JP2020171790A - Game system and computer program used therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game system, in the case where the relation between the execution time and the route described in sequence data is changed when a game is played in a group, capable of matching the relation between the changed execution time and the route among two or more users in the group.SOLUTION: A game system 1 guides the execution time of the play action by moving an object 51 toward a determination line 52, and matches each game console 3 that provides a music game to randomly change a route 53 of sequence data in which each object 51 and its route 53 are described in association with each other when a random musical score mode is requested. The game system 1, when requested by two or more users U to which the play of the random score mode is matched, generates a seed value for executing a common change in common to the group, and provides the common seed value to each game console 3 so as to be used for changing the route 53.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention includes an input device used for inputting a play action, a display device for displaying a game screen including an instruction sign corresponding to an execution time when the play action should be executed, and a reference sign corresponding to the current time. To ensure that the position of the indicator and the reference marker coincide with each other at the execution time based on the sequence data described in association with the path of the relative displacement that the execution time should occur between the indicator and the reference indicator. By causing a relative displacement along the path, the execution time is guided to each user through the game screen, and the actual play time of each user input via the input device is evaluated based on the execution time. The present invention relates to a game system or the like in which a plurality of users are provided as one group to the group so that the route is changed to a route different from the route when the change condition for changing the route is satisfied.

It is connected to an input device used to input a play action and a display device that displays a game screen including an instruction sign corresponding to the execution time when the play action should be executed and a reference sign corresponding to the current time. Along the path so that the positions of the indicator and the reference marker coincide with each other at the execution time based on the sequence data described in which the execution time is associated with the path of the relative displacement that should occur between the indicator and the reference indicator. A game in which the execution time is guided to each user through the game screen by causing a relative displacement, and the actual play time of each user input via the input device is evaluated based on the execution time. There is a game system that provides a plurality of users as one group to the group so that the route is changed to a route different from the route when the change condition for changing the route is satisfied. For example, as such instruction signs, reference signs, routes, game screens, sequence data, and play actions, operation instruction signs, timing instruction signs, position instruction areas, game images, timing data, and push button operations are used, respectively. A game device that provides a music game is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 6380644

In a game device such as Patent Document 1, when the difficulty level and the music are the same, the game image is displayed based on the same timing data. Therefore, not only the timing instruction sign but also the operation instruction sign and the arrangement of the position instruction area (these). The positional relationship between them) tends to be the same. For this reason, a skilled user habitually remembers such an arrangement, and as a result, the actual difficulty level is often reduced. In addition, there is a high possibility that the game will get bored. As such a countermeasure, in a music game such as Patent Document 1, the route on which each instruction sign should be arranged may be randomly changed at the request of the user. In this case, although there is no change in the execution time corresponding to each instruction sign, the layout of the instruction sign changes, so that the user's familiarity and the like can be reduced.

On the other hand, a music game such as Patent Document 1 may be played by a plurality of users so as to compete with each other for results. In such a case, if the layout of the instruction sign is changed randomly, the difficulty level will be different, and it may be difficult to make a fair comparison of the results. If such a layout change is at the user's choice, the difference in difficulty is with the user's wishes, and the user who wants such a change is often an expert, so a random layout is used. Even if fairness is not guaranteed between the user and other users, the satisfaction level of the user may not be affected. On the other hand, such a plurality of users may include two or more users who desire to change the layout. In many cases, such selection is performed among skilled users, and there is a need among these users to ensure the fairness of the result even when a layout change is desired. However, if different layout changes are made between two or more such users, it is still difficult to make a fair comparison of results. Alternatively, even if it is not such a competitive game, there is a need to play so that two or more users synchronize with each other through the game screen after the layout change, for example. That is, there are various needs for matching the layout of the changed instruction sign between two or more users in the group.

Therefore, in the present invention, when the relationship between the execution time and the route described in the sequence data is changed when the game is played in the group, the changed execution time and the execution time after the change are made between two or more users of the group. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game system or the like capable of matching the relationship with a route.

The game system of the present invention displays a game screen including an input device used for inputting a play action, an instruction sign corresponding to an execution time when the play action should be executed, and a reference sign corresponding to the current time. At the execution time, the instruction sign and the display device are connected to the display device, and the execution time is described in association with the path of relative displacement to occur between the instruction sign and the reference sign. By causing the relative displacement along the path so that the positions of the reference markers coincide with each other, the execution time is guided to each user through the game screen, and each input via the input device. A game that evaluates the time of the user's actual play action based on the execution time is changed so that the route is changed to a route different from the route when the change condition for changing the route is satisfied. A game system that provides a plurality of users as one group to the group, and the same common route is used as the other route of two or more users specified based on specific conditions among the plurality of users. As described above, the information acquisition means for acquiring the common route information for specifying the common route as the other route and each of the two or more users of the group play when the change condition is satisfied. The game includes information use means for using the common route information to change the route so that the route is changed to the common route.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause the input device and the computer connected to the display device to function as each means of the above-mentioned game system.

The figure which shows the schematic structure of the game system which concerns on one form of this invention. A functional block diagram showing the main parts of the control system of the game system. The figure which shows typically an example of the game screen for providing a music game. An explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a random musical score mode. The explanatory view for demonstrating an example of the procedure in the case of matching a random musical score between two or more users U. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game providing unit and a game machine service management unit for realizing the procedure of the example of FIG. An explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a person who is provided with a random musical score when four songs are used in a competitive music game. The figure which shows an example of the structure of sequence data. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure of music standardization processing. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of data generation processing.

Hereinafter, an example of the game system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the overall configuration of the game system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The game system 1 includes a center server 2 and a plurality of game machines 3 as client devices that can be connected to the center server 2 via a predetermined network 5. The center server 2 is configured as one logical server device by combining the server units 2A, 2B, etc. as a plurality of computer devices. However, the center server 2 may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the center server 2 may be logically configured by using cloud computing.

