JP2019136253A - Game system, server device, game terminal, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game system, a server device, a game terminal, and a program capable of ending a game while suppressing dissatisfaction of both a user of a game terminal that falls into a state of a communication failure, and another user when any one of a plurality of game terminals falls into a state of a communication failure.SOLUTION: A server device 30 includes determination means 3040 for determining whether or not at least one of a plurality of game terminals 10 falls into a state of a communication failure. Each of the game terminals 10 includes reception means 1090 for receiving an ending instruction from a user when another game terminal 10 falls into a state of a communication failure. A game system includes ending control means 1100 or 3090 for executing control to end a game that a plurality of users who use the plurality of game terminals 10 respectively participate in according to an ending instruction by a user who uses the game terminal 10 other than the game terminal 10 that falls into a state of a communication failure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system, a server device, a game terminal, and a program.

  Conventionally, a game system that executes a game in which a plurality of users who respectively use a plurality of game terminals participates is known. For example, a game system that executes a battle game in which a plurality of users who respectively use a plurality of game terminals battles is known.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-013410

  In the above game system, the game may be interrupted when one of the game terminals is out of communication during the game. In such a case, it is difficult to specify the cause of the game terminal being in a communication failure state. For example, if the user intentionally ends the game program or turns off the power or communication function of the game terminal, the game terminal may be in a communication failure state. There is also a case where a malfunction occurs. For this reason, in such a case, the game system side may not be able to decide whether or not the interrupted game may be terminated halfway. If the interrupted game is terminated halfway, the user of the game terminal who has temporarily failed in communication, not the user's intention, may feel dissatisfied. If left unfinished on the way, other users may be dissatisfied without waiting for the interrupted game to resume.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the purpose of the present invention is that in a game in which a plurality of users who respectively use a plurality of game terminals participate, one of the game terminals has become out of communication. To provide a game system, a server device, a game terminal, and a program capable of ending a game while suppressing dissatisfaction between a user of a game terminal that has become in a communication failure state and other users. It is.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a game system including a plurality of game terminals and a server device, and the server device communicates with at least one of the plurality of game terminals. A determination unit configured to determine whether or not a malfunctioning state has occurred, and each of the plurality of game terminals receives a termination instruction from a user when it is determined that another game terminal is in the communication malfunctioning state. The game system includes a plurality of users who respectively use the plurality of game terminals in response to the end instruction by a user who uses a game terminal other than the game terminal that has been determined to be in the communication failure state. It further includes termination control means for performing control for terminating the game to be played.

  The server device according to an aspect of the present invention is a server device capable of communicating with a plurality of game terminals, wherein the determination unit determines whether at least one of the plurality of game terminals is in a communication failure state, Means for performing control for receiving an end instruction from a user who uses another game terminal among the plurality of game terminals when it is determined that at least one of the plurality of game terminals is in the communication failure state. And an end control means for performing control for ending a game in which a plurality of users who respectively use the plurality of game terminals participate in response to the end instruction by the user using the other game terminal.

  The game terminal according to one aspect of the present invention is a user who determines that one of the plurality of game terminals is in a communication failure state in another game terminal of the plurality of game terminals. Receiving means for receiving an end instruction, and an end control means for performing control for ending a game in which a plurality of users who respectively use the plurality of game terminals participate in response to the end instruction from the user.

It is a figure showing the whole game system composition concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the basic process performed by a 1st game terminal, a 2nd game terminal, and a server apparatus during game execution. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the operation | movement performed by a 1st game terminal and a server apparatus when a 2nd game terminal will be in a communication failure state during game execution. An example of a notification image is shown. An example of an end instruction acceptance image is shown. It is a figure for demonstrating another example of operation | movement with a 1st game terminal and a server apparatus when a 2nd game terminal will be in a communication failure state during game execution. It is a figure for demonstrating another example of operation | movement with a 1st game terminal and a server apparatus when a 2nd game terminal will be in a communication failure state during game execution. It is a figure for demonstrating another example of operation | movement with a 1st game terminal and a server apparatus when a 2nd game terminal will be in a communication failure state during game execution. It is a figure for demonstrating another example of operation | movement with a 1st game terminal and a server apparatus when a 2nd game terminal will be in a communication failure state during game execution. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional block implement | achieved with the game system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the process performed between a 1st game terminal and a server apparatus, when a 2nd game terminal will be in a communication failure state during game execution. It is a figure which shows an example of the process performed between a 1st game terminal and a server apparatus, when a 2nd game terminal will be in a communication failure state during game execution. It is a figure which shows an example of the process performed between a 1st game terminal and a server apparatus, when a 2nd game terminal will be in a communication failure state during game execution. It is a figure which shows an example of the process performed between a 1st game terminal and a server apparatus, when a 2nd game terminal will be in a communication failure state during game execution. It is a figure which shows an example of the process performed between a 1st game terminal and a server apparatus, when a 2nd game terminal will be in a communication failure state during game execution.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  [1. Configuration of Game System] FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of game terminals including a first game terminal 10-1, a second game terminal 10-2, and the like, and a server device 30. Each of the plurality of game terminals and the server device 30 are connected to the network N. For this reason, mutual data communication is possible between each of the plurality of game terminals and the server device 30. Further, mutual data communication is possible between a plurality of game terminals. Hereinafter, the first game terminal 10-1, the second game terminal 10-2,... May be collectively referred to as “game terminal 10”.

  The game terminal 10 is a computer operated by a user. More specifically, the game terminal 10 is a computer used by a user to play a game. For example, the game terminal 10 includes a home game machine (stationary game machine), a portable game machine, an arcade game machine installed in a play facility, a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a portable information terminal (tablet computer). A desktop computer or a laptop computer.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the game terminal 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an input unit 14, a display unit 15, and an audio output unit 16. The control unit 11 includes at least one microprocessor, and executes information processing according to an operating system and other programs stored in the storage unit 12. The storage unit 12 includes a main storage unit (for example, RAM) and an auxiliary storage unit (for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, or a solid state drive). The storage unit 12 is for storing programs and data. The communication unit 13 is for data communication with other devices via the network N.

  The input unit 14 is for a user to give an instruction to the game. The input unit 14 includes, for example, a touch panel, a button (key), a stick (lever), a mouse, a microphone, or a sensor. The input unit 14 may be provided as an external device (game controller or the like) connected to the game terminal 10 by wire or wirelessly, or may be provided on the game terminal 10 itself. Hereinafter, an action in which the user gives an instruction to the game via the input unit 14 is referred to as “game operation”.

  The display unit 15 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays an image under the control of the control unit 11. The audio output unit 16 is, for example, a speaker or headphones, and outputs audio under the control of the control unit 11. The display unit 15 and the audio output unit 16 may be a display device or an audio output device connected to the game terminal 10 as an external device, or may be a display device or an audio output device provided in the game terminal 10 itself. There may be.

  The server device 30 is, for example, a server computer. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the server device 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33. Since the control part 31, the memory | storage part 32, and the communication part 33 are fundamentally the same as the control part 11, the memory | storage part 12, and the communication part 13 of the game terminal 10, description is abbreviate | omitted. The server device 30 can access the database DB. The database DB may be built in the server device 30 or may be built in a server computer different from the server device 30.

  The game terminal 10 or the server device 30 may include a component (for example, an optical disk drive or a memory card slot) for reading a program or data stored in an information storage medium (for example, an optical disk or a memory card). The program and data may be supplied to the game terminal 10 or the server device 30 via the information storage medium and stored in the storage unit 12 or the storage unit 32. Note that the program and data may be supplied to the game terminal 10 or the server device 30 from a remote location via the network N.

  In the following, it is assumed that the smartphone or tablet computer provided with the touch panel is the game terminal 10.

  [2. Outline of Game] In the game system 1, various games in which a plurality of users who respectively use the plurality of game terminals 10 participate are executed.

  For example, when the plurality of game terminals 10 include the first game terminal 10-1 and the second game terminal 10-2, the first user who uses the first game terminal 10-1 and the second game terminal 10-2 The second user who uses is equivalent to the “plurality of users”. For example, when the plurality of game terminals 10 include the first game terminal 10-1, the second game terminal 10-2,..., The nth game terminal 10-n, the first game terminal 10-1 is used. The first user, the second user using the second game terminal 10-2,..., The nth user using the nth game terminal 10-n corresponds to the “plurality of users”.

  The “game in which a plurality of users participate” is, for example, a battle game in which a plurality of users battle. For example, a competitive sports game such as a baseball game, a soccer game, a basketball game, or an ice hockey game corresponds to an example of “a competitive game in which a plurality of users battles”. In addition, for example, a race game, a fighting game, a card game, or the like corresponds to an example of “a fighting game in which a plurality of users fight”. The game is not limited to these games, and other types of battle games also correspond to an example of “a battle game in which a plurality of users battle”.

  The “game in which a plurality of users participate” may be, for example, a game in which a plurality of users cooperate to achieve a common purpose. “Purpose” means, for example, winning a battle, getting rid of an enemy, reaching a predetermined point in the game space, obtaining a game item, or satisfying a predetermined standard of game results, etc. It is. For example, a sports game in which a plurality of users operate a common team and aim to win a match with a team of an opponent is a “game where a plurality of users cooperate to achieve a common purpose” It corresponds to an example. In this case, the “game” is executed as a part of the sports game. Also, for example, an action in which multiple users form a group (team or party, etc.) to win battles with other groups, defeat specific enemies, or obtain specific game items A game, a role playing game, or the like corresponds to an example of “a game in which a plurality of users cooperate to achieve a common purpose”.

  Hereinafter, as an example of a game executed in the game system 1, a baseball game in which a baseball game is played between a team operated by a user and a team operated by another user will be mainly described. In the following, a baseball game between a first team operated by a first user using the first game terminal 10-1 and a second team operated by a second user using the second game terminal 10-2. An example in which is performed will be mainly described. This baseball game is executed by executing a baseball game program on each of the first game terminal 10-1 and the second game terminal 10-2. The above game is executed as a part of the baseball game. That is, the game corresponds to a part of all game processes related to the baseball game.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing an example of basic processing executed by the first game terminal 10-1, the second game terminal 10-2, and the server device 30 during the game. During the match, the process shown in FIG. 2 is repeatedly executed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 11 (hereinafter referred to as “control unit 11-1”) of the first game terminal 10-1 acquires game operation data related to the game operation performed by the first user. Then, the game operation data is transmitted to the server device 30 via the communication unit 13 (S100-1).

  The “game operation data” may be data indicating the content of the game operation performed by the first user, or data indicating the content of the game control to be executed in response to the game operation. For example, in a baseball game in which a batter character performs a batting action by bringing a finger into contact with a touch panel, the first user causes the batter character to perform a batting action while the batter character of the first team is standing at the bat. Therefore, when the finger is brought into contact with the touch panel, data indicating that the user has brought the finger into contact with the touch panel may be transmitted to the server device 30 as game operation data in step S102-1, or the batter character is hit. You may transmit the data which show performing operation | movement to the server apparatus 30 as game operation data.

  Similarly, the control unit 11 (hereinafter referred to as “control unit 11-2”) of the second game terminal 10-2 acquires game operation data indicating the content of the game operation performed by the second user. (S100-2), game operation data is transmitted to the server apparatus 30 via the communication part 13 (S102-2). Steps S100-2 and S102-2 are the same as steps S100-1 and S102-1.

