JP2012213587A - Game program, and game system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game program that presents various behavior patterns of a non-player character in a game space to enhance reality, or improves workability in creating a game, and to provide a game system.SOLUTION: The game device 2 includes a game space generation part 41, a character behavior control part 42, a game time management part 43, a time-based target spot reading part 45, and a location-based behavior reading part 46. The character behavior control part 42 controls an enemy character to move in the game space toward a target spot associated with the current game time, and controls the enemy character having reached the target spot to execute a behavior associated with the target spot.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game program and a game system for controlling the movement of a non-player character in a virtual game space.

  Conventionally, there are games such as an action game and a role-playing game that cause a player character to move in a virtual game space in accordance with a player's operation. In this type of game, in addition to the player character, for example, a non-player character such as an enemy character playing against the player character also appears. The non-player character is a character that cannot be directly operated by the player, and is set to act in the game space according to a predetermined rule.

  By the way, in recent years, a game in which the actual time is acquired and the time is reflected in the game has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). For example, a game that reflects the concept of time in progress, such as setting the time in the game to match the actual time and generating an event in accordance with the time, has been proposed. A game in which the weather is set in the game space has also been proposed (see Patent Document 2). In this game, the appearance probability of an enemy character (non-player character) in the game space is set to change according to the weather. A game is also known in which the locations of people (non-player characters) in the town provided in the game space are switched according to the time in the game. In this type of game, for example, when the in-game time is daytime, the trader (non-player character) is switched to an outdoor plaza, and at night, the game is switched to indoors.

Japanese Patent No. 4467626 Japanese Patent No. 3723564

  However, the behavior patterns of non-player characters in a conventional game, particularly when not fighting in an action game, are very limited and lack diversity. More specifically, the non-player character is switched to a specific place set in advance in the game space according to a time zone (for example, daytime or nighttime) in the game, and executes a specific action there. It has become only. Therefore, if a player plays such a game for a certain period of time, he / she completely understands which non-player character is there and what he / she is doing there.

  As described above, in the conventional game, the action pattern of the non-player character is particularly simple at the time of non-combat, so that there is a possibility that the reality is lacking and the player's interest in the game is diminished. In addition to such problems, in the case of a conventional game, it is necessary to set the relationship between each non-player character, its whereabouts, and the action content there for each nonplayer character (or every whereabouts). There is. Therefore, there is also a problem that it is difficult to improve workability at the time of game production. In particular, in recent years, games employing a vast open world game space are being provided. However, it is very cumbersome to make the above settings one by one in various places in such a game space.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a game program and a game system that can increase the reality by diversifying the action patterns of non-player characters in the game space. It is another object of the present invention to provide a game program and a game system that can improve the workability of game production while diversifying the action patterns of non-player characters.

  A game program according to the present invention comprises a computer, game space generating means for generating a virtual game space in which a non-player character moves, character action control means for controlling the action of a non-player character in the game space, and the game space In-game time management means for managing the in-game time that elapses in the game, from the storage unit that stores the movement target point of the non-player character in the game space set in accordance with the in-game time in association with the in-game time , A time-specific target point reading means for reading the movement target point, and a storage unit that stores the movement executed by the non-player character at the movement target point in association with the movement target point. Functioning as a motion reading means, and the character motion control means is a non-player player. The Kuta is operated to move in the game space toward the movement target point associated with the current in-game time, and the non-player character that has reached the movement target point is associated with the movement target point. Perform the specified action.

  With such a configuration, the non-player character actually moves in the game space toward the place corresponding to the current time in the game as the time in the game elapses, and then moves to the place after the movement. Take action accordingly. Therefore, the action patterns of the non-player characters can be varied depending on the in-game time.

  In addition, a plurality of candidates are prepared for at least one of the movement target point and the operation associated with the movement target point, and at least one of the hourly target point reading unit and the location-specific operation reading unit. On the other hand, the movement target point or operation may be read from the plurality of candidates.

  Each movement target point is classified into one of a plurality of categories, and at least one of the in-game time and the non-player character action associated with the movement target point is the category and the non-player character. It may be set according to at least one of the types.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to relatively easily set the movement according to the in-game time of the non-player character and the movement of the non-player character at each movement target point. Specifically, the setting for moving the non-player character according to the in-game time will be described with an example. First, for example, a category corresponding to the environment is set at an appropriate point (point or area) in the game space. On the other hand, for a non-player character, an effective time and an action content corresponding to each category are set for each type. With the above settings, it is possible to refer to a category in which the current time in the game is an effective time and move the non-player character toward the movement target point associated with the category.

  In addition, if the above settings are made for each type of non-player character, the movement and movement of the non-player character according to the in-game time can be performed by simply setting a category at a desired location (movement target point) in the game space. Setting is complete. Therefore, even when moving target points are set at a number of locations in the game space, the workability is good, and in particular, the workability can be improved in the production of a game that employs a vast open world game space.

  The game space may be set so that a predetermined area of the heel area where the non-player character can move independently is associated with the non-player character and includes the movement target point.

  With such a configuration, the non-player character appropriately moves to the movement target point in accordance with the in-game time in the bag area associated with the character, and executes a predetermined action on the spot. Further, even if the non-player character goes out of the heel area, it can be returned to the heel area. Thus, according to the above configuration, the non-player characters can be distributed and arranged in a desired state in the game space.

