JP2022184546A - Program, computer, system, and method - Google Patents

Abstract

To increase pleasure of a user.SOLUTION: A computer is caused: to define a virtual space; to arrange a player character corresponding to a player operating a terminal in the virtual space; to change states of the player character from a first state to a second state when a specific condition is established (Step S202); to receive first information transmitted by a terminal receiving a first operation by the player; to move the player character in the virtual space according to the received first information; to regulate the execution to move the player character in the virtual space when the state of the player character is the second state; to receive second information transmitted by a terminal receiving a second operation by the player; and to arrange one or more specific objects in the virtual space according to the received second information when the state of the player character is the second state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present disclosure relates to programs, computers, systems, and methods.

Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a game aimed at annihilating enemy characters by attacking enemy characters while moving in a first area. In this game, when the user's character dies, the user can attack enemy characters while moving through the second area.

“This is what happens when Bomberman 4 TAS and CPU play against each other”, [online], February 17, 2017, snacks, [searched January 10, 2019], Internet <https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=2yNTNGZN3T8>

The game disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 can be used before the character's state changes (for example, before the character becomes dead) and after the character changes (for example, when the character becomes dead). Later) also has a game feature of attacking enemy characters. In other words, the game characteristics do not change before the character's state changes and after the character's state changes. Therefore, there is room for increasing user enjoyment.

A program according to an aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to define a virtual space, place a player character corresponding to a player who operates a terminal in the virtual space, and when a specific condition is satisfied, , changing the state of the player character from the first state to the second state; receiving first information transmitted by the terminal that has received the first operation by the player; responsively, moving the player character in the virtual space; regulating execution of moving the player character in the virtual space when the state of the player character is the second state; Receiving second information transmitted by the terminal that has accepted the second operation by the player; and if the state of the player character is the second state, one or more and placing the specified object in the virtual space.

According to the present disclosure, user enjoyment can be increased.

The figure which shows the outline|summary of the game system in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a module configuration of a terminal included in the game system of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a module configuration of a server included in the game system of FIG. 1; 3 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition in the terminal of FIG. 2; FIG. The figure which shows an example of the flow of a process for performing the 2nd part of a game in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the flow of a process for managing an action of an avatar in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing for changing the state of an avatar in the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing for arranging an assist object in the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing for removing an assist object from the virtual space in the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing for exhibiting the effect of the assist object of the second system in the first embodiment; The figure which shows an example of the virtual space in 1st Embodiment. A diagram showing an example of an assist object in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen in the terminal of FIG. 2; The figure which shows an example of the matching screen in the terminal of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the battle screen in the terminal of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the battle screen in the terminal of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the assistance transition screen in the terminal of FIG. The figure which shows an example of an assist screen in the terminal of FIG. The figure which shows an example of an assist screen in the terminal of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the battle screen in the terminal of FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an effect according to a combination of assist objects in the second embodiment; FIG. The figure which shows an example of an assist screen in the example of a change. The figure which shows an example of an assist screen in the example of a change.

A game system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
[Outline of game system]
As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 10 includes a network 90, a plurality of terminals 100, and one or more servers 200. FIG. The game system 10 is provided as a system for home use or as a system for commercial use. A plurality of terminals 100 are configured to communicate with server 200 via network 90 . As an example, game system 10 provides a multi-user game. In the following description, simply referring to a "game" means a game provided by the game system 10. FIG. A plurality of terminals 100 is an example of a computer. One or more servers 200 are examples of computers.

[network]
As an example, the network 90 is composed of the Internet and a mobile communication system including wireless base stations. As an example, the mobile communication system can be implemented as a 3G, 4G, 5G mobile communication system, LTE (Long Term Evolution), or a wireless network that can be connected to the Internet by an access point.

[Device hardware configuration]
A plurality of terminals 100 may be used as game terminals for playing games. A terminal 100 used as a game terminal provides a user with a game function of playing a game provided by the game system 10 . In the following description, terminals used by users A to C may be referred to as terminals 100A to 100C, respectively. Users AC are players of the game.

As an example, terminal 100 is a smart phone. The terminal 100 may be a mobile terminal device such as a feature phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a tablet computer. Terminal 100 may be a fixed terminal such as a personal computer (PC) or workstation. For example, terminal 100 comprises processor 110 , memory 120 and storage 130 . Terminal 100 may further include a communication interface (IF) 140 and an input/output IF 150 . Terminal 100 may further include microphone 160 , speaker 162 and touch screen 164 . Each of the plurality of components included in terminal 100 is connected to communication bus 180 .

Processor 110 executes a series of instructions contained in a program stored in memory 120 or storage 130 in response to a signal provided to terminal 100 or in response to establishment of a predetermined condition. For example, the processor 110 is implemented as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or any other computing device.

Memory 120 temporarily stores programs and data. As an example, the program is read from storage 130 . Data may include data sent to terminal 100 and data generated by processor 110 . For example, memory 120 may be implemented as random access memory (RAM) or other volatile memory.

The storage 130 permanently holds programs and data. For example, the storage 130 is implemented as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), hard disk drive, flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device. The storage 130 may be realized as a removable storage device like a memory card.

Programs stored in the storage 130 include game programs and communication programs. The programs may include distribution programs and viewing programs. The game program implements a game function that provides a virtual space and game play in the virtual space. As an example, gameplay includes manipulating objects placed in a virtual space. As an example, the object operated using terminal 100 is a player character corresponding to the user using terminal 100 . A player character is an avatar of a user using the terminal 100 . A game program may implement a participation function to participate in another user's game play.

A communication program realizes a function of communicating with another computer (for example, the server 200). The distribution program realizes a distribution function of distributing content including at least game play in the virtual space. The viewing program implements a viewing function that provides viewing of the distributed content. Programs stored in storage 130 may include an operating system, a simulation program, a user authentication program, and other programs.

For example, the data stored in the storage 130 includes definition data of the virtual space and object data for various objects arranged in the virtual space. Terminals 100A-100C may share one virtual space. The virtual space is not limited to a three-dimensional space. For example, the virtual space may be a two-dimensional space, or a space represented by a still image and represented by input data such as sound, voice, and character data.

Communication IF 140 is connected to network 90 . Communication IF 140 communicates with other computers connected to network 90 (for example, server 200). For example, the communication IF 140 is implemented as a LAN (Local Area Network) or other wired communication IF. For example, the communication IF 140 is implemented as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or other wireless communication IFs. Communication IF 140 is not limited to the one described above.

The input/output IF 150 communicates with an external input/output device 190 . For example, the input/output IF 150 is implemented as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or other wired communication IF. For example, the input/output IF 150 is realized as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other wireless communication IF.

As an example, input/output device 190 is a controller. For example, the input/output IF 150 transmits instructions output from the processor 110 to the controller. This command instructs the controller to vibrate, output sound, or emit light. Upon receiving the command, the controller performs vibration, sound output, or light emission in response to the command. A controller has one or more operational parts. For example, one or more operating parts include buttons, keys, switches, handles, bars, touchpads, or sticks. The controller transmits to the terminal 100 an output value based on the user's manipulation of the manipulation parts. As an example, the controller may comprise a motion sensor such as an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor. The controller may be configured to send the motion sensor output values to the terminal 100 . Controllers may be attachable to and detachable from terminal 100 .

The input/output device 190 is not limited to those described above. For example, input/output device 190 may be a camera. The camera may be configured to transmit a captured image of the user to the terminal 100 . For example, input/output device 190 may be a ranging sensor. The ranging sensor may be configured to transmit to the terminal 100 an output value based on detection of the user's hand, marker, or the like.

Microphone 160 converts the user's speech into an audio signal (electrical signal) and transmits the audio signal to processor 110 . The speaker 162 converts the audio signal into sound and outputs it to the user. Each terminal 100 may include, in addition to or instead of the speaker 162, an earphone or an earphone jack to which an earphone can be connected.

Touch screen 164 includes monitor 166 and touch sensor 167 . Monitor 166 is implemented as a transmissive or non-transmissive display. For example, the monitor 166 is implemented as a liquid crystal monitor, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor, or other display device. A monitor 166 displays various images. Images displayed on monitor 166 include various objects such as backgrounds, avatars, other characters, obstacles, windows, buttons, menus, lists, and icons. Monitor 166 is not limited to those described above. For example, monitor 166 may be a 3D monitor that includes a sub-monitor that displays an image for the left eye and a sub-monitor that displays an image for the right eye.

Touch sensor 167 transmits to processor 110 an output value based on a user's operation on monitor 166 . As an example, the touch sensor 167 is implemented as a capacitive touch sensor, resistive touch sensor (pressure sensitive touch sensor), ultrasonic touch sensor, or other touch sensor. As an example, the input surface of the touch sensor 167 is part or all of the display surface of the monitor 166 . The touch sensor 167 can be used as an operation unit configured to receive user input operations. For example, if the operation unit is the touch sensor 167, the processor 110 accepts a user's physical contact operation on the input surface of the touch sensor 167 as the user's input operation. For example, user input operations on the touch sensor 167 may include touch operations, slide operations, swipe operations, tap operations, drag operations, and other operations.

The operation unit is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, when the operation unit is the communication IF 140, the processor 110 accepts a signal transmitted from an operation device (not shown) connected via the network 90 as the user's input operation. For example, if the operation unit is the input/output IF 150, the processor 110 accepts a signal transmitted from the external input/output device 190 as the user's input operation. For example, when the input/output device 190 is a camera and a distance measuring sensor, when the user's hand is detected from the received captured image, the processor 110 detects a gesture (user's hand gesture) based on the captured image and the output value. A series of movements) is accepted as a user input operation. For example, if the input/output device 190 is a controller, the processor 110 receives an output value transmitted from the controller as a user's input operation.

[Server hardware configuration]
Server 200 may be a workstation or a general-purpose computer such as a PC. The server 200 includes a processor 210 , memory 220 , storage 230 , communication IF 240 and input/output IF 250 . Each of the plurality of components included in server 200 is connected to communication bus 280 .

Processor 210 executes a series of instructions contained in a program stored in memory 220 or storage 230 in response to a signal given to server 200 or in response to establishment of a predetermined condition. For example, processor 210 may be implemented as a CPU, GPU, MPU, FPGA, or other computing device.

Memory 220 temporarily stores programs and data. As an example, the program is read from storage 230 . The data may include data sent to server 200 and data generated by processor 210 . For example, memory 220 may be implemented as RAM or other volatile memory.

The storage 230 permanently holds programs and data. For example, storage 130 is implemented as a ROM, hard disk drive, flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device. Storage 230 may be implemented as a removable storage device, such as a memory card. The server 200 may use programs stored in an external storage device instead of the storage 230 . For example, in situations where multiple game systems 10 are used, such as amusement facilities, programs and data can be updated collectively.

Programs stored in the storage 230 include game programs and communication programs. The game program implements functions of providing a virtual space in the game system 10 and providing a game play in which a plurality of users share the virtual space. The communication program realizes the function of communicating with other computers (eg, terminals 100A-100C). The program may include a distribution program. The distribution program implements a function of distributing content to the terminal 100 . Programs stored in storage 230 may include an operating system, a simulation program, a user authentication program, and other programs. For example, the data stored in the storage 130 may include data defining the virtual space and object data for various objects placed in the virtual space.

