JP2022019834A - Game management device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve a highly amusing game.

SOLUTION: A game management device comprises plural stages in which hierarchies become higher successively, releases an unreleased stage that a player cannot play, and executes a match game for setting to a release stage that the player can play. The game management device includes: adjustment means for setting a playable start date or a playable start date/time of at least one unreleased stage between a date or a date/time when the number of players who satisfy a predetermined condition reaches a predetermined number, and a reference date or a reference date/time if the date or date/time when the number of players who satisfy a predetermined condition reaches a preset, predetermined number is before a predetermined reference date or reference date/time; and stage control means for controlling an unreleased stage so as to be playable at a playable start date or playable start date/time.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a game management device and a program, and relates to a game management device and a program that enhances the interest of the player.

In recent years, games using smartphones, mobile phones, and the like as platforms have become popular. For example, a game in which a deck in which game elements such as virtual cards are combined is used, and the victory or defeat of a competitive game is determined using the parameter values of each game element constituting the deck. Among such games, there is a mode of a game in which teams play against each other (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-26237

Among various game modes, a highly interesting game mode has been sought.

Therefore, the present invention is to provide a game management device and a program for realizing a highly interesting game.

One aspect of the present invention is a game management device that executes a battle game in which a plurality of stages in which the layers are sequentially raised are sequentially released, and the playable stages of the player are sequentially released, and a predetermined condition of at least one or more release stages is satisfied. The adjustment means for adjusting the playable start date or the playable start date and time of at least one or more unreleased stages after the released stage according to the number of satisfied players, and the playable start date or the playable start date and time. It is a game management device provided with a stage control means for controlling an unreleased stage so as to be playable.

One aspect of the present invention is a computer program that executes a battle game in which a plurality of stages in which the layers are sequentially raised are sequentially released, and the playable stages of the player are sequentially released, and a predetermined condition of at least one or more release stages is satisfied. The adjustment means for adjusting the playable start date or the playable start date and time of at least one or more unreleased stages after the release stage according to the number of satisfied players, the playable start date or the playable start date and time, the unreleased stage. It is a program that makes the computer function as a stage control means for controlling a release stage in a playable manner.

The present invention can realize a highly interesting game.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration example of a game system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of a player terminal 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a battle screen of a battle game displayed on the display 11 of the player terminal 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the player terminal 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of user information data D1. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of possessed card item data D2. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the card item character data D3. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of deck setting data D4. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the buddy setting data D5 of the player A. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the game server 2. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the user information data G1. FIG. 13 is an operation flowchart of the game server 2. FIG. 14 is an example of the item acquisition screen displayed on the player terminal 1. FIG. 15 is an example of the stage release notification displayed on the player terminal 1. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a modification 1 of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a modification 2 of the embodiment of the present invention.

<Embodiment of the present invention>
[overall structure]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration example of a game system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system includes a player terminal 1 prepared for each player A and B of the game, and a game server 2. The player terminal 1 and the game server 2 can be connected to the communication line N and can communicate with each other.

The communication line N means a communication path capable of data communication. That is, the communication line N includes a telephone communication network, a cable network, a communication network such as the Internet, as well as a LAN by a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection and Ethernet (registered trademark), and the communication method is wired. / Regardless of wireless.

The player terminal 1 is a computer capable of executing a game program, and can be connected to a communication line N via a wireless communication base station or the like to perform data communication with the game server 2. The player terminal 1 is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a portable game device, a stationary home-use game device, a business-use game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a controller of a stationary home-use game device, or the like. Basically, there are a plurality of player terminals 1 and they are operated by each player.

The game server 2 is a server system including a single server device, a plurality of server devices, a storage device, and the like. The game server 2 provides various services for operating the game of the present embodiment, manages data necessary for operating the game, distributes game programs and data necessary for executing the game on the player terminal 1, and the like. It can be performed.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of a player terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the player terminal 1 includes a display 11, a touch operation panel 12 integrally configured with the display 11, and a speaker 13. Further, the player terminal 1 is provided with a control board (not shown), a built-in battery, a power button, a volume control button, and the like.

The control board is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU, GPU, and DSP, various IC memories such as ASIC, VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a wireless communication module for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station. Further, a so-called I / F circuit (interface circuit) or the like, such as a driver circuit of the touch operation panel 12, is mounted on the control board. Each element mounted on these control boards is electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and is connected so as to be able to read / write data and send / receive signals.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the above-mentioned game system is applied to a battle game using a game element possessed by the first player A and a game element possessed by the second player B as an opponent will be described. do. There are two main game elements used in competitive games.

The first game element is a character, which is embodied in an image, a virtual or tangible article, or the like. Images include still images and moving images. An example of a virtual or tangible article is, for example, a virtual card displayed on a computer, a tangible card, or the like. The article is not limited to the card, and is not limited to the card as long as the article is configured so that the game element associated with the article can be specified. The article may be, for example, a modeled object such as a figure having the appearance of a game element.

In the following description, in the game to be executed, the first game element is assumed to be a character whose behavior is controlled based on the operation of the card of the player (including the non-player operated by the computer), and corresponds to the card. It will be described as assuming that the design of the character to be used (an image showing the appearance of the character) is attached. Further, it is needless to say that the character is not limited to this, and may specify other game elements such as an item of the game to be executed and an effect to be activated.

