JP2007222563A - Game machine, game system including the same, game program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To arouse players' interest in games. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine, which displays on a monitor 13 a prescribed image adapted to the content of a theme of a video game at the beginning of the game, comprises a CPU 21a and an image processing part 22 for displaying the image at the time of starting the game in a mode accompanied by a prescribed variation on the basis of information computed by a prescribed operation in the process of the video game. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device in which a game progresses when a player operates an operation member, a game system including the game device, a game program thereof, and a recording medium on which the game program is recorded.

  Conventionally, various video games have been proposed in game devices in which a game progresses when a player operates an operation member. Recently, for example, a so-called online game in which a plurality of players can play on the same game screen by connecting to a game server provided by a manufacturer via the Internet has become widespread (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

JP 2004-73233 A

  In online games, table games that are played one-on-one like shogi, chess, etc., team-cooperative action games that proceed by defeating enemy characters (such as monsters) in cooperation with multiple players, or online games Players who participated in the game are divided into teams, and a team battle type action game in which teams battle each other has been proposed.

  In these online games, usually, when a player performs a predetermined login operation in order to participate in the online game, for example, in a table game or the like, the player selects a team, or in a team cooperative action game, the player selects a team. Therefore, a screen called “lobby screen” is displayed.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a conventional area configuration in which a player who participates in an online game can enter. As shown in the figure, in this online game, for example, a plurality of large groups called “lands” are provided, and the player selects an arbitrary “land” from among the plurality of “lands”. Thus, it is possible to participate in an online game.

  Each “land” is provided with a plurality of small groups called “areas”, and it is determined in advance whether or not each “area” can be selected according to the game level of the player. A player who has selected any “land” can select any “area” in the selected “land” according to his / her game level. When a player enters any of the “areas”, the player can select any team as long as it is a team cooperative action game.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of a lobby screen displayed when the “area” is selected. According to the figure, five “areas” are provided, and the player can select an arbitrary “area” according to his / her game level from these five “areas”. In this case, at the bottom of the symbol indicating each “area”, the number of people entering the “area” is represented by a bar graph. Thus, the player can roughly grasp in which “area” the number of people entering or is small, and the bar graph is a reference for selecting the “area”.

  However, on the conventional lobby screen, for example, the number of players entering the “area” of the online game is only displayed by a bar graph or the like as described above. In addition, the bar graph and other backgrounds displayed on the lobby screen are still images and are not represented by changes in movement or color.

  The applicant of the present application displays, on the lobby screen, information such as the number of players participating in the online game and past results of the player in the online game in such a manner that predetermined image elements change. The present inventors have come up with the present application, thinking that the player's interest in the game can be aroused. In addition, the manner in which the predetermined image element changes is not limited to the lobby screen of the online game, but in a video game that can be executed by a single game device, an opening screen, a demonstration screen, or a loading screen ( It was thought that it could be displayed on a screen displayed when the game device reads a game program from a disk or the like.

  The present invention has been conceived under the circumstances described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a game device capable of arousing interest of a player in a game and a game system including the game device. It is another object of the present invention to provide the game program and a recording medium on which the game program is recorded.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following technical means.

  The game device provided by the first aspect of the present invention is a game device in which a predetermined image corresponding to the subject matter of the video game is displayed on a display unit at the start of the video game, and the video game is executed by the game device Thus, the image display control means for displaying the start image in a form with a predetermined change based on information calculated by a predetermined calculation is provided (claim 1). The start of the video game refers to the time when the video game itself is executed by the player (for example, until one battle is started and ended in a battle game), and is displayed at the start of the video game. The predetermined image specifically refers to an opening screen, a demonstration screen, or a loading screen before the video game itself is executed. Therefore, the start time of the video game includes a time during which the video game itself is executed and the next video game itself is executed.

  According to this configuration, for example, information calculated by a predetermined calculation when the video game is executed on, for example, an opening screen when the video game is started (for example, results of the player in the video game) Based on the above, since the image at the start is displayed in a mode with a predetermined change (for example, a mode in which the image element in the image changes), the player can be interested in the video game.

  According to a preferred embodiment, it is preferable that audio output means for outputting sound associated with the image is further provided along with the image displayed by the image display control means.

  According to a preferred embodiment, there is provided a storage device for storing information calculated by the predetermined calculation when the video game is executed, and when a predetermined image is displayed at the start of the video game A transmission unit that transmits a transmission request signal for acquiring information calculated by the predetermined calculation stored in the storage device, and the image display control unit transmits the transmission request signal by the transmission unit Thus, the change mode of the predetermined image may be controlled based on the information obtained from the storage device and calculated by the predetermined calculation (claim 3).

  According to a preferred embodiment, it is preferable to further comprise information updating means for sequentially updating information calculated by the predetermined calculation as the video game progresses, and storing the updated information in the storage device. Item 4).

  According to a preferred embodiment, the information calculated by the predetermined calculation may include at least information related to a player's performance in the video game.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the information calculated by the predetermined calculation may include at least information relating to the operation execution time of the game device of the player.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the information calculated by the predetermined calculation may include at least information related to a lottery performed when the player starts the operation of the game device (claim 7).

  A game system provided by the second aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of game devices, a game server connected to these game devices through a network line and capable of controlling execution of an online game by the plurality of game devices, The game server has storage means for storing information calculated by a predetermined calculation when the online game is executed, and the game device starts the online game. A transmission request for acquiring information calculated by the predetermined calculation stored in the storage means to the game server when displaying a predetermined image according to the subject matter of the online game on the display unit Transmitting means for transmitting a signal, and transmitting the transmission request signal by the transmitting means. And image display control means for displaying the image at the start in a mode with a predetermined change based on information calculated by the predetermined calculation acquired from the game server (claim). Item 8).

  The start of the online game refers to the time when the online game itself is executed by the player (for example, until one battle is started and ended in a battle game), and is displayed at the start of the online game. The predetermined image specifically refers to an opening screen, a demonstration screen, a loading screen, a lobby screen, or the like before the game itself is executed. Therefore, the start time of the online game includes the time when the online game itself is executed and the next game itself is executed.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the game device may further include sound output means for outputting sound associated with the image displayed by the image display control means (claim 9).

  According to a preferred embodiment, the game server sequentially updates information calculated by the predetermined calculation as the online game progresses, and stores information updating means for storing the updated information in the storage means. Further, it may be provided (claim 10).

  According to a preferred embodiment, the information calculated by the predetermined calculation may include at least information regarding participation in the online game by a plurality of players operating the game device.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the information calculated by the predetermined calculation may include at least information related to results in the online game of a plurality of players operating the game device.

  A game program provided by the third aspect of the present invention is a game program for causing a computer to function as the game device according to claim 1, wherein the video game is started at the start of the video game. A mode in which the image at the start is accompanied by a predetermined change based on information calculated by a predetermined calculation when the video game is executed when a predetermined image corresponding to the subject content of the video is displayed on the display unit It is characterized by functioning as an image display control means for displaying (claim 13).

  A game program provided by the fourth aspect of the present invention is a game program for causing a computer to function as the game device according to claim 2, wherein the computer is displayed by the image display control means. Along with the image, it is made to function as sound output means for outputting sound related to the image (claim 14).

