JP2023093647A - Game processing system, game processing method, and game processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

To solve or alleviate an increase in an amount of data for identifying an action of a virtual character with respect to an action of a player.SOLUTION: A game processing system according to one mode performs game processing providing interaction with a virtual character. The game has: a first mode played in a first three-dimensional space; and a second mode played in a second three-dimensional space different from the first three-dimensional space. In the second mode, it is determined whether or not an interruption condition is satisfied by the player action of a player identified on the basis of the detection information detected by a head mount display worn on the head of the player. When it is determined that the interruption condition is satisfied, transfer processing for interrupting the second mode and transferring to the first mode is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The disclosure herein relates to a game processing system, a game processing method, and a game processing program for processing a game that provides interaction with a virtual character.

Simulation games are known that provide interaction with virtual characters. Such a simulation game is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2017-184842 (Patent Document 1).

In such a simulation game, the reaction of the virtual character to the operation input from the player is determined in advance. For example, in Patent Literature 1, candidate answers to a question posed by a virtual character are presented to the player as options, and the player selects one of the options. Since the next question for the virtual character is determined for each option, the virtual character can ask the next question according to the player's selection.

In games that provide interaction with such virtual characters, a head-mounted display (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "HMD") is sometimes used in order to enhance the sense of immersion in the game. For example, a VR game is known in which a virtual space is displayed on an HMD, and a virtual character appearing in this virtual space can be interacted with using the HMD. As this type of VR game, "Summer Lesson" by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. is known (see Non-Patent Document 1).

In the above-mentioned "Summer Lesson", a function is realized in which an interaction with a virtual character is specified according to information detected by the tracking sensor of the HMD, and the player experiences this specified interaction. For example, when the player wearing the HMD nods in response to the movement of the image of the virtual character displayed on the HMD, the movement of the player's head corresponding to the nod is detected. Then, based on the detected movement of the head, an image of the virtual character performing an action corresponding to the nod of the player is displayed on the HMD.

As described above, in a conventional VR game in which an HMD is used to interact with a virtual character, an image of the virtual space is displayed so as to follow the movement of the player's head, and a virtual space image is displayed according to the movement of the player's head. Since the player experiences interaction with the character, the player can obtain a high sense of immersion.

JP 2017-184842 A

“Summer Lesson”, [online], December 12, 2017, Internet (URL: HYPERLINK "http://summer-lesson.bn-ent.net/" http://summer-lesson.bn-ent .net/)

When interacting with a virtual character using an HMD, the player's actions for the virtual character can be diverse. As the player's actions on the virtual character diversify, there arises a problem that the data amount of information for specifying the virtual character's action (reaction) to the player's action increases.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide technical improvements that solve or alleviate at least some of the problems in the prior art discussed above.

A game processing system according to one aspect includes a storage storing one or more action data for specifying an action of a virtual character, and one or more computer processors, and provides interaction with the virtual character. process. In the game processing system, the one or more computer processors execute computer-readable instructions to control the virtual character based on detection information detected by a head-mounted display worn on the player's head. specifying the player's action, causing the virtual character to perform the first action based on the player's action and first action data out of the one or more action data, and interrupting the execution of the first action Execution of the first action is interrupted when a condition is satisfied.

In the game processing system according to one aspect, the one or more computer processors perform the Cause the virtual character to perform a second action.

In the game processing system according to one aspect, the game has a first scene and a second scene, the first action is performed in the first scene, and the one or more computer processors are configured to: If satisfied, interrupt the execution of the first scene.

In a game processing system according to one aspect, the one or more computer processors transition to a second scene of the game when the interrupt condition is met.

In the game processing system according to one aspect, the game comprises a first mode in which the game progresses according to an input from an information processing device not worn on the head of the player; a second mode of progressing the game according to the action, wherein the first action is executed in the second mode, and the one or more computer processors perform the A transition process for interrupting the second mode and transitioning to the first mode is performed.

In a game processing system according to one aspect, the game has a first scene and a second scene, the first action is performed in the first scene, and the one or more computer processors are configured to: The scene transition screen displayed on the display when transitioning from to the second scene is displayed on the display even when the interruption condition is satisfied.

In the game processing system according to one aspect, the first action includes a main action composed of a series of actions of the virtual character, an interrupt action executed by interrupting the main action, and execution of the interrupt action. and a return action to be performed later.

In the game processing system according to one aspect, the one or more computer processors determine whether or not the interruption condition is satisfied in response to the player taking a specific action during execution of the first action. and executing the interrupt action when it is determined that the interrupt condition is not satisfied.

In the game processing system according to one aspect, the interruption condition includes that the gaze position specified from the detection information is on a prohibited area set in virtual space.

In the game processing system according to one aspect, the interruption condition includes that the player repeats the same action a predetermined number of times or more.

In the game processing system according to one aspect, the interruption condition includes that the player has performed an action on a predetermined part of the virtual character a predetermined number of times or more.

In the game processing system according to one aspect, the interruption condition includes that the player has performed an action that corresponds to a prohibited action.

In the game processing system according to one aspect, the storage stores parameters and parameters, the one or more computer processors update the parameters according to actions of the player, and the interruption condition is including conditions relating to said parameters;

A method of processing a game according to one aspect is a method of processing a game in which one or more computer processors execute computer readable instructions to provide interaction with a virtual character, the virtual character being worn on the head of a player. identifying an action of the player with respect to the virtual character based on detection information detected by a head-mounted display; and one or more pieces of action data for identifying the action of the player and the action of the virtual character. causing the virtual character to perform a first action based on the first action data; and suspending the execution of the first action when a suspension condition is satisfied during the execution of the first action. With and.

A game processing program according to one aspect is a program for processing a game that provides interaction with a virtual character by being executed by one or more computer processors. The game processing program causes the one or more computer processors to identify an action of the player with respect to the virtual character based on detection information detected by a head-mounted display worn on the player's head; causing the virtual character to perform a first action based on a player's action and first action data out of one or a plurality of action data for specifying the action of the virtual character; and suspending the execution of the first action if a suspending condition is met during execution.

A game processing system according to one aspect includes a storage that stores scene data related to each of a plurality of game scenes that form a game scenario, and one or more computer processors, and processes the game. In the system, the one or more computer processors execute computer-readable instructions to progress the game based on detection information detected by a head-mounted display worn on the player's head, When a scene interruption condition is satisfied during execution of the first scene among the plurality of game scenes, the execution of the first scene is interrupted.

According to the embodiment, it is possible to suppress an increase in the data amount of the information for specifying the action (reaction) of the virtual character.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a game processing system according to one embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a head-mounted display that can be used in the game processing system of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a head-mounted display worn by a game player; FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing scenario data; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating mode transitions of a game processed by the game processing system according to one embodiment; It is a flow figure showing a flow of processing in chat mode in one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display image in chat mode in one embodiment; The screen of FIG. 7a shows message options to be selected by the player. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display image in chat mode in one embodiment; The screen of Figure 7b shows the message selected by the player. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display image in chat mode in one embodiment; The screen of FIG. 7c shows a message prompting transition to VR mode, a message for selecting settings in VR mode, and a message for selecting items to be used in VR mode. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display image in chat mode in one embodiment; The screen of Figure 7d shows a transition start object. It is a flow figure showing a flow of mode change processing in one embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the display image in the mode transition process in one embodiment. The screen of FIG. 9a shows guidance prompting to attach the display to the attachment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display image in transition processing in one embodiment; The screen of Figure 9b shows a transition object. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing the flow of processing in VR mode in one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display image in VR mode in one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of actions of a virtual character in a scene being executed in VR mode; FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a game processing system according to another embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a plurality of scenes making up a game according to another embodiment;

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described with appropriate reference to the drawings. Identical or similar components are provided with the same reference numerals in several drawings.

A game processing system according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a game processing system 1 according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a head-mounted display 10 (hereinafter referred to as "HMD 10") used in the game processing system 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the HMD 10 attached to the player 5. FIG.

A game processing system 1 according to one embodiment realizes various games by executing a game processing program according to one embodiment. A player can use the game system 1 to play various games using game media. Game media is electronic data used in a game that can be acquired, owned, used, managed, traded, combined, enhanced, sold, disposed of, or gifted, or otherwise used in a game by a user. Game media include, for example, cards, items, virtual currency, tickets, characters, avatars, level information, status information, parameter information (physical strength, attack power, etc.), ability information, skills, abilities, spells, jobs, and others. Includes various electronic data that can be used in the game. The game media that can be used in the game processing system 1 and the mode of use thereof are not limited to those specified in this specification. The game processing system 1 can realize, for example, a game in which a virtual character and a player interact in a virtual space. A game realized by the game processing system 1 has a first mode and a second mode. An example of the first mode is chat mode and an example of the second mode is VR mode. The first mode and second mode will be described later.

A game processing system 1 includes an HMD 10 and a server 50 . The HMD 10 and the server 50 are connected via a network 40 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

As shown in FIG. 2, the HMD 10 includes an attachment 11 to be worn on the head of a person, and an information processing device 20 attached to the attachment 11 .

The wearing tool 11 has a goggle-shaped housing 11a formed with an opening 11d, a first belt 11b and a second belt 11c attached to the housing 11a, and a lid 11e. The lid 11e is attached to the housing 11a so as to be openable and closable. An opening 11d is formed in front of the housing 11a. In FIG. 2, the lid 11e is open. When the HME 10 is in use, the lid 11e is closed to block the opening 11d.

The information processing device 20 is detachably provided inside the lid 11 e of the HMD 10 . The information processing device 20 has a display 24 . The information processing device 20 is attached to the lid 11e such that the display 24 faces the inside of the housing 11a when the lid 11e is closed. The information processing device 20 is attached to the wearing tool 11 when the HMD 10 is used. The information processing device 20 is removed from the wearing tool 11 when the HMD 10 is not used.

In the illustrated embodiment, the information processing device 20 is a smart phone. The information processing device 20 may be a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, an electronic book reader, a wearable computer, a game console, or various information processing devices other than a smart phone. The information processing device 20 removed from the HMD 10 is operated by the player 5 in the first mode, as will be described later. The information processing device 20 detached from the HMD 10 is used not only for games but also for phone calls and Internet access according to its original purpose.

The information processing device 20 includes the display 24 as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the display 24 functions as a device for displaying images on the HMD 10 when the information processing device 20 is attached to the wearing tool 11 . Therefore, when playing a game using the HMD 10, the display 24 displays the virtual space of the game, the virtual characters, and other images related to the game.