The deck is composed of a predetermined number of first game elements. A predetermined number of first game elements are set as the player's deck. For example, when the first game element is a virtual card displayed on a computer, the deck is a group of cards composed of a predetermined number of cards selected by the player. The player selects a desired deck from the set decks, and plays a game using the cards constituting the deck.

Further, in the battle game to which the present embodiment is applied, a second game element different from the first game element is added.

The second game element is a character like the first game element, but it does not necessarily have to be associated with a virtual or physical article. And, unlike the first game element, the second game element is not the operation target of the player (including the non-player operated by the computer) in the in-game battle, and at least the phase in which the player can operate the second game element. It has the property of providing the player with operation assist information, which is information related to the progress of the game.

In other words, the second game element is different from the first game element in which the behavior is controlled based on the operation of the player (including the non-player operated by the computer), and the second game element is autonomous or voluntary in the game. In addition, it can be said that it provides operation assistance information.

The operation assistance information may be of any type as long as it is information related to the progress of the game, but for example, information on the operation method, information on the selection or action of the first game element (card selection, opponent to be attacked). (Advice information such as cards), information that favors the progress of the game (advice information such as presentation of the type of card that favors the match result of the game), and the like.

Further, the second game element uses the first game element owned by the player in the game. Using the first game element includes determining the selection or action of the first game element in the game. Assuming that the first game element is, for example, a card, the second game element autonomously or voluntarily determines the selection or action of the card held by the player in the in-game match. In other words, it performs the same operation as the selection of the first game element or the determination of the action performed by the player, like the function of a non-player operated by a computer. However, the conventional non-player is operated by a computer instead of the human player, but the second game element exists separately from the human player and uses the first game element owned by the player. It is different in that it does.

Further, the second game element has character information. This character information is attribute information of the second game element. The character information affects the autonomous or voluntary behavior of the second game element (use of the first game element). In other words, the character information is the ability of the second game element, and the difference in this ability causes the autonomous or voluntary action of the second game element (providing operation assist information, use of the first game element). ) Is different. Then, this character information differs depending on the acquired second game element. The character information changes according to the progress of the player's game. Character information can have multiple parameters. For example, in the present embodiment, the character information changes depending on a parameter (hereinafter referred to as a level) that changes depending on the experience value obtained from the result of the game of the player and the frequency of use of the first game element used by the player. Parameters (hereinafter referred to as card comprehension), parameters that change depending on the usage ratio of the type of the first game element used by the player (hereinafter referred to as personality), and by the player achieving a predetermined event. Includes changing parameters (hereinafter referred to as sync level). Further, as will be described later, it can be changed by the experience value obtained according to the progress of the game of the second game element itself, such as when the second game element plays a match.

There may be a plurality of second game elements, and each second game element may have different character information at an initial stage. Then, the player may select a desired second game element from a plurality of second game elements having different character information.

The autonomous or voluntary action of the second game element is performed by the AI function provided in the game server 2. This AI function is possible by a learning model obtained by machine learning using the contents of the game progress of many competitive games and the results thereof as teacher data. The machine learning method is typically, but not limited to, deep learning, reinforcement learning, or a combination thereof. The learning model can output different actions according to the character information of the second game element. As a method of realizing this, for example, the higher the character information of the second game element, the longer the time for searching for the optimum solution, and the higher the character information of the second game element, the better than dealing with a certain situation. There is a learning model that can obtain the optimum solution.

The above-mentioned second game element may be described as a buddy in the following description.

The first game element and the second game element are game elements mainly used for battles. In the present embodiment, in addition to the first game element and the second game element, a game element that can be exchanged for the first game element or the second game element, a game element that gives an effect to the first game element and the second game element. , There are game elements that change the appearance of the first game element and the second game element. Such game elements that are basically not used in battles are described as items. Items are mainly provided by the game management side.

The item is, for example, an in-game currency for acquiring the first game element or the second game element, a ticket exchangeable for the first game element or the second game element, the appearance of the first game element or the second game element. A ticket or the like that allows the (expression form) to be changed. It also does not prevent the item from being the first game element or the second game element itself.

[Outline of game content]
Next, in order to help understanding the description of the embodiment, the outline of the game will be described using the display screen of the display 11 of the player terminal 1.

In the game of the present embodiment, the player uses a virtual game card (a first game element embodied by a character, hereinafter simply referred to as a "card"), which is a game object, in the game. Multiple types of cards are prepared, and they are distinguished by the combination of the character's ability, rarity, attribute (color), number, etc. associated with each. As for the character's ability, for example, the ability parameter values such as the level, attack power, and HP used for battle play (battle) with an opponent such as a computer-controlled enemy character or another player are defined.

The minimum number of cards required for battle play (battle) is given at the time of account registration, and can be obtained during the game, by purchase as a billing item, or by lottery called gacha. .. In addition, the card can also be obtained by obtaining a real game card (hereinafter referred to as "real card") and performing a registration procedure for making the obtained real card usable in the game. Specifically, the players A and B can acquire a card of the card type associated with the real card by performing the registration procedure of the real card.

Then, the player A organizes a deck with a predetermined number of cards (for example, 40 cards) possessed, and challenges the battle play (battle) using the deck. In battle play (battle) using a deck, the victory or defeat with the opponent is determined by using the ability parameter value of the character and the setting value of the card attribute defined in the card (deck card) constituting the deck. ..