  A game program provided by a fifth aspect of the present invention is a game program for causing a computer to function as the game device according to claim 3, wherein the computer is displayed at a predetermined screen at the start of the video game. Transmitting means for transmitting a transmission request signal for obtaining information calculated by the predetermined calculation stored in a storage device provided in the game apparatus, and the transmission means for transmitting the transmission request signal Based on information calculated by the predetermined calculation acquired from the storage device by transmitting the image, and functioning as an image display control means for displaying the image at the start with a predetermined change. It is characterized (claim 15).

  A game program provided by the sixth aspect of the present invention is a game program for causing a computer to function as the game device according to claim 4, wherein the computer is moved along with the progress of the video game. The information calculated by the predetermined calculation is sequentially updated, and the updated information is made to function as an information updating unit that stores the information calculated by the predetermined calculation in a storage device (claim 16). ).

  A game program provided by a seventh aspect of the present invention is a game program for causing a computer to function as the game server according to claim 8, wherein the computer is executed by executing the online game. It is characterized by functioning as storage means for storing information calculated by a predetermined calculation (claim 17).

  A game program provided by an eighth aspect of the present invention is a game program for causing a computer to function as the game device according to claim 8, wherein the computer is operated at the start of the online game. When displaying a predetermined image in accordance with the subject content of the display on the display unit, a transmission request signal for acquiring information calculated by the predetermined calculation stored in the storage means is transmitted to the game server. Based on information calculated by the predetermined calculation acquired from the game server by transmitting the transmission request signal by the transmission unit, the image at the start is configured to have a predetermined change. It is characterized by functioning as an image display control means for displaying (claim 18).

  A game program provided by a ninth aspect of the present invention is a game program for causing a computer to function as the game device according to claim 9, wherein the computer is displayed by the image display control means. Along with the image, it is made to function as sound output means for outputting sound related to the image (claim 19).

  A game program provided by the tenth aspect of the present invention is a game program for causing a computer to function as the game server according to claim 10, wherein the computer is moved along with the progress of the online game, The information calculated by the predetermined calculation is sequentially updated, and the updated information is stored in the storage unit so as to function as an information update unit (claim 20).

  A recording medium provided by an eleventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it is a computer-readable medium on which the game program according to any one of claims 8 to 20 is recorded (claim 21).

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a game system including a game apparatus according to the present invention. This game system is a so-called online game (network game) in which a plurality of game devices are connected to a server via, for example, an Internet line, and a plurality of players operating each game device share the same game space. Is to build. For example, the online game in this embodiment is a team battle type in which a plurality of players operate each game device to become a member of a predetermined team and battle other teams on the game (virtual space). It is a battle action game.

  In addition, as this online game, the participating players operate each game device, so that the characters acting as the players operating on the game screen defeat the enemy characters (for example, monsters) in cooperation with each other. A team cooperation type action game having a configuration may be applied, or a table game in which participating players play one-on-one with a shogi or chess may be applied.

  This game system includes a communication line 1 such as the Internet (hereinafter referred to as “network line 1”), a number of game devices 2 connected to the network line 1, and a game server 3 connected to the network line 1. It consists of and.

  The game apparatus 2 is configured by, for example, a home video game machine, a portable game machine, or a personal computer equipped with game software for an online game, which has a function capable of communicating with the game server 3 via the network line 1. Has been. Specifically, the game apparatus 2 includes a main body 11, an operation controller 12, a monitor 13, a network adapter 14, a disk 15, and a memory card 16.

  The main body 11 includes a control unit 21, a drawing processing unit 22, an audio processing unit 23, a disk drive unit 24, a memory card connection unit 25, and an I / O interface unit 26. The control unit 21 is connected to a drawing processing unit 22, an audio processing unit 23, and an I / O interface unit 26. The I / O interface unit 26 is further connected to a disk drive unit 24, a memory card connection unit 25, an operation unit. A controller 12, a monitor 13, and a network adapter 14 are connected.

  In the game apparatus 2, the disk 15 on which the software of the battle action game is recorded is mounted on the disk drive unit 24, and the game program and game data in the disk 15 are loaded from the disk drive unit 24 into a RAM 21 c (described later) in the control unit 21. When the game program is read and executed by a CPU 21a (described later), the player can enjoy the game contents. The player can advance the game by operating operation members 12a to 12c (described later) of the operation controller 12.

  The disc 15 is provided with an online mode in which a battle action game can be executed as an online game, and an offline mode in which a battle action game can be executed with the game apparatus 2 alone. In the offline mode, the game is executed by the player alone, so that the player is not a member of the team as in the online mode, and the game configuration is such that the enemy character is defeated alone.

  The control unit 21 includes a microcomputer that controls the entire operation of the main body 11. The microcomputer includes a CPU 21 a, a ROM 21 b, a RAM 21 c, and the like, and each unit is connected by a bus line. The CPU 21a performs overall control of the game progress by executing a game program read from the disk 15 to the RAM 21c by the disk drive unit 24.

  More specifically, when an operation signal is input by the player operating from the operation controller 12, the CPU 21a performs a predetermined game progress process for the operation signal in accordance with the game program, and the processing result is displayed on the monitor 13. For example, while displaying with a three-dimensional image, it outputs with a sound effect from a speaker 13a (described later) of the monitor 13.

  The ROM 21b stores a basic program indicating a basic function of the game apparatus 2 such as a disk loading function, a game program and game data recorded on the disk 15, and the like. When the disk 15 is loaded in the disk drive unit 24, the CPU 21a operates the disk drive unit 24 according to the basic program in the ROM 21b, reads the game program and game data from the disk 15 into the RAM 21c, and sets the game start state.

  The RAM 21c provides an area for storing a game program and game data read from the disk 15 by the disk drive unit 24, and a work area for the CPU 21a to execute the game program.

  The above-mentioned game program is configured by combining a plurality of programs. For example, a game progress program for controlling the development of a character based on operation information based on operation information of a character displayed on the monitor 13, and an admission to an online game by a player Displayed on the monitor 13, a network control program for controlling transmission / reception of data (for example, data such as operation data of the game device 2 of another player) with the game server 3, and a monitor 13. It is configured by a graphic control program or the like for controlling a power three-dimensional image.

  The graphic control program includes a program for displaying on the lobby screen an image corresponding to the subject content of the online game. The online game according to the present embodiment is a battle action game in which a player forms a team with another player and battles with another team. However, the lobby screen is displayed before the actual battle is performed. It is a screen displayed when forming a team with another player.

  Strictly speaking, the lobby screen is a demonstration game introduction screen that displays an image according to the subject matter as shown in FIG. 2, and a team organization that is displayed when teams are divided as shown in FIG. And screen. In the present embodiment, as will be described in detail later, various image elements representing predetermined information are displayed in a changed manner on the lobby screen shown in FIG. 2, but the graphic control program changes various image elements. It is the program which controls and displays the mode to do. The predetermined information is referred to each time in the game apparatus 2 when the lobby screen is displayed, and is hereinafter referred to as “lobby screen reference information”.

  In the offline mode, the CPU 21a is based on the player's operation signal from the operation controller 12, and in the online mode, the player's operation information from the operation controller 12 and other game devices input via the game server 3 are used. The game program and image data are read from the disk 15 to the RAM 21c as necessary based on the operation information (including the action command information for the character and the position change information of the character on the game screen). The contents of the three-dimensional image to be displayed on the monitor 13 are determined by processing the above and executing the game program.

