JP2023027919A - Information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To increase fun of a game played by disposing each of multiple characters on a moving passage.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: an arrangement unit for disposing a first character operated by a first user on a moving passage from among multiple moving passages; a switching unit for switching a moving passage for disposing the first character on the basis of the first user's switching operation; a position determination unit for determining a position relationship of the first character relative to a second character on the same moving passage when disposing the first character and the second character on the same moving passage; and an effect generation unit for generating an in-game effect corresponding to an object existing in a moving passage according to the position relationship.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

A game is already known in which an operating character is placed on one of a plurality of moving paths set in a game space and the operating character on the moving path is made to perform a predetermined action. For example, in the game described in Patent Literature 1, a plurality of characters simultaneously move on different moving paths (lanes) in stages during the game, and the characters compete for points to be obtained during the movement.

JP 2005-103154 A

In a game in which a plurality of characters are arranged on a moving path, each character moves according to the user's operation or computer control, and the user performs operations while confirming the user's control character on the screen. In-game effects such as attacking an object such as an enemy present on the path of movement or avoiding an enemy are generated according to the action of the operated character. On the other hand, if the generated in-game effects become monotonous, the user may find the game less interesting.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that improve the interest of a game in which a plurality of characters are arranged on a moving path and played.

An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an arrangement unit that arranges a first character operated by a first user on one of a plurality of movement paths, and based on a switching operation by the first user. a switching unit for switching the movement path on which the first character is arranged; and an effect generating unit for generating an in-game effect corresponding to the object existing on the movement path according to the positional relationship.

According to one aspect of the present invention, in a game played by arranging a first character and a second character on any one of a plurality of moving paths, the game is played when the first character is arranged on the same moving path as the second character. The inner effect changes according to the positional relationship between characters. This makes it possible to improve the interest of the game.

(A) to (C) of FIG. 1 are diagrams showing an example of a game play screen. (A) to (C) of FIG. 2 are diagrams showing an example of a play screen during a joint play. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an information processing device and peripheral devices according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of functions of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of user information. It is a figure which shows an example of character information. It is a figure which shows an example of stage information. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of switching of the first lane; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of switching of the first lane; It is a figure which shows the flow of the information processing method which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure which shows the flow of information processing for a joint play (part 1). It is a figure which shows the flow of the information processing method which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure which shows the flow of information processing for a joint play (part 2). FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of functions of an information processing apparatus according to a modification of the present invention;

An information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to preferred embodiments (first and second embodiments) shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely one of specific examples given to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. That is, the present invention can be changed or improved from the embodiments described below without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention also includes equivalents thereof. In addition, the screen examples shown in the drawings referred to in the following description are only examples, and the configuration examples of the screens, the contents of the displayed information, GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc., may vary depending on the specifications of the system design and the user. It can be freely designed according to the user's preference, etc., and can be changed as appropriate.

[Regarding the game according to the first embodiment]
A specific game (hereinafter simply referred to as "this game") that can be played through the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. In the following description, "user" means a person who plays the game using the functions of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, that is, a player of the game.

This game is, for example, an online game that uses data communication. Online games include browser games using a web browser, social games provided on SNS (Social Networking Service), games that can be played by downloading dedicated application software such as mobile games, and play-by-play games. Periodically updated online games such as web (PBW) are included.

This game consists of one or more stages, and as shown in FIG. 1A, a character C is placed on a plurality of movement paths (hereinafter also referred to as lanes R) set in each stage. This content is advanced by operating the character C on the lane. The user operates the character C on the lane through the terminal for game play, for example, moves the character to the end point (goal) of the lane R, defeats the enemy on the lane with the character C, and performs each stage. Aim to clear Here, each stage corresponds to an in-game space in which a plurality of lanes R are set.

Character C is a game medium operated by a user, and is different from an appearance object described later. The appearance of the character C is not particularly limited. may be

In addition, character information is set for the character C. FIG. The character information is information about the character operated by the user, and includes character-specific information such as the character's individuality, nature/performance, status, features and attributes, physical strength (HP), attack power, defense power and speed. and a variable parameter that changes according to the progress of the game, such as.

To explain the content of this game in detail, this game is a so-called running game, and while each stage is being played (hereinafter also referred to as "during the in-game"), the character C on the lane normally moves at a predetermined speed. to move on the lane. That is, during the in-game, the arrangement position of the character C on the lane is forcibly moved along the lane. During the in-game, as shown in (A) to (C) of FIG. 1, the screen of the user's terminal displays a range in which the character C on the lane exists in the game space corresponding to the stage being played. (hereinafter referred to as display range) is displayed. The display range is forcibly scrolled along with the movement of the character C on the lane (in other words, the movement of the arrangement position of the character C).

The lane R in which the character C is arranged corresponds to any one of a plurality of lanes R. In this game, as shown in (A) to (C) of FIG. 1, a plurality of lanes R are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction (side by side) and extend in the same direction. Each lane R has a constant width in a predetermined direction, for example, a width slightly wider than one character. Each lane R may be a moving path extending linearly, or may be an endless circuit (track). Hereinafter, the direction in which the lane R extends will be referred to as the "front-rear direction" for the sake of convenience.

Further, while moving on the lane, the character C moves on the lane according to the user's operation, for example, jumps and slides on the lane as shown in FIG. 1B. or Also, during the in-game, the lane R in which the character C is placed can be switched from the current lane to another lane by a user's operation (switching operation). In other words, during the in-game, the user can freely change the lane R in which his or her character C is placed, among a plurality of lanes.

Also, during the in-game, when the character C on the lane makes an action according to the user's operation, an in-game effect occurs according to the action. The in-game effect is a situational change that occurs during the in-game, an effect during the in-game, and the like. The in-game effect includes an effect that the character C on the lane exerts on the appearing object and an effect that the appearing object exerts on the character C on the lane. An appearing object is an object that appears (exists) at a predetermined position on the lane. For example, as shown in FIG. gimmick). The enemy E and the trick G may exist on one lane or may exist across a plurality of lanes.
Appearing objects may include auxiliary items that can be used by character C on the lane and support characters that support character C on the lane.

An example of the effect that the character C on the lane exerts on the appearing object is attacking the enemy E on the lane to give damage to the enemy E, and the like. Examples of the effect of the appearing object on the character C on the lane include damage to the character C on the lane due to the attack of the enemy E on the lane or contact with the device G, or reduction in the number of characters remaining. etc. Strictly speaking, the magnitude, numerical value, amount, etc. of the damage inflicted on the enemy E by the attack and the damage received from the enemy E or the device G correspond to the degree of the in-game effect.
Further, when the appearing object is an auxiliary item, giving the effect of the item to the character C on the lane corresponds to the in-game effect.