Before starting the game, players A and B register an account. At the time of this account registration, by selecting a favorite buddy from a plurality of types of second game elements (hereinafter referred to as buddy) presented by the player terminal 1, the buddy forming a group together with the players A and B can be formed. Each is set. Differences in the abilities and personalities of this selected buddy can change later gameplay styles. Then, each player A and B organizes a deck with a predetermined number (for example, 40) of the cards they have. Deck organization can be performed from the deck organization menu presented as one of the touch operations of the card menu from the home screen or the like. Battle play (battle) is started by selecting and operating the battle menu from the home screen displayed after login.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a battle screen of a battle game displayed on the display 11 of the player terminal 1. The battle screen displayed on the display 11 includes a first player area 40, which is an area of the own player, and a second player area 41, which is an area of an opponent player to play against. Further, at the boundary between the first player area 40 and the second player area 41, the operation information 42 that displays the information of the operation that can be executed at present is displayed.

Each area of the first player area 40 and the second player area 41 includes a hand area 43, a field area 44, a base area 45, and a life area 46. Cards (hands) acquired from the own deck are placed in the hand area 43. Cards selected by the player from the hand area 43 or the base area 45 are arranged in the field area 44. By consuming a predetermined cost, the card in the hand area 43 can be placed in the field area 44. Cards placed in the field area 44 can activate card actions or effects. In the base area 45, cards and mana items that are consumed as a cost for arranging cards in the field area 44 are arranged. The life area 46 includes a player life area 47, which is an area of a player having a life (HP), and a force life area 48, which is an area of a first object (force) having a life as well. In the player life area 47, the second object corresponding to the player and the life value of the player are displayed. In the force life area 48, the first object and the life value of the first object are displayed. The first object exerts a specific effect in the game. In this example, the image of the buddy is displayed as the second object.

In the battle, the turn of the player A and the turn of the opponent player B are executed alternately. Each turn consists of multiple phases such as a standby phase, a mana phase (card use preparation phase), and a main phase (competition phase).

The standby phase consists of steps such as placing a card drawn from the deck in the hand area 43. In the mana phase, players may place cards or mana items in their base area 45.

In the main phase, the player can summon a character, attack an opponent (attack), activate a card effect, move a card, and so on. Summoning a character means placing a card in the field area 44 on condition that the cost is consumed.

The attack on the opponent is composed of a plurality of steps such as an attack designation step, a flash timing step, a block designation step, and a battle resolution step. The attack designation step is a step in which the own player selects an attack target from the opponent player and the force. The flash timing step is a step in which the own player and the opponent player can use a specific card having special effects with each other. The block designation step is a step in which the opponent player can select whether or not to block the attack from the own player by using the card arranged in the field area 44 of the second player area 41. The battle resolution step is a step of determining the result of the attack, and based on the determination result, performing a resolution process such as extinguishing the card on the attack side or the card on the block side, reducing the life of the opponent player or the force.

The activation of the card effect activates the effect of a specific card having a special effect (for example, a magic card) arranged in the hand area 43 on condition that the cost is consumed. Further, the movement of the card is to move the card between the field area 44 and the base area 45. The player may end the battle phase without summoning a character, attacking an opponent (attack), activating a card effect, moving a card, or the like.

The turn consisting of such a series of phases is repeated alternately by the team of player A and the team of the opponent player B, and the life of any player becomes 0 or the number of cards in the deck becomes 0. By doing so, the victory or defeat is decided. Depending on the battle result, the player's rank, the buddy's experience value, and the buddy's character information (change ability information) change.

The above example is a normal battle play in which player A and player B play against each other, and while the buddy is in a battle, the buddy of each player A and B provides advice to players A and B.

In addition, team battles are also possible by utilizing the fact that the second game element (buddy) can perform autonomous or voluntary actions (use of cards). For example, player A and player A's buddy form one team, and player B and player B's buddy form one team. Then, one team battle is composed of the first game in which the buddy of player A and the buddy of player B play against each other to decide the victory or defeat, and the second game in which the buddy of player B and the buddy of player A play against each other to decide the victory or defeat. Is. In such a team battle, the deck used by each player and the player's buddy is set from the deck owned by the player. The deck to be set may be the same for the player and the player's buddy, or different decks may be used for the player and the player's buddy.

In addition, the player can play against the second game element (non-player) prepared by the management side by utilizing the fact that the second game element (buddy) can execute an autonomous or voluntary action (use of a card). Is also possible.

In the present embodiment, there are a plurality of virtual battlefields (hereinafter referred to as "stages") in which the player can play against the second game element (non-player) prepared by the management side as described above, and hierarchically. A case where the second game element (non-player) is sequentially applied to a battle mode in which the level becomes higher (stronger) will be described. Here, a stage in which the player can play (competition) is described as a release stage, and a stage in which the player cannot play (competition) is described as an unreleased stage. Then, an example in which the unreleased stage of the next layer is released according to the number of players satisfying the predetermined condition of the release stage will be described.

In the case of such a battle mode in which the stages are released sequentially, in order to make all the players participating in the game feel a sense of unity, the higher the stage, the more the next stage is released. Tighten the conditions.

However, there are a certain number of core players among the game players, and such players have a high game level, so as such players release the stage one after another, other players can keep up with the speed. However, the sense of unity is impaired. On the other hand, if the conditions for releasing the stage are further tightened in order to prevent this, no player who meets the conditions will appear, the stage will not be released indefinitely, and the player will be reluctant. That is, it is important whether to release the unreleased stage or the release date and time.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the playable start date or the playable start date and time of at least one or more unreleased stages after the release stage are adjusted according to the number of players who satisfy the predetermined conditions of at least one release stage. ..