  The server device 30 receives the game operation data transmitted from the first game terminal 10-1 or the second game terminal 10-2 via the communication unit 33 (S300). And the control part 31 of the server apparatus 30 transmits the game operation data received from the 1st game terminal 10-1 to the 2nd game terminal 10-2, and receives the game operation data received from the 2nd game terminal 10-2. It transmits to the 1st game terminal 10-1 (S302). The control unit 31 transmits the game operation data received from the first game terminal 10-1 to both the first game terminal 10-1 and the second game terminal 10-2, and the second game terminal 10-2. May be transmitted to both the first game terminal 10-1 and the second game terminal 10-2.

  The first game terminal 10-1 receives the game operation data transmitted from the server device 30 in step S302 via the communication unit 13 (S104-1). Then, the control unit 11-1 acquires the game operation data (game operation data acquired at the first game terminal 10-1) acquired at Step S 100-1 and the game operation data (the first operation data received at Step S 104-1). Based on the game operation data acquired by the two game terminals 10-2), the game situation data stored in the storage unit 12 of the first game terminal 10-1 is updated (S106-1).

  In step S302, when the game operation data received from the first game terminal 10-1 is transmitted to both the first game terminal 10-1 and the second game terminal 10-2, the control unit 11- 1 is based on the game operation data received in step S104-1 (game operation data acquired on the first game terminal 10-1 and game operation data acquired on the second game terminal 10-2). You may update the game condition data memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 12 of 1 game terminal 10-1.

  “Game situation data” is data indicating the current situation of the game. For example, the game situation data includes data indicating the current situation of the game space. Here, the “game space” is a virtual space constructed in the storage unit 12 and may be a virtual three-dimensional space in which three coordinate axes are associated, or two coordinate axes are associated. It may be a virtual two-dimensional plane. One or more game objects are arranged in the “game space”. For example, in the case of a baseball game, a game space representing a baseball field is constructed, and player characters and balls are arranged in the game space. “Data indicating the current situation of the game space” is arranged in the game space. Data indicating the current state of the game object. In this case, the player character's position, orientation, posture, moving direction, moving speed, the type of action currently being performed, whether or not the ball is held, the ball position, moving direction, moving speed, etc. The indicated data corresponds to an example of “data indicating the state of the game object”. The game situation data includes data indicating the progress of the game. For example, in the case of a baseball game, data indicating the current inning, the scores of both teams, and the like correspond to an example of “data indicating the progress of the game”.

  In step S106-1, game control data is updated such that game control according to the game operation of the first user and game control according to the game operation of the second user are performed. For example, the player character to be operated by the first user performs an action corresponding to the game operation of the first user, and the player character to be operated by the second user performs an action corresponding to the game operation of the second user. Thus, the game control data is updated.

  After execution of step S106-2, the control unit 11-1 displays a game image indicating the game situation on the display unit 15 of the first game terminal 10-1 based on the updated game situation data (S108-). 1). The “game image” is, for example, an image representing a state where the game space is viewed from a given viewpoint. In the case of a baseball game, the game image is an image of a game space representing a baseball field viewed from a given viewpoint, and is a game image representing the current situation of the game.

  Similarly, the control unit 11-2 of the second game terminal 10-2 receives the game operation data transmitted from the server device 30 in step S302 (S104-2). And control part 11-2 updates game situation data memorized by storage part 12 of the 2nd game terminal 10-2 based on received game operation data (S106-2). Moreover, the control part 11-2 displays the game image which shows the condition of a game on the display part 15 of the 2nd game terminal 10-2 based on the updated game condition data (S108-2).

  The first game terminal 10-1 and the second game terminal 10-2 are processed so that the game situation data is the same. That is, the first game terminal 10-1 and the second game terminal 10-2 use a common algorithm, random number seed, or the like as an algorithm or random number seed for updating the game situation data. For this reason, even if it is a case where the result of a game process is determined at random, the same result is obtained by both the 1st game terminal 10-1 and the 2nd game terminal 10-2.

  In the baseball game, the user with the higher score is the winner when the game is normally finished, and the user with the lower score is the loser.

  The “time when the game is finished normally” is the time when the game is executed to the end in accordance with a predetermined rule and the result of the game is confirmed. For example, according to general baseball rules, if one of the teams leads at the end of the 9th time, the game ends. Corresponds to “at the time of normal completion”. In addition, when the game is ended because the succeeding team has taken the lead at the end of the 9th table, the end time of the 9th table corresponds to “the time when the game ended normally”. Also, if the match ends when the late team is in the middle of the ninth round, the time when the latter team takes the lead in the middle of the ninth round is Is equivalent to In addition, if you entered an extended game because you were tied at the end of the 9th round, and if one of the teams was leading at the end of the back of the inning of the extended game, The end point of the back of the inning corresponds to “the point at which the game ended normally”. When the so-called cold game rule is valid, the time when the cold game is established corresponds to the “time when the game is normally completed”.

  Hereinafter, in the above-mentioned baseball game, when one of the first game terminal 10-1 and the second game terminal 10-2 becomes in a communication failure state, one game terminal in a communication failure state A technique for ending a game halfway while suppressing dissatisfaction with both the 10 users and the user of the other game terminal 10 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing an example of an operation performed by the first game terminal 10-1 and the server device 30 when the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state during the match. The operation shown in FIG. 3 is realized by executing the processes shown in FIGS. 10A to 10E described later according to a program.

  The “communication failure state” is, for example, a state in which communication between the game terminal 10 and the server device 30 is not normally performed. In other words, the server device 30 does not receive data from the game terminal 10. When the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state, the game operation data of the second game terminal 10-2 is not received by the server device 30 (see step S300 in FIG. 2), and as a result, the second game The game operation data of the terminal 10-2 is not transmitted to the first game terminal 10-1 (see step S302 in FIG. 2).

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the server device 30 detects that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state during the game (OP 300).

  For example, in each game terminal 10, when an active program is switched from a baseball game program to another program, an operation to turn off the power of the game terminal 10 or an operation to put the game terminal 10 in a sleep state (pause state) is performed. In some cases, the baseball game program is suspended. For example, when the baseball game program is suspended in the second game terminal 10-2, the second game terminal 10-2 transmits a predetermined notification (hereinafter referred to as “suspend notification”) to the server device 30. . When the server device 30 receives a suspend notification from the second game terminal 10-2, the server device 30 determines that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state.

  For example, each game terminal 10 periodically transmits keep alive information to the server device 30. For example, when the state where the keep alive information from the second game terminal 10-2 is not received by the server device 30 continues for a predetermined period, the server device 30 determines that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state. . When the baseball game program is forcibly terminated on the game terminal 10 or the like, the above-described suspend notification is not transmitted to the server device 30. However, in such a case, keep-alive information is not transmitted to the server device 30. By making the above determination regarding information, the server device 30 can detect that the game terminal 10 is in a communication failure state.

  When the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state, the server device 30 sets a communication failure flag of the second game terminal 10-2 to “1” (OP302).

  The “communication failure flag of the second game terminal 10-2” is information indicating whether or not the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state. The value “0” or “1” is set in the communication failure flag of the second game terminal 10-2. A value “0” indicates that the second game terminal 10-2 is not in a communication failure state, and a value “1” indicates that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state. The communication malfunction flag of the second game terminal 10-2 is initialized to the value “0” at the start of the game.

  Furthermore, the server device 30 transmits a notification (hereinafter referred to as “communication failure notification”) indicating that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state to the first game terminal 10-1 ( OP304).

  Further, the server device 30 determines whether or not the end instruction reception condition is satisfied, and sets the end instruction reception flag of the first game terminal 10-1 (first user) to “1” when the end instruction reception condition is satisfied. ("OP306").

  The “end instruction acceptance condition” is a condition that must be satisfied in order to start accepting an end instruction from the first user at the first game terminal 10-1. The “end instruction” instructs to end the game halfway. Details of the end instruction will be described later (see FIG. 5 described later).

  For example, it is determined that the end instruction reception condition is satisfied when a predetermined time has elapsed after the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state. Alternatively, when the server device 30 receives a disconnection notification from the second game terminal 10-2 a predetermined number of times, it is determined that the end instruction reception condition is satisfied.

  The “end instruction acceptance flag of the first game terminal 10-1” is information indicating whether or not the first game terminal 10-1 accepts an end instruction from the first user. In other words, it is information indicating whether or not the first user is allowed to give an end instruction at the first game terminal 10-1. The value “0” or “1” is set in the end instruction acceptance flag. The value “0” indicates that the first game terminal 10-1 should not accept an end instruction from the first user, and the value “1” is the first game terminal 10-1 accepted an end instruction from the first user. It is also good. The end instruction acceptance flag of the first game terminal 10-1 is initialized to the value “0” at the start of the game.

  The first game terminal 10-1 receives the communication malfunction notification transmitted from the server device 30 (OP100). In this case, the first game terminal 10-1 waits for the situation of the game (match) to become a situation requiring the game operation data of the second user (OP102).

  “The game operation data of the second user” is game operation data acquired at the second game terminal 10-2 (step S100-1 in FIG. 2). The “situation that requires game operation data of the second user” is a situation that requires game operation data of the second user in order to advance the game (match). In other words, the game operation data of the second user is necessary to update the game situation data.

  For example, a batter character performs a batting action according to a game operation of a first user, a pitcher character performs a pitching action according to a game operation of a second user, and a player character of a second team who is defending controls the computer. In the case where the defensive action is performed accordingly, the second user does not need to perform a game operation after the pitching action by the pitcher character until the next pitching action by the pitcher character is performed. User game operation data is not required. For this reason, in this case, the first game terminal 10-1 determines that the game situation has become necessary for the game operation data of the second user when a pitching action is performed by the pitcher character. .

  When the situation of the game becomes a situation requiring the game operation data of the second user, the first game terminal 10-1 interrupts the progress of the game (game) and displays a notification image on the display unit 15 (OP104). .

  The notification image is an image for notifying the first user that the game operation data of the opponent (second user) is waiting to be received. FIG. 4 shows an example of the notification image. As shown in FIG. 4, the notification image G10 is waiting for a response from the opponent (second user), that is, waiting for receiving game operation data of the opponent (second user). Is included. The “element” is an element constituting an image, and is, for example, a text or an image. When the notification image G10 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed, the first user is in a state where the second game terminal 10-2 is out of communication and waiting for a response from the second user (second user). Waiting to receive the game operation data).

  As described above, in the game system 1, even if the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state, the first game terminal 10-1 needs the game operation data of the second user for the game situation. The game is progressed without interrupting the progress of the game (game) until the situation is reached, and the progress of the game is interrupted when the game status becomes the necessary situation for the game operation data of the second user, and the display unit 15 The image displayed on the screen is changed from a game image (game image) to a notification image. As will be described later, when the second game terminal 10-2 returns to the normal state from the communication failure state immediately after the notification image G10 is displayed, the notification image G10 disappears (see FIG. In such a case, the notification image G10 may be displayed to cause the first user to feel stress. In this regard, according to the game system 1, the notification image G10 can be prevented from being displayed as much as possible, and as a result, the user can be prevented from feeling stress.

