JP2005095511A - Game system and game processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce waiting time of a player during data loading in a game system performing game processing using data read out from a recording medium. <P>SOLUTION: A first game machine 16 first reads out a game program, game data on the ground, and game data for dungeons from a DVD 14, performs game processing based on the read-out game program, and shows game pictures on a television monitor 10. The first game machine 16 transmits the game data for dungeons to a second game machine 22 while performing the game processing since the start of the game processing. When a player character goes into the dungeon during a game, the second game machine 22 shows game pictures on an LCD 24 using the game data for dungeons received from the first game machine 16. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system and a game processing method, and more particularly to a game system and a game processing method that execute game processing using data read from a recording medium.

The size of game data and the like has increased due to the complexity of game content and the advancement of game images, and a certain amount of time may be required to load game data from a recording medium to a memory or the like of a game device. In this case, the player will be kept waiting during the loading time, and may be frustrated by feeling motivated for the game or spending extra time. Even when the size of the game data is not so large, the same applies to the case where the data transfer speed from the recording medium or the like to the memory of the game device is slow. An invention for solving such a problem is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The reading method disclosed in Patent Document 1 records game data for a main game and game data for a secondary game such as a mini game on a recording medium, and stores the game data for a secondary game. The game data for the main game is read and executed in advance, and the main game is executed after the execution of the secondary game is completed. By such a reading method, the game data for the main game can be read while the secondary game is being executed, so that the player waits while the game data for the main game is being read. There is no frustration.
Japanese Patent No. 2742394

  However, in the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, a mini game is played before the main game. However, this mini game is originally not necessary for playing the main game, and an extra game is played. The player may feel that he is. The player wants to play the main game, and it may be painful to play a different game.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following configuration. Note that reference numerals in parentheses indicate correspondence with embodiments described later to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

The game system according to claim 1 of the present invention is a game system including a first game machine (16) and a second game machine (22) connected to be communicable. The first game machine has a reading means (28, S10), a game executing means (28, S16), a parallel loading means (28, S18), a judging means (28, S40) and a requesting means (28, S42, S60). Including. The reading means reads the first game machine game program (58) and the second game machine game data (84, 100, 102) from the recording medium. The game executing means executes game processing based on the first game machine game program read by the reading means. The parallel loading means is a process that is started substantially at the same time as the game execution means starts the game process and is executed in parallel with the game process. The parallel load process for transferring from one game machine to the second game machine is started. The judging means judges whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game realized by the game executing means. The requesting unit requests the second game machine to execute a predetermined process using the game data for the second game machine after the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied. The second game machine includes process execution means (48, S80) for executing the predetermined process in response to a request from the first game machine.
The “recording medium” is a computer-readable recording medium, and includes various media such as a DVD, a CD-ROM, a cartridge containing a semiconductor memory, a card medium, a magneto-optical disk, and a magnetic disk. When a program and data (image data, map data, etc.) are necessary to execute the second game, the program is read before the first game starts, and only the data is executed in parallel with the execution of the first game. You may make it read with a 2nd reading means. Further, a part of the program or data may be read before the start of the first game, and the remaining program or data may be read by the second reading means.

  The game system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the game system according to the first aspect, wherein the second game machine is a plurality of second games (first in-dungeon game, second in-dungeon game) according to a predetermined condition. The game data for the second game machine includes common data (86) common to a plurality of second games and individual data (94 different for each of the plurality of second games). ), The process execution means executes a process related to one of the plurality of second games, and the parallel load means transfers the common data to the second game machine. The first game machine has individual load means (48, S42) for transferring the individual data from the first game machine to the second game machine according to the condition when the judging means judges that the predetermined condition is satisfied. Characterized in that it comprises the al.

  The game system according to claim 3 of the present invention is the game system according to claim 1, wherein a game space (FIG. 5) and a player character (108) capable of moving in the game space during the game realized by the game execution means. The predetermined condition is that the player character reaches a predetermined point (110a, 110b) in the game space, and the player character can reach the predetermined point after the game execution means starts the game process. The game space is configured such that the shortest time is longer than the time required for the parallel loading means to complete the parallel loading process.

  The game system according to claim 4 of the present invention is the game system according to claim 1, wherein a game space (FIG. 5) and a player character (108) capable of moving in the game space during the game realized by the game execution means. The predetermined condition is that the player character reaches a predetermined point (110a, 110b) in the game space, and the first game machine has display control means for causing the display means (10) to display an image. (28, S62), and the display control means displays an object having a different display mode (FIGS. 18 and 21) at a predetermined point depending on whether or not the parallel load process by the parallel load means is completed, and executes the process. If the object of the display mode when the parallel loading process is not completed is displayed at a predetermined point, the predetermined process is performed. Characterized in that it does not run.

  The game system according to claim 5 of the present invention is the game system according to claim 1, wherein a game space (FIG. 5) and a player character (108) capable of moving in the game space during the game realized by the game execution means. The predetermined condition is that the player character reaches a predetermined point (110a, 110b) in the game space, and the first game machine has display control means for causing the display means (10) to display an image. (28, S62), and the display control means outputs a predetermined message when the player character tries to reach the predetermined point before completion of the parallel loading process by the parallel loading means (FIG. 23 (a)). Displayed on the display means (FIG. 23 (c)), the process execution means displays the predetermined process when the predetermined message is displayed. Characterized in that it does not run.

  A game system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the game system according to the first aspect, wherein the second game machine includes operation means (26), and the first game machine receives operation data indicating a state of the operation means as the second game Further includes means (28, S12) for reading the operation program (80) for transferring from the game machine to the first game machine from the recording medium and transferring it to the second game machine prior to the start of the game processing by the game execution means. The second game machine further includes means (48, S24) for executing the operation program transferred from the first game machine and transferring the operation data to the first game machine, and the game execution means includes the second game machine. The game processing is executed based on the operation data transferred from.

