5 are performed by the main control unit 11 via the interface unit 13.
Controls.

The output device 6 displays a game image based on a video signal and an audio signal from the control device 2 and outputs audio. In the present embodiment, a television (TV) set is prepared as the output device 6. This television set includes a display screen 61 for displaying images and a speaker 62 for outputting sounds. The television set displays an image on the display screen 61 in response to a video signal from the graphic processing unit 15,
The sound is output from the speaker 62 in response to the sound signal from the speaker 4. Therefore, the television set functions as both a display device and an audio output device.

The main controller 11 controls the operation of the controller 2 based on basic software stored in a ROM or game software read from a CD-ROM 4 by a CD-ROM drive 16 and stored in a RAM 12. . For example, the main control unit 11 reads the graphic data from the CD-ROM 4 and
5 and instruct the graphic processing unit 15 to generate an image. In response to this instruction, the graphic processing unit 15
Generates a video signal using graphic data. This video signal is sent to the output device 6. Thereby, an image is displayed on the display screen of the output device 6.

In this embodiment, a game in which a plurality of players can participate via a network is displayed on the screen 61 of the output device 6. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an online game system that provides such a network-compatible video game service. In this system, video game apparatuses 1a, 1b, 1c, etc. having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 are connected to a server group 102 via the Internet 100. That is, each video game device 1 is connected to one of the servers in the server group 102 and becomes a client of that server.

The server group 102 includes an authentication server group 111 for managing accounts for user authentication, and the game apparatus 1.
And a server for providing content browsing services such as audio and video, a message server group 113 for providing a chat and messenger environment, and an e-mail service. Mail server group 11 for
4. It includes a group of profile servers 115 for managing a user's profile and a group of game servers 116 for providing a game environment. These server groups 111 to 116 are mutually connected via a LAN 117.

CD-ROM on which game program is recorded
4 is set in the CD-ROM drive 16, an initial screen (such as a maker logo) is displayed, a memory card 5 is checked, a title screen is displayed, as in a normal game.
Basic processing including data loading is performed. Next, an initial menu is displayed on the output device 6, and when the player selects “Internet connection” from the menu, the game device 1 is connected to one server in the content server group 112 via the Internet 100.

Next, an authentication procedure for the player is executed. When the game device 1 is connected to the content server,
An authentication request screen is displayed on the output device 6. The player inputs information necessary for authentication in the displayed authentication request screen. The input information is sent from the game device 1 to the authentication server group 111 via the content server, where the authentication is performed.

When the authentication is obtained, a service menu is displayed on the output device 6. When the player selects “game” from the service name displayed in the service menu,
The video game device 1 is connected to one game server included in the game server group 116. Thereafter, the video game device 1 communicates with the game server, whereby a virtual space is displayed on the output device 6, and the game is started.

In the present embodiment, a video game progressing when a player operates a player character in a virtual world is displayed on a screen 61 of the output device 6.
Various objects such as natural objects, artificial objects, items, and non-player characters are arranged in this virtual world. The screen 61 displays a character operated by the player (also called “own character”).
If there is another player participating in the game, a character operated by the other player (also called “other character”) is also displayed. In the present embodiment, by setting the CD-ROM 4 on which the same game software (including the same game program and game data) is recorded in the video game device 1, a plurality of players can play their own characters in a common virtual world. To play the game jointly.

In the present embodiment, the game server sends information on each player character, for example, status information such as name, hit point, magic point, etc., information specifying the appearance of the character, and the position of the player character in the virtual world. Is stored. The game server transmits information of a character operated via the video game device 1 to each video game device 1 connected to the game server as needed.

The player operates the cross key 31 of the keypad 30.
Alternatively, the player character can be moved in the virtual world by operating the joystick 37a or 37b. Specifically, when the player inputs the movement information of the own character through the operation of the cross key 31 or the joystick 37a or 37b, the video game apparatus 1 moves the own character using the movement information and moves the character. Send information to the game server. The game server updates the position data of the character stored in the game server using the movement information. This movement information is transferred to the video game device 1 operated by another player as necessary, and is used to move the character on the screen 61 of the output device 6 connected to the video game device 1. .