Communication IF 240 is connected to network 90 . Communication IF 240 communicates with other computers connected to network 90 (terminals 100A to 100C, for example). For example, communication IF 240 is implemented as a LAN or other wired communication IF. For example, the communication IF 240 is implemented as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, or other wireless communication IF. Communication IF 240 is not limited to the one described above.

The input/output IF 250 communicates with external input/output devices. For example, the input/output IF 250 is implemented as USB, DVI, HDMI, or other wired communication IF. For example, the input/output IF 250 is implemented as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other wireless communication IF.

The server 200 is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, the server 200 may include a game server 200A for providing virtual space and a distribution server 200B for distributing content. A game program is stored in the storage 230 of the game server 200A. A game program is executed by the processor 210 of the game server 200A. The distribution program is stored in the storage 230 of the distribution server 200B. The distribution program is executed by processor 210 of distribution server 200B. The game server 200A transmits/receives various kinds of information and various requests to/from the distribution server 200B via the communication IF 240 . The game server 200A transmits/receives various kinds of information and various requests to/from the terminals 100A to 100C via the communication IF 240. FIG. The distribution server 200B transmits and receives various information and various requests to and from the terminal 100 via the communication IF 240 .

[Terminal module configuration]
As shown in FIG. 2, terminal 100 includes control module 101 , rendering module 104 , memory module 105 , communication module 106 and input/output module 107 . The control module 101 comprises a game module 101A. The control module 101 may comprise a distribution module 101B and a viewing module 101C.

As an example, game module 101A and rendering module 104 are implemented by processor 110 . The distribution module 101B and the viewing module 101C are realized by the processor 110. FIG. Memory module 105 is realized by memory 120 and storage 130 . Communication module 106 is realized by communication IF 140 . Input/output module 107 is implemented by processor 110 , touch sensor 167 , and input/output IF 150 .

The input/output module 107 detects and accepts a user's input operation to the touch sensor 167 and a user's input operation to an external operation device via the input/output IF 150 . As an example, when the input/output module 107 receives a user's input operation on the touch sensor 167, the input/output module 107 identifies the type of input operation by detecting the coordinates of the input position. For example, the types of input operations that can be identified by the input/output module 107 may include touch operations, slide operations, swipe operations, tap operations, drag operations, and other forms of operations. The input/output module 107 detects that the contact input from the touch sensor 167 is canceled when the continuously detected input operation is interrupted.

Communication module 106 receives various data and various requests from one or more servers 200 . By way of example, data that communication module 106 receives from server 200 may include progress information and user information. The progress information may include first progress information and second progress information. The first progression information may include one or more types of avatars to be placed in the virtual space, coordinate information of the avatars, action information of the avatars, and other information. An avatar is a target object operated by a user in a virtual space, and is a character that acts as an alter ego of the user. As an example, the avatar coordinate information is information indicating the position in the virtual space. As an example, the action information is information about actions of the avatar. As an example, avatar actions may include avatar posture, item use, skill use, attack, defense, evasion, or jumping. The first progress information may include setting information regarding setting of the avatar. As an example, the avatar settings may be changed by the user in the virtual space or prior to moving into the virtual space. As an example, avatar settings may include avatar equipment, appearance, and the like. As an example, user information may include user name, account ID, gender, age, address, and the like.

The second progression information may include type information of one or more assist objects to be placed in the virtual space, coordinate information of the assist objects, and other information. An assist object is an example of a specific object. As an example, an assist object can affect an avatar placed in the virtual space. Assist objects are classified into first-system assist objects and second-system assist objects. The assist object of the first system exerts its effect when placed in the virtual space. The assist object of the first system exerts its effect over a period from being placed in the virtual space to being removed. The assist object of the first system satisfies the removal condition when the removal time T1 elapses after being placed in the virtual space, and is thereby removed from the virtual space.

The assist object of the second system does not exert its effect just by being placed in the virtual space. The assist object of the second system exerts its effect when a predetermined activation condition is satisfied. The assist object of the second system satisfies the removal condition and is removed from the virtual space when the removal time T1 has passed since it was placed in the virtual space. The assist object of the second system satisfies the removal condition when the effect is exhibited before the removal time T1 elapses, and may be removed from the virtual space. As an example, an assist object may include an object capable of exerting an effect of assisting an avatar. As an example, an assist object may include an object that can exert an effect that interferes with the avatar.

The communication module 106 transmits various data and various requests to one or more servers 200 . As an example, the data that communication module 106 transmits to server 200 may include play information and user information. The play information is output according to the input operation received by the input/output module 107 . The play information may include first play information and second play information.

As an example, the first play information may include avatar coordinate information, action information, and other information as avatar operation details. As an example, the first play information may include avatar setting information. As an example, the second play information may include assist object type information and coordinate information as the operation details of the assist object. As an example, the first play information and the second play information are generated by the game module 101A.

The game module 101A performs processing for progressing the game. The game module 101A reads virtual space definition data from the memory module 105 . The game module 101A defines the virtual space according to the read definition data. The game module 101A reads object data from the memory module 105. FIG. The game module 101A arranges objects in the virtual space according to the read object data. The game module 101A identifies the user's instruction according to the coordinates of the input position received by the input/output module 107, the type of input operation, and the progress of the game.

The progress of the game may include coordinate information of your avatar in the virtual space and action information. The progress of the game may include coordinate information of other users' avatars in the virtual space and action information. Game progress may include setting information for one's avatar. The progress of the game may include setting information of other users' avatars. The progress of the game may include type information and coordinate information of the assist object in the virtual space.

The game module 101A makes various decisions regarding the progress of the game. The game module 101A conducts various lotteries regarding the progress of the game. The game module 101A generates various requests and play information according to user instructions, various determination results, and various lottery results. Various requests generated by the game module 101A and play information are transmitted to the server 200 by the communication module 106. FIG.

The distribution module 101B performs processing for distributing content including game play. The distribution module 101B identifies the user's instruction according to the coordinates of the input position received by the input/output module 107, the type of input operation, and the progress of the game. The distribution module 101B can generate a content distribution start request and a content distribution end request in accordance with user instructions. The distribution module 101B can generate a request to change the distribution details of the content according to the user's instruction. Various requests generated by the distribution module 101B are transmitted by the communication module 106. FIG.

The viewing module 101C performs processing for viewing content distributed by a distribution user. The viewing module 101C reads viewing space definition data from the memory module 105 . The viewing module 101C defines the viewing space according to the read definition data. The viewing module 101</b>C reads object data from the memory module 105 . The viewing module 101C arranges objects in the viewing space according to the read object data. The viewing module 101C identifies the user's instruction according to the coordinates of the input position received by the input/output module 107, the type of input operation, and the progress of the game. The viewing module 101C generates a content viewing start request and a content viewing end request in accordance with user instructions. The viewing module 101C generates a request to change the delivery details of the content according to the user's instruction. Various requests generated by the viewing module 101C are transmitted by the communication module 106 .

The rendering module 104 creates an image of the game screen. The rendering module 104 creates images of the game screen according to the progress information received by the communication module 106 and various requests. The rendering module 104 creates a game screen image according to the play information generated by the game module 101A and various requests. The rendering module 104 creates an image of the game screen according to the information generated by the viewing module 101C and various requests.

The rendering module 104 displays the created game screen image on the monitor 166 . The rendering module 104 may be configured to display the image of the game screen on an external display device via the input/output IF 150 . The rendering module 104 may be configured to display the game screen image on an external display device via the communication IF 140 . A game screen is an image in which 2D or 3D objects are controlled and drawn. As described above, objects drawn on the game screen can include avatars (characters), assist objects, backgrounds, obstacles, and the like.

The rendering module 104 may control and render 2D or 3D game objects (UI objects) for constructing a UI (User Interface). The rendering module 104 creates a game screen including UI objects necessary for user input operations, such as icons, buttons, lists, windows, and menus. A UI object is information that assists a user's input operation necessary to progress the game. Also, the UI object is information that assists the user's input operation necessary for obtaining data generated during the progress of the game from the terminal 100 . Various UI objects shown in the present disclosure are merely examples, and are not limited to those aspects.

Processing in terminal 100 is implemented by hardware and software executed by processor 110 . Such software may be stored in advance in the memory module 105 such as a hard disk. The software may be stored in a computer-readable non-volatile data recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed as a program product. This software may be provided as a downloadable program product by an information provider connected to a network such as the Internet. Such software is read from a data recording medium by a data reading device such as an optical disk drive, or downloaded from another computer such as the server 200 via the communication module 106, and then temporarily stored in the memory module. . The software is read from the memory module by processor 110 and stored in RAM or the like in the form of an executable program. Processor 110 executes the program.

[Server module configuration]
As shown in FIG. 3, the server 200 includes a control module 201, a memory module 205, a communication module 206, and an input/output module 207. The control module 201 comprises a game module 201A. Control module 201 may comprise distribution module 201B. Game module 201A is implemented by processor 210 . Distribution module 201B is implemented by processor 210 . Memory module 205 is implemented by memory 220 and storage 230 . Communication module 206 is implemented by communication IF 240 . Input/output module 207 is implemented by processor 210 and input/output IF 250 .

The communication module 206 receives various information and various requests from each terminal 100 . As an example, information received by the communication module 206 from each terminal 100 may include each piece of play information and user information. The communication module 206 transmits various information and various requests to each terminal 100 . As an example, the information that the communication module 206 transmits to each terminal 100 may include each progress information and user information. The input/output module 107 detects and receives a user's input operation to an external operation device via the input/output IF 250 .

The game module 201A performs processing for providing an environment in which a plurality of users share a virtual space. The game module 201A reads virtual space definition data from the memory module 205 . The game module 201A defines the virtual space according to the read definition data. The game module 201A reads object data from the memory module 205. FIG. The game module 201A arranges various objects other than avatars in the virtual space according to the read object data.

The game module 201</b>A arranges avatars corresponding to each of the plurality of users according to the coordinate information included in the first play information received by the communication module 206 from the plurality of terminals 100 . The game module 201A determines interaction between avatars according to action information included in first play information received by the communication module 206 from a plurality of terminals 100 and setting information of the avatars. The game module 201</b>A arranges assist objects according to the type information and coordinate information included in the second play information received by the communication module 206 from one or more terminals 100 . The game module 201A generates progress information according to the results of these processes. The communication module 206 transmits each progress information to each terminal 100 .

If there is a delivery module 201B, the game module 201A may send each progress information to the delivery module 201B. As an example, the distribution module 201B generates distribution information according to each piece of progress information generated by the game module 201A. Communication module 206 transmits distribution information to one or more terminals 100 . The delivery information may include each progress information. As an example, the distribution information may be each progress information itself. The distribution module 201B transmits various requests to the game module 201A in response to various requests received by the communication module 206 from the terminal 100. FIG. The distribution module 201B transmits various information to the game module 201A according to various information received by the communication module 206 from the terminal 100 .

The server 200 is not limited to the module configuration described above. For example, the game module 201A may be provided by the game server 200A. For example, the distribution module 201B may be provided by the distribution server 200B. The game module 201A transmits/receives various kinds of information and various requests to/from the distribution module 201B via the communication module 206. FIG.