  When the notification image G10 is displayed on the display unit 15, at a given timing, the first game terminal 10-1 makes an inquiry as to whether or not to accept an end instruction from the first user. It transmits to the server device 30 (OP106). For example, the first game terminal 10-1 transmits the inquiry to the server device 30 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the notification image G <b> 10 is displayed on the display unit 15.

  The server device 30 receives the inquiry transmitted from the first game terminal 10-1 (OP308). In this case, if the end instruction acceptance flag of the first game terminal 10-1 is “1”, the server device 30 gives an acceptance start permission indicating that acceptance of the end instruction from the first user may be started. It transmits to the 1st game terminal 10-1 (OP310).

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the inquiry is received by the server device 30 after the end instruction flag of the first game terminal 10-1 is updated to “1”, but the end of the first game terminal 10-1 is received. In some cases, the server device 30 receives the inquiry before the flag with instruction is updated to “1”. In this case, since the end instruction acceptance flag of the first game terminal 10-1 is not “1”, the server device 30 gives a first disapproval indicating that it should not start accepting an end instruction from the first user. It transmits to the game terminal 10-1. In this case, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the first game terminal 10-1 transmits the inquiry to the server device 30 again.

  The first game terminal 10-1 receives the acceptance start permission transmitted from the server device 30 (OP108). In this case, the first game terminal 10-1 displays an end instruction acceptance image on the display unit 15 (OP110).

  The end instruction acceptance image is an image for accepting an end instruction. FIG. 5 shows an example of an end instruction acceptance image. As shown in FIG. 5, the end instruction acceptance image G20 waits for a response from the opponent (second user), that is, waits for receiving game operation data of the opponent (second user). And an element E21 for receiving an end instruction. “End instruction” means that the game is ended halfway through the result of “first user win, second user defeat)” without waiting for the second user's game operation data to be received. It instructs the system 1.

  While the end instruction acceptance image G20 is displayed, the first game terminal 10-1 determines whether or not the end instruction operation has been performed by the first user (that is, whether or not the element E22 has been selected by the first user). Or, it is monitored whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the end instruction acceptance image G20 is displayed on the display unit 15 (OP112).

  When the end instruction operation is performed by the first user, that is, when the element E22 is selected by the first user (OP112: Yes), the first game terminal 10-1 determines that “the first user wins, the second As a result of “defeat of the user”, an end request indicating that the game is requested to be ended halfway is transmitted to the server device 30 (OP114).

  Even when the end instruction operation is not performed (the element E22 is not selected) after the end instruction acceptance image G20 is displayed on the display unit 15 (the element E22 is not selected) (OP112: Yes), The first game terminal 10-1 transmits to the server device 30 an end request indicating that it is requested to end the game halfway as a result of “first user win, second user defeat” (OP114). ).

  The server device 30 receives the termination request transmitted from the first game terminal 10-1 (OP312). In this case, the server device 30 ends the game (game) on the way with a result of “the victory of the first user, the defeat of the second user” (OP314). Moreover, the server apparatus 30 notifies a 2nd user that the game was complete | finished according to the completion | finish instruction | indication by a 1st user. For example, in response to an end instruction from the first user, a message or e-mail indicating that the game has ended is transmitted to the second user, or when the game program is started next time by the second user, A message indicating that the game has ended is displayed in response to the end instruction. For this reason, the 2nd user can grasp that the game was ended according to the end directions by the 1st user.

  In the game system 1, the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state during a match between the first user of the first game terminal 10-1 and the second user of the second game terminal 10-2. In this case, the first user can finish the game on his / her own intention by performing the above-described operation, and the first user is dissatisfied with waiting for resumption of the interrupted game. It is possible not to give to one user. Further, in the above case, it is determined that the second user who has used the second game terminal 10-2 in a communication failure state has lost and the first user who has given the termination instruction has won. Since it is determined that the second user has been defeated by the intention of the first user of the opponent, the second user must be convinced, and the second user can be convinced. User dissatisfaction can be reduced.

  In the game system 1, when the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state, it does not immediately start accepting an end instruction, but waits until the end instruction acceptance condition is satisfied and accepts the end instruction. It is supposed to start. For this reason, when the second game terminal 10-2 is temporarily in a communication failure state, it is possible to prevent the end instruction from being accepted. As a result, the second game terminal 10-2 is temporarily The game can be prevented from ending if the communication is not successful.

  In the game system 1, even if the end instruction operation is not performed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the end instruction acceptance image G <b> 20 is displayed on the display unit 15 of the first game terminal 10-1, It is supposed to be terminated. For this reason, it can be avoided that the second game terminal 10-2 in the communication failure state does not recover to the normal state and a state in which no end instruction is given is continued for a long time.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining another example of the operation of the first game terminal 10-1 and the server device 30 when the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state during the game. FIG. 6 shows a case where the second game terminal 10-2 returns from the communication failure state to the normal state after the second game terminal 10-2 is in the communication failure state and before the end instruction acceptance condition is satisfied. The example of operation | movement with the 1st game terminal 10-1 and the server apparatus 30 is shown. The operation shown in FIG. 6 is also realized by executing the processes shown in FIGS. 10A to 10E described later according to a program.

  The operations OP320 to OP324 in FIG. 6 are the same as the operations OP300 to OP304 in FIG. 3, and the operations OP120 to OP124 in FIG. 6 are the same as the operations OP100 to OP104 in FIG.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the server device 30 detects that the second game terminal 10-2 has returned from the communication failure state to the normal state (normal state) before the end instruction acceptance condition is satisfied ( OP326).

  For example, each game terminal 10 transmits a predetermined notification (hereinafter referred to as “active notification”) to the server device 30 when the baseball game program becomes an active program. For this reason, for example, when the server device 30 receives an active notification from the second game terminal 10-2, the server device 30 determines that the second game terminal 10-2 has returned to the normal state from the communication failure state. .

  Each game terminal 10 transmits a predetermined notification (active notification) to the server device 30 even when the forcibly terminated baseball game program is restarted. For this reason, for example, when the baseball game program is forcibly terminated at the second game terminal 10-2, and then the baseball game program is restarted, an active notification is sent from the second game terminal 10-2 to the server device 30. When the active notification is transmitted and received by the server device 30, the server device 30 determines that the second game terminal 10-2 has returned to the normal state from the communication failure state. When the keep alive information from the second game terminal 10-2 is received by the server device 30, the server device 30 determines that the second game terminal 10-2 has returned to the normal state from the communication failure state. May be.

  When the second game terminal 10-2 returns from the communication failure state to the normal state, the server device 30 updates the communication failure flag of the second game terminal 10-2 to “0” (OP328). In addition, the server device 30 transmits a notification (hereinafter referred to as “communication recovery notification”) indicating that the second game terminal 10-2 has recovered from the communication failure state to the normal state to the first game terminal 10-1. (OP330).

  The first game terminal 10-1 receives the communication recovery notification transmitted from the server device 30 (OP126). In this case, the first game terminal 10-1 restarts the game (game) (OP128). In this case, the game operation data of the second user is supplied to the first game terminal 10-1 via the server device 30 when the second game terminal 10-2 returns from the communication failure state to the normal state. 2 (steps S102-2, S300, S302, and S104-1 in FIG. 2), the first game terminal 10-1 ends the display of the notification image G10 and causes the display unit 15 to display the game image (game image). The game that was interrupted is resumed.

  After that, when the second game terminal 10-2 again becomes in a communication failure state, the same operation as that shown in FIG. 3 (or FIG. 6) is performed by the server device 30 and the first game terminal 10-. 1 is performed.

  7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining another example of the operation of the first game terminal 10-1 and the server device 30 when the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state during the match. It is. 7A and 7B show that the second game terminal 10-2 returns to the normal state from the communication failure state after the second game terminal 10-2 is in the communication failure state and the end instruction acceptance condition is satisfied. The example of operation | movement with the 1st game terminal 10-1 and the server apparatus 30 in the case is shown. The operations shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B are also realized by executing the processes shown in FIGS. 10A to 10E described later according to a program.

  The operations OP340 to OP350 in FIG. 7A are the same as the operations OP300 to OP310 in FIG. 3, and the operations OP130 to OP140 in FIG. 7A are the same as the operations OP100 to OP110 in FIG.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the server device 30 detects that the second game terminal 10-2 has returned from the communication failure state to the normal state after the end instruction acceptance condition is satisfied (OP352). ).

  In this case, the server device 30 updates the communication failure flag of the second game terminal 10-2 to “0” (OP354). In addition, the server device 30 transmits a communication recovery notification to the first game terminal 10-1 (OP356). Operations OP354 and OP356 are similar to the operations OP328 and OP330 in FIG.

  The first game terminal 10-1 receives the communication recovery notification transmitted from the server device 30 (OP142). In this case, the control unit 11-1 restarts the game (game) (OP144). Operations OP142 and OP144 are the same as the operations OP126 and OP128 of FIG.

  Further, in the example shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, after the game is restarted as described above, the server device 30 detects again that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state. (OP360).

  In this case, the server device 30 sets the communication failure flag of the second game terminal 10-2 to “1” (OP362). Further, the server device 30 transmits a communication malfunction notification and acceptance start permission to the first game terminal 10-1 (OP364). In this case, since the end instruction acceptance flag of the first user is set to “1” (see OP346), the server device 30 indicates that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state. Is sent to the first game terminal 10-1 indicating that the reception of the end instruction from the first user may be started. In this respect, the operation OP364 is different from the operation OP304 of FIG.

  The first game terminal 10-1 receives the communication malfunction notification and acceptance start permission transmitted from the server device 30 (OP150). In this case, the first game terminal 10-1 displays the end instruction acceptance image G20 on the display unit 15 (OP152). In this case, since the acceptance start permission is received together with the communication failure notification, the first game terminal 10-1 displays the notification image G10 indicating only that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state on the display unit 15. The end instruction reception image G20 for receiving the end instruction from the first user is displayed on the display unit 15 without being displayed. In this respect, the operations OP150 and OP152 differ from the operations OP100 to OP110 in FIG.

  The operations OP154, OP156, OP366, and OP368 after the end instruction acceptance image G20 is displayed are the same as the operations OP112, OP114, OP312, and OP314 in FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the game is resumed after acceptance of the end instruction from the first user is started, and then the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state again. . As described above, in such a case, the end instruction reception image G20 is displayed immediately without displaying the notification image G10, thereby immediately starting reception of the end instruction from the first user. ing. For this reason, for example, when the second user repeatedly deliberately puts the second game terminal 10-2 in the communication malfunction state and returns it to the normal state during the game to harass the first user, The game can be ended immediately.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining another example of the operation of the first game terminal 10-1 and the server device 30 when the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state during the match. FIG. 8 illustrates a case where the server device 30 receives a termination request from the first game terminal 10-1 before the server device 30 transmits a communication recovery notification to the first game terminal 10-1 in the example illustrated in FIG. 7A. The example of operation | movement with the 1st game terminal 10-1 of this and the server apparatus 30 is shown. In other words, the first game terminal 10-1 and the server when the second game terminal 10-2 returns from the communication failure state to the normal state immediately before the server device 30 receives the termination request from the first game terminal 10-1. An example of the operation with the device 30 is shown. The operation shown in FIG. 8 is also realized by executing the processes shown in FIGS. 10A to 10E described later according to a program.