In the following, it is assumed that players P1 and P2 are operating video game apparatuses 1a and 1b connected to the same game server, respectively. Video game device 1 operated by player P1 for clear distinction
A component a is given a suffix a, and a component of the video game device 1b operated by the player P2 is given a suffix b. However, there is no difference between the configurations of the video game devices 1a and 1b, and the same game software is recorded on the CD-ROMs 4a and 4b set in these video game devices.

A feature of the present embodiment is that when a player presses a predetermined operation key on the keypad 30, a gesture previously assigned to the operation key can be performed by the player character on the screen. This gesture includes a response operation in response to an inquiry from the other party, and an emotion expression operation to show the player's emotion to the other party.

Hereinafter, the gesture of the player character in response to the operation of the player will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is an example of a screen displayed on the output device 6a of the video game device 1a that controls the character 201 according to the operation of the player P1. As shown in FIG. 4, this screen includes the player P
The player character 201 operated by the player 1 and another player P2
Is displayed with the other character 202 operated by. In addition, a balloon 205 indicating the utterance of the player P2 is displayed near the other character 202. As described above, the chat message input by the player P2 (in this example, “Don't go together?”) Is a balloon 2 near the character 202 operated by the player P2.
05 is displayed.

FIG. 5 shows a state in which the character 201 makes a gesture in response to the operation of the player P1 watching the content of the utterance of the player P2. In this example, in response to the question “Do you not go together?” From the player P2, a gesture indicating a negative intention that the character 201 shakes his / her head left and right is performed. In this way, the player can cause the player character to perform a response operation for responding to another player.

The response operation prepared in the present embodiment includes an affirmative operation indicating that the self-character 201 nods by shaking the head up and down, and a negative operation indicating a negative intention of shaking the head sideways. (FIG. 5), and there is an attitude holding operation, which is neither affirmative or negative, that is, shrugging and looking upward. FIG. 6 shows the attitude holding action of the character 201.

The player can cause the player character to perform these response operations by pressing predetermined operation keys on the keypad 30. In particular,
When the player presses the lower end of the cross key 31 while pressing the L2 button 41, an affirmative operation is commanded. When the player presses the right end or left end of the cross key 31 while pressing the L2 button 41, a negative operation is commanded. When the upper end of the cross key 31 is pressed while pressing, the attitude holding operation is commanded.

The player can not only make the player character make a gesture for receiving and answering, but also make the player character make a gesture expressing an emotion. FIG. 7 illustrates a case where the character P operated by the player P1 performs a negative action as shown in FIG.
2 shows a state in which a character 202 operated by the user 2 performs an emotion expression operation. In this example, the character 201
The character 202 makes a gesture expressing anger in response to the negative action of. In this way, the player can cause the player character to perform an emotion expressing operation for expressing an emotion to another player.

The emotion expression operation of the player character includes:
Things that express various emotions such as joy, anger, sadness, and surprise can be considered. In the present embodiment, when the O button 32 is pressed while pressing the L2 button 41, an emotional expression operation of joy is instructed. When the △ button 33 is pressed while pressing the L2 button 41, an emotional expression operation of anger is instructed. When the □ button 34 is pressed while pressing the L2 button 41, a surprising emotion expression operation is commanded. When the × button 35 is pressed while the L2 button 41 is pressed, a sad emotion expression operation is commanded. A device is also devised for assigning emotions to the buttons 32 to 35. That is, attention is paid to the positive image of “Maru”, the joy of joy is assigned to the circle button 32 with a circle on the surface, and attention is paid to the negative image of “Batsu”. A sad feeling is assigned to the X button 35 with the mark. Also, paying attention to the pointy image possessed by the “triangle”, an angry emotion is assigned to the △ button 33, and a surprised emotion is assigned to the □ button 34, noting that the “square” makes the mouth open wide. Is assigned. By assigning the emotion to the operation button in association with the image of the identification symbol attached to the surface of the operation button in this way, the player can easily remember the assignment of the emotion to the operation button. In the following, these operation buttons 32 to which the emotional expression actions of the player character are assigned
To 35 may be referred to as emotion expression buttons.

In this embodiment, a plurality of different gestures are prepared to express the same kind of emotion at different degrees, and these actions are distinguished according to the number of times the emotion expression button is pressed. Be executed. FIG.
Various images prepared in advance for the character 202 are shown, (a) is a standard image, and (b) to (d) are images expressing anger emotions of different degrees.