  (1) A game program according to the present invention provides a computer with game space generation means for generating a virtual game space in which a non-player character moves, and character action control for controlling the action of the non-player character in the game space. In the game space, a predetermined range of a heel area in which a non-player character can move independently, and a voluntary return line provided on or outside the boundary line of the heel area are set. The character motion control means controls the non-player character to return to the trap area when the non-player character goes out of the independent return line.

  By adopting such a configuration, when the non-player character goes out of the heel area, the non-player character can be appropriately returned to the heel area. For example, it is conceivable that a non-player character in a battle state goes out of the trap area following the player character. In this case, if the non-player character is returned to the samurai area after the battle state is finished, the non-player character goes very far outside his / her own samurai area by the end of the battle state. there is a possibility. However, with the configuration described above, control is performed to return to the non-player character when the self-return line is exceeded. Therefore, before the non-player character goes far outside the heel area. Can be returned to.

  (2) Further, in the game program according to (1), the character motion control means causes the non-player character to move the non-player character after the predetermined time has elapsed after the non-player character goes out of the independent return line. It is good also as controlling to return to an area.

  With such a configuration, the position on the game space where the non-player character starts the return action (for example, walking, running, warp, etc.) is not fixed, and the return start position of the non-player character is displayed to the user. Is never known. That is, the distance of the non-player character from the self-return line after a predetermined time varies depending on the behavior of the non-player character after leaving the self-return line. Accordingly, since the return start position of the non-player character varies from time to time, the position is not known to the user.

  (3) In the game program according to (2), the predetermined time may be set shorter as the non-player character has a relatively fast moving speed in the game space.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a non-player character having a high moving speed from going far away from the independent return line.

  (4) In the game program according to any one of (1) to (3), a forced feedback line is set outside the independent feedback line in the game space, and the character motion control means is When the non-player character reaches the forced return line, control may be performed so that the non-player character is forcibly returned to the trap area.

  By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to constrain the actionable range of the non-player character from the independent return line up to the forced return line. For example, when the player character moves while carrying a non-player character (such as an enemy character) by a user operation, the non-player character performs a return action (walking or the like) even when a predetermined time has elapsed. It may not be possible. However, by adopting the above-described configuration, even in such a situation, the non-player character can be forcibly returned (for example, warped) to the trap area when the forced return line is reached. .

  A game system according to the present invention includes a program storage unit that records the game program described above, and a computer that executes the game program stored in the program storage unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game program and game system which can diversify the action pattern of a non-player character in a game space and can improve reality can be provided. In addition, it is possible to provide a game program and a game system that can improve the workability of game production while realizing diversification of action patterns of non-player characters.

It is a typical bird's-eye view of virtual game space concerning this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a game device. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of a game device. It is an overhead view of the game space for demonstrating the action setting according to the game time of an enemy character. It is a chart which shows an example of the data read by the target point reading part classified by time, and the operation reading part classified by place. It is a flowchart which shows the control aspect of action of an enemy character. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the independent return line and forced return line which were set to game space. It is a flowchart which shows the process which determines whether an enemy character is located in the inside or outside of a voluntary return line. It is a flowchart which shows the control content at the time of the enemy character which went out of the independent return line returns to a trap area. It is a schematic diagram which shows the setting variation of the independent return line and forced return line in game space.

  Hereinafter, a game program and a game system according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
In the present embodiment, an example is an action game in which a player character operated by a player acts in a virtual game space and the game progresses while fighting against an enemy character that is a non-player character appropriately arranged in the game space. I will explain. Note that the present invention can be applied to any game that requires a non-player character to be placed in a game space, not limited to an action game.

[Game Overview]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overhead view of a virtual game space in order to explain the outline of a game according to an embodiment of the present invention. The game space of this game is designed as an open world, and the game space that changes as the player character operated by the player moves is displayed seamlessly on the screen of the game device. The game space of FIG. 1 shows a part of this open world game space. However, the application target of the present invention is not limited to an open world game. For example, a game in which the game space is divided into a plurality of fields, and when moving between fields, the data of the destination field is loaded and the field before and after the movement is switched and displayed. can do.

  In the game space 100 shown in FIG. 1, a road 103 extending left and right is provided so as to connect a town 101 located on the left side and a fort 102 located on the right side. This road 103 is formed on a hill 104, a beach 105 is provided on the front side of the hill 104, and a forest 106 is provided on the back side of the hill 104. The player character C1 can move in the hill 104, the beach 105, and the forest 106 according to the terrain as well as the city 101, the fort 102, and the road 103.

  In addition, one or a plurality of enemy characters C2 (eg, goblin) that are non-player characters exist in various places in the game space 100. The enemy character C2 is hesitant within a predetermined area set in the game space 100 (see the broken line arrow in FIG. 1), and when the player character C1 enters a predetermined range centered on itself, the player character C2 It is set to move towards C1 and launch an attack.

  By the way, in the game according to the present embodiment, a time (in-game time) that elapses in the game space 100 is set. More specifically, instead of switching the rough time zone of day and night, for example, one day is divided into 24 hours, and the passage of time (change in time) is managed every hour. The environment (virtual sun position, brightness, temperature, wind direction, etc.) in the game space 100 can be changed as time passes. As will be described in detail later, in this game, the action pattern including the habit of the non-player character C2 is set to change with the passage of time.