  The game system according to claim 7 of the present invention includes a recording medium (14), a first reading means (28, S118), a first game executing means (28, S122), a second reading means (28, S124), and a judging means. (28, S40) and second game execution means (28, S122). To execute the first game data (game program and data) for executing the first game (game developed on the ground map) and the second game (game developed on the dungeon map) on the recording medium Second game data (game program and data, or only data) is recorded. The first reading means reads the first game data from the recording medium. The first game executing means executes the first game based on the first game data read by the first reading means. The second reading means executes the first game by the first game execution means in the start time zone (including the time zone in which the menu is displayed) after the first game execution means has started execution of the first game. In parallel with the execution, the second game data is read from the recording medium. The determination means determines that the situation of the first game executed based on the first game satisfies a predetermined condition. The second game executing means executes the second game based on the second game data when the determining means determines that the condition of the first game satisfies a predetermined condition.

  The game system according to claim 8 of the present invention is the game system according to claim 7, wherein the second reading means reads the second game data for the shortest time from the start of the first game until the predetermined condition is satisfied. It is characterized in that it is set longer than the time required for.

  The game system according to claim 9 of the present invention is the game system according to claim 7, wherein the first game is a game that progresses as the player character moves on the game map (FIG. 5), and the second game is the player character. Is a game that is executed when reaching a predetermined point (110a, 110b) on the game map (FIG. 6), and the shortest time from the start of the first game until the player character reaches the predetermined point is The second reading means is set longer than the time required for reading the second game data.

  A game system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the game system according to the seventh aspect, wherein the second game includes a plurality of games (first dungeon and second dungeon) executed according to the predetermined condition, The game data includes common data (86) common to the plurality of second games and individual data (94) different for each of the plurality of second games, and the second reading means stores the common data Read. The game system further includes third reading means (28, S128) for reading individual data from the recording medium according to the condition of the first game when the condition of the first game satisfies a predetermined condition. The means is characterized in that the second game is executed based on the common data read by the second reading means and the individual data read by the third reading means.

  The game system according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the game system according to the seventh aspect, wherein a game space (FIG. 5) and a player character (movable in the game space) can be moved during the game realized by the first game execution means. 108), and the predetermined condition is that the player character reaches a predetermined point (110a) in the game space, and the player character can reach the predetermined point after the first game execution means starts the game process. The game space is configured such that the shortest time is longer than the time until the second reading means completes the reading of the second game data.

  A game system according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the game system according to the seventh aspect, wherein during the game realized by the first game execution means, a game space (FIG. 5) and a player character that can move in the game space ( 108), and the predetermined condition is that the player character reaches a predetermined point (110a) in the game space, and the game system displays a display control unit (10) for displaying an image on the display unit (10). 28, S62), and the display control means displays an object having a different display mode (FIGS. 18 and 21) at a predetermined point depending on whether or not the reading of the second game data by the second reading means is completed, The second game execution means is an object having a display mode when reading of the second game data by the second reading means is not completed. There is characterized in that it does not run if it is displayed on the predetermined point, the second game.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to the seventh aspect, during the game realized by the first game execution means, a game space (FIG. 5) and a player character that can move in the game space ( 108), and the predetermined condition is that the player character reaches a predetermined point (110a) in the game space, and the game system displays a display control unit (10) for displaying an image on the display unit (10). 28, S62), and the display control means is predetermined when the player character tries to reach the predetermined point before the completion of reading of the second game data by the second reading means (FIG. 23 (a)). Is displayed on the display means (FIG. 23 (c)), and the second game execution means displays the predetermined message. , Characterized in that it does not execute the second game.

  According to the game system of claim 1 of the present invention, in a game system in which a plurality of game machines are linked, while the game is being executed on one game machine, the game data for the other game machine is read. Thus, the game can be started smoothly.

  According to the game system of claim 2 of the present invention, the game data common to the plurality of game spaces is transferred from the first game machine to the second game machine by the parallel loading process, so that the second game machine can play the first game. The waiting time of the player when executing the process requested by the machine can be shortened, and at the same time, the time for the parallel loading process is shortened compared to the case where individual game data is also transferred to each game space by the parallel loading process. can do.

  According to the game system of claim 3 of the present invention, it is guaranteed that the transfer of the game data for the second game machine is completed before the second game machine starts the processing requested from the first game machine. .

  According to the game system of claim 4 of the present invention, it is possible to limit the player character from reaching the predetermined point until the parallel loading process is completed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the player after the player character reaches the predetermined point until the second game machine starts the processing requested from the first game machine. Further, since the display mode of the predetermined point changes when the parallel loading process is completed, the player can recognize that the parallel loading process is completed even when the player character is at a position away from the predetermined point.

  According to the game system of the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to limit the player character so as not to reach the predetermined point until the parallel loading process is completed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the player after the player character reaches the predetermined point until the second game machine starts the processing requested from the first game machine. Further, since the message is displayed not when the parallel loading process is completed but when the player character tries to reach a predetermined point, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to notice the existence of the parallel loading process.

  According to the game system of claim 6 of the present invention, it is not necessary to provide a separate controller by using the operation means provided in the second game machine for the game operation of the first game machine.

  The game content is complicated, and there is game data that is necessary only when a predetermined condition is satisfied in one game. According to the game system of claim 7 of the present invention, by omitting reading of such game data before the game starts, game data for starting the first game (main game) can be obtained in a relatively short time. By reading, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the player and to make the player feel irritated. Further, by reading such game data in the start time zone after the execution of the first game is started, when such game data becomes necessary when a predetermined condition is satisfied, There can be no waiting time for.

  According to the game system of claim 8 of the present invention, the second game can be smoothly started by reading the game data necessary for executing the second game before the second game starts.

  According to the game system of claim 9 of the present invention, it is ensured that the reading of the game data necessary for executing the second game is completed before the second game is started.

  According to the game system of claim 10 of the present invention, the size of the game data for the second game to be read in the start time zone after the start of the first game can be made relatively small, and the load of reading can be reduced. . This is also effective when the memory capacity of the reading destination is small.

  According to the game system of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is guaranteed that the reading of the second game data is completed before the second game execution means starts executing the second game.

  According to the game system of the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to limit the player character from reaching the predetermined point until the reading of the second game data by the second reading means is completed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the player from when the player character reaches the predetermined point until the second game starts. In addition, since the display mode of the predetermined point changes when the reading of the second game data is completed, the player recognizes that the reading of the second game data is completed even when the player character is away from the predetermined point. be able to.