When the character C on the lane attacks the enemy E, the attack may be performed according to the user's operation (manual attack), or the attack is automatically performed when approaching the enemy E (automatic attack). attack). Also, depending on the type of character C, the effective range of attack may change. The effective attack range is a range in which the character C on the lane can attack the enemy E, such as an enemy search range or a shooting range.

Further, the in-game effect, more specifically, the degree of the in-game effect changes according to the character information of the character C on the lane. For example, if the attribute indicated by the character information of the character C on the lane is an attribute that is effective (compatibility) with the enemy E on the lane, the damage inflicted on the enemy E by the attack will be the other attribute. becomes larger than when . Further, if the feature indicated by the character information of the character C on the lane is a feature that is effective (withstanding resistance) against the trick G on the lane, or if the damage received from the trick G is another feature. become smaller in comparison.

In this game, each stage can be played by arranging a plurality of characters C on the lane at the same time. In this case, during the in-game, as shown in FIGS. move along. Specifically, a plurality of characters C may be arranged on different lanes as shown in FIG. 2(A). In this case, the plurality of characters C are arranged side by side in the direction (predetermined direction) in which the plurality of lanes R are arranged, and move and run side by side on each lane.

Further, as shown in (B) and (C) of FIG. 2, two or more characters C among a plurality of characters C may be arranged on the same lane. In this case, two or more characters C are arranged on the same lane in a state in which they are arranged back and forth along the lane R (that is, in a vertical state) and move on the same lane.

Also, in this game, when two or more characters are placed on the same lane, the in-game effect is different from when only one character is placed on the lane. Specifically, as shown in (C) of FIG. 2, the magnitude of damage inflicted by attacking an enemy E present on a certain lane is determined by two or more characters C arranged on the same lane. and the case where only one character is placed on the lane. For example, in the former case, the damage dealt to the enemy E is greater. The attack against the enemy E and the defense against the attack from the enemy E when two or more characters C are arranged on the same lane are a type of in-game effect, and hereinafter also referred to as a "coordination technique". do.

When a plurality of characters C are arranged on a lane at the same time and played, at least one character C among the plurality of characters C is operated by the user, and the remaining characters C are operated by other characters in joint play (multiplay). may be operated by a user or automatically by a computer.

Joint play is that a plurality of users jointly play the same stage in the same time zone (simultaneously). Such joint play (multi-play) is performed by one user as a host and one or more users as guests. A host corresponds to a "predetermined role" in cooperative play. Collaborative play can be realized by a known communication technology. When one user serves as a host and recruits guests, and one or more users apply as guests, a communication path for collaborative play is established. Data communication required for play is performed according to a known communication method.
Although the number of users who can participate in one joint play is not particularly limited, hereinafter, the maximum number of users who can participate in one joint play is assumed to be four.

A plurality of users operate each character C during a joint play. Also, during the joint play, on the screen of each user's terminal, as shown in (A) to (C) of FIG. be.

Note that only one character C may be operated by each user in the joint play. Alternatively, each user participating in the joint play may form a team (deck) consisting of a plurality of characters, and place and operate one character selected from the deck on the lane. In this case, each user may change (replace) the character to be operated, that is, the character C to be placed on the lane, in the deck at any timing during the joint play.

[Regarding the information processing device and peripheral device of the first embodiment]
Next, the information processing apparatus and its peripheral devices according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that four users U1, U2, U3, and U4 play together. In this case, user U1 is the host and users U2, U3, and U4 are guests. and

Each of the users U1 to U4 operates a game play terminal (hereinafter referred to as a terminal 12) to play the same stage together. The terminal 12 is a client terminal, and specifically includes a personal computer, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a game machine, a television receiver capable of inputting information, a wearable terminal, or the like. The terminal 12 has a communication function and can communicate with devices connected to the communication network 14 . The communication network 14 is, for example, a communication line network composed of the Internet or a mobile communication network, and may include a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an intranet, Ethernet (registered trademark), and the like. .

The server 10 constitutes the "information processing apparatus" of the present invention, and is a computer that executes various information processing related to the progress of the game, such as generation and transmission/reception of data necessary for the progress of the game. is. The server 10 may be composed of one computer, or may be composed of a plurality of computers distributed in parallel. The server 10 may be a server computer for ASP (Application Service Provider), SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service) or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service). In this case, the server 10 executes a series of information processes related to the progress of the game (except for information input and display). It suffices to display the information to be distributed.

The server 10 has, as hardware devices, a processor 21, a memory 22, a communication interface 23, and a storage 24, which are electrically connected via a bus 25, as shown in FIG. The processor 21 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), MCU (Micro Controller Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) or ASIC (Application specific integrated circuit) or the like.

The memory 22 is preferably composed of semiconductor memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).
The communication interface 23 may be configured by, for example, a network interface card or a communication interface board. The standard of data communication by the communication interface 23 is not particularly limited, and communication by wireless LAN based on Wi-fi (registered trademark), communication by 3G to 5G or later generation mobile communication systems, or Communication based on LTE (Long Term Evolution) and the like can be mentioned.

The storage 24 includes flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), FD (Flexible Disc), MO disc (Magneto-Optical disc), CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD It may be configured by a card (Secure Digital card), a USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), or the like. Further, the storage 24 may be built in the server 10, or may be attached to the server body in an external form. Furthermore, the storage 24 may be configured by an external computer (for example, a database server) or the like communicably connected to the server main body. As a technique for recording various data, a distributed ledger technique such as a block chain may be used for the purpose of avoiding unauthorized data falsification.

Further, in the server 10, as software, an operating system (OS) program and an information processing program for progressing the game are installed. These programs correspond to the "program" of the present invention, and are executed by the processor 21 so that the server 10 functions as the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

Specifically, by executing the above program, the server 10 receives operations from each user through communication with the terminal 12, generates data for proceeding with the game according to the received operations, and generates data is transmitted to the terminal 12 of each user. In addition, the server 10 manages information of each user participating in the joint play, character information of characters operated by each user, and the like.

The above program may be obtained by reading from a computer-readable recording medium (media), or may be obtained (downloaded) via a network such as the Internet or an intranet.

[Functions of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment]
4, the server 10 includes a reception unit 31, a storage unit 32, an arrangement unit 33, a display unit 34, an effect generation unit 35, a switching unit 36, and a position unit 36. It has a decision unit 37 . Among these functional units, the storage unit 32 is implemented by the memory 22 or the storage 24, and the other functional units are implemented by cooperation between various hardware devices constituting the server 10 and programs installed on the server 10. It is realized by working Each functional unit will be described in detail below.

(reception department)
The accepting unit 31 accepts, through communication with the terminal 12, an operation for progressing the game performed by the user through the terminal 12, and more specifically, acquires data indicating the details of the operation. User operations accepted by the accepting unit 31 include various selections, designations, instructions, requests, orders, permission or refusal, registration, and other operations performed by the user before the game starts or after the end of the game, in addition to the operations performed during the game. Input operation etc. are included.
The operations that the reception unit 31 receives before the game starts include an operation of selecting a stage to be played, an operation of requesting joint play for the selected stage, an operation of participating in joint play, and an operation of giving priority, which will be described later. etc. are included.
The operations that the reception unit 31 receives during the in-game include an operation for causing the character C on the lane to perform a predetermined action, a switching operation for switching the lane R in which the character C is arranged, and the like.