The shape of the wearing tool 11 is not limited to the illustrated goggle shape. The wearer 11 can include a structure of any shape that can follow the movement of the head of the player wearing it and can place the display 24 in front of the wearer's eyes when worn. The wearing tool 11 may have, for example, a shape that imitates glasses, a shape that imitates a hat, or a shape that imitates a helmet. In order to improve the player's sense of immersion, the HMD 10 may be configured such that the display 24 covers the player's eyes when the wearer 11 is worn on the player's head.

When in use, the HMD 10 is attached to the head of the player 5 via the mounting tool 11, as shown in FIG. An information processing device 20 is attached to the wearing tool 11 worn on the head of the player 5 .

The information processing apparatus 20 will be further described with reference to FIG. 1 again. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the information processing device 20 includes a computer processor 21 , a memory 22 , a communication I/F 23 , a display 24 , a sensor unit 25 , a sound collector 26 and a storage 27 .

The computer processor 21 is an arithmetic device that loads various programs that implement an operating system and game logic from the storage 27 or other storage into the memory 22 and executes instructions contained in the loaded programs. The computer processor 21 is, for example, a CPU, MPU, DSP, GPU, various arithmetic units other than these, or a combination thereof. The processor 21 may be realized by integrated circuits such as ASIC, PLD, FPGA, and MCU. Although computer processor 21 is illustrated as a single component in FIG. 1, computer processor 21 may be a collection of a plurality of physically separate computer processors. In this specification, a program or instructions included in the program described as being executed by the computer processor 21 may be executed by a single computer processor, or may be executed by a plurality of computer processors in a distributed manner. good too. Also, the program executed by the computer processor 21 or the instructions contained in the program may be executed by multiple virtual computer processors.

The memory 22 is used to store instructions executed by the computer processor 21 and various other data. At least part of the game processing program according to one embodiment is loaded into the memory 22 at any time as the game progresses. The memory 22 is, for example, a main storage device (main memory) that can be accessed at high speed by the computer processor 21 . The memory 22 is composed of a RAM such as a DRAM or an SRAM, for example.

The communication I/F 23 is implemented as hardware, firmware, communication software such as a TCP/IP driver or PPP driver, or a combination thereof. The information processing device 20 can transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication I/F 23 .

The display 24 has a display panel 24a and a touch panel 24b. For example, the touch panel 24b is laminated on the upper surface or the lower surface of the display panel 24a. The display panel 24a is a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, an inorganic EL panel, or any other display panel capable of displaying an image. The touch panel 24b is configured to be able to detect a player's touch operation (contact operation). The touch panel 24b can detect various touch operations such as tapping, double tapping, and dragging by the player. The touch panel 24b may include a capacitive proximity sensor and be configured to detect non-contact operations by the player.

The sensor unit 25 comprises one or more sensors. Sensor unit 25 includes, for example, at least one of a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor. The sensor unit 25 may include an eye tracking sensor that directly detects the movement of the player's eyeballs. An eye tracking sensor is, for example, a line-of-sight sensor that receives near-infrared light into the iris and detects the reflected light. As will be described later, the position and orientation of the head of the player 5 wearing the HMD 10 are specified based on the detection information detected by the sensor unit 25 . At least some of the various sensors that make up the sensor unit 25 may be provided on the mounting tool 11 and/or a member different from the information processing device 20 other than the mounting tool 11 .

The sound collector 26 is configured to be able to collect sound. The sound collecting device 26 is, for example, a microphone. The voice of the player 5 is detected based on the voice information collected by the sound collector 26 .

Storage 27 is an external storage device accessed by computer processor 21 . The storage 27 is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or various other storage devices capable of storing data. The storage 27 stores various programs such as a game processing program. The storage 27 also stores various data used in the game. At least part of the programs and various data that can be stored in the storage 27 may be stored in a storage that is physically separate from the information processing device 20 .

In the illustrated embodiment, the storage 27 contains image data 28a, chat data 28b, scenario data 28c, parameter data 28d, interruption condition data 28e, game progress data 28f, and various other data necessary for progressing the game. data is stored.

The image data 28a includes data for drawing the background of the virtual space in which the game is played, data for drawing virtual characters, and data for drawing objects other than the virtual characters used in the game. The image data 28a may include position information of the object in the virtual space.

The chat data 28b includes data for drawing the icon of the virtual character, data for drawing the icon of the player 5, data for specifying a plurality of messages of the virtual character, and each of the plurality of messages of the virtual character. and data used in other chat modes. A plurality of messages of the virtual character may be defined in a tree structure having nodes corresponding to each message and connecting the nodes with arcs. In this tree structure, for example, a plurality of arcs extend from the start message, which is the highest root node, and each arc is connected to a lower node. Arcs also extend from this lower node, and the arcs are connected to further lower nodes. Each of the lower nodes corresponds to a candidate message of the virtual character that can be displayed after the starting message. Also, the chat data 28b may include a mode transition condition, which is a condition for starting transition from the chat mode to the VR mode. Mode transition conditions include, for example, that the elapsed time since the game was started in chat mode is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, that the chat has progressed to the terminal node in the message of the tree structure, and other conditions. be Chat data 28b may include data indicative of messages to be displayed in the resumed chat mode after incomplete selection of transition objects.

Scenario data 28c includes data defining the scenario experienced by player 5 in the second mode of the game (eg, VR mode). If there are multiple scenarios experienced by the player 5 in the game, the scenario data 28c may define scenario data for each of the multiple scenarios.

Scenario data used in the game processing system in one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 schematically shows scenario data 28c used in the game processing system 1. As shown in FIG. The scenario data 28c is a data set for defining a scenario to be executed in VR mode. In the illustrated embodiment, the scenario data 28c has first scenario data 28c1 to fifth scenario data 28c5 corresponding to the first to fifth scenarios, respectively. The number of scenarios in VR mode may be six or more and may be four or less. The data structure of the first scenario data 28c1 corresponding to the first scenario will be described below. The following explanation regarding the first scenario data 28c1 also applies to the second scenario data 28c2 to the fifth scenario data 28c5.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first scenario data 28c1 includes start scene data A1, basic scene data B1-B3, additional scene data C1-C3, and end scene data D1-D2. In one embodiment, each of the data included in the start scene data A1, the basic scene data B1-B3, the additional scene data C1-C3, and the end scene data D1-D2 is data relating to the action of the virtual character in each scene. Data related to moving images used in the scene, data related to actions that the player can take with respect to the virtual character in each scene, and other data necessary for execution of each scene can be included.

In the illustrated embodiment, the start scene data A1 includes data related to the action of the virtual character in the start scene executed after the start of the first scenario, data related to the moving image used in the start scene, and data related to the virtual character by the player in the start scene. It may contain data about actions that can be taken, and other data necessary to perform the opening scene.

The basic scene data B1 to B3 are data relating to the action of the virtual character in the basic scene performed after the starting scene, data relating to the moving image used in the starting scene, and data relating to actions that the player can take with respect to the virtual character in the starting scene. , and other data necessary to perform the starting scene. Each of the basic scene data B1 to B3 may include information indicating additional scene transition conditions for determining whether or not to transition to an additional scene. Additional scene transition conditions may be defined for each basic scene. The additional scene transition conditions are, for example, gazing at a predetermined object for a predetermined time or longer, not gazing in a predetermined direction, and taking a predetermined action. In addition to these, the additional scene transition conditions can be appropriately determined according to the story of the scenario, the types of objects that appear in the virtual space, and other factors.

The additional scene data C1 to C3 include data related to the action of the virtual character in the additional scene, data related to the moving image used in the start scene, data related to actions that the player can take with respect to the virtual character in the start scene, and other start scenes. It may contain data necessary for the execution of the scene. The additional scene is executed according to the determination result whether or not the additional scene transition condition is satisfied during or after the execution of the basic scene.

The end scene data D1-D2 may include data necessary for execution of the end scene executed before the end of the second mode. The end scene data D1 and D2 are data related to the action of the virtual character in the end scene, data related to the moving image used in the start scene, data related to actions that the player can take with respect to the virtual character in the start scene, and other start scenes. It may contain data necessary for the execution of the scene.

The parameter data 28 d includes game parameters relating to the game implemented in the game processing system 1 . This game parameter may be a parameter related to the player character. The parameters relating to the player character may include a parameter representing the favorability of the virtual character, which is a non-player character, toward the user character. The game parameters are updated at any time as the game progresses. The parameters relating to the player character are not limited to parameters representing the favorable impression of the virtual character towards the user character. The parameters relating to the player character are appropriately determined according to the game type, nature, world view, or other factors.

The interruption condition data 28e is data defining an interruption condition which is a condition for interrupting a game being executed in the VR mode or an action being executed in the game. The interruption conditions are, for example, that a prohibited area set in the virtual space is gazed at, that the player 5 repeats the same action on the virtual character more than a predetermined number of times, that the player 5 performs an action on a predetermined part of the virtual character. has been performed a predetermined number of times or more, the player has performed a prohibited action, a predetermined parameter included in the parameter data 28d is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, or is equal to or less than the threshold value, and VR modes other than these contains the conditions established for suspending the execution of the game in The interruption condition data 28e may include data on coordinates indicating the prohibited area and data for specifying prohibited actions. Points may be accumulated each time the player 5 performs the same action, and the suspension condition may be that the accumulated points reach or exceed a predetermined point. Also, a predetermined initial point is assigned to the player 5, and each time the player 5 performs the same action, the predetermined point is subtracted from the initial point to calculate the holding point of the player 5, and if the holding point is equal to or less than the predetermined value. It is good also as interruption conditions that it becomes. Accumulated points and retained points may be reset in the middle of the game.

The game progress data 28f includes data used for managing the progress of the game. The game progress data 28f may be updated as the game progresses. The game progress data 28f includes, for example, data related to the points earned by the player in the game, data representing actions taken by the player 5 with respect to the virtual character, and various other data that can change according to the progress of the game. can be included. The data indicating the action performed by the player 5 on the virtual character includes data indicating the part of the virtual character where the action was performed (for example, the head, shoulders, arms, or other parts). good too.

The components and functions of the information processing device 20 shown in FIG. 1 are exemplary. The information processing device 20 applicable to the present invention may include various components not shown. For example, the information processing device 20 may include a speaker that outputs game sound effects and virtual character voices.