  According to the game system of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to limit the player character from reaching the predetermined point until the reading of the second game data by the second reading means is completed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the player from when the player character reaches the predetermined point until the second game starts. Further, since the message is displayed when the player character tries to reach a predetermined point, not when the reading of the second game data is completed, the player is less likely to notice the presence of the reading process of the second game data. be able to.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an external view of a game system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The game system includes a first game machine 16, a second game machine 22, a cable 20 for connecting the first game machine 16 and the second game machine 22, a DVD 14, a TV monitor 10, and a first game machine 16 and a TV monitor 10. It is comprised by the cable 12 for connecting.

  The first game machine 16 is a stationary game machine having a three-dimensional image processing function, and the second game machine 22 is a portable game machine having a two-dimensional image processing function. In the drawings and the following description, the first game machine 16 is abbreviated as “GC” and the second game machine 22 is abbreviated as “AGB” as appropriate. The first game machine 16 includes a connector 18, and the second game machine 22 is connected to the connector 18 via a cable 20. A DVD 14 is replaceably attached to the first game machine 16. The video / audio output of the first game machine 16 is output to the television monitor 10 via the cable 12. The second game machine 22 includes an LCD 24 and operation switches 26a to 26c.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the first game machine 16 and the second game machine 22. In the first game machine 16, the CPU 28, RAM 30, image processing unit 38, DVD drive 32, and communication interface 34 are connected by bus. Further, an encoder 40 is connected to the image processing unit 38, and a video signal is output from the encoder 40 to the television monitor 10 via the cable 12. The communication interface 34 includes an operation data buffer 36 and is connected to the second game machine 22 via the connector 18 and the cable 20. Note that the image processing unit 38 is not necessarily required, and the CPU 28 may fulfill its function.

  The DVD 14 stores a program and data for the first game machine 16 and a program and data for the second game machine 22. A program and data for the first game machine 16 are appropriately read from the DVD 14 by the DVD drive 32 and stored in the RAM 30. The CPU 28 executes game processing based on these programs and data stored in the RAM 30. The game data generated as a result of the CPU 28 executing the game process is stored in another area of the RAM 30. The image processing unit 38 generates display data based on the data thus stored in the RAM 30 and outputs the display data to the encoder 40. The encoder 40 outputs a video signal to the television monitor 10 via the cable 12.

  Programs and data to be transmitted from the first game machine 16 to the second game machine 22 are output from the first game machine 16 from the CPU 28 via the communication interface 34, the connector 18 and the cable 20. Further, the data transmitted from the second game machine 22 to the first game machine 16 is supplied to the CPU 28 via the cable 20, the connector 18 and the communication interface 34. The operation data of the operation switch 26 (26 a to 26 c) of the second game machine 22 is transmitted via the cable 20 and the connector 18 and stored in the operation data buffer 36.

  In the second game machine 22, the CPU 48, the RAM 50, the image processing unit 52, the operation switch 26, and the communication interface 44 are bus-connected. Further, an LCD driver 54 is connected to the image processing unit 52, and the LCD 24 is connected to the LCD driver 54. Further, the communication interface 44 is connected to the first game machine 16 via the connector 42 and the cable 20.

  Of the data recorded on the DVD 14, the program and data for the second game machine 22 are read from the DVD 14 by the first game machine 16, transferred to the second game machine 22 and stored in the RAM 50 as described later. The CPU 48 reads the program and data stored in the RAM 50 and executes processing. At this time, the game data generated by the CPU 48 is stored in another area of the RAM 50. The image processing unit 52 generates display data based on the data thus stored in the RAM 50 and outputs the display data to the LCD driver 54. The LCD driver 54 drives the LCD 24 to display an image. Data to be transmitted to the first game machine 16 is transmitted from the CPU 48 via the communication interface 44, the connector 42, and the cable 20. Further, the data transmitted from the first game machine 16 is supplied to the CPU 48 via the connector 42 and the communication interface 44. Note that the image processing unit 52 is not necessarily required, and the CPU 48 may fulfill its function.

  3 and 4 are diagrams showing the contents of the DVD 14. In the DVD 14, GC game data 56, AGB game data 74, and message data 104 are recorded roughly.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the GC game data 56 includes a game program (GC) 58 for executing game processing on the first game machine 16, and data from the first game machine 16 to the second game machine 22. A parallel load program (GC) 60 for transmission, image data (GC) 62 for generating a game image to be displayed on the television monitor 10, and sound data (GC) for outputting a game sound from the television monitor 10 ) 70 and font data (GC) 72 for displaying characters on the television monitor 10.

  The image data (GC) 62 includes polygon data 64 for configuring an object arranged in the three-dimensional virtual game space, texture data 66 for applying a pattern to the polygon, and map pattern data 68.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the AGB game data 74 includes a basic program (AGB) 76 executed by the second game machine 22 and image data (AGB) 84 for generating a game image to be displayed on the LCD 24. And sound data (AGB) 100 for outputting game sound from a speaker (not shown) provided in the second game machine 22 and font data (AGB) 102 for displaying characters on the LCD 24. . The sound data (AGB) 100 includes a plurality of sound data, and each sound data is given an identification number.

  The basic program (AGB) 76 includes a display / audio output program (AGB) for displaying a game image on the LCD 24 or outputting a game sound from a speaker in response to an instruction from the first game machine 16, an operation switch 26 Includes an operation program (AGB) 80 for periodically transmitting the state of the game as operation data to the first game machine 16, and a parallel load program (AGB) 82 for receiving data from the first game machine 16. .

  The image data (AGB) 84 includes unit image data (AGB) 86 and map pattern data (AGB) 94.

  The unit image data is image data having a size of, for example, 8 × 8 pixels for forming a player character image, an enemy character image, or a background image. The unit image data (AGB) 86 includes an object image 88 for displaying a player character, an enemy character, etc., and dungeons (two dungeons of the first dungeon and the second dungeon for the game executed in this game system). A dungeon map image 90 for displaying the background of the existing) is included.

  The map pattern data is data indicating how map images are arranged to form a background image. The map pattern data (AGB) 94 includes first dungeon map pattern data 96 and second dungeon map pattern data 98.

  Hereinafter, an outline of a game realized in the game system of the present embodiment will be described.