[Hardware configuration]
A configuration of a game device that realizes the above-described game will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the game apparatus (game system) 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the game apparatus 2 can communicate with another game apparatus 2 and the server apparatus 3 via a communication network NW such as the Internet or a LAN. The game apparatus 2 includes a CPU 10 that is a computer for controlling the operation thereof. The CPU 10 is connected to a disk drive 12, a memory card slot 13, an HDD 14 and a ROM 15 that constitute program storage means, and a RAM 16 via a bus 11. ing.

  The disk drive 12 can be loaded with a disk-type recording medium 30 such as a DVD-ROM. The disk-type recording medium 30 includes a game program 30a according to the embodiment of the present invention and a description in the present embodiment. Game data 30b such as objects and textures necessary for forming the characters C1 and C2 appearing in the game to be played and the game space 100 are also recorded. In addition, a card-type recording medium 31 can be loaded in the memory card slot 13, and save data indicating a play status such as a game progress can be recorded in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 10.

  The HDD 14 is a large-capacity recording medium built in the game apparatus 2 and records a game program 30a and game data 30b read from the disk-type recording medium 30, and save data and the like. The ROM 15 is a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM or PROM, and stores a startup program for starting the game apparatus 2, a program for controlling an operation when the disk type recording medium 30 is loaded, and the like. The RAM 16 is composed of DRAM, SRAM, or the like, and reads a game program 30a to be executed by the CPU 10 or game data 30b necessary for the execution from the disk-type recording medium 30 or the HDD 14 in accordance with the game play status. To record temporarily.

  Further, a graphic processing unit 17, an audio synthesis unit 20, a wireless communication control unit 23, and a network interface 25 are connected to the CPU 10 via the bus 11.

  Among these, the graphic processing unit 17 draws a game image including the game space 100, the characters C1, C2, and the like in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 10. Further, an external monitor 19 is connected to the graphic processing unit 17 via a video conversion unit 18, and the game image drawn by the graphic processing unit 17 is converted into a moving image format by the video conversion unit 18, and further the monitor It is displayed at 19.

  The audio synthesizing unit 20 reproduces and synthesizes digital game sound in accordance with instructions from the CPU 10. An external speaker 22 is connected to the audio synthesis unit 20 via an audio conversion unit 21. Therefore, the game sound reproduced and synthesized by the audio synthesizing unit 20 is decoded into an analog format by the audio converting unit 21 and further outputted from the speaker 22 to the outside.

  The wireless communication control unit 23 has a 2.4 GHz band wireless communication module, is wirelessly connected to the controller 24 attached to the game apparatus 2, and can transmit and receive data. The user can input a signal to the game apparatus 2 by operating an operation element (not shown) such as a button provided in the controller 24, and can perform an action of the player character C1 displayed on the monitor 19. It is controllable. The network interface 25 connects the game apparatus 2 to a communication network NW such as the Internet or a LAN, and can communicate with another game apparatus 2 or the server apparatus 3. Then, by connecting the game device 2 to another game device 2 via the communication network NW and transmitting / receiving data to / from each other, a plurality of player characters C1 can be displayed in synchronization within the same game space. . Therefore, multiplayer in which a plurality of people advance the game together is possible.

[Functional configuration of game device]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game apparatus 2 described above. As shown in FIG. 3, the game apparatus 2 has the functions of the following units 41 to 46 by executing the game program of the present invention. The game space generation unit 41, the character motion control unit 42, the in-game time management unit 43, the game progress control unit 44, the hourly target point reading unit 45, the location-specific motion reading unit 46, and the like are specifically described below. Such a function can be realized. Specifically, each of such functions is obtained from the CPU 10, HDD 14, ROM 15, RAM 16, graphic processing unit 17, video conversion unit 18, audio synthesis unit 20, audio conversion unit 21, network interface 25, etc. shown in FIG. It is configured.

  The game space generation unit 41 generates the game space 100 and the characters C1 and C2 as described above for display on the monitor 19. For example, as the player character C1 moves, the three-dimensional virtual game space 100 is generated based on data such as objects and textures included in the game data 30b. Further, in order to display the game space 100 on the monitor 19 of the game apparatus 2, a two-dimensional image is generated when the generated game space 100 is photographed with a predetermined virtual camera.

  The character action control unit 42 controls the actions of the characters C1 and C2 in the game space 100 according to the operation of the controller 24 by the user or according to the progress of the game. For example, by operating the controller 24, the user can move the player character C1 in the game space 100 or cause the enemy character C2 to perform an attacking action. Further, when the player character C1 approaches the enemy character C2 within a predetermined distance, the enemy character C2 is moved toward the player character C1, and further, operation control is performed so that an attack is made against the player character C1.

  The in-game time management unit 43 manages the time (time) that elapses (progresses) in the game space 100. For example, as described above, one day is divided into 24 hours, and the passage of time (change in time) is managed every hour. Note that one hour in the in-game time may be the same time length as the actual one hour, or may be a different time length. Also, the time managed in the game may be synchronized with the actual time.

