JP2023006624A - Display control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To change a positional relationship of an opponent displayed in a match game according to progress of the game.SOLUTION: A display control method includes: display of a first screen area in which multiple characters including a first character corresponding to a communication device and multiple second characters disposed around the first character; a change in a state of at least one character from among multiple characters on the basis of input operation to the communication device; removal of a character in which a state of the character satisfies a first condition from the first screen area; and rearrangement of at least one remaining character when at least one remaining character satisfies a second condition from among multiple characters.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

The present invention relates to a display control method.

A battle game using a plurality of communication devices connected to a network is conventionally known. Competitive games include games in which two players (or two teams) participate and games in which many players (three or more players) participate. In a two-player game, one user targets the other user. Therefore, the attack target is automatically identified. When a large number of people participate, each user must select an attack target from multiple users other than himself/herself.

2. Description of the Related Art A competition game using a puzzle game employs a technique (for example, Patent Document 1) in which images corresponding to all opponents are displayed and an attack target is automatically selected according to a preset rule.

JP 2020-127584 A

In the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1, images corresponding to all opponents are displayed, but the positional relationship of each image is meaningless. In other words, these images simply indicate that there is an opponent.

One of the objects of the present invention is to change the positional relationship of opponents displayed in a match game according to the progress of the game.

According to one embodiment, displaying a first screen area in which a plurality of characters including a first character corresponding to a communication device and a plurality of second characters arranged around the first character are displayed; changing the state of at least one of the plurality of characters based on an input operation to the communication device; and removing the character whose state satisfies a first condition from the first screen area. and rearranging the at least one remaining character when at least one remaining character among the plurality of characters satisfies a second condition.

The method may further include displaying a second screen area in which a plurality of objects whose states change according to the input operation are displayed. The processing for changing the state of the character includes changing at least one character from the plurality of characters when at least a portion of the plurality of objects satisfies a third condition due to a change in the state of the object due to the input operation. A process for changing state may be included.

The second condition may include that the number of remaining characters is equal to or less than a predetermined number.

The predetermined number may be a number represented by a×b (both a and b are integers of 2 or more). Rearranging the characters may include arranging a characters in the first screen area and b characters in the second direction in the first screen area.

It may be a=b.

a and b are either odd numbers less than a predetermined numerical value, and rearranging the character means moving the first character in the first screen area in either the first direction or the second direction. may also include centering the

By rearranging the characters, when the number of remaining characters becomes five, the second characters are placed on both sides along the first direction and both sides along the second direction with respect to the first character. It may involve placing two characters.

Changing the state of the at least one character may include selecting the at least one second character based on the input operation and the position of the second character relative to the first character. good.

According to one embodiment, data for displaying a plurality of characters including a first character corresponding to a communication device and having a mutual positional relationship defined on the communication device according to the positional relationship is transmitted to the communication device. changing the state of at least one of the plurality of characters based on data received from the communication device; removing the character whose state satisfies a first condition; rearranging the at least one remaining character when the at least one remaining character among the characters satisfies the second condition.

The method may further include transmitting to the communication device data for displaying a second screen area in which a plurality of objects whose states change according to an input operation to the communication device are displayed. The processing for changing the state of the character includes changing at least one character from the plurality of characters when at least a portion of the plurality of objects satisfies a third condition due to a change in the state of the object due to the input operation. A process for changing state may be included.

The second condition may include that the number of remaining characters is equal to or less than a predetermined number.

The predetermined number may be a number represented by a×b (both a and b are integers of 2 or more). Rearranging the characters may include arranging and displaying a characters in the first direction and b characters in the second direction on the communication device.

It may be a=b.

By rearranging the characters, when the number of remaining characters becomes five, the second characters are placed on both sides along the first direction and both sides along the second direction with respect to the first character. It may include placing characters other than one character.

Rearranging the characters includes, when the number of the remaining characters becomes 5 and the remaining characters include first characters corresponding to a plurality of the communication devices, each of the first characters You may define the positional relationship corresponding to .

Changing the state of the at least one character may include selecting the at least one character based on data received from the communication device and the position of the character relative to the first character. good.

A program may be provided for causing a computer to execute the display control method described above.

According to the present invention, the positional relationship of the opponents displayed in the battle game can be changed according to the progress of the game.

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication system in one embodiment; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication device according to one embodiment; FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the server in one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating game serving functionality in one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating game control functions in one embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the game screen in one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relationship between an example of character placement settings and a first user's screen area in one embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between an example of a character arrangement|positioning setting and a 2nd user's screen area in one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the game screen in one embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the game screen in one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of character placement settings (after rearrangement) in one embodiment; It is a flow chart which shows game progress processing in one embodiment. 4 is a flow chart showing character control processing in one embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the game screen in one embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the game screen in one embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the character arrangement|positioning setting in a modification. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen area|region of each user in a modification.

[1-1. Configuration of communication system]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication system according to one embodiment. Communication system 1000 in one embodiment is a client-server system having communication device 10 and server 50 . Communication device 10 and server 50 are connected to network NW such as the Internet or a communication line. Although the server 50 is illustrated as a single device in FIG. 1, it may be composed of a plurality of devices that cooperate with each other.

The communication device 10, which is a client, is, for example, a smartphone, and can communicate with other devices by connecting to the network NW. The communication device 10 is not limited to a smart phone, but may be a portable device such as a tablet terminal or a portable game machine that a user can hold, or a stationary device such as a desktop computer.

By executing the installed game program, the communication device 10 cooperates with the server 50 to provide the user of the communication device 10 with a game in which a plurality of users can compete. Since the game is played by a plurality of users, a plurality of communication devices 10 corresponding to the plurality of users are connected to the server 50 .

A battle game in this example is provided by a game screen GS including a character area CA and a puzzle area PA (see FIG. 6). A plurality of characters ch respectively corresponding to a plurality of users participating in the battle game are arranged in the character area CA. The plurality of characters ch includes a user character chy (first character) arranged in the central portion of the character area CA and an enemy character chx (second character) arranged to surround the user character chy. The user character chy and the enemy character chx are distinguished for convenience depending on whether they correspond to the user or not. Therefore, when explaining without distinguishing between the two, the character ch may be simply used.

A plurality of objects bk that can be moved by a user operation are arranged in the puzzle area PA. When the placement of the object bk after the object bk is moved by the user operation satisfies a predetermined condition, a part of the enemy character chx placed in the character area CA is selected as an attack target based on the placement of the object bk at that time. be done. As a result, the physical strength gauge hg of the enemy character chx to be attacked decreases. to be). Although the overview of the battle game has been described here, the details will be described later.