  Further, when displaying the lobby screen, the CPU 21a refers to the lobby screen reference information stored in the memory card 16, as described later, and various image elements are displayed on the basis of the referenced lobby screen reference information. Determine how it changes.

  The drawing processing unit 22 performs various arithmetic processes necessary for the drawing process. The CPU 21a determines an image to be displayed on the monitor 13, reads out image data (character and background polygon data, texture data, light source data, etc.) necessary for drawing the image from the RAM 21c, and supplies the image data to the drawing processing unit 22. To do. In addition, the CPU 21 a supplies operation information input from the operation controller 12 and operation information (in the online mode) from another game device 2 input via the game server 3 to the drawing processing unit 22.

  Based on the image data and operation information supplied from the CPU 21a, the drawing processing unit 22 is configured to provide data necessary for drawing (positional relationship between the character and the background, coordinates of the polygons constituting the character and the background on the screen of the monitor 13, each A texture corresponding to the polygon and data such as reflection characteristics of each polygon are calculated, and a drawing process is performed on a VRAM (not shown) in the drawing processing unit 22 based on the calculation result. The image data on which the drawing process has been performed is output to the monitor 13 and displayed.

  The sound processing unit 23 performs various arithmetic processes necessary for processing for generating sound such as sound effects. CPU21a will output an audio | voice command to the audio | voice processing part 23, if the sound effect which should be output from the speaker 13a of the monitor 13, or the acoustic content of BGM is determined. The sound processing unit 23 reads out sound effects or BGM sound data from the RAM 21c based on a sound command from the CPU 21a, performs predetermined processing and D / A conversion processing, and then outputs them to the speaker 13a.

  In the online mode, a chat function is provided because it is necessary to actually communicate between the players who form a team. This chat function is controlled by the game server 3 and is realized by a game progress in which conversations are made between characters that form a team on the game. Therefore, when the CPU 21a determines that the operation signal of the player from the operation controller 12 is a signal indicating the content of the conversation by chat, the CPU 21a transmits the content to the game server 3 and acquires chat data from the game server 3. To do.

  The disk drive unit 24 reads game programs and game data recorded on the disk 15.

  The memory card connection unit 25 is for enabling the CPU 21a to read / write information relating to game progress on the memory card 16. The CPU 21a stores the above-described lobby screen reference information and information related to the game progress in the memory card 16 via the memory card connection unit 25 when a “save data” command is issued from the player while the game is in progress or at the end of the game. .

  Specific information regarding the game progress includes character attribute information (name, sex, level indicating game mastery (game level)), acquired game points, acquired weapon information, and the like. .

  The I / O interface unit 26 transmits the game program and game data read by the disk drive unit 24 and the memory card connection unit 25, the operation signal from the operation controller 12, etc. to the control unit 21, and from the control unit 21. The video signal, audio signal, and the like are transmitted to the monitor 13. The I / O interface unit 26 transmits data to and from the game server 3 via the network line 1 and the network adapter 14 in the online mode.

  The operation controller 12 is operated by a player to operate the character or make various settings relating to the game, and includes a plurality of buttons 12a, a right lever 12c, and a left lever 12b. When the operation controller 12 is operated by the player, the operation signal is transmitted to the control unit 21, and the character displayed on the monitor 13 performs a predetermined action. Examples of the predetermined action include a movement action such as running, squatting, climbing a cliff, and an attack action such as attacking a monster using a sword. The moving operation is mainly operated by the left lever 12b, and the attacking operation is mainly operated by the right lever 12c.

  The monitor 13 is a device for projecting a game screen indicating a game progress state in accordance with a video signal and an audio signal sent from the main body 11 and outputting sound such as sound effects from the speaker 13a. The monitor 13 is configured by, for example, a television receiver having an external input terminal for inputting a video signal and an audio signal.

  The network adapter 14 is a device for connecting the main body 11 of the game apparatus 2 to the network line 1.

  The disk 15 is composed of, for example, a DVD-ROM or a CD-ROM, and the disk 15 includes a game program in both the offline mode and the online mode, and various data and image data necessary for executing the game program. Is recorded. The image data according to the present embodiment includes various image elements that are changed and displayed based on the lobby screen reference information and image data (details will be described later) representing these changes.

  The game server 3 is constituted by one or a plurality of servers connected to the network line 1, and controls communication with each game device 2 via the network line 1 and each network via the network line 1. The progress of the online game performed in the game apparatus 2 is controlled. The game server 3 may include a lobby server (not shown) for displaying a lobby screen. The lobby server is a server that controls the lobby screen displayed on the monitor 13 at the start of the online game.

  The game server 3 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a hard disk device 34, and an I / F (Interface) 35. ROM 32, RAM 33 and I / F 35 are connected by a bus line 36. The hard disk device 34 is connected to the CPU 31 via the I / F 35 and the bus line 36.

  The CPU 31 controls the progress and management of the game in the online mode of the game apparatus 2. CPU31 transmits / receives various data required for advancing of a game between each game device 2 with which a game is performed in online mode. Specifically, the CPU 31 receives a request signal such as a login request from each game apparatus 2 and a request to join a team, and returns a response signal to the request to the corresponding game apparatus 2. As a result, in each game apparatus 2, the game proceeds in real time.

  In addition, the CPU 31 changes information or status (for example, the character's position) of the character controlled by the game device 2 from any one of the game devices 2 with which the team is formed. When change information (attributes, etc.) and chat message information are input, the change information, message information, etc. are received and distributed to other game devices 2 forming a team.

  Further, when a logout or team dissolution request is input from the game apparatus 2, the CPU 31 sends command data for forcibly interrupting the game progress to the game apparatus 2 that made the request and the other game apparatuses 2 that form the team. And send the other game apparatus 2 to logout processing and team dissolution processing.

  The ROM 32 stores a basic function of the game server 3, a basic program indicating a procedure for reading data recorded in the hard disk device 34, a communication control program for performing communication with each game device 2, and the like. Yes.

  The RAM 33 functions as a work area for the CPU 31, and the RAM 33 stores data necessary for the progress of the game as needed. In the present embodiment, a part of the lobby screen reference information (details will be described later) is stored in the RAM 33. For example, the lobby screen reference information includes, for example, “the number of visitors to the lobby” of the online game, and the game server 3 stores the “number of visitors to the lobby” while constantly updating it. Such lobby screen reference information is read from the RAM 33 based on a transmission request from the game device 2 and transmitted to the game device 2 when the lobby screen is displayed on the game device 2.

  The I / F 35 transmits a program and data read from the hard disk device 34 to each game device 2 via the network line 1, receives an operation signal from each game device 2 and control information related to the game, and the CPU 31. Or to transmit to.

  The hard disk device 34 stores an operation program for controlling the operation / management of the online game and a progress program for controlling the progress of the online game in each game device 2.

  In the online game provided by the game server 3, an unspecified number of players enter the online game at an arbitrary timing, execute a battle action game, and leave the online game at an arbitrary timing. Therefore, the operation program is a program that performs functions of appropriately controlling the change of entrance and exit and maintaining two-way communication with a large number of game apparatuses 2.

  The progress program is a process for a plurality of game devices 2 to form a team, relays operation information of each game device 2 between a plurality of game devices 2 in which a team is formed, controls chat, This is a program for performing control to return, in real time, position information and status information of the character in the game space to each game device 2 in accordance with operation information and control information from the game device 2.

