JP2011206484A - Server system and game device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To implement new excitement and enjoyment using a friend list.SOLUTION: A player preliminarily registers friend players in the friend list in a server system. When both players registered in the friend list execute an on-line multiplayer game in a same team, the server system calculates intimacy and alienation between both the players and notifies a commercial-use game device of the calculation result. The commercial-use game device displays a name 14 of the team or performs a friend relationship display W8 including a chained relationship display description 524b as friend relationship choreography displays, on the basis of the obtained intimacy and alienation.

Description

  The present invention relates to a server system that distributes information necessary for game execution to a game device.

  In a so-called online multiplayer game in which a plurality of players are connected to a communication line at the same time and play a game using game devices capable of data communication with each other, it is common for a plurality of players to jointly advance the game. . And in many online multiplayer games, the player can arbitrarily register other players who play with them in the “friend list” and play together again in the next and subsequent matches. Yes. In order to prevent unauthorized registration of a friend list, if registration to a new friend list is requested, this is temporarily treated as a temporary registration, and is registered as a friend list for other players on the registered side. It is also known to confirm the approval to be registered and to perform the main registration in the friend list when the approval is obtained (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-47778 A

  The friend list is generally used when matching players who play a game together. For example, a friend list may be used so that players who match each other are matched.

  An object of this invention is to implement | achieve the new interest using a friend list.

A first mode for solving the above-described problems is a server system that is communicably connected to a game device capable of a battle or cooperative play (hereinafter referred to as “multiplayer”) between single or multiple players. There,
Friend storage means for storing the friend player of each player (for example, server processing unit 203 in FIG. 8, friend list editing unit 234, storage unit 700, friend list 734 in FIG. 9, step S26 in FIG. 16);
Player identification information receiving means (for example, server processing unit 203, account authentication unit 242, communication control unit 273, communication unit 373, step of FIG. 18 in FIG. 8) that receives identification information of each player who performs multiplayer from the game device. S104)
Based on the identification information received by the player identification information receiving means, each player who performs the multi-play is specified, and the specific players are linked with each other by tracing the friend players of the specific players from the stored contents of the friend storage means. A degree of closeness determination means for determining the degree of closeness between each other (for example, the server processing unit 203, the matching control unit 244, the closeness degree determination unit 246 in FIG. 8, step S112 in FIG. 18, and step S172 in FIG. 19);
The game device is provided with a familiarity result signal including at least one of 1) a degree of familiarity determined by the degree of familiarity determination means, and 2) an effect control instruction for performing an effect output corresponding to the determined degree of familiarity. Is a server system comprising: a result-of-familiarity signal transmission means (for example, server processing unit 203, communication control unit 273, communication unit 373, degree of familiarity 754e in FIG. 10, step S274 in FIG. 19).

  According to the first aspect, it is possible to store the friend players of each player, determine the degree of familiarity between players playing together, and output a control signal for effect output according to the degree of familiarity. Therefore, on the game device side used by the player, it is possible to output a new effect based on the degree of familiarity.

In the second form, the familiarity degree determining means searches for a common friend player by chain-tracking the friend player from each of the specific players (for example, the server processing unit 203 in FIG. 8). , The familiarity determination unit 246, steps S222 to S232 in FIG.
First determination means for determining the degree of familiarity indicating a direct relationship when the specific player is a friend player of each other (for example, the server processing unit 203, the degree of familiarity determination unit 246 in FIG. 8, steps S202 to S204 in FIG. 20). )When,
A server of a first mode, comprising: a second determination unit configured to determine the degree of familiarity using a relative relationship between the specific players via the common friend player when the specific players are not mutual friend players. System.

  According to the second mode, the same effect as that of the server system of the first mode can be obtained, and the closeness can be determined as the closeness according to the friendship between the common friend player and the specific player.

  In the third mode, the second determination unit uses the number of chains with the minimum number of chains between the specific players via the common friend player among the common friend players searched by the common friend search unit. It is a server system of the 2nd form which judges the degree of familiarity.

  According to the 3rd form, while exhibiting the effect similar to the server system of a 2nd form, a closeness degree can be determined based on the closest friend friend common friend player.

  In a fourth mode, the second determination means uses the number of common friend players searched by the common friend search means and the relative relationship between the specific players via each common friend player. It is a server system of the 2nd form which judges the degree of familiarity.

  According to the fourth aspect, the same effect as that of the server system of the second aspect is obtained, and the familiarity is based on the number of common friend players and the relative relationship between the specific players through each common friend player. Degree can be determined. That is, it is possible to determine the number of common friends and the degree to which the common friends follow the friend's circle.

  In a fifth aspect, the familiarity result signal transmitting means informs the effect control instruction of the linkage relation between the specific players via the common friend player searched by the common friend search means. It is a server system according to any one of the second to fourth modes, which transmits the familiarity result signal including the business data.

  According to the fifth aspect, since the same effect as that of the server system of any one of the second to fourth aspects can be obtained and the linkage relationship notification data for notifying the linkage relationship can be provided. The game device that has acquired the can report the chain relationship. The linkage relationship notification data is a numerical value used for executing linkage relationship notification, image data for notification of linkage relationship, and the like, and can be set as appropriate according to the system configuration and the like.

In the sixth embodiment, for each player, friendship degree management means (for example, the server processing unit 203, the friendship degree management unit 248 in FIG. 9 friendship degree 734d, FIG. 18 step S390),
The common friend search means determines whether or not two players can be chained and traced based on the friendship between the two players (for example, the server processing unit 203 in FIG. 8, A familiarity determination unit 246, step S220 in FIG. 20, and step S403 in FIG. 22), and searches for a common friend player by tracing the players determined to be chainable by the chainability determination unit. It is a server system of any 5th form.

  According to the 6th form, while having the same effect as the server system of any one of the 2nd-5th form, it can be determined whether a friend's ring (chain) is traced based on friendship degree. In other words, it can be said that the circle of friends who are not very close is not followed.

  In the seventh mode, whether or not the chain availability determination means can trace between the two players is determined based on the friendship between the two players and the number of chains from the specific player. It is the server system of the 6th form to judge.

  According to the 7th form, while having the same effect as the server system of a 6th form, it is not necessary to trace to the circle of a friend who is thinly involved.

  In an eighth mode, the friendship degree management means determines the friendship degree between the players using any one of the number of times the players have played the multiplayer, the frequency, and the game result when the multiplayer is performed. It is the server system of the 6th or 7th form to change.

  According to the 8th form, while having the same effect as the server system of the 6th or 7th form, a friendship degree can be changed according to a game result.

  In the ninth embodiment, registration means (for example, FIG. 8) receives a friend player registration request signal from the player terminal of each player and stores the friend player of the player in the friend storage means based on the registration request signal. The server system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects further includes a server processing unit 203, a web server calculation unit 230, a friend list editing unit 234, and step S26 in FIG.

  According to the 9th form, while having the effect similar to the server system of any one of the 1st-8th form, a friend player can be registered into a friend memory | storage means.