(storage unit)
The storage unit 32 stores information necessary for playing the game, specifically, user information about the user, information about characters that the user can operate, and information about each stage prepared for the game.

Information about the user (user information) includes, for example, the user's name and ID information, user rank, possessed character, last login time, etc., and is stored for each user, as shown in FIG. Further, the user information about the user who is playing the stage includes the type of stage being played (for example, stage ID, etc.), whether the player is playing alone or jointly, and whether the player is playing jointly. In some cases, information about whether the user is playing as a host or a guest, and information about other users participating in the joint play is further included.
Note that the user information may include information about the user other than the information shown in FIG.

The character information about the character C that can be operated by the user includes information about two or more items. For example, as shown in FIG. It contains the current value, etc., and is stored for each character.
The character-specific information includes compatibility with the enemy E on the lane, more specifically, attributes or characteristics related to damage dealt to the enemy E by attacks, and attributes related to damage received by attacks from the enemy E. Alternatively, characteristics and the like may be included. In addition, the character-specific information may include resistance to the trick G on the lane, more specifically, an attribute or characteristic that affects the damage received when the trick G is touched. Furthermore, the character-specific information may further include information related to the attack given to the enemy E on the lane, more specifically, the method of attack, direction of attack, effective range of attack, and the like.
The variable parameters include physical strength (HP), parameters related to damage inflicted on enemy E (that is, the degree of in-game effects) such as physical strength (HP), and parameters related to damage received from enemy E or device G such as defense power. Related parameters and the like may also be included.
Note that the character information may include information about characters other than the information shown in FIG.

Information about stages (stage information) includes, for example, stage IDs, types of enemies E and tricks G appearing in each stage, number of appearances and appearance positions, stage clear conditions, etc., as shown in FIG. stored for each stage. Note that the stage information may include information about stages other than the information shown in FIG. 7 .

(Placement part)
During the in-game, the placement unit 33 places a character C operated by each user on one of a plurality of lanes R set on the stage to be played. Further, the placement unit 33 forcibly moves the placement position of the character on the lane along the lane R during the in-game. In other words, the character C on the lane moves at a predetermined speed along the front-rear direction on the lane R during in-play.

In the case of joint play, the placement unit 33 places characters C operated by each of the plurality of users on the lane at the start of the joint play according to a predetermined rule. At this time, each of the plurality of characters C is arranged in lanes R different from each other, in other words, arranged side by side in the direction in which the plurality of lanes R are arranged (predetermined direction).

Also, during a joint play, the placement unit 33 may place two or more characters C on the same lane by switching the lane in which the character C is placed (see (B) in FIG. 2). In this case, two or more characters C arranged on the same lane are arranged in the lane R one behind the other. Note that the number of characters that can be arranged on the same lane is not particularly limited, and may be any number. Alternatively, an upper limit number may be set in advance, and characters exceeding the upper limit number may be restricted from being arranged on the same lane.

(Display part)
The display unit 34 sets the range in which the character C exists in each stage (in-game space) including a plurality of lanes R as a display range, generates display data showing an image of the display range, and transmits the display data to the terminal of the user. Send to 12. On the terminal 12, an image of the display range is displayed based on the display data, and the user looks at the displayed image to confirm the character C operated by the user and the enemy E or the device G existing in the vicinity of the character C. . In addition, during the joint play, the display unit 34 sets the display range so that the same number of characters C as the plurality of users participating in the joint play are displayed, and displays the display data showing the image of the display range for the plurality of users. It is transmitted to each terminal 12 (see (A) to (C) in FIG. 2).

During the in-game, the display unit 34 scrolls the display range according to the movement of the character C on the lane. That is, when the placement unit 33 forcibly moves the placement position of the character C on the lane, the display unit 34 forcibly scrolls the display range in the stage accordingly. As a result, the location of the character C moves relative to the character C during the stage. Here, in a mode in which the location of character C moves relative to character C, the display range is switched so that the background and appearing objects transition without changing the display position of character C on the display screen ( scrolling). Such switching (scrolling) of the display range can give the user a visual effect in which the character C on the lane appears to be moving along the lane R.

(Effect generation part)
The effect generating unit 35 generates an in-game effect for the character C on the lane during the in-game, according to the position of the character C on the lane. For example, when a character C on the lane attacks an enemy E on the lane, the effect generation unit 35 generates an in-game effect that damages the enemy E according to the attack (that is, reduces the physical strength of the enemy E). effect) is generated. An enemy E that can be attacked by a character C on a lane may be an enemy E existing on the same lane as the character C, or may include an enemy E existing on a different lane than the character C. .

Further, when the character C on the lane is attacked by the enemy E on the same lane or touches the device G on the same lane, the effect generating unit 35 generates damage to the character C on the lane as an in-game effect. (that is, the effect of decreasing the physical strength of character C on the lane) is generated. At this time, if the character C on the lane is defending against the attack from the enemy E, the effect generating unit 35 reduces the damage corresponding to the defense, and then damages the character C. generate

In addition, the effect generating section 35 generates an in-game effect according to character information regarding the character C on the lane. For example, the higher the attack power of the character C on the lane, the greater the damage caused to the enemy E by the character C's attack. Further, when the attribute of the character C on the lane is advantageous in relation to the enemy E, the effect generating section 35 causes the character C's attack to inflict more damage on the enemy E than usual.

In addition, during the joint play, the effect generation unit 35 generates different in-game effects when two or more characters C are placed on the same lane, which are different from when only one character C is placed on the lane. Specifically, it generates a cooperative technique. For example, when two or more characters C are arranged on the same lane, the effect generation unit 35 determines that the damage inflicted on the enemy E by the attack of the cooperation technique is equal to one character C on the lane. Makes damage greater than when only. Also, when two or more characters C are arranged on the same lane, the effect generation unit 35 reduces the damage received from the enemy E due to the defense of the cooperation technique to the damage when there is only one character C on the lane. lessen than

Further, the effect generating unit 35 determines the positional relationship between two or more characters C arranged on the same lane, more specifically, which character is positioned on the front side (or the rear side) in the front and back direction of the lane R. , change the content of the in-game effects that occur.
The in-game effect to be changed is an effect corresponding to an enemy E or a device G present on the lane in which two or more characters C are placed when two or more characters C are placed on the same lane. There are, for example, the effect of attacking the enemy E and inflicting damage, and the effect of receiving damage from the enemy E or the device G. Also, this effect includes a cooperative technique by two or more characters C.
Further, the effect generating unit 35 may cause the enemy E or the device G to appear on the lane according to the positional relationship of two or more characters C arranged on the same lane, or The attributes, characteristics, parameters, etc. of the enemy E or the trick G may be changed.