  In this game, the player character 108 can move on the ground map shown in FIG. 5 or the dungeon map shown in FIG. The player can move the player character 108 by operating the operation switch 26 of the second game device.

  At the start of the game, the player character 108 is located at the start point 112 in FIG. In the ground map, there are two communication ports 110a and 110b that lead to the first dungeon and the second dungeon, respectively. For example, when the player character 108 reaches the contact port 110a, the player character 108 can enter the first dungeon shown in FIG. 6 through the contact port 110a.

  In this game system, the display form of the game image differs depending on whether the player character 108 exists on the ground or in the dungeon.

  Specifically, when the player character 108 is on the ground as shown in FIG. 5, an image of the area 106 centered on the player character 108 is displayed on the television monitor 10 as shown in FIG. An icon 116 indicating that the player character 108 is displayed on the television monitor 10 is flashed on the LCD 24.

  On the other hand, when the player character 108 exists in the dungeon as shown in FIG. 6, an image of the area 114 centered on the player character 108 is displayed on the LCD 24 as shown in FIG. 8B. At this time, the state of the ground world corresponding to the current position of the player character 108 (that is, the ground world existing above the dungeon) is displayed on the television monitor 10 as shown in FIG. The current position is displayed by a mark 118.

  The game image displayed on the LCD 24 is generated using the unit image data (AGB) 86 and the map pattern data (AGB) 94 as described above.

  As unit image data, object unit image data (OBJ) and background unit image data (BG) are prepared as shown in FIG. Each unit image data is numbered.

  The map pattern data is data as shown in FIG. The numbers shown in FIG. 10 indicate the numbers of background unit image data (BG). That is, “0” indicates a floor, “1” indicates a wall, “2” indicates a door, “3” indicates a staircase, and “4” indicates a connection port with the ground.

  The unit image data shown in FIG. 9 and the map pattern data shown in FIG. 10 constitute the dungeon image shown in FIG. Note that the coordinates of the player character 108 and the enemy character shown in FIG. 6 are calculated by the first game machine 16 and transmitted to the second game machine 22. Based on these coordinates, the second game machine 22 displays the player character and the enemy character on the background image as shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the game system will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the operation of the first game machine 16 will be described.

  When the power of the first game machine 16 is turned on, the CPU 28 reads the program for the first game machine (specifically, the game program (GC) 58 and the parallel load program (GC) 60) from the DVD 14 and reads the RAM 30. (S10).

  Next, the CPU 28 reads the program for the second game machine (specifically, the display / audio program (AGB) 78, the operation program (AGB) 80, and the parallel load program (AGB) 82) from the DVD 14 to read the second game. It transmits to the machine 22 (S12).

  Next, the CPU 28 selects various data (specifically, image data (GC) 62, sound data (GC) 70, font data (GC) 72, image data (AGB) 84, sound data (AGB) 100, font data). (AGB) 102 and message data 104) are read from the DVD 14 and stored in the RAM 30 (S14).

  Next, the CPU 28 starts a game process (GC) based on the game program (GC) 58 and a parallel load process (GC) based on the parallel load program (GC) 60 almost simultaneously, and executes these processes in parallel. (S16, S18). Details of the game process (GC) and the parallel load process (GC) will be described later.

  Next, the operation of the second game machine 22 will be described.

  When the power of the second game machine 22 is turned on, the CPU 48 sends a program for the second game machine (specifically, a display / audio program (AGB) 78) transmitted by the CPU 28 of the first game machine 16 in step S12. The operation program (AGB) 80 and the parallel load program (AGB) 82) are received and stored in the RAM 50 (S20).

  Next, the CPU 48 starts the parallel load process (AGB) based on the parallel load program (AGB) 82 and the operation process (AGB) based on the operation program (AGB) 80 almost simultaneously, and executes these processes in parallel. (S22, S24). When the parallel loading process (AGB) is completed, the CPU 48 executes a display / audio output process (AGB) based on the display / audio program (AGB) 78 (S26). This display / audio output process (AGB) is also executed in parallel with the operation process (AGB). The details of the parallel loading process (AGB), the operation process (AGB), and the display / audio output process (AGB) will be described later.

  Details of the game process (GC) will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

  First, the CPU 28 displays an initial screen (S28). The initial screen is not necessarily limited to the screen displaying the ground map, and may include a title screen and a menu screen.

  Next, the CPU 28 acquires operation data from the second game machine 22 (S30). Then, referring to the operation data, it is determined whether or not the cross key (operation switch 26a) is pressed (S32). If the cross key is pressed, the player character is moved (S36), and the process goes to step S40. move on. On the other hand, if the cross key is not pressed, it is further determined whether or not other keys (operation switches 26b and 26c) are pressed (S34). If the other keys are pressed, they are pressed. The process corresponding to the key that has been performed is performed (S38), and the process proceeds to step S40. If no other key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S40.

  In step S40, the CPU 28 determines whether or not the player character 108 has entered the dungeon from the ground. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the player character 108 has reached one of the communication ports 110a and 110b on the ground. When the player character 108 enters the dungeon from the ground, map pattern data (first dungeon map pattern data 96 or second dungeon map pattern data 98) corresponding to the dungeon in which the player character 108 enters is stored in the first dungeon. 2 is transmitted to the game machine 22 (S42), and proceeds to step S44. On the other hand, in other cases (when the player character 108 is on the ground and has not reached any of the contact ports 110a and 110b, and when the player character 108 is already in the dungeon), the process directly proceeds to step S44.

  In step S44, the CPU 28 determines whether or not the player character 108 has come out of the dungeon. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the player character 108 has reached one of the communication ports 110a and 110b in the dungeon. Then, when the player character 108 comes out of the dungeon, map display end instruction data for ending the map display (FIG. 8B) is transmitted to the second game machine 22 (S46), and step S48. Proceed to On the other hand, in other cases (when the player character 108 is in a dungeon and has not reached any of the contact ports 110a and 110b, and when the player character 108 is already on the ground), the process proceeds directly to step S48.

