JP2023156505A - Game system, computer program used therefor and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game system, while suppressing a sense of incongruity, capable of suppressing lowering of game continuation motivation of users whose levels reach the level upper limit, as well as other users.SOLUTION: A game system 1 provides a game in which a rank value for regulating a maximum value of a physical strength value to be used in a progress, increases according to an acquisition value EV of an experience value, and in which an upper limit value as a limit of increase is set up to the rank value. Further, even after the rank value reaches the upper limit value, the game system 1 increases the acquisition amount EV of the experience value based on the play situation and, when the acquisition amount EV of the experience value increases to a rank-up reference amount, assigns, out of a consumption-type privilege and a non-consumption-type privilege included in the privilege for level increase associated with the increase in the level value, only the consumption-type privilege as a reference achieving privilege. With the assignment of the privilege, the game system 1 resets the acquisition amount EV of the experience value to an initial value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention provides that the level value for defining the parameters used for progression increases in accordance with the amount of experience points acquired based on the play situation, and the level upper limit as the limit for increasing the level value. The present invention relates to a game system, etc. that provides a game in which the following is set.

The level value used to define the parameters used for progression increases according to the amount of experience points gained based on the play situation, and an upper level limit is set for that level value as the limit for increase. There are game systems that provide games. For example, there is a known game in which the level of an object and the experience value are used as the acquired amount of the level value and experience value, and the level of the object is increased according to the experience value (for example, see Patent Document 1). ).

JP2017-192631A

In the game of Patent Document 1, experience points are given to objects even after the level reaches the level limit, and buffs and new skills are released based on the experience points (surplus experience points) given beyond the level limit. Effects (benefits) such as By providing such benefits, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the user's desire to continue playing the game after reaching the upper level limit. However, there is no mention of the relationship between such benefits and the original benefits (effects) associated with leveling up. Therefore, it is considered that there is no particular relationship between such benefits based on surplus experience points and benefits associated with leveling up. On the other hand, experience points before the level cap and surplus experience points are both the same experience points, although there is a difference in the timing (or conditions) of granting them before and after the level cap. Therefore, it can be said that benefits based on surplus experience points should be an extension of leveling up, and should preferably be the same as the benefits of leveling up. As a result, if there is a difference between these benefits, there is a possibility that the game performance will be different before and after the level limit is reached. At the very least, even though they have the same experience value, there is no doubt that there will be a difference in value between them, which may end up giving the user a sense of discomfort.

On the other hand, benefits at the time of leveling up generally include effects (benefits) of changing the regulations of various parameters (for example, upper limit values of parameters). The same applies to the benefits such as game buffs and the release of new skills in Patent Document 1, but these benefits are classified as benefits that are not consumed in connection with the progress of the game (hereinafter sometimes referred to as non-consumable benefits). can do. However, if such non-consumable benefits are used as benefits based on surplus experience points (benefits after the level cap), the difference in progress in the game or the difference in superiority or inferiority in the game will be different from that of the user at the level cap. There is a possibility that it will become too large with other users. Specifically, since non-consumable benefits have continuous (or persistent) effects, once the benefits are granted, the benefits are continuously provided thereafter. Also, since the level limit has already been exceeded, there is no limit to the granting of such non-consumable benefits, and the more you play, the more benefits will be granted. As a result, the probability that other users can catch up with the user at the upper level limit (or the probability that they can win) decreases, which may actually reduce other users' desire to continue playing the game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the present invention provides a game system, etc. that can suppress the user's sense of discomfort while also suppressing a decrease in the desire to continue playing the game not only for the user whose level value has reached the upper limit value but also for other users. The purpose is to

In the game system of the present invention, the level value for defining the parameters used for progression increases in accordance with the amount of experience points acquired based on the play situation, and the level value is set as a limit for increase. A game system that provides a game in which a level upper limit value is set, wherein the acquired amount of experience points is changed from an initial value after the level value reaches the level upper limit value to the above level value after the level value reaches the level upper limit value. an experience value increasing means for increasing the experience value based on the play situation; a benefit granting means for granting a benefit when the acquired amount of the experience value increases from the initial value to a predetermined amount; experience value subtraction means for reducing the acquired amount by the predetermined amount; and a non-consumable benefit that is not consumed in connection with the progression of the game, and in the case where a benefit for increasing the level is granted, the consumable benefit and the consumable benefit among the non-consumable benefits are granted. Only the above-mentioned privileges are given as the benefits.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause a computer to function as each means of the game system described above.