The server 50 is an example of an information processing device that provides application programs and various services to the communication device 10 . Various services include, for example, services such as login processing and synchronization processing when executing an online game on the communication device 10 . In addition, various services may include, for example, SNS (Social Networking Service). Functions for executing various services are realized in the server 50 by the server 50 executing the game control program.

Application programs include, for example, an application program (game program) for executing the game described below. The application program is recorded on a recording medium readable by the server 50 . The recording medium may be a storage device included in the server 50, a storage device connected to the server 50, or a storage device to which the server 50 is connected via the network NW. good.

[1-2. Configuration of communication device]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication device according to one embodiment. Communication device 10 in one embodiment includes control unit 11 , storage unit 12 , display unit 13 , operation unit 14 , sensor unit 15 , imaging unit 16 , position detection unit 17 and communication unit 18 . Communication device 10 is not limited to include all of these configurations. Communication device 10 may also include other components such as a microphone and a speaker.

The control unit 11 is an example of a computer including a processor (arithmetic processing circuit) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage device such as a RAM. The control unit 11 causes the processor to execute a program stored in the storage unit 12 to realize various functions in the communication device 10 . Signals output from each element of the communication device 10 are used by various functions implemented in the communication device 10 . The control unit 11 implements a game providing function used when providing a game to a user by executing a game program.

The storage unit 12 is a storage device such as a nonvolatile memory and a hard disk drive. The storage unit 12 stores programs and various data such as parameters required for executing the programs. The game program described above is installed in the communication device 10 by being downloaded from the server 50 or another server via the network NW and stored in the storage unit 12 . The game program may be provided in a state recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. In this case, the communication device 10 may be provided with a device for reading this recording medium. The storage unit 12 is also an example of a recording medium.

The display unit 13 is a display having a display area for displaying various screens (for example, game screens) under the control of the control unit 11 . The display unit 13 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

The operation unit 14 is an operation device that outputs a signal to the control unit 11 according to a user's operation. The operation unit 14 is a touch sensor arranged on the surface of the display unit 13 . The operation unit 14 constitutes a touch panel by being combined with the display unit 13 . A command or information according to the user's operation is input to the communication device 10 by touching the operation unit 14 with a user's finger, a stylus pen, or the like. The operation unit 14 may include a switch arranged on the housing of the communication device 10 .

The sensor unit 15 is a device having a function of collecting information about the movement of the communication device 10, the environment around the communication device 10, and the like, and converting the information into a signal. The sensor unit 15 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and the like. The control unit 11 acquires information about the behavior (for example, tilt, vibration, etc.) of the communication device 10 based on the output signal of the sensor unit 15 . The sensor unit 15 may include an illuminance sensor, a temperature sensor, a magnetic sensor, and other sensors.

The imaging unit 16 is an imaging device that converts an image of an imaging target into a signal. The communication device 10 generates image data based on the imaging signal output from the imaging section 16 . The image data may be still image data or moving image data. In the following description, images refer to both still images and moving images unless otherwise specified. The imaging unit 16 also functions as a scanner that reads identification codes such as one-dimensional codes or two-dimensional codes.

The position detection unit 17 detects the position of the communication device 10 based on the position information. The position detection unit 17 of the present embodiment detects the position of the communication device 10 using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

The communication unit 18 is a wireless communication module that connects to the network NW under the control of the control unit 11 to transmit and receive information to and from other devices such as the server 50 connected to the network NW. The communication unit 18 may include a communication module that performs infrared communication, short-range wireless communication, and the like.

[1-3. Server configuration]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server in one embodiment. Server 50 in one embodiment includes control unit 51 , storage unit 52 and communication unit 53 .

The control unit 51 is an example of a computer including a processor (arithmetic processing circuit) such as a CPU and a storage device such as a RAM. The control unit 51 causes the processor to execute a program stored in the storage unit 52 to realize various functions in the server 50 . Signals output from each element of the server 50 are used by various functions implemented in the server 50 . The control unit 51 implements a game control function for controlling a game provided to the communication device 10 by executing a game control program.

The storage unit 52 is a storage device such as a nonvolatile memory and a hard disk drive. The storage unit 52 stores programs and information such as parameters required for executing the programs. The program also includes a game control program. Various data received from the communication device 10 during provision of the game are also stored in the storage unit 52 . The storage unit 52 may store game programs provided to the communication device 10 .

The game control program may be installed on the server 50 by being downloaded from another server via the network NW and stored in the storage unit 52 . The game control program may be provided in a state recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium, optical recording medium, magneto-optical recording medium, semiconductor memory, or the like. In this case, the server 50 may be provided with a device for reading this recording medium. The storage unit 52 is also an example of a recording medium.

The communication unit 53 is a wireless communication module that connects to the network NW under the control of the control unit 51 and transmits and receives information to and from other devices such as the communication device 10 and other servers connected to the network NW. . Other servers include, for example, game servers, SNS servers, and mail servers.

[2-1. Game provision function]
A game is provided to the user by the game providing function and the game control function. First, the game providing function will be described. The game providing function is implemented by the controller 11 of the communication device 10 executing a game program. A part or all of the configuration for realizing the game providing function described below may be realized by hardware.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram that illustrates game presentation functionality in one embodiment. The game providing function 100 in one embodiment includes a game operation acquisition unit 101 , a selection data transmission unit 103 , a control data reception unit 105 , a game data storage area 107 , a display data generation unit 109 and a game processing execution unit 111 .

The game operation acquisition unit 101 acquires game operations among operations input to the operation unit 14 by the user. Among the operations input to the operation unit 14 by the user, the game operation is an operation related to the game, and includes, for example, movement of an object, designation of parameters, etc., which will be described later.

The control data reception unit 105 receives control data from the server 50 via the communication unit 18 . The control data is data generated by the server 50 based on the operation data transmitted from each communication device 10 .

The game data storage area 107 is an area for storing data necessary for displaying a game screen (for example, image data, etc.).

The game processing executing unit 111 executes processing for controlling the progress of the game (game progress processing) based on the game operation acquired by the game operation acquiring unit 101 and the control data received by the control data receiving unit 105 . do. The game progress processing includes processing for generating data (selection data) indicating an enemy character chx selected as an attack target from among the plurality of enemy characters chx described above, and processing for controlling the game screen. Details of the game progress processing will be described later.

The display data generation unit 109 generates display data for displaying a game screen on the display unit 13 according to the progress of the game controlled by the game processing execution unit 111 . That is, a method for controlling display of a game screen (display control method), which will be described later, is realized by generating this display data.

The selection data transmission unit 103 transmits selection data generated by the game processing execution unit 111 to the server 50 via the communication unit 18 .

[2-2. Game control function]
Next, the game control function will be explained. The game control function is implemented by the controller 51 of the server 50 executing a game control program. A part or all of the configuration for realizing the game control functions described below may be realized by hardware.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the game progress control function in one embodiment of the present invention. The game control function 500 in one embodiment includes a selection data reception section 501 , a character processing execution section 503 , a control data transmission section 505 and a setting data storage area 507 .