  The game progress control unit 44 controls the progress of the game in accordance with the player's operation and the elapsed time in the game. For example, when the player character C1 performs a predetermined action by an operation of the player, a predetermined event is generated and a predetermined moving image is reproduced for a certain period. Further, the environment in the game space 100 is changed with the passage of time in the game.

  The hourly target point reading unit 45 reads the movement target point of the enemy character C2 in the game space 100 set according to the in-game time from the HDD 14 or the RAM 16 of the game machine 2 that stores the movement target point in association with the in-game time, Send to CPU10. Further, the location-specific motion reading unit 46 reads the motion executed by the enemy character C2 at the movement target point from the HDD 14 or RAM 16 of the game machine 2 that is stored in association with the movement target point, and sends it to the CPU 10. Hereinafter, these movement target points, actions performed by the enemy character C2 at the movement target points, and the like will be described in more detail.

  FIG. 4 is an overhead view of the game space 100 for explaining the action setting according to the in-game time of the enemy character C2, and the game space 100 itself is the same as that shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a chart showing an example of data read by the hourly target point reading unit 45 and the location-specific operation reading unit 46 in the game data 30b.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the game space 100, a plurality of movement target points X (X11 to X17, X21 to X25) are set as target arrival points when the enemy character C2 moves. This movement target point X may be set by the coordinates of one point in the game space 100, or may be set in a range having a predetermined area. A predetermined range of areas (acupuncture areas) A1 and A2 are set so as to include these movement target points X. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 4, in the area A1, two movement target points X11 and X12 on the beach 105, three movement target points X13 to X15 on the hill 104 including the road 103, and two movement targets in the forest 106 Points X16 and X17 are set. In area A2, three movement target points X21 to X23 are set on the hill 104 including the road 103, and two movement target points X24 and X25 are set on the forest 106.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, each movement target point X is classified into one of a plurality of categories A to C. This category is distinguished according to the environment (terrain etc.) of the game space 100. In other words, in the present embodiment, the movement target points X11 and X12 installed at a place with a good view, such as the beach 105, where there are relatively few obstacles are classified into the category A. Further, the moving target points X13 to X15 and X21 to X23 installed in places where obstacles (rocks, vegetation, etc.) exist from the beach 105 like the hill 104 are classified into category B. Furthermore, the movement target points X16, X17, X24, and X25 installed in a place where there are relatively many obstacles (such as large trees) like the forest 106 are classified into category C.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, the area (area A1 or A2) to which the enemy character C2 belongs (here, two enemy characters C2-1 and C2-2 are illustrated) is set. ing. This affiliation area setting determines the trap area of each enemy character C2. For example, the enemy character C2-1 belonging to the area A1 selects any one of the movement target points X11 to X17 included in the area A1 as the movement destination, and moves toward the selected movement destination. Therefore, this enemy character C2-1 is hesitant in the area A1. Similarly, enemy character C2-2 belonging to area A2 is hesitated in area A2.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, an effective time for each category is set for each enemy character C2. The “effective time” here is an index that is compared with the in-game time to determine the movement target point X to be included in the options when selecting any movement target point X as the destination of the enemy character C2. It is. For example, regarding the enemy character C2-1, the valid time of category A is “from 20:00 to 4 o'clock the next day”. Therefore, if the in-game time when selecting a destination is within this time zone, the target movement point X classified in category A is selected as a movement destination selection candidate, and one movement target point X is selected from the selection candidates. To decide.

  In this embodiment, the same valid time is set for both enemy characters C2-1 and C2-2, and the valid time for category B is “from 16:00 to 6 am on the next day”. Each valid time is set to “24 hours”. As described above, the effective time of the present embodiment is set to be longer for a place where there are relatively many obstacles, and is set to be shorter for a place where there are relatively few obstacles, avoiding daytime.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 5B, one or more action contents are set for each enemy character C2 for each category. The “action content” here means the content of the action that the enemy character C2 executes when the enemy character C2 reaches the movement target point. For example, in the case of the enemy character C2-1, the action content of the category A is set to “Kyo Kororo”. Therefore, when the enemy character C2-1 reaches the movement target point X belonging to the category A, an action of “Kyo Kororo” is executed there.

  In this embodiment, the same action content is set for both enemy characters C2-1 and C2-2, and the action content of category B is set to “wait for squatting” and “search for food”. The operation contents of category C are set to “sleep” and “fire bonfire”. As described above, when a plurality of operation contents are set for one category, the game apparatus 2 (game progress control unit 44 or the like) selects any operation. As a selection method, a probability may be set in advance for each operation and may be selected by lottery, or may be selected according to a predetermined order. For any operation, a time for executing the operation (required time for completing the operation) is set.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the enemy characters C2-1 and C2-2 have the same effective time and action content corresponding to each category, but the enemy character C2-1 and the enemy character You may set different contents for C2-2. Further, the action executed by the enemy character C2 that has reached the movement target point X is not limited to one, and two actions may be executed successively. For example, when the enemy character C2-1 in FIG. 5B reaches the movement target point X belonging to the category B, after continuing the operation of “squatting and waiting” for a predetermined time, The operation of “search” may be performed for a predetermined time.