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the present embodiment. In FIG. 4, there are stages 1 to 6 on the 6th floor, stage 1 is the lowest stage, and stage 6 is the highest stage. At present, stages 1, 2, and 3 are release stages, which are playable by the player. Stages 4, 5 and 6 are unreleased stages and cannot be played by the player. In such an example, when the number of players who have achieved the predetermined condition of the release stage 3 reaches 300 (predetermined number), the case where the unreleased stage 4 which is the next higher stage is released will be described.

First, the game management side sets a reference date that is a scheduled date for releasing the unreleased stage 4. In this example, the reference date is March 10, 2020. Then, if the achievement date when the number of players who have achieved the predetermined condition of the release stage 3 reaches 300 is earlier than the reference date, the sense of unity is impaired if the release is made too early, which is the achievement date. A stage release date will be set between March 5, 2020 and March 10, 2020, which is the reference date. For example, March 7, 2020, which is an intermediate value between the achievement date of March 5, 2020 and the reference date of March 10, 2020, is set as the stage release date.

If the achievement date when the number of players who have achieved the predetermined conditions of the release stage 3 reaches 300 is after the reference date, in other words, as of March 10, 2020, which is the reference date, the release stage 3 If the number of players who have achieved the predetermined conditions does not reach 300, if the stage is left as it is, the release date of the stage will be significantly delayed from the reference date, and the players will be reluctant. Therefore, the predetermined number is adjusted. Specifically, the number of 300 will be reduced to 250. Then, the day when the number of players who have achieved the predetermined conditions reaches the reduced predetermined number is set as the stage release date.

By adjusting the release date of the unreleased stage based on the above concept, it is possible to enhance the fun of the game without impairing the sense of unity of the player and without being reluctant to the player.

[Functional configuration]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the player terminal 1.

As shown in FIG. 5, the player terminal 1 includes an operation input unit 51, a processing unit 52, an image display unit 53, a sound output unit 54, a communication unit 55, and a storage unit 56.

The operation input unit 51 is for the player to input various operations related to the game, and outputs an operation input signal corresponding to the operation input to the processing unit 52. The functions of the operation input unit 51 include, for example, touch operation pads, home buttons, button switches, joysticks, trackballs, and other elements directly operated by player A with fingers, as well as acceleration sensors, angular velocity sensors, tilt sensors, and geomagnetic sensors. It can also be realized by an element that detects movement or posture. In FIG. 2, the touch operation panel 12 corresponds to this.

The processing unit 52 comprehensively controls the operation of the player terminal 1 based on the programs and data stored in the storage unit 56, the operation input signal from the operation input unit 51, and the like. The function of the processing unit 52 can be realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or an IC memory. The processing unit 52 includes a game calculation unit 61, an image generation unit 62, a sound generation unit 63, and a communication control unit 64 as main functional units.

The game calculation unit 61 executes various game processes for realizing the game of the present embodiment, and outputs the processing results to the image generation unit 62 and the sound generation unit 63. The game calculation unit 61 includes a player information management unit 70, a card item management unit 71, a deck setting unit 72, a buddy setting unit 73, a battle execution unit 74, a notification receiving unit 75, and an item acquisition unit 76. Including the game management unit 77.

The player information management unit 70 manages player information using the user information data D1. The information to be managed manages basic user information such as a player's nickname (player name), in-game user identification information (user ID), buddy identification information, player rank, buddy level, and the like. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of user information data D1.

The card item management unit 71 uses the possessed card item data D2 stored in the storage unit 56 and the card character data D3 to manage cards that can be provided by the game system, including whether or not the player possesses and uses them. conduct.

The possessed card item data D2 includes card identification information of a card that can be provided by the game system, a possession flag indicating whether or not the player possesses the card, and a usage permission flag indicating whether or not the card can be used by the player. Is the data group associated with the associated data group, the item identification information of the item that can be provided by the game system, and the number of possessions of the player of the item.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of possessed card item data D2. In FIG. 7, the card identification information of the card that can be provided by the game system is described in the card identification information field. Then, "1" is set in the possession flag field when the player possesses the card of the card identification information, and "0" is set in the possession flag field when the player does not possess the card. Has been done. Further, if the card of the card identification information can be used by the player, "1" is set in the field of the enable flag, and if the card cannot be used by the player, "0" is set in the field of the permission flag. It is set. Further, in the item identification information field, the item identification information of the item that can be provided by the game system is described. Then, when the player holds the item of the item identification information, the "holding number" is set in the field of holding number. FIG. 7 shows an example of the possessed card item data D2, and is not limited thereto. Even if "0" is set in the possession flag field, "1" may be set in the usable flag field. For example, even if the card is not owned by the player, the player may temporarily use the card.

The card item character data D3 is data in which the identification information of the card or the item and the character information of the card or the item are associated with each other. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the card item character data D3. In FIG. 8, the card identification information and the character information (character image, card name, card type, cost number, attribute, race, ability, attack power, hit point, and rarity) are associated with each other. In addition, item identification information and character information (character image, item name, effect) are associated with each other. Note that FIG. 8 shows an example of the card item character data D3, and the present invention is not limited to this.