The game machine 3 is an example of a game device, and is configured as a commercial (commercial) game machine that allows a user to play a game within a range corresponding to the play fee in exchange for payment of a predetermined play fee. There is. This type of game machine 3 is sometimes called an arcade game machine. The game machine 3 is a computer device installed in a predetermined facility such as a store 6 for the main purpose of making a large number of users repeatedly play a game to generate profits. The game machine 3 is configured as, for example, a game machine that provides a music game. A music game is a kind of timing game. A timing game is a type of game that evaluates the execution time of an appropriate play action. In the case of a music game, an execution time for executing the appropriate play action is provided together with the music. Further, in a music game, a time that matches the rhythm of the music is used as an execution time. That is, the music game is a type of game in which the user is guided to the time when the appropriate play action should be executed according to the rhythm of the music, and the time when the play action is actually executed is evaluated. Further, for example, in a music game, a plurality of songs are prepared for play, and the songs selected from the songs are used for the actual play. For example, such a music game is provided through a game screen displayed on a display device. Specifically, such a game screen includes an instruction sign corresponding to each execution time and a reference sign that functions as a reference of the current time, and uses the instruction sign and the reference sign to use the instruction sign and the reference sign at each execution time. And each execution time is guided by causing a relative displacement between the instruction sign and the reference sign so that the positions of the reference signs match.

The user terminal device 4 may be connected to the game system 1 via the network 5. The user terminal device 4 is a computer device that can be connected to a network and is used for personal use by the user. For example, a stationary or book-type personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) 4a, or a mobile terminal device 4b such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone) is used as the user terminal device 4. In addition, various computer devices that can be connected to a network and are used for personal use of users, such as stationary home-use game machines, portable game machines, and portable tablet terminal devices, are used as the user terminal device 4. You can. By implementing various computer software, the user terminal device 4 can allow the user to enjoy various services provided by the center server 2.

The network 5 may be appropriately configured as long as the game machine 3 and the user terminal device 4 can be connected to the center server 2. As an example, the network 5 is configured to realize network communication using the TCP / IP protocol. Typically, the Internet 5A as a WAN and the LANs 5B and 5C connecting each of the center server 2 and the game machine 3 to the Internet 5A are connected via the router 5D. The user terminal device 4 is also connected to the Internet 5A with an appropriate configuration. A local server may be installed between the game machine 3 and the router 5D of the store 6, and the game machine 3 may be communicably connected to the center server 2 via the local server. The server units 2A, 2B ... Of the center server 2 may be connected to each other in place of LAN5C or additionally by WAN5A.

The center server 2 provides various game machine services to the game machine 3 or its users. Services for game consoles include distribution services and matching services. The distribution service is a service that distributes and updates the program or data of the game machine 3 via the network 5. The center server 2 appropriately distributes various programs or data necessary for providing a music game to each game machine 3 through such a distribution service. The matching service is a service that matches (groups) users when a plurality of users play a common game via the network 5. The game machine service may also include a service that receives user identification information from the game machine 3 and authenticates the user. It may also include a service that receives the play data of the authenticated user from the game machine 3 and saves it, or provides the play data to be saved to the game machine 3. Further, the service for a game machine may include a billing service for collecting a fee from a user.

Similarly, the center server 2 provides various Web services to the user of the user terminal device 4 via the network 5. The Web service includes a game information service that provides various information about the game provided by the game machine 3. The center server 2 provides the user terminal device 4 with various information assisting the play of the music game through such a game information service. In addition, the Web service is a community that provides a distribution service that distributes various data or software to each user terminal device 4 (including updates of data, etc.), and a place for interaction such as information transmission, exchange, and sharing by users. It may include a service, a service that assigns a user ID for identifying each user, and the like.

Next, a main part of the control system of the game system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the center server 2 is provided with a control unit 21 and a storage unit 23 as storage means. The control unit 21 is configured as a computer in which a CPU as an example of a processor that executes various arithmetic processes and operation controls according to a predetermined computer program, an internal memory required for the operation, and other peripheral devices are combined.

The storage unit 23 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk array. The storage unit 23 may be configured to hold all the data on one storage unit, or may be configured to distribute and store the data in a plurality of storage units. The program PG1 is recorded in the storage unit 23 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 21 to execute various processes necessary for providing various services to the user. Further, the storage unit 23 records server data necessary for providing various services. Further, such server data includes various data for music games, and in the example of FIG. 2, music data MD and sequence data QD are shown as a kind of such various data.

The music data MD is data for playing a music used in a music game. The sequence data QD is data that describes each execution time when the play action should be executed by the user in the music game. The sequence data QD is used to inform the user of each such execution time. Further, when the play action is actually executed by the user, the play action is evaluated based on the execution time of the sequence data QD. That is, guidance of each execution time and its evaluation are executed based on the sequence data QD. Therefore, in the sequence data QD, information on each execution time and an appropriate play action to be executed at the execution time is described so as to be associated with each other. Further, in the music game, when a plurality of songs or a plurality of difficulty levels are prepared, the sequence data QD is prepared for each song or each difficulty level. The details of the sequence data QD will be described later. The server data may include, for example, various data for realizing various services. For example, such data may include play data, ID management data, and the like. The play data is data in which information regarding the past play results of each user is described. The play data is used, for example, to inherit the play results (past achievements) up to the previous time from the next time onward, or to inherit the setting contents unique to each user. The ID management data is data for managing various IDs such as user IDs. However, their illustration is omitted.

The control unit 21 is provided with a game machine service management unit 24 as a logical device realized by combining the hardware resources of the control unit 21 and the program PG1 as software resources. The game machine service management unit 24 executes various processes for realizing the above-mentioned game machine service for the game machine 3. Specifically, the game machine service management unit 24 executes the musical score standardization process as a part of various processes for realizing the game machine service, for example. The procedure of this process will be described later. An input device such as a keyboard, an output device such as a monitor, and the like can be connected to the control unit 21 as needed. However, their illustration is omitted.