In the tenth mode, a matching request signal receiving unit (for example, the server processing unit 203, the game server calculation unit 240 in FIG. 8) that receives a matching request signal including identification information of a player playing on the game device from each game device. , Communication control unit 273, communication unit 373, step S110 in FIG.
Based on the matching request signal received by the matching request signal receiving means, the matching process is performed by preferentially combining the players stored as friend players in the friend storage means among the combinations of players requested for matching. Matching processing means (for example, the server processing unit 203 in FIG. 8, the game server calculation unit 240, the matching control unit 244, and steps S152 to S162 in FIG. 19), It is a server system of the form.

  According to the tenth aspect, the same effects as in the server system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects can be obtained, and the players stored as friend players in the friend storage unit can be combined and matched with priority. be able to.

The eleventh aspect is a game apparatus capable of multi-playing connected to the server system of any one of the first to tenth aspects so as to be able to communicate,
Player identification information transmitting means for transmitting player identification information to the server system (for example, the processing unit 200, the game calculation unit 210, the communication control unit 270, the communication unit 370, and step G102 of FIG. 17);
Familiarity result signal receiving means for receiving the familiarity result signal from the server system (for example, the processing unit 200, the game calculation unit 210, the communication control unit 270, the communication unit 370, and step G290 in FIG. 17);
Effect processing execution means (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 11, the game calculation unit 210, the friend effect control unit 216, and FIG. 17) that executes predetermined effect processing based on the familiarity result signal received by the familiarity result signal receiving means. Step G304).

  According to the 11th form, the familiarity result signal can be received from the server system of any of the 1st to 10th forms, and the effect process can be executed. In other words, it is possible to enhance the fun of the multiplayer game by using the friend list to execute an effect related to the friendship between the players.

The figure which shows an example of a system configuration. The figure which shows an example of a structure of a smart phone, and shows an example of a structure of the top page of a designated website. The figure which shows an example of the display form of an "edit friend list" page. The perspective external view which shows an example of a structure of an arcade game device. The figure which shows an example of a game screen. The figure which shows an example of a friend production. The figure which shows the example of a variation of a chain relation display body. The functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of a server system. The figure which shows an example of a data structure of account registration data. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of matching data. The functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of an arcade game device. The figure which shows an example of a data structure of friend production | presentation display setting data. The figure which shows an example of a data structure of friend item setting data. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of play data. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process in the smart phone until creation of a friend list. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process in the server system until preparation of a friend list. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process regarding the game play and friend effect display in a game device. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process regarding the game play in a server system, and friend production | presentation display. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a matching process. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a familiarity determination process. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a friend production | presentation display process. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the modification of a familiarity determination process.

[First Embodiment]
As a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, an online multiplayer game will be described as an example.

[Description of system configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a portable game device 1400, a home game device 1200, and the like are used in addition to a business game device 1300 installed in a store such as a game center as a game device for the player 2 to play a game.

The arcade game device 1300 is connected to the communication line 1 via the in-store LAN (Local Area Network) 3 and the store server device 1700, and accesses the server system 1100 through the communication line 1 to connect to the server system 1100. Data communication between the two.
Portable game device 1400 and home-use game device 1200 each implement data communication with server system 1100 via communication line 1.

  The communication line 1 referred to here means a communication path through which data can be exchanged. That is, the communication line includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), and a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet. In addition, the communication method may be wired or wireless.

  The server system 1100 realizes a function as a website server and a game server function that centrally manages information such as an account related to a game executed on the arcade game apparatus 1300 and the like, a friend list created by the player, and the like. The hardware configuration includes a housing 1104 having a plurality of blade servers 1102, a keyboard 1106 and a display monitor 1108 used for management operations of the blade server 1102, and a shared storage 1110.

  The blade server 1102 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an I / O module, an IC memory, a storage such as a hard disk, and the like, and functions as a single server computer. The chassis 1104 is equipped with each blade server 1102, a power supply module that supplies power to them, a communication device for connecting to the communication line 1, and the like.

  In this embodiment, one of the blade servers 1102 functions as a website server, the other functions as a game server, and data used across the website and the game is stored in the shared storage 1110 and shared. To do. In this embodiment, account registration data prepared for each player is stored in the shared storage 1110.

  The function as a website server in this embodiment has a function as a server for publicly-known website management, and (1) a player accesses a website using a smartphone 1500 as a player terminal to acquire an account. Processing, (2) processing to log in using an account, (3) processing for the player to edit a friend list on the web browser, and the like.

  The function as a game server in the present embodiment has a function as a known game server and a function of transmitting information for displaying a friend effect based on a friend list created in advance by the player to the arcade game device 1300. To do. The friend effect display is an effect display that is one of the features of the present embodiment in accordance with the friendship between another player who forms a team together and oneself when playing an online multiplayer game.

  Of course, the server system 1100 may be realized by a single server computer.

[About smartphone configuration and friend list creation]
The friend list can be freely created by the player accessing the designated website in advance before playing the game and following a predetermined procedure. In this embodiment, a smartphone 1500 owned by a player is connected to the communication line 1 and created by accessing a designated website using a web browser function.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the smartphone 1500 and an example of the configuration of the top page of the designated website.
A smart phone 1500 is a player terminal in the present embodiment, and functions as a mobile phone, a personal handy-phone system (PHS), etc. by wireless communication with a radio base station 1802 of a telephone line, and executes an application program to execute the Internet. It is a portable information terminal device that can be connected to a communication line 1 such as and can access a website server.

  The smartphone 1500 includes a flip-flop type or slide type case 1501, a speaker 1502 and a microphone 1504 for a call, a dial key 1506 and a direction input key 1508 used for input operations such as a dial number, and an input dial number. Etc., and a flat panel display 1522 for displaying images.

A housing 1501 incorporates a control unit 1550 equipped with a wireless communication module 1512 that realizes wireless communication with the wireless base station 1802 of the communication line 1 or the telephone line, and a battery (not shown).
In addition, the smartphone 1500 includes a memory card slot 1542 that allows the memory card 1540 to be freely attached and removed, and the control unit 1550 reads application programs and data such as a web browser stored in the memory card 1540. be able to.

  To access the designated site, either a method of directly connecting to the communication line 1 or a method of connecting to the communication line 1 via the radio base station 1802 can be taken. In the latter case, the radio base station 1802 is connected to the Internet connection server device 1800 (see FIG. 1) of the radio telephone carrier, and is connected to the communication line 1 via the server device.

  When the designated website is accessed, a top page P2 as shown in FIG. 2 is displayed. On the top page P2, links to the respective pages of “login”, “edit friend list”, and “account registration” are set.

  When moving to the “login” page, an account input field and a password input field are displayed in the same manner as a login process to a well-known website, and the registered information is input to them to log in to the site.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display form of the “edit friend list” page P4.
On this page, for example, (1) a registered friend account input field 20 for inputting an account of a friend list to be newly registered (referred to as a friend account) and (2) an account to be newly registered are used when playing. Team name input field 22 for inputting a team name, (3) operation icons 26 and 28 related to new registration, and (4) registered friends who can browse accounts already registered in the friend list. A list 30, (5) a deletion friend account input field 32 for inputting an account that is already registered and desired to be deleted, and (6) operation icons 34 and 36 related to registration deletion are displayed. The

The input to the registered friend account input field 20 is realized by a text input function using a dial key 1506 as in the case of a publicly known smartphone, and a selection icon or a selection operation on a list is performed using the direction input key 1508 or the dial key 1506. Realized by the selection function used.
If a new account is input to the registered friend account input field 20 and the “register” operation icon 26 is selected, the friend list editing information is transmitted to the server system 1100 and stored in the shared storage 1110 in association with the account. Your friend list is updated.