Next, functions of the HMD 10 will be described. In the illustrated embodiment, various functions of the HMD 10 are implemented by executing computer readable instructions in the computer processor 21 of the information processing device 20 . The instructions executed by computer processor 21 include instructions contained in a game processing program according to one embodiment.

A game having a first mode and a second mode different from the first mode is realized in the game processing system 1 by executing the game processing program according to one embodiment by the computer processor 21 . A game implemented in the game processing system 1 may have modes other than the first mode and the second mode.

In the first mode of the game realized in the game processing system 1, the information processing device 20 performs the A game-related process is performed according to the detected first detection information. The first detection information includes information about the touch operation of the player 5 detected by the touch panel 24b of the information processing device 20, information about the player's voice detected by the sound collector 26, and whether the HMD 10 is attached to the player 5. It may include detection information other than the above that can be detected by the information processing device 20 when it is not present. In the first mode, the player 5 can perform game-related operations using the information processing device 20 removed from the wearing tool 11 . In the first mode, it is assumed that the game progresses when the player 5 is not wearing the HMD 10 , so the display 24 may display an image other than the stereoscopic image.

In the second mode of the game implemented in the game processing system 1, the game proceeds using second detection information detected by the HMD 10 mounted on the head of the player 5. FIG. This second detection information is, for example, detection information detected by the sensor unit 25 . Based on this second detection information, head tracking information for specifying the direction of the head of the player 5 is calculated. The head tracking information may be information indicating the position of the head of the player 5 in addition to the direction of the head. The processing for progressing the game in the second mode is executed, for example, based on head tracking information calculated based on the second detection information. The processing for progressing the game in the second mode may be executed using information other than the head tracking information in addition to the head tracking information. In preparation for playing the game in the second mode, the player 5 attaches the information processing device 20 to the wearing tool 11 and wears the wearing tool 11 to which the information processing device 20 is attached on the head. Thus, in the second mode, it is assumed that the game is progressed while the HMD 10 is worn by the player 5. Therefore, in one embodiment, in the second mode, the player 5 stereoscopically views the A stereoscopic image is displayed on the display 24 . A stereoscopic image is displayed on the display 24 by, for example, a parallax barrier method. In the parallax barrier method, a left-eye image and a right-eye image are displayed on the display 24 . Thus, a stereoscopic image is a set of images including a left-eye image and a right-eye image that are configured to be stereoscopically viewed using the parallax of the left and right eyes by being displayed on a display.

The first mode is, for example, chat mode. Chat mode is an example of the first mode. The chat mode implements the ability for the player to chat with the virtual character via text messages. In the first mode, the player can experience interaction with the virtual character by chatting with the virtual character. Specific contents of processing in the chat mode will be described later. Interaction, in a broad sense, means that a virtual character reacts to an action performed by a player. Interaction with a virtual character includes interaction made as communication such as conversation with a virtual character. In this specification, an interaction performed as communication with a virtual character is sometimes called a communicative interaction. Interactions with virtual characters can include, in addition to communicative interactions, battles with virtual characters, cooperative play in which a game is played in cooperation with virtual characters, and interactions with other virtual characters. In this specification, an interaction performed as a battle with a virtual character is sometimes referred to as a battle interaction. In this specification, an interaction performed as cooperative play with a virtual character may be referred to as a cooperative interaction.

The second mode is VR mode, for example. In the VR mode, functions for performing various interactions with a virtual character, which is a non-player character appearing in the virtual space displayed on the display of the information processing device 20, are implemented. Specific contents of processing in the VR mode will be described later. The VR mode is an example of the second mode, and the second mode may include any game mode in which processing for progressing the game is performed using head tracking information.

In one embodiment, the game having the first mode and the second mode realized by the game processing system 1 may be a game in which interactions other than communicative interactions with virtual characters are performed. In the game realized by the game processing system 1, communicative interaction does not have to be performed. In one embodiment, the game is played in a two-dimensional space in a first mode and in a three-dimensional space in a second mode. In one embodiment, the game is played in a three-dimensional space in the first mode, and displayed in a display mode different from the three-dimensional space in the first mode in the second mode (or similar to the three-dimensional space in the first mode). are played in a three-dimensional space (configured in different ways). In one embodiment, the game realized by the game processing system 1 may use common game media in the first mode and the second mode. Parameters associated with this game content may be carried over between the first mode and the second mode. For example, if the parameters of a specific game medium are changed during play in the first mode, and then the mode is shifted to the second mode, the specific game medium in which the changed parameters are set is played in the second mode. Used. In one embodiment, certain game content parameters may be changed during transition from the first mode to the second mode and/or during transition from the second mode to the first mode. This change in the parameters of the game media may be a change that is advantageous or disadvantageous to the player 5 in terms of the progress of the game. In one embodiment, the result of playing in the first mode may be reflected in the game in the second mode, and the result of playing in the second mode may be reflected in the game in the first mode. For example, the experience value of player 5 acquired in the first mode may be inherited in the second mode.

As described above, the first mode and the second mode of the game implemented in the game processing system 1 are modes that are distinguished from each other. That is, the first mode is a mode different from the second mode. In one embodiment, the HMD 10 is not worn on the head of the player 5 when the game realized in the game processing system 1 is played in the first mode, whereas the game is played in the second mode. In this case, the HMD 10 is attached to the head of the player 5 . In this case, in the first mode, game processing is performed according to the first detection information detected by the information processing device 20 that is not worn on the head of the player 5, and in the second mode, the game is processed. Game processing is performed according to the second detection information detected by the HMD 10 mounted on the head.

In one embodiment, a stereoscopic image is displayed on the display 24 in the second mode, whereas an image other than the stereoscopic image is displayed on the display 24 in the first mode as described above. In the second mode, at least the virtual character image among the game images is displayed as a stereoscopic image, and in the first mode, the virtual character image is displayed as an image other than the stereoscopic image.

In one embodiment, in the first mode, processing is performed to progress the game without using the head tracking information calculated based on the second detection information, whereas in the second mode, the head tracking information is used. Based on this, processing for advancing the game is performed.

In one embodiment, in the first mode, the game progresses according to the touch operation detected by the touch panel 24b, whereas in the second mode, there is no process according to the touch operation of the touch panel 24b. not.

In one embodiment, when interaction with a virtual character is provided in a game realized by the game processing system 1, in the first mode, the information processing device 20 that is not worn on the head of the player 5 detects Interaction with the virtual character according to the detected first information is provided, and in the second mode, interaction with the virtual character according to the second detected information detected by the HMD 10 mounted on the head of the player 5 is provided. interaction is provided.

After starting the game, it is possible to switch between the first mode and the second mode, which are distinguished as described above. With reference to FIG. 5, an outline of mode transition of the game processed by the game processing system 1 will be described. As shown in the figure, when the game is started in step S1, chat mode S2, which is the first mode, is started in step S2. In this chat mode, when transition processing for transitioning to the VR mode, which is the second mode, is started, the process proceeds to step S3, and transition processing to the second mode is performed. When the transition process is completed, the VR mode, which is the second mode, is started in step S4. When the VR mode ends or is interrupted, processing for returning to the chat mode is performed.

Next, functions realized by the computer processor 21 will be described more specifically. The computer processor 21 functions as a chat mode execution unit 21a, a transition processing unit 21b, a VR mode execution unit 21c, and a parameter management unit 21d by executing computer-readable instructions included in the game processing program. At least part of the functions implemented by computer processor 21 may be implemented by a computer processor other than computer processor 21 of game system 1 . At least part of the functions implemented by the computer processor 21 may be implemented by a computer processor installed in the server 50, for example.

The chat mode execution unit 21a performs processing for providing a game in the chat mode, which is the first mode, by executing the game processing program according to one embodiment. The chat mode execution unit 21a implements a function for chatting between the player 5 (or the character of the player 5) and a virtual character that is a non-player character. After logging in to the chat mode, the chat mode execution unit 21a displays the message from the virtual character and the message input or selected by the player 5 on the display 24, and allows the virtual character and the player 5 to chat. be able to. The chat mode execution unit 21a may display on the display 24, following the message of the virtual character, a plurality of options regarding the player's 5 response to the message. One option is selected from the plurality of options according to the player's 5 operation, and a message corresponding to this selected option is displayed on the display 24 as the player's 5 message. The player 5 can select a desired one of the displayed options by performing a touch operation on the touch panel 24b. The virtual character's message and the player's options for the message can be specified by referring to the chat data 28b according to the game processing program. The message of the virtual character may be displayed together with the image of the virtual character, and the message of the player 5 may be displayed together with the image of the player 5 . The message of the virtual character includes a message prompting the transition to the VR mode, which is the second mode, a message for allowing the player 5 to select settings in the VR mode, and other messages associated with the VR mode. may be

In the chat mode, a transition start object for starting transition to the VR mode, which is the second mode, is displayed according to the progress of the chat. The transition start object is displayed when the mode transition condition is satisfied according to the game processing program. The chat mode execution unit 21a can detect that a transition start object has been selected based on a detection signal from the touch panel 24b or other user interface. When it is detected that the transition start object has been selected, transition processing to the VR mode, which is the second mode, is started.

The transition processing unit 21b performs transition processing for transitioning from the first mode to the second mode. This transition processing includes displaying on the display 24 guidance prompting the user to attach the information processing device 20 to the mounting tool 11, and causing the display 24 to display a transition object that can be selected by the player's gaze. It's okay. After displaying this transitional object, the transition processing unit 21b receives a detection signal from the sensor unit 25 or other sensors, and determines whether or not the transitional object has been selected by gaze based on this detection signal. can be done. For this determination, the transition processing unit 21b calculates the position and orientation of the HMD 10 based on the detection signal from the sensor unit 25, and specifies the gaze position of the player 5 based on the calculated position and orientation of the HMD 10. do. Identification of the gaze position can be performed by various known methods. For example, the gaze position may be specified based on the detection signal of an eye tracking sensor. The transition processing unit 21b measures, for example, the time the gaze position is on the transition start object (gazing time), and determines that the selection of the transition start object has been completed when the gaze time reaches a predetermined time. When the migration processing unit 21b determines that the selection of the migration object is completed, it starts the VR mode, which is the second mode.

The VR mode execution unit 21c displays an image of the virtual character in the virtual space according to the game processing program, and realizes interaction between the virtual character and the player 5. FIG. The VR mode execution unit 21c functions as a scene selection unit 21c1, a detection unit 21c2, an action identification unit 21c3, an image generation unit 21c4, and an interruption determination unit 21c5 by executing the game processing program in one embodiment by the processor 21. do.