  The network line 1 is a communication line that connects the game server 3 and the plurality of game apparatuses 2 and connects the apparatuses so that bidirectional communication is possible. In the present embodiment, for example, an Internet line is applied.

  Here, the contents of the online game (battle action game) according to the present embodiment will be described. In this online game, a predetermined planet (planet) is set on the game space, and participation is made in a predetermined field in the planet. A player who is a player's character is a team composed of one person or a plurality of people, and plays against characters that are the characters of other players belonging to other teams.

  In this battle action game, when the player instructs each game device 2 to start the game in the online mode, the image data of the lobby screen at the start of the game and the graphic control program for displaying the lobby screen are read from the disk 15. The image of the lobby screen is displayed on the monitor 13 based on the image data. In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, an image corresponding to the subject matter of the battle action game, that is, an image of “Planet” is displayed as the lobby screen. In FIG. 2, the symbol A represents the continent, and the portion other than the symbol A represents the sea between the continents.

  The team to which the player belongs is determined on the team organization screen displayed subsequently. For example, the players are organized into one of a plurality of teams, and as shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of teams include 2 such as “red team”, “blue team”, “green team” or “yellow team”. It consists of 4 teams, and 1 to 4 characters can belong to each team.

  When the game server 3 receives the selection information indicating that the online game has been selected, the game server 3 transmits the selection information and information (ID information) for identifying the player to the other game devices 2 entering the same lobby. To do. Each game device 2 is controlled by the player controlled by the player itself and the other game devices 2 on the team organization screen of the monitor 13 based on the character movement information and ID information controlled by the other game devices 2. The player to be played is displayed by ID or the like.

  When the team to which the player belongs is determined, the player is moved to a predetermined battle field for playing against other teams, the movement information is transmitted to the game server 3, and the battle field image data and its The game program in the battle field is read from the disk 15 to the RAM 21c, and the game screen in the battle field is displayed on the monitor 13. At this time, if a player operating another game apparatus 2 similarly moves a character operated by the player to the battle field, the movement information is transmitted to the game server 3.

  In this battle field, the teams battle with each other using the weapons possessed by the characters, and determine which team will win. Each character is provided with a physical strength point (numerical value) called “life”, and this “life” (decreased due to an enemy attack, time lapse, etc.) is “0”. As a result, the character dies and the player's continuation of the game is refused.

  When the game progresses, when the game is won or defeated in a battle with another team, the game screen is switched from the battle field to the lobby screen in each game device 2 of the player who forms the team, and the player can perform the next battle. It becomes. At this time, the victory information of any team is transmitted from each game device 2 to the game server 3. When the CPU 31 of the game server 3 receives victory information of any team from each game device 2, the CPU 31 temporarily stores the information in the RAM 33.

  On the lobby screen, a planet, which is a symbolic image in accordance with the subject content of the online game, and its background (for example, outer space) are drawn. In the present embodiment, the planet and various image elements in the background are displayed with a predetermined change based on information calculated by a predetermined calculation in this online game. The lobby screen is provided with a selection button for selecting a team organization screen on which the player enters to form a team, but is omitted in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lobby screen reference information to be referred to when the lobby screen is displayed is roughly stored in the memory card 16 of the game apparatus 2 and is related to the player's own results. “Player information” is information that is constantly updated and stored in the RAM 33 of the game server 3 and is managed by the game server 3, and is information that is stored in the RAM 21 c of the game apparatus 2 as the game progresses. “Game device information”, “CPU lottery information” that is information related to the lottery performed by the CPU 21a, and the like can be given.

  The “player information” includes, for example, “the accumulated number of players logged into the battle action game”, “the winning percentage” of the player in the battle action game, “the consecutive win number” of the player in the battle action game, and “the consecutive losses of the player in the battle action game” Number ”,“ friend registration number ”, and the like. These are respectively stored in the memory card 16, read out from the memory card 16 as necessary, updated and stored again.

  As shown in FIG. 6, “the accumulated number of logins” is represented by the size of the planet P displayed on the lobby screen on the lobby screen of the monitor 13. For example, the types of changes in the size of the planet P are 5 (a) “minimal”, (b) “small”, (c) “medium”, (d) “large”, and (e) “extra large”. Types are available. “Minimum” indicates a case where the accumulated number of logins is, for example, 1 to 5 times, “Small” indicates a case where the accumulated number of logins is, for example, 6 to 10 times, and “Medium” indicates that the accumulated number of logins is, for example, “Large” indicates the case where the logged-in cumulative number is, for example, 31 to 100 times, and “Extra Large” indicates the case where the logged-in cumulative number is, for example, 101 times or more. Yes.

  When the player logs in to the battle action game, the CPU 21a of the game apparatus 2 stores the accumulated number in the memory card 16 and adds “1” to the memory card 16 each time there is a login. When the lobby screen is displayed, the “logged-in cumulative number” stored in the memory card 16 is read, and image data indicating the size of the planet corresponding to the cumulative number is read from the disk 15. Is displayed as a lobby screen.

  For example, if the “integrated number of logins” by the player is 1 to 5 times, a “minimal” planet P is displayed on the game screen of the monitor 13 as shown in FIG. As a result, “Small”, “Medium”, “Large”, “Extra large” and the size of the planet P are displayed so as to increase. Note that the number of the divided planets P is not limited to the above.

  The “winning rate” is represented by the number of other stars S that shine in the vicinity of the planet P, as shown in FIG. For example, the types of change in the number of other bright stars S are (a) “0”, (b) “1”, (c) “2”, (d) “3”, (e) Six types of “5” and (f) “10” are prepared. “0” indicates a win rate of, for example, less than 10%, “1” indicates a win rate of, for example, 10% or more and less than 20%, “2” indicates a win rate of, for example, 20% or more and less than 30%, “Piece” indicates a win rate of, for example, 30% or more and less than 40%, “5” indicates a win rate of, for example, 40% or more and less than 50%, and “10” indicates a win rate of, for example, 50% or more.

  When the battle in the battle field of the battle action game ends, the CPU 21a of the game apparatus 2 recalculates the current win rate by adding the battle result to the past win rate, and newly stores the win rate in the memory card 16. For example, if the past wins and losses are 2 wins and 2 losses and the win rate is 50%, when winning in this match, the win or loss is 3 wins and 2 losses and the win rate is 60%, and the win rate is newly stored. When the lobby screen is displayed, the current “winning rate” stored in the memory card 16 is read, and image data indicating the number of other shining stars S corresponding to the “winning rate” is displayed on the disc. 15 and displayed as a lobby screen.

  For example, if the “winning rate” of the player is less than 10%, as shown in FIG. 7A, the display is such that there is no shining star S. As the winning rate increases, “1”, “ It is displayed so that the number of shining stars S increases as “2”, “3”, “5”, and “10”.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the “number of consecutive wins” is represented by the presence or absence of explosions of large and small volcanoes K1 and K2 in the planet P. For example, there are two types of changes in the volcano: “small volcano K1” and “large volcano K2”. When the “small volcano K1” has exploded, for example, it indicates a case where five wins are won, and when the “large volcano K2” has exploded, for example, it indicates a case where it has been won ten consecutively, “small volcano K1” and “large volcano K2” "Explodes" indicates, for example, the case of 30 consecutive wins. FIG. 2 shows a case where both “small volcano K1” and “large volcano K2” have exploded.