On the other hand, the game machine 3 is provided with a control unit 31 as a computer and a storage unit 32 as a storage means. The control unit 31 is configured as a computer in which a CPU as an example of a processor that executes various arithmetic processes and operation controls according to a predetermined computer program, an internal memory required for the operation, and other peripheral devices are combined. The control unit 31 is provided with a game providing unit 33 as a logical device realized by combining the hardware resources of the control unit 31 and the program PG2 as software resources. The game providing unit 33 executes various processes necessary for the progress of the game, and also executes various processes necessary for enjoying the game machine service provided by the game machine service management unit 24 of the center server 2. .. Specifically, the game providing unit 33 executes data generation processing as, for example, as a part of various processes necessary for the progress of such a game. The procedure of this process will be described later.

The storage unit 32 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. In the storage unit 32, game data necessary for providing a music game is recorded together with the above-mentioned program PG2. In the example of FIG. 2, music data MD and sequence data QD are shown as a part of such game data. Has been done. Both the music data MD and the sequence data QD are provided from the center server 2 through the distribution service. The game data also includes image data for displaying various images for the game, BGM data for reproducing various BGMs, and the like. However, these illustrations are omitted.

Further, the game machine 3 is provided with a monitor MO as a display device and a speaker SP as output devices. The monitor MO and the speaker SP are a well-known display device for displaying a game screen and the like, and a well-known sound reproduction device for reproducing sound, respectively. Further, the game machine 3 is also provided with an input device 36 for inputting a user's play action. As the input device, for example, a touch panel that outputs a signal corresponding to a user's touch operation (finger touch operation) may be used. In addition, the game machine 3 may be provided with various input devices and output devices provided in the game device for business use.

Next, the details of the music game will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a game screen for providing a music game. As shown in FIG. 3, the game screen 50 includes an object 51 as an instruction sign, a determination line 52 as a reference sign, and a plurality of paths 53. The determination line 52 is configured as a line extending linearly in the left-right direction, and is located on the lower end side of each path 53 so as to straddle the entire path 53. Each route 53 functions as a movement route for the object 51. More specifically, the object 51 appears on the upper end side of each route 53 at an appropriate time, and moves along each route 53 so as to reach the determination line 52 on the lower end side at the execution time of the sequence data QD. .. Therefore, each path 53 also functions as a time axis. Then, each execution time is guided by the arrival of the object 51 at the determination line 52, in other words, the relative displacement of the object 51 moving toward the determination line 52. Further, the user is required to perform an appropriate play action in accordance with the arrival of the determination line 52 of the object 51. More specifically, for example, when the touch panel is used as the input device 36, the arrival position of the object 51 (the matching position between the determination line 52 and the object 51) is set according to the arrival of the object 51 at the determination line 52. Touch operation is required as an appropriate play action. Then, such a touch operation is evaluated so that the shorter the time difference between the time of the touch operation (actual play action) and the execution time of the sequence data QD, the higher the evaluation.

As described above, the time (execution time) when each object 51 should reach the determination line 52 is described in advance in the sequence data QD, but the route 53 where each such object 51 should be arranged (each route 53 is touched). Since it also corresponds to the position to be operated, it functions as information on an appropriate play action), and each object 51 is arranged on each path 53 according to the description of the sequence data QD. Since the layout of each object 51 on the game screen 50 (in other words, the route 53 on which each object 51 is arranged) is determined by the relationship between each object 51 and each path 53, such a relationship (or game screen 50) is determined. The layout of each object 51 in the above) may be referred to as a musical score below, but a normal musical score mode using a musical score according to the description of such sequence data QD (hereinafter, may be referred to as a normal musical score), and random Music games include a musical score mode. In the random musical score mode, the relationship between each object 51 of the normal musical score and each path 53, more specifically, the musical score in which the path 53 to which each object 51 should be arranged is changed (hereinafter, may be referred to as a random musical score). Is the mode used for play. When the same normal score is played many times, the user may become accustomed to the normal score. The random musical score mode functions as a mode for eliminating such familiarity.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the random musical score mode. The example of FIG. 4 shows an example of a procedure for starting play in a music game. As shown in FIG. 4, the procedure for starting the play of the music game includes five steps, A step to E step. Then, when the play in the random musical score mode is selected by the user U in the D step, a music game based on the random musical score, that is, a music game in the random musical score mode is provided instead of the normal musical score.

Specifically, in order to start playing the music game, the user U first requests the game machine 3 to start playing (step A). Such a request is realized, for example, by a predetermined start operation and a predetermined payment (collection) of consideration. Subsequently, the game machine 3 provides a music list as a music candidate for play after receiving such a request (step B). That is, the game machine 3 gives the user U a music selection opportunity for selecting a music for play through the presentation of such a music list. When the music list is presented, the user U selects a music for play (in other words, at a music selection opportunity) for such a music list (step C). After such selection, the game machine 3 provides a random musical score selection opportunity (step D). The random score selection opportunity is configured to make a choice as to whether or not to use a random score. More specifically, the game machine 3 displays a selection screen including the options of "YES" that wants to use the random musical score and "NO" that does not want to use such a random score on the monitor 37. Realize the provision. Further, the game machine 3 accepts selection for such a selection screen via the input device 36. Then, the game machine 3 provides the play of the music game after receiving the selection for the selection screen via the input device 36 (step E).

Further, the selection result in the random musical score selection opportunity is reflected in the play of the music game (step E). That is, the musical score used in the music game changes according to the selection result in the random musical score selection opportunity. Specifically, when "NO" is selected in the random musical score selection opportunity, a music game corresponding to the normal musical score, in other words, a music game in the normal musical score mode is provided. Therefore, the music game is provided through the game screen 50 (hereinafter, may be referred to as the normal score screen 50A) corresponding to the normal score (displaying the normal score). On the other hand, when "YES" is selected in the random musical score selection opportunity, a music game corresponding to the random musical score, in other words, a music game in the random musical score mode is provided. Therefore, the music game is provided through the game screen 50 (hereinafter, may be referred to as the random score screen 50B) corresponding to the random score (displaying the random score). The random musical score is generated by, for example, randomly changing the path 53 with reference to the normal musical score. More specifically, the random score is a score in which each path 53 of the normal score is changed by a lottery using a pseudo-random number. Therefore, the layout of the object 51 (contents of the game screen 50) is different between the normal musical score mode and the random musical score mode, even though the songs are the same (of course, the difficulty level is also the same).