  The operations OP370 to OP384 in FIG. 8 are the same as the operations OP340 to OP354 in FIG. 7A, and the operations OP160 to OP170 in FIG. 8 are the same as the operations OP130 to OP140 in FIG. 7A. Further, the operation OP172 in FIG. 8 is the same as the operations OP114 and OP156 in FIGS. 3 and 7B when the end instruction operation is performed. For this reason, description thereof is omitted.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, immediately before receiving the termination request from the first game terminal 10-1, the server device 30 detects that the second game terminal 10-2 has returned from the communication failure state to the normal state (OP382). ), The communication malfunction flag of the second game terminal 10-2 is returned to “0” (OP384). However, even if the second game terminal 10-2 returns to the normal state from the communication failure state immediately before receiving the end request from the first game terminal 10-1, the end request is sent from the first game terminal 10-1. If received (OP386), the server device 30 immediately ends the match (OP388). Operations OP386 and OP388 are the same as the operations OP312 and OP314 in FIG. If the server device 30 transmits a communication recovery notification to the first game terminal 10-1 after receiving the end request from the first game terminal 10-1 after the operation OP384, the operation OP356 in FIG. 7A. , OP142, OP144, the game is restarted by performing the same operation.

  Thereafter, when the second game terminal 10-2 again becomes in a communication failure state, the same operation as that shown in FIG. 7B is performed by the server device 30 and the first game terminal 10-1. Become.

  3 to 8 show an example of the operation of the first game terminal 10-1 and the server device 30 when the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state, the first game terminal When 10-1 is in a communication failure state, the second game terminal 10-2 and the server device 30 perform the same operations as those shown in FIGS.

  [3. Functional Block] Next, a configuration for realizing the operation described above will be described. FIG. 9 shows an example of functional blocks realized by the game system 1.

  As shown in FIG. 9, each game terminal 10 includes a data storage unit 1000, a game operation reception unit 1010, a transmission unit 1020, a reception unit 1030, a game situation data update unit 1040, and a game image display control unit 1050. A notification display control unit 1060, a notification display restriction unit 1070, an inquiry unit 1080, an end instruction reception unit 1090, and an end control unit 1100. Among these, the data storage unit 1000 is realized by the storage unit 12, the transmission unit 1020 and the reception unit 1030 are realized by the control unit 11 and the communication unit 13, and other functional blocks are realized by the control unit 11.

  The server device 30 includes a data storage unit 3000, a receiving unit 3010, a transmitting unit 3020, a continuation control unit 3030, a communication state determining unit 3040, an end instruction receiving condition determining unit 3050, a reply unit 3060, and an end. A control unit 3070, a battle result determination unit 3080, and an end notification control unit 3090 are included. Among these, the data storage unit 3000 is realized by the storage unit 32 or the database DB, the reception unit 3010 and the transmission unit 3020 are realized by the control unit 31 and the communication unit 33, and other functional blocks are realized by the control unit 31.

  [3-1] The data storage unit 1000 of each game terminal 10 stores data necessary for executing the game.

  For example, game situation data D1001 is stored in the data storage unit 1000. The game situation data D1001 is data indicating the current situation of the game. For example, the game situation data D1001 includes data indicating the current situation of the game space. The “game space” is a virtual space constructed in the storage unit 12 and may be a virtual three-dimensional space in which three coordinate axes are associated, or a virtual space in which two coordinate axes are associated. It may be a two-dimensional plane. One or more game objects are arranged in the “game space”, and “data indicating the current situation of the game space” includes data indicating the current state of the game object arranged in the game space.

  For example, in the case of a sports game such as a baseball game, a soccer game, a basketball game, or an ice hockey game, a game space representing a game venue is constructed, and player characters, balls, and the like (an example of game objects) are arranged in the game space. . In this case, the player character's position, orientation, posture, moving direction, moving speed, the type of action currently being performed, whether or not the ball is held, the ball position, moving direction, moving speed, etc. The data shown corresponds to an example of “data showing the current state of the game object”.

  Further, for example, in the case of a race game, a game space representing a racetrack is constructed, and a race car or the like (an example of a game object) is arranged in the game space. In this case, the position, direction, moving direction, moving speed, and the like of the race car correspond to an example of “data indicating the current state of the game object”. For example, in the case of a fighting game, an action game, or a role playing game, a game character (an example of a game object) is arranged in the game space. In this case, data indicating the position, orientation, posture, moving direction, moving speed, type of action currently being performed, hit points (life points), etc. are examples of “data indicating the current state of the game object”. Equivalent to. For example, in the case of a card game, a game card (an example of a game object) is placed in the game space. In this case, the data indicating the position, orientation, etc. of the game card corresponds to an example of “data indicating the current state of the game object”.

  The game situation data D1001 includes data indicating the progress of the game. For example, in the case of a baseball game, data indicating the current inning, the scores of both teams, and the like correspond to an example of “data indicating the progress of the game”. For example, in the case of a soccer game, the data indicating the elapsed time from the start of the game, the scores of both teams, etc. corresponds to an example of “data indicating the progress of the game”.

  [3-2] The data storage unit 3000 of the server device 30 also stores data necessary for executing the game.

  For example, the flag data D3001 is stored in the data storage unit 3000. The flag data D3001 is data indicating a communication failure flag and an end instruction acceptance flag of each game terminal 10.

  [3-3] The game operation reception unit 1010 of each game terminal 10 receives a game operation.

  “Game operation” is an action in which a user gives an instruction to the game via the input unit 14. For example, touching a touch panel, pressing a button, tilting a stick, moving a mouse, inputting sound into a microphone, or causing a sensor to detect a gesture are examples of “game operations” Equivalent to.

  “Accepting a game operation” is to acquire the content of the game operation performed by the user. For example, acquiring information indicating that the touch panel has been touched by the user, acquiring information indicating a position touched by the user, acquiring information indicating a button operated by the user, being tilted by the user Acquisition of information indicating the tilt direction and angle of the stick, acquisition of information indicating the voice input to the microphone, acquisition of information indicating the user's gesture detected by the sensor, etc. This corresponds to an example of “accept”.

  In the example of the baseball game described above, the game operation reception unit 1010 receives, for example, a batting operation for causing the batter character to perform the batting operation or a pitching operation for causing the pitcher character to perform the pitching operation.

  [3-4] The transmission unit 1020 of each game terminal 10 transmits data corresponding to the game operation to the server device 30.

  The “data according to the game operation” may be data indicating the content of the game operation or data indicating the content of the game control to be performed according to the game operation. Note that the content of the game control to be performed in accordance with the game operation is specified based on the correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the game operation and the content of the game control. For example, in the case of a game in which a game object operates in response to a game operation, data indicating the content of an action to be performed by the game object in response to the game operation corresponds to an example of “data indicating game control content”.

  [3-5] The receiving unit 3010 of the server device 30 receives data transmitted from each of the plurality of game terminals 10. That is, the receiving unit 3010 receives data transmitted by each transmitting unit 1020 of the plurality of game terminals 10.

  [3-6] The transmission unit 3020 of the server device 30 transmits data received from each of the plurality of game terminals 10 to at least the game terminal 10 other than the transmission source of the data.

  In the example of the baseball game described above, the transmission unit 3020 transmits the data transmitted from the transmission unit 1020 of the first game terminal 10-1 to the second game terminal 10-2. Moreover, the transmission part 3020 transmits the data transmitted from the transmission part 1020 of the 2nd game terminal 10-2 to the 1st game terminal 10-1.

  Note that the transmission unit 3020 may also transmit data received from each of the plurality of game terminals 10 to the game terminal 10 that is the transmission source of the data. That is, the transmission unit 3020 may transmit the data transmitted from the transmission unit 1020 of the first game terminal 10-1 to both the first game terminal 10-1 and the second game terminal 10-2. Similarly, the transmission unit 3020 may transmit the data transmitted from the transmission unit 1020 of the second game terminal 10-2 to both the first game terminal 10-1 and the second game terminal 10-2.

  [3-7] The receiving unit 1030 of each game terminal 10 receives data transmitted from the server device 30. That is, the receiving unit 1030 receives data transmitted by the transmitting unit 3020 of the server device 30.

  [3-8] The game situation data update unit 1040 of each game terminal 10 updates the game situation data based on the game operation received by the game operation reception unit 1010 and the data received by the reception unit 1030.

  “Updating the game situation data based on the game operation received by the game operation receiving unit 1010 and the data received by the receiving unit 1030” is performed according to the game operation received by the game terminal 10. The game situation data is updated in such a manner that the game control to be performed and the game control to be performed in accordance with the game operation accepted by the other game terminal 10 are performed. Note that “game control to be performed in response to a game operation accepted by another game terminal” is specified based on data received by the receiving unit 1030. Further, when the transmission unit 3020 of the server device 30 transmits the data received from each of the plurality of game terminals 10 to the game terminals 10 other than the transmission source of the data, the “game accepted by the game terminal 10” The “game control to be performed according to the operation” may be specified based on data received by the receiving unit 1030. That is, for example, when the transmission unit 3020 of the server device 30 transmits the data received from the first game terminal 10-1 to the first game terminal 10-1 together with the second game terminal 10-2, the first In the game terminal 10-1, “game control to be performed according to the game operation accepted by the first game terminal 10-1” may be specified based on the data received by the receiving unit 1030.

  [3-9] The game image display control unit 1050 of each game terminal 10 performs control for causing the display unit 15 of the game terminal 10 to display a game image indicating the game situation based on the game situation data.

  “Control for displaying an image on the display unit 15” means that an image is generated and displayed on the display unit 15. The “control for displaying an image on the display unit 15” may be displaying an image received from another device on the display unit 15. For example, the game image display control unit 1050 generates a game image indicating a state where the game space is viewed from a given viewpoint, and causes the display unit 15 to display the game image.

  [3-10] The communication state determination unit 3040 of the server device 30 determines whether or not at least one of the plurality of game terminals 10 is in a communication failure state.

  The “communication failure state” is, for example, a state in which communication between the server device 30 and the game terminal 10 is not normally performed. Specifically, for example, the communication between the server device 30 and the game terminal 10 is disconnected (communication disconnected state). In other words, the server device 30 cannot receive data from the game terminal 10.

  For example, in each game terminal 10, a predetermined notification (suspend notification) is transmitted to the server device 30 when the game program is suspended, and the suspend notification from any game terminal 10 is transmitted to the server device 30. The communication state determination unit 3040 determines that the game terminal 10 is in a “communication failure state”. In the game terminal 10, the game program is suspended when the active program is switched from the game program to another program. In the game terminal 10, the game program is also suspended when an operation for putting the game terminal 10 in a sleep state (pause state) or an operation for turning off the power of the game terminal 10 is performed.

  Further, for example, each game terminal 10 periodically transmits keep-alive information to the server device 30, and a state in which the keep-alive information from any game terminal 10 is not received by the server device 30 is over a predetermined period. When continuing, the communication state determination unit 3040 determines that the game terminal 10 has entered the “communication failure state”. When the game program is forcibly terminated on the game terminal 10, when the communication function (wireless LAN communication function or mobile data communication function, etc.) of the game terminal 10 is turned off, when the game terminal 10 is set to the airplane mode, When the communication device (router or the like) to which the game terminal 10 is connected for communication is turned off, the suspend notification described above is not transmitted to the server device 30. However, in such a case, the keep alive information is not transmitted to the server device 30, so that it is possible to determine that the game terminal 10 is in a “communication failure state” by the determination regarding the keep alive information.