  In step S <b> 48, the CPU 28 determines whether a message should be displayed on the LCD 24. For example, when the player character 108 speaks to another character in the dungeon, the content needs to be displayed on the LCD 24, so the CPU 28 determines that a message should be displayed on the LCD 24. If it is determined that a message should be displayed on the LCD 24, message data corresponding to the message to be displayed is transmitted to the second game machine 22 (S50), and the process proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if it is not necessary to display a message on the LCD 24, the process directly proceeds to step S52. A message may be displayed not only when the player character 108 is in the dungeon but also when it is on the ground.

  In step S <b> 52, the CPU 28 determines whether to output a game sound from the speaker of the second game machine 22. When it is determined that the game sound should be output from the speaker of the second game machine 22, the number of the game sound to be output is transmitted to the second game machine 22 (S54), and step S56 (FIG. 13). ) On the other hand, if it is not necessary to output the game sound from the speaker of the second game machine 22, the process directly proceeds to step S56. Note that sound output may be performed not only when the player character 108 is in the dungeon but also when it is on the ground.

  In step S56, the CPU 28 performs enemy character movement processing.

  Next, the CPU 28 determines whether or not the player character 108 is in a dungeon (S58). When the player character 108 is in the dungeon, the position of the object (player character 108, enemy character, etc.) to be displayed on the LCD 24 and the map display position (the position of the upper left corner of the area 114 in FIG. 6) are displayed. 2 is transmitted to the game machine 22 (S60), and proceeds to step S62. On the other hand, if the player character 108 is on the ground, the process proceeds to step S62.

  In step S <b> 62, the CPU 28 generates a game image and displays a game screen on the television monitor 10. At this time, when the player character 108 is on the ground, an image of the player character 108 is displayed as shown in FIG. 7A, but when the player character 108 is in a dungeon, it is shown in FIG. In this way, the mark 118 is displayed instead of the player character 108.

  Next, the CPU 28 determines whether or not the game has ended (S64). If the game has ended, in step S66, the CPU 28 transmits game end notification data for notifying that the game has ended to the second game machine 22, and ends the game process (GC). On the other hand, if the game has not ended, the process returns to step S30.

  Hereinafter, the details of the parallel load processing (GC) will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 28 transmits unit image data (AGB) 86, sound data (AGB) 100, and font data (AGB) 102 stored in the RAM 30 to the second game machine 22 (S68). As a modification of the present embodiment, a plurality of dungeon map images 90 included in the unit image data (AGB) 86 are prepared according to the course, and a corresponding dungeon map image is obtained according to the user's course selection. It may be selected and loaded in parallel.

  Next, the CPU 28 determines whether or not the transmission of all the data has been completed (S70). If transmission of all data has been completed, the parallel load process (GC) is terminated. On the other hand, if transmission of all data has not been completed, the process returns to step S68.

  Hereinafter, the details of the parallel load processing (AGB) will be described with reference to FIG. This is a process corresponding to the parallel load process (GC).

  First, the CPU 48 receives unit image data (AGB) 84, sound data (AGB) 100, and font data (AGB) 102 transferred from the first game machine 16, and stores them in the RAM 50 (S72).

  Next, the CPU 48 determines whether or not reception of all the data has been completed (S74). If the reception of all data has been completed, the parallel load process (AGB) is terminated. On the other hand, if reception of all data has not been completed, the process returns to step S72.

  Details of the operation process (AGB) will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the operation process (AGB), the CPU 48 periodically repeats the process of transmitting operation data indicating the state of the operation switch 26 operated by the player to the first game machine 16 (S76).

  Details of the display / audio output processing (AGB) will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 48 determines whether or not the object position and the map display position have been received from the first game machine 16 (S78). When the object position and the map display position are received, the information, the unit image data (84) stored in the RAM 50 by the parallel load process (AGB), and the map pattern stored in the RAM 50 in step S84 described later. Based on the data, an object such as a player character or enemy character and a map (background) are displayed on the LCD 24 (S80), and the process proceeds to step S82. On the other hand, if the object position and the map display position have not been received, the process proceeds directly to step S82.

  In step S <b> 82, the CPU 48 determines whether map pattern data (first dungeon map pattern data 96 or second dungeon map pattern data 98) has been received from the first game machine 16. When the map pattern data is received, the map pattern data is stored in the RAM 50 (S84), and the process proceeds to step S86. On the other hand, if the map pattern data has not been received, the process proceeds directly to step S86.

  In step S <b> 86, the CPU 48 determines whether message data has been received from the first game machine 16. When the message data is received, the message is displayed on the LCD 24 based on the message data and the font data (AGB) 102 stored in the RAM 50 by the parallel load processing (AGB) (S88), and the process proceeds to step S90. . On the other hand, if no message data has been received, the process proceeds directly to step S90.

  In step S <b> 90, the CPU 48 determines whether a sound number has been received from the first game machine 16. When the sound number is received, the game sound is output from the speaker based on the sound data specified by the sound number among the plurality of sound data stored in the RAM 50 by the parallel load processing (AGB) ( S92), the process proceeds to step S94. On the other hand, if no sound number has been received, the process proceeds to step S94.

  In step S94, the CPU 48 determines whether map display end instruction data has been received from the first game machine 16. When the map display end instruction data is received, the map display as shown in FIG. 8B is ended (S96), and the process proceeds to step S98. Note that, after the map display is ended in step S96, an image as shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the map display end instruction data has not been received, the process proceeds directly to step S98.

  In step S <b> 98, the CPU 48 determines whether game end notification data has been received from the first game machine 16. When the game end notification data is received, the display / audio output process (AGB) is ended. On the other hand, if the game end notification data has not been received, the process returns to step S78.

  As described above, in this embodiment, in a game system in which a plurality of game machines are linked, while the game process is started and executed on the first game machine 16, By transferring the game data for the two game machines 22 from the first game machine 16 to the second game machine 22, the player character 108 reaches the contact point for the dungeon and then is displayed on the LCD 24 of the second game machine 22. The waiting time of the player until the game screen is displayed is greatly shortened. In particular, when the data transfer rate via the cable 20 is slow, it takes a lot of time compared to reading data from a recording medium, and the effect is great.

  In the present embodiment, individual data such as the first dungeon map pattern data 96 and the second dungeon map pattern data 98 is not transferred in advance by the parallel loading process, but is stored in the player. By transferring from the first game machine 16 to the second game machine 22 when the character 108 reaches the contact point to the dungeon, the time required for the parallel loading process is reduced and the memory of the second game machine 22 is saved. become.