  When the battle in the battle field of the battle action game is completed, the CPU 21a of the game apparatus 2 stores the battle result in the memory card 16, and also stores the result in the memory card 16 when the battle result is a consecutive win. For example, if the current number of consecutive wins is three consecutive wins and the player wins the current battle, “1” is added to the current number of consecutive wins, and the added consecutive winning number “4” is newly stored in the memory card 16. . When the lobby screen is displayed, the “number of consecutive wins” stored in the memory card 16 is read out, and image data indicating the volcanic explosion corresponding to the “number of consecutive wins” is read out from the disk 15. And displayed as a lobby screen. For example, if the current number of consecutive wins is 3 consecutive wins and the game is defeated in the current battle, the current number of consecutive wins is reset to “0” and the number of consecutive wins “0” is newly stored in the memory card 16. .

  For example, if “the number of consecutive wins of the player” is five consecutive wins, only “small volcano K1” is exploded and displayed, and as the number of consecutive wins increases, only “large volcano K2” explodes, “small volcano K1” And “large volcano K2” is exploded and displayed.

  The “number of consecutive losses” is not shown in the figure, but is represented by the density of the atmospheric layer in the planet. For example, there are four types of changes in the density of the atmospheric layer: “no change”, “slightly dark”, “highly dark”, and “highly dark”. “No change” indicates, for example, less than 3 consecutive losses, “Slightly dark” indicates, for example, 3-4 consecutive losses, “Mediumly dark” indicates, for example, 5-9 consecutive losses, and “Dark” indicates, for example, 10 consecutive losses or more Respectively.

  When the battle in the battle field of the battle action game ends, the CPU 21a of the game apparatus 2 stores the battle result in the memory card 16, and also stores the result in the memory card 16 when the battle result is a consecutive loss. For example, when the current number of consecutive losses is two consecutive losses and the player has lost the current match, “1” is added to the current number of consecutive losses, and the added number of consecutive losses “3” is newly stored in the memory card 16. . Then, when the lobby screen is displayed, the “number of consecutive losses” stored in the memory card 16 is read, and image data indicating the density of the atmospheric layer corresponding to the “number of consecutive losses” is recorded on the disk 15. And is displayed as a lobby screen. For example, if the current number of consecutive losses is two consecutive losses and the player wins this match, the current number of consecutive losses is reset to “0”, and the number of consecutive losses “0” is newly stored in the memory card 16. .

  For example, if “the number of consecutive losses of the player” is less than 3 consecutive losses, the darkness of the atmosphere layer is displayed without change, and as the number of consecutive losses increases, hereinafter “slightly dark”, “moderately dark”, “ It is displayed to be “dark”.

  “The number of registered friends” is not shown in the figure, but is represented by the number of other stars in the vicinity of the planet. Here, “friends” are other players who met during the play of this online game, and the number of registered friends increases as the IDs are registered with each other. Is. The other stars are displayed separately from the shining stars for representing the winning percentage, and the stars representing “the number of registered friends” are always lit and displayed so as not to blink.

  For example, there are six types of changes in the number of other stars: “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, “5”, and “10”. . “0” indicates, for example, 0 friend registration, “1” indicates, for example, 1 to 4 friend registrations, and “2” indicates, for example, 5 to 9 friend registrations. , “3” indicates 10 to 19 friend registrations, “5” indicates 20 to 49 friend registrations, and “10” indicates 50 or more friend registrations, for example. Show.

  When the player registers a friend on the lobby screen, the CPU 21a of the game apparatus 2 stores the number of registrations in the memory card 16, and adds “1” each time a friend is registered and newly stores it in the memory card 16. . Then, when the lobby screen is displayed, the current “friend registration number” stored in the memory card 16 is read, and indicates the number of other stars according to the “friend registration number”. Image data is read from the disk 15 and displayed as a lobby screen.

  For example, if the number of registered friends is 0, the number of other stars in the vicinity of the planet is not displayed. As the number of registered friends increases, “1”, “2”, “3”, “5”, and “10” are displayed.

  The “game server information” shown in FIG. 5 includes “the number of visitors to the lobby” of this online game, “the number of current matches between teams”, “the entrance of other players to the lobby”, and the like. It is done.

  “The number of visitors to the lobby” is represented by the size of the cloud C in the planet P, as shown in FIG. For example, there are four types of changes in the size of the cloud C in the planet P: “small”, “medium”, “large”, and “extra large”. “Small” indicates that the total number of players is, for example, 0 to 50, “medium” indicates that the total number of players is, for example, 51 to 100, and “large” indicates the total number of players. Indicates that the number of players is 101 to 500, for example, and “extra large” indicates that the total number of players is, for example, 501 or more.

  When a certain player logs in to the online game and enters the lobby, the CPU 31 of the game server 3 stores the number of visitors in the RAM 33 and adds “1” to the RAM 33 each time the number of visitors increases. Remember. Then, when the lobby screen is displayed on the game apparatus 2, the “number of visitors to the lobby” stored in the RAM 33 is read according to a request from the game apparatus 2 and transmitted to the game apparatus 2. . In the game apparatus 2, image data indicating the size of the cloud corresponding to the “number of visitors to the lobby” transmitted from the game server 3 is read from the disk 15 and displayed as a lobby screen.

  For example, if “the number of visitors to the lobby” is 0 to 50, the size of the cloud is displayed as “small”. As the “number of visitors to the lobby” increases, “medium”, “Large” and “Extra Large” are displayed. The size of the cloud C in FIG. 2 indicates, for example, “extra large”. This is because when the display in which the size of the cloud C covers almost the entire planet P is set to “extra large”, it is difficult to visually recognize other image elements.

  It should be noted that instead of or in addition to “the number of visitors to the lobby”, some description may be changed with reference to “the total number of participants in this online game”. Further, the image indicating the size of the cloud C may vary in a very small range, and the cloud C may be drawn so as to be moved by the wind. Further, the “number of visitors to the lobby” may be expressed by the number of clouds having a predetermined size.

  The “current number of battles” is represented by the number of explosions occurring in the planet P, as shown in FIG. For example, there are three types of changes in the number of explosions occurring in the planet P: “1”, “2”, and “3”, and each explosion has a different predetermined time interval. Is supposed to occur. “1” indicates that the number of battles is, for example, 1 to 5, “2” indicates that the number of battles is, for example, 6 to 10, and “3” indicates a battle. Each of the numbers is 11 or more, for example.

  In the game apparatus 2, when a team is divided in any room and a battle is started in the battle field, the game server 3 transmits that the battle has started. When the CPU 31 of the game server 3 receives the fact that the battle has started, the CPU 31 stores the number of battles in the RAM 33 and adds “1” to the RAM 33 each time the number of battles increases. Then, when the lobby screen is displayed on the game device 2, the “current number of battles” stored in the RAM 33 is read according to a request from the game device 2, and is transmitted to the game device 2. In the game apparatus 2, image data indicating an explosion occurring in the planet P corresponding to the “current number of battles” transmitted from the game server 3 is read from the disk 15 and displayed as a lobby screen.

  For example, if the “current number of battles” is 1 to 5, the number of explosions is displayed as “1”, and as the current number of battles increases, the numbers become “2” and “3” below. Is displayed.