  Further, the enemy character C2 belonging to each of the areas A1 and A2 is not limited to one, but may be a plurality. In this case, a plurality of enemy characters C2 belonging to the same area may be located at the same movement target point at the same time. Accordingly, when a plurality of enemy characters C2 are gathered in one place in this way, a specific action different from the case where each enemy character C2 is located separately may be executed. For example, the control may be performed so that a plurality of enemy characters C2 perform a motion of dancing together or search for food in cooperation.

[Action control of enemy characters]
Next, the control mode of the action of the enemy character C2 in this game will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the character motion control unit 42 of the game apparatus 2 determines whether or not to execute a predetermined action at the current position for each enemy character C2 (step S1). For example, if the player character C1 exists in the vicinity of the enemy character C2, it is determined that the battle with the player character C1 should be executed at the current position (step S1: YES). In this case, the character action control unit 42 executes the action (eg, battle) (step S2), and when the action is completed (step S3: YES), the process of FIG. 6 is terminated. For example, when the battle is completed, when the distance between the player character C1 and the enemy character C2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance, or when the enemy character C2 receives a predetermined damage (when the battle is lost) Etc. can be adopted.

  On the other hand, in step S1, when there is no action that needs to be performed on the spot, such as a battle with the player character C1 (step S1: NO), the game apparatus 2 sets the movement target point X for deception in the game. A selection is made according to the current time (step S4). For example, the enemy character C2-1 will be described as an example. When the in-game time is a time zone between 4 o'clock and 16 o'clock, only the category C is effective (see FIG. 5B). Accordingly, the movement destination is selected from the two movement target points X16 and X17 belonging to the category C in the area A1 to which the enemy character C2-1 belongs.

  In addition, when the in-game time is between 4 o'clock and 6 o'clock, or between 16:00 and 20:00, category B is also effective in addition to category C (see Fig. 5B). Therefore, the game apparatus 2 selects a destination from the five movement target points X13 to X17 belonging to the categories B and C in the area A1 to which the enemy character C2-1 belongs. Further, when the in-game time is a time zone between 20:00 and 4 o'clock the next day, all categories A to C are valid (see FIG. 5B). Accordingly, the movement destination is selected from the seven movement target points X11 to X17 belonging to all the categories A to C in the area A1 to which the enemy character C2-1 belongs. In addition, the selection method in the case of selecting one from the plurality of movement target points X may be selected each time, or may be selected according to a predetermined order.

  When one movement target point X is selected in this way (step S4), the character motion control unit 42 moves the enemy character C2 toward the movement target point X (step S5). That is, the enemy character C2 is actually moved in the game space 100 (for example, a walking movement) and is directed toward the movement target point X. Therefore, if the game space 100 including the enemy character C2 is displayed on the monitor 19 of the game apparatus 2, the player moves (walks) the enemy character C2 toward the movement target point X in the game space 100. Can be visually recognized. In this case, as a method for determining the moving route of the enemy character C2, a known search algorithm (waypoint navigation, A * (A star), etc.) may be employed.

  Next, when the enemy character C2 starts moving, the game progress control unit 44 determines whether or not the selected movement target point X has been reached (step S6). For example, if the enemy character C2 enters a range defined by a circle with a predetermined radius centered on the movement target point X, it is determined that the movement target point X has been reached.

  When the enemy character C2 reaches the movement target point X (step S6: YES), the game apparatus 2 selects the action content to be executed at that point (step S7). With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, for example, when the enemy character C2-1 reaches the movement target point X11, only one action associated with the category A is “Kyo Koryo”. Therefore, this operation is selected. On the other hand, when the enemy character C2-1 reaches the movement target point X13, there are two actions associated with the category B: “squat and wait” and “search for food”. select.

  When the action content is selected in this way (step S7), the character action control unit 42 executes the selected action (step S8). Then, it is determined whether or not the operation is completed (step S9), and if completed, the process of FIG. 6 is terminated. Note that when the action of Step S2 (example: battle) is completed (Step S3: YES) and the operation of Step S8 is completed (Step S9: YES), the processing from Step S1 is executed again. Accordingly, when the player character C1 is not in a battle state (when not fighting), the processing of steps S1, S4 to S9 is repeated, so that the enemy character C2 moves to the movement target point X selected in step S4 each time. And move around in the area to which you belong.

  Further, the enemy character C2 may go out of the area to which the player character C1 belongs by chasing the player character C1 during the battle. Even in this case, when the processing of steps S1, S4 to S9 is executed after the match is over, the robot moves toward the movement target point X selected in the area to which it belongs. Therefore, the enemy character C2 outside the area can be returned to the area to which it belongs.

  As described above, in this game, the selection candidate of the movement target point X of the enemy character C2 to be deceived changes according to the in-game time. The enemy character C2 actually moves (walks) in the game space 100 toward the selected movement target point X. Therefore, it is possible to diversify the action patterns of the enemy character C2 in particular and add high reality to the game. Further, since the action to be executed by the enemy character C2 is set to be selectable for each category to which the movement target point X belongs, it is possible to diversify the action pattern of the enemy character C2 and to add higher reality.

  In addition, as described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the setting of the action pattern (valid time, action content) of the enemy character C2 according to the in-game time is set according to the category and the type of the enemy character C2. It is set accordingly. Therefore, when the game is produced, the setting of the movement target point X to the game space 100 and the setting of the effective time and the action content regarding the enemy character C2 can be performed separately. Therefore, workability at the time of changing the game contents such as increase / decrease of the movement target point X and change of the action pattern of the enemy character C2 is improved.