It should be noted that the contents that the player can do on the “edit friend list” page P4 can be set as appropriate. For example, a list of input candidates to the registered friend account input field 20 can be added. More specifically, the accounts of enemies / friends who have battled within the last 100 battles may be displayed in a selectable manner. Also, the team name input field 22 may be displayed in a list so that preset team names can be selected. Furthermore, it is possible to add a column for setting the display form of the team name 14 (font, color, decoration to be added around the font, etc.).
Further, a page that can be moved from the top page P2 may be set as appropriate. For example, a page for browsing play data of the current team can be provided.

[Configuration of arcade game device]
Next, the configuration of the arcade game apparatus 1300 will be described as an example of the game apparatus used by the player. FIG. 4 is a perspective external view showing a configuration example of the arcade game apparatus 1300. The arcade game apparatus 1300 includes two sets of input devices such as a joystick 1306 for inputting various operations and a plurality of push switches 1308 on an operation console 1304 protruding in front of the game apparatus main body 1301. Can be played simultaneously.

In addition, on the upper part of the game apparatus main body 1301, a video monitor 1322 such as a liquid crystal panel display or CRT for displaying a game image, a speaker 1324 for emitting BGM or sound effects, and a game which is a portable information storage medium. A game card reader / writer 1330 for reading and writing data from the card 1332;
The game apparatus main body 1301 includes two coin counters 1340 corresponding to a set of two input devices, a control unit 1310, and a power supply device (not shown) at the bottom and inside.

  The control unit 1310 includes so-called various processing units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and electrical and electronic devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and an IC memory. Configure the computer board. The control unit 1310 includes a communication device 1312 and is connected to the in-store LAN 3 (in some cases, the communication line 1) by wire or wirelessly to realize data communication with an external device. Then, the control unit 1310 reads out a system program and a game program from an information storage medium such as an IC memory and a hard disk mounted thereon, performs arithmetic processing, and controls each unit of the arcade game apparatus 1300.

In order to play the game of the present embodiment on the arcade game device 1300, the game card 1332 stores the player information (for example, an account, etc.) by registering the player in advance in the same manner as a known online multiplayer game. It is necessary to obtain.
When playing a game, it is necessary to insert it into the game card reader / writer 1330 of the arcade game apparatus 1300 to read the stored player information. Player registration and issuance of the game card 1332 may be performed by providing a separate dedicated registration device as is well known, or may be performed by the arcade game device 1300. The player registration information is also stored and managed in the server system 1100.

  When the coin counter 1340 detects the insertion of a predetermined amount of coins, the control unit 1310 reads and executes the game program, and the arcade game apparatus 1300 can play the game according to the present invention.

  When starting the game, the arcade game apparatus 1300 first reads out player information from the player's game card 1332 with the game card reader / writer 1330. Then, via the store server apparatus 1700, data necessary for an online multiplayer game such as a friend list prepared in advance by the player is acquired from the server system 1100.

  Then, the arcade game apparatus 1300 controls the operation of the player character placed in the game space formed in the virtual three-dimensional space. And the image which image | photographed the state with the virtual camera is produced | generated as a game screen, and game sounds, such as BGM and a sound effect, are produced | generated at an appropriate timing. The generated game screen is displayed on the video monitor 1322, and the generated game sound is emitted from the speaker 1324. The player plays the game while listening to the game sound emitted from the speaker 1324 while watching the game screen displayed on the video monitor 1322.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen in the present embodiment. In the online multiplayer game in this embodiment, two teams (A team and B team) are organized as a team of two people by matching by the server system 1100, and the A team's game is formed in a virtual three-dimensional space. In this game, the player character 4 (4a, 4b) operated by the player and the player character 6 (6c, 6d) operated by the player of the B team are arranged and battled. Here, the players 2a and 2b are the A team, and the players 2c and 2d are the B team.

  Each player 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) operates the arcade game device 1300 and the portable game device 1400, respectively. Each game device transmits the operation input information made by each game device to other game devices participating in the game. Each game device progresses the game by controlling the actions of the player characters 4 and 6 in the respective virtual three-dimensional space based on the operation input information made on the own device and the operation input information received from the other game devices. Let Note that the game uses any of the participating game devices as a parent device, and once the operation input information is transmitted from the child device to the parent device, various operations necessary for the game progress are executed by the parent device to the child device. It is good also as a structure to deliver.

A hit point is given to each of the player character 4 (4a, 4b) of the A team and the player character 6 (6c, 6d) of the B team. If the attack hits, the hit point is subtracted, and the hit point is “0”. The character becomes inoperable. The side on which either player's character of any team becomes inoperable loses.
On the upper left and right of the game screen W2, there are an information display section 10 (10a) for the player character 4 (4a, 4b) of the A team and an information display section 10 (10b) for the player character 6 (6c, 6d) of the B team. The hit points of each player character are displayed in a hit point gauge 8 arranged in parallel with the character icon 7 in each information display unit 10.

[Explanation of friend effect display]
In this embodiment, the friend effect display is performed according to the friendship between the players (1P player (1st. Position player) and 2P player (2nd. Position player)) who form a team.
As one of the friend effect displays, on the game screen W2, a friendship degree display body 552b indicating the friendship degree of the players who form a team is displayed in the information display unit 10. If a player who forms a team is registered in the friend list in advance, the team name 14 is also displayed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the friendship degree display 552b and the team name 14 are also displayed on the use character selection screen W4 for selecting the type of use character that each player uses as the player character. Further, when a predetermined linkage relation display operation is performed in a state where the use character selection screen W4 is displayed, a linkage relation display W8 illustrating the friend relations of the players (1P player, 2P player) forming the team is displayed. Is done.

  In the chain relationship display W8, the player character 4 (4a, 4b) of the team is arranged on the left and right, and a chain relationship display body that simply shows the friend relationship between the 1P player and the 2P player therebetween. 524b is displayed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a variation example of the chain relationship display body 524b in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, four types of linkage display bodies 524b are prepared according to the familiarity between the 1P player and the 2P player.

  When the 1P player and the 2P player are directly in a friendship relationship, a chain relationship display body 524b-1 as shown in FIG. 7A is displayed. A chain relation display 524b-2 as shown in FIG. 7B is displayed in the degree of familiarity corresponding to the case where there is a common friend between the 1P player and the 2P player. In the chain relationship display body 524b-2, the common friend account 16 is displayed as information on the common friend.

  When there is a friend who is common between the friend of the 1P player and the friend of the 2P player, a chain relation display body 524b-3 as shown in FIG. 7C is displayed. When there is no common friend between the friend of the 1P player and the friend of the 2P player, a chain relation display 524b-4 as shown in FIG. 7D is displayed.

  Further, as one of the friend effect displays, the player character 4 (4a, 4b) appearing in the game and the player character 4 (4a, 4b) displayed on the linkage display W8 are common to the degree of familiarity. Items and friend items 530b-1 to 530-3 are given.