The selection data receiving unit 501 receives selection data transmitted from a plurality of communication devices 10 . These selection data are associated with the user corresponding to the communication device 10 that is the transmission source. A user corresponding to the communication device 10 is a user who has logged in via the communication device 10 .

The setting data storage area 507 stores setting data for defining the positional relationship when arranging a plurality of characters ch in the character area CA. In this example, the positional relationship is defined by the coordinates of each character ch when a maximum of 100 characters ch are arranged in a 10×10 matrix (see FIG. 7). The setting data further includes a value indicating the state of each character ch, in this example, a value corresponding to the physical strength gauge hg corresponding to each character ch (hereinafter referred to as physical strength value). That is, in this example, the setting data defines arrangement coordinates and physical strength values corresponding to each character ch.

Character processing execution unit 503 executes character control processing for controlling the situation of character ch based on the selection data received by selection data reception unit 501 . The character control processing includes processing for correcting setting data and transmitting control data to each communication device 10 . The control data is generated based on the modified setting data, and is used in each communication device 10 to control the game screen. Details of the character control processing will be described later.

The control data transmission unit 505 transmits control data to each of the multiple communication devices 10 via the communication unit 58 .

Thus, the game is provided to the user by the game providing function 100 and the game control function 500. FIG.

[3. Game screen]
A game screen GS displayed on the display unit 13 of the communication device 10 in the battle game will be described.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen in one embodiment. The game screen GS includes a character area CA and a puzzle area PA. In this example, the character area CA and the puzzle area PA are arranged horizontally, but they may be arranged vertically. Above the character area CA, the number of characters ch existing at the start of the game (“100” in the example of FIG. 6) and the number of characters ch currently remaining (the number of remaining characters “96” in the example of FIG. 6) are displayed. An image CN shown is displayed. In other words, the image CN shows a state in which four users have been defeated and the remaining 96 users are continuing to compete, based on the start of the game.

[3-1. character area]
The character area CA displays a plurality of characters ch arranged according to the positional relationship defined by the setting data. In this example, 25 characters ch are arranged in a 5×5 matrix along directions that intersect each other perpendicularly (the vertical direction (sometimes called the vertical direction) and the horizontal direction (sometimes called the horizontal direction)). is displayed. In this example, the character ch displayed in the character area CA is part of the character ch defined in the setting data. A user character chy is arranged in the central portion of the character area CA, and enemy characters chx are arranged in other places so as to surround the user character chy. A user character chy is a character ch corresponding to the user of the communication device 10 displaying this game screen GS. A physical strength gauge hg is displayed below each character ch. The physical strength gauge hg is displayed according to the physical strength value corresponding to each character ch defined in the setting data.

[3-2. setting data]
Here, the relationship between the positional relationship of a plurality of characters ch defined in the setting data and the range displayed in the character area CA will be described.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between an example of character placement settings and the screen area of the first user in one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between an example of character placement settings and the second user's screen area in one embodiment. The setting data defines the mutual positional relationship of a plurality of characters ch by 10×10 coordinates. Here, coordinates from "a" to "j" are defined on the horizontal axis (horizontal direction) and coordinates from "1" to "10" on the vertical axis (vertical direction). In this example, an area indicated by a 10×10 matrix (hereinafter sometimes referred to as set coordinate area SA) is shown for defining coordinates in character placement setting, but the left end and right end are connected, The upper end and the lower end are treated as being connected. For example, if the coordinate (a, 1) is used as a reference, the coordinate adjacent to the right is (b, 1), and the coordinate adjacent downward is (a, 2). Furthermore, the coordinates adjacent upward are (a, 10), and the adjacent coordinates leftward are (j, 1).

User characters Uc1, Uc2, Uc3, and Uc4 indicate the positions of characters ch corresponding to the first to fourth users, respectively. Uc1 is assigned coordinates (c, 5). In this example, Uc1 to Uc4 are displayed, but other users actually exist because they are omitted. Also, some of the users may not be users who use the communication device 10 but may be virtual users operated by AI or the like. A virtual user may be implemented by the server 50 or may be implemented by another device. The "x" indicates the position of the character ch corresponding to the user whose loss has already been confirmed. In this example, it is shown that four users have already lost the battle, and that the position of the character ch corresponding to the four users before losing the battle was determined at the position of "x" at the start of the game. show.

A screen area CA1 shown in FIG. 7 is a 5×5 area centered on Uc1, and corresponds to the area that becomes the character area CA in the communication device 10 corresponding to the first user. For example, when the game screen GS shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to the first user, the user character chy corresponds to Uc1 shown in FIG. The enemy character chx corresponding to the upper left of the character area CA shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to Uc3 shown in FIG.

A screen area CA2 shown in FIG. 8 is a 5×5 area centered on Uc2, and corresponds to the area that becomes the character area CA in the communication device 10 corresponding to the second user. In FIG. 8, in order to make the 5×5 range centered on Uc2 easier to understand, the screen area CA2 includes a portion beyond the set coordinate area SA. The part actually corresponds to the range from coordinates (a,1) to (a,4) and the range from coordinates (g,10) to (j,10) to coordinates (a,10). Therefore, for example, Uc3 is defined on the left side of Uc2 in the set coordinate area SA, but in a relatively close relationship, it corresponds to being defined on the right side of Uc2 as shown in the screen area CA2. .

With this setting, even for a user whose character is defined at a position near the outer edge of the set coordinate area SA, the user's character (user character chy) can be displayed in the character area CA in the communication device 10. displayed in the central part. Therefore, from the user's point of view, there is no difference in the display mode of the character area CA depending on whether the user's own character is positioned near the outer edge of the set coordinate area SA or near the center.

[3-3. puzzle area]
Returning to FIG. 6, the description continues. The puzzle area PA includes a plurality of objects bk arranged in a 7×7 matrix in this example. In the following description, objects bk refer to objects in the puzzle area PA without distinguishing between them. When pointing to an individual object bk, objects bk1, bk2, bka, bkb, etc., by adding another identifier (1, 2, . . . , a, b, . . . ) after "bk" Described separately from other objects.

Any one of a plurality of attributes (four types of attributes in this example) is assigned to the plurality of objects bk. In FIG. 6, each object bk is displayed with a different pattern depending on its attribute. For example, object bka and object bkb have different attributes. The attribute is not limited to being indicated by the pattern of the object bk, but may be indicated by a color, shape, or the like, as long as it is indicated in a visually distinguishable form.