Processing in server 200 is implemented by hardware and software executed by processor 210 . Such software may be pre-stored in memory module 205 such as a hard disk. The software may be stored in a computer-readable non-volatile data recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed as a program product. This software may be provided as a downloadable program product by an information provider connected to a network such as the Internet. Such software is read from a data recording medium by a data reading device such as an optical disk drive, or downloaded from another computer such as an external storage device via the communication module 206, and then temporarily stored in the memory module. be. The software is read from the memory module by processor 210 and stored in a memory such as RAM in the form of an executable program. Processor 210 executes the program.

[Overview of the game]
As an example, a game according to the present disclosure includes multiple parts with different characteristics. As an example, the multiple parts include a first part and a second part. In the first part, the user can prepare for the second part.

As an example, the second part is a part in which a plurality of users decide victory or defeat based on some criteria. As an example, the second part is a part in which multiple parties decide victory or defeat based on some criteria. Multiple parties may each include multiple users. A party to which a plurality of users belong is not limited to a party, and may be a group, a team, a faction, a set, or the like. As an example, a user may belong to one party.

As an example, the states of the avatar in the second part include a first state and a second state. At the start of the second part, the avatar is in the first state. In the second part, the avatar is changed from the first state to the second state when certain conditions are met. As an example, the first state is a state in which the user can participate in a first game including moving the avatar in the virtual space. As an example, the second state is a state in which the user can participate in a second game including placing one or more specific objects in the virtual space. As an example, the second state is a state in which it is not possible to participate in the first game. A second state is a state in which the avatar cannot be moved in the virtual space.

As an example, the second part of the game has the following specifications.
The second part is a competitive game in which multiple parties compete for victory. The first game of the second part is a battle game in which the user's own avatar and the avatar of the enemy user battle. A user can participate in a battle game when his avatar is in the first state. The second game of the second part is an assist game in which assist objects are arranged. A user can participate in an assist game when his or her avatar is in the second state.

As an example, the specific condition is that a specific parameter value among the parameter values of the avatar becomes a specific value. As an example, the parameter value is hit points. As an example, the specific value is 0. The first state is a state in which hit points exceed zero. That is, the first state is a state in which the avatar is alive in the virtual space. The second state is a state with 0 hit points. That is, the second state is a state in which the avatar has died in the virtual space.

The specific condition is not limited to this, and may be that a parameter other than hit points reaches a specific value. The specific condition may be that the points that can be obtained by satisfying a predetermined condition become a specific value. The specific condition may be winning a predetermined lottery. Both the first state and the second state may be living states. As an example, the first state may be a state in which stamina is not running out and movement is possible. In this case, the second state may be a state in which stamina runs out and movement is not possible. As an example, the first state may be a state in which no penalty is imposed in which the avatar cannot move. In this case, the second state may be a state in which the penalty is imposed. Both the first state and the second state may be death states. As an example, the first state may be a state in which the object can move like a ghost. In this case, the second state may be a state in which movement is impossible like a ghost.

In the second part, the criterion for determining victory or defeat is that one party satisfies a predetermined victory condition before the opposing party. Victory conditions include the death and annihilation of all of the opposing user's avatars. That is, the victory condition includes that a specific condition is established for all of the avatars of the enemy users.

In the battle game, each user can move his or her own avatar or attack the avatar of the enemy user. Your avatar's hit points are reduced when an attack by an enemy user's avatar hits. An enemy user's avatar's hit points are reduced when an attack by your avatar hits.

In the assist game, each user can place one or more assist objects in the virtual space. The one or more assist objects that the user can place in the virtual space include a first-system assist object and a second-system assist object. The assist object of the first system exerts its effect by being arranged in the virtual space. The assist object of the second system exerts its effect when a predetermined activation condition is satisfied after being arranged in the virtual space. As will be described later, the assist object includes an object for assisting the avatar of the friendly user and an object for interfering with the avatar of the enemy user.

The second part ends when the predetermined time limit elapses even if the avatars of the enemy party have not been wiped out. Victory conditions include that one party has scored more points than the opposing party when the time limit for the second part has passed. In the second part, points can be earned by collecting designated objects placed in the virtual space.

In the second part, there is an upper limit on the number of users who can belong to one party. As an example, the maximum number of people in one party is six. The maximum number of people in one party may be 2 to 5, or may be 7 or more. As an example, the party in the second part can belong to a small group formed in another part or a small group made up of people who are in a relationship such as friends. A two-person group, a three-person group, and an individual user may be combined to form a party with a maximum number of six persons, or six individual users may belong to the party in the second part. In recruiting parties in the second part, individual users may be recruited, or small groups may be recruited.

The second part is not limited to the specifications described above. For example, the second part may be sports such as soccer, tennis, table tennis, boxing, or basketball. For example, the second part may be a race such as a car race, yacht race, ski race, or flight race.

As an example, the first part has the following specifications.
In the first part, the user prepares for the battle game that the second part contains. Preparing for the battle game includes adding, replacing, and deleting avatar equipment, avatar skills, and avatar possessed items. Preparing for the battle game may include changing the appearance of the avatar. For example, an avatar's appearance includes race, gender, body shape, hairstyle, or facial expression. Preparing for the battle game is to change the settings of the avatar.

[Overview of screen transitions on terminals]
As shown in FIG. 4, as an example, the display screens of each terminal 100 may include a home screen 40, a matching screen 50, a battle screen 60, an assist transition screen 65, an assist screen 70, and a result screen 75. Here, an outline of screen transition will be described. A specific example of each display screen will be described later.

The home screen 40 is displayed when the game is the first part. The matching screen 50 is displayed when the game shifts from the first part to the second part. The battle screen 60 is displayed when the battle game is the second part. That is, the battle screen 60 is displayed when the game is the second part and the avatar of the user using the terminal 100 is in the first state.

The assist transition screen 65 is displayed when transitioning from the battle game to the assist game in the second part. That is, the assist transition screen 65 is displayed when the game is the second part and the avatar of the user using the terminal 100 is changed from the first state to the second state.

The assist screen 70 is displayed when the assist game is the second part. That is, the assist screen 70 is displayed when the game is the second part and the avatar of the user using the terminal 100 is in the second state. The result screen 75 is displayed when shifting from the second part to the first part. Note that the matching screen 50 may be displayed without going through the home screen 40 when an operation is performed on the result screen 75 to instruct execution of the second part of the game.

[Processing flow for executing the second part of the game]
An example of the flow of processing for executing the second part of the game will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 5, in step S100, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 displays the home screen 40 on the monitor 166 as the rendering module 104 when the game is the first part. In step S102, processor 110 of terminal 100, as game module 101A, transmits a matching start request to server 200 when a start operation instructing the start of the second part is received. As an example, processor 110 accepts the start operation when a plurality of users belong to the party to which the user of terminal 100 belongs. In other words, processor 110 does not accept the start operation when a plurality of users do not belong to the party to which the user of terminal 100 belongs. As an example, processor 110 may accept the start operation when the maximum number of users belong to the party to which the user of terminal 100 belongs. In other words, the processor 110 does not accept the start operation when the maximum number of users does not belong to the party to which the user of the terminal 100 belongs. When the matching start request is transmitted, processor 110 serves as rendering module 104 to display matching screen 50 on monitor 166 .

At step S104, processor 210 of server 200 receives the matching start request as game module 101A. In step S106, the processor 210 of the server 200 performs matching processing. In the matching process, processor 210, as game module 201A, searches one or more parties waiting for matching for a party that meets the conditions for playing against the party to which the user using terminal 100 belongs. The matching waiting state is a state in which a request to start matching has been received and a party to be an opponent has not been determined.

In step S108, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, determines a party that meets the conditions as an enemy party, and completes matching. That is, processor 210 determines a plurality of parties participating in one second part game. The plurality of parties includes one or more friendly parties and one or more enemy parties. In the following description, a plurality of parties participating in one second part game will be referred to as "participating parties".

Participating parties include at least one first party and one or more second parties. Belonging to a first party is an example of being a first attribute. Belonging to a second party is an example of being a second attribute. Not limited to this, attributes include whether friends are registered, whether multiple users belong to the same guild, or whether multiple parties belong to the same union (faction). or not.

In step S110, processor 210 of server 200 defines a virtual space as game module 201A. Step S110 is an example of defining a virtual space. At step S112, the processor 210 of the server 200 arranges one or more objects in the virtual space as the game module 201A. One or more objects include avatars of users belonging to multiple participating parties.

An avatar of another user belonging to the first party is an example of a first character different from the player character. An avatar of another user belonging to the second party is an example of a second character different from the player character. Thus, in the virtual space, there are a first group that corresponds to the first attribute and includes one or more first characters, and a second group that corresponds to the second attribute and includes one or more second characters. , is provided. A user may belong to either the first party or the second party. In other words, the attribute of the player may be either the first attribute or the second attribute. A player character can be included in the first group or the second group depending on the attributes of the player. Users belonging to one or more ally parties are ally users having the same attributes. Users who belong to a plurality of parties that are hostile to each other are hostile users having different attributes.

In step S112, when viewed from one user, this one user's avatar, the ally user's avatar, and the enemy user's avatar are arranged in the virtual space. Step S112 is an example of arranging the player character in the virtual space. Also, step S112 is an example of arranging a first character and a second character, which are different from the player character, in the virtual space.

As an example, one or more objects may include a field object that forms the stage of a battle game. That is, the virtual space can include a field that allows movement of the player character. As an example, one or more objects may include enemy characters that are common to multiple participating parties. As an example, one or more objects may include obstacles that are common to multiple participating parties, or traps that are common.

In step S114, processor 210 of server 200 transmits a battle start request to terminal 100 as game module 201A. Processor 210 transmits a battle start request to all terminals 100 used by users belonging to participating parties.

In step S116, processor 110 of terminal 100 receives a battle start request as game module 101A. In step S<b>118 , the processor 110 of the terminal 100 serves as the rendering module 104 to display the battle screen 60 on the monitor 166 . That is, in a plurality of terminals 100 used in a certain second part game, the game is shifted from the first part to the second part.

In step S120, the processor 210 of the server 200 performs server-side battle processing as the game module 201A. As an example, processor 210 may receive first play information from multiple terminals 100 used by multiple users participating in the same second part game. The processor 210 can receive second play information from a plurality of terminals 100 used by a plurality of users participating in the same second part game. The processor 210 generates each piece of progress information according to each piece of play information received from the terminals 100 . The processor 210 transmits each piece of progress information to all the terminals 100 used by the users participating in the same second part game. The progress information may include first progress information and second progress information.

In step S122, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 performs terminal-side battle processing as the game module 101A. As an example, processor 110 receives each progress information. The processor 110, as the rendering module 104, displays the battle screen 60 or the assist screen 70 on the monitor 166 according to each progress information received. Each progress information may include first progress information and second progress information. The processor 110 generates each piece of play information in accordance with various received operations, and transmits it to the server 200 . Each piece of play information includes first play information and second play information.

In step S124, the processor 210 of the server 200, when the end condition of the second part is satisfied, sends the battle to all the terminals 100 used by the users participating in the same second part game as the game module 201A. Send a termination request. As an example, the conditions for ending the second part are satisfied when one or more parties meet the victory conditions before the time limit for the second part elapses, or when the time limit for the second part elapses. .