  [3-11] The continuation control unit 3030 of the server device 30 causes the game terminals 10 other than the at least one game terminal 10 when at least one of the plurality of game terminals 10 returns from the communication failure state to the normal state. Control to continue the game execution.

  The “normal state” is a state that is not a communication failure state, for example, a state in which communication between the game terminal 10 and the server device 30 is normally performed. In other words, the server device 30 can normally receive data from the game terminal 10.

  “When at least one of the plurality of game terminals 10 returns from the communication failure state to the normal state” is a case where the game terminal 10 determined to be in the communication failure state returns to the normal state. For example, when the server device 30 receives an active notification from the game terminal 10 that has been determined to be in a communication failure state, the game terminal 10 is determined to have returned from the communication failure state to the normal state. In addition, for example, when the keep alive information from the game terminal 10 determined to be in a communication failure state is received by the server device 30, it is determined that the game terminal 10 has returned from the communication failure state to the normal state.

  “Performing control for continuing the execution of the game” means, for example, notifying the game terminal 10 to continue the execution of the game. Further, for example, data necessary for continuing the execution of the game may be transmitted to the game terminal 10.

  When at least one of the plurality of game terminals 10 is in a communication failure state, the game terminal 10 other than the game terminal 10 in the communication failure state is notified, and the progress of the game is interrupted. become. For this reason, the continuation control unit 3030 causes the game terminal 10 other than the game terminal 10 in the communication failure state to resume the progress of the game when the game terminal 10 in the communication failure state returns to the normal state. Take control. For example, the continuation control unit 3030 transmits a notification for resuming the progress of the game to the game terminal 10 or transmits data received by the game terminal 10 that has returned from the communication failure state to the normal state to the other game terminals 10. By doing so, control for resuming the progress of the game is performed.

  [3-12] The notification display control unit 1060 of each game terminal 10 displays a predetermined notification on the display unit 15 of the game terminal 10 when it is determined that the other game terminal 10 is in a communication failure state. Control for. Further, the notification display restriction unit 1070 of each game terminal 10 needs data of the other game terminal 10 in order to update the game situation data when it is determined that the other game terminal 10 is in a communication failure state. Until the predetermined notification is displayed.

  The “predetermined notification” is a notification indicating that it is determined that the other game terminal 10 is in a communication failure state. Alternatively, the notification may indicate that another game terminal is waiting to return from the communication failure state to the normal state. Alternatively, it may be a notification indicating waiting for data from another game terminal. Further, the “predetermined notification” may be text or an image.

  “Until the data of another game terminal 10 is needed to update the game situation data”, for example, “uses another game terminal 10 to advance the game (update the game situation data)” It means “until the user needs to operate the game”.

  For example, when the game operation of the user who uses the other game terminal 10 is not required until a given timing, “until a given timing” is “other games for updating the game situation data”. Corresponds to an example of “until terminal data is needed”. In other words, when the opportunity to accept a game operation of a user who uses another game terminal 10 is limited, “until the opportunity arises” “requires data of another game terminal to update the game situation data. This corresponds to an example of “until”.

  Specifically, for example, in a baseball game, if a user using another game terminal 10 is operating only the pitcher character, “until the next pitching by the pitcher character is performed” is “game situation” This corresponds to an example of “until data of another game terminal 10 is needed to update data”. Further, for example, in the case of a game in which each user's turn is performed in turn, “until a user's turn using another game terminal 10 arrives” is “other game terminals for updating game situation data”. This corresponds to an example of “until 10 data are required”.

  “Restrict display of a predetermined notification until data of another game terminal 10 is necessary to update the game situation data” means that the data of the other game terminal 10 is updated in order to update the game situation data. The predetermined notification is not displayed until it is necessary, and when the data of another game terminal 10 is necessary to update the game situation data, the predetermined notification is displayed.

  In the example of the baseball game described above, the notification image G10 (element E11) corresponds to an example of the “predetermined notification”. For example, when the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state, the notification display control unit 1060 uses the game operation data of the second user who is using the second game terminal 10-2 to advance the game. The notification image G10 is displayed on the display unit 15 (operations OP102 and OP104 in FIG. 3). In other words, when the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state, the notification display restriction unit 1070 performs the game operation of the second user who is using the second game terminal 10-2 to advance the game. The display of the notification image G10 is limited until the data becomes necessary.

  [3-13] The end instruction acceptance condition determination unit 3050 of the server device 30 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied after it is determined that the other game terminal 10 is in a communication failure state.

  The “predetermined condition” is a condition (end instruction receiving condition) that is a criterion for determining whether or not to accept the end instruction. For example, when it is determined that the other game terminal 10 is in a communication failure state and the other game terminal 10 does not return to the normal state and the predetermined period has elapsed, the end instruction reception condition determination unit 3050 “ It is determined that the “predetermined condition” is satisfied. Further, for example, when it is determined that the other game terminal 10 is in a communication failure state, and the suspend notification is received from the other game terminal 10 a predetermined number of times, the end instruction reception condition determination unit 3050 sets the “predetermined condition”. Is determined to be satisfied.

  [3-14] The inquiry unit 1080 of each game terminal 10 may start accepting an end instruction at a given timing after a predetermined notification is displayed by the notification display control unit 1060. The inquiry is transmitted to the server device 30.

  The “end instruction” is to instruct the game system 1 to end a game in which a plurality of users participate in the middle. Here, “terminate the game halfway” means to terminate the game at a time point before the game ends normally. “The game ends normally” means that, in the case of a battle game, the battle is executed to the end in accordance with a predetermined rule. That is, the battle is executed to the end according to a predetermined rule, the final battle result is formally confirmed, and the battle is ended. Also, “the game ends normally” means that the game is cleared and ended (the end in the game is completed), or the game is over (the target in the game cannot be achieved). May be completed).

  “Inquiry” is data for inquiring the server device 30 whether or not to accept the end instruction. In other words, it is data for inquiring the server device 30 as to whether or not an acceptance image for accepting an end instruction may be displayed on the display unit 15. Further, “at a given timing” is, for example, “every predetermined time elapses”.

  In the case of the example of the baseball game described above, the inquiry unit 1080 makes an inquiry as to whether or not to accept the end instruction every time a predetermined time elapses while the notification image G10 is displayed. The data is transmitted to the device 30 (operation OP106 in FIG. 3).

  [3-15] The response unit 3060 of the server device 30 determines that the predetermined condition (end instruction reception condition) is satisfied after it is determined that the other game terminal 10 is in a communication failure state. In response to the inquiry, permission to start acceptance of the end instruction is transmitted to the game terminal 10 that is the transmission source of the inquiry.

  “Acceptance start permission” is data for permitting to start acceptance of an end instruction. In other words, it is data for permitting the display unit 15 to display a reception image for receiving a termination instruction.

  In the example of the above-mentioned baseball game, for example, when it is determined that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state, and the server device 30 receives an inquiry from the inquiry unit 1080 of the first game terminal 10-1. (Operation OP308 in FIG. 3), the reply unit 3060 gives an end instruction if the end instruction acceptance condition is satisfied (that is, if the end instruction acceptance flag of the first game terminal 10-1 is “1”). Is sent to the first game terminal 10-1 (operation OP310 in FIG. 3).

  [3-16] The end instruction receiving unit 1090 of each game terminal 10 receives an end instruction from the user when it is determined that the other game terminal 10 is in a communication failure state.

  “Accepting an end instruction” means receiving an operation indicating an end instruction (end instruction operation). Note that data indicating an end instruction may be received. For example, the end instruction receiving unit 1090 receives an end instruction from the user by performing control for displaying a reception image for receiving the end instruction on the display unit 15. Here, the “accepted image” is an image displayed on the display unit 15 in order to accept an end instruction. That is, the image is displayed on the display unit 15 in order to perform an operation for an end instruction.

  Note that the end instruction accepting unit 1090 starts accepting an end instruction when a predetermined condition (end instruction accepting condition) is satisfied after it is determined that the other game terminal 10 is in a communication failure state. For example, the end instruction accepting unit 1090 starts accepting the end instruction in response to the acceptance start permission transmitted by the response unit 3060.

  In the example of the baseball game described above, the end instruction acceptance image G20 corresponds to an example of a “reception image”. For example, when it is determined that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state and the acceptance start permission transmitted by the response unit 3060 of the server device 30 is received by the first game terminal 10-1, the end instruction The accepting unit 1090 starts accepting the end instruction by causing the display unit 15 to display the end instruction accepting image G20 (operations OP108 and OP110 in FIG. 3).

  Note that the end instruction receiving unit 1090 determines that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state, and the second game terminal 10-2 receives the predetermined condition (end instruction receiving condition) after being satisfied. When the communication failure state returns to the normal state (operation OP352 in FIG. 7A), the predetermined condition is satisfied when it is determined again that the other game terminal 10 is in the communication failure state (operation OP360 in FIG. 7B). Even before the start, acceptance of the end instruction is started (operation OP152 in FIG. 7B).

  [3-17] The termination control unit 1100 of each game terminal 10 and the termination control unit 3070 of the server device 30 respond to termination instructions by a user who uses a game terminal 10 other than the game terminal 10 that has been determined to be in a communication failure state. In response, control is performed to end a game in which a plurality of users who respectively use the plurality of game terminals 10 participate.

  “Perform control for ending the game” means performing control for ending the game halfway. Also, “perform control for ending the game in response to the end instruction” means performing control for unconditionally ending the game when the end instruction is received. Alternatively, when an end instruction is received, control for ending the game under a predetermined condition may be performed.

  In addition, the end control unit 1100 and the end control unit 3070 determine that the other game terminal 10 has been in a communication failure state, and when the predetermined period has elapsed since the start of acceptance of the end instruction, Even if it is not accepted, control for ending the game may be performed.

  In the example of the baseball game described above, for example, when it is determined that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state, the end control unit 1100 is performed by the first user who uses the first game terminal 10-1. In response to the end instruction, an end request is transmitted to the server device 30 as control for ending the game (operation OP112 in FIG. 3).

  Further, for example, after it is determined that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state and the end instruction acceptance image is displayed on the display unit 15 of the first game terminal 10-1, that is, from the first user. When the predetermined period has elapsed (after the acceptance of the end instruction is started), the end control unit 1100 issues an end request as control for ending the game even if the end instruction is not received from the first user. The data is transmitted to the server device 30 (operation OP114 in FIG. 3).

  Further, when the end request transmitted from the first game terminal 10-1 is received by the server device 30, the end control unit 3070 performs control for ending the game even during the game (FIG. 3). Operation OP312, 314). For example, the end control unit 3070 notifies each game terminal 10 to end the game or transmits data necessary to execute the game to each game terminal 10 as control for ending the game. Or quit.

  [3-18] In the case of a battle game in which a plurality of users who respectively use the plurality of game terminals 10 compete, the battle result determination unit 3080 of the server device 30 is in a state where at least one of the plurality of game terminals 10 is out of communication. When it is determined that the battle game is ended in response to an end instruction by a user using the game terminal 10 other than the game terminal 10 that is determined to be in a communication failure state, the communication failure state is assumed. It is determined that the user using the determined game terminal 10 has lost.