(Switching part)
When the receiving unit 31 receives a switching operation from the user during the in-game, the switching unit 36 switches the lane R in which the character C operated by the user is arranged based on the switching operation. In the first embodiment, the user can perform the switching operation at any timing during the in-game. The switching unit 36 changes the lane R in which the character C of the user who performed the switching operation is placed from the current lane to the lane after the switching at a time corresponding to the timing of the switching operation. The manner of the switching operation is not particularly limited as long as it includes at least the operation of designating the lane after switching.

Further, in joint play, each of a plurality of users participating in the joint play can perform a switching operation. switch.
In addition, below, suppose that one character among the characters operated by several users who participate in a joint play is called the 1st character C1, and the user who operates a 1st character is called a 1st user. A character other than the first character is called a second character C2, and a user who operates the second character is called a second user.

When the first user performs a switching operation (hereinafter, referred to as a first switching operation) and the reception unit 31 receives the first switching operation, the switching unit 36 selects a lane to arrange the first character C1 based on the first switching operation. R (hereinafter referred to as the first lane) is switched. As a pattern in which the first lane is switched, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, a pattern in which the first lane is switched to the second lane in which the second character C2 is arranged can be considered. In other words, when the first switching operation to place the first character C1 on the same lane as the second character C2 is performed, the switching unit 36 arranges the first character C1 on the same lane as the second lane based on the first switching operation. Switch 1 lane. Here, the first lane corresponds to the first movement path, and the second lane corresponds to the second movement path.

As another pattern for switching the first lane, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, a pattern for switching the first lane to a lane other than the second lane can be considered. In this pattern, it is assumed that after the first lane is switched, the second user performs a switching operation (hereinafter referred to as a second switching operation), and the accepting unit 31 accepts the second switching operation. If this second switching operation is an operation for matching the lane R in which the second character C2 is arranged (that is, the second lane) with the first lane after switching, the switching unit 36 performs, based on the second switching operation, Switch the second lane to match the first lane after switching.

(Positioning unit)
When arranging the first character C1 on the same lane as the second character C2, the position determining unit 37 determines the positional relationship of the first character C1 with respect to the second character C2 on that lane. Here, when the first character C1 and the second character C2 are arranged on the same lane, the front position (one side position) of the second character C2 in the front-rear direction of the lane R is set to the first position. and the position on the rear side (position on the other side) is the second position. Then, the position determination unit 37 determines the position of the first character C1 to be either the first position or the second position, and arranges the first character C1 at the determined position.
In the first embodiment, the position on the front side of the second character C2 is defined as the first position, and the position on the rear side thereof is defined as the second position. It may be a positional relationship. That is, the position behind the second character C2 may be set as the first position, and the position in front of the second character C2 may be set as the second position.

The procedure for determining the positional relationship by the position determination unit 37 will be described. , the position of the first character C1 is placed behind the second character C2.

On the other hand, when the second lane is switched to match the first lane after switching as shown in FIG. determines the positional relationship between the characters according to the character information of each of the first character C1 and the second character C2.
More specifically, during a period from when the first switching operation is received from the first user to when a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as response time) elapses, the receiving unit 31 switches the second lane to the first lane after switching. Assume that a second switching operation for matching is received from the second user. In this case, the position determination unit 37 determines whether the position of the first character C1 should be the first position or the second position according to the character information of each character. Incidentally, the period from when the first switching operation is accepted until the response time elapses is the time corresponding to the time when the switching operation is accepted. It should be noted that the response time may be set to an appropriate time according to the game specifications.

In the case where the second lane is switched to match the first lane after switching, there are several possible methods for determining the position of the first character C1 based on the character information of each character.

To explain the first method, information related to the damage inflicted on enemy E by attack by character C on the lane or the like) is included in the character information. In this case, the position determination unit 37 adjusts the position of the second character so that the position of the character that gives greater damage to the enemy E (that is, a more advantageous in-game effect) corresponds to the position of the enemy E. The position of the first character C1 with respect to C2 may be determined.
More specifically, the position determining unit 37 moves the position of the first character C1 and the second character C2 so that the position of the character that receives greater damage from the enemy E is closer to the enemy E. position can be determined. In addition, the position determining unit 37 determines that the position of the first character C<b>1 and the second character C<b>2 that gives greater damage (that is, more advantageous in-game effect) to the enemy E as the distance from the enemy E increases. The position of the first character C1 may be determined so as to move further away.

To explain the first method in more detail, the storage unit 32 stores, as character information relating to damage inflicted on the enemy E, for each character, an attack power (first attack power) when placed at the first position, , and the attack power (second attack power) when placed at the second position. The position determining unit 37 compares the first attack power and the second attack power between the first character C1 and the second character C2, and arranges the first character C1 and the second character C2 so as to have a more advantageous (higher attack power) arrangement. It is preferable to determine the position of one character C1. For example, when the first attack power of the first character C1 is higher than the second attack power and the second attack power of the second character C2 is higher than the first attack power, the position of the first character C1 is changed. A first position may be determined.
Further, for example, when both the first attack power and the second attack power are high for both the first character C1 and the second character C2, the first attack power of the first character C1 is equal to the first attack power of the second character C2. When the force is higher than the force, the position of the first character C1 may be the first position. Conversely, when the first attack power of the second character C2 is higher than the first attack power of the first character C1, the position of the first character C1 may be the second position. In addition, when the first character C1 is placed at the first position, the second character C2 can exhibit the in-game effect when placed behind the first character C1.

To explain the second method, it is assumed that the character information includes the effective range of attacks by the character on the lane. In this case, the position determination unit 37 may determine the positional relationship between the characters based on the effective attack range of each character.
More specifically, the position of the first character C1 can be determined such that the position of the character with the wider effective range of the first character C1 and the second character C2 is positioned in front. In this case, a character with a narrower effective range is positioned on the back side, but when the attack by this character is a manual type attack, the manual type attack may be restricted.
Also, although different from the above case, the position of the first character may be determined so that the position of the character with the wider effective range of the first character C1 and the second character C2 is positioned on the rear side. . In this case, when the attack of the character with a wider effective range is an auto-type attack, the auto-type attack need not be restricted.

To explain the second method in more detail, the storage unit 32 stores character information related to damage inflicted on the enemy E for each character as an effective attack range (first effective range) when placed at the first position. ) and an effective attack range (second effective range) when placed at the second position. The position determining unit 37 compares the first attack power and the second attack power between the first character C1 and the second character C2, and arranges the first character C1 and the second character C2 so as to provide a more advantageous (wider attack range) arrangement. It is preferable to determine the position of one character C1. For example, if the second effective range of the first character C1 is wider than the second effective range of the second character C2, the position of the first character C1 may be determined as the second position.