  Furthermore, each enemy character C2 is associated with a hesitating area (areas A1, A2), and the enemy character C2 moves from a plurality of movement target points X in the area to a selected destination. Accordingly, it is possible to determine the distribution of the enemy character C2 in the game space 100 according to the intention of the game creator, while making the enemy character C2 hesitate in a predetermined area.

  A plurality of types of enemy characters C2 may belong to the same area. For example, in addition to the goblin illustrated in the above description, a wolf may be set as the enemy character C2, and these may belong to the same area A1. In this case, the wolf is also set as shown in FIGS. At this time, it may be a separate setting distinguished between the goblin and the wolf, or at least a part of them may be shared. In the case of sharing, for example, the association between the movement target point and the category shown in FIG. 5A is shared, and the effective time and the operation content for each category are set separately for the goblin and the wolf. You may do it. Thus, when a part is shared, the workability at the time of game production improves more.

  In the above embodiment, the “valid time” is set in order to change the selection candidate of the movement target point X according to the in-game time. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a probability (0% to 100%) corresponding to the in-game time may be set for each category, and a selection candidate for the movement target point X may be determined based on this probability when selecting a destination. . Moreover, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, after selecting the movement target point X (step S4), the case where the operation | movement performed at the place is selected (step S7) was illustrated, However, It is not limited to this. For example, when selecting the movement target point X, an operation to be executed at that location may be selected at the same time.

  Further, although the enemy character C2 is illustrated as an example of the non-player character that controls the heel motion according to the in-game time, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the resident character in the town 101 may be controlled to be hesitant according to the time in the game. In this case, if the entire city 101 is set as the cocoon area to which the resident character belongs, the city 101 can be eclipsed.

  In addition, while moving to a certain movement target point (step S6: NO), the game time may be outside the effective time of the category of this movement target point, and may change within the effective time of another category. . In this case, after completing the moving operation being executed (step S6: YES), or after completing both the moving operation being executed and the movement at the reached movement target point (step S9: YES). ), The next movement target point (and the action content) may be selected according to the in-game time. Alternatively, when the in-game time is outside the valid time of the moving target point category as described above, the moving target point (and the action content) is selected again and selected. The operation may be switched to the movement to the movement target point.

  As can be seen from the above description, the present invention can sufficiently achieve the above-described effects as long as at least one (two types) of the movement target point and the operation content executed on the spot is at least one. It can be demonstrated.

(Embodiment 2)
By the way, as described above, the enemy character (non-player character) C2 may go out of the trap area to which the player character C1 belongs by tracking the player character C1 during the battle. On the other hand, in Embodiment 1, it can be made to return to a heel area by performing the process of step S1, S4-S9 after completion | finish of a battle | competition. However, in this case, there is a possibility that the enemy character C2 will go far outside the trap area until the battle ends.

  Further, as a result of tracking the player character C1 from an enemy character C2, there is a possibility that the enemy character C2 will leave his / her own trap area and enter the trap area of another enemy character C2. In this case, the character motion control unit 42 of the game apparatus 2 controls not only the enemy character C2 belonging to the trap area including the position of the player character C1, but also the enemy character C2 tracked out from another trap area. In particular, the load on the CPU 10 and the RAM 16 may increase.

  Therefore, in the game program and the game system according to the second embodiment, when an independent return line is set for each enemy character C2 in the game space 100 and the enemy character C2 goes out of the independent return line, The enemy character C2 is controlled to return to the trap area. Also, a separate forced return line is set outside the independent return line, and when the enemy character C2 reaches the forced return line L2, the enemy character C2 is forcibly returned to the trap area A. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described more specifically.

  The game game system according to the second embodiment can be realized by the game device 2 having the same hardware configuration as that shown in FIG. In addition, the game device 2 functions as a game space generation unit and a character motion control unit by executing a predetermined game program, and can perform control described below.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a self-return line and a forced return line set in the game space 100. As shown in FIG. 7, in the game space 100, a predetermined range of trap area A (indicated by a solid line) is set for each non-player character such as the enemy character C2. In addition, a self-return line L1 (indicated by a broken line) is set so as to coincide with the boundary line (outer edge) of the heel area A. Further, a forced feedback line L2 (indicated by a two-dot chain line) is set outside the independent feedback line L1.

  Which range in the game space 100 is set for the trap area A, the independent return line L1, and the forced return line L2 is recorded in advance in the game data 30b or the like in association with the type of the enemy character C2. When the enemy character C2 is placed in the game space 100 as the game progresses, the trap area A, the voluntary return line L1, and the forced return line L2 corresponding to the enemy character C2 are defined in the game space 100. Provided in the range. In FIG. 7, the self-return line L1 is displayed slightly outside the boundary line of the hail area A so that the boundary line of the hail area A and the self-return line L1 can be easily distinguished.

  An operation in which the enemy character C2 returns to the trap area A in the game space 100 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether the enemy character C2 is located inside or outside the independent return line L1. As shown in FIG. 8, the game apparatus 2 acquires position information of the enemy character C2 that is already arranged in the game space 100 and is controlled by the character motion control unit 42 (step S20). Then, based on this position information, it is determined whether or not the enemy character C2 is located outside the independent return line L1 (step S21).