  “Determining that the user using the game terminal 10 determined to be in a communication failure state has lost” means that the game situation (scores, etc.) at the time when any game terminal 10 is in a communication failure state Regardless, it is determined that the user who uses the game terminal 10 that is determined to be in a communication failure state loses and the user who uses the other game terminal 10 wins. For example, in the case of a competitive game that competes for scores, it may be determined that a user who uses the game terminal 10 determined to be in a communication failure state has lost a predetermined score difference.

  In the example of the baseball game described above, for example, it is determined that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state, and the game ends according to an end instruction from the first user using the first game terminal 10-1. In such a case, the battle result determination unit 3080 determines that the first user using the first game terminal 10-1 has won the game and the second user using the second game terminal 10-2 has lost the game. (Operation OP314 in FIG. 3). In this case, even if the team of the second user is leading, the battle result determination unit 3080 determines that the first user has won the game and the second user has lost the game.

  [3-19] The end notification control unit 3090 of the server device 30 indicates that the game has ended in response to an end instruction by a user using the game terminal 10 other than the game terminal 10 that is determined to be in a communication failure state. Control for notifying the user of the game terminal 10 determined to be in a communication failure state is performed.

  “Perform control for notifying a user of a game terminal that has been determined to be in a communication failure state that the game has ended” means that a game terminal 10 other than the game terminal 10 that has been determined to have been in a failure state is used. When there is an access from the game terminal 10 that is determined to be in a communication failure state, the display unit of the game terminal 10 displays a text or an image indicating that the game has ended halfway according to an end instruction by the user to use 15 may be displayed. Or, as a message or e-mail or the like, a text or an image indicating that the game has ended in the middle in response to an end instruction by the user using the game terminal 10 other than the game terminal 10 determined to be in a malfunctioning state, It is to transmit to the user of the game terminal 10 determined to be in a communication failure state.

  In the example of the baseball game described above, for example, it is determined that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state, and the game ends according to an end instruction from the first user using the first game terminal 10-1. In such a case, the end notification control unit 3090 performs control for notifying the second user that the game has ended in response to an end instruction from the first user. For example, when there is an access from the second game terminal 10-2 of the second user, the end notification control unit 3090 displays text or an image indicating that the game has ended in response to the end instruction from the first user. It displays on the display part 15 of the 2nd game terminal 10-2. Further, for example, the end notification control unit 3090 transmits a message or an e-mail indicating that the game has ended in response to the end instruction from the first user to the second user.

  [4. Processing] Next, processing executed in the game system 1 to realize the functional blocks described above will be described.

  [4-1] For example, the game operation receiving unit 1010, the transmission unit 1020, the reception unit 1030, the game situation data update unit 1040, and the game image display of the game terminal 10 are executed by executing the processing shown in FIG. The control unit 1050, the reception unit 3010, and the transmission unit 3020 of the server device 30 are realized.

[4-2] Also, for example, the notification display control unit 1060, the notification display restriction unit 1070, the inquiry unit 1080, and the end instruction reception unit 1090 of the game terminal 10 are executed by executing the processes shown in FIGS. 10A to 10E according to the program. , End control unit 1100, continuation control unit 3030 of server device 30, communication state determination unit 3040, end instruction acceptance condition determination unit 3050, response unit 3060, end control unit 3070, battle result determination unit 3080, end notification control unit 3090 Is realized.

  FIG. 10A to FIG. 10E show that the second user while the first user using the first game terminal 10-1 and the second user using the second game terminal 10-2 are playing a baseball game. The process mainly performed between the 1st game terminal 10-1 and the server apparatus 30 when the game terminal 10-2 will be in a communication failure state is mainly shown. The operations illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 8 are realized by executing the processes shown in FIGS. 10A to 10E according to the program.

  10A to 10E show a case where the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state during the game, but the first game terminal 10-1 is in a communication failure state during the game. When it becomes, the process similar to FIG. 10A-FIG. 10E is performed between the 2nd game terminal 10-2 and the server apparatus 30. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, at the start of the game, the control unit 31 of the server device 30 initializes the communication malfunction flags of the first game terminal 10-1 and the second game terminal 10-2 to “0”. The end instruction acceptance flags of the first game terminal 10-1 and the second game terminal 10-2 are initialized to “0” (S310).

  Further, the control unit 31 monitors whether or not the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state (S312). For example, when the suspend notification from the second game terminal 10-2 is received by the server device 30, the control unit 31 determines that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state. For example, when the state where the keep alive information from the second game terminal 10-2 is not received by the server device 30 continues for a predetermined period, the control unit 31 determines that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state. judge.

  In addition, in FIG. 10A-FIG. 10E, since the 2nd game terminal 10-2 has shown the process performed between the 1st game terminal 10-1 and the server apparatus 30 when a communication malfunctioning state is shown, Although not shown in FIG. 10A, actually, the control unit 31 also determines whether or not the first game terminal 10-1 is in a communication failure state.

  When the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state (S312: Yes), the control unit 31 updates the communication failure flag of the second game terminal 10-2 to “1” (S314). Further, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the end instruction flag of the first game terminal 10-1 is “0” (S316), and the end instruction flag of the first game terminal 10-1 is “0”. In the case (S316: Yes), the control unit 31 transmits a communication failure notification indicating that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state to the first game terminal 10-1 via the communication unit 33. (S318).

  After execution of step S318, the control unit 31 of the server device 30 determines whether or not the second game terminal 10-2 has returned from the communication failure state to the normal state (S320). For example, when the server device 30 receives an active notification from the second game terminal 10-2, the control unit 31 determines that the second game terminal 10-2 has returned to the normal state from the communication failure state.

  When the second game terminal 10-2 has not returned from the communication failure state to the normal state (S320: No), the control unit 31 determines whether or not the end instruction condition is satisfied (S322). For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state, the control unit 31 determines that the end instruction reception condition is satisfied. Further, for example, when the server device 30 receives a suspend notification from the second game terminal 10-2 a predetermined number of times, the control unit 31 determines that the end instruction reception condition is satisfied.

  When the end instruction condition is not satisfied (S322: No), the control unit 11-1 returns to Step S320. On the other hand, when the end instruction condition is satisfied (S322: Yes), the control unit 11-1 updates the end instruction reception flag of the first game terminal 10-1 to “1” (S324). Thereafter, the control unit 31 monitors whether or not the second game terminal 10-2 has returned from the communication failure state to the normal state (S326). Step S326 is the same as step S320.

  The first game terminal 10-1 receives the communication malfunction notification transmitted from the server device 30 in step S318 via the communication unit 13 (S110). In this case, the control unit 11-1 monitors whether or not the game (game) situation has become necessary for the game operation data of the second user (S112). When the situation of the game becomes a situation requiring the game operation data of the second user (S112: Yes), the control unit 11-1 displays the notification image G10 on the display unit 15 (S114).

  When the notification image G10 is displayed on the display unit 15, as shown in FIG. 10B, the control unit 11-1 should make an inquiry as to whether or not to accept the end instruction (inquiry timing). ) Is monitored (S120). For example, the inquiry timing comes every predetermined time.

  When the inquiry timing has arrived (S120: Yes), the control unit 11-1 transmits an inquiry as to whether or not acceptance of the end instruction may be started to the server device 30 via the communication unit 33 (S122). ).

  The server device 30 receives the inquiry transmitted from the first game terminal 10-1 in step S122 via the communication unit 33 (S330). In this case, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the end instruction acceptance flag of the first game terminal 10-1 is “1” (S332). And based on the said determination result, the control part 31 accepts the reception start permission which shows that reception of an end instruction may be started with the 1st game terminal 10-1 via the communication part 33, and a 1st game. One of the non-permissions indicating that the terminal 10-1 should not start accepting the end instruction is transmitted to the first game terminal 10-1 (S334). That is, when the end instruction acceptance flag of the first game terminal 10-1 is “1”, the control unit 31 transmits an acceptance start permission to the first game terminal 10-1, and the first game terminal 10-1 When the end instruction acceptance flag is not “1”, the control unit 31 transmits a disapproval to the first game terminal 10-1. Thereafter, the control unit 11-1 returns to Step S326.

  The first game terminal 10-1 receives the acceptance start permission or non-permission transmitted from the server device 30 in step S334 via the communication unit 13 (S124). In this case, the control unit 11-1 determines whether the acceptance start permission has been received (S126). And when reception start permission is received (S126: Yes), the control part 11-1 displays the completion | finish instruction | indication reception image G20 on the display part 15 (S128). On the other hand, when reception start permission is not received (S126: No), the control part 11-1 returns to step S120.

  When it is determined in step S316 of FIG. 10A that the end instruction acceptance flag of the first game terminal 10-1 is not “0” (S316: No), that is, the end instruction acceptance flag of the first game terminal 10-1 is determined. In the case of “1”, as illustrated in FIG. 10C, the control unit 11-1 transmits a communication failure notification indicating that the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state via the communication unit 13. The first game terminal 10-1 transmits to the first game terminal 10-1 an acceptance start permission indicating that acceptance of the end instruction may be started (S340).

  The first game terminal 10-1 receives the communication malfunction notification and acceptance start permission transmitted from the server device 30 in step S340 via the communication unit 13 (S130). In this case, the control unit 11-1 suddenly displays the end instruction acceptance image G20 without displaying the notification image G10 (S132).

  When it is determined in step S320 or S326 of FIG. 10A that the second game terminal 10-2 has returned from the communication failure state to the normal state (S320 or S326: Yes), as illustrated in FIG. The communication failure flag of the two game terminal 10-2 is updated to “0” (S350). Moreover, the control part 31 transmits the communication recovery notification which shows that the 2nd game terminal 10-2 returned to the normal state from the communication malfunctioning state to the 1st game terminal 10-1 via the communication part 33 (S352). . Thereafter, the control unit 31 returns to step S312.

  If a termination request is received from the first game terminal 10-1 before the communication recovery notification is transmitted to the first game terminal 10-1 (before execution of step S352) (step S360 in FIG. 10E described later). ), The control unit 31 gives priority to the processing for the termination request. That is, in this case, the control unit 31 does not transmit a communication recovery notification to the first game terminal 10-1 (without executing Step S352), and executes a process for ending the game halfway (described later). Steps S362 to S366 in FIG. 10E).

  The first game terminal 10-1 receives the communication recovery notification transmitted from the server device 30 in step S352 via the communication unit 13 (S140). In this case, the control unit 11-1 restarts the game (S142). For example, the control unit 11-1 changes the image displayed on the display unit 15 from the notification image G <b> 10 or the end instruction reception image G <b> 20 to the game image (game image), thereby restarting the interrupted game.

  After the end instruction acceptance image G20 is displayed on the display unit 15 in step S128 of FIG. 10B or step S132 of FIG. 10C, as shown in FIG. 10E, the control unit 11-1 determines whether or not an end instruction operation has been performed. Determine (S150). That is, the control unit 11-1 determines whether or not the element E22 of the end instruction acceptance image G20 has been selected.

  When the end instruction operation is not performed (S150: No), the control unit 11-1 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the end instruction reception image G20 is displayed (S152). When the predetermined time has not elapsed since the end instruction acceptance image G20 is displayed (S152: No), the control unit 11-1 returns to Step S150.

  On the other hand, when the end instruction operation is performed (S150: Yes), or when a predetermined time has elapsed after the end instruction reception image G20 is displayed (S152: Yes), the control unit 11-1 includes the communication unit 13 Then, an end request indicating that an end of the game is requested is transmitted to the server device 30 (S154).