In step S126, processor 110 of terminal 100 receives the battle end request as game module 101A. In step S<b>126 , the processor 110 of the terminal 100 serves as the rendering module 104 to display the result screen 75 on the monitor 166 . In step S<b>128 , processor 110 of terminal 100 serves as rendering module 104 to display home screen 40 on monitor 166 . That is, in terminal 100, the game shifts from the second part to the first part.

[Flow of processing for managing avatar behavior]
An example of the flow of processing for managing actions of avatars will be described. The process for managing the behavior of the avatar is included in the battle process on the terminal side (step S122) and the battle process on the server side (step S120). Terminal 100 is a terminal used by a user whose avatar is in the first state.

As shown in FIG. 6, in step S130, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 performs, as the game module 101A, an operation of instructing movement of one's own avatar, an operation of instructing an attack on another avatar, or an operation to attack a predetermined object. The first play information is transmitted to the server 200 when an operation instructing an attack is received. An operation instructing movement of the avatar is an example of a first operation or a predetermined operation by the player. The first play information is an example of first information or operation information. At step S132, the processor 210 of the server 200 receives the first play information as the game module 201A. Step S132 is an example of receiving the first information transmitted by the terminal 100 that has accepted the first operation by the player. Step S132 is an example of receiving operation information transmitted by the terminal 100 that has received a predetermined operation by the player.

At step S134, processor 210 of server 200, as game module 201A, manages the movement of the avatar according to the received first play information. The processor 210 does not move the avatar according to the first play information when the avatar is in the second state. The processor 210 moves the avatar according to the first play information when the avatar is in the first state. Step S134 is an example of moving the player character in the virtual space according to the received first information. Step S134 is an example of regulating the movement of the player character in the virtual space when the player character is in the second state.

At step S136, the processor 210 of the server 200 manages the attack action by the avatar as the game module 201A. The processor 210 prevents the avatar from performing an attack motion according to the first play information when the avatar is in the second state. The processor 210 causes the avatar to perform an attack motion according to the first play information when the avatar is in the first state. The processor 210 determines whether the attack hits the avatar of the opposing user. When the processor 210 determines that the attack hits the enemy user's avatar, the processor 210 reduces the hit points of the avatar. That is, as an example, the processor 210, when viewed from one user, sets hit points as an example of parameter values corresponding to each of the one user's avatar, the friendly user's avatar, and the enemy user's avatar. to manage.

Step S136 is an example of causing the player character to attack in the virtual space according to the received information. Step S136 is an example of regulating the execution of making the player character attack in the virtual space when the player character is in the second state. Step S136 is an example of managing parameter values corresponding to each of the player character, the first character, and the second character. Steps S134 and S136 are an example of generating a first event in the virtual space according to the received operation information when the player character is in the first state. That is, the avatar's movement and attack are examples of the first event.

At step S138, the processor 210 of the server 200 transmits the first progress information to the terminal 100 as the game module 201A. At step S140, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 receives the first progress information as the game module 101A. The processor 110 of the terminal 100 updates the virtual space as the game module 101A. The processor 110 of the terminal 100, as the rendering module 104, displays the battle screen 60 or the assist screen 70 on the monitor 166 according to the updated virtual space.

[Flow of processing for changing avatar status]
An example of the flow of processing for changing the state of an avatar will be described. The process for changing the state of the avatar is the process of transitioning from the battle game to the assist game. The process for changing the state of the avatar is included in the battle process on the terminal side (step S122) and the battle process on the server side (step S120).

As shown in FIG. 7, in step S200, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, determines whether or not the specific parameter value has reached the specific value for each avatar. As an example, processor 210 determines whether or not the avatar's hit points have reached zero. Step S200 is an example of determining whether or not a specific condition is satisfied for each avatar.

If the hit points have not become 0, the processor 210 of the server 200 repeats step S202 as the game module 201A. That is, processor 210 waits. When the hit points become 0, the processor 210 of the server 200 proceeds to step S202. In step S202, processor 210 of server 200, as game module 201A, changes the status information of the avatar whose hit points have become 0 from the content indicating the first state to the content indicating the second state. As an example, the status information is stored in memory 220 as memory module 205 . That is, processor 210 changes the state of the avatar from alive to dead. Step S202 is an example of changing the state of the player character from the first state to the second state when a specific condition is satisfied. Step S202 is an example of changing from the first state to the second state the state of the character whose corresponding parameter value has become the specific value, out of the first character and the second character.

At step S138 described above, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, transmits to the terminal 100 the first progress information indicating the avatar that has died. The processor 110 of the terminal 100, as the game module 101A, removes the dead avatar from the virtual space according to the received first progress information. In other words, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 does not display the dead avatar on the monitor 166 as the rendering module 104 .

Alternatively, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 may place one or more objects in the virtual space instead of removing the avatar from the virtual space as the game module 101A. The one or more objects may be grave marker objects of the avatar removed from the virtual space, or specified objects collected by the avatar removed from the virtual space. Step S138 is an example of transmitting a request not to display the player character in the field to the terminal 100 when the state of the player character is changed from the first state to the second state.

In step S204, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, transmits an assist start request to the terminal 100 used to operate the avatar whose hit points have become 0. FIG. In step S206, processor 110 of terminal 100 receives an assist start request as game module 101A. In step S208, the processor 110 of the terminal 100, as the rendering module 104, displays each screen on the monitor 166 in the order of the assist transition screen 65 and the assist screen 70. FIG. As will be described later in detail, the assist transition screen 65 includes information for notifying the start of the assist game. That is, step S204 is an example of transmitting to the terminal 100 a request to notify the start of the second game when the state of the player character is changed from the first state to the second state.

As an example, in step S208, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 changes the viewpoint when generating the rendered image of the virtual space from the first viewpoint to the second viewpoint. That is, in step S204, when the state of the player character is changed from the first state to the second state, a request is made to change the viewpoint from the first viewpoint to the second viewpoint when generating an image in which the virtual space is rendered. is an example of sending to the terminal. As an example, the first viewpoint is a viewpoint corresponding to the player character. As an example, the second viewpoint is a viewpoint that overlooks the field.

[Flow of processing for placing an assist object]
An example of the flow of processing for arranging an assist object will be described. The process for arranging assist objects is included in the battle process on the terminal side (step S122) and the battle process on the server side (step S120).

As shown in FIG. 8, in step S210, the processor 110 of the terminal 100, as the game module 101A, transmits an object placement request to the server 200 upon receiving a placement operation instructing placement of an assist object. The object placement request is included in the second play information. A placement operation for instructing placement of an assist object is an example of a second operation or a predetermined operation. The second play information (object placement request) is an example of second information or operation information.

At step S212, the processor 210 of the server 200 receives the object placement request as the game module 201A. Step S212 is an example of receiving the second information transmitted by the terminal 100 that has accepted the second operation by the user. Step S212 is an example of receiving operation information transmitted by the terminal 100 that has received a predetermined operation by the user.

In step S214, the processor 210 of the server 200 determines whether or not the number of arranged assist objects has reached the prescribed number N as the game module 201A. The processor 210 counts the number of arranged assist objects for each user participating in the second part. The specified number N may be 1, or may be 2 or more.

When the number of arranged assist objects has not reached the specified number N, the processor 210 of the server 200 proceeds to step S216. In step S216, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, arranges the assist object in the virtual space according to the object arrangement request. As an example, processor 210 arranges the assist object at a position according to the coordinate information included in the second play information. As an example, processor 210 arranges the type of assist object according to the type information included in the second play information. Step S216 is an example of arranging one or more specific objects in the virtual space according to the received second information when the player character is in the second state. Step S216 is an example of generating a second event different from the first event in the virtual space according to the received operation information when the player character is in the second state. In other words, placing the assist object in the virtual space is an example of the second event. If step S216 is finished, the processor 210 moves to step S218.

When the number of arranged assist objects has reached the prescribed number N, the processor 210 of the server 200 does not perform step S216 as the game module 201A. That is, the processor 210 of the server 200 does not place the assist object in the virtual space as the game module 201A. Step S214 is an example of regulating the placement of additional specific objects in the virtual space when the specified number N of specific objects are placed in the virtual space.

In step S218, processor 210 of server 200 transmits an object display request to terminal 100 as game module 201A. The object display request includes information indicating attributes of the user who arranged the assist object. The object display request is included in the second progress information. In step S220, processor 110 of terminal 100 receives an object display request as game module 101A.

When the object display request is received, the processor 110 of the terminal 100, as the game module 101A, arranges the assist object in the virtual space according to the object display request. The processor 110 of the terminal 100, as the rendering module 104, displays on the monitor 166 the attribute information indicating the attribute of the user who arranged the assist object when displaying the assist object on each screen 60, 65, 70. FIG. Step S218 is an example of transmitting, to the terminal 100, a request to notify the information indicating the attribute of the player who placed the specific object when the second play information is received.

[Flow of processing for removing the assist object from the virtual space]
An example of the flow of processing for removing the assist object from the virtual space will be described. The process for removing the assist object from the virtual space is included in the battle process on the terminal side (step S122) and the battle process on the server side (step S120).

As shown in FIG. 9, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, performs processing for removing each assist object placed in the virtual space from the virtual space. In step S230, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, determines whether or not the removal time T1 has elapsed after placing the assist object. For each assist object placed in the virtual space, the processor 210 measures the elapsed time after placing the assist object.

If the removal time T1 has not passed, the processor 210 of the server 200 repeats step S230 as the game module 201A. That is, processor 210 waits. If the removal time T1 has passed, the processor 210 of the server 200 proceeds to step S232. In step S232, processor 210 of server 200 removes the assist object placed in the virtual space as game module 201A. That is, the removal condition of the assist object can be satisfied when the removal time T1 elapses.

In step S232, assist objects to be removed from the virtual space include assist objects of the first system. In step S232, the assist objects to be removed from the virtual space include assist objects of the second system that have not been removed from the virtual space and have been placed for the removal time T1. Step S232 is an example of removing each specific object placed in the virtual space from the virtual space when the time since the specific object was placed in the virtual space reaches a specified time.

In step S234, processor 210 of server 200 transmits an object removal request to terminal 100 as game module 201A. The object removal request is included in the second progress information. At step S236, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 receives the object removal request as the game module 101A. In step S236, processor 110 of terminal 100 removes the assist object placed in the virtual space as game module 101A. That is, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 does not display the removed assist object on the monitor 166 as the rendering module 104 .

[Flow of processing for exhibiting the effect of the assist object of the second system]
An example of the flow of processing for exhibiting the effect of the assist object of the second system will be described. The process for exerting the effect of the assist object of the second system is included in the battle process on the terminal side (step S122) and the battle process on the server side (step S120).

As shown in FIG. 10, the processor 210 of the server 200 performs processing for exerting the effect of the assist object of the second system for each assist object placed in the virtual space. In step S240, the processor 210 of the server 200 determines whether or not the activation condition for exhibiting the effect of the assist object of the second system has been established as the game module 201A.