When the player P2 presses the △ button 33 once while pressing the L2 button 41 within a predetermined time limit, FIG.
The character 202 performs an operation of forming an unsatisfied expression with the arms crossed from the standard image shown in (a). When the operation is completed, the image of the character 202 displayed on the screen is displayed as shown in FIG.
An image showing a slightly angry expression of (b) is obtained. Thereafter, when a predetermined facial expression duration elapses, the image of the character 202 is changed to the standard image of FIG.
2 regains the standard look. When the player P2 presses the △ button 33 twice while pressing the L2 button 41 within the time limit, the operation is shifted from the standard image of FIG. 8A to the image of FIG. 8C showing a more angry expression. Is performed by the character 202. If the player P2 hits the △ button 33 three or more times while pressing the L2 button 41 within the time limit,
The character 202 performs an operation of shifting from the standard image of FIG. 8A to the image showing the furious expression of FIG. 8D. Thus, according to the number of times the emotional expression button is pressed,
The player character performs an action (gesture) indicating the emotion assigned to the button with different degrees.

Referring back to FIG. Character 2
When the character 202 performs an anger emotion expressing operation near 01, the lower left part of the screen displayed on the output device 6a of the video game device 1a that operates the character 201 includes:
The expression window 210 is displayed. Expression window 2
In 10, a face image representing the expression of the character 202 (the expression of anger in FIG. 7) in a zoomed-in manner is displayed. Therefore, even when it is difficult to confirm the expression of the other character 202 such as when the other character 202 is displayed in a small size, the player P1 can easily confirm the expression of the other character 202 by looking at the expression window 210. Can be. Naturally, the expression window 21
At 0, facial expressions indicating emotions other than anger, such as joy, sadness, and surprise, are also displayed in a zoomed-in manner. Whether or not to display the expression window may be set by the player.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, when the character 202 performs an anger emotion expressing operation near the character 201, an emotion mark 215 indicating the degree of anger is displayed beside the expression window 210. FIGS. 9A and 9B show examples of emotion marks 215 indicating various degrees of anger. FIG. 9A shows a slightly angry mark, FIG. 9B shows a further angry mark, and FIG. Marks indicating that the operation has been performed. As described above, when a character operated by another player expresses an emotion by a gesture, a sign having a different appearance is displayed according to the type and degree of the emotion, so that the player can easily recognize the emotion expressed by the other player. You can figure out. In addition to emotion marks indicating anger, emotion marks indicating emotions such as joy, sadness, surprise, etc. according to the gesture of the character are prepared. In addition, whether or not to display the emotion mark may be set by the player.

FIG. 10 shows a screen displayed on the output device 6b of the video game device 1b for operating the character 202 when the screen of FIG. 7 is displayed on the output device 6a of the video game device 1a. ing. This screen shows the player P who saw the gesture of anger of the character 202.
1 is displayed when the □ button 34 is pressed while pressing the L2 button 41 to express a surprised emotion. On this screen, a state in which the character 201 is surprised, an expression window 220 showing the expression of the character 201 by zooming up, and an emotion mark 225 indicating the degree of surprise are displayed. By looking at this screen, the player P2 can easily understand the emotion expressed by the player P1 through the gesture of the character 201.

As described above, in this embodiment, since one player can see a gesture performed by one player's own character by another player, a plurality of players can communicate with each other through the gestures of their own characters. Since the gesture of the character is executed in response to a simple operation of pressing a predetermined operation key of the keypad 30, the work load on the player is greatly reduced as compared with a case where characters are input in a chat.

Hereinafter, a process for realizing the above-described screen display will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the video game device 1 to cause a player character on the screen to make a gesture. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, a case where the player P1 makes the character 201 make a gesture will be described as an example. As described above, the player P1 presses a predetermined operation key while pressing the L2 button 41a of the keypad 30a, so that the player character 1
An operation command signal for causing the 01 to perform a gesture can be input from the keypad 30a to the control device 2a (step S100). The gesture corresponding to the operation of the keypad 30a includes a response operation for giving an answer and an emotion expressing operation for showing an emotion. The type of gesture (response operation or emotion expression operation) specified by the operation command signal is determined by the main control unit 11a of the control device 2a (step S200). As a result, when it is determined that the response operation has been commanded, the response operation process is executed (step S300), and when it is determined that the emotion expression operation has been commanded, the emotion expression operation process is executed (step S300).
400).