  By the way, if the player character 108 reaches the contact port 110a or the contact port 110b to the dungeon before the parallel loading process is completed, a normal game image is displayed on the LCD 24 until the parallel loading process is completed. Since it cannot be done, it will make a player wait. Conventionally, in such a case, no image is displayed on the LCD 24, or a message or an image “Please wait for a while” is displayed to make the player wait. However, such a conventional method gives the player a feeling of being “waited”, resulting in a reduction in the concentration of the player. Also, by showing an image unrelated to the game, the player is pulled back from the game world to the real world. Therefore, in this embodiment, the occurrence of such a problem is prevented by any one of the following three methods. The main point of these methods is that the player character 108 does not reach any contact port until the parallel loading process is completed.

(First method)
The first method is that the shortest time that the player character 108 can reach the contact point to any dungeon after the first game machine 16 starts the game process is longer than the time required for the parallel loading process. This is a method of constructing a ground map. That is, in order to prevent the player character 108 from reaching any of the contact points between the time when the first game machine 16 starts the game process and the completion of the parallel loading process, The positions of the contact ports 110a and 110b are set in advance. At this time, the time related to the title screen or menu screen of the game displayed on the television monitor 10 when the first game machine 16 starts the game process may be taken into consideration.

  As described above, according to the first method, it is ensured that the parallel loading process is completed before the player character 108 reaches the contact port (that is, enters the dungeon). By the way, in this embodiment, as described above, the individual data for each dungeon is not transferred in advance by the parallel loading process, but the first time when the player character 108 reaches the contact point to the dungeon. Transferring the game machine 16 to the second game machine 22 shortens the time required for the parallel load process, but the time required for the parallel load process is reduced in the first method. This is desirable because it means that the restriction in setting the positions of 110a and 110b is reduced.

(Second method)
The second method is to display the first entrance image 120a without an entrance as shown in FIG. 18A at the position of the contact port until the parallel loading process is completed, and when the parallel loading process is completed. This is a method of changing to a second entrance image 120b having an entrance as shown in FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19, this method sets a parallel load completion flag indicating that the parallel load processing is completed after it is determined Yes in step S <b> 70 of FIG. 14 in the parallel load processing (GC). In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, it is determined whether or not the parallel load completion flag is set after step S56 of FIG. 13 in the game process (GC) (S104), and the parallel load completion flag is set. If not, the first entrance image is displayed (S104). If the parallel load completion flag is set, the second entrance image is displayed (S106).

  As a modification of the second method, the obstacle 122 as shown in FIG. 21A is displayed at the position of the contact port until the parallel loading process is completed, and the parallel loading process is completed. There is also a method of removing the obstacle 122 as shown in FIG.

  In this method, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, a parallel load completion flag is set when the parallel load process is completed (S100), and further, as shown in FIG. 22, the game process (GC) of FIG. After step S56, it is determined whether or not the parallel load completion flag is set (S104), and when the parallel load completion flag is not set, the obstacle 122 is displayed.

  As described above, according to the second method, it is ensured that the parallel loading process is completed before the player character 108 reaches the contact port (that is, enters the dungeon). In particular, the player does not wait for the completion of the parallel loading process while viewing an image unrelated to the game, but waits for the completion of the parallel loading process while appropriately moving the player character 108 in the ground map. Will not be tapped or pulled back from the game world to the real world.

(Third method)
In the third method, when the player character 108 approaches the contact port (FIG. 23A) and tries to enter the dungeon, it is determined whether or not the parallel loading process has been completed, and the parallel loading process has been completed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 23B, for example, the door 124 is opened to guide the player character 108 to the contact port, and a message as shown in FIG. 23C is displayed when the parallel loading process is not completed. In this way, the player character 108 is made to wait on the ground.

  In this method, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, a parallel load completion flag is set when the parallel load process is completed (S100). Further, as shown in FIG. 24, in the game process (GC), as shown in FIG. After step S56, it is determined whether or not the player character 108 attempts to open the door 124 (S110). If the player character 108 attempts to open the door 124, it is subsequently determined whether or not a parallel load completion flag is set ( S112) When the parallel load completion flag is not set, a message indicating that the dungeon cannot be entered is displayed (S114). When the parallel load completion flag is set, the door 124 is opened (S116).

  As described above, according to the third method, it is ensured that the parallel loading process is completed before the player character 108 reaches the contact port (that is, enters the dungeon). In particular, since the state of the contact port does not change until the player character 108 approaches the contact port, there is less discomfort than when the state of the contact port changes arbitrarily at a certain timing as in the second method, Further, the presence of the parallel loading process is not easily perceived by the player.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, regardless of whether the player character 108 is on the ground or in a dungeon, the first game machine 16 executes main game processing such as object movement processing, and the first result is based on the result. The game machine 16 has instructed the second game machine 22 about the content of the game image to be displayed on the LCD 24 and the game sound to be output from the speaker of the second game machine 22, but in the second embodiment, the player character When 108 is in a dungeon, the second game machine 22 executes main game processing such as object movement processing.

  Since the hardware configuration of the game system according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description is omitted here, and FIGS. 1 and 2 are used in the following description.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the second embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment with reference to the drawings relating to the first embodiment as appropriate.

  A game program (AGB) is recorded on the DVD 14 instead of the display / audio output program (AGB) 78 shown in FIG. The game program (AGB) is a program for executing a game process when the player character 108 is in a dungeon. This game process includes a movement process of the player character, a collision determination process between the player character 108 and the enemy character, a map display position control, a message display process, a game sound output process, and the like.

  The first game machine 16 can omit the game process when the player character 108 is in the dungeon. Further, in the game process (GC), the processes in steps S58 and S60 shown in FIG. 13 are not required.

  In the parallel loading process (GC), the CPU 28 further transmits a game program (AGB) to the second game machine 22 in step S68 of FIG. Correspondingly, in the parallel load process (AGB), the CPU 48 further receives a game program (AGB) from the first game machine 16 in step S72 of FIG.

  In the operation process (AGB), the CPU 48 may transmit operation data to the first game machine 16 only when the player character 108 is on the ground.

  The second game machine 22 performs the above-described game process based on the game program (AGB) instead of the display / audio output process (AGB).