  By performing such friend effect display, it is possible to realize an effect that enhances a sense of closeness and a sense of fighting with players who play together, rather than just matching as in the past. Furthermore, communication topics between players can be provided.

[Description of functional configuration]
Next, a functional configuration for realizing the above-described online multiplayer game will be described.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the server system 1100.
The server system 1100 includes an operation input unit 103, a server processing unit 203, an image display unit 363, a communication unit 373, and a storage unit 700.

  The operation input unit 103 is a means for the server administrator to input operations for various maintenance management. The keyboard 1106 in FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

The server processing unit 203 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or a GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or an IC memory, and performs data input / output control with each functional unit including the operation input unit 103 and the storage unit 700. I do. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on predetermined programs, data, and operation input signals from the operation input unit 103 to control the operation of the server system 1100. In FIG. 1, the main board of the blade server 1102 corresponds to the server processing unit 203.
The server processing unit 203 in the present embodiment includes a web server calculation unit 230, a game server calculation unit 240, an image generation unit 263, and a communication control unit 273.

  The web server calculation unit 230 executes various processes for realizing the designated website in the present embodiment, and an HTML document, an image, or a CGI (Common Gateway Interface) script corresponding to the URL designated by the web browser of the smartphone 1500. , Java script (Java is a registered trademark) and the like are transmitted. In the present embodiment, an account registration unit 232 and a friend list editing unit 234 are included.

  The account registration unit 232 executes processing for newly registering an account. When an account is newly registered, account registration data 730 is generated and stored in the storage unit 700. Note that, at the time of new registration, an empty friend list is stored in the account registration data 730.

  The friend list editing unit 234 executes processing related to creation of a specific friend list. In this embodiment, the editing information including the editing result of the friend list on the “edit friend list” page P4 of the designated website is received from the smartphone 1500, and the friend of the account registration data 730 of the account used by the transmission source smartphone 1500 is received. Change or update the list.

  The game server calculation unit 240 is a server that distributes various programs and data necessary for executing the online multiplayer game of the present embodiment on a game device such as the business game device 1300. In the present embodiment, an account authentication unit 242, a matching control unit 244, a familiarity determination unit 246, and a friendship degree management unit 248 are included.

  The account authentication unit 242 receives account information read from the game card 1332 by the arcade game device 1300 or the like or input on the input screen, and authenticates it by comparing with information registered in advance.

  The matching control unit 244 executes processing related to matching for playing online multiplayer. In this embodiment, control is performed so that the players registered in the player's friend list are combined with a higher probability than others.

  The familiarity determination unit 246 determines the familiarity as a parameter indicating what kind of friendship the 1P player and 2P player who form the same team have.

  The friendship degree management unit 248 calculates the friendship degree as a parameter indicating how friendly the 1P player and 2P player who form the same team are, and changes them according to the play result.

  The image generation unit 263 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC or a video codec, an IC memory for a drawing frame such as a frame buffer, or the like. The image generation unit 263 generates image signals for various operation screens necessary for maintenance management of the server system 1100.

  The image display unit 363 displays various images based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 263. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. The display monitor 1108 in FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

The communication control unit 273 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 373.
The communication unit 373 is connected to the communication line 1 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a cable communication cable jack, a control circuit, or the like.

  The storage unit 700 implements a program for realizing various functions for causing the server processing unit 203 to control the server system 1100, a program for realizing functions necessary for website operation, and various functions as a game server. Programs, various data, etc. are stored. In addition, the arcade game device used as a work area of the server processing unit 203, the operation result executed by the server processing unit 203 according to various programs, the operation input information from the operation input unit 103, and the access via the communication unit 373 Information received from 1300 is temporarily stored. This function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM and a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM and DVD. In FIG. 1, the IC memory and magnetic disk mounted on each blade server 1102 and the database 1110 correspond to this.

In the present embodiment, the storage unit 700 stores a server system program 701, a web server program 703, and a game server program 705.
The server system program 701 is a program for causing the server system 1100 to realize basic input / output functions as a computer. The web server program 703 is a program for realizing the function as the web server calculation unit 230 by being read and executed by the server processing unit 203. The game server program 705 is a program for realizing the function as the game server calculation unit 240 by being read and executed by the server processing unit 203.

  In addition, the storage unit 700 stores website data 710 for storing information provided on the designated website as data prepared by the game provider. Further, as information that is generated and stored as appropriate, account registration data 730 generated for each account registration of the player, matching request account list 740 for registering an account for which matching is desired, and matching data generated for each matching establishment. 750 is stored. Also, various data necessary for website operation and game server operation control (for example, timer values, flags, counters, IP addresses of external devices that have been accessed) and the like are also stored as appropriate.

The account registration data 730 is prepared for each registered player. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, an account 732 and a friend list 734 are stored.
The friend list 734 is associated with a friend account 734a indicating an account of another player that the player of the account recognizes as a friend, team name 734b used when a team is formed with the player of the friend account, and play history data. 734c and friendship degree 734d are stored.
The play history data 734c stores information indicating how much game play is performed with other players of the corresponding friend account. For example, the latest play date and time, the total number of plays, the competition results, the play frequency, and the like are stored.
The friendship degree 734d stores the lowest value in the initial state, but is automatically updated according to the game result played together.

In the present embodiment, the matching data 750 is formed by combining two teams (A team and B team) with two teams (A team and B team) for playing an online multiplayer game from an account for which matching is desired. Stores relationship information between players.
For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the A team organization data 754 and the B team organization data 756 are stored together with a matching ID 752 that is automatically given each time the data is generated.
The A team formation data 754 includes a 1P player account 754a and a 1P player IP address 754b as information on the 1P player (1st. Position player) who forms the team. The latter data stores information for specifying on the communication line 1 a game device used by the 1P player. Similarly, a 2P player account 754c and a 2P player IP address 754d are included as information on the 2P player (2nd. Position player). In addition, the degree of friendship 754e, the common friend account 754f, the team name 754g, and the friendship degree 754h are included as information on the relationship between both players. The common friend account 754f is an account related to the 1P player and the 2P player in common.
Similarly, the B team organization data 756 includes a 1P player account 756a, a 1P player IP address 756b, a 2P player account 756c, a 2P player IP address 756d, a closeness 756e, a common friend account 756f, a team name 756g, and a friendship level 756h. . Of course, the matching data 750 can include other data as appropriate.

  FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the arcade game apparatus 1300 according to the present embodiment. The arcade game device 1300 in this embodiment includes a first operation input unit 100, a second operation input unit 102, a first coin insertion detection unit 110, a second coin insertion detection unit 112, and a first card read / write unit. 120, a second card read / write unit 122, a processing unit 200, a sound output unit 350, an image display unit 360, a communication unit 370, and a storage unit 500.

  The first operation input unit 100 and the second operation input unit 102 output operation input signals to the processing unit 200 in accordance with various operation inputs made by the player. For example, a button switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, a multi-axis detection type acceleration sensor having two or more detection axes, or a single axis detection type acceleration sensor unit combined with different detection axis directions, at least two or more directions This can be realized by a multi-directional detection type inclination sensor that enables the detection directions of the two or a single direction detection type inclination sensor unit combined with different detection directions. The joystick 1306 and push switch 1308 in FIG. 4 correspond to this.