In the example of FIG. 4, the case where the game screen 50 of the example of FIG. 3 functions as a normal musical score screen 50A is shown. Therefore, when "NO" is selected in the random musical score selection opportunity, a music game (in other words, a normal musical score mode) is provided through the normal musical score screen 50A showing the musical score similar to the example of FIG. On the other hand, when "YES" is selected in the random score selection opportunity, the random score screen 50B is used for playing the music game (providing the random score mode), but the random score is different from the normal score. The arrangement of the objects 51 on the random music screen 50B is different from that of the normal music screen 50A. For example, the normal music screen 50A and the random music screen 50B also include nine paths 53 from the first path 53a to the ninth path 53i, and the normal music screen 50A has five paths 53a to the fifth path 53e. Five objects 51 are arranged on the route 53, respectively. On the other hand, on the random musical score screen 50B, the five objects 51 are arranged on the fourth path 53d and the five paths 53 of the sixth path 53f to the ninth path 53i, respectively. More specifically, the five objects 51 arranged in the first path 53a to the fifth path 53e of the normal musical score screen 50A are the fourth path 53d and the sixth path 53f to the ninth path in the random musical score screen 50B. They are arranged in 53i respectively. That is, although there is no change in the time (execution time) when each object 51 should reach the determination line 52, the path 53 of each object 51 until reaching the determination line 52 changes randomly. As a result, different musical scores (different game screens 50) are used for play even though they are the same music. In this example, each path 53 of the first path 53a to the fifth path 53e of the normal musical score screen 50A is the path of the present invention, and the fourth path 53d of the random musical score screen 50B and the sixth path 53f to the ninth path 53i. Each route functions as another route of the present invention. In addition, the random musical score selection opportunity functions as the selection opportunity of the present invention.

The game system 1 may match a plurality of game machines 3 (in other words, user U) through a matching service, and provide a competitive music game to each of those game machines. Then, even when providing such a competitive music game, each game machine 3 provides the music game so as to allow selection of the random musical score mode. That is, even when a music game of a type in which a plurality of users U compete against each other is provided, the selection of the random musical score mode is permitted. Further, when the change condition is satisfied in such a competitive music game, a random score is used so that a common random score is used among two or more game machines 3 among the plurality of game machines 3. Modes are provided. That is, the music game is provided so that the random musical scores match among at least two or more users U of the plurality of users U. For example, as such a change condition, a selection result requesting play in the random musical score mode is used. More specifically, the change condition is satisfied when two or more users U are requested to play in the random musical score mode among a plurality of users U who play a competitive music game at the random musical score selection opportunity. Then, a play in a random musical score mode in which the random musical score is commonly used between the two or more users U is provided.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a procedure in the case of matching random musical scores between two or more users U. The example of FIG. 5 shows a case where four game machines 3 are matched as one group (competitors of each other) through a matching service, and a competitive music game is played by these four game machines 3. ing. Further, in the example of FIG. 5, of these four game machines 3, two game machines 3 (in other words, two users U who use them) satisfy the change condition, and these two machines. It shows the case where the random musical scores match between the game machines 3 of the above, that is, the case where a common random musical score is used between these two game machines 3. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, first, four game machines 3 are matched (grouped) through the matching service of the center server 2, and a seed value common to the group is issued. The seed value is a value for generating a pseudo-random number based on a predetermined algorithm. Therefore, a common pseudo-random number is generated from the common seed value. Then, such a seed value is commonly provided to the four game machines 3 (the entire group) in matching units.

Of the four game machines 3, two game machines that do not require play in the random musical score mode (two game machines 3 on the left side of the example in FIG. 5) have sequence data QDs corresponding to normal musical scores (the sequence data QD (2). Hereinafter, the music game is played based on the sequence data (which may be referred to as QD1). That is, the normal musical score screen 50A is displayed on these game machines 3 based on the normal sequence data QD1, and the music game is played through such a normal musical score screen 50A. On the other hand, of the four game machines 3, the two game machines that requested the play in the random musical score mode (the two game machines 3 on the right side of the example in FIG. 5) have the sequence data QD corresponding to the random musical score (QD). Hereinafter, the music game is played based on the random sequence data (which may be referred to as QD2). Since such random sequence data QD2 is normally generated based on the sequence data QD1 and the pseudo-random number, it is common between these two game machines 3.

Specifically, the path 53 of the object 51 in the normal sequence data QD1 is randomly changed based on the pseudo-random number, and the random sequence data QD2 is generated. That is, the random sequence data QD2 is normally generated from the sequence data QD1 based on the pseudo-random numbers. Further, such a pseudo-random number is generated based on the seed value provided by the center server 2. Then, such a seed value is the same between the two game machines 3. Therefore, the same pseudo-random number is generated between these two game machines 3. As a result, the same pseudo-random number is applied to the same normal sequence data QD1. That is, the random sequence data QD2 is generated based on the same normal sequence data QD1 and the same pseudo-random number. As a result, the same random sequence data QD2 having the same contents (relationship between the object 51 and the path 53) is generated between these two game machines 3. That is, the random sequence data QD2 is common between these two game machines 3. Then, the random musical score screen 50B is displayed on these two game machines 3 based on such common random sequence data QD2. That is, the user U (user U who has selected the random musical score mode) of these two game machines 3 plays the music game through the common random musical score screen 50B having the same contents. As an example, even in a competitive music game in which a plurality of game machines 3 play against each other, the selection of a random musical score mode is permitted, and if the change condition is satisfied, the game is further randomized between two or more game machines 3. The music screen 50B is standardized. In this example, each path 53 on which the object 51 of the random musical score screen 50B (similar to the example of FIG. 4) commonly used in the two game machines 3 is arranged, and the seed value for obtaining the object 51 are the present inventions. It functions as a common route of the invention and common route information. Further, two users U corresponding to the two game machines 3 displaying such a random musical score screen 50B function as two or more users of the present invention.