The card item management unit 71 acquires the identification information of the card or item and the card item character data D3 of the identification information, if there is a new card or item that can be provided, via communication with the game server 2. Then, the card item management unit 71 adds the acquired card identification information to the possessed card item data D2, sets the possession flag of the card identification information to "0", and sets the field of the usable flag to "0". Further, the acquired card character data D3 is stored in the storage unit 56. Then, when the player newly acquires and holds a card, the card management unit 71 sets the holding flag of the card identification information of the holding card item data D3 to "1" and the field of the usable flag to "1". .. Similarly, the card item management unit 71 adds the acquired item identification information to the possessed card item data D2, and sets the number of possessed item identification information to “0”. Further, the acquired card item character data D3 is stored in the storage unit 56. Then, when the player newly acquires and holds an item, the card item management unit 71 sets the number of possessed item identification information of the possessed card item data D3 to the number of possessed items.

The deck setting unit 72 presents a card (in principle, a possessed card) that can be currently used as a card constituting the deck by using the possessed card item data D2 and the card item character data D3, and is presented by the user's operation. Select the cards that make up the deck from the cards you have used, and set (edit) the deck. The set deck can be used not only by the player in the match, but also by the player's buddy. The deck setting unit 72 generates deck setting data D4 in which the name of the set deck, the identification information (deck ID) of the deck, and the card identification information of each card constituting the deck are associated with each other, and the storage unit 72. Store in 56. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of deck setting data D4. In the example of FIG. 9, it is an example of the deck setting data D4 of the deck 1 of the player A, and the deck 1 of the deck ID “D001” is from the card of the card identification information “0001”, “0006” to the card identification information “0450”. This is an example showing that it is configured. Note that FIG. 9 shows an example of the deck setting data D3, and the present invention is not limited to this.

The buddy setting unit 73 manages the information about the buddy selected by the player from the plurality of buddies (second game elements) at the time of account registration by the players A and B using the buddy setting data D4. The buddy setting data D4 is the character information of the buddy selected from the menu setting. The character information of this buddy changes as the game progresses, but when the change occurs, the changed character information is notified from the game server 2 and the character information is updated. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the buddy setting data D5 of the player A. In the example of FIG. 10, the buddy setting data D5 includes the buddy identification information, the buddy image, the buddy name, the level, and the character information. FIG. 10 shows an example of the buddy setting data D5, and is not limited thereto. The level and character information of the buddy (second game element) at the time of account registration are set to the initial value (lowest value). When the buddy is changed, the level and character information of the previous buddy is not inherited, and the level and character information of the changed buddy (second game element) are set to the initial value (lowest value). Further, the buddy setting unit 73 outputs the image information of the buddy to the image generation unit 62 during the battle or on other menu screens.

The battle execution unit 74 uses the set deck to execute a normal battle between players and a stage battle (a battle between a player and a non-player) composed of a plurality of hierarchical stages.

The notification receiving unit 75 receives a message notifying that the unreleased stage has been released and play has become possible. A message is transmitted from the game server 2 to both the player who satisfies the predetermined condition of the release stage and the player who does not satisfy the predetermined condition of the release stage.

The item acquisition unit 76 acquires an item provided to the player who has achieved the predetermined condition of the release stage and an item provided to all the players participating in the game when the unreleased stage is released. The item acquisition unit 76 transmits the item identification information of the acquired item to the card item management unit 71.

The game management unit 76 manages the progress of the entire game.

The image generation unit 62 generates one game screen in one frame time (for example, 1/60 second) based on the processing result of the game calculation unit 61, and outputs the image signal of the generated game screen to the image display unit 103. do. The function of the image generation unit 63 is used, for example, for a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC or a video codec, an IC memory for a drawing frame such as a frame buffer, and expansion of texture data. It can be realized by using an IC memory or the like.

The sound generation unit 63 generates sound signals such as sound effects related to the game, BGM, voice information of operation assist information, and various operation sounds based on the processing result of the game calculation unit 61, and outputs them to the sound output unit 54. The function of the sound generation unit 64 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of reproducing a voice file, or the like.

The communication control unit 64 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with the game server 2.

The image display unit 53 displays various game screens based on the image signals input from the image generation unit 63. The function of the image display unit 53 can be realized by a display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 2, the image display unit 53 corresponds to the display 11.

The sound output unit 54 is for outputting sound effects and the like related to the game based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 64. In FIG. 2, the sound output unit 54 corresponds to the speaker 13.

The communication unit 55 connects to the communication line N to realize communication. The function of the communication unit 55 can be realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, or the like.

The storage unit 56 stores in advance a program for operating the player terminal 1 and realizing various functions included in the player terminal 1, data used during execution of this program, and the like, or temporarily stores each time a process is performed. Is remembered. The storage unit 56 can be realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM, ROM, or a flash memory, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD, or the like.

A system program and a game program are stored in the storage unit 56. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of the player terminal 1 as a computer. The game program is a program for making the processing unit 52 function as the game calculation unit 61. This program is distributed from the game server 2 or another application distribution server or the like when the player completes the account registration.

Further, the storage unit 56 stores user information data D1, possessed card item data D2, card item character data D3, deck setting data D4, and buddy setting data D5. In addition, model data, texture data, motion data, effect data, background image of the game screen, sound data such as sound effects, etc. for displaying images of card characters and buddies are necessary data for the game as appropriate. Is delivered and stored in the storage unit 56.

Next, the configuration of the game server 2 will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the game server 2.

The game server 2 includes a processing unit 91, a communication unit 92, and a storage unit 93.

The processing unit 91 includes a player management unit 101, an AI processing unit 102, a battle execution unit 103, a stage management unit 104, a stage release date adjustment unit 105, a notification unit 105, an item provision unit 106, and a game management unit. A unit 107 is provided.