The response operation process and the emotion expression operation process will be described below with reference to FIGS.
Here, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are flowcharts showing the response operation processing and the emotion expression operation processing executed by the video game apparatus 1, respectively.

First, the response operation process will be described with reference to FIG. 12, taking as an example a case where the player P1 instructs the character 201 to perform a response operation. Player P1 is L
While pressing the 2 button 41a, the upper end of the cross key 31a,
When an operation command is input by pressing the lower end, the right end, or the left end, a response operation process is started in the video game device 1a. As a result, the video game device 1a sets the character 2 corresponding to the part of the pressed cross key 31a.
After transmitting the operation notification signal designating the gesture of No. 01 to the game server (step S302), the player P1
61 of the display device 6a in accordance with the operation command
The self-character 201 displayed on “a” performs a response operation (step S304). For example, when the action command is a command for a negative action, as shown in FIG. 5, the own character 201 performs a negative action of shaking his or her head on the screen. Animation data used to cause the character 201 to perform a response operation is recorded in the CD-ROM 4a in advance, and is read into the RAM 12a as appropriate. When the response operation of the own character 201 ends, a standard image of the own character 201 is displayed, and thereby the own character 201 regains the standard expression (step S306).
The transmission of the operation notification signal to the game server (step S302) may be performed after or during execution of the response operation of the own character 201.

The game server, which has received the operation notification signal from the video game device 1a, sends the character 201 to all the video game devices 1 operating the player character located within a predetermined distance from the character 201 making the gesture in the virtual space. Transfer the operation notification signal relating to Since the character 202 of the player P2 is located within a predetermined distance from the character 201, the operation notification signal is also transferred to the video game device 1b of the player P2.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a process executed when the video game apparatus 1 receives an operation notification signal transmitted from another video game apparatus 1 from the game server. When the video game device 1b used by the player P2 receives from the game server a motion notification signal designating a motion instructed by the player P1 to the character 201 (Step S502), the type of the motion is determined (Step S504). Player P1 is character 20
If it is determined that the action instructed to be the response action is a response action, the character 201 displayed on the screen 61 of the output device 6b performs the response action (step S50).
6). Animation data used to cause the character 201 to perform a response operation is also recorded on the CD-ROM 4b, and is read into the RAM 4b as appropriate. When the response operation ends, a standard image of the character 201 is displayed (Step S516). As described above, upon receiving the operation notification of the other character operated by the other video game device 1, the video game device 1 causes the other character to perform a response operation, and then changes the image of the other character to a standard image, Make the other characters regain their standard expression.

Next, the player P2 watching the negative operation of the character 201 operated by the player P1 (see FIG. 5).
In this case, an emotion expression operation process (step S4 in FIG. 11) will be described with reference to FIG.
00) will be described.

When the player P2 presses the ボ タ ン button 32, the △ button 33, the ボ タ ン button 34 or the × button 35 while pressing the L2 button 41b to input an operation command, the emotion expressing operation process is started in the video game device 1b.
As a result, the video game device 1b transmits an operation notification signal designating the operation of the character 202 corresponding to the pressed button to the game server (step S40).
2) The player character 20 displayed on the screen 61b of the display device 6b according to an operation command from the player P2.
2 performs an emotion expression operation (step S404). Animation data necessary for causing the character 202 to perform an emotional expression operation is recorded in the CD-ROM 4b in advance, and is read into the RAM 12b as appropriate. Transmission of the operation notification signal to the game server (step S402)
Performs the emotional expression operation of the character 202,
Alternatively, it may be performed during execution.

The game server, which has received the operation notification signal from the video game device 1b, notifies all the video game devices 1 operating the player characters located within a predetermined distance from the character 202 in the virtual space of the operation notification regarding the character 202. Transfer the signal. As a result, the operation notification signal is also transferred to the video game device 1a of the player P1.

Referring again to FIG. When the video game device 1a receives from the game server a motion notification signal designating a motion instructed by the player P2 to the character 202 (step S502), the type of the motion is determined (step S504). In this example, it is determined that the action instructed by the player P2 to the character 202 is an emotion expressing action, and the video game device 1a determines the emotion specified by the action notification signal for the character 202 displayed on the screen 61a of the output device 6a. An expression operation is performed (step S50)
8). For example, when the anger emotion expression operation is instructed by the player P2, as shown in FIG.
The character 202 makes a gesture of anger on the screen 61a of the output device 6a used by the character 1.