  The first coin insertion detection unit 110 and the second coin insertion detection unit 112 detect a coin inserted as a price for game play, and output a detection signal to the processing unit 200. For example, it can be realized in the same manner as a known coin detection device. In FIG. 4, the coin counter 1340 corresponds to this.

  The first card read / write unit 120 and the second card read / write unit 122 are controlled by the processing unit 200 in an information storage unit (eg, magnetic stripe, IC tag using RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification), etc.) provided in the game card 1332. Read or write stored information. In FIG. 4, the game card reader / writer 1330 corresponds to this.

The processing unit 200 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or IC memory, and includes a first operation input unit 100, a second operation input unit 102, and a storage unit 500. Data input / output control is performed with each function unit 1300. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on predetermined programs and data, and operation input signals from the first operation input unit 100 and the second operation input unit 102 to control the operation of the arcade game apparatus 1300. In FIG. 4, the control unit 1310 corresponds to the processing unit 200.
The processing unit 200 in the present embodiment includes a game calculation unit 210, a sound generation unit 250, an image generation unit 260, and a communication control unit 270.

The game calculation unit 210 executes various processes for realizing the game in the present embodiment. For example, (1) account authentication processing, (2) processing for setting a game space by placing background objects representing the characteristics of each stage in the virtual three-dimensional space, and (3) player characters 4 and 6 in the game space. (4) Processing for automatically controlling the position and orientation by arranging a virtual camera so as to shoot around the player characters 4 and 6, (5) Hit determination processing, (6) Based on the hit determination result A damage reflection process, (7) an automatic storage process of game play results, (8) a process related to data communication for acquiring data necessary for these various processes from the server system 1100, and the like are executed.
And game operation part 210 in this embodiment contains account acquisition part 212, matching data acquisition part 214, and friend production control part 216.

  The account acquisition unit 212 executes a process for acquiring the account of the player who operates the own device. In the case of the arcade game device 1300, it is obtained by reading the account information stored in the game card 1332 before the game starts. However, in the portable game device 1400 and the home game device 1200, the account is input on the screen. The input screen for displaying is displayed and text is input according to the operation input.

  The matching data acquisition unit 214 transmits a matching request to the server system 1100 and executes processing for acquiring matching data.

  The friend effect control unit 216 acquires information indicating the relationship between the 1P player and the 2P player who form the same team from the server system 1100, and performs display control of various friend effect displays.

  The sound generation unit 250 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec that can play back an audio file, and the like, and based on the processing result of the game calculation unit 210, sound effects, BGM, and various types A sound signal of the operation sound is generated and output to the sound output unit 350.

  The sound output unit 350 is realized by a device that outputs sound effects, BGM, and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 250. In FIG. 4, the speaker 1324 corresponds to this.

  The image generation unit 260 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC or a video codec, an IC memory for a drawing frame such as a frame buffer, or the like. The image generation unit 260 generates one game screen in one frame time (for example, 1/60 seconds) based on the processing result by the game calculation unit 210, and outputs an image signal of the generated game screen to the image display unit 360. To do.

  The image display unit 360 displays various game images based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 260. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. The video monitor 1322 in FIG. 4 corresponds to this.

  The communication control unit 270 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 370.

  The communication unit 370 is connected to the communication line 1 to realize communication. For example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a wired communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like are realized, and the communication device 1312 of FIG. 4 corresponds to this.

  The storage unit 500 stores a system program for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 200 to control the arcade game device 1300 in an integrated manner, a game program necessary for executing the game, various data, and the like. . Further, it is used as a work area of the processing unit 200, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the first operation input unit 100 and the second operation input unit 102, and the like. . This function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM and a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM and DVD. In FIG. 4, an information storage medium such as an IC memory or a hard disk mounted on the control unit 1310 corresponds to this.

  In the present embodiment, the storage unit 500 stores a system program 501 and a game program 502. The system program 501 is a program for causing the arcade game apparatus 1300 to realize basic input / output functions as a computer. The game program 502 is application software for realizing the function as the game calculation unit 210 by being read and executed by the processing unit 200, but may be configured as a part of the system program 501.

  The storage unit 500 stores game space setting data 510, character setting data 512, friend effect display setting data 520, and friend item setting data 530 as data prepared in advance. Further, as information generated and stored as the game progresses, play data 550 and various data necessary for game progress control and data communication (for example, a timer value, a counter, a flag, and a communication destination device are specified. IP address and MAC address (Media Access Control address)) are also stored as appropriate.

  The game space setting data 510 stores information such as background objects and their arrangement positions for setting a game space serving as a stage for fighting in a virtual three-dimensional space.

  The character setting data 512 stores basic data necessary for arranging, displaying, and operating the character, such as model data, texture data, and motion data of the player character 4 and the player character 6.

  The friend effect display setting data 520 stores data for executing various friend effect displays. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, friendship degree display setting data 522 and chain relationship display setting data 524 are included. The friendship degree display setting data 522 stores data for displaying the friendship degree display body 522b on the screen in association with the friendship degree 522a (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The linkage relationship display setting data 524 stores data for displaying the linkage relationship display 524b on the screen in association with the familiarity 524a (see FIG. 7). The setting of the kind of friendship degree display body 522b and chain relation display body 524b is not limited to these, and may be increased or reduced as appropriate.

  The friend item setting data 530 sets an item commonly given to player characters of the same team as one of friend effect displays. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, different types of friend items 530b are set in association with the familiarity 530a (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

  The play data 550 stores various information necessary for the progress control of the game. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, matching data 552 acquired from the server system 1100, use character selection data 554, character control data 556, and play result data 558 are stored.

  The matching data 552 is a copy of the matching data 750 generated and stored and managed by the server system 1100, and is acquired at the time of matching before starting the game.

  The use character selection data 554 stores a use character ID 554b in association with the account 554a, and stores a selection result indicating which player uses which type of character.

  The character control data 556 stores various information for controlling the model of each player character. For example, control data 556b (for example, the current number of frames for motion control, position coordinates in the game space, moving speed, number of remaining bullets, etc.) and hit points 556c are stored for each account 556a.

  The play result data 558 stores the result data 558b in association with each account 558a. The result data 558b includes, for example, data such as win / loss identification, the number of wins / losses and draws, and points acquired in the case of a point system, and can be set as appropriate according to the content of the game.

[Description of process flow]
Next, the flow of processing relating to creation of the friend list 734 and music control such as BGM using the friend list 734 in the present embodiment will be described.

[1. Preparation of friend list]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the smartphone 1500 until creation of the friend list 734. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the server system 1100 up to the creation of the friend list 734.
It is assumed that the player has already registered an account. Unless a process step is specifically described, a process related to display of a general website is performed in the same manner as browsing a known website, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the smartphone 1500, first, a web browser is activated (FIG. 15; step M2), and the designated website is accessed (step M4). The server system 1100 returns display data (HTML document, image data, Java script, CGI program, video data, audio data, etc.) of the requested page in response to a website browsing request from the smartphone 1500 (FIG. 16; Step S6).

  Next, the smartphone 1500 logs in with a pre-registered account (FIG. 15; step M10). In the server system 1100, account authentication is performed in response to a login request from the smartphone 1500 (FIG. 16; step S12).