Furthermore, in the control method of the present invention, the level value for defining the parameters used for progression increases in accordance with the amount of experience points acquired based on the play situation, and there is a limit to the increase in the level value. A computer installed in a game system that provides a game in which a level upper limit value is set as follows: an experience value increase procedure for increasing the experience value from an initial value based on the play situation; a benefit granting procedure for granting a benefit when the acquired amount of the experience value increases from the initial value to a predetermined amount; , an experience point subtraction procedure for reducing the acquired amount of experience points by the predetermined amount, and the privilege granting procedure includes an experience point subtraction procedure for decreasing the acquired amount of experience points by the predetermined amount, and the bonus granting procedure includes an experience value that is consumed in connection with the progress of the game as the level value increases in the game. When a level increase benefit is granted, which includes a consumable benefit and a non-consumable benefit that is not consumed in connection with the progress of the game, the consumable benefit and the non-consumable benefit Only the consumption-type benefits are provided as the benefits.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing main parts of a control system of a game machine. The figure which shows typically an example of a home screen. The figure which shows typically an example of a result screen. An explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the amount of experience points acquired and rank increase before the rank value reaches the upper limit. An explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the amount of experience points acquired and the standard amount for rank up after the rank value reaches the upper limit. The figure which shows an example of the structure of play data. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of experience value increase processing. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of a privilege provision process. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the relationship between the amount of experience points acquired and the rank-up standard amount according to a modification.

An example of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The game system 1 includes a center server 2 and a plurality of game machines 3 as client devices connectable to the center server 2 via a predetermined network NT. The center server 2 is configured as one logical server device by combining server units 2A, 2B, . . . as a plurality of computer devices. However, the center server 2 may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the center server 2 may be configured logically using cloud computing.

The network NT may be configured as appropriate as long as the game machines 3 can be respectively connected to the center server 2. As an example, the network NT may include the Internet as a WAN, a LAN that connects each of the center server 2 and the game machine 3 to the Internet, or various connection facilities or devices such as an access point AP.

In the example of FIG. 1, game machines 3A, 3B, and 3C are shown as the game machines 3. The game machines 3 are all examples of game devices that provide games. The game machine 3A is installed in a facility such as an amusement store, and is configured as a commercial game machine that allows users to play games within a range corresponding to the play fee in exchange for payment of a predetermined price. This type of game machine is sometimes called an arcade game machine. This type of game machine 3A (hereinafter sometimes referred to as arcade game machine 3A) is installed in a predetermined facility such as a store for the main purpose of increasing profits by having a large number of users repeatedly play the game. There are many. On the other hand, the game machines 3B and 3C are home-use stationary game machines or portable game machines for personal use by users. Such game machines 3B and 3C (hereinafter may be referred to as a stationary game machine 3B or a portable game machine 3C, respectively; if these are not to be distinguished, they may be referred to as a user terminal device type game machine 3). ) may function as a mobile phone such as a smartphone or a personal digital assistant (including a tablet terminal and a personal computer). In the example of FIG. 1, a plurality of types of game machines 3 are connected to the center server 2, but only one type of game machine 3 may be connected to the center server 2.

The game machine 3 provides a character development game. A character development game is a type of game in which characters in the game are developed. As such characters, people with various jobs (occupations) such as monsters, athletes, or warriors, as well as various objects such as cars and animals may be used. Further, the character to be trained may be one character or multiple characters. Below, as an example, a case will be described in which the game machine 3 provides a character development game of a type in which a dance unit (a team of multiple characters) is developed.

In such a character development game, each character forming a dance unit is developed through various elements in the game. Such training elements include mini-games. In other words, each character is developed through playing such mini-games. Such mini-games may include various games, but include a music game as an example. Music games are a type of timing game. A timing game is a type of game that evaluates when to perform an appropriate play action. In the case of a music game, the timing at which the appropriate play action should be performed is provided along with the music. Furthermore, in a music game, a time that matches the rhythm of a song is used as an execution time. In other words, a music game is a type of game that guides the user when to perform an appropriate play action in accordance with the rhythm of a song, and evaluates the time when the play action is actually performed. Further, for example, a music game has a plurality of songs prepared for play, and a song selected from the songs is used in the actual play. For example, such a music game is provided through a game screen displayed on a display device. Specifically, such a game screen includes an instruction mark corresponding to each execution time and a reference mark that functions as a reference for the current time, and uses these instruction marks and reference marks to set the instruction mark at each execution time. Each execution timing is guided by causing a relative displacement between the instruction mark and the reference mark so that the positions of the reference mark and the reference mark coincide.