As an example, the activation condition may be that a predetermined activation time T2 has elapsed after the assist object was placed in the virtual space. As an example, an activation condition may be that a particular avatar touches an assist object. As an example, the activation condition may be that a particular avatar enters within a certain range centered on the assist object. As an example, an activation condition may be that a particular avatar's attack hits an assist object. As an example, the specific avatar may be the avatar of a fellow user from the perspective of the user who arranged the assist object. As an example, the specific avatar may be the avatar of the enemy user viewed from the user who placed the assist object. As an example, the specific avatar may be both the avatar of the friendly user and the avatar of the enemy user when viewed from the user who arranged the assist object.

If the activation condition is not satisfied, the processor 210 of the server 200 repeats step S240 as the game module 201A. That is, processor 210 waits. If the activation condition is satisfied, the processor 210 of the server 200 proceeds to step S242.

In step S242, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, causes the effect of the assist object in the virtual space. As will be described later, the removal condition of the assist object may be satisfied when the effect of the assist object is exhibited. In step S242, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, removes the assist object from the virtual space when the removal condition of the assist object is satisfied.

In step S244, processor 210 of server 200 transmits an effect display request to terminal 100 as game module 201A. When the removal condition of the assist object is satisfied, the effect display request includes information instructing removal of the assist object from the virtual space.

In step S246, processor 110 of terminal 100 receives the effect display request as game module 101A. The processor 110 of the terminal 100, as the game module 101A, exerts the effect of the assist object in the virtual space. The processor 110 of the terminal 100 removes the assist object from the virtual space as the game module 101A when the effect display request instructs to remove the assist object. When displaying an assist object, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 as the rendering module 104 displays on the monitor 166 information indicating that the effect of the assist object has been exhibited.

[Example of display screen on terminal and flow of processing related to display]
[Outline of virtual space]
As an example, the virtual space defined by the server 200 and events in this virtual space can be reproduced concurrently on all the terminals 100 used by users participating in the same second part game. That is, the virtual space managed by the server 200 and events in this virtual space are updated according to each play information received from each terminal 100 . The server 200 transmits each piece of progress information to each terminal 100 according to the result of updating the virtual space and the event in the virtual space. The virtual space managed by each terminal 100 and events in this virtual space are updated each time according to progress information received from the server 200 . In the following description, simply referring to “virtual space” indicates a virtual space shared by the server 200 and the plurality of terminals 100 .

As shown in FIG. 11, various objects that can be placed in virtual space 80 include user's avatar 81 . Various objects that can be placed in the virtual space 80 include terrain objects 92 for forming a field 92A. As an example, terrain objects 92 may include objects that affect avatar movement. For example, terrain objects 92 may include objects that restrict the avatar's movement, such as trees, rocks, rivers, oceans, and mountains. For example, terrain objects 92 may include objects that reduce the avatar's movement speed, such as swamps. For example, terrain objects 92 may include objects that increase the movement speed of the avatar, such as ice sheets. As an example, terrain objects 92 may include objects that affect the avatar's parameter values. For example, terrain objects 92 may include objects that reduce an avatar's hit points, such as poison swamps. For example, terrain objects 92 may include objects that increase the avatar's hit points, such as a healing fountain.

Various objects that can be placed in the virtual space 80 include an assist object 94, as shown in FIGS.
A specific example of the assist object of the first system will be described.

For example, the first assist object 94 may include a wall object 94A that has the effect of restricting passage of avatars. The wall object 94A is an example of a first specific object. The wall object 94A may have an effect that neither the avatars of the friendly user nor the enemy user can pass through. The wall object 94A may have an effect that a friend user's avatar can pass through but an enemy user's avatar cannot pass through. The first specific object may be an object that restricts passage of at least the second character. The removal condition for the wall object 94A can be satisfied when the removal time T1 has passed since the wall object 94A was placed in the virtual space.

A specific example of the assist object of the second system will be described.
For example, the second assist object 94 may include a wooden box object 94B that can be destroyed when an avatar of a friendly user hits and has the effect of recovering hit points of the avatar. The wooden box object 94B may be destructible when an enemy user's avatar hits with an attack, and may have the effect of restoring hit points for that avatar. The wooden box object 94B is preferably an object that allows at least the first character to exert an effect. The activation condition of the wooden box object 94B can be satisfied by the avatar hitting the attack. The removal condition of the wooden box object 94B can be satisfied by exerting its effect or by the elapse of removal time T1 after being placed in the virtual space.

For example, the assist object 94 of the second system may include a hot spring object 94C that has the effect of recovering the hit points of the avatar of a friendly user who enters a certain range when the avatar enters the certain range. Hot spring object 94C is an example of a second specific object. The assist object 94 may have the effect of recovering the hit points of the avatar that has entered a certain range when the enemy user's avatar enters the certain range. The second specific object may be an object capable of restoring at least parameter values corresponding to the first character. The activation condition for the hot spring object 94C can be satisfied when the avatar enters a certain range. The removal condition for the hot spring object 94C can be satisfied when the removal time T1 has passed since it was placed in the virtual space.

For example, the assist object 94 of the second system may include a bomb object 94D that explodes after a certain period of time has passed since it was placed. The bomb object 94D has the effect of reducing the hit points of the enemy user's avatar within a certain range when it explodes. The bomb object 94D may have the effect of reducing the hit points of the avatars of friendly users within a certain range when it explodes. The bomb object 94D is preferably an object that can reduce at least the specific parameter value of the second character. The activation condition for the bomb object 94D can be satisfied when a certain period of time has passed since it was placed in the virtual space. The removal condition of the bomb object 94D can be satisfied by exerting its effect.

For example, the assist object 94 of the second system may include a tiger clip object that, when touched by the enemy user's avatar, becomes immobile until a certain period of time elapses. A tiger clip object may have the effect of becoming immobile until a certain period of time elapses when a friend user's avatar touches it. The tiger clipping object is preferably an object that can restrict the movement of at least the second character for a certain period of time. The activation condition of the tiger clip object can be satisfied by being touched by the avatar. The removal condition of the tiger clip object can be satisfied when the effect is exhibited or when the removal time T1 elapses after being placed in the virtual space.

For example, the assist object 94 of the second system may include an artillery object that, when placed, attacks the avatar of the enemy user within a certain range. When the enemy user's avatar is hit by the attack of the turret object, the avatar's hit points are reduced. The turret object may have the effect of attacking the avatar of the ally user. The artillery object is preferably an object that attacks at least the second character. The activation condition for the turret object can be satisfied when the avatar enters a certain range. The removal condition for the battery object can be satisfied when the removal time T1 has passed since it was placed in the virtual space.

For example, assist object 94 may include a poison object that, when touched by an opposing user's avatar, has the effect of reducing the avatar's hit points. A poison object may have the effect of reducing the hit points of a friendly user's avatar when touched by that avatar. The poison object may be an object that reduces hit points of at least the second character. An activation condition for a poison object can be met by being touched by an avatar. The removal condition of the poison object can be satisfied by exerting its effect or by the lapse of removal time T1 after being placed in the virtual space.

[Home Screen]
As shown in FIG. 13, the home screen 40 is displayed on the monitor 166 of the terminal 100 in the first part of the game. The home screen 40 may contain various objects. As an example, home screen 40 may include avatar window 401 , battle icon 404 , and character icon 406 . The home screen 40 may include a recruitment icon used when recruiting users to participate in the party, and a distribution start icon used when distributing one's own game play.

As an example, avatar window 401 displays own avatar 81 . The appearance of avatar 81 changes throughout the gameplay of the first part as the avatar's settings are changed. As an example, the aforementioned start operation can be performed by tapping a portion where the battle icon 404 is displayed. As an example, by performing a tap operation on a portion where the character icon 406 is displayed, an operation of instructing display of a preparation window (not shown) for preparing for the battle game can be performed.

[Matching screen]
As shown in FIG. 14, the matching screen 50 is displayed on the monitor 166 of the terminal 100 when the server 200 is performing the matching process (step S106). The matching screen 50 can contain various objects. Matching screen 50 includes an avatar window 501 that displays the user's avatar. As an example, avatar window 501 displays own avatar 81 . The matching screen 50 includes information such as character data indicating that matching is being performed.

[Battle screen]
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the battle screen 60 is first displayed on the monitor 166 of the terminal 100 when the second part is started. The battle screen 60 is displayed on the monitor 166 in the case of the first game of the second part. The battle screen 60 includes various objects. As an example, the battle screen 60 includes avatars 81 of users using the terminals 100 respectively. As an example, the battle screen 60 may include a point display field for the party to which the user belongs and an HP bar 61 that indicates the hit points of the user's avatar.

As an example, in step S<b>122 , the processor 110 of the terminal 100 serves as the rendering module 104 to display the avatar 81 of the user using the terminal 100 in the center of the monitor 166 . The processor 110 of the terminal 100 arranges the virtual camera 98 above and behind the head of the avatar 81 in the virtual space 80 , and displays on the monitor 166 the range within the field of view of the virtual camera 98 . A viewpoint above and behind the head of the avatar 81 is an example of a first viewpoint corresponding to the player character. The first viewpoint is not limited to this, and may be a first-person viewpoint viewing the field from the player character's head, or a bird's-eye view viewing the field centering on the player character.

The processor 110 of the terminal 100 arranges the avatar of the friendly user and the avatar of the enemy user in the virtual space 80 according to the first progress information received from the server 200 (game module 201A). Processor 110 of terminal 100 may display avatars of other users on monitor 166 when they fit within the viewing area of virtual camera 98 . The avatars, when displayed on monitor 166, are accompanied by actions according to the action information. Also, the processor 110 of the terminal 100, as the rendering module 104, displays the HP bar 63 indicating the hit points of the avatar on the monitor 166 when displaying the avatar of the enemy user. The processor 110 of the terminal 100 , as the rendering module 104 , displays the HP bar 63 indicating the hit points of the avatar on the monitor 166 when displaying the avatar of the friend user. As an example, the HP bar 63 is arranged above the head of the avatar 81 .

Processor 110 of terminal 100 arranges one or more assist objects 94 in virtual space 80 according to the second progress information received from server 200 (game module 201A). Processor 110 of terminal 100 may display one or more assist objects 94 on monitor 166 when one or more assist objects 94 fit within the field of view of virtual camera 98 . When the assist object 94 is displayed on the monitor 166, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 displays attribute information indicating whether the assist object 94 is placed by the user belonging to the first party or the second party. Displayed on the monitor 166 . As an example, the attribute information is the frame line 62 surrounding the assist object 94 . The frame line 62 may be information indicating whether the assist object 94 was placed by the friendly user or the enemy user. The specific object may be accompanied by different visual effects depending on the attributes of the player.

An example of a more specific display mode of the battle screen 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11, 15, and 16. FIG. Here, in the following description, it is assumed that users A and C belong to the first party, and user B belongs to the second party. Terminals 100 used by users A to C are denoted as terminals 100A to 100C, respectively. The avatars 81 of users A and B are indicated as avatars 81A and 81B, respectively.

Monitor 166 of terminal 100A displays a range of virtual space 80 within the field of view of virtual camera 98A corresponding to avatar 81A. As an example, the virtual camera 98A is arranged above and behind the head of the avatar 81A in the virtual space 80 .