The change condition is not limited to the case where the play in the random musical score mode is requested by two or more users U at the random musical score selection opportunity, and may be satisfied as appropriate. The user U who uses the common random musical score is not limited to the user U who requested the random musical score mode, and may be appropriately specified based on a specific condition for specifying the provision target of the random musical score. For example, the change condition may be satisfied when one user U requests the random musical score mode. In this case, a random score may be provided to all users U (belonging to the same group) who play a competitive music game, or a random score may be provided to two or more appropriate users U among them. Good. That is, the specific condition is not limited to the selection result (request status of play in random score mode) in the random score selection opportunity, and is configured to appropriately specify each user U regardless of the request for play in random score mode. You may. For example, as such a specific condition, a lottery result or a game play status (including past achievements) may be used. Specifically, two or more users U who use a common random musical score may be randomly determined, for example, a predetermined number of top performers, or a user who has a predetermined number of achievements or more, and so on. May be determined on the basis of. Similarly, the change condition is not limited to the condition for using the selection result in the random music selection opportunity. For example, the change condition may be satisfied based on the lottery result or the play situation.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game providing unit 33 and the game machine service management unit 24 for realizing the procedure of the example of FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the game providing unit 33 has a progress control unit 33a, a random number generation unit 33b, a data generation unit 33c, and an image generation unit 33d, and the game machine service management unit 24 has a matching unit 24a and common information. Generation units 24b are each provided as additional logical devices. The progress control unit 33a receives various input signals corresponding to a play action or the like via the input device 36, and advances the music game according to the input signals. For example, such an input signal includes a matching request, a selection result at a random musical score selection opportunity, a play start instruction, and the like. Then, when a matching request is executed, for example, the progress control unit 33a provides the request to the matching unit 24a of the game machine service management unit 24. The matching unit 24a matches each game machine 3 executing the same request in accordance with such a request, and provides the result to the progress control unit 33a. Further, the matching unit 24a provides the matching result to the common information generation unit 24b. When the common information generation unit 24b acquires the matching result, the common information generation unit 24b generates a seed value for each matching (group) unit according to the matching result, and provides a common seed value to each of the matched game machines 3.

On the other hand, the progress control unit 33a provides the random number generation unit 33b with the request result when the play in the random musical score mode is requested, for example, at the random musical score selection opportunity. The random number generation unit 33b generates a pseudo-random number while referring to the seed value provided by the center server 2 when the play in the random musical score mode is requested based on the request result. Specifically, the random number generator 33b generates a pseudo-random number from a seed value common to such a group according to a predetermined algorithm. Then, the random number generation unit 33b provides the generated pseudo-random number to the data generation unit 33c. The data generation unit 33c generates random sequence data QD2 based on the normal sequence data QD1 based on such a pseudo-random number.

Similarly, when the user U executes a predetermined play start instruction after the matching is completed and the play mode selection at the random musical score selection opportunity is completed, the progress control unit 33a outputs the instruction result to the image generation unit 33d. To provide. Further, when the random musical score mode (“YES” in the example of FIG. 4) is selected at the random musical score selection opportunity, the progress control unit 33a gives a display instruction of the random musical score screen 50B to the normal musical score mode (FIG. 4). When "NO") is selected in the example, the instruction result is provided to the image generation unit 33d so as to include the display instruction of the normal music screen 50A. When the image generation unit 33d receives the play start instruction from the progress control unit 33a, the image generation unit 33d repeatedly generates the game screen 50 to be displayed on the monitor 37 according to the instruction of the progress control unit 33a according to the frame rate of the monitor 37, and the generated game. The display of the monitor 37 is controlled so that the screen 50 is displayed. That is, the image generation unit 33d plays the normal music screen 50A when the display of the normal music screen 50A is instructed, and the random music screen 50B when the display of the random music screen 50B is instructed. The screen 50 is displayed on the monitor 37. With such a configuration, the random music screen 50B of the example of FIG. 5 can be standardized.

Further, in a competitive music game as in the example of FIG. 5, a music for play may be appropriately selected. For example, in such a competitive music game, one common song may be played, or a plurality of common songs may be played. When a plurality of songs are played, they may be different or may be the same song. When a plurality of different songs are played, each song may be selected from a common difficulty level or may be selected from different difficulty levels. When a plurality of songs are used, the random music provision target may change for each music, or the random music provision target may change for all or part of the music. Similarly, the random musical score mode may be applied to the entire piece of music or to a part as appropriate. Further, these songs may be set according to appropriate conditions such as a lottery result and a user's selection. Then, they may be appropriately ranked according to the play result of such a song, and when a team is formed in a part, a team match (the total value of each user in the team or the best in the team). Individual play in which each user plays individually so that the result is calculated based on the result or the like, and cooperative play in which each user cooperates with each other within or between teams) may be realized.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a person who is provided with a random musical score when four songs are used in a competitive music game. Further, the example of FIG. 7 shows a case where four songs are selected based on the selection of each user U. Specifically, it shows a case where four users U each select a desired song. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, a random musical score selection opportunity is given for each musical composition, and a target person for the random musical score is specified for each musical composition based on the selection result. Then, when there are a plurality of random musical score targets, in other words, when two or more game machines 3 (two or more users U) wish to play in the random musical score mode, those two or more games A random musical score common to the machine 3 is provided.