The scene selection section 21c1 selects a game scene to be executed based on the scenario data 28c and other information if necessary. The scene selection unit 21c1 selects a start scene after logging into the VR mode. After the start scene is executed, the scene selection unit 21c1 performs the following operations based on information detected by the HMD 10, information (for example, parameter data 28d) stored in the storage 27, and other information as necessary. Select the gamemoon to run on.

The detection unit 21 c 2 calculates head tracking information for identifying at least one of the orientation and position of the HMD 10 based on the detection signal from the sensor unit 25 of the HMD 10 . The head tracking information is information indicating at least one of the orientation and position of the HMD 10 of the HMD. Head tracking information is identified based on information detected by the sensor unit 25 . Specifically, in the head tracking information, the position and orientation of the HMD 10 worn on the head are calculated as the position and angle around each axis in a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. This three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system is, for example, an orthogonal coordinate system composed of a roll axis along the front-rear direction, a yaw axis along the vertical direction, and a pitch axis along the left-right direction. The detection unit 21 c 2 configures a virtual space corresponding to at least one of the specified position and orientation of the HMD 10 and outputs image information for displaying this virtual space to the display 24 . The detection unit 21c2 can calculate the gaze direction or the gaze position based on at least one of the position and orientation of the HMD 10, for example.

The action specifying unit 21c3 specifies an action using the HMD 10 of the player 5 based on the head tracking information. Also, the action specifying unit 21c3 may determine the action (reaction) of the virtual character in the virtual space according to the specified action of the player 5. FIG. Actions by the player 5 wearing the HMD 10 include nodding, shaking of the head, and other actions involving head movements, as well as movements of the line of sight. The action of player 5 to cause the virtual character to react may include moving the line of sight. Such eye movement can be detected by an eye tracking sensor included in sensor unit 25 .

The image generation unit 21c4 generates image information of a rendering area defined by an angle of view and the like centering on the gaze position or gaze direction specified by the detection unit 21c2 in the entire virtual space. An image of the drawing area of the virtual space is displayed on the display 24 based on the image information generated in this way. Image data 28a, scenario data 28c, parameter data 28d, game progress data 28f, and other data stored in the storage 27, for example, can be used to generate image information. When a virtual character exists in the drawing area, the image generating unit 21c4 generates image information of the virtual space including the virtual character performing the action specified by the action specifying unit 21c3, and displays the image thus created. The information is output to the display 24 as a stereoscopic image. As a result, the display 24 displays an image of the virtual space including an image of the virtual character performing the action determined according to the action of the player 5 . The image generator 21c4 may generate audio information corresponding to the action of the virtual character and the drawing area of the virtual space. The audio information is output to the speaker of the HMD 10 .

The discontinuation determination unit 21c5 determines whether or not the discontinuation condition is satisfied based on the discontinuation condition data 28e. For example, if the interruption condition is that a prohibited area set in the virtual space is watched, the interruption determination unit 21c5 determines the gaze position of the player 5 in the virtual space based on the detection information detected by the HMD 10. It is determined whether or not this gaze position is within the prohibited area. If the gaze position of the player 5 is within the prohibited area, it is determined that the interruption condition is satisfied.

If the interruption condition is that the player 5 has repeated the same action for the virtual character three times or more, the interruption determination unit 21c5 refers to the game progress data 28f and refers to the previous two virtual actions of the player 5. An action for the character is specified, and it is determined whether or not the immediately preceding two actions are the same action. If the two previous actions are the same and are actions, it is determined whether or not the latest action specified by the action specifying unit 21c3 is the same as the two previous actions. If this latest action is the same as the previous two actions, it is determined that the interruption condition is satisfied.

If the interruption condition is that the player 5 has performed an action on the virtual character's head three times or more, the interruption determination unit 21c5 refers to the game progress data 28f and determines whether the latest action on the head has occurred. Determine whether the action has reached the third time. If the latest action is the third action to the head, it is determined that the interruption condition is met.

If the interruption condition is that the player has performed a prohibited action, the interruption determination unit 21c5 determines whether or not the latest action corresponds to the prohibited action. Prohibited actions may include moving the head with an acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit. When the prohibited action is to move the head with an acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the discontinuation determination unit 21c5 determines whether or not the acceleration detected by the sensor unit 25 is equal to or greater than the upper limit value. is equal to or greater than the upper limit value, it is determined that the interruption condition is established, and if the acceleration is less than the upper limit value, it is judged that the interruption condition is not established.

If the interruption condition is that the parameter included in the parameter data 28d is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value or equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, the interruption determination unit 21c5 refers to the parameter data 28d to determine whether the interruption condition is met. determine whether If this parameter is a parameter representing the favorable impression of the virtual character toward the user character, and the interruption condition is that the parameter representing the favorable impression is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, the interruption determination unit 21c5 A parameter indicating sensitivity is read, and it is determined whether or not the read parameter indicating favorability is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value. If the parameter indicating favorable impression is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the interruption condition is satisfied, and if it is greater than the predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the interruption condition is not satisfied.

The discontinuation determination unit 21c5 can determine whether or not the discontinuation condition is satisfied at any time during the execution of the game. In one embodiment, the discontinuation determination unit 21c5 can determine whether or not the discontinuation condition is satisfied in response to the player 5 performing an action on the virtual character.

As described above, the VR mode execution unit 21c displays an image in which the virtual character moves in the virtual space on the display 24, and outputs sound corresponding to the movement of the virtual character from the speaker. For example, when the virtual character speaks to the player 5, an image in which the head and mouth of the virtual character move is displayed on the display 24, and the sound corresponding to the speech of the virtual character is output from the speaker. In one embodiment, the virtual character that interacts with player 5 in each of VR mode and chat mode is the same virtual character. For example, a virtual character appearing in the VR mode and a character appearing in the chat mode have the same name, and have similarities in appearance to the extent that they can be recognized as the same character. However, while the virtual character image is displayed as a stereoscopic image in the VR mode, the virtual character image is displayed as an image other than the stereoscopic image in the chat mode. The images are different from each other. However, such a difference in representation does not prevent the identity of the virtual characters.

The parameter management unit 21d updates the parameter data 28d as the game progresses. The parameter management unit 21d updates the parameter data 28d according to the progress of the game in the first mode when the game is provided in the first mode, and updates the parameter data 28d when the game is provided in the second mode. updates the parameter data 28d according to the progress of the game in the second mode.

When the parameter data 28d includes a parameter representing the virtual character's favorable impression of the user character, the parameter management unit 21d may increase or decrease the parameter according to the actions of the player 5 in the first mode and the second mode. good. When the first mode is the chat mode, the amount of change (for example, the amount of increase or decrease) or rate of change (rate of increase or decrease) of favorability for each choice of message provided to player 5 in the chat mode ) may be defined. In this case, the parameter management unit 21d specifies the amount of change or the rate of change in favorability according to the option selected by player 5, and updates the parameter data 28d based on the specified amount of change or rate of change in favorability. do. In the VR mode, the amount or rate of change in favorability may be determined for each action of player 5 . The parameter management unit 21d specifies the amount of change or rate of change in favorability according to the action of player 5, and updates the parameter data 28d based on the specified amount of change or rate of change in favorability.

When the second mode is the VR mode, prohibited actions may be defined for actions of the player 5 in the VR mode. Prohibited actions may include moving the head with acceleration greater than or equal to a predetermined value, directing the line of sight to a prohibited area in the virtual space, and repeating the same action a predetermined number of times or more. In this specification, among actions of player 5, actions other than prohibited actions may be called normal actions. The parameter management unit 21d updates the parameter data 28d so as to decrease the favorability when the player 5 performs the prohibited action. When the player 5 takes a normal action, the parameter management unit 21d updates the parameter data 28d so that the favorable rating increases or decreases according to the normal action.

When a game is being processed in VR mode, the VR mode may end abnormally without going through the end scene prepared in VR mode. For example, the VR mode may be terminated abnormally due to factors such as loss of power to the HMD 10, forced termination of the game processing program by a function of the system program, or the like. When the VR mode is terminated abnormally, the parameter management unit 21d updates the parameter data 28d so as to decrease the favorability.

The VR mode execution unit 21c performs termination processing for terminating the VR mode when the termination condition is satisfied. The end conditions are, for example, that a predetermined time (for example, one minute) has elapsed since the start of the VR mode, that an end target operation has been detected, and that the last event included in the scenario being executed in the VR mode has ended. , and other conditions. The termination process performed when the termination condition is satisfied includes displaying guidance on the display 24 prompting the user to remove the information processing device 20 from the wearing tool 11, and displaying a login screen for the chat mode, which is the first mode. Displaying may be included.

Next, chat processing in the chat mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7a to 7d. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing the flow of processing in chat mode in one embodiment, and FIGS. 7a to 7d show examples of display images in chat mode. It is assumed that the HMD 10 is not attached to the head of the player 5 and the information processing device 20 is removed from the attachment 11 when the chat mode is started.

In the game processing system 1, the game is started in chat mode as described above. In step S<b>11 , a login screen for logging into the chat mode is displayed on the display 24 of the information processing device 20 . When the player 5 performs the login process, the chat process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, messages are exchanged between the player 5 and the virtual character, whereby a chat is conducted between them. Specifically, after logging into the chat mode, a chat display image is generated for displaying a chat between the player 5 and the virtual character, and the chat display image is displayed on the display 24 . FIG. 7a shows a chat display image 70, which is an example of a chat display image displayed on the display 24. FIG. The chat display image 70 includes a chat display area 71 including an icon 73 corresponding to the player 5, an icon 74 corresponding to the virtual character, a message 75a from the player 5, and messages 76a and 76b from the virtual character. The chat display image 70 also includes a menu area 72 arranged above the chat display area 71 . The virtual character messages 76a and 76b are specified based on the chat data 28b and other data stored in the storage 72 according to the game processing program. For example, virtual character messages are displayed in order from the message at the root node with reference to the chat data 28b defined in the tree structure. At the node branch point, a node is selected according to the branch condition, and a message corresponding to the selected node is displayed.

In step S<b>12 , the parameter set for player 5 may be increased or decreased according to the option selected by player 5 . The parameter increase/decrease amount or increase/decrease rate is determined based on the parameter change amount (e.g., increase or decrease amount) or change rate (increase rate or decrease rate) determined for each message option as described above. be done. When the amount of change or the rate of change of the parameter is specified, the parameter data 28d is updated based on the specified amount of change or the rate of change of the favorability rating.