  Here, while the enemy character C2 exists in the voluntary return line L1 (step S21: NO), the current action is continued (step S22). For example, when the enemy character C2 performs the trapping action shown in FIG. 6 described in the first embodiment, the inside of the trapping area A is continuously trapped. On the other hand, when it is determined that the enemy character C2 exists outside the voluntary return line L1 (step S21: YES), a feedback determination process (step S23) described below is executed.

  Note that while the current motion is continuously executed, the processing of FIG. 8 is performed periodically (for example, every second) at a predetermined timing. Further, during the execution of the feedback determination process, the process of steps S20 and S21 in FIG. 8, that is, the latest position information of the enemy character C2 is acquired, and on the basis of this, either inside or outside the independent return line L1. The process for determining whether or not the vehicle is positioned (position determination process) is periodically performed in parallel. The feedback determination process is performed only when the enemy character C2 is located outside the independent return line L1, and when the enemy character C2 returns to the independent return line L1 on the way, the feedback determination process is performed at that time. Is terminated. Further, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed here that there is only one enemy character C2 to be controlled. However, when a plurality of enemy characters C2 exist as control targets, the position determination process described above for each enemy character C2 The following feedback determination process may be executed.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control content when returning the enemy character C2 that has gone out of the independent return line L1 to the heel area A. In the feedback determination process shown in FIG. 9, the measurement of the elapsed time from the time when the enemy character C2 goes out of the independent return line L1 is started (step S30). Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed (step S31). As a result, when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S31: YES), that is, when the enemy character C2 is located outside the independent return line L1 for a predetermined time, the enemy character C2 can move. It is determined whether or not it is in a state (step S32).

  Here, there may be a situation where the enemy character C2 cannot execute the return action even when the predetermined time has elapsed while being outside the independent return line L1. For example, when the player character C1 is restrained by carrying the enemy character C2 by a user operation, or when the enemy character C2 cannot move due to a trap outside the independent return line L1. Accordingly, the determination in step S32 is performed. If the state is immovable (step S32: NO), this determination process is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is in a movable state or is released from the immovable state and becomes movable (step S32: YES), the enemy character C2 is returned to the trap area A to which it belongs (step S33). . Here, as a mode of returning the enemy character C2, the enemy character C2 is actually caused to perform a walking motion or a running motion in the game space 100 and move to the heel area A. Alternatively, immediately after the execution of step S33, the on-site display of the enemy character C2 may be erased and warped so as to be placed in the heel area A immediately after that. As a result of such processing, it is determined whether or not the target character C2 has actually returned to the inside of the independent return line L1 (step S34). If it is not returned, the feedback process in step S33 is continued, and if it is returned, the feedback determination process is terminated.

  If the enemy character C2 reaches the forced return line L2 outside the independent return line L1 during the above steps S30 to S33, the forced return process is interrupted immediately after that. Run with. That is, the enemy character C2 is forcibly returned to the trap area A regardless of whether or not the enemy character C2 is movable. As a feedback mode at this time, for example, the above-described warp can be adopted. Note that the processing in FIG. 9 ends when the enemy character C2 returns to the inside of the independent return line L1, but may be controlled to return to a predetermined position in the heel area A. Similarly, in the forcible return processing, control may be performed so as to return to a predetermined position in the heel area A.

  With the configuration described above, regardless of whether or not the player is in a battle state, the enemy character C2 that has left the voluntary return line L1 returns to the trap area A after a predetermined time has elapsed. Can do. Therefore, even the enemy character C2 acting independently according to the situation can be arranged in a desired distribution in the game space 100. Further, since the action range of the enemy character C2 can be regulated, it is possible to prevent the number of enemy characters C2 to be controlled by the character motion control unit 42 from being excessively increased, and to increase the load on the hardware such as the CPU 10 and the RAM 16 Can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the self-return line L1 is returned after the predetermined time has passed, it is possible to prevent the user from knowing the set position of the self-return line L1.

  The timing for executing the position determination process can be set by an appropriate means in addition to being set in a period such as “every second”. For example, the position determination process may be executed every time a predetermined number of frames are displayed on the monitor 19 (see FIG. 2). Alternatively, when the enemy character C2 executes “rethinking”, the position determination process may be executed together. Here, “rethinking” refers to a process of determining the action content of the enemy character C2 in the future based on various conditions such as the enemy character C2 itself, its companions, the arrangement of the player character C1, and the surrounding terrain. Such rethinking is, for example, when the enemy character C2 finishes the attacking action, moves and reaches the target point, or recovers from damage (when it gets up after a fall, etc.) Is executed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the “elapsed predetermined time” determined in step S31 in FIG. 9 is used by using the same means as the timing for acquiring the position information of the enemy character C2 in step S20 in FIG. We are going to measure. For example, the “predetermined time has elapsed” can be determined by elapse of a period such as 10 seconds, display of a predetermined number of frames, or execution of a rethought of a predetermined number of times. However, this “elapse of the predetermined time” may be measured by means different from the timing for acquiring the position information. In short, the elapsed time after the enemy character C2 goes out of the independent return line L1 is used. Any means that can be directly or indirectly measured may be used.