Here, the objects 94A1 and 94B1 are objects placed by users belonging to the first party. Objects 94A2 and 94B2 are objects placed by users belonging to the second party. On the monitor 166 of the terminal 100A, the objects 94A1 and 94B1 are displayed with a frame line 62 with a red border, as indicated by the thick solid line. On the monitor 166 of the terminal 100A, the objects 94A2 and 94B2 are displayed with a blue border 62 as indicated by the thick dashed line.

Monitor 166 of terminal 100B displays a range of virtual space 80 within the field of view of virtual camera 98B corresponding to avatar 81B. As an example, the virtual camera 98B is arranged above and behind the head of the avatar 81B in the virtual space 80 .

On the monitor 166 of the terminal 100B, the objects 94A1 and 94B1 are displayed with a frame line 62 with a red border, as indicated by the thick solid line. On the monitor 166 of the terminal 100A, the objects 94A2 and 94B2 are displayed with a blue border 62 as indicated by the thick dashed line.

[Assistance transition screen]
As shown in FIG. 17, an assist transition screen 65 is displayed on the monitor 166 of the terminal 100 when the state of the avatar is changed from the first state to the second state. The assist transition screen 65 includes start information 66 that reports the start of the assist game in the second part. As an example, the start information is character data of "assist start".

As an example, in step S208, the processor 110 of the terminal 100, as the rendering module 104, changes the viewpoint when generating the rendered image of the virtual space 80 from the first viewpoint to the second viewpoint. As an example, the virtual camera 98 is set at a position that overlooks the field centering on the position where the state of the avatar is changed to the second state. Processor 110 of terminal 100 displays on monitor 166 the range that can be accommodated within the field of view of virtual camera 98 . The second viewpoint is not limited to this, and may be a viewpoint corresponding to a friend user's avatar, a viewpoint corresponding to an enemy user's avatar, or a viewpoint corresponding to another object. . Note that the first viewpoint may be the same viewpoint as the second viewpoint.

[Assist screen]
As shown in FIG. 18, when the game is the second part, the assist screen 70 is displayed on the monitor 166 of the terminal 100 after the assist transition screen 65 is displayed. The assist screen 70 may contain various objects. As an example, the assist screen 70 includes an assist icon 71 and a viewpoint change icon 702 . The assist screen 70 may include a point display column for the party to which the user belongs. The assist screen 70 may include a message from a friend user whose avatar is in the first state.

As an example, by tapping a portion where the assist icon 71 is displayed, the arrangement operation described above can be performed. The assist icon 71 includes information indicating an assist object that can be arranged in the virtual space 80 by an arrangement operation, among a plurality of types of assist objects. As an example, the assist icon 71A for arranging the wall object 94A includes a pattern indicating the wall object 94A. As an example, the assist icon 71C for arranging the hot spring object includes a design representing the hot spring object. As an example, the assist icon 71D for arranging the bomb object 94D includes a pattern indicating the bomb object 94D. The processor 110 of the terminal 100, as the game module 101A, identifies the type of assist object 94 to be arranged from the assist icon 71 dragged. The processor 110 of the terminal 100 acquires the placement position of the assist object 94 from the dragged position. In step S210, the processor 110 of the terminal 100, as the game module 101A, transmits second play information (object placement request) including assist object type information and coordinate information to the server 200. FIG.

As an example, by performing a tap operation on a portion where the viewpoint change icon 702 is displayed, a viewpoint change operation for instructing a change of the viewpoint can be performed. The viewpoint change icon 702 is displayed corresponding to each of the avatars of the ally users who are in the first state.

The processor 110 of the terminal 100 arranges the avatar of the friendly user and the avatar of the enemy user in the virtual space 80 according to the first progress information received from the server 200 (game module 201A). Processor 110 of terminal 100 may display avatars of other users on monitor 166 when they fit within the viewing area of virtual camera 98 . The avatars, when displayed on monitor 166, are accompanied by actions according to the action information. In other words, processor 110 uses the same virtual space 80 when the avatar is in the second state as when the avatar is in the first state. Also, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 , as the rendering module 104 , displays the HP bar 63 indicating the hit points of the avatars on the monitor 166 when displaying the avatars of the friend user or the enemy user. As an example, the HP bar 63 is placed above the head of the avatar.

Processor 110 of terminal 100 accepts a viewpoint change operation as game module 101A. When the viewpoint change operation is received, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 changes the position of the virtual camera 98 to a position that overlooks the field centering on the avatar corresponding to the tapped viewpoint change icon. Processor 110 of terminal 100 , as rendering module 104 , displays on monitor 166 the range within the field of view of virtual camera 98 .

Processor 110 of terminal 100 arranges one or more assist objects 94 in virtual space 80 according to the second progress information received from server 200 (game module 201A). Processor 110 of terminal 100 may display one or more assist objects 94 on monitor 166 when one or more assist objects 94 fit within the field of view of virtual camera 98 . The processor 110 of the terminal 100 displays the attribute information on the monitor 166 when displaying the assist object 94 on the monitor 166 . In other words, the specific object should be accompanied by different visual effects depending on the attributes of the player.

An example of a more specific display mode of the assist screen 70 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11, 19, and 20. As shown in FIG. 98C is set. Assume that user C taps assist icon 71D displayed on monitor 166 of terminal 100C and drags it to an arbitrary position in field 92A displayed on monitor 166 . In this case, the processor 110 of the terminal 100C, as the game module 101A, identifies the bomb object 94D as the type of assist object whose placement has been instructed. The processor 110 of the terminal 100C, as the game module 101A, identifies coordinates for arranging the bomb object 94D1.

As shown in FIG. 20, a bomb object 94D appears on the monitor 166 of the terminal 100A. This bomb object 94D becomes effective after a certain period of time has passed since it was placed. The bomb object 94D reduces the hit points of the enemy user's avatar within a certain range when it is effective. The bomb object 94D is removed from the virtual space when it takes effect.

The number of users who can participate in the assist game will be explained.
As an example, let P be the number of parties that can participate in one second part game, and Q be the number of users that can belong to one party. In this case, the number of users participating in the battle game is P×Q when the second part starts. Hit points are managed per avatar. When the hit points of the avatar become 0, the state of the avatar is changed from the first state to the second state. When the state of the avatar is changed to the second state, the user having that avatar ends the battle game and participates in the assist game. That is, the number of users participating in the battle game among the party to which the user belongs is reduced by one. Among the party to which the user belongs, the number of users participating in the assist game is increased by one. As an example, the maximum number of users who can participate in the assist game for each party is Q-1. A teammate user who participates in an assist game may become plural including oneself. A plurality of enemy users may participate in the assist game.

[Result screen]
When the second part ends and shifts to the first part, the result screen 75 is displayed on the monitor 166 of the terminal 100 respectively. The result screen 75 can contain various objects. The result screen 75 may include information such as an icon indicating the party that won the second part, an icon indicating the user with the highest number of points acquired, or an icon indicating the user with the highest number of other avatars defeated.

Effects of the first embodiment will be described.
(1-1) Movement of the avatar in the virtual space 80 is restricted when the state of the avatar is changed from the first state to the second state by satisfying a specific condition. Instead, the user will be able to place one or more specific objects in the virtual space. In other words, the gameplay changes before and after the state of the avatar changes to the second state. Therefore, user's enjoyment can be increased.

(1-2) The avatar disappears from the field when its state is changed from the first state to the second state. Therefore, changes in game characteristics can be emphasized.
(1-3) Even when the movement of the user's avatar is restricted, the user can restore the first specific object that restricts the passage of the avatar of the enemy user and the parameter values of the avatar of the friendly user. At least one of the possible second specific objects can be arranged. In other words, the user can influence the virtual space 80 . As a result, the game characteristics greatly change before and after the state of the avatar is changed from the first state to the second state. Therefore, user's enjoyment can be further increased.

(1-4) There is an upper limit to the number of specific objects that a user can place. Therefore, the influence on the virtual space 80 is not excessive.
(1-5) The specific object placed by the user is removed after a specified period of time. Thereby, the user can place a new specific object after the specified time has passed even after placing the specified number of specified objects. Therefore, the user can continue to intervene in the virtual space for a longer period of time.

(1-6) When the state of the avatar is changed from the first state to the second state, the viewpoint is changed from the first-person viewpoint to the overhead viewpoint. Therefore, the user can arrange the specific object while overlooking the virtual space 80 .

(1-7) The start of the second game is notified. Therefore, the user can prepare in advance for changes in game characteristics.
(1-8) Information indicating attributes of the user who placed the specific object is reported. Therefore, the state of intervention by the user in the virtual space 80 becomes clear.

(1-9) It is possible to identify which group the user who placed the specific object belongs to. Therefore, the state of intervention by the user in the virtual space 80 becomes clear.
(1-10) Even with the same type of specific object, the effect differs depending on whether the user of the first party or the user of the second party places it. In other words, the effect of the specific object differs depending on whether it is placed by a friendly user or an enemy user. As a result, the effect of the specific object is not uniform. Therefore, viewer's enjoyment can be increased.

(1-11) The player can identify whether the specific object was placed by a friendly user or an enemy user. Therefore, the player can visually grasp the difference in the effects of the specific objects arranged in the virtual space.

(1-12) The effect of the first specific object placed by the user belonging to the first party is exerted on the avatar of the user belonging to the first party, but the effect is exerted on the avatar of the user belonging to the second party. It does not work against On the other hand, the effect of the first specific object placed by the user belonging to the second party is exerted on the avatar of the user belonging to the second party, but the effect of the avatar of the user belonging to the first party is not demonstrated. Therefore, users belonging to each party can selectively exert the effect of the first specific object on avatars corresponding to users having the same attributes as themselves.

(1-13) The effect of the second specific object placed by the user belonging to the first party is not exerted on the avatar of the user belonging to the first party, but on the avatar of the user belonging to the second party. is demonstrated. On the other hand, the effect of the second specific object placed by the user belonging to the second party is exerted on the avatar of the user belonging to the first party, but the effect of the avatar of the user belonging to the second party is not demonstrated. Therefore, a user belonging to each party can selectively exert the effect of the second specific object on an avatar corresponding to a user having an attribute different from that of the user.

(1-14) In the second game (assist game as an example), the user can select the viewpoint corresponding to the avatar of the user desired by the user among the users who belong to the same party as the user. Therefore, the user can effectively arrange the specific object while viewing the avatars of the users who belong to the same party.

(1-15) In the second game (assist game as an example), the user cannot select the viewpoint corresponding to the avatar of the user who belongs to a party different from the user's own. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from easily grasping the movement of the enemy user's avatar.

(1-16) The user can specify the type of specific object and the position of the specific object. Thus, the user can arrange the specific objects as desired.
(Second embodiment)
In the game system 10, when the assist object 94 is placed in the virtual space 80 and the assist object 94 is newly placed, the previously placed assist object when a predetermined change condition is satisfied. 94 may vary. As an example, a change in assist object 94 may include a change in appearance of assist object 94 and a change in effect of assist object 94 .

[Flow of processing for changing the assist object]
An example of the flow of processing for changing the assist object will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8, in step S216, the processor 210 of the server 200 determines whether or not the change condition is satisfied as the game module 201A. If the change condition is not satisfied, the processor 210 of the server 200 places a new assist object 94 in the virtual space 80 as the game module 201A. The processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, does not change the appearance and effect of the assist object 94 previously placed in the virtual space 80. FIG.