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, even when the second game machine 22 executes the game program based on the game program (AGB), the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. it can.

(Third embodiment)
In the first and second embodiments described above, the game system using two game machines has been described. However, the game system of the third embodiment uses one game machine.

  FIG. 25 shows an appearance of a game system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 25, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In this embodiment, the controller 126 is used.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the contents of the DVD 14 in the third embodiment. On the DVD 14, a game program 128, image data 134, sound data 144, and font data 150 are recorded.

  The image data 134 is broadly divided into ground image data 136 used when the player character 108 is on the ground and dungeon image data 138 used when the player character 108 is in the dungeon. .

  The ground image data 136 includes polygon data, texture data, and map pattern data for generating a game image when the player character 108 is on the ground.

  The dungeon image data 138 includes first dungeon image data 140 used when the player character 108 is in the first dungeon, and second dungeon image data 142 used when the player character 108 is in the second dungeon. Is included. Each dungeon image data includes polygon data, texture data, and map pattern data.

  The sound data 144 includes ground sound data 146 for outputting a game sound from the speaker of the television monitor 10 when the player character 108 is on the ground, and a speaker of the television monitor 10 when the player character 108 is in a dungeon. Dungeon sound data 148 for outputting a game sound from is included.

  The ground map in the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. On the other hand, the dungeon map is three-dimensionally composed of a plurality of polygons, unlike the one shown in FIG. The player character 108 and the like are also formed of polygons.

  In the present embodiment, when the player character 108 is on the ground, a game screen as shown in FIG. 7A is displayed on the television monitor 10, and when the player character 108 is in the dungeon, a game screen as shown in FIG. It is displayed on the television monitor 10. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an entire map of the dungeon, and a partial area 106 is displayed on the television monitor 10.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the game system will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the power of the first game machine 16 is turned on, the CPU 28 reads the game program 128, the ground image data 136, the ground sound data 146, and the font data 150 from the DVD 14 and stores them in the RAM 30 (S118).

  Next, the CPU 28 activates the game program 128 stored in the RAM 30 (S120).

  Then, the CPU 28 executes the game process (S122) based on the game program 128 and the parallel load process (S124) in parallel.

  Hereinafter, the game process in step S122 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 30, the same processes as those in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S126, the CPU 28 acquires operation data. This operation data is data indicating the state of the operation keys of the controller 126 operated by the player.

  When the CPU 28 determines that the player character 108 has entered the dungeon at step S40, the dungeon data (dungeon image data 138 and dungeon sound data 148) stored in the RAM 30 by the parallel loading process as described later is used for the game process. Adopted as data to be used (S128).

  If the CPU 28 determines that the player character 108 has exited the dungeon in step S44, the ground data (ground image data 136 and ground sound data 146) stored in the RAM 30 in step S118 is used as data used for the game process. Adopt (S130).

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 31, the details of the parallel load processing in step S124 will be described.

  First, the CPU 28 reads out the dungeon image data 138 and the dungeon sound data 148 from the DVD 14 and stores them in the RAM 30 (S132).

  Next, the CPU 28 determines whether or not reading of all the data has been completed (S74). If the reading of all data has been completed, the parallel load process is terminated. On the other hand, if reading of all data has not been completed, the process returns to step S132.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, reading game data for starting execution of a game program is read from the DVD 14 in a relatively short time by omitting reading dungeon data before starting the game. be able to. As a result, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the player until the game starts and to make the player feel frustrated. Furthermore, in the start time zone after the game processing on the ground map is started, the dungeon data is read from the DVD 14 and stored in the RAM 30 in parallel with the game processing, so that the player character 108 enters the dungeon. The waiting time of the player can be reduced.

  Note that the first to third methods described above for preventing the player character 108 from reaching any of the contact ports until the parallel loading process is completed can be applied to the third embodiment.

1 is an external view of a game system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the 1st game machine 16 and the 2nd game machine 22 The figure which shows a part of the contents of DVD14 The figure which shows the remainder of the contents of DVD14 Figure showing a ground map Figure showing a dungeon map Example of display screen of TV monitor 10 and LCD 24 when player character 108 is on the ground Example of display screen of TV monitor 10 and LCD 24 when player character 108 is in a dungeon Diagram showing unit image data Diagram showing map pattern data Flow chart showing the operation of the game system Part of a flowchart of game processing in the first game machine 16 The rest of the flowchart of the game process in the first game machine 16 Flow chart of parallel loading process in the first game machine 16 Flow chart of parallel loading process in second game machine 22 Flow chart of operation processing in the second game machine 22 Flow chart of display / audio output processing in second game machine 22 Display screen example in the first modification Flow chart of processing of first to third modifications Another flowchart of the process of the first modification Display screen example in the second modification Flowchart of processing of second modification Display screen example in the third modification Flowchart of processing of third modification External view of the game system according to the third embodiment of the present invention The figure which shows the contents of DVD14 Figure showing a dungeon map Display screen example of the television monitor 10 when the player character 108 is in a dungeon A flowchart showing the operation of the first game machine 16 Game processing flowchart Flow chart of parallel load processing

Explanation of symbols

10 TV monitor 12 Cable 14 DVD
16 First game machine 18 Connector 20 Cable 22 Second game machine 24 LCD
26, 26a to 26c Operation switch 56 GC game data 74 AGB game data 106 Area displayed on TV monitor 108 Player character 110 Contact point 112 connecting ground and dungeon Start point 114 Area displayed on LCD 116 Icon 118 Player Mark 120a indicating character position First entrance image 120b Second entrance image 122 Obstacle 124 Door 126 Controller

Claims (15)