  Further, this “predetermined time” can be set individually according to the characteristics of the enemy character C2. For example, the “predetermined time” is set to be shorter as the enemy character C2 moves faster in the game space 100 (such as walking speed). As a result, the enemy character C2 having a high moving speed can be returned to the trap area A before going far away from the independent return line L1. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation in which the enemy character C2 reaches the forced return line L2 and disappears suddenly from the spot as described above.

  In the example of FIG. 9, when the enemy character C2 is unable to move, the return operation is executed after waiting for the enemy character C2 to move. However, the transition from the unmovable state to the movable state is accelerated. You may control. For example, when the enemy character C2 becomes unable to move, the action may be set so that the enemy character C2 is released from the restraint state at an early stage by rampaging the enemy character C2. If the game setting is such that the movement of the enemy character C2 is not restricted by the player character C1 or the spear, the process of step S32 can be omitted.

  By the way, for the enemy character C2 according to the present embodiment, different states such as “normal state (non-battle state)”, “warning state”, “battle state” and the like are alternatively selected according to various situations. Can be selected and set. For example, the “normal state” is a state in which the inside of the heel area A is roared to discover the player character C1 and the like. The “warning state” is a state in which the player character C1 is found and approaches the player character C1 and is located within a predetermined distance from the player character C1. The “battle state” is a state where the player character C1 is located within a predetermined distance and attempts to attack or is attacking the player character C1.

  When such a state of the enemy character C2 is set, a state in which the control during the return motion of the enemy character C2 among these can be easily adopted during the return motion. Then, when the return motion is completed and the vehicle reaches the trap area A, the enemy character C2 is preferably set to the “normal state”. That is, it is predicted that the enemy character C2 immediately after returning to the heel area A is far away from the player character C1. Therefore, in such a case, by setting the “normal state”, it is possible to make the state suitable for the current situation without a sense of incongruity.

  The method of setting the independent feedback line L1 and the forced feedback line L2 is not limited to that shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a setting variation of the independent feedback line L1 and the forced feedback line L2 in the game space 100.

  In FIG. 10A, an annular independent return line L1 is set on the outer side so as to surround the eaves area A. In this way, the independent return line L1 may be set outside the boundary line of the heel area A. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10B, the self-return line L1 and the forced feedback line L2 may be set so as to partially circulate around the eaves area A. For example, if a part of the boundary line of 徘徊 area A is set facing the sea, walls, cliffs, etc., and there is a part where enemy character C2 can not move out of 徘徊 area A, only the other part is supported Thus, the independent feedback line L1 and the forced feedback line L2 may be set. In addition, by combining the above-described configurations, a part of the self-return line L1 may be set to overlap the boundary line of the heel area A, and the other part may be set outside the boundary line of the heel area A. Further, such a self-return line L1 may be partially omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the enemy character C2 is shown as an example of the non-player character, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the city 101 (see FIG. 1) may be set in the bag area A, and the resident character in the city 101 may be applied to control when returning to the city 101. Also, a plurality of enemy characters C2 may appear in the game space 100. However, when there are a plurality of enemy characters C2 that are outside the independent return line L1, the enemy characters C2 outside the independent return line L1 are not necessarily displayed. It is not necessary to control to return everything to the heel area A. For example, as an attribute of the enemy character C2, when returning to the outside of the voluntary return line L1, what returns to the heel area A, and what can relentlessly chase the player character C1 without returning to the heel area A Can also be set separately. Alternatively, such an attribute is not set in advance for each enemy character C2, but which attribute is controlled at an appropriate timing during the progress of the game, for example, is randomly set. It can also be configured.

  The present invention can be applied to a game program and a game system that control the movement of a non-player character in a virtual game space.

2 Game device (game system)
30a game program
30b game data
41 Game space generator
42 Character motion controller
43 In-game time management
44 Game progress control section
45 Hourly target point reading section
46 Location-specific operation readout
100 game space
C1 player character
C2 Enemy character (non-player character)

Claims (5)

Computer
Game space generating means for generating a virtual game space in which a non-player character operates;
Character motion control means for controlling the motion of the non-player character in the game space;
In-game time management means for managing the in-game time that elapses in the game space;
A time-specific target point reading means for reading out the movement target point from a storage unit for storing the movement target point of the non-player character in the game space set according to the game time in association with the game time; and Function as a location-specific motion reading unit that reads out the motion content from a storage unit that stores the motion performed by the non-player character at the travel target location in association with the travel target location;
The character motion control means includes
A non-player character is operated to move in the game space toward the movement target point associated with the current in-game time,
A game program that causes a non-player character that has reached the movement target point to execute an action associated with the movement target point.   A plurality of candidates are prepared for at least one of the movement target point and the operation associated with the movement target point, and at least one of the hourly target point reading unit and the location-specific operation reading unit is The game program according to claim 1, wherein the movement target point or action is read from the plurality of candidates. Each moving target point is classified into one of multiple categories,
The at least one of the in-game time and the non-player character action associated with the movement target point is set according to at least one of the category and the non-player character type. The game program according to 1 or 2.   The game space is characterized in that a predetermined area of the heel area where the non-player character can move independently is associated with the non-player character and includes the movement target point. The game program according to claim 1.   A game system comprising: a program storage unit that records the game program according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and a computer that executes the game program stored in the program storage unit.

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