When the change condition is satisfied, the processor 210 of the server 200 changes the assist object 94 previously placed in the virtual space 80 as the game module 201A. In the following description, the assist object 94 previously placed in the virtual space 80 will be referred to as a "combination source assist object". Also, the assist object 94 to be arranged in the virtual space 80 later is indicated as "assist object after combination".

As an example, the change condition is established when the assist object 94 to be combined and the assist object 94 after combination have a specific relationship. As an example, a specific relationship may be defined by one aspect, or may be defined by combining multiple aspects.

As an example, the change condition includes a specific relationship between the type of the assist object 94 to be combined and the type of the assist object 94 after combination. As an example, the specific relationship may be that the type of the assist object 94 to be combined and the type of the assist object 94 after combination are the same or different.

As an example, the change condition includes that there is a specific relationship between the attribute of the user who arranged the assist object 94 to be combined and the attribute of the user who arranged the assist object 94 after combination. As an example, the specific relationship may be that the user who arranged the original assist object 94 and the user who arranged the combined assist object 94 are the same user or different users. may As an example, the specific relationship may be that the user who arranged the original assist object 94 and the user who arranged the combined assist object 94 are of the same party, or may be of different parties. . As an example, the specific relationship may be that the user who arranged the assist object 94 to be combined and the user who arranged the assist object 94 after combination are friendly users to each other, and are enemy users to each other. It may be

As an example, the change condition includes a specific relationship between the position of the assist object 94 to be combined and the position of the assist object 94 after combination. As an example, the specific relationship may be that the position of the assist object 94 to be combined and the position of the assist object 94 after combination are the same, or that they are within a certain distance from each other. There may be. The fixed distance may be a distance in the horizontal direction, a distance in the height direction, or a combination thereof. As an example, the specific relationship may be that the assist object 94 that is the source of the combination and the assist object 94 after the combination partially overlap each other in their respective effective ranges, or that their respective effective ranges overlap in their entirety. The range of effect of one may include the range of effect of the other.

An example of how the assist object 94 changes will be described.
As shown in FIG. 21 , the mode of changing the effect of the assist object 94 can include enhancement that improves the effect of the assist object 94 and interference that alters the effect of the assist object 94 . As an example, enhancing the effect of the assist object 94 includes increasing or decreasing the amount of change in the parameter value of the avatar, and increasing or decreasing the range in which the parameter value of the avatar is changed.

As an example, the assist object to be combined is the hot spring object 94C arranged by the friendly user, the assist object after combination is the hot spring object 94C arranged by the friendly user, and these two hot spring objects 94C. will be explained. In this case, the combination source hot spring object 94C changes to a large hot spring object with a luxurious appearance. The large hot spring object recovers hit points faster than the hot spring object 94C when touched by the friendly user's avatar.

As an example, the assist object to be combined is the wooden box object 94B arranged by the friendly user, the assist object after combination is the wooden box object 94B arranged by the friendly user, and these two trees are combined. A case where the positions of the box objects 94B match will be described. In this case, the combination source wooden box object 94B changes to a stacked wooden box object in which a plurality of wooden boxes are stacked. The stacked wooden box object has the effect of recovering the hit points of all the avatars of the ally users within a certain range when the avatars of the ally users attack. That is, compared to the wooden box object 94B, the effective range is widened.

As an example, the combination source assist object is the hot spring object 94C placed by the friendly user, the combined assist object is the poison medicine object placed by the enemy user, and the positions of these two objects are will be described. In this case, the combination source hot spring object 94C changes its appearance to a poisonous swamp object. The poison swamp object has the effect of reducing the hit points of the avatar of a friendly user when touched by the avatar. In other words, the property is different from that of the hot spring object 94C.

Effects of the second embodiment will be described.
(2-1) An effect corresponding to the combination of the specific object placed by the user belonging to the first party and the specific object placed by the user belonging to the first party is exhibited. In other words, the effect of the specific object can be changed by the cooperation of multiple users belonging to the first party. Therefore, it is possible to provide a plurality of users with the pleasure of cooperating with each other.

(2-2) When a specific object placed by a user belonging to the first party and a specific object placed by a user belonging to the first party have a specific relationship, these specific objects have a specific relationship. The effect is different from when it does not have . Therefore, it is possible to provide each user with the pleasure of cooperatively arranging the specific object.

(2-3) When a specific object placed by a user belonging to the first party and a specific object placed by a user belonging to the second party have a specific relationship, the user belonging to the first party The effect of the placed specific object will not be exerted on the avatar of the first party. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user belonging to the first party with the pleasure of arranging the specific object so as not to be disturbed by the user belonging to the second party.

(2-4) When a specific object placed by a user belonging to the first party and a specific object placed by a user belonging to the second party have a specific relationship, the user belonging to the first party Placed specific object effects change. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user belonging to the first party with the pleasure of arranging the specific object so as not to be disturbed by the user belonging to the second party.

The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other within a technically consistent range.
- The teammate user's HP bar 63 is not displayed on the battle screen 60, but may be displayed on the assist screen . In other words, the teammate user's HP bar 63 is not displayed until the assist game is entered. The enemy user's HP bar 63 is not displayed on the battle screen 60 , but may be displayed on the assist screen 70 . In other words, the enemy user's HP bar 63 is not displayed until the assist game is entered.

- The teammate user's HP bar 63 may be displayed on the battle screen 60 and may also be displayed on the assist screen 70 . That is, the teammate user's HP bar 63 is displayed on the battle screen 60, and is displayed as it is even after shifting to the assist game. The enemy user's HP bar 63 may be displayed on the battle screen 60 and may also be displayed on the assist screen 70 . In other words, the enemy user's HP bar 63 is displayed on the battle screen 60 and is displayed as it is even after shifting to the assist game. In this modified example, the display mode of the HP bar 63 may be different between when it is displayed on the battle screen 60 and when it is displayed on the assist screen 70 . As an example, the display mode of the HP bar 63 may be easier to see when displayed on the assist screen 70 than when displayed on the battle screen 60 . For example, the size of the HP bar 63 is preferably larger when displayed on the assist screen 70 than when displayed on the battle screen 60 .

The display condition of the HP bar 63 differs between the case where it is displayed on the battle screen 60 before the avatar enters the second state and the case where it is displayed on the assist screen 70 after the avatar enters the second state. may be As an example, on the battle screen 60 , the HP bar 63 is displayed only for avatars within the field of view of the virtual camera 98 and within a certain distance from the virtual camera 98 . When the state of the avatar changes to the second state and the screen shifts to the assist screen 70 , the HP bar 63 displays the avatar of the friendly user and the avatar of the enemy user within the field of view of the virtual camera 98 . displayed for

Also, as shown in FIG. 22, on the assist screen 70, the HP bar 63 is displayed for the avatar of the enemy user who is within the field of view of the virtual camera 98, but is not displayed for the ally user. good too. In this case, the hit points of the friend user's avatar may be indicated by the HP bar 703 displayed on the monitor 166 in a different part from the HP bar 63 . As an example, the HP bar 703 may be displayed in association with multiple viewpoint change icons 702 . Thus, the hit points of the enemy user's avatar can be grasped when the avatar is displayed on the monitor 166, but all of the hit points of the ally user's avatar can always be grasped. Therefore, in the assist game, the user can easily grasp the friendly user to whom assistance should be provided and the enemy user to whom he or she should interfere. In other words, it becomes easier to formulate a strategy in the assist game.

- As shown in FIG. 23, the operation of arranging the assist units may be the same as or similar to the operation of moving the avatar in the battle game.
As an example, processor 110 of terminal 100 temporarily arranges assist object 94 at a position displayed in the center of monitor 166 in the virtual space when assist icon 71 is tapped. The processor 110 of the terminal 100 displays a cancel button 706, an enter button 707, and a rotate button 708 as the rendering module 104 on the monitor 166 when the assist object 94 is temporarily arranged in the virtual space. The processor 110 of the terminal 100 of the game module 101A removes the temporarily placed assist object 94 from the virtual space when an operation to cancel the provisional placement is performed by tapping the portion where the cancel button 706 is displayed. As the game module 101A, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 rotates the provisionally arranged assist object 94 when an operation to rotate the assist object 94 is performed by tapping the portion where the rotation button 708 is displayed.

As an example, the battle screen 60 and the assist screen 70 include a first virtual stick 710 and a second virtual stick 720 . In the battle screen 60, the first virtual stick 710 can instruct the movement of the avatar 81 in the virtual space. On the battle screen 60, the second virtual stick 720 can instruct to change the camera angle. As an example, by operating the second virtual stick 720 , the virtual camera 98 can instruct to rotate around the avatar 81 while keeping the avatar 81 within the field of view. On the other hand, on the assist screen 70, the first virtual stick 710 can instruct the movement of the assist object 94 temporarily placed in the virtual space. In the assist screen 70, the second virtual stick 720 can instruct to change the camera angle. As an example, the virtual camera 98 can issue an instruction to rotate around the assist object 94 while keeping the assist object 94 within the field of view by operating the second virtual stick 720 .

As the game module 101A, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 moves the assist object 94 in the virtual space upon receiving the operation to move the temporarily arranged assist object 94 . The processor 110 of the terminal 100C, as the rendering module 104, causes the virtual camera 98 to follow the position of overlooking the field 92A with the temporarily placed assist object 94 as the center. That is, as an example, the display position of the temporarily arranged assist object 94 is maintained at the center of the monitor 166 . As described above, as an example, the display position of one's own avatar 81 is maintained at the center of the monitor 166 on the battle screen 60 .

The processor 110 of the terminal 100</b>C, as the rendering module 104 , rotates the virtual camera 98 along a trajectory centered on the assist object 94 upon receiving the rotation operation of the virtual camera 98 . The processor 110 of the terminal 100, as the rendering module 104, displays on the monitor 166 the range within the field of view of the virtual camera 98 after movement.

The processor 110 of the participating terminal 100C determines the type of the temporarily arranged assist object 94 when an operation to decide the arrangement of the assist object 94 is performed by tapping the portion where the enter button 707 is displayed as the game module 101A. , and the position of the temporarily arranged assist object 94 are acquired. Then, in step S210, the processor 110 of the terminal 100, as the game module 101A, transmits the second play information (object placement request) including the type information and the coordinate information of the assist object 94 to the server 200.

In this modified example, the operation method in the first game (battle game) and the operation method in the second game (assist game) are the same or similar. That is, the operation method is the same or similar before the state of the avatar changes to the second state and after the state of the avatar changes to the second state. Therefore, user confusion due to differences in operation methods can be suppressed.

- The game system 10 may be configured to place assist objects by consuming points owned by the user. The consumption points for arranging in the virtual space may be different for each type of assist object, or part or all of them may be the same. As an example, when the processor 210 of the server 200 receives an object placement request (second play information) as the game module 201A, the processor 210 specifies consumption points based on the type of the assist object whose placement is instructed in the request. . The processor 210 reduces the points owned by the user according to the specified consumption points. Then, in step S216, processor 210 places the assist object in the virtual space. The processor 110 does not place the assist object when the points owned by the user are less than the identified consumption points. As an example, the points owned by a user may increase over time.