To explain the third method, the character information includes a parameter related to the magnitude of damage (degree of in-game effect) that the character on the lane inflicts on the enemy E by attacking, for example, a parameter such as attack power. and In this case, the position determining section 37 may determine the positional relationship between the characters based on the above parameters of each character.
Specifically, the position of the first character C1 with respect to the second character C2 is adjusted so that the position of the character with the higher attack power of the first character C1 and the second character C2 is closer to the enemy E (front side). position can be determined. Also, the position of the first character C1 may be determined so that the damage inflicted on the enemy E by the attack by the cooperation technique of the first character C1 and the second character C2 is increased.

The three methods described above are methods of determining the position of the first character C1 from the viewpoint of the damage inflicted on the enemy E by an attack. The position of the first character C1 may be determined from the point of view.
More specifically, when the character information includes information related to damage received by the character on the lane from the enemy E or the trick G (for example, resistance to the enemy E or the trick G), the above-described first By applying the method, the position of the first character C1 may be determined so that the position of the character that is less susceptible to damage is positioned in the front.
Further, when the character information includes a parameter related to the magnitude (degree) of damage received by the character on the lane from the enemy E or the device G, for example, a parameter such as defense power, the above-described third method is applied. Alternatively, the position of the first character C1 may be determined so that the position of the character with the higher defense power is on the front side. Also, the position of the first character C1 may be determined so that the damage received from the enemy E is further reduced by the defense of the cooperation technique of the first character C1 and the second character C2.

[Regarding the information processing method according to the first embodiment]
Next, an information processing flow using the information processing apparatus (that is, the server 10) according to the first embodiment will be described as an example of the information processing method of the present invention. Below, as an information processing flow according to the first embodiment, a flow when a plurality of users jointly play the same stage in the game will be described.

An information processing flow for a joint play is executed by communication between the terminal 12 of each user participating in the joint play and the server 10 . Further, the information processing flow in joint play is divided into a flow before game start (hereinafter referred to as pre-start flow) and a flow during in-game (hereinafter referred to as joint play flow).

In the pre-start flow, the user U1 who is the host operates the terminal 12 to request the implementation of the joint play. When requesting execution of joint play, the user U1 selects a stage to be played and designates a character to be used in that stage. At this time, one character may be specified, or a team (deck) of a plurality of characters may be specified. The server 10 receives a joint play request through communication with the terminal 12 of the user U1.

Thereafter, the server 10 distributes information regarding the requested joint play to other users. Specifically, for the users U2, U3, and U4 who wish to participate in the joint play, information on the stage selected as the target of the joint play, information on the host user U1, and information on the character to be used designated by the user U1 is provided. It is delivered to the terminal 12 of each user.

Each of the users U2, U3, and U4 confirms through the terminal 12 the information about the joint play distributed from the server 10, and applies for the joint play when participating in the joint play as a guest. When applying for the joint play, the users U2, U3, and U4 select a user who is the host of the joint play that they wish to participate in, and specify the characters to be used in the joint play. At this time, one character may be specified, or a team (deck) of a plurality of characters may be specified. The server 10 receives applications for joint play through communication with the terminals 12 of the users U2, U3, and U4.

Then, the server 10 matches the user U1 as the host who requested the implementation of the joint play with the users U2, U3, and U4 as the guests who applied for the joint play, and establishes a relationship between the host and the guests. Establish a communication path. By the flow up to this point, the users U1 to U4 can play together, and the pre-start flow ends. After that, when user U1 who is the host instructs the start of joint play, execution of the joint play flow is started.

The co-play flow proceeds according to the flows shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. The flow shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B is merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps added, or the order of steps performed may be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. .

In the cooperative play flow, first, the server 10 (more specifically, the placement unit 33) places each of the plurality of characters including the first character C1 and the second character C2 on one of the plurality of lanes R. (S001). At the start of the joint play, the plurality of characters C are arranged on different lanes (see (A) in FIG. 2).

Here, the first character C1 is one of a plurality of characters, and the second character C2 is a character other than the first character. is the first character C1, and the character C operated by the guest U2 is the second character C2. That is, the user U1 corresponds to the first user, and the user U2 corresponds to the second user.

When the joint play starts, the server 10 (more specifically, the display unit 34) executes a process of displaying the image of the display range in the play target stage on the terminal 12 of each user (S002). In joint play, all the characters C as many as the plurality of users appear within the display range. In addition, during the cooperative play, the server 10 moves the positions of the characters on each lane and forcibly scrolls the display range accordingly. Thereby, the character C operated by each of the plurality of users moves on the lane on which the character C is arranged. When the character C of the user U1 and the character C of the user U2 are arranged on different lanes, the respective characters move side by side in the direction in which the plurality of lanes R are arranged.

During co-play, each user can perform a switching operation to switch the lane R in which his or her character is placed. Here, when the user U1 performs a switching operation (that is, the first switching operation), the server 10 (more specifically, the receiving unit 31) executes processing for receiving the first switching operation from the user U1 (S003).

Here, it is assumed that the first switching operation is an operation of switching the lane (first lane) in which user U1's character C is arranged to the same lane as the lane (second lane) in which user U2's character C is arranged. (Yes in S004). In this case, the server 10 (specifically, the switching unit 36) executes processing for switching the first lane based on the received first switching operation (S005). Thereby, the character C of the user U1 and the character C of the user U2 are arranged on the same lane (see FIG. 8).

In addition, the server 10 (specifically, the position determination unit 37) determines the positional relationship of the character C of the user U1 with respect to the character C of the user U2 in the front-rear direction of the lane. Decide whether to use the position or the second position. In the above case, the server 10 determines the position of the character of user U1 to be the position behind the character of user U2, that is, the second position (S006).

On the other hand, it is assumed that the first switching operation is an operation of switching the first lane to a lane different from the lane (second lane) in which the character of user U2 is arranged (No in S004). In this case, the server 10 (more specifically, the receiving unit 31) performs a second switching process in which the second lane is matched with the first lane after switching during the period from when the first switching operation is received until the response time elapses. Assume that an operation is received from the second user (S007). In this case, the server 10 (specifically, the switching unit 36) executes processing for switching between the first lane and the second lane based on the received first switching operation and second switching operation (S008). As a result, the first lane is switched, and the second lane is switched so as to match the first lane after switching. As a result, character C of user U1 and character C of user U2 are arranged on the same lane. be done.

In addition, the server 10 (specifically, the position determination unit 37) determines the position of the character C of the user U1 to the first position or the second position based on the character information of each of the character C of the user U1 and the character C of the user U2. Decide which one to use (S009). Specifically, the position of the character C of the user U1 is determined according to any one of the first to third methods described above. For example, the position of the character C of the user U1 is adjusted so that the position of the character that deals greater damage to the enemy E, out of the character of the user U1 and the character of the user U2, is closer to the enemy E (on the front side). decide.