  “Entering another player's lobby” means that another player enters the lobby of the online game while the player's game is running. The player enters the lobby on the game server 3. In this case, the entry information is transmitted to the other game apparatus 2. In the game apparatus 2, when this entrance information is transmitted, that is, when another player enters the lobby, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, a shooting star N flows near the planet P on the lobby screen. Is displayed. The number of shooting stars N may be equal to the number of other players who have entered the lobby (one shooting star for each lobby visitor), or the number of entering the lobby may be grouped together (for example, the lobby). 1 shooting star for 10 visitors).

  Note that the timing at which other players enter the lobby is irregular, and the lobby screen is not displayed on the monitor 13 while a battle is being performed in the battle field. For this reason, the game apparatus 2 accumulates the number of other players who entered the lobby during the battle in the battle field, and then displays a shooting star N corresponding to the accumulated number when the lobby screen is displayed. To. When the lobby screen is displayed, and another player enters the lobby at that time, the shooting star N may be displayed in real time.

  Returning to FIG. 5, “game device information” includes “game execution time”. The “game execution time” is the time during which the player is executing this online game, and is not shown in the figure, but is represented by the color of the atmosphere in the planet. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the types of change in “game execution time” are “0 to 15 minutes”, “15 to 30 minutes”, “30 to 45 minutes”, and “45 to 60 minutes”. Four types are available. “0-15 minutes” displays the planet's atmospheric color in the morning color, “15-30 minutes” displays the planet's atmospheric color in the daytime color, and “30-45 minutes” displays the planetary color. The atmosphere color of the evening is displayed in the evening color, and “45 to 60 minutes” is the planetary atmosphere color displayed in the night color.

  The CPU 21a of the game apparatus 2 has a timer (not shown), and measures the game execution time based on the time measured by the timer. When the lobby screen is displayed on the game apparatus 2, the time measured by the timer is read out, and the color of the atmosphere in the planet corresponding to the time measured by the read timer, that is, the game execution time is shown. Image data is read from the disk 15 and displayed as a lobby screen.

  When the game execution time by the player exceeds 60 minutes, the color of the atmosphere changes from the night color to the first morning color of “0 to 15 minutes”. It is going to change.

  In addition, “CPU lottery information” means that the CPU 21a performs a predetermined lottery when the lobby screen is displayed, as will be described later. Say. Specifically, information such as “when the lobby screen is displayed” and “when the player first logs in” can be cited.

  “When the lobby screen is displayed” means when the player enters the online game and the lobby screen is displayed for the first time, or when the lobby screen is displayed once after the game is executed in the battle field. In such a case, the lottery is executed with a predetermined probability (for example, 1/256). The image elements on the lobby screen are changed according to the lottery result. Specifically, if the lottery is won, as shown by the symbol S in FIG. 2, the “space ship S” is displayed on the lobby screen, and the “space ship S” is landed on the continent A of the planet P. Display.

  For example, when the player enters the online game and the lobby screen is displayed for the first time, the CPU 21a performs the lottery, and if the lottery is won, the image data regarding the operations of the “spacecraft S” and the “spacecraft S”. Is read from the disk 15 and displayed when the lobby screen is displayed. If the lottery is not selected, “Spaceship S” is not displayed.

  “When the player first logs in” refers to the time when the player enters the online game for the first time and the lobby screen is displayed for the first time. In such a case, the player has a predetermined probability (for example, 1/256). Executed. And the image element in a lobby screen is changed according to the lottery result. Specifically, if the lottery is won, as shown by a symbol U in FIG. 2, “UFO (unidentified flying object)” is displayed on the lobby screen, and “UFO” crosses the planet P is displayed. .

  For example, when the player enters the online game for the first time and the lobby screen is displayed for the first time, the CPU 21a performs the lottery, and if the lottery is won, image data relating to the operations of “UFO” and “UFO” is stored on the disc 15. And display it when the lobby screen is displayed. If the lottery is not selected, “UFO” is not displayed.

  The above-mentioned display is made when the player enters the online game for the first time and wins the lottery, so that the player is not aware of the existence of “UFO” (meaning the appearance of “UFO”) Do not understand). Therefore, the lottery may be performed, for example, every time the player executes a game exceeding a predetermined execution time (for example, 10 hours) (after understanding the meaning of the appearance of “UFO”).

  Since the above-described change modes in the plurality of image elements are displayed by changing various image elements generated in or around the planet on the lobby screen, what does the various image elements mean? However, it may be unknown to players (especially players who are not proficient in this battle action game). Therefore, on the lobby screen, as shown by the symbol PU in FIG. 2, explanations by pop-up display may be displayed for various image elements. As a result, the player who does not understand the meaning of each image element change can recognize the meaning.

  Whether or not to perform pop-up display may be arbitrarily set by the player. This is in consideration of players who are used to the meaning of the change of each image element and feel that pop-up display is troublesome.

  Next, a control procedure in the game system will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for a battle action game in the online mode in the game apparatus 2. Hereinafter, a case where the player plays the game by selecting the online mode will be described.

  First, when the player attaches the disc 15 to the disc drive unit 24 of the main body 11, the disc drive unit 24 uses the disc 15 to select the image data of the initial screen (demonstration screen, menu screen, etc.) and the player's selection operation for the initial screen. The game program for performing the process for is read into the RAM 21c. In addition, a server compatible program for controlling entry of the player into the online game, a network control program for controlling data transmission / reception between the game server 3 and the game apparatus 2, and a three-dimensional image to be displayed on the monitor 13 are controlled. The graphic control program to be read is read into the RAM 21c, and the image of the demonstration screen or menu screen is displayed on the monitor 13 (S1), and the game is ready.

  When the player selects the online mode on the menu screen, the server-corresponding program is read from the RAM 21c and activated, and an entrance process for setting the participation of the online game in the online mode of the player is performed. That is, a log-in request is transmitted from the game apparatus 2 to the game server 3 together with information (for example, an ID number) for authenticating the player (S2). In response to this login request, the game server 3 performs an entrance process corresponding to the request (S3). For example, when the participation of the player is permitted, log-in permission information is transmitted from the game server 3 to the game apparatus 2.

  When the log-in permission information is transmitted from the game server 3, the game device 2 makes preparations for displaying the lobby screen. Specifically, the CPU 21a of the game apparatus 2 reads “player information” from the memory card 6 and temporarily stores it in the RAM 21c (S4). “Player information” is, for example, “number of logins”, “win rate”, “number of consecutive wins”, “number of consecutive losses”, and “number of registered friends” in an online game. At this time, “1” is added to “the number of times of login” as “player information” and is stored in the RAM 21c.

  Further, when the log-in permission information is transmitted from the game server 3, the game apparatus 2 transmits a request signal for requesting “game server information” to the game server 3 (S5). The “game server information” is, for example, “the number of visitors to the lobby”, “the current number of battles”, and “the other players enter the lobby”.

  In response to the “game server information” request from the game device 2, the game server 3 reads “number of visitors to the lobby” and “current number of matches” as “game server information” from the RAM 33, They are transmitted to the device 2 (S6). Information relating to “entry of another player into the lobby” is transmitted when another player enters.