A plurality of objects bk are arranged so as to be movable by user operation. When one object bk is selected from a plurality of objects bk by a user operation and moved in any direction (here, up, down, left, or right), the positional relationship with the destination object bk is replaced. The object bk may be exchangeable with the destination object bk only once (movable to a position adjacent to the original position), or exchangeable with the destination object bk two or more times (with the original position). (movable to non-adjacent positions).

When the state (positional relationship) of the object bk in the puzzle area PA is changed by moving the object bk, and the positional relationship of the object bk after the movement satisfies a specific condition, the object bk that satisfies the condition is the specific object. , and specific processing is executed according to the arrangement of the specific objects. A case where a specific condition is satisfied indicates, for example, a case where there are three or more objects bk arranged in a row with attributes having a predetermined relationship (for example, the same attribute).

If the specific object does not exist after the movement of the object bk, the moved object bk may return to the arrangement before movement. The positional relationship of the objects bk in the puzzle area PA may be rearranged so as to change the positional relationship when the specific object cannot be determined by the movement of the object bk. An example of the identification process will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG.

[3-4. Game progress example]
9 and 10 are diagrams showing examples of game screens in one embodiment. The game screen GS shown in FIG. 9 shows a situation when the object bk1 is moved rightward (in the direction of the object bk2) by the user's operation on the game screen GS shown in FIG. In the puzzle area PA, when the object bk1 is placed at the position of the object bk2, the object bk2 moves to the position where the object bk1 was placed. That is, the object bk1 and the object bk2 are exchanged. At this time, it is the same even if the object bk1 and the object bk2 are exchanged by moving the object bk2 in the left direction (in the direction of the object bk1) by the user's operation.

By this exchange, objects bk having the same attributes as object bk2 exist above and below object bk2, and three objects bk arranged in a row become specific objects. A specific process is thereby executed. A region surrounding the specific object will be referred to as a specific region SL in the following description.

In the character area CA, at least one of the plurality of enemy characters chx is selected as an attack target according to the arrangement of the specific objects, that is, the shape of the specific area SL. For example, an enemy character chx arranged in a positional relationship corresponding to the specific area SL is selected with respect to the user character chy (reference character). Since the specific region SL has a shape that extends vertically, the attack target is the enemy character chx that is vertically adjacent to the user character chy. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the attack targets correspond to an enemy character chx1 placed above the user character chy and an enemy character chx2 placed below the user character chy. On the other hand, when the specific region SL has a shape that spreads to the left and right, the enemy characters chx adjacent to the left and right of the user character chy are selected as attack targets.

In this example, by associating the position of the moved object bk2 among the objects bk included in the specific area SL with the user character chy, the enemy characters chx1 and chx2 above and below the user character chy are selected as attack targets. If the uppermost object bk in the specific area SL is the moved object bk, instead of the enemy character chx1 above the user character chy, the enemy character chx two positions below the user character chy is selected as an attack target. be done.

Not limited to such a selection method, regardless of the object bk that has moved, if the specific areas SL are vertically aligned, as shown in FIG. It may be selected as a target.

If four or more objects bk are lined up to expand the specific region SL, an enemy character chx further away (for example, an enemy character chx two positions above or an enemy character chx two positions below the user character chy can be selected). Either one or both) may be selected as an attack target, or the reduction amount of the physical strength value for the enemy characters chx1 and chx2 may be increased. Both the enlargement of the attack target and the increase in the physical strength value reduction amount may be executed.

The physical strength values corresponding to enemy characters chx1 and chx2 begin to decrease due to attacks from user character chy. At this time, an attack image simulating that the user character chy attacks the enemy character chx, which is the attack target, may be displayed. The attack image may be an image directed from the user character chy toward the enemy character chx, or an image pointing to the enemy character chx selected as the attack target (for example, an image corresponding to the specific area SL). Subsequently, like the game screen GS shown in FIG. 10, the specific object is erased from the puzzle area PA. In this example, it is assumed that gravity is generated downward in the puzzle area PA. Therefore, when the object bkx existing above the erased area falls, another object bk fills the erased area. Objects bk that are insufficient to fill the erased area are replenished from the upper outside of the puzzle area PA. The selection of the enemy character and the start of reduction of the physical strength value described above may be executed after the object bk is deleted.

In the character area CA, the physical strength gauge hg corresponding to the enemy character chx1 is reduced by a predetermined amount from the state shown in FIG. On the other hand, the enemy character chx2, in this example, has a small remaining physical strength value, so the physical strength value reaches "0" by decreasing by a predetermined amount, and the loss is confirmed. The enemy character chx2 whose defeat has been confirmed is erased from the character area CA and replaced with the defeat image bg. The defeat image bg may be any image that can be distinguished from the remaining characters, such as an image of a tombstone. Since the user corresponding to the enemy character chx2 has lost the battle, the number of remaining characters ch decreases, and the number of remaining characters in the image CN decreases from "96" to "95".

The portion where the defeat image bg is displayed corresponds to the portion marked with "x" in the setting data shown in FIG. When the defeat image bg is displayed adjacent to the user character chy, when the part where the defeat image bg is displayed is selected as an attack target, it may be assumed that the attack was not performed (invalidation processing). However, the enemy character chx may be selected as an attack target at a portion further away by one.

When the number of remaining characters decreases to a predetermined set value, the positional relationship of characters ch shown in the set data is reset. In this example, the number of remaining characters is 81 (=9×9), 64 (=8×8), 49 (=7×7), . b; a and b are integers from 3 to 9 and have the same value), the positional relationship in the setting data is reset. As a result, the remaining characters ch are rearranged. In the following description, the number of characters when resetting is executed is referred to as a rearrangement value. As described above, there are a plurality of rearrangement values, but simply referring to a rearrangement value indicates the largest value among the rearrangement values smaller than the number of remaining characters. For example, if the number of remaining characters is "75", the rearrangement value is "64".

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of character placement settings (after rearrangement) in one embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 11 shows the setting data when the number of remaining characters reaches the rearrangement value "81" ("a=9"). At this time, the set coordinate area SA is corrected to an area indicated by a 9×9 matrix (numbers corresponding to "a" described above in the vertical and horizontal directions). Therefore, the set coordinate area SA is redefined with coordinates from "a" to "i" on the horizontal axis and coordinates from "1" to "9" on the vertical axis. For example, when the number of remaining characters reaches the rearrangement value "49" ("a=7"), the set coordinate area SA is corrected to an area indicated by a 7×7 matrix.

The position of the character ch after rearrangement is determined randomly in this example, but is not limited to this and may be determined by another method. The position of the character ch after rearrangement may be determined, for example, by moving another character ch to the position of the character ch that was eliminated after the loss was confirmed. The character ch to be moved is the character ch that cannot exist due to the change in the set coordinate area SA, that is, the character ch whose coordinates are changed from (a, 10) to (j, 10) and from (j, 1) to (j, 9). It may be the character ch that has been placed.