The player management unit 101 manages the account, the progress of the game, and the like for each player of the player terminal 1 by using the user information data G1. The user information data G1 is basic data of players participating in the game, and records user information data G1 for each player. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the user information data G1. In the example of FIG. 12, the user identification information D1 of the player, the possessed card item data D2, the deck setting data D4, the buddy setting data D5, and the information on whether or not the clear condition of the stage described later is achieved for each player are displayed. Includes. Note that FIG. 12 shows an example of the user information data G1, and is not limited to this.

The AI processing unit 102 has a learning model obtained by machine learning the teacher data such as the contents of the game progress of many competitive games and the results thereof. The output content of this learning model differs depending on the character information of the buddy (the ability of the buddy). As an example of such a learning model, the higher the character information of the buddy (the ability of the buddy), the longer the time to search for the optimum solution, and the higher the character information of the buddy (the ability of the buddy), the more the situation is. There is a learning model that gives a more optimal solution to deal with. Deep learning is a typical method of machine learning, but it is not limited to this. The AI processing unit 102 inputs the card setting information transmitted from the player terminal 1 and the character information of the player buddy of the player terminal 1, and operates auxiliary information (advice information) or buddy card operation in the status of the card setting information. Output information. Card operation information is information such as card movement, attack target, and defense method. Since the content of the card operation information differs depending on the character information of the buddy in the algorithm, even if the card setting information transmitted from the player terminal 1 is the same, if the character information of the buddy of the player is different, different operations are performed. Auxiliary information (advice information) or card operation information may be output.

The battle execution unit 103 not only executes a player-player battle, but also executes a player-to-buddy (non-player) battle performed in the release stage in response to the output of the AI processing unit 102.

The stage management unit 104 manages a plurality of stages prepared by the management side in which a non-player and a player can play against each other, and the higher the level, the higher the level of the non-player. The stage management unit 104 manages a released stage in which all players can play against each other and an unreleased stage in which the player cannot play against each other.

Predetermined conditions for each stage (hereinafter referred to as stage clear conditions) are set in the stage management unit 104. The stage clearing conditions include, for example, executing a battle in the release stage, winning the battle in the release stage, or satisfying the conditions (quests, etc.) given in the release stage. When the player achieves the predetermined conditions of each of these stages, the player who achieves the predetermined condition is given an item as a reward. The player who has cleared the stage clear condition records information indicating that the player has cleared the stage in the user information data G1. For example, a player who has cleared the flag sets the flag to "1", and a player who has not cleared the flag sets the flag to "0".

The stage management unit 104 has a counter that counts up every time a player who has achieved the stage clear condition of the release stage occurs, counts the number of players who have achieved the stage clear condition of the release stage, and adjusts the count number to the stage release date. Notify unit 105. Whether or not to count duplicate players (for example, players who achieve the stage clear condition a plurality of times) as the number of players who have achieved the stage clear condition of the release stage depends on the stage clear condition.

The stage management unit 104 releases the unreleased stage to the release stage on the unreleased stage release date or release date and time notified from the stage release date adjustment unit 105.

The stage release date adjustment unit 105 adjusts the release date or release date and time of the unreleased stage. The stage release date adjustment unit 105 is set with stage release conditions for releasing the unreleased stage. The stage release condition is that the number of players satisfying the stage clear condition required to release the unreleased stage is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. For example, the number of players satisfying the stage clearing condition of the release stage immediately below the unreleased stage is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. This predetermined value differs for each stage. For example, the higher the stage, the smaller the value (the number of players is small). Further, the stage release date adjustment unit 105 is set with a scheduled date (base date) or a scheduled date and time (base date and time) for releasing each unreleased stage.

The stage release date adjustment unit 105 receives from the stage management unit 104 the number of players who satisfy the stage clear condition of the release stage, the number of players who satisfy the stage clear condition of the release stage, and the stage release set in the release stage. Compare with a given number of conditions. Then, the release date of the unreleased stage is adjusted or set from the relationship between the comparison result, the current date or the current date and time, and the reference date or the reference date and time. The release date or release date and time of the set unreleased stage is notified to the stage management unit 104.

When the unreleased stage is released by the stage management unit 104, the notification unit 105 sends a message notifying that the unreleased stage has been released to the player terminal 1. The player to notify is transmitted not only to the player who meets the stage clear condition but also to the player who does not meet the stage clear condition.

The item providing unit 106 provides an item to the player. Items to be provided include, for example, in-game currency for acquiring a card or buddy, a ticket that can be exchanged for a card or buddy, a ticket that makes the appearance (expression form) of the card or buddy changeable, and the like. Not limited to. In addition, there are the following methods for providing items to the player.
(1) Each time the stage clear condition of each release stage is cleared, an item is provided to the cleared player.
(2) When the unreleased stage is released, the item is provided to all participating players. In this case, the type and number of items to be provided may be different between the player who has cleared the stage clear condition for releasing the unreleased stage and the player who has not cleared the stage clear condition. This is to reward the players who contributed to the release of the unreleased stage.

The game management unit 107 manages the entire game.

The communication unit 92 connects to the communication line N to realize communication.

A system program and a game program are stored in the storage unit 93. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of the game server 2 as a computer. The game program includes the processing unit 91, the layer management unit 101, the AI processing unit 102, the battle execution unit 103, the card providing unit 104, the first gift item providing unit 105, and the second gift item providing unit 106. , Is a program for functioning as a game management unit 107.