Referring back to FIG. When the emotion expression operation of the character 202 on the output device 6b used by the player P2 ends, the video game device 1b starts measuring a preset expression duration (step S40).
6). Next, the video game device 1b checks whether or not the pressing of the L2 button 41b performed when the operation command is input has been released (step S408).

If it is determined that the pressing of the L2 button 41b is continued (step S408: NO route),
Emotion expression button 32b, 33b, 34b or 35b
Is determined again (step S41).
0). When it is determined that any of the emotion expression buttons is pressed (step S410: YES route), the process returns to step S402, and the video game device 1b specifies a gesture corresponding to the pressed emotion expression button. After transmitting the action notification signal to the game server (step S402), the player character 202 is caused to perform an emotional expression action again (step S404). As described above, the player causes the player character to perform the emotion expression operation continuously by pressing the L2 button 41 and pressing the emotion expression button again after the player character performs the emotion expression operation. Can be.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the emotion expression button has not been pressed (step S410: NO route)
Is determined whether the expression duration has elapsed (step S412). If it is determined that the expression duration has not elapsed (step S412: NO route), the process returns to step S408. If it is determined that the expression duration has elapsed (step S412: YES route), the image of the own character is changed to the standard image (step S420). Therefore, if the emotion expression operation is not performed continuously, after the character performs the emotion expression operation, the facial expression corresponding to the operation is maintained until the expression duration elapses, and when the expression duration elapses,
Your character regains the standard expression.

If it is determined in step S408 that the pressing of the L2 button 41b has been released (step S408: YES route), the pressing of the L2 button 41b again is waited until the expression duration time elapses.
That is, the video game device 1b determines whether or not the L2 button 41b is pressed (step S414), and determines that the L2 button 41b is not pressed (step S414).
414: NO route), it is determined whether the expression duration has elapsed (step S416). If it is determined that the expression duration has elapsed (step S416: YES route), the image of the own character 202 is changed to the standard image (step S420). When it is determined that the expression duration has not elapsed (step S416: NO route)
Returns to the step S414, and returns to the L2 button 41b.
Is checked again.

When it is determined that the L2 button 41b has been pressed (step S414: YES route), the video game device 1b sends an operation release notification signal notifying that the emotional expression operation of the character 202 should be released, to the game server. (Step S418), and then changes the image of the own character 202 to a standard image (step S42).
0). As a result, the self-character 202 that has performed the emotional expression operation regains the standard expression. As described above, after instructing the emotion expression operation of the own character, the player once releases the pressing of the L2 button 41 and then again releases the L2 button 4.
By pressing 1, it is possible to cause the own character to regain the standard expression without waiting for the elapse of the expression duration. Step S418 and step S420 may be reversed.

In step S418, the video game device 1b
When the game server receives the operation release notification of the character 202 transmitted from the game server, the operation release notification is transferred to all the video game apparatuses 1 operating the characters located within a predetermined distance from the character 202 in the virtual space. Thereby, the video game device 1 of the player P1
The operation notification signal is also transferred to a.

Referring back to FIG. The video game device 1a used by the player P1 causes the character 202 of the player P2 to perform an emotional expression operation in step S508, and then starts timing of a preset expression duration (step S510). Thereafter, the video game device 1a displays the character 202 until the expression duration has elapsed.
And waits for the reception of the operation release notification signal. That is, the video game device 1a determines whether or not an operation release notification signal relating to the character 202 has been received from the game server (step S512). If it is determined that the signal has not been received (step S512: NO route), the expression It is determined whether or not the duration has elapsed (step S51).
4). If it is determined that the expression duration has not elapsed (step S514: NO route), step S512 is performed.
The process returns to. On the other hand, when it is determined that the motion cancellation notification signal has been received (step S512: YES route) or when the expression duration has elapsed (step S514: YES route), the image of the character 202 is the standard image. (Step S516). As described above, when the video game device 1 receives the operation release notification of the other character operated by the other video game device 1 from the game server, the video game device 1 converts the image of the other character into the standard image without waiting for the elapse of the expression duration. To make the other characters regain the standard expression. This allows
When one player performs an operation of canceling the emotion expression operation of the character, the operation of the character is also canceled on the video game device 1 used by another player.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the player can make his / her own character perform a gesture by a simple operation of pressing the operation key of the input device, thereby making it possible to give an answer and express an emotion. In addition, since the player can see a gesture performed by another player's character on the screen, the player can know the reaction and emotion of the other player from the gesture. Players can communicate with each other only through gestures performed by the player characters.