Chat display image 70 of FIG. 7a includes a display at the bottom of chat display area 71 showing message options 77 for player 5 . Player 5 can select one of the displayed options 77 . This selection is made, for example, by touching with a finger an area where the desired option is displayed on the display 24 . When this selection is made, a message 75b corresponding to the selected option is newly displayed in the chat display area 71 as a message for the player 5, as shown in FIG. 7b.

As shown in FIG. 7c, during the chat process, messages 76c and 76d prompting selection of settings in the second mode, VR mode, may be displayed as virtual character messages. The message 76c prompts the user to select a scenario in the VR mode, and the message 76d prompts the user to select items used by the virtual character in the VR mode (for example, clothes worn by the virtual character in the virtual space of the VR mode). is the message. That is, the settings in the second mode include the scenario in the VR mode and items used by the virtual character in the VR mode. After the message 76c prompting the user to select a scenario is displayed, the display 24 displays scenario options. For example, scenarios 1 to 5 are displayed as options. Player 5 can select a favorite scenario from these options. After the message 76d prompting the user to select an item is displayed, the display 24 displays item options. Player 5 can select a favorite item from these options. During the chat process, a message prompting the transition to the second mode may be displayed as a message of the virtual character.

In step S13, it is determined whether or not the condition for mode transition from the first mode to the second mode is satisfied. As a mode transition condition from the first mode to the second mode, for example, a condition that a predetermined time (for example, one minute) has passed since the start of the chat mode is used. Elapsed time from the start of the chat mode is measured using, for example, the system clock. The process returns to step S12 and the chat process continues until it is determined that the mode transition condition is met. On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode transition condition is satisfied, the chat process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the transition start object 78 is displayed on the display 24, and the chat process proceeds to step S15. As shown in FIG. 7d, the transition start object 78 is displayed, for example, in the chat area 71 as an object with a circular outer edge. When the selection of the transition start object 78 is confirmed in step S15, the chat process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if the selection of the transition start object 78 is not confirmed even after a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has passed since the transition start object 78 was displayed, it is determined that the transition start object has not been selected, and the chat process is performed. ends. When it is determined that the transition start object has not been selected, the process may return to step S12 and perform processing for resuming the chat. Whether or not the transition start object 78 has been selected may be determined according to the operation on the touch panel 24b. For example, when it is detected from the detection signal from the touch panel 24b that a touch operation (for example, a tap operation) has been performed on a position overlapping the display area of the transition start object 78, it is determined that the transition start object 78 has been selected. be done. Selection of the transition start object 78 may be made by non-contact operation.

In step S16, processing for shifting to the VR mode, which is the second mode, is started. Once the transition process is started, the chat process ends.

The chat process described above is executed by, for example, the chat mode execution unit 21a. The chat mode execution unit 21a can execute the above-described chat processing independently or appropriately in cooperation with other functions. When executing the chat process, in addition to the data stored in the storage 27, data stored in other storages, detection information detected by various sensors, or data other than these are used as necessary. can be

Next, mode transition processing from the chat mode, which is the first mode, to the VR mode, which is the second mode, will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9a to 9b. FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing the flow of mode transition processing in one embodiment.

When the migration process is started, in step 31 , guidance is displayed on the display 24 of the information processing device 20 to prompt the user to wear the HMD 10 . A guidance display image 80, which is an example of a guidance display image including the guidance, is shown in FIG. 9a. Guidance display image 80 includes guidance prompting to attach information processing device 20 to mounting tool 11, guidance prompting to mount HMD 10 on the head, and various other guidance necessary to start the VR mode. can include Guidance display image 80 shown in FIG. 9 a includes guidance 81 prompting attachment of information processing device 20 to wearing tool 11 . This guidance may include instructions on how to attach the information processing device 20 to the attachment 11 . When a predetermined period of time elapses after the guidance is displayed, the mode transition process proceeds to step S32.

At step S32, the transition object is displayed on the display 24. FIG. An example of a transition processed image containing transition objects is shown in FIG. 9b. A transition object 86 is included in the transition processed image 85 shown in FIG. 9b. The transition processed image 85 may be displayed as a stereoscopic image. In one embodiment, the image displayed on the display 24 is switched from a non-stereoscopic image to a stereoscopic image at the start of the mode transition process or at a predetermined timing after the start of the mode transition process. For example, an image displayed in the chat mode is displayed as an image other than a stereoscopic image, and an image displayed after the transition process is started is displayed as a stereoscopic image.

Next, in step S33, it is determined whether or not the selection of the transition object 86 has been completed. The transition object 86 is selected, for example, by the player 5 continuing to gaze at it for a predetermined period of time. Therefore, in order to select the transitional object 86, it is a prerequisite that the player 5 is wearing the HMD 10 . In one embodiment, whether or not the transitional object 86 has been selected is determined by whether or not the gaze position calculated based on the detection signal from the HMD 10 remains on the transitional object 86 for a predetermined period of time or longer. The gaze position can be calculated based on information detected by the sensor unit 25 provided in the HMD 10, as described above. The above determination can be made by measuring the gaze time during which the gaze position exists on the transition object 86 using the system clock, and determining whether or not the measured gaze time has reached a predetermined time. For example, when the fixation time reaches the predetermined time, it is determined that the selection of the transition object 86 has been completed, and the mode transition process proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, if it is not detected that the selection of the transition object 86 has been completed even after the predetermined time has passed since the transition object 86 was displayed, it is determined that the selection of the transition object 86 has not been completed, and the mode transition processing is executed. The process proceeds to step S35.

In step S34, the VR mode, which is the second mode, is started. Specific processing in the VR mode will be described later.

In step S35, since transition to the VR mode was not selected, processing for returning to the chat mode is started. When the return processing to the chat mode is completed, the chat mode is resumed. In this resumed chat mode, a message from the virtual character relating to the failure to transition to VR mode may be displayed.

The above mode transition processing is executed by the transition processing unit 21b, for example. The transition processing unit 21b can execute the above-described mode transition processing independently or appropriately in cooperation with other functions.

Next, VR processing in the VR mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. FIG. FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing the flow of VR processing in VR mode in one embodiment, FIG. 11 shows an example of a display image in VR mode, and FIG. 4 schematically shows the flow of actions of a virtual character. As described above, the player 5 wears the HMD 10 in order to select the transition object 86 in the mode transition process. It is assumed that the HMD 10 is worn on the head of the player 5 at the start of the VR mode. The VR processing will be described below on the assumption that the first scenario is selected. In the VR processing, the parameter data 28d is appropriately referred to. In one embodiment, the value of each parameter included in the parameter data 28d at the start of the VR process is equal to the value of each parameter included in the parameter data 28d at the end of the chat process. That is, in the VR process, the parameter data 28d updated in the chat process are inherited.

When the VR mode is started, the start scene is executed in step S41. Specifically, image information of the virtual space is generated according to the start scene, and an image corresponding to the image information is output to the display 24 . In the start scene, the virtual character may perform a predetermined action in the virtual space.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the VR image of the starting scene displayed on the display 24. As shown in FIG. A VR image 90 shown in FIG. 11 includes a virtual character image 91 representing a virtual character, images 92a to 92c representing objects corresponding to the background, and images representing various other objects. The VR image 90 is an image corresponding to a predetermined range of the virtual space for the first scenario. The range of the virtual space corresponding to the VR image 90 can be defined by, for example, the angle of view, with the gaze position in the virtual space calculated based on the orientation of the HMD 10 and the calculated gaze position as the center. The image data 28a is used for generating the image information. The VR image 90 and other images displayed in the VR mode are displayed as stereoscopic images.

The virtual character image 91 can perform, for example, an action specified by the start scene data A1 within the virtual space. For example, the actions of the virtual character image 91 include talking to the player 5 (toward the position of the player 5 in the virtual space), moving in the virtual space, and picking up an object placed in the virtual space. , and various other actions in the virtual space.

A series of actions performed by the virtual character in the start scene will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the action flow of a virtual character in a scene executed in VR mode. FIG. 12 illustrates the flow of actions in the start scene. As shown, in the start scene, the virtual character first performs an action corresponding to action A11. Action A11 corresponds to an action that the virtual character can perform in the starting scene.

Action A11 is defined as a branchable action. Specifically, action A11 branches into action A21, action A22, and action A23. For example, for action A11, a first transition condition for transitioning to action A21, a second transition condition for transitioning to action A22, and a third transition condition for transitioning to action A23 are set. When the first transition condition is satisfied, the action of the virtual character shifts to action A21, when the second transition condition is satisfied, the virtual character's action shifts to action A22, and when the third transition condition is satisfied, the virtual character's action shifts to action A23. Transition. At least one of the first transition condition, the second transition condition, and the third transition condition may be that the likability of the virtual character to the user character is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

Various conditions can be set as the first transition condition, the second transition condition, and the third transition condition. For example, the first transition condition, the second transition condition, and the third transition condition are that the action defined as the action A11 is completed, and that the player 5 performs a predetermined action on the virtual character (for example, a predetermined action of the virtual character). part gaze), and the player 5 answering questions from the virtual character. The first transition condition, the second transition condition, and the third transition condition are different from each other. The player 5 can answer questions from the virtual character by nodding, shaking the head, or other head movements. Specifically, when the virtual character asks a question and the player 5 makes an action by moving the head, the sensor unit 25 of the HMD 10 detects the movement of the head, and the detected head movement is detected by the sensor unit 25 of the HMD 10. Player 5's answer corresponding to the movement of is specified. For example, it may be determined that the player 5 has answered affirmatively when a nodding motion is detected, and that the player 5 has given a negative response when a sideways shaking motion is detected. Further, if no movement of the head of the player 5 is detected for a predetermined period of time after the question from the virtual character, it may be determined that the player 5 has not answered the question from the virtual character. The action of the player 5 may be specified by the function of the action specifying section 21c3.

Action A21 branches further into action A31 and action A32. When a predetermined transition condition is satisfied in action A21, transition from action A21 to action A31 or action A32 is performed according to the satisfied transition condition. Only action A33 is associated downstream of action A22. That is, action A22 is not branched. In this case, when action A22 ends, action A33 is started. No lower layer action is set downstream of the action A23. The structure of actions shown in FIG. 12 is an example, and the types and number of actions included in each scene and the structure of those actions can be appropriately set according to the story to be realized in each scene.