The smartphone 1500 transmits a “edit friend list” page request to the server system 1100 in response to a page move operation input for moving from the top page of the designated website to the “edit friend list” page (FIG. 15). Step M14).
The server system 1100 receives the “edit friend list” page request, refers to the account registration data 730 of the account that made the page request, and reflects the registered contents of the current friend list 734 in the “friend list The HTML data and image data for displaying the “edit” page, and the Java script and CGI program for realizing the function of editing the friend list on the page are returned to the smartphone 1500 (FIG. 16; step S20).

  The smartphone 1500 displays the “edit friend list” page in accordance with the display data received from the server system 1100 and activates a Java script or CGI program to enable editing of the friend list (FIG. 15; step M22). Then, a friend list change request is transmitted to the server system 1100 together with the account and editing information (step M24). In this embodiment, when registering a friend account, a team name with the friend account can be set, so the editing information includes text data of the account to be newly registered and the team name. The server system 1100 changes the friend list 734 of the account that has requested the friend list change based on the received editing operation information (step S26).

  Through the above processing flow, the player can register the account of the player who is close to him as a “friend account”, and can further set the team name.

[2. Gameplay]
Next, the flow of processing for displaying friend effects according to the friend list 734 set by the player himself will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of processing relating to game play and friend effect display in the arcade game apparatus 1300 or the portable game apparatus 1400. A series of processing described here is realized by the processing unit 200 executing the game program 502 after starting the execution of the system program 501 (see FIG. 11). Note that it is assumed that coin insertion as a consideration for game play and insertion of a game card 1332 have been performed in advance. Further, although the arcade game device 1300 will be described as a subject as a representative of the game device, the processing in each game device can be described by replacing the subject with the portable game device 1400 or the home game device 1200.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of processing relating to game play and friend effect display in the server system 1100. The series of processes described here is realized by the server processing unit 203 executing the game server program 705 after starting the execution of the server system program 701 (see FIG. 8).

  First, the arcade game apparatus 1300 executes player account input processing (FIG. 17; step G100). In the arcade game apparatus 1300, the player's account information is stored in the game card 1332, so that if the insertion of the game card 1332 into the game card reader / writer 1330 is detected, the account information is received from the inserted game card 1332. Acquire and transmit an account authentication request to the server system 1100 (step G102). When the server system 1100 receives an account authentication request from the arcade game machine 1300, the server system 1100 executes an account authentication process (FIG. 18; step S104).

  Next, the arcade game apparatus 1300 transmits a matching request together with the account to the server system 1100 (FIG. 17; step G108). Upon receiving the matching request, the server system 1100 registers the account that has requested the matching in the matching request account list 740 (see FIG. 8) (FIG. 18; step S110). Then, a matching process is executed for the accounts registered in the matching request account list 740 (step S112).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the matching process. The server system 1100 selects one of the accounts registered in the matching request account list 740 as a 1P player (the first first player in the team configuration with two players) as a reference for matching from now on (step S150). .

  Next, referring to the friend list 734 of the account registration data 730 of the 1P player, a matching desired account that matches the registered friend account 734a is selected as a candidate for the 2P player (the second person who forms the same team as the 1P player). (Step S152).

  If there is a corresponding 2P player candidate (YES in step S160), the server system 1100 selects a 2P player by lottery processing so that the higher the friendship level 734d is, the higher the probability is selected from among the 2P player candidates. (Step S162). On the other hand, if there is no matching request account that matches the friend account 734a of the 1P player (NO in step S160), one of the matching request accounts is selected by random lottery as the 2P player (step S164).

Then, if the 1P player and the 2P player are selected, the server system 1100 determines that both players have formed a team, and the team B searches for existing matching data 750 that has not been registered.
If not applicable (NO in step S166), new matching data 750 is generated, and A team formation data 754 is set based on the 1P player and 2P player that are currently processed (step S168).
If there is a match (YES in step S166), the B team organization data 756 is set in the existing matching data 750 based on the 1P player and 2P player that are currently processed (step S170).

  Next, the server system 1100 executes the degree-of-familiarity determination process for the newly formed team (step S172). The familiarity determination process is a process of calculating a familiarity indicating how close the 1P player and the 2P player are in terms of friendship.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the familiarity determination process in the present embodiment. In this process, the server system 1100 first determines whether or not the 2P player is registered in the friend list 734 of the 1P player.

  If the 2P player is already registered in the friend account of the 1P player (YES in step S200), the server system 1100 sets a predetermined value, for example, “NULL”, which means that there is no corresponding to the common friend account 754f (or 756f). (Step S202; see FIG. 10), the familiarity 754e of both players is set to "level S" (Step S204), and the familiarity determination process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the 2P player is not registered in the friend list 734 of the 1P player (NO in step S200), it is then searched whether there is a friend account 754f common to the 1P player and the 2P player (step S210).
If the common friend account 754f is registered (YES in step S210), the server system 1100 sets one of the corresponding friend accounts as the common friend account 754f (or 756f) of both players (step S212). Then, the familiarity 754e is set to “level A” (step S214), and the familiarity determination process is terminated.

If the common friend account 754f is not registered (NO in step S210), a search is made for a friend account shared by the friends of both players by tracing the friends of the friends in a chain.
Therefore, if the friendship level 734d between the 1P player and the 2P player is equal to or higher than the reference value (YES in step S220), the server system 1100 executes loop B and loop C (steps S222 to 232).

Loop B is repeatedly executed until it is executed for all friend accounts 734a by selecting processing target friend accounts from all friend accounts 734a of the 1P player in a random order instead of the registration order of the friend list 734.
In the loop B, the account registration data 730 of the friend account 734a to be processed is traced, the friend account 734a of the account registration data 730 is compared with the friend account 734a of the 2P player, and a common friend account 754a is searched. If there is a common friend account 734a (YES in step S224), the server system 1100 sets one of the corresponding friend accounts as a common friend account 754a (step S240), and the 1P player and the 2P player Is set to “level B” (step S242), and the familiarity determination process is terminated.

  If the friend account 754a common to the 2P player is not found for all the friend accounts 754a of the 1P player, the loop B is terminated and the loop C is executed for all the friend accounts 754a of the 2P player.

Loop C is repeatedly executed until processing friend accounts 734a are selected in a random order from all friend accounts 734a of the 2P player, not in the order of registration, and are executed for all friend accounts 734a.
Specifically, the account registration data 730 of the processing target friend account is traced, the friend account 734a of the account registration data 730 is compared with the friend account 734a of the 1P player, and a common friend account 754a is searched. If there is a common friend account 734a (YES in step S230), the server system 1100 sets the corresponding friend account as a common friend account 754a (step S240), and the familiarity between the 1P player and the 2P player 754e is set to “level B” (step S242), and the familiarity determination process is terminated.

  If the friend account 754a common to the 1P player is not found for all the friend accounts 754a of the 2P player, the loop C is terminated. Then, the server system 1100 stores a predetermined value that means no match in the common friend account 754f (or 756f), for example, “NULL” (step S252), and sets the familiarity 754e of both players to “level C”. (Step S254), the familiarity determination process ends.