Also, when determining the position of the character C of the user U1 when it is placed on the same lane as the character of the user U2, the situation of the lane R, more specifically, the information about the enemy E or the trick G on the lane may be considered. Specifically, based on the information of the enemy E or the device G on the lane on which the character C of the user U1 is arranged, which is closest to the current position of the character C, the character information about the character C is referred to. reference information is selected. Then, based on the selected reference information, it may be determined whether the position of the character C of the user U1 should be the first position or the second position.
For example, when an enemy E exists on a lane in which characters C of both user U1 and user U2 are arranged, information on attack power of each character C is selected as reference information, and based on the selected information on attack power, may be used to determine the position of the character C of the user U1. To describe a specific case, when the attack power of character C of user U1 is higher than that of character C of user U2, character C of user U1 may be placed at the first position.
Further, for example, if a trick G exists on the lane where the characters C of both the user U1 and the user U2 are arranged, a feature (resistance) effective against the trick G is selected from the character information of each character C. may be referred to, and the position of the character C of the user U1 may be determined based on the reference information. As a specific example, if the character of the user U1 has a characteristic (resistance) that is effective against the trick G, the character C of the user U1 may be arranged at the first position.

Returning to the description of the cooperative play flow, during the cooperative play, the server 10 (more specifically, the effect generation unit 35) generates an in-game effect such as the character C on the lane approaching the enemy E or the device G on the lane. When the generation condition is satisfied (S010), a process for generating an in-game effect is executed. At this time, the server 10 determines whether or not a plurality of characters C are placed on the lane where the enemy E or the device G exists (S011), and generates an in-game effect according to the determination result.

Specifically, when only one character C is placed on the lane where the enemy E or trick G exists, the server 10 generates a normal in-game effect. The damage caused by the character C's attack is given to the enemy E, and the damage caused by the contact with the enemy E or the mechanism G is given to one character C (S012).

On the other hand, when a plurality of characters C (that is, character C of user U1 and character C of user U2) are placed on the lane where enemy E or trick G exists, the server 10 determines the positional relationship between the characters. Specifically, an in-game effect is generated depending on whether the position of the character of user U1 is the first position or the second position (S013). For example, the server 10 damages the enemy E on the lane in which the plurality of characters C are arranged by the attacks (for example, the attack of the cooperation technique) of the plurality of characters C according to the positional relationship between the characters. give. In addition, the server 10, by the defense of the plurality of characters C (for example, the defense of the cooperation technique), determines the damage received from the enemy E or the trick G on the lane in which the plurality of characters C are arranged according to the positional relationship between the characters. reduce accordingly.

Among the steps of the cooperative play flow described above, the steps after step S002 are repeatedly performed until the condition for ending the stage is satisfied (S014). The conditions for the end of the stage are, for example, clearing the stage to be played, retiring, the physical strength of the characters C of all the users participating in the joint play becoming 0 and the game over, or the game being over. For example, the time limit set for the target stage has passed.
Then, when the condition for ending the stage is satisfied, the cooperative play flow ends.

[About the second embodiment of the present invention]
In this game, after switching the lane in which the first character is placed (first lane), the lane in which the second character is placed (second lane) can be switched to match the first lane after switching. . In this case, the first character C1 and the second character C2 are arranged on the same lane. In the above case, the positional relationship between the characters, more specifically the position of the first character C1 when viewed from the second character C2, is determined based on the character information of each of the first character C1 and the second character C2. decide.

By the way, the character information includes information about two or more items, and the determined positional relationship may change depending on which item of information is used when determining the positional relationship between the characters. 2nd Embodiment can be considered as embodiment which considered the point, and hereafter, it demonstrates, referring FIG. 11 for 2nd Embodiment. In the following, the points of the second embodiment that are different from the first embodiment will be described, and among the functions of the server 10 shown in FIG. will be attached and the explanation will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, a selection item is selected based on a user's operation from among two or more items included in character information. In the second embodiment, when the second lane is switched to match the first lane after switching after the first lane is switched, the character information of each of the first character C1 and the second character C2 includes: The positional relationship of the first character C1 with respect to the second character C2 is determined based on the information regarding the selection item.

More specifically, the server 10A according to the second embodiment includes a selection unit 38, as shown in FIG. The selection unit 38 selects a selection item from two or more items included in the character information based on a user's selection operation, for example, before co-play is started. The selection operation is performed through a selection screen (not shown) by a user who participates in the joint play as a host and plays the game, among a plurality of users participating in the joint play. Two or more items included in the character information are displayed on the selection screen, and the host user gives priority to each of the two or more items on the selection screen. As a method of assigning priority, for example, a method of clicking each of the two or more items displayed on the selection screen in order from the priority item, or a method of assigning a numerical value (weight) corresponding to the priority to each item. ) on the selection screen.
Note that the user who can perform the selection operation is not limited to the user of the host, but the user who satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, the user who has the longest total playing time of the game) among the multiple users who participate in the joint play. ) may perform the selection operation.

The selection unit 38 selects a selection item according to the priority based on the selection operation by the user of the host, that is, the operation of giving priority to each of two or more items. More specifically, the selection unit 38 selects, for example, items from the highest priority to the N-th (N is a natural number) items as selection items.

Then, in the second embodiment, after the first lane is switched, when the second lane is switched to match the switched first lane, the position determination unit 37 causes each of the first character C1 and the second character C2 to The above positional relationship is determined based on the information about the selection item among the character information of 1. More specifically, the position of the first character C1 with respect to the second character C2 is determined.

[Other embodiments]
The information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program of the present invention have been described above with specific examples, but embodiments other than the above-described embodiments can also be considered for the present invention.

In the above-described embodiment, the server computer for online games (server 10) functions as the information processing apparatus of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and at least some of the functions of the server 10 are performed. may be provided on the user's terminal 12 side. For example, the user's terminal 12 has at least one function among the reception unit 31, the storage unit 32, the placement unit 33, the display unit 34, the effect generation unit 35, the switching unit 36, the position determination unit 37, and the selection unit 38. good too.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the first character C1 and the second character C2 exist on the same lane, the effect generation unit 35 generates an in-game effect corresponding to the enemy E or the device G existing on that lane. is changed according to the positional relationship of the first character with respect to the second character. However, it is not limited to this, and in the case where the first character and the second character exist on the same lane, an in-game effect (specifically , the attack on the enemy E, the damage received from the enemy E or the device G, etc.) may be changed according to the above positional relationship.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when determining the positional relationship between the first character C1 and the second character C2 existing on the same lane, the position of the first character C1 viewed from the second character C2 in the front-rear direction of the lane R is determined. decided to decide However, it is not limited to this, and when the width of lane R is sufficiently long, the positional relationship in the width direction of lane R, more specifically, the first character viewed from second character C2 in the width direction of lane R The position of C1 may be determined.