  When receiving the “game server information” from the game server 3, the CPU 21a of the game apparatus 2 temporarily stores them in the RAM 21c. Next, based on the “player information” and “game server information” stored in the RAM 21c, the CPU 21a selects an image element to be drawn on the lobby screen and image data indicating the change, and reads it from the disk 15 (S7). .

  When the “login accumulated number” of “player information” is three times, for example, “minimal” of the size of the planet P is selected, and “minimal” image data of the planet P is read from the disk 15. Further, when the “number of visitors to the lobby” of the “game server information” is 200, for example, the size of “the size of the cloud C” (101 to 500 people) is selected, and the “size of the cloud C” is selected. Image data having a large size is read from the disk 15.

  In addition, “win rate”, “number of consecutive wins”, “number of consecutive losses”, “number of friends registered” are read as “player information”, and “current number of matches” is read out as “game server information”. Image data indicating an element and its change is selected, and image data indicating the selected image element and its change is read out.

  The CPU 21a acquires image data indicating the selected image element and its change from the memory card 16 and the game server 3, and reads out image data of “Planet P” which is background data of the game apparatus 2. After that, the graphic control program adds image data indicating the image element and its change to the image data of “Planet P” and displays it as a lobby screen on the monitor 13 (S8).

  When the lobby screen is displayed, if a friend is registered, it is stored in the memory card 16. In this case, once registered, the image data may be immediately reflected. That is, for example, when the “friend registration number” increases from 0 to 1, the number of stars may be increased by one and displayed.

  At this time, when the lobby screen is displayed, the CPU 21a of the game apparatus 2 performs a predetermined lottery, and reflects the image data acquired based on the lottery result on the lobby screen. That is, after the lobby screen is displayed, the CPU 21a performs a lottery with a predetermined probability. If the lottery is won, the CPU 21a reads out the image data relating to the movement of the “spacecraft” and the “spacecraft” from the disk 15, and “Spaceship” is displayed on the screen, and an image of “Spaceship” landing in the planet is displayed.

  Further, when the player enters the online game for the first time (determined from the “integrated number of logins” in the “player information” being zero), the CPU 21a performs a lottery with a predetermined probability (for example, 1/256). If the lottery is won, image data related to the movement of “UFO” and “UFO” is read from the disk 15, “UFO” is displayed on the lobby screen, and “UFO” crosses the planet. Display.

  Further, the CPU 21a counts the “game execution time” based on the time measured by a timer (not shown), but since the game is not progressing in the actual battle field at the present time, the time is measured by the timer. Absent. Therefore, the “atmosphere color” represented by “game execution time” is also the “morning color” in the initial state.

  In this way, on the lobby screen, “Planet” is displayed as a predetermined image in accordance with the subject matter of the online game, and various information (player information, game server, etc.) is displayed in the space inside and near the “Planet”. Since the image element corresponding to information etc. is changed and displayed, it is possible to display an unprecedented lobby screen and to inspire the player to be interested in this online game.

  Moreover, various information corresponding to various image elements can be provided to the player by showing the manner in which various image elements change through the lobby screen. Therefore, the player can easily recognize information related to the online game, which can contribute to the determination at the time of selection such as which area to enter. Also, since various information is represented by image elements, it is not necessary to separately provide various information on the lobby screen, and the lobby screen can be displayed with a clean layout.

  Thereafter, when the player selects an arbitrary room after the lobby screen is displayed, the CPU 21a displays a team organization screen for team division (S9). When team division is completed on the team organization screen, the screen is shifted to the battle field, and the actual battle action game is started by the player (S10). That is, when the player operates the operation controller 12 while viewing the game screen of the monitor 13, the game program is executed based on the operation information, the image displayed on the monitor 13 changes, and the game proceeds.

  When the screen shifts to the battle field and a battle between a plurality of teams starts, the game apparatus 2 transmits to the game server 3 that a battle has newly started (S11). With these transmissions, the game server 3 performs an update process of updating the value of the “current number of battles” stored in the RAM 33 and sequentially storing the value (S12).

  In the game server 3, while a battle action game is being executed on the plurality of game devices 2, there is an entry request to the lobby of the online game from another player (S 13), and if permitted, it is stored in the RAM 33. The update processing of updating and sequentially storing the value of “the number of visitors to the lobby” is performed (S14).

  In addition, the game apparatus 2 transmits a transmission request signal of “game server information” at regular intervals in order to acquire the update result by the update process (S12, S14) to the game server 3 (S15). The game server 3 transmits the latest “game server information” in response to the transmission request from the game apparatus 2 (S16).

  When the battle ends in the battle action game, the CPU 21a of the game apparatus 2 stores the battle result in the memory card 16 (S17). For example, the “winning rate”, “number of consecutive wins”, and “number of consecutive losses” based on the competition result are recalculated and newly stored in the memory card 16.

  Further, the CPU 21a of the game apparatus 2 transmits to the game server 3 that the battle has ended (S18). Thereby, the game server 3 performs the update process regarding a battle | competition (S19), reads "game server information" memorize | stored in RAM33 at the time of a battle | competition completion, and transmits to the said game device 2 ( S20).

  When the “game server information” is received in the game device 2, image data of image elements to be displayed on the lobby screen based on the “game server information” is read from the disk 15 (S 7), and the image data is reflected in the lobby screen. Is displayed (S8). On this lobby screen, the battle that was being performed immediately before is completed and the battle result is stored in the memory card 16, and the lobby screen is displayed based on the stored “player information”. Further, the lobby screen is displayed based on the “game server information” transmitted from the game server 3.

  At this time, if another player enters the lobby while displaying the current lobby screen after displaying the previous lobby screen, a corresponding number of shooting stars N are displayed in the vicinity of the planet P. .

  Although not shown in the above flowchart, when a new game starts or ends between other game devices 2, the information is sequentially transmitted to the game server 3. Update processing is performed.

  Although not shown in the flowchart, in the game apparatus 2, the game execution time is measured by a timer, and the color of the planet atmosphere is changed every 15 minutes.

  The present invention is not limited to being applied to the battle action game shown in the above embodiment, but can be applied to other action games, role playing games, racing games, or fighting games. For example, a case where the present invention is also applied to a soccer game as an online game will be described. As a lobby screen in this soccer game, for example, an image showing a ground G and a stand ST in a soccer stadium can be cited as shown in FIG.

  As types of lobby screen reference information, as shown in FIG. 11, “player information” includes “login accumulated number”, “successful wins”, “successive wins”, etc., and “game server information” includes “go to lobby”. ”Number of admissions”, “Entering other players into the lobby”, etc. “Game device information” includes “game execution time”, “CPU lottery information” such as “at first login” Can be mentioned.

  The “log-in cumulative number” is indicated by the size of the stand ST as an image element, and the stand ST becomes larger as the cumulative number of logged-in players increases. The “number of consecutive wins” is indicated by the reaction of the audience, and as the number of consecutive wins increases, it changes from booing to cheering. In addition, “the number of consecutive losses” is indicated by the reaction of the manager M of the soccer team. As the number of consecutive losses increases, the attitude of the manager M such as “regret”, “anger”, and “crying” increases. The director M's character may be drawn with a head larger than the body so that the facial expression can be understood, or the whole body may express the above attitude.

  In this way, in addition to changing the image element on the lobby screen, the sound effect may be further enhanced by outputting sound or changing the sound.