In this embodiment, a friend B is searched from the 1P player side in Loop B and a friend friend is searched from the 2P player side in Loop C, and the chain is traced from both. It is good also as a structure which omits.
Alternatively, if a common friend account cannot be found in loop C, the friend account 754f of the friend account of the 1P player is processed, and the friend account 754f of the friend account 754f of the friend account of the 2P player or 2P player is shared. You may add the loop which searches the account 754f, ie, finds the friend of the friend of a friend further. Further, conversely, a loop for searching for a friend account 754f common to the friend account 754f of the friend account 754f of the 1P player or the friend account of the 1P player is added to the friend account 754f of the friend account of the 2P player. good.

  When the familiarity determination process is completed, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 19, and the server system 1100 determines that the matching of the 1P player and the 2P player that are currently processed is completed, and sets the accounts of both players. Registration is deleted from the matching account list 740 (step S270).

  Next, in the matching data 750 in which the 1P player currently being processed is registered, the server system 1100 proceeds to step S150 if both the team A and team B are not registered (NO in step S272). The next team will be organized. On the other hand, if both team A and team B are registered (YES in step S272), it is determined that matching necessary for playing the multiplayer game has been completed, and all the players registered in the matching data are registered. The matching data 750 is distributed to the game device (step S274), and the matching process is terminated.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 17, the arcade game apparatus 1300 receives the matching data 750 from the server system 1100 (step G290), and based on the received matching data 750, data between other apparatuses in a known online multiplayer game. Similarly to the establishment of communication, data communication is established with other game devices participating in the game (step G292).

  Next, the arcade game apparatus 1300 controls display of a character selection screen for allowing the player (self player) operating the player to select the type of the player character 4 used in the game (step G294; FIG. 6). (See), the type of character used by the player character is selected according to the selection operation, and stored in the play data 550 (step G296). Then, the used character information of the player is distributed to the other game devices participating in the game together (step G298). Conversely, the used character information of the player (other player) who uses the other game device is received from the other game device. (Step G300).

  If the characters used by all participating players have been determined (YES in step G302), the arcade game apparatus 1300 next executes a friend effect display process (step G304).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the friend effect display process. In this process, the arcade game apparatus 1300 first executes the process of loop D for each of team A and team B that compete.

  In the loop D, first, the matching data 552 stored in the play data 550 is referenced to read out the degree of friendship 754e (or 756e) and friendship 754h (or 756h) of the player of the processing target team. Then, referring to the friend effect display setting data 520 (see FIG. 12) and the friend item setting data 530 (see FIG. 13), as the display body used in this game, the read friendship degree 754e (or 756e) is friendly. The friendship degree display body 522b and the chain relation display body 524b corresponding to the degree 754h (or 756h) are selected, and the friend item 530b is selected as an item used in the current game (step G332).

  Next, the selected friend item 530b is added to the use character of the 1P player and the use character of the 2P player of the processing target team so that each use character can use the friend item 530b (step G334).

  Next, in the arcade game apparatus 1300, if the degree of closeness 754e (or 756e) of the processing target team is level S or level A (YES in step G336), the team name of the processing team at a predetermined position on the use character selection screen. 754g (or 756g) is displayed, and the friendship degree indicator 522b previously selected is displayed (step G338; see FIG. 6), and the loop D is terminated (step G342). On the other hand, if the degree of closeness 754e (or 756e) of the processing target team is level B or level C (NO in step G336), the team name is not displayed and the previously selected friendship degree display 522b is used. It is displayed at a predetermined position on the character selection screen (step G340), and loop D is terminated (step G342).

  When the loop D is completed, when the arcade game apparatus 1300 next detects a predetermined linkage relation display operation (YES in step G350), the linkage relation display body 524b previously selected and the friend item 530b are given. Display control of the friend relationship display W8 is performed using the made player character 4 (step G352). On the contrary, when the cancellation operation for the chain relationship display is detected (YES in step G354), the arcade game apparatus 1300 cancels the display of the displayed chain relationship display W8 (step G356).

  If a game start operation is detected (YES in step G358), the arcade game apparatus 1300 transmits a game start request to another game apparatus participating in the game (step G360), and ends the friend effect display process.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 17, the arcade game device 1300 next receives a game start request from another game device (step G370), and requests game start in all game devices participating in the game including its own device. If they are ready (YES in step G372), the game is executed in the same manner as a known online multiplayer battle game (step G374). In addition, in this embodiment, the point which the friendship degree display body 552b and team name of each team selected previously are displayed on a game screen differs from a well-known online multiplayer competitive game (refer FIG. 5). .

  When the game is over (YES in step G376), the arcade game apparatus 1300 transmits play result data 558 (see FIG. 14) together with the matching ID to the server system 1100 (step G378), and performs a series of processing. finish.

When the server system 1100 receives the play result data 558 from the arcade game device 1300 that has finished the game, the friendship degree 734d of the account registration data 730 of the accounts of all players registered in the matching data 750 corresponding to the received matching ID. Is updated according to the game result (step S390).
For example, the friendship level 734d is updated appropriately so that the friendship degree becomes higher as the result in the game is better, and the friendship degree becomes higher as the play frequency played with the player who has played the same team this time increases. A calculation function is set.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to enhance the fun of the multiplayer game by using the friend list edited in advance by the player to execute the effects related to the friendship between the players.

[Modification]
As described above, the embodiment to which the present invention is applied has been described. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and additions, omissions, and changes of components can be appropriately made.

[Part 1]
For example, FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow of a modified example of the familiarity determination process (familiarity determination process B). In this process, the server system 1100 first initializes both the first chain number n (n is a natural number) and the second chain number m (m is a natural number) to “1” (step S400).

  Then, the loop F is executed for all friend accounts on the nth layer of the 1P player (steps S402 to S418). The “nth hierarchy friend account (n is a natural number)” means a friend account that can be found by tracing a friend's friend n times in a chain. For example, the friend account of the 1P player is a first-level friend account. The friend account 734a in the friend list 734 in which the first-level friend account is registered as the account 732 is a second-level friend account.

  In the loop F, the loop G is executed for all friend accounts on the m-th layer of the 2P player (steps S404 to S410). Specifically, a common friend account is extracted between the processing target friend account of loop F and the processing target friend account of loop G (step S406), and the total number of chains (n + m−1) is associated with the extracted account. Then, it is stored (step S408).

If the process of loop G is executed for all friend accounts on the m-th layer of the 2P player, the server system 1100 increments the second chain count m by “1” (step S412). If the second chain count m after the increase does not reach a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “5”) (NO in step S414), the loop G is executed with the increased second chain count m.
If the second chain count m after the upgrade has reached a predetermined upper limit (YES in step S414), the server system 1100 performs the process of loop F for the processing target account of the next loop F (step S418). .

  If the process of loop F is executed for all friend accounts in the nth layer of the 1P player, the server system 1100 increases the first chain count n by “1” (step S420). If the first chain number n after the increase does not reach a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “5”) (NO in step S422), the loop F is executed with the first chain number n increased.