As described above, the present invention has been specifically described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the steps of a method according to the present invention can be rearranged without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the present invention has been described in relation to a home game apparatus. However, the present invention can be applied to a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer, an arcade game machine, and the like.

In the above embodiment, the display device, the input device, and the control device are separated, but the present invention can be applied to a video game device in which the display device, the input device, and the control device are integrated. is there.

In the above embodiment, a CD-ROM is used as a computer-readable recording medium for recording a game program and data. However, the recording medium is not limited to a CD-ROM, but may be a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a ROM.
Other magnetic or optical recording media such as a card, which can be read by a computer, or a semiconductor memory may be used. Furthermore, a program or data for realizing the present invention may be provided by a method preinstalled in a storage device of a game machine or a computer in advance.

A program and data for realizing the present invention are transmitted by the communication interface 17 shown in FIG.
It may be downloaded from another device on the network 100 connected via the communication line 99 to the HDD 18 and used. Also, programs and data are recorded in the memory of another device on the communication line 99, and the programs and data are stored in the RAM 12 via the communication line 99 as necessary.
It is also possible to read and use them sequentially.

A program and data providing form for realizing the present invention may be provided as a computer data signal superimposed on a carrier wave from another device on the network 100. For example, the control device 2
Requests the transmission of a computer data signal from the communication interface 17 to another device on the communication network 100 via the communication line 99, receives the transmitted computer data signal, and stores the received computer data signal in the RAM 12. It may be realized.

[0070]

According to the present invention, the player can make his / her own character make a gesture by pressing the operation key of the input device, and the gesture can be shown to other players. Can also give answers and express emotions with simple operations.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a video game device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a plan view showing a keypad;
(B) is a rear view showing the keypad.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game system using a network.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the video game device.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the video game device.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the video game device.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the video game device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 video game device, 2 control device, 3 input device,
4 ... CD-ROM, 5 ... memory card, 6 ... output device,
11: Main control unit, 12: RAM, 13: Interface unit, 14: Sound processing unit, 15: Graphic processing unit, 16: CD-ROM drive, 17: Communication interface, 18: Hard disk drive, 19: Bus,
99: communication line, 100: communication network.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C001 AA00 AA11 BA02 BC05 CA01 CB00 CB01 CB04 CB06 CB08 CC02 5B050 AA00 BA06 BA12 CA08 EA19 FA02 5B057 AA20 BA26 CA16 CB16 CC01 CE08