Due to the random rearrangement of the plurality of characters ch, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the screen area CA1 corresponding to the first user does not include Uc3, which was included in the example shown in FIG. is changed to include

When the number of remaining characters is "5", the enemy character chx is rearranged so as to be adjacent to the user character chy on the top, bottom, left, and right regardless of the setting data. Specific examples will be described in modifications. Ultimately, the last remaining user wins and the game ends. The game may end when the number of remaining characters reaches a predetermined end value, for example, "5". In this case, the ranking of each user may be determined according to the remaining physical strength value of the character ch corresponding to each remaining user. If the last remaining user wins, the end value corresponds to "1".

[4-1. Game progress processing]
Next, game progression processing will be described. The game progress processing shown in FIG. 12 is executed when the game is started. The condition for starting the game may be that 100 users have participated in the game, or even after a predetermined time has passed since the first user applied for participation in the game. good. If 100 users do not apply for participation, the server 50 may set the deficient number of virtual users. As described above, the game progress processing is executed by the control unit 11 in the communication device 10, and includes processing for implementing a method (selection method) for selecting the enemy character chx as an attack target, as described below.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing game progress processing in one embodiment. The control unit 11 displays the game screen GS including the character area CA and the puzzle area PA on the display unit 13 (step S101). The control unit 11 receives an end instruction from the server 50 or waits until the user's input operation (operation for moving the object bk) to the operation unit 14 is accepted (step S111; No, step S113; No). This state is called a standby state. When the end instruction is received (step S111; Yes), the control unit 11 controls to end the game.

When the input operation is accepted (step S113; Yes), the control unit 11 moves the object bk according to the input operation (step S121). By moving the object bk, it is determined whether or not there is an object having a positional relationship that satisfies a specific condition, that is, a specific object (step S123). If the specific object does not exist (step S123; No), that is, if there are no objects bk arranged in a row with the same attribute and three or more in a line, the control unit 11 returns to the standby state (step S111; No, step S113; No). If the specific object exists (step S123; Yes), the control unit 11 erases the specific object (step S125).

Subsequently, the control unit 11 selects the attack target character ch according to the arrangement of the specific objects (the shape of the specific area SL) (step S131), and transmits selection data indicating the attack target character ch to the server 50. (step S133), and returns to the standby state (step S111; No, step S113; No).

The selection data may be any information that can identify the attack target character ch in the server 50. For example, the selection data may be an identifier of the attack target character ch or a position relative to the user character chy. or the shape of the specific region SL. If it is not the identifier of the character ch to be attacked, the server 50 identifies the user from the communication device 10 that transmitted the selection data, the positional relationship defined by the setting data, the position of the user's character ch, and the attack target character ch. The character ch of the attack target character ch is identified based on the relative positions of the targets. As described above, when the amount of decrease in the physical strength value is adjusted according to the shape of the specific area SL, the selection data may include information corresponding to the amount of decrease.

In addition to the processes shown in the flowcharts described above, the game progress process includes a process of controlling the game screen GS (especially the character area CA) according to control data transmitted from the server 50 .

[4-2. Character control processing]
Next, character control processing will be described. The character control process shown in FIG. 13 is executed by server 50 receiving selection data from communication device 10 .

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing character control processing in one embodiment. The control unit 51 controls to decrease the vitality value of the attack target character ch specified by the selection data (step S201). Specifically, the control unit 51 corrects the physical strength of the attack target character ch in the setting data to a reduced value, and transmits control data indicating the modified physical strength of the attack target character ch to the communication device 10. Send. Based on this control data, each communication device 10 decreases the physical strength gauge hg of each character ch displayed in the character area CA.

The communication device 10 to which the control data is transmitted is not only the communication device 10 that transmitted the selection data, but also the communication devices 10 of all users participating in the game. The same applies when transmitting control data in the following processing.

Subsequently, the control unit 51 determines whether or not there is a character ch whose physical strength value has become "0" (step S211). When there is no character ch whose physical strength value has become "0" (step S211; No), the control unit 51 terminates the character control process. If there is a character ch whose physical strength value is "0" (step S211; Yes), control is performed to remove the character ch (step S213). Specifically, in the setting data, the control unit 51 modifies the character ch to be removed as the character ch whose loss is confirmed, and transmits control data indicating the character ch to be removed to the communication device 10 . Based on this control data, each communication device 10 controls to remove the character ch whose loss has been confirmed in the character area CA.

Subsequently, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the number of remaining characters ch (the number of remaining characters) has reached the end value as a result of removing the characters ch (step S221). When the number of remaining characters is equal to or less than the end value (step S221; Yes), the control section 51 transmits control data including a game end instruction (step S241). When the number of remaining characters has not reached the end value (step S221; No), the control unit 51 determines whether or not the number of remaining characters has changed below the rearrangement value (step S223).

If the number of remaining characters has not changed below the rearrangement (step S223; No), the control unit 51 terminates the character control process. When the number of remaining characters has changed to the rearrangement value or less (step S223; Yes), the control unit 51 rearranges the remaining characters ch (step S231), and ends the character control process. Specifically, the control unit 51 rearranges the remaining characters ch, corrects the setting data, and transmits control data indicating the position of each character ch to the communication device 10 . Based on this control data, each communication device 10 rearranges the character ch displayed in the character area CA. Even in this case, the user character chy corresponding to each communication device 10 is arranged in the central portion of the character area CA.

Thus, the game is provided to the user by each function including the game providing function 100 for executing the game progress process and the game control function 500 for executing the character control process.

[5. Other shapes of specific area SL]
The relationship between the shape of the specific area SL and the attack target character ch will be further described. In the above example, the specific region SL has a shape that spreads in one direction, but other examples that have a shape that spreads in a plurality of directions are also conceivable. An example thereof will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG.

14 and 15 are diagrams showing examples of game screens in one embodiment. FIG. 14 shows a situation when the object bk3 is moved rightward (in the direction of the object bk4) by user operation on the game screen GS shown in FIG. In the puzzle area PA, the objects bk3 and bk4 are switched. As a result of this replacement, objects bk having the same attributes as object bk3 exist above and below object bk3, and the three objects bk arranged in a row become specific objects. Furthermore, in this example, two objects bk having the same attributes as the object bk3 are arranged in a row to the right of the object bk3. Therefore, five objects bk are specific objects. The specific area SL surrounding the five specific objects has a shape in which an area extending vertically from the object bk3 and an area extending rightward from the object bk3 are combined.

In the character area CA, the enemy characters chx1 to chx4, which are arranged in two ranges above, below, and to the right of the user character chy, are selected as attack targets. In this example, since the number of specific objects is five, the amount of reduction in physical strength of character ch, which is the attack target, is less than the example described in FIGS. may be increased.