A first game machine and a second game machine connected to be able to communicate;
The first game machine is
Reading means for reading out the game program for the first game machine and the game data for the second game machine from the recording medium;
Game executing means for executing game processing based on the first game machine game program read by the reading means;
The second game machine game data read out by the reading means is the first game that is started at substantially the same time as the game execution means starts the game processing and is executed in parallel with the game processing. Parallel load means for executing parallel load processing for transferring from the machine to the second game machine;
Determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game realized by the game executing means;
Requesting means for requesting the second game machine to execute a predetermined process using the game data for the second game machine after the determination means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied,
The game system, wherein the second game machine includes a process execution means for executing the predetermined process in response to a request from the first game machine. The second game machine executes a process related to one of a plurality of second games according to the predetermined condition,
The game data for the second game machine includes common data common to the plurality of second games, and individual data different for each of the plurality of second games,
The process execution means executes a process related to one of the plurality of second games,
The parallel loading means is for transferring the common data to the second game machine,
When the determination means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the first game machine has individual load means for transferring the individual data from the first game machine to the second game machine according to the condition. The game system according to claim 1, further comprising: The game realized by the game execution means includes a game space and a player character that can move in the game space,
The predetermined condition is that the player character reaches a predetermined point in the game space,
The shortest time that the player character can reach the predetermined point after the game execution means starts the game process is longer than the time until the parallel load means completes the parallel load process. The game system according to claim 1, wherein a game space is configured. The game realized by the game execution means includes a game space and a player character that can move in the game space,
The predetermined condition is that the player character reaches a predetermined point in the game space,
The first game machine further includes display control means for causing the display means to display an image,
The display control means displays an object of a different display mode at the predetermined point depending on whether or not the parallel load processing by the parallel load means is completed,
The process execution means does not execute the predetermined process when an object in a display mode when the parallel load process is not completed is displayed at the predetermined point. The described game system. The game realized by the game execution means includes a game space and a player character that can move in the game space,
The predetermined condition is that the player character reaches a predetermined point in the game space,
The first game machine further includes display control means for causing the display means to display an image,
The display control means causes the display means to display a predetermined message when the player character tries to reach the predetermined point before completion of the parallel loading process by the parallel loading means,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the processing execution unit does not execute the predetermined processing when the predetermined message is displayed. The second game machine comprises operating means,
The first game machine transmits an operation program for transferring operation data indicating the state of the operation means from the second game machine to the first game machine prior to the start of the game process by the game execution means. Means for reading from the recording medium and transferring to the second game machine;
The second game machine further includes means for executing the operation program transferred from the first game machine and transferring the operation data to the first game machine,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the game execution unit is configured to execute the game process based on operation data transferred from the second game machine. A recording medium on which first game data for executing the first game and second game data for executing the second game are recorded;
First reading means for reading the first game data from the recording medium;
First game executing means for executing a first game based on the first game data read by the first reading means;
In the start time zone after the execution of the first game is started by the first game execution means, the second game data is read from the recording medium in parallel with the execution of the first game by the first game execution means. A second reading means for reading;
Determining means for determining that the condition of the first game executed based on the first game satisfies a predetermined condition;
A game system comprising: second game execution means for executing a second game based on the second game data when the determination means determines that the condition of the first game satisfies the predetermined condition.   The shortest time from the start of the first game until the predetermined condition is satisfied is set longer than the time required for the second reading means to read the second game data. The game system according to claim 7. The first game is a game that progresses as the player character moves on the game map;
The second game is a game executed when the player character reaches a predetermined point on the game map,
The shortest time from the start of the first game until the player character reaches the predetermined point is set longer than the time required for the second reading means to read the second game data. The game system according to claim 7, wherein: The second game includes a plurality of games executed according to the predetermined condition,
The second game data includes common data common to the plurality of second games, and individual data different for each of the plurality of second games,
The second reading means reads the common data,
When the situation of the first game satisfies a predetermined condition, the apparatus further comprises third reading means for reading the individual data from the recording medium according to the condition,
The second game executing means executes the second game based on the common data read by the second reading means and the individual data read by the third reading means. The game system according to claim 7. The game realized by the first game execution means includes a game space and a player character that can move in the game space,
The predetermined condition is that the player character reaches a predetermined point in the game space,
The shortest time that the player character can reach the predetermined point after the first game executing means starts the game process is longer than the time until the second reading means completes the reading of the second game data. The game system according to claim 7, wherein the game space is configured to be long. The game realized by the first game execution means includes a game space and a player character that can move in the game space,
The predetermined condition is that the player character reaches a predetermined point in the game space,
The game system further includes display control means for causing the display means to display an image,
The display control means displays an object having a different display mode at the predetermined point depending on whether or not the reading of the second game data by the second reading means is completed,
The second game executing means executes the second game when an object in a display mode when the reading of the second game data by the second reading means is not completed is displayed at the predetermined point. The game system according to claim 7, wherein the game system is not. The game realized by the first game execution means includes a game space and a player character that can move in the game space,
The predetermined condition is that the player character reaches a predetermined point in the game space,
The game system further includes display control means for causing the display means to display an image,
The display control means causes the display means to display a predetermined message when the player character tries to reach the predetermined point before the completion of reading of the second game data by the second reading means,
The game system according to claim 7, wherein the second game executing means does not execute the second game when the predetermined message is displayed. A game processing method for operating a game system including a first game machine and a second game machine that are communicably connected,
In the first game machine, a reading step of reading a game program for the first game machine and game data for the second game machine from a recording medium;
A game execution step of executing game processing in the first game machine based on the first game machine game program read by the reading means;
A process that is started almost simultaneously with the start of the game process and is executed in parallel with the game process, wherein the game data for the second game machine read in the reading step is transferred from the first game machine to the first game data. A parallel loading step of executing in the first game machine a parallel load process for transferring to two game machines;
A determination step of determining in the first game machine whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game realized by the game process;
A requesting step for requesting the second game machine to execute a predetermined process using the game data for the second game machine in the first game machine after determining in the determination step that the predetermined condition is satisfied; ,
A game processing method comprising: a process execution step of executing the predetermined process in the second game machine in response to a request from the first game machine. A game processing method for reading data from a recording medium on which first game data for executing a first game and second game data for executing a second game are recorded and executing the game. ,
A first reading step of reading the first game data from the recording medium;
A first game execution step of executing a first game based on the first game data read in the first reading step;
In the start time zone after the execution of the first game is started in the first game execution step, the second game data is read from the recording medium in parallel with the execution of the first game in the first game execution step. A second reading step to read;
A determination step of determining that a situation of the first game executed based on the first game satisfies a predetermined condition;
A game processing method comprising: a second game execution step of executing a second game based on the second game data when it is determined in the determination step that the state of the first game satisfies the predetermined condition.

Images