Each of the actions A11, A21 to A23, A31 to A33 may be an action in which the virtual character talks to the player 5 about a predetermined topic. The actions of the virtual character in the actions A11, A21-A23, A31-A33 can be determined based on the starting scene data A1. The starting scene data A1 includes data defining actions of the virtual character in each of the actions A11, A21 to A23, and A31 to A33, and data on actions that the player can take with respect to the virtual character in the starting scene. there is For example, the action A11 includes data defining the action of the virtual character in the action A11 and data regarding actions that the player can take with respect to the virtual character in the action A11, among the start scene data A1. Action A11 is executed based on data relating to action A11 in start scene data A1.

When the start scene is executed in the order of action A11→action A21→action A31, the virtual character performs an action to have a conversation about a certain topic in action A11, and then talks about another topic in action A21. An action for having a conversation is performed, and then an action for having a conversation on another topic is performed in action A31. The transition from one action to another may be seamless such that the transition is imperceptible to player 5 .

While each of the actions A11, A21 to A23, A31 to A33 is being executed, the player 5 performs an action on the virtual character by gazing at a predetermined part of the virtual character or by other methods. can be done. The virtual character can take a reaction determined based on the start scene data A1 in response to such an action of the player 5 on the virtual character. Thus, each of the actions A11, A21-A23, A31-A33 is executed based on the actions of the player 5 and the starting scene data A1.

In parallel with execution of each of the actions A11, A21-A23, A31-A33, suspension determination is also made. An action of player 5 during execution of actions A11, A21 to A23, and A31 to A33 may satisfy the interruption condition. If it is determined that the interruption condition is satisfied during the execution of any one of the actions A11, A21 to A23, A31 to A33, an interruption process A41 for interrupting the action being executed is performed. done. Determination of whether or not this suspension condition is satisfied is performed by, for example, the suspension determination unit 21c5.

Each of the actions A11, A21-A23, A31-A33 has a main action, an interrupt action and a return action. In the example shown in FIG. 12, action A21 has main action A211, interrupt action A212, and return action A213. Each action other than action A21 can similarly include a main action, an interrupt action, and a return action. The main action, interrupt action, and return action will be described below using action A21 as an example.

The main action A211 is a series of actions of the virtual character that form the basis of the progress of the game. For example, if the start scene is a scene in which the player 5 and the virtual character have a conversation, this main action A211 is an action in which the virtual character conducts a series of conversations with the player 5. FIG.

The interrupt action A212 is a virtual character action that is executed by temporarily interrupting the main action A211 when the player 5 performs a specific action on the virtual character during execution of the main action A211. In this specification, an action performed by player 5 during execution of a main action is sometimes called a specific action. Interrupting action A212 may be a reaction to a specific action of player 5 . For example, if the specific action is an action of touching the virtual character's head, the interrupt action A212 may be an action of making a startling move. When the interruption condition is satisfied by performing the specific action, the interruption process A41 is performed instead of the interruption action A212.

After the interrupt action A212 is executed, the return action A213 is performed, and then the main action A211 is returned to. The return action A213 is an action for naturally returning to the conversation of the main action A211. Since the execution of the main action A211 is temporarily interrupted by the interrupt action A212, instead of directly returning to the main action A211 from the interrupt action A212, the return action A213 is interposed to return to the main action A211 more naturally. can be made
The return action A213 is, for example, the virtual character speaking a colloquial conjunction such as "Sode ne". By speaking a colloquial conjunction just before returning to the main action A211, it is possible to naturally return to the conversation in the main action A211. The main action A211 is resumed from the time when it was interrupted by the specific action.

As described above, the suspension determination is also made in parallel with the execution of each of the actions A11, A21 to A23, A31 to A33, and the suspension condition is satisfied during the execution of any one of these actions. If it is determined that the action is being executed, an interruption process A41 is performed to interrupt the action being executed. In the interruption process A41, the main action being executed is interrupted. Further, in the interruption processing A41, in order to let the player 5 know that the transition to another action, another scene, or another mode is to be performed, even if a scene transition screen displayed at the time of transition between scenes is displayed, good. The scene transition screen will be described later.

In one embodiment, after the action A21 is interrupted A41, the game may be resumed from an action (for example, action A31) downstream of the action A21 that was interrupted. For example, the action A31 may be executed after the scene transition screen is displayed in the interruption process A41 for interrupting the action A21. As a result, the action A21 for which the interruption condition is satisfied is skipped after it is determined that the interruption condition is satisfied and the interruption processing A41 is performed, and another downstream action (for example, action A31) is started.

In another embodiment, the scene termination process A51 may be executed after the action A21 is interrupted by the interruption process A41. That is, in response to determination that the interruption condition is satisfied, end processing may be performed to end the start scene including the action A21 being executed. In the scene ending process A51, the start scene in which the action A21 is performed is ended, and the VR process proceeds to step S42, where the process for executing the basic scene following the start scene is started.

In yet another embodiment, the VR termination process A61 may be executed after the action A21 is interrupted A41. In the VR end processing A61, processing for terminating the VR mode and shifting to the chat mode is performed. This VR termination process A61 is the same process as the termination process in step S48, which will be described later.

If the interruption processing A41 is not performed (that is, if the interruption condition is not satisfied in the start scene), the start scene ends, and the VR process proceeds to step S42.

In step S42, a basic scene to be executed is selected from a plurality of candidates. The basic scene to be executed is selected from a plurality of basic scene candidates prepared for the first scenario, for example, according to the parameter data 28d. In the first scenario, three basic scenes corresponding to the basic scene data B1-B3 in FIG. 4 are prepared. In one embodiment, the basic scene to be executed is selected from among these three basic scenes based on the favorability of the virtual character to the player 5 stored as the parameter data 28d. For example, if the favorable impression is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the basic scene corresponding to the basic scene data B1 is selected, and if the favorable impression is less than the second threshold, the basic scene corresponding to the basic scene data B3 is selected. is selected, and if the favorable rating is greater than or equal to the second threshold and less than the first threshold, the basic scene corresponding to the basic scene data B2 is selected. Selection of the base scene may be performed by methods other than the above. For example, the base scene may be randomly selected. The basic scenes are weighted so that the higher the favorability, the higher the probability that some of the basic scenes (for example, the first basic scene corresponding to the basic scene data B1) will be selected, and then randomly selected. may The method of selecting base scenes is not limited to the methods explicitly described herein. When the basic scene is selected, the VR processing moves to step S43.

At step S43, the basic scene selected at step S42 is executed. Specifically, image information of the virtual space is generated according to the basic scene, and an image corresponding to the image information is output to the display 24 . In the basic scene, the virtual character may perform a predetermined action in the virtual space. The action of the virtual character in the base scene may be defined as a series of branchable actions, similar to the starting scene. A branchable sequence of actions in a basic scene may have a data structure similar to the data structure shown in FIG. Similar to the start scene, even in the basic scene, the interruption determination may be performed in parallel with the execution of the action. When it is determined in this suspension determination that the suspension condition is satisfied, suspension processing for suspending the action being executed is performed. The interruption processing in this basic scene may be the same processing as the interruption processing A41 in the start scene. As with the start scene, after the interruption determination in the basic scene, processing for transitioning to an action downstream from the interrupted action, processing for ending the basic scene, or processing for ending the VR mode may be performed. good. Transition conditions are set for basic scenes. When the most downstream action of the basic scene ends, the basic scene ends, and the VR process proceeds to step S44.

In step S44, it is determined whether or not the additional scene transition condition set for the basic scene executed in step S43 is satisfied. This determination reads from the storage 27 the additional scene transition condition included in the basic scene data (for example, basic scene data B1) corresponding to the basic scene executed in step S43, and the transition condition is read in the basic scene executed in step S43. A determination is made as to whether the conditions have been met. For example, if the transition condition is to gaze at an object representing a door in the virtual space for 3 seconds or longer, the time during which the gaze position of the player 5 is positioned on the object representing the door in the virtual space is counted. , when the counted time is 3 seconds or more, it is determined that the transition condition is met. The gaze position of the player 5 in the virtual space is specified based on the calculated orientation of the HMD 10 by calculating the orientation of the HMD 10 based on the detection information of the sensor unit 25 . The additional scene transition condition may or may not be explicitly presented to the player 5 when the basic scene is executed. For example, in the basic scene, the virtual character may speak to player 5 a line corresponding to the additional scene transition condition.

If it is determined that the transition condition is not satisfied, the VR process proceeds to step S45, and if it is determined that the transition condition is satisfied, the VR process proceeds to step S46.

In step S45, the first end scene is executed. Specifically, image information of the virtual space is generated according to the first end scene, and an image corresponding to the image information is output to the display 24 .

In step S46, an additional scene is executed. Specifically, image information of the virtual space is generated according to the first end scene, and an image corresponding to the image information is output to the display 24 . The virtual character's actions in the additional scene may be defined as a series of branchable actions, similar to the starting scene. A branchable series of actions in an additional scene may have a data structure similar to the data structure shown in FIG. When the most downstream action of the additional scene ends, the additional scene ends, and the VR process proceeds to step S47.

In step S47, the second end scene is executed. Specifically, image information of the virtual space is generated according to the second end scene, and an image corresponding to the image information is output to the display 24 . The image displayed in the second end scene may be the same as or different from the image displayed in the first end scene.

Similar to the start scene and the basic scene, in the additional scene, the first end scene, and the second end scene, the interruption determination may be performed in parallel with the execution of the action. When it is determined in this suspension determination that the suspension condition is satisfied, suspension processing for suspending the action being executed is performed. The interruption processing in the additional scene, the first end scene, and the second end scene may be the same processing as the interruption processing A41 in the start scene. Similar to the start scene, after the interruption determination in the additional scene, the first end scene, and the second end scene, the processing for transitioning to the action downstream from the interrupted action, and the end of the scene being executed processing, or VR mode termination processing may be performed.

In the VR processing described above, a scene transition screen may be generated and displayed on the display 24 at the transition between scenes. The scene transition screen is an arbitrary screen that allows the player 5 to know that the scene will transition. For example, the scene transition screen may be a fade-out screen in which the entire image is black. This fade-out screen is displayed when transitioning from the start scene to the basic scene (before displaying the VR screen in the basic scene), when transitioning from the basic scene to the first end scene (before displaying the VR screen in the first end scene), At least one selected from when transitioning from the scene to the additional scene (before displaying the VR screen in the additional scene) and when transitioning from the additional scene to the second end scene (before displaying the VR screen in the second end scene). can be displayed in time.