FIG. 14 shows an example of selecting an enemy character chx as an attack target by associating the position of the moved object bk3 with the user character chy. On the other hand, FIG. 15 shows an example of selecting an enemy character chx as an attack target without associating the position of the moved object bk3 with the user character chy. Here, the control unit 11 interprets the shape of the specific region SL as a shape combining the region SL1 extending in the vertical direction and the region SL2 extending in the horizontal direction, regardless of the object bk3 that has moved. Enemy characters chx1, chx2, chx3, and chx5, which are placed at the top, bottom, left, and right positions, are selected as attack targets.

The shape obtained by combining the region SL1 extending in the vertical direction and the region SL2 extending in the horizontal direction is not limited to the T shape (including the case where the T shape is rotated) as shown in FIGS. It may be L-shaped (including the case where L-shaped is rotated).

[6. Effect in one embodiment]
According to the above-described game, when the number of opponent characters decreases, the positional relationship can be changed according to the progress of the game by resetting the positional relationship. As a result, for each user, the attack target character is changed by changing the surrounding enemy character chx. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with a way of enjoying such as considering a new strategy.

Furthermore, in this example, the object bk in the puzzle area PA is moved by the user's input operation, and the arrangement of the specific objects (the shape of the specific area SL) is determined. At this time, the attack target character ch is selected according to the shape of the specific area SL. Such a game can provide the user with a way of enjoying that is completely different from the conventional method of selecting an attack target according to a preset rule. More specifically, while providing the user with a game of arranging the objects bk in the puzzle area PA, it is also possible to provide the user with a new way of enjoying that the character to be attacked can be selected depending on how the objects are arranged. This makes it possible to provide a new form of puzzle game other than simply arranging objects bk.

[7. Modification]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes various other modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the described configurations. Other configurations may be added, deleted, or replaced with respect to part of the configuration of the embodiment and part of the modifications described below. Modifications will be described below.

(1) As described above, the game is provided to the user by the game providing function implemented in the communication device 10 and the game control function implemented in the server 50 . A part of the game display function may be implemented in the server 50 . For example, among the game providing functions, the configuration other than the game operation acquisition unit 101 may be implemented in the server 50 . In this case, the communication device 10 transmits operation data indicating the game operation acquired by the game operation acquiring unit 101 to the server 50, receives display data from the server 50, and displays on the display unit 13 based on the display data. Just do it. For example, the display data transmitted to each user's communication device 10 includes data for displaying the character area CA corresponding to each user and data for displaying the puzzle area PA. This realizes a method of controlling the display of the game screen GS.

(2) In the set coordinate area SA, the left end and the right end are connected, and the top end and the bottom end are not necessarily connected.

(3) The plurality of characters ch whose positional relationship is defined in the setting data includes characters other than the plurality of characters ch arranged in the character area CA of each communication device 10, but it does not have to be included. That is, the number of characters ch arranged in the character area CA may be the same as the number of characters ch whose positional relationship is defined in the setting data. In this case, the set coordinate area SA in the setting data and the screen areas CA1 and CA2 of each user are the same range.

(4) The user character chy is not limited to being placed in the central portion of the character area CA, and may be placed elsewhere. The user character chy may be arranged, for example, in the peripheral portion of the character area CA, or may be arranged in a position between the central portion and the peripheral portion. It is preferably arranged and displayed. Each character ch is placed according to the positional relationship defined in the set coordinate area SA, regardless of where the user character chy is placed in the character area CA. At this time, in each user's communication device 10, the display position of the user character chy in the character area CA is preferably the same position (the central part in the embodiment), but may be different positions. .

(5) When moving one object bk in the puzzle area PA, instead of replacing the position of the destination object bk, a plurality of objects bk arranged along the moving direction move in the same direction as a whole. may be controlled to For example, when the object bk1 moves rightward in FIG. 6, all the objects bk (including the object bk2) aligned in the horizontal direction of the object bk1 move rightward. At this time, the rightmost object bk moves to the leftmost.

(6) The specific object is not limited to being erased from the puzzle area PA. For example, it may change to an object with other attributes.

(7) The attribute of the object bk is not limited to the case where one type is assigned, and a plurality of types may be assigned. When two types of attributes are assigned, for example, they may be assigned to the shape and color of the object bk. An example in which the object bk, which is a specific object, has the same attribute is shown, but when multiple types of attributes are assigned, if any one attribute is the same, the object bk may be treated as having the same attribute. good.

(8) Although three or more objects bk with the same attribute and lined up in a row are determined as specific objects, the number of objects lined up in a row is not limited to three or more. For example, the number lined up in a row may be two or more, or may be four or more. That is, a specific object should be determined by at least two or more objects bk. Also, as long as three or more objects bk are in a row, it is not limited to the case where they are determined as the specific object only when they are lined up in a line. For example, three objects bk including two objects bk vertically adjacent to each other and an object bk adjacent to either one of these objects bk to the left or right may be determined as specific objects.

(9) Although the enemy character chx arranged adjacent to the user character chy in the same direction as the direction in which the specific area SL extends has been selected as an attack target, the attack target is not limited to this. For example, when the shape of the specific area SL expands vertically, the enemy character chx adjacent to the left and right of the user character chy is selected as an attack target. The enemy character chx may be selected as an attack target. In this manner, the second direction associated with the first direction in which the specific area SL extends is determined in advance, and the enemy character chx having a positional relationship along the second direction with respect to the user character chy is selected as an attack target. Just do it. At this time, the first direction and the second direction may be the same or different. Furthermore, even if the shape of the specific area SL (the positional relationship of the specific object) and the position of the enemy character chx selected as the attack target (the positional relationship of the enemy character chx with respect to the user character chy) are set to have a correlation. good.

(10) The objects bk placed in the puzzle area PA may include special objects. When the special object is determined as the specific object, the character ch is controlled to be subjected to special processing. For example, the physical strength of the user character chy may be increased, the range of the enemy character chx to be attacked may be expanded, or the amount of reduction in the physical strength may be increased. When expanding the range of the enemy character chx to be attacked, for example, in addition to the attack target selected by the method of one embodiment, the range is expanded to the enemy character chx adjacent to the enemy character chx to be attacked. It may be selected as an attack target. When the special object is determined as the specific object, the rearrangement process described above may be performed.

(11) The character ch arranged in the character area CA may include a special character. For example, special characters may include weapons, citizens, obstacles, terrain, and the like. A weapon may be, for example, a character that periodically attacks surrounding characters ch. A citizen may be a character that gives penalty or support to the user character chy when he attacks (selects to attack).