  The server device 30 receives the termination request transmitted from the first game terminal 10-1 in step S154 via the communication unit 33 (S360). In this case, the control unit 31 executes an end process for ending the game halfway (S362). For example, the control unit 31 determines the game result. That is, the control part 31 determines the 1st user who performed the end instruction | indication as a game winner, and determines a 2nd user as a game loser.

  Moreover, the control part 31 transmits the completion notification which shows having ended the game to the 1st game terminal 10-1 via the communication part 33 (S364). Further, the control unit 31 executes an end notification process for the second user (S366). The “notification process to the second user” is a process for notifying the second user that the game has been terminated in accordance with the termination instruction of the first user. For example, the control unit 31 transmits a message or an e-mail indicating that the game has ended in response to the end instruction of the first user to the second user, or the second user plays the game next time (game system). When 1 is used next time, a process for displaying a message indicating that the game has ended on the display unit 15 of the second game terminal 10-2 is executed in accordance with an end instruction of one user.

  The first game terminal 10-1 receives the end notification transmitted from the server device 30 in step S366 via the communication unit 13 (S156). In this case, the control part 11-1 displays a game result on the display part 15, and complete | finishes a game (S158).

  [5. Summary] According to the game system 1, for example, the second game terminal 10-2 is in a match between the first user of the first game terminal 10-1 and the second user of the second game terminal 10-2. Since the game was ended in response to an end instruction from the first user when communication was not successful, the first user was able to end the game halfway with his own intention and was interrupted. It is possible to prevent the first user from being dissatisfied with other than waiting for the game to resume. Further, if the match is ended by the intention of the first user of the opponent, the second user must be convinced and the dissatisfaction of the second user can be reduced. Thus, according to the game system 1, while suppressing the dissatisfaction of both the 2nd user who was using the 2nd game terminal 10-2 which became the communication malfunctioning state, and the 1st user of an opponent, The game can be ended.

  In addition, according to the game system 1, for example, when the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state and the game is ended in response to an end instruction from the first user, the second communication terminal is in a communication failure state. It is determined that the second user who has used game terminal 10-2 has lost and the first user who has given the termination instruction has won. According to the game system 1, since it is determined that the second user has been defeated as a result of the end of the match by the intention of the first user of the opponent, the second user must be convinced, and the second user is convinced. And the dissatisfaction of the second user can be reduced.

  Further, according to the game system 1, for example, when the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state and the game is ended in response to an end instruction from the first user, the fact is notified to the second user. Therefore, the second user can grasp the fact that the game has ended in accordance with the end instruction from the first user, and as a result, the dissatisfaction of the second user with respect to the end of the game can be reduced.

  According to the game system 1, for example, the notification image G10 is displayed on the display unit 15 of the first game terminal 10 when the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state. The first user can grasp that the communication failure state 10-2 has occurred.

  Further, according to the game system 1, for example, when the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state, the display of the notification image G10 is limited until the second user's game operation data becomes necessary. Therefore, the notification image G10 can be prevented from being displayed as much as possible. For example, when the second game terminal 10-2 returns to the normal state from the communication failure state immediately after the notification image G10 is displayed, the notification image G10 disappears. The display of the image G10 may cause the first user to feel stress. In this regard, according to the game system 1, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling stress as much as possible.

  Further, according to the game system 1, for example, after the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state, the end instruction reception condition is not started unconditionally, and the end instruction reception condition is satisfied. Since the reception of the instruction is started, it is possible to prevent the end instruction from being received when the second game terminal 10-2 is temporarily in a communication failure state. As a result, the second game When the terminal 10-2 is temporarily out of communication, the game can be prevented from ending.

  Further, according to the game system 1, for example, the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state, and after the end instruction acceptance condition is satisfied, the second game terminal 10-2 is changed from the communication failure state to the normal state. When the second game terminal 10-2 is again in a communication failure state when the process returns to step S2, the end instruction acceptance image G20 is immediately displayed on the display unit 15 of the first game terminal 10-1, thereby indicating the end instruction. By starting the reception, the first user can immediately end the game when the second game terminal 10-2 is repeatedly in a communication failure state. For example, when the second user repeatedly deliberately puts the second game terminal 10-2 into a communication failure state and returns it to the normal state in order to harass the first user, the first user immediately ends the game. be able to.

  Further, according to the game system 1, by providing the end instruction reception condition determination unit 3050 in the server device 30, it is possible to manage whether or not the end instruction reception condition is satisfied by the server apparatus 30. become. Further, according to the game system 1, the first game terminal 10-1 transmits an inquiry as to whether or not the acceptance of the end instruction may be started, and the server apparatus 30 accepts the inquiry in response to the inquiry. Since the start permission is transmitted to the first game terminal 10-1, the server device 30 actively transmits the reception start permission to the first game terminal 10-1 when the end instruction reception condition is satisfied. In comparison, the configuration of the game system 1 can be simplified.

  Further, according to the game system 1, for example, the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state, and the end instruction acceptance image G20 is displayed on the display unit 15 of the first game terminal 10-1, for a predetermined period. Even if the end instruction operation has not been performed, since the game is ended, the second game terminal 10-2 in a communication failure state does not recover to the normal state and ends. It is possible to avoid a state in which no instruction is given for a long time.

  [6. Modification] The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.

  In the above description, the case where two users, a first user using the first game terminal 10-1 and a second user using the second game terminal 10-2, face each other, has been described. Can also be applied when three or more users play a battle. For example, three people, a first user who uses the first game terminal 10-1, a second user who uses the second game terminal 10-2, and a third user who uses the third game terminal 10-3. When the second game terminal 10-2 is in a communication failure state during the battle with the user, if the end instruction reception condition is satisfied, the end instruction is received from each of the first user and the third user, The game may be ended when an end instruction is received from both the first user and the third user. In this case, the game may be ended when an end instruction is received from one of the first user and the third user.

  The present invention can also be applied to a game other than a battle game in which a plurality of users battle. The present invention can also be applied to a game where a plurality of users cooperate to achieve a common purpose. The present invention can be applied to a game in which a plurality of users who respectively use a plurality of game terminals 10 participate.

  [7. Supplementary Note] From the above description, the present invention is grasped as follows, for example. In addition, in order to make an understanding of this invention easy, the code | symbol described in drawing suitably is described in parenthesis, However, This invention is not limited to the aspect of illustration by it.

  1) A game system (1) according to an aspect of the present invention is a game system (1) including a plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2) and a server device (3). ) Includes determination means (3040) for determining whether at least one of the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2) is in a communication failure state, and the plurality of game terminals (10-). 1, 10-2) includes an accepting means (1090) for accepting an end instruction from a user when it is determined that another game terminal is in the communication failure state, and the game system (1) In response to the end instruction by the user using the game terminal (10-1) other than the game terminal (10-2) determined to be in the communication failure state, the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-) 2 Further comprising termination control means in which a plurality of users using each performs control for terminating the game to join the (1100 or 3090).

  9) The server device (30) according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2) in the server device (30) capable of communicating with the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2). Determination means (3040) for determining whether or not at least one of 10-2) is in a communication failure state, and at least one of the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2) (10 -2), when it is determined that the communication failure has occurred, an end instruction is issued from the user who uses the other game terminal (10-1) among the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2). The game in which a plurality of users who use the plurality of game terminals respectively participate is terminated in response to the end instruction from the user using the other game terminals and the means (3060) for performing control for accepting the game. Controlling the and a termination control means (3090).

  10) A game terminal (10-1) according to an aspect of the present invention is the game terminal (10-1) of the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2). When it is determined that the other game terminal (10-2) out of (10-1, 10-2) is in a communication failure state, accepting means (1090) for accepting an end instruction from the user, and by the user A termination control means (1100) for performing control for terminating a game in which a plurality of users who respectively use the plurality of game terminals participate in response to the termination instruction.

  11) A program according to an aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as the server device (30) described in 9) or the game terminal (10-1) described in 10).

  12) An information storage medium according to an aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium recording the program according to 11).

  13) A method for controlling a game system (1) according to an aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a game system (1) including a plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2) and a server device (30). A determination step (S312) for determining whether at least one of the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2) is in a communication failure state; and the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10). -2), it is determined that at least one of the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2) is in a state where the communication failure has occurred (10-2). 10-1) accepting an end instruction from the user (S128, S132, S150), and a game terminal (10-1) other than the game terminal (10-2) determined to be in the communication failure state In accordance with the end instruction from the user using the game, an end control step (S154) for performing control for ending the game in which the plurality of users using the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2) respectively participate. To S158, S360 to S366).

  14) A control method for a server device (30) according to one aspect of the present invention is the control method for a server device (30) capable of communicating with a plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2). A determination step (S312) for determining whether or not at least one of the terminals (10-1, 10-2) is in a communication failure state, and at least one of the plurality of game terminals (10-2) To receive an end instruction from a user who uses the other game terminal (10-1) among the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2) when it is determined that the communication failure has occurred. And a plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2) in response to the steps (S330 to S334, S340) and the end instruction by the user using the other game terminal (10-1). A plurality of users using each include an end control step of performing control to end the game to participate (S360~S366).

  15) A control method for a game terminal (10-1) according to an aspect of the present invention is a control method for one game terminal (10-1) among a plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2). When it is determined that the other game terminal (10-2) among the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2) is in a communication failure state, a reception step of receiving an end instruction from the user (S128) , S132, S150) and in accordance with the end instruction from the user, control is performed to end a game in which a plurality of users who respectively use the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2) participate. And an end control step (S154 to S158).

  According to the inventions described in 1) and 9) to 15) above, when it is determined that at least one game terminal is in a communication failure state, a game terminal other than the game terminal in a communication failure state is used. Since the control for ending a game in which a plurality of users participate is performed in response to an end instruction from the user, a user using a game terminal other than the game terminal in a communication failure state plays the game with his own intention. It becomes possible to end the game in the middle, and it is possible to prevent the user from being dissatisfied with nothing but waiting for the interrupted game to resume. Also, if the game is terminated by the intention of a user who uses a game terminal other than the game terminal that is in a communication failure state (that is, another user who has played the game together), the communication failure state has occurred. The user who uses the game terminal must be convinced, and the dissatisfaction of the user can be reduced. As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to end the game while suppressing dissatisfaction between the user who uses the game terminal in a communication failure state and other users.

  2) In one aspect of the present invention, the game is a battle game in which the plurality of users battle each other, and the game system (1) includes a plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2). When it is determined that at least one (10-2) is in the communication failure state, a game terminal (10-1) other than the game terminal (10-2) determined to be in the communication failure state is used. When the battle game is terminated in response to the termination instruction by the user, the battle result determination means for determining that the user using the game terminal (10-2) determined to be in the communication failure state has been defeated ( 3080) may be further included.

  According to the invention described in 2), when a battle game is ended in response to an end instruction by a user using a game terminal other than a game terminal that is in a communication failure state, the game terminal in a communication failure state is used. It is determined that the user who is defeated. According to the present invention, as a result of the end of the battle game due to the intention of the user of the game terminal other than the game terminal in the communication failure state (that is, another user who has played the battle game together), the communication failure state occurs. Since it is determined that the user of the game terminal that has become defeated, the user of the game terminal that is in a communication failure state has to be convinced, can be convinced by the user, and can reduce the dissatisfaction of the user .