When the sensor unit 25 of the HMD 10 detects the movement of the head of the player 5 while the VR image 90 is being displayed on the display 24, the action of the player 5 is specified based on the detected movement of the head. be done. Then, an action (reaction) of the virtual character is determined according to the identified action of the player 5, and image information of the virtual character image 91 performing the determined action is generated. The image information generated in this manner is output to the display 24 . For example, when a nodding motion of the player 5 is detected, image information of the virtual character image 91 that reacts to the nodding motion of the player 5 is generated and displayed on the display 24 . Thus, in the VR mode, interaction between the player 5 and the virtual character is realized using the stereoscopic image of the virtual character.

In steps S41, S43, S45 to S47 described above, the parameters set for the player 5 may be increased or decreased according to the action of the player 5. FIG. The parameter increase/decrease amount or increase/decrease rate is based on the parameter change amount (for example, increase or decrease amount) or change rate (increase rate or decrease rate) determined for each action of the player 5 as described above. may be defined. When the amount of change or the rate of change of the parameter is specified, the parameter data 28d is updated based on the specified amount of change or the rate of change of the favorability rating.

In step S48, VR mode end processing is performed. This termination process may include displaying on the display 24 guidance prompting the user to remove the information processing device 20 from the wearing tool 11, and displaying a login screen for the chat mode, which is the first mode. .

The above VR processing is executed by the VR mode execution unit 21c. The VR mode execution unit 21c can execute the above-described VR processing independently or appropriately in cooperation with other functions.

Next, a game processing system according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a game processing system 101 according to another embodiment. The game processing system 101 includes an information processing device 20 , an HMD 110 and an HMD 110 . The game processing system 101 differs from the game processing system 1 in that the VR mode can be provided without attaching the information processing device 20 to the HMD 110 . The game processing system 101 will be described below, focusing on the differences from the game processing system 1 .

The HMD 110, the information processing device 20, and the server 50 are connected via a network 40 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The HMD 110 and the information processing apparatus 20 may be communicably connected according to a short-range wireless system such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) without going through the network 40 . The HMD 110 differs from the HMD 10 of the game processing system 1 in that the VR mode can be provided without the information processing device 20 attached.

The HMD 110 includes a computer processor 121, a memory 122, a communication I/F 123, a display 124, a sensor unit 125, a sound collector 126, and a storage 127. The computer processor 121, the memory 122, the communication I/F 123, the display 124, the sensor unit 125, the sound collector 126, and the storage 127 are the computer processor 21, the memory 22, the communication I/F 23, the display 24, and the sensor of the information processing device 20. It is configured similarly to the unit 25 , sound collector 26 and storage 27 . However, the display 124 may not have a touch panel.

The functions of the chat mode execution unit 21a, the transition processing unit 21b, and the VR mode execution unit 21c are shared between the information processing device 20 and the HMD 110. FIG. Specifically, the function of the chat mode execution unit 21 a is implemented in the information processing device 20 , and the function of the VR mode execution unit 21 c is implemented in the HMD 110 . A part of the function of the transition processing unit 21 b is realized by the information processing device 20 and the remaining part is realized by the HMD 110 . The function of the parameter management unit 21d is realized by both the information processing device 20 and the HMD 110. FIG.

Image data 28a, chat data 28b, scenario data 28c, parameter data 28d, interruption condition data 28e, and game progress data 28f are stored in one or both of storage 27 and storage 127. FIG. These data may be stored in storage other than storage 27 and storage 127 .

When starting the game in the game processing system 101 , the player 5 uses the information processing device 20 to start the chat mode. This chat mode processing is performed by the chat mode execution unit 21 a of the information processing device 20 .

When the mode transition condition is satisfied in the chat mode and the transition start object is selected, mode transition processing to the VR mode is started. This mode transition processing is performed by the step transition processing section 21b. In the mode transition process, the information processing device 20 displays the guidance corresponding to step S31. For example, guidance prompting the user to wear the HMD 110 is displayed on the display 24 of the information processing device 20 . On the other hand, the display of the transitional object 86 corresponding to step S32 and subsequent processing are executed in the HMD 110 .

When the VR mode is started, the VR mode processing is performed by the VR mode execution unit 21 c of the HMD 110 .

In other embodiments, the game processing system 1 or the game processing system 101 processes games other than games that provide interaction with virtual characters, such as role-playing games, shooting games, and other various games. is executed. The game in this other embodiment has a game scenario composed of a plurality of game scenes. FIG. 14 schematically shows a plurality of scenes forming a game in another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the game in another embodiment consists of a plurality of scenes including nine scenes B11, B21-B23, and B31-35. Each of the multiple scenes may branch into multiple scenes. For example, scene B11 branches into three scenes, scene B21 to scene B23. When this game is executed, at each branching point, a transition destination scene is selected according to the selection of the player 5, the values of various parameters, and other various conditions. In each scene, the game proceeds according to command sets stored in advance in the storage 27, the storage 127, or other storages. The command set for each scene includes actions that the player character can take in the scene, actions that the non-player characters can take in the scene, data related to the images and positions of objects displayed in the scene, and execution of the scene other than these. contains the information required for In this embodiment, the interruption condition data 28e may include data defining a scene interruption condition, which is a condition for interrupting a game being executed in the VR mode or a scene being executed in the game. The scene interruption condition may be the same as the interruption condition, which is the condition for interrupting the action.

The determination as to whether or not the scene interruption condition is satisfied may be performed in parallel with the processing of scenes B11, B21 to B23, B31 to B35, and other scenes. Determination of the scene discontinuation condition may be performed by the discontinuation determination unit 21c5, for example. When it is determined that a scene interruption condition is satisfied in a certain scene, interruption processing for interrupting the processing of that scene is performed. After this interruption processing, the game may be resumed from a scene downstream of the interrupted scene. For example, when scene B21 is interrupted, the game may be restarted from scene B31 or scene 32 located downstream. After a certain scene has been interrupted, a process for ending the VR mode may be performed. Further, in the interruption process for interrupting the scene, a scene transition screen may be displayed to let the player 5 know that the game will transition to another scene or another mode.

According to the above embodiment, the following effects are obtained. According to the game processing systems 1 and 101 described above, when a predetermined action in a predetermined scene (for example, action A21 in the start scene) is being executed and the interruption condition is satisfied, the action is interrupted. Therefore, it is not necessary to define the reaction of the virtual character to the player's action after the interruption condition is satisfied. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of data defining the action of the virtual character with respect to the action of the player or the amount of data of the command set of each scene (for example, the amount of data of the scenario data 28c).

Further, according to the game processing systems 1 and 101 described above, the scene transition screen is displayed when an action or scene is interrupted, so the action or scene can be naturally interrupted.

By setting actions that are inappropriate in the real world as prohibited actions, execution of the game can be interrupted when such actions are performed on a virtual character. In the real world, it is difficult to predetermine how a virtual character will respond when an inappropriate action is performed. On the other hand, if the virtual character takes a normal reaction to an action that is considered inappropriate or does not react at all, such a normal reaction is a reaction to an action that is considered inappropriate in the real world. becomes unnatural. According to the game processing systems 1 and 101 described above, by interrupting the execution of the game when an action considered inappropriate in the real world is performed, the virtual character reacts unnaturally (or does not react at all). not) can be avoided. This makes it possible to increase the reality of communication with the virtual character.

Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, some or all of the functions performed by computer processor 21 and computer processor 121 may be implemented by computer processors not shown in the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the game processing system 1 and the game processing system 101 may include a game machine that executes at least part of a game processing program, and part of the functions realized by the processing of the computer processor 21 or the computer processor 121 are It may be realized by processing in the game machine.

Embodiments of the present invention may include various apparatus, devices, and electronic components in addition to those described above. For example, the game processing system 1 and the game processing system 101 may include an operation device for accepting the operation of the player 5 in addition to the information processing device 20 and the HMDs 10 and 110 . The game processing system 1 and the game processing system 101 may detect an operation of the player 5 using the operation device, and perform game processing according to the detected operation.

In the processing procedures described in this specification, especially in the processing procedures described using flow diagrams, some of the steps that make up the processing procedure are omitted, and as a step that makes up the processing procedure It is possible to add steps that are not specified and/or change the order of the steps, and the processing procedures in which such omissions, additions, and order changes do not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. Included within the scope of the invention.