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A computer-readable recording medium that records a video game program that allows a plurality of players to operate respective characters in a common virtual space by operating an input device, respectively. When the video game program is read by a computer capable of connecting to a server via a network, the player operates the video game program in response to pressing a predetermined operation key of an input device of the computer. An operation of designating a gesture of another character operated by another player while transmitting an operation notification signal designating the gesture to the server while causing the own character in the screen to perform the gesture assigned to the operation key. When a notification signal is received from the server, the other A recording medium for causing the computer to execute a gesture designated by the action notification signal of the character. 2. The method of causing the player character to perform a gesture in response to the player pressing a predetermined operation key of an input device, the method comprising: responding to the player pressing a first operation key of the input device. Causing the player character to perform a gesture indicating a positive will, and in response to a player pressing a second operation key of the input device, causing the player character to perform a gesture indicating a negative will. The recording medium according to claim 1, comprising: 3. The input device includes: a circle operation key having a circle on its surface; a triangle operation key having a triangle on its surface;
A square operation key having a square mark on the surface thereof, and a cross operation key having a cross mark formed on the surface, wherein the player's own character responds to pressing of a predetermined operation key of the input device by the player. Performing a gesture in response to the player pressing the round operation key, causing the player's own character to perform a gesture expressing an emotion of joy, and responding to the player pressing the triangle operation key. Causing the player character to perform a gesture expressing an emotion of anger, and in response to the player pressing the square operation key, causing the player character to perform a gesture expressing an emotion of surprise. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: causing the character to perform a gesture expressing sadness in response to pressing a key. Recording medium. 4. The method of causing the player's character to perform a gesture in response to the player pressing a predetermined operation key of an input device includes performing a different gesture in accordance with the number of times the operation key is pressed. Let
It involves expressing emotions in stages,
The recording medium according to claim 1. 5. The video game program, upon receiving from the server an operation notification signal designating a gesture of another character operated by another player, displays a face image representing the expression of the other character in a zoomed-up manner. The recording medium according to claim 1, further causing the computer to execute the following. 6. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 6, wherein the program of the video game, when receiving from the server an operation notification signal designating a gesture of another character operated by another player, displays a sign indicating an emotion represented by the gesture. 2. The recording medium according to claim 1, further comprising: 7. The display of the sign indicating the emotion includes:
7. The recording medium according to claim 6, wherein a sign having an appearance according to a type and a degree of the emotion represented by the gesture is displayed. 8. A video game program that allows a plurality of players to operate respective characters in a common virtual space by operating respective input devices, the program being connected to a server via a network. In response to the player pressing a predetermined operation key of the input device of the computer, the gesture assigned to the operation key is given to the own character in the screen operated by the player when read by the computer capable of When the operation notification signal specifying the gesture of another character operated by another player is received from the server while transmitting the operation notification signal specifying the gesture to the server, the other character in the screen is displayed. Performing the gesture specified by the operation notification signal. A video game program to be run on a computer. 9. The method of causing the player character to perform a gesture in response to the player pressing a predetermined operation key of an input device, the method comprising: responding to the player pressing a first operation key of the input device. Causing the player character to perform a gesture indicating a positive will, and in response to a player pressing a second operation key of the input device, causing the player character to perform a gesture indicating a negative will. The video game program according to claim 8, further comprising: 10. The input device includes: a circle operation key having a circle on the surface; a triangle operation key having a triangle on the surface; a square operation key having a square on the surface; The player has a cross operation key marked with a cross mark, and causing the player character to perform a gesture in response to the player pressing a predetermined operation key of the input device, wherein the player operates the round operation key. In response to pressing, the player character makes a gesture expressing joy feeling, and in response to the player pressing the triangular operation key, causing the player character to perform a gesture expressing anger feeling. Responding to the player pressing the square operation key, causing the player's own character to perform a gesture expressing an emotion of surprise, and responding to the player pressing the cross operation key. Te, wherein to perform gestures to express feelings of sadness to the player character, and includes the claim 8, wherein the video game program. 11. The method of causing the player's character to perform a gesture in response to the player pressing a predetermined operation key of an input device includes performing a different gesture in accordance with the number of times the operation key is pressed. 9. The video game program according to claim 8, comprising causing the user to perform emotions in stages. 12. Upon receiving from the server an operation notification signal designating a gesture of another character operated by another player, the computer further executes a face image representing a zoomed-up expression of the expression of the other character on the computer. 9. The video game program according to claim 8, wherein 13. The computer according to claim 8, further comprising, upon receiving from the server an operation notification signal designating a gesture of another character operated by another player, displaying a sign indicating an emotion represented by the gesture. The video game program described. 14. The video game program according to claim 13, wherein displaying the sign indicating the emotion displays a sign having an appearance in accordance with a type and a degree of the emotion represented by the gesture. 15. A computer-readable storage medium storing a video game program capable of operating each character in a common virtual space by a plurality of players operating input devices, respectively, and a network. A video game device that can be connected to a server via a computer, reads the program from the recording medium and executes the program, and an input device connected to the computer. In response to pressing a predetermined operation key of the input device, the player makes his / her character in the screen operated by the player perform a gesture assigned to the operation key, and transmits a signal notifying the gesture to the server. While other players operate the characters of other characters. When the operation notice signal designating a Sucha received from the server, the operation notice signal to said another character in the screen to perform gesture specifying the video game apparatus. 16. A computer capable of connecting to a server via a network, a display device and an input device connected to the computer, and a player using the computer and another computer using another computer. A method for controlling a video game device, wherein a video game screen capable of operating each character in a common virtual space by a player operating an input device on the display device, comprising: Responds to pressing of a predetermined operation key of the input device, causes the player's own character in the screen operated by the player to perform a gesture assigned to the operation key, and sends a signal notifying the gesture to the server. While transmitting, specify gestures of other characters operated by other players When the operation notice signal received from the server, to perform the gesture other characters its operation notification signal specifies in the screen, it causes the computer to perform the video game apparatus control method.