Further, the recording unit 92 stores the user information data G1 and the card data.

The card data is the card data of all the cards used in this game. Basically, the same data as the above-mentioned card item character data D3 is stored for all the cards and items used in the game. In addition, the card data includes the basic data of the buddy used in this game (buddy identification information, character image, buddy name, initial value of level, initial value of card comprehension, initial value of personality, and initial value of synchro level. ) May be included.

[Operation of each device]
The operation of the game server 2 will be described. FIG. 13 is an operation flowchart of the game server 2. Also, FIG. 4 will be referred to in a timely manner. In the following description, the count number of players who satisfy the stage clearing condition of the released stage X, which has the highest hierarchy among the released released stages, is set to N, and the predetermined number of the stage release conditions of the unreleased stage Y to be released next. Let be M.

The stage management unit 104 counts the number N of players who satisfy the stage clear condition of the release stage X every time a player who satisfies the stage clear condition of the release stage X appears (Step 1). Then, the count number N is notified to the stage release date adjustment unit 105.

The stage release date adjusting unit 105 compares the count number N with the predetermined number M (Step 2). As a result of the comparison, if the count number N is a predetermined number M or more (Step 3), the current date and the reference date are compared (Step 4). If the current date is after the reference date, the current date (achievement date) is set as the stage release date of the unreleased stage Y, and the stage management unit 104 is notified (Step 5). On the other hand, if the current date is earlier than the reference date, the release date of the unreleased stage Y is set between the current date and the reference date, and the stage management unit 104 is notified (Step 9). For example, the release date of the unreleased stage Y is set as an intermediate date or a reference date between the current date and the reference date. Note that this example is an example, and other examples may be used as long as the release date is between the current date and the reference date.

As a result of comparison between the count number N and the predetermined number M, the stage release date adjustment unit 105 compares the current date with the reference date if the count number N is less than the predetermined number M (Step 3). If the current date is before the reference date, the process returns to Step 1. On the other hand, if the current date is after the reference date, the predetermined number M is adjusted (Step 8). Specifically, the predetermined number M is reduced. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the predetermined number M is reduced from 300 to 250. However, the reduction is an example and is not limited to this. Then, the process returns to Step 1.

The stage management unit 104 releases the unreleased stage Y on the stage release date notified by the stage release date adjustment unit 105 (Step 6). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the stage 4 is released on the stage release day.

When the unreleased stage Y is released by the stage management unit 104, the notification unit 105 notifies all the players that the unreleased stage Y has been released (Step 10).

Subsequently, the item providing unit 106 provides the first item to all the players as a reward for the release of the unreleased stage Y (Step 11). Further, a second item is provided to the player who satisfies the stage clearing condition of the release stage X (the player who contributed to the release of the unreleased stage Y) (Step 11). The second item is more valuable in the game than the first item. The first item and the second item may be the same item, and in that case, the number of the second items is larger than the number of the first items.

Next, the operation of the player terminal 1 will be described.

The battle execution unit 74 of the player terminal 1 plays a battle in the release stage. When the stage clear condition of the open stage being played is achieved, the item acquisition unit 76 acquires an item as a reward and updates the possessed card item data D3. In addition, the item for the release of the unreleased stage is acquired, and the possessed card item data D3 is updated. FIG. 14 is an example of the item acquisition screen displayed on the player terminal 1. The example of FIG. 14 is an example of the item acquisition screen displayed on the player terminal 1 when the unreleased stage is released, and the stage clear release player reward and the stage release reward are displayed. The stage clear release player reward is a reward given to a player who has cleared the stage clear conditions and contributed to releasing the stage. The stage release reward is a reward given to all players when the stage is released.

Further, when the unreleased stage is released, the notification receiving unit 75 receives a message from the game server 2. FIG. 15 is an example of the stage release notification displayed on the player terminal 1.

In the above-mentioned example, the example of the release date and the reference date has been described, but the release date and time may be set up to the time such as the release date and time or the reference date and time.

In this embodiment, the release date of the unreleased stage is adjusted according to the number of players who have achieved the condition for releasing the unopened stage. As a result, the sense of unity of the player is not impaired, and the player is not reluctant to play the game.

<Modification 1 of the embodiment of the present invention>
Modification 1 of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a modification 1 of the embodiment of the present invention.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in the upper example of FIG. 16, a case where one stage is released has been described. However, there may be multiple stages to release. For example, as shown in the example below in FIG. 16, even if three stages in the upper hierarchy of the release stage are released as release stages according to the number of players who have achieved the predetermined conditions for releasing the unopened stage. good.

<Modification 2 of the embodiment of the present invention>
Modification 2 of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a modification 2 of the embodiment of the present invention.

In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the stage release condition is the number of players that satisfies the stage clear condition of the release stage immediately below the unreleased stage. However, it is not limited to this.

For example, the stage release condition may be such that the total value of the number of players satisfying the stage clear condition of each release stage is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In the example of FIG. 17, when the total number of players satisfying the stage clearing conditions of the release stages 1, 2 and 3 reaches 1000, the unreleased stages 4, 5 and 6 are released. Then, when the total number of players satisfying the stage clearing conditions of the release stages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 reaches 3,500, the unreleased stages 7, 8 and 9 are released.