  Further, the “number of visitors to the lobby” is indicated by the number of spectators at the stand ST, and is displayed so that the number of spectators at the stand increases as the number of players entering the lobby increases. The “game execution time” is indicated by the sky color and the lighting state of the lighting device L. The sky color changes every 15 minutes. The lighting device L is turned on at “45 to 60 minutes”.

  In the lottery performed by the CPU 21a at the time of the first login by the player, if a lottery is won, an image in which a huge soccer ball crosses the stadium may be displayed. Further, when another player enters the lobby, an image may be displayed in which a cameraman in the vicinity of the soccer pitch of the Grand G performs flash photography.

  Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, in the present embodiment, a game system applied to an online game using the network line 1 has been described. However, the game system is not limited to an online game, but is also applied to a game in an offline mode performed in the game device 2 and its peripheral devices. You may make it do. For example, the present invention is also applicable to a case where a player plays alone in the offline mode, or a case where a plurality of operation controllers 12 are connected to the same game device 2 and a plurality of players play in the same game space. Also good.

  In the offline mode, there is no lobby screen used when a team is organized in the online mode because a game in which the player alone subjugates enemy characters proceeds. However, in the offline mode, on the opening screen, demonstration screen, or loading screen displayed when the power is turned on (the screen displayed when the game apparatus 2 reads the game program from the disk 15), the “number of games executed up to now” “Player information” such as “number of consecutive wins”, “number of consecutive losses”, and “winning rate” may be displayed.

  Further, the reference items of “player information”, “game server information”, “game device information”, and “CPU lottery information” described above are not limited to the above-described contents. Further, the image element change mode in each reference item is not limited to the above-described content.

  Further, the game apparatus 2 may be provided with a hard disk device, and data such as “number of accumulated logins”, “win rate”, “number of consecutive wins”, “number of consecutive losses”, “match result”, and “number of friend registrations” are stored. Instead of the memory card 16, it may be stored in a hard disk device.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the game system which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a lobby screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a team organization screen. It is a figure which shows the structural example of lobby screen reference information. It is a figure which shows the structural example of lobby screen reference information. It is a figure which shows an example of a lobby screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a lobby screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a lobby screen. It is a flowchart which shows the progress procedure of the battle action game in the online mode in a game device. It is a figure which shows an example of the lobby screen which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of a lobby screen reference information. It is a figure which shows an example of the area structure which the player at the time of participating in an online game can enter. It is a figure which shows an example of the conventional lobby screen.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Network line 2 Game device 3 Game server 11 Main body 12 Operation controller 13 Monitor 14 Network adapter 15 Disk 16 Memory card 21 Control part 21a CPU (game device)
21b ROM
21c RAM
22 drawing processing unit 23 audio processing unit 26 I / O interface unit 24 disk drive unit 25 memory card connection unit 31 CPU (game server)
32 ROM
33 RAM
34 Hard disk devices

Claims (21)

A game device in which a predetermined image corresponding to the subject content of the video game is displayed on the display unit at the start of the video game,
A game comprising image display control means for displaying the image at the start in a mode with a predetermined change based on information calculated by a predetermined calculation when the video game is executed. apparatus.   The game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a voice output unit that outputs a voice related to the image displayed by the image display control unit. A storage device is provided for storing information calculated by the predetermined calculation by executing the video game;
A transmission means for transmitting a transmission request signal for acquiring information calculated by the predetermined calculation stored in the storage device when displaying a predetermined image at the start of the video game;
The image display control means includes
The change mode of the predetermined image is controlled based on information calculated by the predetermined calculation acquired from the storage device by transmitting the transmission request signal by the transmission unit. The game device described.   The game apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising information update means for sequentially updating information calculated by the predetermined calculation as the video game progresses and storing the updated information in the storage device.   The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information calculated by the predetermined calculation includes at least information related to a player's performance in the video game.   6. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the information calculated by the predetermined calculation includes at least information related to an operation execution time of the game device of the player.   The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information calculated by the predetermined calculation includes at least information related to a lottery performed when the player starts the operation of the game apparatus. A game system comprising a plurality of game devices and a game server connected to these game devices through a network line and capable of controlling execution of an online game by the plurality of game devices,
The game server
Storage means for storing information calculated by a predetermined calculation by executing the online game;
The game device includes:
When displaying a predetermined image corresponding to the subject content of the online game at the start of the online game on the display unit, the game server obtains information calculated by the predetermined calculation stored in the storage means Transmitting means for transmitting a transmission request signal for
An image that displays the image at the start with a predetermined change based on the information obtained from the game server by transmitting the transmission request signal by the transmission means and calculated by the predetermined calculation. And a display control means. The game device includes:
The game system according to claim 8, further comprising sound output means for outputting sound associated with the image displayed by the image display control means. The game server
10. The game system according to claim 8, further comprising an information update unit that sequentially updates information calculated by the predetermined calculation as the online game progresses, and stores the updated information in the storage unit. .   The game system according to claim 8, wherein the information calculated by the predetermined calculation includes at least information related to participation in the online game by a plurality of players operating the game device.   The game system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the information calculated by the predetermined calculation includes at least information related to a result of the plurality of players operating the game device in the online game. A game program for causing a computer to function as the game device according to claim 1,
The computer,
When a predetermined image corresponding to the subject content of the video game is displayed on the display unit at the start of the video game, based on information calculated by a predetermined calculation by executing the video game, the start time The game program for functioning as an image display control means for displaying the image in a form with a predetermined change. A game program for causing a computer to function as the game device according to claim 2,
The computer,
A game program for functioning as an audio output unit that outputs audio associated with an image displayed by the image display control unit. A game program for causing a computer to function as the game device according to claim 3,
The computer,
Transmitting means for transmitting a transmission request signal for acquiring information calculated by the predetermined calculation stored in a storage device provided in the game device when displaying a predetermined screen at the start of the video game; ,
An image that displays the image at the start with a predetermined change based on information calculated from the predetermined calculation acquired from the storage device by transmitting the transmission request signal by the transmission means A game program for functioning as a display control means. A game program for causing a computer to function as the game device according to claim 4,
The computer,
As the video game progresses, the information calculated by the predetermined calculation is sequentially updated, and the updated information is made to function as an information update unit that stores the information calculated by the predetermined calculation in a storage device. Game program for. A game program for causing a computer to function as the game server according to claim 8,
The computer,
The game program for functioning as a memory | storage means to memorize | store the information calculated by predetermined | prescribed calculation by performing the said online game. A game program for causing a computer to function as the game device according to claim 8,
The computer,
When displaying a predetermined image corresponding to the subject content of the online game at the start of the online game on the display unit, the game server obtains information calculated by the predetermined calculation stored in the storage means Transmitting means for transmitting a transmission request signal for
An image that displays the image at the start with a predetermined change based on the information obtained from the game server by transmitting the transmission request signal by the transmission means and calculated by the predetermined calculation. A game program for functioning as a display control means. A game program for causing a computer to function as the game device according to claim 9,
The computer,
A game program for functioning as an audio output unit that outputs audio associated with an image displayed by the image display control unit. A game program for causing a computer to function as the game server according to claim 10,
The computer,
A game program for sequentially updating information calculated by the predetermined calculation as the online game progresses, and causing the storage unit to store the updated information as an information update unit.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the game program according to any one of claims 13 to 20 is recorded.

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