- The game system 10 may be configured to shorten the removal time T1 until the assist object is removed. As an example, processor 210 of server 200 manages a durability value, which is an example of a parameter value, instead of managing elapsed time as game module 201A. The processor 210 of the server 200 reduces the durability value over time. The processor 210 of the server 200 reduces the durability value of the assist object in accordance with the behavior of the user with attributes different from those of the user who placed the assist object. As an example, the action of decreasing the durability value of the assist object is having the avatar hit the assist object. As an example, the action of decreasing the durability value of the assist object is causing the assist object to exhibit a predetermined effect of the assist object. As an example, the predetermined assist object may be the bomb object 94D.

In step S232, the processor 210 of the server 200 removes the assist object whose durability value has become 0 from the virtual space. The processor 110 of the terminal 100, as the rendering module 104, may cause an image indicating the durability value of the assist object to be displayed in association with the assist object.

- The plurality of terminals 100 may be implemented as computers with different configurations.
- One or more modules included in the control modules 101 and 201 may be realized by circuits such as ASIC, PLD, FPGA, and MCU.

- One or more modules included in the control modules 101 and 201 may be realized by software using a processor. A computer comprising at least one of the control modules 101, 201 comprises a processor, memory and storage. The above programs and various data are recorded in the storage so that the processor can read them. Programs are deployed in memory. The effect of the present disclosure is realized by the processor reading the program from the storage and executing it. The storage, as already explained, can be implemented as a non-volatile storage device.

- The program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (communication network, broadcast wave, etc.) capable of transmitting the program.
・The program may be recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, MO, etc.), semiconductor memory (ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.). good.

The disclosure includes the following examples. Elements of the embodiments are numbered as an aid to understanding and not for purposes of limitation.
(Appendix 1) A virtual space (80) is defined (S110) in a computer (200), and player characters (80A, 80B) corresponding to the player operating the terminal (100) are placed in the virtual space. (S212); changing the state of the player character from the first state to the second state when a specific condition is satisfied (S202); (S132); moving the player character in the virtual space according to the received first information (S134); and moving the player character in the second state. In some cases, restricting execution of moving the player character in the virtual space (S134), and receiving second information transmitted by the terminal that has accepted the second operation by the player (S212). and placing one or more specific objects (94) in the virtual space according to the received second information when the player character is in the second state (S216). program.

(Appendix 2) When the virtual space (80) includes a field that allows the movement of the player character, and the computer (200) changes the state of the player character from the first state to the second state, and transmitting to the terminal a request not to display the player character in the field (S138).

(Appendix 3) Arranging a first character and a second character different from the player character in the virtual space in the computer (200) (S112); and managing (S136) the parameter values corresponding to each of the first character and the second character, and changing the state of the character whose corresponding parameter value is a specific value from the first state to the changing to a second state (S202), and further executing, the specific condition being satisfied by the parameter value corresponding to the player character becoming the specific value, and the one or more specific objects ( 94) includes at least one of a first specific object and a second specific object, wherein the first specific object is an object that restricts passage of at least the second character, and the second specific object is an object capable of restoring at least the parameter value corresponding to the first character.

(Appendix 4) Execution of arranging additional said specific objects in said virtual space when a specified number of said specific objects (94) are arranged in said virtual space (80) in said computer (200) 3. The program according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, further executing:

(Appendix 5) Each specific object (94) placed in the virtual space (80) is stored in the computer (200) when the specified time has elapsed since the specific object was placed in the virtual space. 5. The program according to appendix 4, further causing: removing from the virtual space if the case.

(Supplementary Note 6) The computer (200) sets the viewpoint for generating the rendered image of the virtual space (80) when the state of the player character is changed from the first state to the second state. transmitting a request to the terminal to change from the first viewpoint to the second viewpoint (S204), wherein the virtual space includes a field that allows movement of the player character, and the first viewpoint; is a viewpoint corresponding to the player character, and the second viewpoint is a viewpoint for overlooking the field.

(Appendix 7) The first state is a state in which the player can participate in a first game including moving the player character in the virtual space (80), and the second state is a state in which the player cannot participate in the first game. a state in which the user can participate in a second game including arranging the one or more specific objects in the virtual space, and the state of the player character is changed from the first state to the second state by the computer. 7. The program according to appendix 6, further causing a request to notify the start of the second game to be transmitted to the terminal (S204) when changed.

(Appendix 8) Sending a request to the terminal to notify the computer (200) of information indicating the attribute of the player who placed the specific object (94) when the second information is received. The program according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, further executing:

(Appendix 9) The virtual space (90) includes a first group including one or more first characters corresponding to a first attribute, and one or more second characters corresponding to a second attribute. A second group is provided, the attribute of the player is the first attribute or the second attribute, and the player character is the first group or the second group according to the player's attribute , wherein the specific object is accompanied by different visual effects depending on the player's attribute.

(Appendix 10) Defining a virtual space (80) in the computer (200) (S110), and arranging a player character corresponding to the player who operates the terminal (100) in the virtual space (S212) changing the state of the player character from the first state to the second state when a specific condition is satisfied (S202); (S132, S212); and generating a first event in the virtual space according to the received operation information when the state of the player character is the first state (S134, S136). and generating a second event different from the first event in the virtual space according to the received operation information when the state of the player character is the second state (S216). ,program.

(Appendix 11) A computer (200) comprising a storage device (230) storing the program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 10, and a processor (210) executing the program stored in the storage device ).

(Supplementary note 12) A system (10) comprising the computer (200) according to Supplementary note 11.
(Appendix 13) The computer (200) defines a virtual space (80) (S110), and places player characters (80A, 80B) corresponding to the player operating the terminal (100) in the virtual space. (S112); changing the state of the player character from the first state to the second state when a specific condition is satisfied (S202); (S132); moving the player character in the virtual space according to the received first information (S134); and moving the player character in the second state. In some cases, restricting execution of moving the player character in the virtual space (S134), and receiving second information transmitted by the terminal that has accepted the second operation by the player (S212). and arranging one or more specific objects in the virtual space according to the second information received when the state of the player character is the second state (S216). It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its technical spirit. For example, some of the components described in the embodiment (or one or more aspects thereof) may be omitted, or some components may be combined. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

10... Game system, 40... Home screen, 50... Matching screen, 60... Battle screen, 61... HP bar, 62... Frame line, 65... Assist transition screen, 66... Start information, 70... Assist screen, 71... Assist icon , 71A...Assist icon, 71C...Assist icon, 71D...Assist icon, 75...Result screen, 80...Virtual space, 81...Avatar, 81A...Avatar, 81B...Avatar, 90...Network, 92...Topography object, 92A...Field , 94... assist object, 94A, 94A1, 94A2... wall object, 94B, 94B1, 94B2... wooden box object, 94D... bomb object, 98, 98A to 98C... virtual camera, 100... terminal, 101... control module, 101A... Game module 101B distribution module 101C viewing module 104 rendering module 105 memory module 106 communication module 107 input/output module 110 processor 120 memory 130 storage 140 communication IF , 150... input/output IF, 160... microphone, 162... speaker, 164... touch screen, 166... monitor, 167... touch sensor, 180... communication bus, 190... input/output device, 200... server, 200A... game server, 200B ... distribution server 201 ... control module 201A ... game module 201B ... distribution module 205 ... memory module 206 ... communication module 207 ... input/output module 210 ... processor 220 ... memory 230 ... storage 240 ... communication IF, 250... Input/output IF, 280... Communication bus, 401... Avatar window, 404... Battle icon, 406... Character icon, 701... Avatar window, 702... Viewpoint change icon

Claims (13)

to the computer,
defining a virtual space;
Placing a player character corresponding to a player operating a terminal in the virtual space;
changing the state of the player character from the first state to the second state when a specific condition is satisfied;
Receiving first information transmitted by the terminal that has received the first operation by the player;
moving the player character in the virtual space according to the received first information;
regulating execution of moving the player character in the virtual space when the state of the player character is the second state;
Receiving second information transmitted by the terminal that has received the second operation by the player;
A program for arranging one or more specific objects in the virtual space according to the second information received when the state of the player character is the second state. The virtual space includes a field that allows movement of the player character,
to the computer;
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting a request not to display the player character in the field when the state of the player character is changed from the first state to the second state. program as described. to the computer;
arranging a first character and a second character different from the player character in the virtual space;
managing parameter values corresponding to each of the player character, the first character, and the second character;
changing the state of the character, of the first character and the second character, for which the corresponding parameter value becomes a specific value from the first state to the second state;
the specific condition is established when the parameter value corresponding to the player character is the specific value;
The one or more specific objects include at least one of a first specific object and a second specific object,
The first specific object is an object that restricts passage of at least the second character,
3. The program according to claim 1, wherein said second specific object is an object capable of recovering at least said parameter value corresponding to said first character. to the computer;
Claims 1 to 3, wherein, when a specified number of said specific objects are placed in said virtual space, regulating execution of placement of additional said specific objects in said virtual space is further performed. The program according to any one of to the computer;
5. Removing each of the specific objects placed in the virtual space from the virtual space when a specified time has elapsed since the specific object was placed in the virtual space. program described in . to the computer;
A request to change a viewpoint from a first viewpoint to a second viewpoint when generating an image in which the virtual space is rendered when the state of the player character is changed from the first state to the second state, transmitting to the terminal;
The virtual space includes a field that allows movement of the player character,
the first viewpoint is a viewpoint corresponding to the player character;
6. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said second viewpoint is a viewpoint for overlooking said field. the first state is a state in which the player can participate in a first game including moving the player character in the virtual space;
The second state is a state in which the player cannot participate in the first game and is in a state in which the player can participate in a second game including arranging the one or more specific objects in the virtual space;
to the computer;
7. further transmitting a request to notify the start of the second game to the terminal when the state of the player character is changed from the first state to the second state. program described in . to the computer;
Claims 1 to 7, further comprising transmitting to the terminal a request to report information indicating an attribute of the player who placed the specific object when the second information is received. The program according to any one of In the virtual space, a first group including one or more first characters corresponding to a first attribute and a second group including one or more second characters corresponding to a second attribute are provided. be
the attribute of the player is the first attribute or the second attribute;
The player character is included in the first group or the second group according to the attribute of the player,
9. The program according to claim 8, wherein said specific object accompanies different visual effects according to said player's attribute. to the computer,
defining a virtual space;
Placing a player character corresponding to a player operating a terminal in the virtual space;
changing the state of the player character from the first state to the second state when a specific condition is satisfied;
Receiving operation information transmitted by the terminal that has received the first operation by the player;
generating a first event in the virtual space according to the received operation information when the player character is in the first state;
generating a second event different from the first event in the virtual space according to the received operation information when the state of the player character is the second state. a storage device storing the program according to any one of claims 1 to 10;
and a processor that executes programs stored in the storage device. A system comprising a computer according to claim 11. the computer
defining a virtual space;
Placing a player character corresponding to a player operating a terminal in the virtual space;
changing the state of the player character from the first state to the second state when a specific condition is satisfied;
Receiving first information transmitted by the terminal that has received the first operation by the player;
moving the player character in the virtual space according to the received first information;
regulating execution of moving the player character in the virtual space when the state of the player character is the second state;
Receiving second information transmitted by the terminal that has received the second operation by the player;
placing one or more specific objects in the virtual space according to the received second information when the player character is in the second state.

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