Specifically, in the example of FIG. 7, four game machines 3 of the first game machine 3 to the fourth game machine 3 corresponding to the four users U are matched, and each of these game machines 3 (each). P music (difficulty "NORMAL"), Q music (difficulty "HARD"), R music (difficulty "EASY"), and S music (difficulty "EXHARD"), which have different difficulty levels depending on the user U). Is selected as the song for play. Further, in the random musical score selection opportunity, the user U of the first game machine 3 is used for all the songs, and the user U of the second game machine 3 is used for two songs, the P song and the R song, which are relatively less difficult, and the third game machine. The user U of 3 requests only the R music having the lowest difficulty level, and the user U of the fourth game machine 3 requests the three songs other than the S music having the highest difficulty level to play in the random musical score mode. As a result, when playing the P music, the R music is played on the three game machines 3 other than the third game machine 3, and when the Q music is played, the R music is played on the second game machine 3 of the first game machine 3 and the fourth game machine 3. At the time of playing, a common random musical score (common random musical score screen 50B) is used in all the game machines 3. On the other hand, since only the user U of the first game machine 3 requests the play of the random musical score mode in the S music, the random musical score (other game machines 3) is requested only by the first game machine 3 when playing the S music. In normal music) is used. As an example, a competitive music game is provided so that a common random musical score is appropriately used according to the selection result of a random musical score selection opportunity while allowing the use of songs having different difficulty levels. In this example, for example, two users U corresponding to the first game machine 3 and the fourth game machine 3 in the Q music function as those of the present invention and two or more applicants.

The random musical score selection opportunity is not limited to each song, and may be provided at an appropriate frequency. For example, the random music selection opportunity may be provided only once as an opportunity common to all songs. In this case, the necessity of using the random musical score may be confirmed for each song, or the necessity of using the random musical score may be confirmed for each song. Similarly, the seed value is not limited to the configuration issued in group units (matching units). For example, the seed value may be issued for each song in the play within the group. On the other hand, the information for sharing the random musical score between the two or more game machines 3 is not limited to the seed value. Various information capable of generating common random sequence data QD2 may be used instead of the seed value. Alternatively, the information provided to each game machine 3 is not limited to indirect information for sharing such random sequence data QD2 (in other words, random musical score). For example, the center server 2 may generate random sequence data QD2, and the common random sequence data QD2 itself (direct information) may be provided to each game machine 3.

Next, the details of the sequence data QD will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sequence data QD. Sequence data QD is prepared for each song and each difficulty level. That is, the sequence data QD includes a plurality of sequence data QDa, QDb, QDc ... Corresponding to each of a plurality of songs having different difficulty levels. Since the difficulty of each sequence data QD depends on the number of execution times, the number of execution times is often different between them. Further, the example of FIG. 8 shows a case where the information of the path 53 indicating the position of the appropriate touch operation on the determination line 52 is used as the information of the appropriate play action. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, each sequence data QD includes information indicating a position where an appropriate touch operation should be executed at each execution time, that is, a sequence record RS that manages the route 53. There is. In addition, the sequence record RS includes information on "execution time" and "route".

The "execution time" is information indicating the execution time to be guided to each user U. For example, in the "execution time", information in which the bar number, the number of beats, and the value indicating the time during the beat are separated by commas is described as the information of the execution time. The "route" is information indicating each route 53. As the "route" information, information that identifies each route 53 is described. Specifically, for example, when each route 53 is distinguished by a number such as 1 to 9 in order from the left, a number indicating each such route 53 is described. In the sequence record RS, such information is recorded so as to be related to each other. The "route" information may be replaced by various types of information. For example, the information on the appearance position and the arrival position of the object 51 corresponding to each execution time may be used as the "route" information. In this case, the route specified by these appearance positions and arrival positions may function as the route of the present invention.

Next, the musical score standardization process and the data generation process will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. The musical score sharing process is a process for sharing a random musical score between two or more game machines 3 that play a competitive music game. The example of FIG. 9 shows a case where a common seed value is used for standardization of random musical scores. Further, the example of FIG. 9 shows a case where such a seed value is issued (generated) in a group unit. That is, it shows a case where a common seed value is repeatedly used in each song in order to generate a random musical score of each song. Further, the example of FIG. 9 shows a case where a seed value is generated when the change condition is satisfied. In this case, when the selection result is transmitted to the center server 2 after at least one random musical score selection opportunity in the group is provided, the game machine service management unit 24 starts the musical score common processing of FIG. First, the selection result at the random musical score selection opportunity is acquired (step S101).

Subsequently, the game machine service management unit 24 identifies the group (each matched game machine 3) to which the game machine 3 that has transmitted the selection result acquired in step S101 belongs (step S102). This identification is realized by acquiring the matching result. Next, the game machine service management unit 24 determines whether or not the transmission of the selection result of the random musical score selection opportunity has been completed from all the game machines 3 belonging to the group specified in step S102 (step S103). When the transmission from all the game machines 3 is not completed, the game machine service management unit 24 repeats the determination (process in step S103) until the transmission from all the game machines 3 is completed. In addition, when the interruption condition such as the elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied, the game machine service management unit 24 may end the current process even if the transmission from all the game machines 3 is not completed.

On the other hand, when the transmission from all the game machines 3 is completed, the game machine service management unit 24 determines whether or not the change condition is satisfied (step S104). As described above, the change condition is satisfied when, for example, two or more game machines 3 (two or more users U) request play in the random musical score mode at the random musical score selection opportunity. Therefore, the game machine service management unit 24 determines in step S104 whether or not the play of the random musical score mode is requested from two or more game machines 3. When the play of the random musical score mode is not requested from the two or more game machines 3 (the change condition is not satisfied), the game machine service management unit 24 skips the subsequent processing and ends the current processing.

On the other hand, when two or more game machines 3 are requested to play in the random musical score mode (change conditions are satisfied), the game machine service management unit 24 generates a seed value common to the target group (step). S105). Subsequently, the game machine service management unit 24 provides the seed value generated in step S105 to all the game machines 3 belonging to the group (step S106). As a result, a common seed value for generating the random score is generated for each group so that the random score in the random score mode is shared in the group, and is provided to all the game machines 3 in the group. .. The seed value may be generated regardless of whether or not the change conditions are satisfied. In this case, the change condition may be separately determined, and information on whether the change condition is satisfied or not may be provided to each game machine 3.