In the above case, the stage management unit 104 counts the number of players who satisfy the stage clearing conditions of each release stage. The stage release condition set in the stage release date adjustment unit 105 is that the total value of the number of players satisfying the stage clear condition of each release stage is equal to or greater than a predetermined value N. The predetermined value N is 1000 people under the stage release conditions of the unreleased stages 4, 5 and 6, and 3500 people under the stage release conditions of the unreleased stages 7, 8 and 9.

Other operations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

In the above embodiments, a card game using a virtual game card has been exemplified, but the applicable game genre is not limited. For example, it may be a sports competition game in which a character associated with the first game element is used as a player, or a character training game associated with the first game element.

Further, some or all of the above embodiments are described as in the following appendix, but are not limited to the following.

[Appendix 1]
It is a computer that executes a battle game that consists of multiple stages in which the hierarchy is sequentially increased and the stages that can be played by the player are sequentially released.
It has a memory for storing execution instructions and a processor.
The processor receives the execution instruction.
An adjustment process for adjusting the playable start date or playable start date and time of at least one or more unreleased stages after the release stage according to the number of players who satisfy the predetermined conditions of at least one release stage.
A computer that executes a stage control process that controls the unreleased stage to be playable on the playable start date or the playable start date and time.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiments and can be variously modified and implemented within the scope of the technical idea.

1 Player terminal 2 Game server 11 Display 12 Touch operation panel 13 Speaker 51 Operation input unit 52 Processing unit 53 Image display unit 54 Sound output unit 55 Communication unit 56 Storage unit 61 Game calculation unit 62 Image generation unit 63 Sound generation unit 64 Communication control Unit 70 Player information management unit 71 Card item management unit 72 Deck setting unit 73 Buddy setting unit 74 Battle execution unit 75 Notification reception unit 76 Item acquisition unit 77 Game management unit 91 Processing unit 92 Communication unit 93 Storage unit 101 Player management unit 102 AI Processing unit 103 Battle execution unit 104 Stage management unit 105 Stage release date adjustment unit 106 Item provision unit 107 Game management unit

Claims (14)

It is a game management device that executes a competitive game that consists of multiple stages in which the hierarchy is sequentially raised, releases unreleased stages that cannot be played by the player, and makes them playable released stages by the player.
When the number of players who meet the predetermined conditions reaches the predetermined number or the date and time is before the predetermined reference date or the reference date and time, the date when the number of players who meet the predetermined conditions reaches the predetermined number. Alternatively, an adjusting means for setting a playable start date or a playable start date and time of at least one or more of the unreleased stages between the date and time and the reference date or the reference date and time.
A stage control means for controlling the unreleased stage so that it can be played on the playable start date or the playable start date and time.
A game management device equipped. It is a game management device that executes a competitive game that consists of multiple stages in which the hierarchy is sequentially raised, releases unreleased stages that cannot be played by the player, and makes them playable released stages by the player.
If the number of players who meet the predetermined conditions does not reach the predetermined number on the predetermined reference date or the reference date and time, the predetermined number is changed and at least one or more playable start dates of the unreleased stages are started. Or an adjustment means to adjust the playable start date and time,
A stage control means for controlling the unreleased stage so that it can be played on the playable start date or the playable start date and time.
A game management device equipped with. The predetermined condition is a condition in at least one release stage.
The game management device according to claim 1 or 2. The predetermined condition is at least one of performing a match in each release stage, winning the match in each release stage, or satisfying the conditions given in each release stage.
The game management device according to claim 3. The predetermined number differs for each release stage.
The game management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The predetermined number is smaller as the stage has a higher hierarchy.
The game management device according to claim 5. The stage control means controls a plurality of unreleased stages to be playable on the playable start date or the playable start date and time of the unreleased stage.
The game management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The game management according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the stage control means controls a player who satisfies the predetermined condition and a player who does not satisfy the predetermined condition so as to be playable in the release stage. Device. It is provided with a notification unit for notifying a player who satisfies the predetermined condition and a player who does not satisfy the predetermined condition that the unreleased stage has become the released stage.
The game management device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A reward providing unit for providing a reward to a player who meets the predetermined conditions is provided.
The game management device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. When the unreleased stage becomes playable, the reward providing unit provides a reward to a player who meets the predetermined condition and a player who does not meet the predetermined condition.
The game management device according to claim 10. The reward providing unit controls the reward provided to the player who meets the predetermined condition and the reward provided to the player who does not meet the predetermined condition so as to be different.
The game management device according to claim 11. It is a computer program that executes a competitive game that consists of multiple stages in which the hierarchy is sequentially raised, and the unreleased stage that cannot be played by the player is released to be the released stage that can be played by the player.
When the number of players who meet the predetermined conditions reaches the predetermined number or the date and time is before the predetermined reference date or the reference date and time, the date when the number of players who meet the predetermined conditions reaches the predetermined number. Or an adjusting means for setting a playable start date or a playable start date and time of at least one or more of the unreleased stages between the date and time and the reference date or the reference date and time.
A stage control means for controlling the unreleased stage to be playable on the playable start date or the playable start date and time.
A program that makes the computer function as. It is a computer program that executes a competitive game that consists of multiple stages in which the hierarchy is sequentially raised, and the unreleased stage that cannot be played by the player is released to be the released stage that can be played by the player.
If the number of players who meet the predetermined conditions does not reach the predetermined number on the predetermined reference date or the reference date and time, the predetermined number is changed and at least one or more playable start dates of the unreleased stages are started. Or an adjustment means to adjust the playable start date and time,
A stage control means for controlling the unreleased stage to be playable on the playable start date or the playable start date and time.
A program that makes the computer function as.

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