The invention described in the scope of claims as of the filing of the original application of the present application is additionally described below.
[1]
A storage for storing a plurality of player action data for specifying player actions that a player can take with respect to a virtual character and a plurality of action data for specifying actions of the virtual character; and one or more computer processors. and a game processing system for processing a game that provides communication with the virtual character,
the action of the virtual character includes a first upstream action and a first downstream action that transitions from the first upstream action in response to satisfaction of a first transition condition;
the plurality of action data includes first upstream action data defining the first upstream action and first downstream action data defining the first downstream action;
The one or more computer processors, by executing computer readable instructions,
causing the virtual character to perform the first upstream action based on the first upstream action data;
identifying a player action of the player with respect to a predetermined part of the virtual character based on the player action data and detection information detected by a head-mounted display worn on the player's head;
It is determined whether or not the latest action among the player actions is the same action as the previous action for the same part as the previous action, and if it is determined that it is the same action for the same part accumulate points,
determining that the interruption condition is met when the accumulated points are equal to or greater than a predetermined point;
causing the virtual character to perform the first upstream action when the interruption condition is not satisfied and the first transition condition is not satisfied;
When it is determined that the interruption condition is satisfied after the first upstream action is started and before the first transition condition is satisfied, the virtual character is caused to interrupt the execution of the first upstream action, and the starting the first downstream action based on one downstream action data;
performing the first downstream action on the virtual character based on the first downstream action data after the end of the first upstream action when it is determined that the first transition condition is satisfied after the first upstream action is started; to start,
game processing system.
[2]
the action of the virtual character further includes a second downstream action that transitions from the first upstream action in response to satisfaction of a second transition condition;
the plurality of action data further includes second downstream action data defining the second downstream action;
If it is determined that the interruption condition is satisfied after the first upstream action is started and before one of the first transition condition and the second transition condition is satisfied, the virtual character is instructed to perform the first upstream action. interrupting execution of an action to initiate the first downstream action based on the first downstream action data;
causing the virtual character to start the second downstream action based on the second downstream action data when it is determined that the second transition condition is satisfied after the first upstream action is started;
A game processing system according to [1].
[3]
the action of the virtual character includes a second upstream action and a third downstream action that transitions from the second upstream action in response to satisfaction of a third transition condition;
the plurality of action data further includes third downstream action data defining the third downstream action;
When it is determined that the interruption condition is satisfied after the second upstream action is started and before the third transition condition is satisfied, the virtual character is caused to interrupt the execution of the second upstream action and the second upstream action is performed. starting the first downstream action based on one downstream action data;
causing the virtual character to start the third downstream action based on the third downstream action data when it is determined that the third transition condition is satisfied after the second upstream action is started;
A game processing system according to [1].
[4]
the first upstream action and the first downstream action are included in a first scene;
the first scene ends when the first downstream action ends;
The game processing system according to any one of [1] to [3].
[5]
the first scene further includes the second downstream action;
When the second downstream action ends, the first scene ends,
causing the virtual character to interrupt execution of the second downstream action and start the first downstream action when it is determined that the interruption condition is satisfied between the start and end of the second downstream action;
The game processing system described in [4].
[6]
The first scene further includes a third upstream action,
When the third upstream action ends, the first scene ends,
causing the virtual character to interrupt execution of the third upstream action and start the first downstream action when it is determined that the interruption condition is met during the period from the start to the end of the third upstream action;
The game processing system described in [4].
[7]
A storage for storing a plurality of player action data for specifying player actions that a player can take with respect to a virtual character and a plurality of action data for specifying actions of the virtual character; and one or more computer processors. and a game processing system for processing a game that provides communication with the virtual character,
the action of the virtual character includes a first upstream action and a first downstream action that transitions from the first upstream action in response to satisfaction of a first transition condition;
the plurality of action data includes first upstream action data defining the first upstream action and first downstream action data defining the first downstream action;
The one or more computer processors, by executing computer readable instructions,
causing the virtual character to perform the first upstream action based on the first upstream action data;
identifying a player action of the player with respect to a predetermined part of the virtual character based on the player action data and detection information detected by a head-mounted display worn on the player's head;
It is determined whether or not the latest action among the player actions is the same action as the previous action for the same part as the previous action, and if it is determined that it is the same action for the same part calculating the player's retention points by subtracting points from the player's initial points;
determining that an interruption condition is established when the holding point is equal to or less than a predetermined point;
causing the virtual character to perform the first upstream action when the interruption condition is not satisfied and the first transition condition is not satisfied;
When it is determined that the interruption condition is satisfied after the first upstream action is started and before the first transition condition is satisfied, the virtual character is caused to interrupt the execution of the first upstream action, and the starting the first downstream action based on one downstream action data;
performing the first downstream action on the virtual character based on the first downstream action data after the end of the first upstream action when it is determined that the first transition condition is satisfied after the first upstream action is started; to start,
game processing system.
[8]
The first transition condition includes completion of the action of the virtual character defined as the first upstream action,
The game processing system according to any one of [1] to [7].
[9]
The first transition condition includes that the specified player action is a predetermined action,
The game processing system according to any one of [1] to [8].
[10]
The first transition condition includes that the player answers a question from the virtual character,
The game processing system according to any one of [1] to [9].
[11]
The first upstream action data includes reaction data for specifying a reaction taken by the virtual character with respect to the player action,
The game processing system according to any one of [1] to [10].
[12]
A storage for storing a plurality of player action data for specifying player actions that a player can take with respect to a virtual character and a plurality of action data for specifying actions of the virtual character; and one or more computer processors. and a game processing system for processing a game that provides communication with the virtual character,
The action of the virtual character includes a first upstream action, a first downstream action that transitions from the first upstream action in response to satisfaction of a first transition condition, and a second downstream action different from the first downstream action. and including
The plurality of action data includes first upstream action data defining the first upstream action, first downstream action data defining the first downstream action, and second downstream action data defining the second downstream action. and including
The one or more computer processors, by executing computer readable instructions,
causing the virtual character to perform the first upstream action based on the first upstream action data;
identifying a player action of the player with respect to a predetermined part of the virtual character based on the player action data and detection information detected by a head-mounted display worn on the player's head;
It is determined whether or not the latest action among the player actions is the same action as the previous action for the same part as the previous action, and if it is determined that it is the same action for the same part accumulate points,
determining that the interruption condition is met when the accumulated points are equal to or greater than a predetermined point;
causing the virtual character to perform the first upstream action when the interruption condition is not satisfied and the first transition condition is not satisfied;
When it is determined that the interruption condition is satisfied after the first upstream action is started and before the first transition condition is satisfied, the virtual character is caused to interrupt the execution of the first upstream action, and the 2) when the second downstream action is started based on downstream action data, and when it is determined that the first transition condition is satisfied after the first upstream action is started, the first downstream action is performed after the first upstream action is finished; causing the virtual character to initiate the first downstream action based on action data;
game processing system.
[13]
The first upstream action data includes reaction data for specifying a reaction taken by the virtual character with respect to the player action,
A game processing system according to [12].
[14]
One or more computer processors execute computer readable instructions to identify actions of the virtual character and a plurality of player action data for identifying player actions that can be taken by a player on a virtual character. A game processing method for processing a game that provides communication with the virtual character using a plurality of action data for
the action of the virtual character includes a first upstream action and a first downstream action that transitions from the first upstream action in response to satisfaction of a first transition condition;
the plurality of action data includes first upstream action data defining the first upstream action and first downstream action data defining the first downstream action;
causing the virtual character to perform the first upstream action based on the first upstream action data;
a step of specifying a player action of the player with respect to a predetermined part of the virtual character based on the detected information detected by the head-mounted display worn on the player's head and the player action data;
It is determined whether or not the latest action among the player actions is the same action as the previous action for the same part as the previous action, and if it is determined that it is the same action for the same part a step of accumulating points;
a step of determining that an interruption condition is satisfied when the accumulated points are equal to or greater than a predetermined point;
causing the virtual character to perform the first upstream action when the interruption condition is not satisfied and the first transition condition is not satisfied;
When it is determined that the interruption condition is satisfied after the first upstream action is started and before the first transition condition is satisfied, the virtual character is caused to interrupt the execution of the first upstream action, and the initiating the first downstream action based on one downstream action data;
performing the first downstream action on the virtual character based on the first downstream action data after the end of the first upstream action when it is determined that the first transition condition is satisfied after the first upstream action is started; a step of initiating;
A game processing method comprising:
[15]
A plurality of player action data for specifying player actions that a player can take on a virtual character and a plurality of actions for specifying actions of the virtual character, which are executed by one or more computer processors. A game processing program for processing a game that provides communication with the virtual character using data,
the action of the virtual character includes a first upstream action and a first downstream action that transitions from the first upstream action in response to satisfaction of a first transition condition;
the plurality of action data includes first upstream action data defining the first upstream action and first downstream action data defining the first downstream action;
to the one or more computer processors;
causing the virtual character to perform the first upstream action based on the first upstream action data;
a step of specifying a player action of the player with respect to a predetermined part of the virtual character based on the detected information detected by the head-mounted display worn on the player's head and the player action data;
It is determined whether or not the part on which the latest action is performed among the player actions is the same action as the previous action on the same part as the part on which the previous action was performed, and it is determined that it is the same action on the same part. a step of accumulating points when
a step of determining that an interruption condition is satisfied when the accumulated points are equal to or greater than a predetermined point;
causing the virtual character to perform the first upstream action when the interruption condition is not satisfied and the first transition condition is not satisfied;
When it is determined that the interruption condition is satisfied after the first upstream action is started and before the first transition condition is satisfied, the virtual character is caused to interrupt the execution of the first upstream action, and the initiating the first downstream action based on one downstream action data;
performing the first downstream action on the virtual character based on the first downstream action data after the end of the first upstream action when it is determined that the first transition condition is satisfied after the first upstream action is started; a step of initiating;
A game processing program that runs

1,101 game processing system

Claims (11)

A game processing system for processing a game that provides interaction with a virtual character,
a storage for storing a plurality of action data for specifying actions of the virtual character and interruption condition data defining interruption conditions;
comprising one or more computer processors,
The game has a first mode played in a first three-dimensional space and a second mode played in a second three-dimensional space different from the first three-dimensional space,
The one or more computer processors, by executing computer readable instructions,
In the second mode, specifying a player action of the player for the virtual character based on detection information detected by a head-mounted display worn on the player's head;
determining whether the interruption condition is satisfied by the specified player action and the interruption condition data;
When it is determined that the interruption condition is satisfied, performing transition processing for interrupting the second mode and transitioning to the first mode;
game processing system. A common game medium is used in the first mode and the second mode,
A game processing system according to claim 1. game media parameters associated with the game media are carried over between the first mode and the second mode;
3. A game processing system according to claim 2. the game media parameter is changed when transitioning from the second mode to the first mode;
4. A game processing system according to claim 3. The interruption condition includes that the gaze position specified from the detection information is on a prohibited area set in the second three-dimensional space,
A game processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The interruption condition includes that the player repeats the same player action a predetermined number of times or more,
A game processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The interruption condition includes that the player has performed a player action on a predetermined part of the virtual character more than a predetermined number of times.
A game processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The interruption condition includes that the player has performed a player action that corresponds to a prohibited action,
A game processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The storage stores player parameters that are updated according to actions of the player;
The interruption condition includes that the player parameter is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold or equal to or less than a predetermined threshold,
A game processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A game processing method for processing a game in which one or more computer processors execute computer readable instructions to provide interaction with a virtual character, comprising:
The game has a first mode played in a first three-dimensional space and a second mode played in a second three-dimensional space different from the first three-dimensional space,
identifying a player action of the player for the virtual character based on detection information detected by a head-mounted display worn on the player's head in the second mode;
Determining whether an interruption condition is satisfied by the identified player action;
performing transition processing for interrupting the second mode and transitioning to the first mode when it is determined that the interrupt condition is satisfied;
A game processing method comprising: A game processing program for processing a game that provides interaction with a virtual character by being executed by one or more computer processors,
The game has a first mode played in a first three-dimensional space and a second mode played in a second three-dimensional space different from the first three-dimensional space,
to the one or more computer processors;
identifying a player action of the player for the virtual character based on detection information detected by a head-mounted display worn on the player's head in the second mode;
determining whether the interruption condition is satisfied by the identified player action;
performing transition processing for interrupting the second mode and transitioning to the first mode when it is determined that the interrupt condition is satisfied;
A game processing program that runs

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