The penalty includes a process of decreasing the physical strength of the user character chy, a process of increasing the physical strength of the surrounding enemy character chx, restricting movement of the object bk in the user's puzzle area PA, restricting input operations, and the like. A process that interferes with a game operation is exemplified. The support is a process opposite to the penalty process. For example, the process of obstructing the game operation such as restricting the movement of the object bk or restricting the input operation is exemplified. In addition to penalties and support, an attack on a special character may cause rearrangement processing.

The obstacle may have, for example, a function corresponding to the defeat image bg described above. Terrain may be an example of an obstacle, but may also be, for example, mountains, trees, ponds, etc. Only images corresponding to these are displayed and do not exist for processing in the character area CA (game may be treated as non-intrusive). The presence of various special characters in this way makes it possible to provide users with games that require more sophisticated strategies.

(12) The number of enemy characters chx selected as attack targets in the identification process is not limited to plural, and may be one.

(13) In the game screen GS corresponding to user 1, an attack image may be displayed even when another user's user character chy attacks the enemy character chx. In this case, on the game screen GS corresponding to the user 1, not only an attack image of the user character chy to the enemy character chx but also an attack image of the enemy character chx attacking another enemy character chx are displayed. At this time, different attack images may be displayed depending on the attacking character ch.

Depending on whether the enemy character chx selected as the attack target is displayed in the character area CA or not, the processing for the attack target may be different. For example, the display mode of the attack image may be different.

(14) In the character area CA, the physical strength gauge hg corresponding to each character ch is displayed, but instead of or together with this, an image showing information associated with the character ch, such as other gauges. may be displayed. For example, when the user executes a predetermined process (for example, when the above-described specific process is performed, when the special object is erased, etc.), the skill gauge corresponding to the user character chy of that user increases. make it When the skill gauge reaches a predetermined value, a predetermined skill corresponding to the user character chy can be activated. The presence of a display such as a skill gauge makes it possible to consider the enemy character chx that should be attacked preferentially.

(15) The reference character when selecting the enemy character chx as an attack target does not have to be the user character chy. For example, any character ch displayed in the character area CA may be set as the reference character according to a predetermined rule. The predetermined rule may be, for example, random or determined according to the position of the specific area SL in the puzzle area PA. Also, the reference character may be designated by a user's operation. This operation may be input when the object bk is moved to erase the specific object, or may be input in advance before the object bk is moved.

(16) Items that act on the object bk, such as bomb items, may be used in the puzzle area PA. The bomb item can be placed at any position in the puzzle area PA, and the object bk at the position where it is placed and the surrounding objects bk are treated as specific objects and erased. Even in this case, the enemy character chx around the user character chy may be selected as an attack target according to the shape of the specific area SL surrounding the specific object.

Also, the items that act on the object bk may be identical attribute removal items. The same-attribute removal item can be placed at any position in the puzzle area PA, and the object bk having the same attribute as the object bk at the position where it is placed is treated as a specific object and deleted. Also in this case, the enemy character chx in the character area CA may be selected as an attack target based on the position of the specific object in the puzzle area PA. The specific objects are variously distributed in the puzzle area PA. Therefore, the position of the enemy character chx selected as the attack target may be determined according to the dispersion mode (density, etc.) of the specific objects, or the number of enemy characters chx determined corresponding to the number of specific objects may be determined. It may be randomly selected as an attack target.

An item that acts on an object bk may be used by arranging it corresponding to any object bk in the puzzle area PA by user operation as described above. An item placed to replace and placed by a user operation may be used.

(17) The number of rearrangements is not limited to a square number (=a×b; a and b are integers from 3 to 9 and have the same value). For example, a and b may be different values. a and b may be integers of 2 or more. a and b may be limited to odd numbers or even numbers, and may be limited to either odd numbers or even numbers when they are equal to or less than a predetermined numerical value. For example, when a and b are 5 or less (corresponding to the number of sides of the character area CA), they may be limited to odd numbers. In this case, a and b are integers from 3 to 9, excluding 4. In this way, even when the set coordinate area SA is smaller than the character area CA, the user character chy is arranged at the center position of the character area CA (the center position in both the vertical and horizontal directions). can be

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of character placement settings in the modification. The example of FIG. 16 shows the set coordinate area SA rearranged when a and b are 3 (the number of rearrangements is "9"). As shown in this example, when the range (the number of characters arranged) of the set coordinate area SA becomes smaller than the original range (5×5) of the character area CA, the character area CA is also expanded to match the range of the set coordinate area SA. become smaller. The example shown in FIG. 16 indicates that the range of the first user's screen area CA1, that is, the range of the character area CA in the first user's communication device 10 is 3×3.

(18) As described above, when the number of remaining characters is "5", regardless of the setting data, the characters adjacent to both sides of the user character chy in the vertical direction and both sides in the horizontal direction are displayed. , the enemy character chx is arranged. An example of arrangement will be described.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the screen area of each user in the modified example. Here, it is assumed that the remaining characters are user characters Uc1, Uc2, . . . , Uc5 of the first to fifth users. FIG. 17 illustrates the positional relationship of characters in screen areas CA1, CA2, . In any screen area, the character corresponding to the user is arranged in the central portion of the 3×3 area, and the other user's characters are arranged in the upper, lower, left, and right portions.

For example, according to the screen area CA1 corresponding to the first user, the user character Uc1 is arranged in the center part, the user character Uc2 is on the left side, the user character Uc3 is on the bottom side, the user character Uc4 is on the right side, and the user character Uc5 is on the top side. placed. On the other hand, according to the screen area CA2 corresponding to the second user, the user character Uc2 is arranged in the center portion, the user character Uc4 on the left, the user character Uc5 on the bottom, the user character Uc3 on the right, and the user character Uc1 on the top. placed. Thus, the positional relationship of each user character differs between the positional relationship in the screen area CA1 and the positional relationship in the screen area CA2. For example, in the screen area CA1, the user character Uc2 is arranged on the left side of the user character Uc1, but in the screen area CA2, the user character Uc2 is arranged on the lower side of the user character Uc1 instead of on the right side. Relative positional relationship is different.

In this way, when the number of remaining characters is reduced to 5, while the user characters are adjacent to each other, the arrangement of each user in the screen area (arrangement in the character area CA) does not match. Character positional relationships are defined. In this case, unlike the setting data described above, there is no setting coordinate area SA that is commonly used, and the settings are different for each user.

Also in this case, the attack image is displayed in the character area CA corresponding to each user. For example, when the user character Uc1 attacks the user character Uc3, an attack image is displayed so that the user character Uc1 attacks the user character Uc3 in the character area CA corresponding to any user. As described above, since the relative positional relationship between each user character is different, the orientation of the attack image (the orientation from the attacker to the attack target) differs for each user.