  3) In one aspect of the present invention, when each of the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2) is determined that the other game terminal (10-2) is in the communication failure state. And a means (1060) for controlling the display means (15) to display a predetermined notification (G10), wherein the accepting means (1090) is connected to the other game terminal (10-1). After it is determined that a malfunction has occurred, reception of the end instruction may be started when a predetermined condition (for example, an end instruction reception condition) is satisfied.

  According to the invention described in 3), since it is determined that the other game terminal is in a communication failure state and the predetermined condition is satisfied, the end instruction is accepted, so the other game terminal If the terminal is temporarily out of communication, the end instruction can be rejected. As a result, if the other terminal is temporarily out of communication, Can be prevented from being terminated. Further, according to the present invention, when it is determined that another game terminal is in a communication failure state, control is performed to display a predetermined notification on the display means. A user using another game terminal can grasp the fact.

  4) In one aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2) displays the end instruction at a given timing after the predetermined notification (G10) is displayed. It further includes inquiry means (1080) for sending an inquiry as to whether or not reception can be started to the server apparatus (30). The server apparatus (30) is connected to the other game terminal (10-2). After it is determined that the communication failure state has occurred, predetermined condition determination means (3050) for determining whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied, and the other game terminal (10-2) enter the communication failure state. If it is determined that the predetermined condition has been satisfied after it is determined that the game terminal (10-1) that is the transmission source of the inquiry is permitted to accept the end instruction in response to the inquiry. Reply means for sending (3060) , Wherein the said reception means (1090) in response to the reception start permission, may start accepting the end instruction.

  According to the invention described in 4), it is possible to centrally manage whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied after it is determined that the other game terminal is in a communication failure state by the server device. . Further, according to the present invention, each game terminal transmits an inquiry as to whether or not acceptance of an end instruction may be started to the server device, and the server device transmits acceptance start permission to the game terminal in response to the inquiry. Therefore, when the predetermined condition is satisfied after it is determined that the other game terminal is in a communication failure state, the server device actively transmits an acceptance start permission to each game terminal. The game system can be made simple.

  5) In one aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2) includes a storage means (1000) for storing game situation data indicating a game situation and a game for accepting a game operation. Operation receiving means (1010) and first transmission means (1020) for transmitting data corresponding to the game operation to the server device are further included, and the server device (30) includes the plurality of game terminals (10 −1, 10-2) second receiving means (3010) for receiving the data transmitted from each of the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2), and the data received from each of the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2). A second transmission means (3020) for transmitting to at least a game terminal other than the data transmission source, and each of the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2) includes the server device 30) the first receiving means (1030) for receiving the data transmitted from the game, the game operation accepted by the game operation accepting means (1010), and the data received by the first receiving means (1030). Updating means (1040) for updating the game situation data based on the above, and displaying a game image indicating the game situation on the display means (15) of the game terminal based on the game situation data. When it is determined that the display control means (1050) for performing control and the other game terminal is in the communication failure state, the data of the other game terminal is required to update the game situation data. Until it becomes, it may further include restriction means (1070) for restricting display of the predetermined notification (G10).

  According to the invention described in 5), when it is determined that the other game terminal is in a communication failure state, the data of the other game terminal is required to update the game situation data. Since the display of the notification is limited, it is possible to prevent the notification from being displayed as much as possible. For example, when another game terminal returns from the communication failure state to the normal state immediately after the predetermined notification is displayed, the notification disappears. In such a case, the notification may be displayed to cause the user to feel stress, but according to the present invention, the user can be prevented from feeling stress as much as possible.

  6) In one aspect of the present invention, the server device (30) is configured such that at least one (10-2) of the plurality of game terminals (10-1, 10-2) is in a normal state from the communication failure state. When the process returns to, further includes a continuation control means (3030) for controlling the game terminal (10-1) other than the at least one game terminal (10-2) to continue the execution of the game, The receiving means (1090) determines that the other game terminal (10-2) is in the communication failure state, and the other game terminal after the predetermined condition (end instruction receiving condition) is satisfied. When (10-2) returns from the communication failure state to the normal state, the predetermined condition is satisfied when it is determined again that the other game terminal (10-2) is in the communication failure state. Be done Even, it may start accepting the end instruction.

  According to the invention described in 6), when another game terminal is in a communication failure state and the other game terminal returns from the communication failure state to the normal state after a predetermined condition is satisfied, When another game terminal is again in a communication failure state, even if it is before the predetermined condition is satisfied, the other game terminal is repeatedly in a communication failure state by starting to accept an end instruction. The user can immediately end the game when there is. For example, there may be other users who repeatedly deliberately put the game terminal in a communication outage state and return it to the normal state in order to harass. According to the present invention, when another user as described above exists, the user can formally end the game.

  7) In one aspect of the present invention, the termination control means (1100 or 3090) determines that the other game terminal (10-2) has entered the communication failure state, and starts accepting the termination instruction. Even if the end instruction is not accepted when a predetermined period has elapsed since the start, control for ending the game may be performed.

  7) According to the invention described in 7), when it is determined that the other game terminal is in a communication failure state, and a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the reception of the end instruction, the end instruction has not been received. However, since the control for ending the game is performed, the game terminal that is in a communication failure state does not recover to the normal state, and it is avoided that the state in which the end instruction is not issued continues for a long time. be able to.

  8) In one aspect of the present invention, the game system (1) is terminated by a user who uses a game terminal (10-1) other than the game terminal (10-2) determined to be in the communication failure state. It further includes end notification control means (3090) for performing control for notifying the user of the game terminal (10-2) determined to be in a communication failure state that the game has ended in response to the instruction. Also good.

  According to the invention described in 8), the fact that the game has ended in response to an end instruction by a user using a game terminal other than the game terminal that is in a communication-impaired state is a Because the notification is made, the user of the game terminal that is in a communication failure state can grasp the fact that the game has ended in response to an end instruction by a user who uses a game terminal other than the game terminal in a communication failure state. As a result, it is possible to reduce dissatisfaction with the game end by the user of the game terminal that is in a communication failure state.

1 game system, N network, DB database, 10-1 first game terminal, 10-2 second game terminal, 30 server device, 11, 31 control unit, 12, 32 storage unit, 13, 33 communication unit, 14 input Unit, 15 display unit, 16 sound output unit, 1000, 3000 data storage unit, D1001 game situation data, D3001 flag data, 1010 game operation reception unit, 1020, 3020 transmission unit, 1030, 3010 reception unit, 1040 game situation data update Unit, 1050 game image display control unit, 1060 notification display control unit, 1070 notification display restriction unit, 1080 inquiry unit, 1090 end instruction reception unit, 1100 end control unit, 3030 continuation control unit, 3040 communication state determination unit, 3050 end instruction Acceptance condition determination unit, 3060 response unit, 3070 Control unit, 3080 match result determining unit, 3090 completion notification control unit, G10 notification image, G20 end instruction acceptance image, E11, E21, E22 element.

Claims (11)

In a game system including a plurality of game terminals and a server device,
The server device includes determination means for determining whether or not at least one of the plurality of game terminals is in a communication failure state,
Each of the plurality of game terminals includes accepting means for accepting an end instruction from a user when it is determined that another game terminal is in the communication failure state,
The game system is configured to play a game in which a plurality of users who use the plurality of game terminals respectively participate in response to the end instruction by a user who uses a game terminal other than the game terminal that is determined to be in the communication failure state. And further comprising termination control means for performing control for termination.
Game system. The game system according to claim 1,
The game is a battle game in which the plurality of users battle each other,
In the game system, when at least one of the plurality of game terminals is determined to be in the communication failure state, a user using a game terminal other than the game terminal determined to be in the communication failure state. When the battle game is terminated in response to the termination instruction, the game further includes a battle result determination unit that determines that the user using the game terminal determined to be in the communication failure state has lost.
Game system. The game system according to claim 1 or 2,
Each of the plurality of game terminals further includes means for performing control to display a predetermined notification on a display means when it is determined that the other game terminal is in a communication failure state,
The accepting unit starts accepting the end instruction when a predetermined condition is satisfied after it is determined that the other game terminal is in a communication failure state.
Game system. The game system according to claim 3,
Each of the plurality of game terminals transmits an inquiry to the server device as to whether or not to accept the end instruction at a given timing after the predetermined notification is displayed. Further including
The server device
Predetermined condition determining means for determining whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied after it is determined that the other game terminal is in the communication failure state;
When it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied after it is determined that the other game terminal is in the communication failure state, the end instruction acceptance start permission is determined in response to the inquiry. Response means for transmitting to the game terminal of the transmission source,
The accepting means starts accepting the end instruction in response to the acceptance start permission;
Game system. The game system according to claim 3 or 4,
Each of the plurality of game terminals includes:
Storage means for storing game situation data indicating the game situation;
Game operation accepting means for accepting game operations;
First transmission means for transmitting data corresponding to the game operation to the server device;
The server device
Second receiving means for receiving the data transmitted from each of the plurality of game terminals;
A second transmission means for transmitting the data received from each of the plurality of game terminals to at least a game terminal other than the transmission source of the data;
Each of the plurality of game terminals includes:
First receiving means for receiving the data transmitted from the server device;
Updating means for updating the game situation data based on the game operation received by the game operation receiving means and the data received by the first receiving means;
Means for performing control for displaying a game image indicating the game situation on the display means of the game terminal based on the game situation data;
When it is determined that the other game terminal is in the communication failure state, the display of the predetermined notification is limited until the data of the other game terminal is necessary to update the game situation data. Limiting means to further include
Game system. The game system according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
The server device controls the game terminal other than the at least one game terminal to continue executing the game when at least one of the plurality of game terminals returns from the communication failure state to the normal state. Further includes a continuation control means for performing
The accepting unit determines that the other game terminal is in the communication malfunctioning state, and the other game terminal returns from the communication malfunctioning state to the normal state after the predetermined condition is satisfied. In this case, when it is determined again that the other game terminal is in the communication malfunctioning state, the acceptance of the end instruction is started even before the predetermined condition is satisfied.
Game system. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The termination control means has not received the termination instruction when it is determined that the other game terminal has entered the communication failure state and a predetermined period has elapsed since the acceptance of the termination instruction was started. Even so, control for ending the game is performed.
Game system. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The game system is determined to have entered into the communication failure state that the game has ended in response to the end instruction by a user using a game terminal other than the game terminal that has been determined to have been in the communication failure state. An end notification control means for performing control for notifying the user of the game terminal;
Game system. In a server device capable of communicating with a plurality of game terminals,
Determining means for determining whether or not at least one of the plurality of game terminals is in a communication failure state;
When it is determined that at least one of the plurality of game terminals is in the communication failure state, control is performed to receive an end instruction from a user who uses another game terminal of the plurality of game terminals. Means,
In response to the end instruction from the user using the other game terminal, an end control means for performing control for ending the game in which the plurality of users using the plurality of game terminals respectively participate,
Server device including In one game terminal of a plurality of game terminals,
An accepting means for accepting an end instruction from a user when it is determined that another game terminal of the plurality of game terminals is in a communication failure state;
In response to the end instruction from the user, an end control means for performing control for ending a game in which a plurality of users who respectively use the plurality of game terminals participates;
Game terminal including. The program for functioning as a server apparatus of Claim 9, or a game terminal of Claim 10.

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