If the first chain count n after the upgrade has reached a predetermined upper limit (YES in step S422), the server system 1100 determines the total chain count associated with the friend accounts extracted so far. Selects one friend account having the smallest value and sets it to the common friend account 754f or h756f (step S424).
Based on the total number of extracted friend accounts extracted so far and the total number of chained common friend accounts (or the total number of chained extracted friend accounts), for example, the total number of extracted is large. The familiarity degree 754e or 756e is calculated so that the familiarity degree becomes higher as the total number of chains decreases, and the familiarity degree becomes higher (step S426), and the familiarity determination process B ends. Thus, it is good also as performing comprehensive evaluation including the number of common friends, and the number of chain | linkages, and determining familiarity. Of course, the comprehensive evaluation method is not limited to this.

[Part 2]
Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the server system 1100 is configured to provide information on friendship and familiarity to a game device that executes an online multiplayer game, and execute processing related to friend effects on the game device side. It can be set as the structure which produces | generates and provides the information regarding friend production control by the server system 1100 side.
Specifically, the friend effect display setting data 520 and the friend item setting data 530 are stored in the server system 1100, and the processing for selecting the friendship degree display body 522b and the chain relation display body 524b to be used in the matching process. This can be realized by including data of the friendship degree display body 522b and the chain relation display body 524b used for matching data to be executed and distributed. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the online multiplayer game is realized by the peer-to-peer method. However, when the server system 1100 is realized by the client server method, the server system 1100 uses the friendship degree display body 522b and the chain relation display body used in the matching process. While selecting 524b, it is good to set it as the structure which outputs the production | generation control instruction | indication for performing a friend production | presentation display.

[Part 3]
Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, various images are displayed as friend effects, but the effects can be extended to sound control. Specifically, special BGM (Back ground music) and sound effects are stored in association with the friendship degree 522a and the friendship degree 524a in the friend effect display setting data 520 (see FIG. 12), and the character selection screen W4 is used. It should be used / played during display or in a game.

[Part 4]
In the above-described embodiment, the friend account and team name registration may be provisionally edited on the designated website, and the reflection of the edited result may be enabled after the mutual agreement confirmation process between both players. . Specifically, it is preferable that an e-mail address is registered at the time of account registration, a confirmation e-mail is transmitted, and a change to the master friend list 734 is executed when a permission reply is received.

[Part 5]
In the above embodiment, the player 2 accesses the designated website with the smartphone 1500 and edits the friend list. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the player may edit the friend list by accessing the designated website using the portable game device 1400 or the stationary home game device 1200 having a web browser function without using the smartphone 1500. Furthermore, the electronic devices used as game devices are not limited to electronic devices sold as “game devices”, but also include electronic devices such as mobile phones, compact digital cameras, music players, personal computers, and car navigation systems that can execute application software. Since it can be said that the computer that can execute the program is built in, or the computer itself, it can be an embodiment of a game device that realizes the present invention.

1 communication line 2 player 3 in-store LAN
4 (Character A's) player character 6 (Team B's) player character 8 Hit point gauge 10 Information display unit 14 Team name 20 Registered friend list input field 22 Team name input field 30 Registered friend list 32 Delete friend account input field 200 Processing unit 203 Server processing unit 210 Game calculation unit 212 Account acquisition unit 214 Matching data acquisition unit 216 Friend production control unit 230 Web server calculation unit 232 Account registration unit 234 Friend list editing unit 240 Game server calculation unit 242 Account authentication unit 244 Matching control Part 246 familiarity determination part 248 friendship degree management part 500 storage part 502 game program 520 friend effect display setting data
522 Friendship degree display setting data
522b Friendship indicator
524 Chain relationship display setting data
524b Chain relation display body 550 Play data 700 Storage unit 703 Web server program 705 Game server program 710 Website data 730 Account registration data
734 Friends List
734a Friend Account
734b Team name
734d Friendship degree 740 Matching desired account list 750 Matching data
752 Matching ID
754 A team formation data
754e familiarity
754f Common Friend Account
754g Team name
754h friendship
756 Team B formation data
756e familiarity
756f Common Friend Account
756g Team name
756h friendship 1100 server system 1102 blade server 1200 stationary home game device 1300 arcade game device 1310 control unit 1400 portable game device 1500 smartphone

Claims (11)

A server system that is communicably connected to a game device capable of performing a battle or cooperative play (hereinafter referred to as “multiplayer”) between single or multiple players,
Friend storage means for storing a friend player of each player;
Player identification information receiving means for receiving identification information of each player performing the multi-play from the game device;
Based on the identification information received by the player identification information receiving means, each player who performs the multi-play is specified, and the specific players are linked with each other by tracing the friend players of the specific players from the stored contents of the friend storage means. A degree of familiarity determination means for determining the degree of familiarity between each other;
The game device is provided with a familiarity result signal including at least one of 1) a degree of familiarity determined by the degree of familiarity determination means, and 2) an effect control instruction for performing an effect output corresponding to the determined degree of familiarity. A familiarity result signal transmission means for transmitting to
Server system with The degree of familiarity determination means includes
A common friend search means for searching for a common friend player by tracing the friend player from each of the specific players in a chain;
First determination means for determining a degree of familiarity indicating a direct relationship when the specific player is a friend player of each other;
Second determination means for determining the degree of familiarity using a relative relationship between the specific players via the common friend player when the specific players are not mutual friend players;
The server system according to claim 1.   The second determination unit determines the degree of familiarity using a chain number with a minimum chain number between the specific players via the common friend player among the common friend players searched by the common friend search unit. The server system according to claim 2. The second determination means includes
The number of common friend players searched by the common friend search means;
The relative relationship between the specific players via each common friend player,
The server system according to claim 2, wherein the degree of familiarity is determined using a server.   The familiarity result signal transmission means includes the chain relation notification data for notifying the chain control relation between the specific players via the common friend player searched by the common friend search means in the effect control instruction. The server system as described in any one of Claims 2-4 which transmits a friendship result signal. For each player, it further comprises a friendship degree management means for managing the friendship degree between the player and the friend player of the player,
The common friend search means includes chain availability determination means for determining whether or not two players can be chained and traced based on the friendship between the two players. Search for common friend players by tracing between players determined to be possible,
The server system as described in any one of Claims 2-5. The chain availability determination means determines whether or not two players can be chained and traced based on the friendship between the two players and the number of chains from the specific player.
The server system according to claim 6. The friendship degree management means changes the friendship degree between the players by using any one of the number of times the players have played the multiplayer, the frequency, and the game result when the players have played the multiplayer.
The server system according to claim 6 or 7.   9. The registration apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a registration unit that receives a friend player registration request signal from a player terminal of each player and stores the friend player of the player in the friend storage unit based on the registration request signal. The server system according to one item. Matching request signal receiving means for receiving a matching request signal including identification information of a player playing on the game device from each game device;
Based on the matching request signal received by the matching request signal receiving means, the matching process is performed by preferentially combining the players stored as friend players in the friend storage means among the combinations of players requested for matching. Matching processing means for executing
The server system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: A game apparatus capable of multi-playing connected to the server system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the multi-play is possible.
Player identification information transmitting means for transmitting player identification information to the server system;
A familiarity result signal receiving means for receiving the familiarity result signal from the server system;
Effect processing executing means for executing predetermined effect processing based on the friendship result signal received by the friendship result signal receiving means;
A game device comprising:

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