(19) The enemy character chx selected as an attack target is not limited to being based on the shape of the specific area SL. For example, at least one enemy character chx may be selected as an attack target regardless of the shape of the specific area SL. In this case, the attack target may be randomly selected from a plurality of enemy characters chx, may be selected according to a predetermined rule, or may be selected by other known methods.

(20) The control data transmitted based on the setting data includes information indicating the position of the character ch displayed in the character area CA. At this time, the control data may include information about the character ch included in a necessary area corresponding to the user (for example, the character area CA1 for the first user) in the set coordinate area SA. Information relating to the character ch included in the entire coordinate area SA and information specifying the user character chy corresponding to the user may be included.

(21) The process of rearranging the character ch is executed when the condition that the number of remaining characters changes to the rearrangement or less is satisfied, but may be executed when other conditions are satisfied. For example, regardless of the number of remaining characters, if the user character chy corresponding to any user has a predetermined number or less of adjacent enemy characters chx (for example, does not exist), the rearrangement is performed. Processing may be performed. The rearrangement process may be executed when a specific attack is realized when one character ch attacks another character ch. The specific attack here is exemplified by a situation in which a plurality of (a predetermined number of 2 or more) characters ch are defeated in one attack. The rearrangement process is not limited to the case where the rearrangement process is executed depending on the relationship with the character ch, but the rearrangement process may be executed each time a predetermined time period elapses. The predetermined time may be a constant time, or may be changed randomly each time the rearrangement process is executed.

In this case, the size of the set coordinate area SA may not be changed, or the size of the set coordinate area SA may be changed by determining a and b in a×b according to the number of remaining characters. good. For example, a=b+x (where x is an integer, x=1 in this example) may be used to determine the minimum values of a and b that allow placement of the number of remaining characters. For example, if the number of remaining characters is 54, a=8 and b=7 are determined, and the character ch remaining in the set coordinate area SA of that size is rearranged.

(22) When rearranging character ch, the position after rearrangement may be determined according to a rule determined according to the state of character ch. The rearranged position may be controlled depending on whether the character ch corresponds to the actual user or the character ch corresponds to the virtual user. For example, the characters ch corresponding to the virtual users may not be arranged adjacently. In this case, the characters ch corresponding to the actual users are arranged to surround the characters ch corresponding to the virtual users. will be The post-rearrangement position may be determined according to a rule determined according to the parameters of the character ch at the timing at which the rearrangement process is executed. At this time, characters ch having similar parameter values may be controlled to be arranged close to each other, or characters ch having different parameter values may be controlled to be arranged close to each other. A parameter may be represented by a quantitative variable such as a physical strength value, or may be represented by a qualitative variable (categorical variable) such as an attribute. The attribute indicates, for example, an attack mode. In this case, the attack mode of the character ch differs depending on its attributes.

As described above, if a special character exists, the position of the rearrangement may be determined according to a predetermined rule according to the type of special character. For example, special characters of the same type may be arranged so as not to be adjacent to each other, or special characters of a predetermined type may be arranged at prescribed positions.

10: communication device, 11: control unit, 12: storage unit, 13: display unit, 14: operation unit, 15: sensor unit, 16: imaging unit, 17: position detection unit, 18: communication unit, 50: server, 51: control unit, 52: storage unit, 53: communication unit, 100: game providing function, 101: game operation acquisition unit, 103: selection data transmission unit, 105: control data reception unit, 107: game data storage area, 109 : display data generation unit 111: game processing execution unit 500: game control function 501: selection data reception unit 503: character processing execution unit 505: control data transmission unit 507: setting data storage area 1000: communication system

Claims (17)

displaying a first screen area in which a plurality of characters including a first character corresponding to a communication device and a plurality of second characters arranged around the first character are displayed;
changing the state of at least one of the plurality of characters based on an input operation to the communication device;
removing the character whose state satisfies a first condition from the first screen area;
Rearranging at least one remaining character when at least one remaining character among the plurality of characters satisfies a second condition;
display control methods, including further comprising displaying a second screen area in which a plurality of objects whose states change according to the input operation are displayed;
The processing for changing the state of the character includes changing at least one character from the plurality of characters when at least a portion of the plurality of objects satisfies a third condition due to a change in the state of the object due to the input operation. 2. The display control method according to claim 1, including processing for changing states. 3. The display control method according to claim 1, wherein said second condition includes that the number of said remaining characters is equal to or less than a predetermined number. The predetermined number is a number represented by a × b (both a and b are integers of 2 or more),
4. The display control method according to claim 3, wherein rearranging the characters includes arranging a characters in a first direction and b characters in a second direction in the first screen area. . 5. The display control method according to claim 4, wherein a=b. a and b are either odd numbers less than or equal to a predetermined number;
6. The display control method according to claim 5, wherein rearranging the character includes placing the first character at the center of the first screen area in both the first direction and the second direction. . By rearranging the characters, when the number of remaining characters becomes five, the second characters are placed on both sides along the first direction and both sides along the second direction with respect to the first character. 7. The display control method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, including arranging two characters. changing the state of the at least one character includes selecting the at least one second character based on the input operation and the position of the second character relative to the first character; The display control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. transmitting, to the communication device, data for displaying a plurality of characters including a first character corresponding to the communication device and for which a mutual positional relationship is defined on the communication device according to the positional relationship;
changing the state of at least one character from the plurality of characters based on data received from the communication device;
removing the character whose state satisfies a first condition;
Rearranging at least one remaining character when at least one remaining character among the plurality of characters satisfies a second condition;
display control methods, including further comprising transmitting to the communication device data for displaying a second screen area in which a plurality of objects whose states change according to an input operation to the communication device are displayed;
The processing for changing the state of the character includes changing at least one character from the plurality of characters when at least a portion of the plurality of objects satisfies a third condition due to a change in the state of the object due to the input operation. 10. The display control method according to claim 9, including processing for changing states. 11. The display control method according to claim 9, wherein said second condition includes that the number of said remaining characters is equal to or less than a predetermined number. The predetermined number is a number represented by a × b (both a and b are integers of 2 or more),
12. The display control according to claim 11, wherein rearranging the characters includes arranging and displaying a characters in a first direction and b characters in a second direction on the communication device. Method. 13. The display control method according to claim 12, wherein a=b. By rearranging the characters, when the number of remaining characters becomes five, the second characters are placed on both sides along the first direction and both sides along the second direction with respect to the first character. 14. The display control method according to claim 12 or 13, including arranging characters other than one character. Rearranging the characters includes, when the number of the remaining characters becomes 5 and the remaining characters include first characters corresponding to a plurality of the communication devices, each of the first characters 15. The display control method according to claim 14, wherein a positional relationship corresponding to is defined. changing the state of the at least one character includes selecting the at least one character based on data received from the communication device and the position of the character relative to the first character; The display control method according to any one of claims 9 to 15. A program for causing a computer to execute the display control method according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

Images