The data generation process is a process for generating a random musical score. The example of FIG. 10 shows a case where the random sequence data QD2 corresponding to the random musical score is generated from the normal sequence data QD1 based on the seed value in each game machine 3. In this case, when the seed value is transmitted from the center server 2, the game providing unit 33 starts the data generation process of FIG. 10 and first acquires the transmitted seed value (step S201). Subsequently, the game providing unit 33 acquires the selection result of the user U (self) at the random musical score selection opportunity (step S202). Next, the game providing unit 33 determines whether or not the user U requests the play of the random musical score mode at the random musical score selection opportunity based on the acquisition result (step S203). When the play in the random musical score mode is not requested, the game providing unit 33 skips the subsequent processing and ends the current processing.

On the other hand, when the play in the random musical score mode is requested, the game providing unit 33 generates a pseudo-random number based on the seed value acquired in step S201 (step S204). Subsequently, the game providing unit 33 generates random sequence data QD2 based on the pseudo-random number generated in step S204 (step S205). Specifically, the game providing unit 33 randomly changes the musical score (relationship between the object 51 and the path 53) of the normal sequence data QD1 by applying the pseudo-random number to the normal sequence data QD1. Then, the sequence data QD corresponding to the changed musical score (random musical score) is acquired as the random sequence data QD2. As an example, the game providing unit 33 generates the random sequence data QD2 in this way. Then, after such generation, the game providing unit 33 ends the current process. As a result, when play in the random musical score mode is required, random sequence data QD2 for realizing such play is generated based on a seed value common to the group, and such random sequence data QD2 is generated. Random musical score (random musical score screen 50B) is provided based on. As a result, when the random musical score mode is required for two or more game machines 3 in the group, the random musical score is shared among the two or more game machines 3.

As described above, according to this embodiment, for example, when a music game is played in one matched group, when the normal sequence data QD1 is changed to the random sequence data QD2, the four belong to the same group. A seed value for generating the common random musical score is acquired so that the same common random musical score is used as the random musical score of two or more users U who have selected the random musical score mode among the named users U. The seed value is used to generate a random score in the music game of those two or more users U. Since such a seed value is configured so that the same pseudo-random number is generated from the same seed value, a common random sequence data QD2 is generated from the common seed value. That is, the random sequence data QD2 is matched between two or more users U in the group based on the common seed value. As a result, even if the play of the random musical score mode is required when the music game is played in the group, the random musical score in the random musical score mode is among at least two or more users U who also request the play of the random musical score mode. Can be matched. As a result, even if a random musical score mode is selected in a competitive music game in which each user U competes in such a group, fairness is at least among two or more users U who have requested such a random musical score mode. Can be secured. As a result, it is possible to suppress the user U from getting bored and to achieve fairness at the same time.

In particular, when the selection result in the random musical score selection opportunity is used as the change condition and the specific condition as described above, the wishes of each user U can be reflected in the use of the random musical score and the commonality of such random musical score. it can. As a result, the satisfaction level of each user U can be improved. In addition, when a plurality of sequence data QDs having different numbers of execution times and difficulty levels are selected for play as described above, when a random score is shared between two or more users U in the group. Also, it is permissible to use various combinations of sequence data QDs, including combinations of different difficulty levels. As a result, the fun of the game can be improved.

In the above embodiment, the game machine service management unit 24 of the center server 2 functions as the information acquisition means and the information use means of the present invention by executing the procedure of FIG. More specifically, the procedure of FIG. 9 is mainly executed through the common information generation unit 24b of the game machine service management unit 24. Therefore, the common information generation unit 24b functions as an information acquisition means by executing step S105 in FIG. Similarly, the common information generation unit 24b also functions as an information use means by executing step S106 of FIG. 9 so that the procedure of FIG. 10 is executed in each game machine 3.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned form, and may be carried out in a form in which appropriate modifications or changes are made. For example, the game machine 3 is not limited to an arcade game machine, and a stationary so-called home-use game device, a user terminal device 4, or the like may be used as the game machine 3. Further, the game machine 3 may be configured as a game device that virtually operates on a server such as a center server 2 while using these user terminal devices 4 and the like as remote input / output devices. Such a game device (including the user terminal device 4) may or may not be part of the game system. Therefore, the center server 2 may function as the game system of the present invention. On the other hand, a game device or the like may function as the center server 2. That is, a game device such as a game machine 3 may execute all or part of the roles (various processes, etc.) of the center server 2 in the above-described form. Further, in the above-described form, the game machine 3 provides a music game. However, the game provided by the game machine 3 is not limited to a music game, and may be various games that can function as a timing game.

Various aspects of the present invention derived from each of the above-described embodiments and modifications are described below. In the following description, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, the corresponding members shown in the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses, whereby the present invention is limited to the illustrated form. It's not a thing.

The game system of the present invention includes an input device (36) used for inputting a play action, an instruction sign (51) corresponding to the execution time when the play action should be executed, and a reference sign (52) corresponding to the current time. ) Is connected to a display device (37) that displays a game screen (50) including the above, and the execution time is associated with a path (53) of relative displacement that should occur between the instruction sign and the reference sign. Through the game screen, the relative displacement along the path is generated so that the positions of the indicator and the reference marker coincide with each other at the execution time based on the sequence data (QD) described. In order to change the route of a game in which the execution time is guided to each user (U) and the time of the actual play action of each user input via the input device is evaluated based on the execution time. When the change condition of the above is satisfied, a plurality of users are provided to the group as one group so as to change the route to a route (53d and 53f to 53i) different from the route (53a to 53e). In a game system, the same common (53d, and 53f to 53i) route is used as the other route of two or more users specified based on a specific condition among the plurality of users. An information acquisition means (24b) for acquiring common route information (seed value) for specifying the common route as another route, and each of the two or more users in the group when the change condition is satisfied. It is provided with an information use means (24b) that uses the common route information for changing the route so that the route is changed to the common route in the game played by the player.