[summary]
The present invention is achieved by the configurations shown in [1] to [15] below, and various effects can be achieved by each configuration.

[1] An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an arrangement unit for arranging a first character operated by a first user on one of a plurality of movement paths, and based on a switching operation by the first user. a switching unit for switching a movement path on which the first character is arranged; and a positional relationship of the first character with respect to the second character on the same movement path when the first character is arranged on the same movement path as the second character. It is characterized by comprising a position determination unit and an effect generation unit that generates an in-game effect corresponding to an object existing on the movement path according to the positional relationship.
According to the above configuration, in a game played by arranging each of the first character and the second character on one of the movement paths, when the first character is arranged on the same movement path as the second character, In-game effects change according to the positional relationship between characters. By changing the in-game effect according to the positional relationship between the characters in this way, it is possible to prevent the character's actions from becoming monotonous, and as a result, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

[2] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the effect generating section may change the in-game effect corresponding to the object existing on the moving path on which the first character and the second character are both placed, according to the positional relationship. .
According to the above configuration, the in-game effect corresponding to the object existing on the moving path along which the first character and the second character are placed changes according to the positional relationship between the characters. As a result, when a plurality of characters are arranged on the same movement path, damage can be effectively given to enemies existing on the movement path, or damage received from enemies or tricks can be effectively prevented. can be done. As a result, it is possible to further improve the interest of the game.

[3] The information processing apparatus of the present invention has a display unit for displaying, on the terminal of the first user, the range in which the first character and the second character are present in the in-game space including a plurality of paths of movement. good too. In this case, the placement unit may forcibly move the placement position of the first character on the movement path along the movement path, and the display unit may scroll the range as the placement position of the first character moves. .
According to the above configuration, it is possible to enhance the interest of a game (a so-called running game) in which the position of the character on the moving path is forcibly moved and the display range is scrolled accordingly.

[4] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the plurality of movement paths are arranged in a predetermined direction, and the arrangement unit, when arranging the first character on a movement path different from that of the second character, arranges the first character and the second character are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction.
According to the above configuration, the user can easily confirm both the first character and the second character in a situation where the first character and the second character are arranged on different moving paths.

[5] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, when the first movement path on which the first character is arranged switches to the second movement path on which the second character is arranged, the second character is moved in the direction in which the second movement path extends. When the position on one side as viewed from above is the first position and the position on the other side is the second position, the position determination unit may place the first character at the second position.
According to the above configuration, when the first movement path is switched to the second movement path, the position of the first character as seen from the second character is automatically determined as the second position. Therefore, the user who operates the first character can grasp (guess) in advance the position of the first character when the first movement path is switched to the second movement path.

[6] The information processing apparatus of the present invention may have a reception unit that receives user operations. In this case, the second movement path on which the second character is arranged is made to coincide with the first movement path on which the first character is arranged at a time corresponding to the time when the reception unit receives the switching operation from the first user. When switching, the position determining unit preferably determines the positional relationship according to character information regarding each of the first character and the second character.
According to the above configuration, when the second movement path is switched to the post-switching first movement path after the first movement path is switched, according to the character information of each of the first character and the second character, Positional relationships between characters are determined. Since the positional relationship is determined according to the character information in this manner, the positional relationship is not constant and fluctuates. Further, the in-game effect when the first character and the second character are arranged on the same moving path by switching the moving path is determined based on the positional relationship that varies according to the character information, so the in-game effect is monotonous. can be avoided. As a result, the interest of the game can be further improved.

[7] The information processing apparatus of the present invention may have a reception unit that receives user operations. In this case, the first movement path for arranging the first character is switched based on the first switching operation by the first user, and the second movement path for arranging the second character is switched by the second user who operates the second character. The switching may be based on the second switching operation. Then, within a predetermined time after receiving the first switching operation from the first user, the receiving unit receives from the second user a second switching operation for matching the second moving route with the first moving route after switching. In this case, it is preferable that the position determining unit determines the positional relationship according to character information regarding each of the first character and the second character.
According to the above configuration, when the second switching operation is received within a predetermined time from the time when the first switching operation is received, and the first character and the second character are arranged on the same moving path, the game effect at that time is , is determined based on the positional relationship that varies according to the character information of each character. As a result, the interest of the game can be further improved.

[8] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the character information may include information related to an in-game effect given to an object by the character placed on the movement path. Then, when the second movement path switches to match the first movement path, the position determination unit determines which character is given a more advantageous in-game effect based on the character information of each of the first character and the second character. It is preferable to determine the positional relationship so that the position corresponds to the position of the object.
According to the above configuration, when the second movement path switches to match the first movement path, the position of the character that is given a more advantageous in-game effect corresponds to the position of the object (for example, closer to the object). position, or a position further away from the object), determine the positional relationship between characters. Thereby, each user can perform a switching operation to proceed with game play (particularly, joint play) more advantageously.

[9] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the character information may include an effective range in which the character placed on the movement path can apply an in-game effect to the object. Then, when the second movement path switches to coincide with the first movement path, the position determination unit may determine the positional relationship based on the effective range of each of the first character and the second character.
According to the above configuration, when the second movement path is switched to match the first movement path, the positional relationship between the characters is determined based on the effective range in which each of the first character and the second character exerts an effect. . Since the positional relationship is determined according to the effective range of the effect of each character in this manner, the positional relationship is not constant and fluctuates. The in-game effect when the first character and the second character are arranged on the same moving path by switching the moving path is determined based on the positional relationship that varies according to the effective range, so the in-game effect is monotonous. can be avoided. As a result, the interest of the game can be further improved.

[10] In the information processing device of the present invention, the character information may include a parameter related to the degree of in-game effect given to the object. Then, when the second movement path switches to match the first movement path, the position determination unit may determine the positional relationship based on the parameters of each of the first character and the second character.
According to the above configuration, when the second movement path is switched to match the first movement path, the positional relationship between the characters is determined based on the parameters of each of the first character and the second character. Since the positional relationship is determined according to the parameters of each character in this manner, the positional relationship is not constant and fluctuates. Then, the in-game effect when the first character and the second character are placed on the same moving path by switching the moving path, that is, the in-game effect given to the object, depends on the parameter related to the degree of the effect. It is determined based on the changing positional relationship. As a result, it is possible to prevent the in-game effect from becoming a monotonous effect, and it is possible to further improve the interest of the game.

[11] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the character information may include information regarding two or more items. Moreover, the information processing apparatus of the present invention may further include a selection unit that selects a selection item from two or more items based on user's operation. Then, when the second movement path is switched to match the first movement path, the position determining unit determines the positional relationship based on the information regarding the selection items among the character information of each of the first character and the second character. you should decide.
According to the above configuration, when the second movement path is switched to match the first movement path, based on the information related to the selection item among the character information of each of the first character and the second character, Positional relationship is determined. Since the positional relationship is determined according to the information about the item selected by the user in this way, the positional relationship is not constant and fluctuates. The effect in the game when the first character and the second character are arranged on the same movement path by switching the movement path is determined based on the positional relationship that varies according to the information regarding the selection items of each character. As a result, it is possible to prevent the in-game effect from becoming a monotonous effect, and it is possible to further improve the interest of the game.

[12] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, it is more preferable that the selection unit selects the selection item according to the priority based on the user's operation of giving priority to each of the two or more items. be.
According to the above configuration, based on the priority given to each item by the user, the selection item is selected according to the priority. The in-game effect when the first character and the second character are placed on the same movement path by switching the movement path is a positional relationship that varies according to information on the item prioritized by the user (that is, the selected item). determined based on As a result, the in-game effect is determined by reflecting the user's intention (specifically, the priority of the item), and as a result, it is possible to further improve the interest of the game.

[13] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, when a plurality of users including the first user play a game together, the selection unit selects a user who plays the game with a predetermined role among the plurality of users. The selection item may be selected based on the operation by .
According to the above configuration, the selection item is selected based on the operation of the user who is in charge of the predetermined role among the plurality of users participating in the joint play. If the users who can select the selection items are determined in advance, the selection items can be selected more smoothly than when each of the plurality of users selects the selection items.

[14] In the information processing method of the present invention, a computer arranges a first character operated by a first user on one of a plurality of moving paths, and a computer performs a switching operation of the first user. , the computer determines the position of the first character with respect to the second character on the same movement path when switching the movement path for arranging the first character and arranging the first character on the same movement path as the second character. A relationship is determined, and the computer generates an in-game effect corresponding to objects existing on the movement path according to the positional relationship.
According to the above method, in a game played by arranging each of the first character and the second character on one of the moving paths, monotonous movements of the characters can be avoided and the interest of the game can be improved. can be made

[15] A program of the present invention provides a process of arranging a first character operated by a first user on one of a plurality of moving paths, and a first character based on a switching operation of the first user. a process of switching the movement path on which the character is arranged; a process of determining the positional relationship of the first character with respect to the second character on the same movement path when the first character is arranged on the same movement path as the second character; According to the relationship, the computer is caused to execute a process of generating an in-game effect corresponding to an object existing on the moving path.
By executing the above program on a computer, it is possible to prevent monotonous movement of the characters in a game in which each of the first character and the second character is arranged on one of the moving paths, thereby improving the game. Interest can be improved.

10, 10A Server (information processing device)
12 terminal 21 processor 22 memory 23 communication interface 24 storage 25 bus 31 reception unit 32 storage unit 33 placement unit 34 display unit 35 effect generation unit 36 switching unit 37 position determination unit 38 selection unit C character C1 first character C2 second character E Enemy G Mechanism R Lane (moving path)

Claims (15)

an arrangement unit for arranging a first character operated by a first user on one of the plurality of movement paths;
a switching unit for switching a movement path for arranging the first character based on a switching operation by the first user;
a position determining unit that determines the positional relationship of the first character with respect to the second character on the same moving path when the first character is arranged on the same moving path as the second character;
An information processing apparatus, comprising: an effect generating unit that generates an in-game effect corresponding to an object existing on the movement path according to the positional relationship. 2. The effect generating unit according to claim 1, wherein the effect generating unit changes the in-game effect corresponding to the object existing on the moving path along which the first character and the second character are arranged, according to the positional relationship. information processing equipment. a display unit for displaying, on a terminal of the first user, a range in which the first character and the second character exist in the in-game space including the plurality of movement paths;
The placement unit forcibly moves the placement position of the first character on the movement path along the movement path,
3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said display unit scrolls said range as the position of said first character is moved. The plurality of moving paths are arranged in a predetermined direction,
4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the placement unit places the first character and the second character side by side in the predetermined direction when placing the first character and the second character on different moving paths. The information processing device according to any one of the items. A position on one side of the second character in the direction in which the second movement path extends when the first movement path on which the first character is arranged switches to the second movement path on which the second character is arranged as a first position and the position on the other side as a second position, the position determining unit places the first character at the second position. information processing equipment. Having a reception unit that receives user operations,
The second movement path on which the second character is arranged coincides with the first movement path on which the first character is arranged at a time corresponding to the time when the reception unit receives the switching operation from the first user. 5. The information processing according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said position determining unit determines said positional relationship in accordance with character information relating to each of said first character and said second character when switching to . Device. Having a reception unit that receives user operations,
a first movement path for arranging the first character is switched based on a first switching operation by the first user;
A second movement path for arranging the second character is switched based on a second switching operation by a second user who operates the second character,
Within a predetermined time after receiving the first switching operation from the first user, the receiving unit performs the second switching operation to match the second moving path with the first moving path after switching. The positional relationship according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, when received from two users, the position determination unit determines the positional relationship according to character information regarding each of the first character and the second character. Information processing equipment. The character information includes information related to the in-game effect given to the object by the character placed on the movement path,
When the second movement path switches to coincide with the first movement path, the position determination unit determines a more advantageous in-game effect based on the character information of each of the first character and the second character. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the positional relationship is determined such that the position of the character given the position corresponds to the position of the object. the character information includes an effective range in which the character placed on the movement path can apply the in-game effect to the object;
When the second movement path switches to match the first movement path, the position determination unit determines the positional relationship based on the effective range of each of the first character and the second character. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7. The character information includes parameters related to the degree of the in-game effect given to the object,
When the second movement path switches to match the first movement path, the position determination unit determines the positional relationship based on the parameters of each of the first character and the second character. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7. The character information includes information about two or more items,
further comprising a selection unit that selects a selection item from among the two or more items based on a user's operation;
When the second movement path is switched to match the first movement path, the position determining unit determines, based on the information about the selection item among the character information of each of the first character and the second character, 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the positional relationship is determined by 12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said selection unit selects said selection item according to said priority based on a user's operation of giving priority to each of said two or more items. When a plurality of users including the first user play the game together, the selection unit performs the selection based on an operation by a user who plays the game in a predetermined role among the plurality of users. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein an item is selected. A computer arranges a first character operated by a first user on one of a plurality of movement paths,
a computer switching a moving path for arranging the first character based on a switching operation by the first user;
When arranging the first character on the same movement path as the second character, a computer determines the positional relationship of the first character with respect to the second character on the same movement path,
An information processing method, wherein a computer generates an in-game effect corresponding to an object existing on a movement path according to the positional relationship. A process of arranging a first character operated by a first user on one of a plurality of movement paths;
a process of switching a movement path for arranging the first character based on a switching operation by the first user;
a process of determining the positional relationship of the first character with respect to the second character on the same moving path when the first character is arranged on the same moving path as the second character;
A program for causing a computer to execute a process of generating an in-game effect corresponding to an object existing on a movement path according to the positional relationship.

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