According to the present invention, when the relationship between the execution time and the route described in the sequence data is changed when the game is played in the group, it is specified based on a specific condition among a plurality of users belonging to the same group. Common route information for identifying the same common route as the changed route of the two or more users is acquired, and the common route information has the same common route of the sequence data in the games of the two or more users. Used to change the route. That is, the changed routes of two or more users are matched based on the common route information. As a result, even if the relationship between the execution time and the route described in the sequence data is changed when the game is played in the group, the changed execution time and route are changed between at least two or more users in the group. The relationship with can be matched. As a result, even if such a relationship is changed, for example, in a competitive game, fairness can be ensured between at least two or more users. As a result, it is possible to suppress boredom and the like, and to achieve fairness in the results, which in turn can improve the enjoyment of the game.

Various conditions may be adopted as the change conditions. For example, the change condition may be a condition for using the play status (including past achievements) or a condition for using various selection results by each user. Alternatively, the change condition may be a condition for using the lottery result. Similarly, various conditions may be adopted as specific conditions. For example, as a specific condition, a play situation, a selection result, or a condition for using a lottery may be adopted. For example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the modification condition provides each user in the group via the display device and the input device with a selection opportunity to select whether or not to change the route. In this case, the number of applicants as users who have selected the route change at the selection opportunity is used, and the information acquisition means is satisfied when the number of applicants is two or more, and the information acquisition means is the specific condition. When the selection result in the selection opportunity is used and the two or more applicants are specified as the two or more users, the common route is used as the other route of the two or more applicants. As described above, the common route information is acquired, and the information using means is changed so that the route is changed to the common route in the game played by each of the two or more desired persons in the group. The common route information may be used to change the route. In this case, the user's wish can be reflected in the change of the route and the standardization of the changed route.

Only one sequence data may be prepared in the game, or a plurality of sequence data may be prepared. In addition, the number of execution times of the plurality of sequence data may be the same or different. Further, the difficulty level of the sequence data (the difficulty level of the game when each sequence data is used) may be the same or different. Then, these various sequence data may be used when the route is changed, that is, when the group is played so that the relationship between the execution time and the route described in the sequence data is changed. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, when the game uses a plurality of sequence data (QDa to QDc, etc.) including descriptions of a plurality of execution times having different numbers. The information use means is provided to allow the use of different sequence data between the two or more users, and the information use means is the path in the game in which each of the two or more users plays based on the different sequence data. The common route information may be used to change the route so that is changed to the common route. In this case, it is possible to allow the use of various combinations of sequence data even when the changed route is shared between two or more users in the group. Further, in such an embodiment, the information use means includes sequence data (QDa to QDc, etc.) having different difficulty levels due to the difference in the number of the plurality of execution times, so that the plurality of sequence data includes the second. When the game is provided so as to allow the use of the sequence data having different difficulty levels among the above users, each of the two or more users plays based on the sequence data having different difficulty levels. The common route information may be used to change the route so that the route is changed to the common route in the game. In this case, it is possible to allow the use of a combination of sequence data having different difficulty levels even when the changed route is shared between two or more users in the group.

The game system may be configured in various ways to provide the game to the group. For example, the game system may be configured as one game machine and directly provide the game. Alternatively, the game system may be connected to one game machine and indirectly provide the game through the game machine. In these cases, one game machine may be shared by the group. On the other hand, the game system may be connected to a plurality of game machines and indirectly provide the game through them. In this case, each game machine may be used by one user or may be used by a plurality of users. Then, a group may be formed by various methods (matching, use of various information for identifying the group, etc.). Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the information acquisition means includes the input device and the display device, respectively, so as to provide the game to the plurality of users of the group. When connected to the game machine (3), the common route information is acquired so that the common route is used as the different route in the two or more game machines corresponding to the two or more users. Then, the information using means provides the common route information so that the route is changed to the common route in the game in which each of the two or more users plays through the two or more game machines. It may be used to change the route.

The information acquisition means may acquire common route information in various modes. For example, the information acquisition means may directly acquire the common route information by generating the common route information. Alternatively, for example, when a plurality of game machines are connected to the game system, common route information may be generated in a part of these game machines, and the common route information may be acquired from the game machine. The same applies to the means of using information. For example, when the game system is composed of one game machine, the information using means may directly use the common route information by changing the route of the sequence data to a common route. Alternatively, when the game system is connected to a plurality of game machines, the information usage means indirectly provides common route information to the game machines so that the game machines use the route change. It may be used to change the route. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the information acquisition means acquires the common route information by generating the common route information, and the information use means is the two or more. When the game machine executes a change from the route to the common route based on the common route information, the common route is given to the two or more game machines so that the change is executed by the two or more game machines. By providing the information, the common route information may be used to change the route.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause the input device and the computer (21) connected to the display device to function as each means of the above-mentioned game system. The game system of the present invention can be realized by executing the computer program of the present invention.

1 Game system 3 Game machine 21 Control unit (computer)
36 Input device 37 Monitor (display device)
50 Game screen 51 Object (instruction sign)
52 Judgment line (reference sign)
53 Route 24b Common information generation unit (information acquisition means, information use means)
U User QD sequence data PG1 program (computer program)

Claims (1)

It is connected to an input device used for inputting a play action and a display device for displaying a game screen including an instruction sign corresponding to the execution time when the play action should be executed and a reference sign corresponding to the current time. , The positions of the indicator and the reference marker relative to each other at the execution time based on the sequence data described in which the execution time is associated with the path of relative displacement to occur between the indicator and the reference marker. By causing the relative displacement along the path so as to match, the execution time is guided to each user through the game screen, and the actual playing action of each user input via the input device is performed. A group of users who evaluate a game based on the execution time so that the route is changed to a route different from the route when the change condition for changing the route is satisfied. It is a game system provided to the group as
A common route for identifying the common route as the different route so that the same common route is used as the different route for two or more users specified based on a specific condition among the plurality of users. Information acquisition means to acquire route information and
The common route information is used to change the route so that the route is changed to the common route in the game played by each of the two or more users in the group when the change condition is satisfied. Information usage method and
A game system equipped with.

Images