A user terminal device 4 may be connected to the game system 1 via the network NT. The user terminal device 4 is a computer device that can be connected to a network and is used for the user's personal use. For example, a stationary or book-type personal computer 4A, or a mobile terminal device 4B such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone) is used as the user terminal device 4. In addition, various computer devices that can be connected to a network and are used for the user's personal use, such as a stationary home game machine, a portable game machine, and a portable tablet terminal device, can be used as the user terminal device 4. It's fine. By implementing various computer software, the user terminal device 4 can allow the user to enjoy various services provided by the center server 2. Note that such user terminal device 4 may function as game machine 3 through computer software.

The center server 2 provides various game machine services to the game machine 3 or its users. The game machine services include a distribution service that distributes and updates programs or data for the game machine 3 via the network NT. The center server 2 appropriately distributes various programs or data necessary for providing the character development game to each game machine 3 through such a distribution service. Furthermore, the game machine services include a matching service that matches users when they play a common game via the network NT. The game system 1 provides a character development game (including a part of a character development game such as a music game) through such a matching service as a multiplayer game that allows multiple users to share the progress. There is.

Note that the game machine service may also include a service that receives user identification information from the game machine 3 and authenticates the user. The service may also include a service that receives and stores play data of an authenticated user from the game machine 3, or provides the game machine 3 with play data to be stored. Furthermore, it may include a billing service or the like that collects fees from users. Similarly, the center server 2 may provide various Web services to the users of the user terminal devices 4 via the network NT. The web service includes a game information service that provides various information regarding the game provided by the game machine 3, a distribution service that distributes various data or software (including updates of data, etc.) to each user terminal device 4, and a service provided by the user. It may include services such as a community service that provides a place for interaction such as transmitting, exchanging, and sharing information, and a service that assigns a user ID to identify each user.

Next, the main parts of the control system of the game system 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. First, the center server 2 is provided with a control unit 21 and a storage section 22 as a storage means. The control unit 21 is configured as a computer that combines a CPU, which is an example of a processor, that executes various arithmetic processing and operation control according to a predetermined computer program, and internal memory and other peripheral devices necessary for its operation.

The storage unit 22 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a nonvolatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk array. The storage unit 22 may be configured to hold all data in one storage unit, or may be configured to store data in a distributed manner in a plurality of storage units. A program PG1 is recorded in the storage unit 22 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 21 to execute various processes necessary to provide various services to the user. The storage unit 22 also stores server data necessary for providing various services. Such server data includes various data for character development games, and in the example of FIG. 2, play data PD is shown as one type of such various data. The play data PD is data in which information regarding each user's past play performance is described. The play data PD is used, for example, to carry over previous play results (past achievements) to the next time or later, or to carry over settings specific to each user. Details of the play data PD will be described later.

Note that the server data may include, for example, various other types of data for realizing various services. For example, such data may include music data, sequence data, video data, ID management data, and the like. The music data is data for playing music used in a music game. The sequence data is data that describes each execution time when a play action is to be performed by a user in a music game. The sequence data is used to guide and evaluate each execution timing. Therefore, in the sequence data, each execution time and information on an appropriate play action to be performed at each execution time are described so as to be associated with each other. The video data is data for displaying a video during a music game. Such videos include dance videos (including dance animations by each character). The dance (movement) of the character in such a dance video may be realized at any time by the program PG1 based on the video data, but for example, the dance (movement) of the character in the dance video may be realized by recording the trajectory of the movement of a person wearing a motion sensor and based on the detection result. It may also be realized by a trajectory. Furthermore, each video may be configured as a result of photographing a virtual three-dimensional space with a virtual camera. The ID management data is data for managing various IDs such as user IDs. However, illustration thereof was omitted.

The control unit 21 is provided with a game machine service management section 24 as a logical device realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the control unit 21 and the program PG1 as software resources. The game machine service management unit 24 executes various processes for realizing the above-described game machine services on the game machine 3. Note that the control unit 21 may be provided with various other logical devices. For example, such a logical device includes a Web service management unit that executes various processes for realizing the above-mentioned Web service on the user terminal device 4 when the user terminal device 4 is connected. Similarly, an input device such as a keyboard, an output device such as a monitor, etc. may be connected to the control unit 21 as necessary. However, illustration thereof was omitted.

On the other hand, the game machine 3 is provided with a control unit 31 as a computer and a storage section 32 as a storage means. The control unit 31 is configured as a computer that combines a CPU, which is an example of a processor, that executes various processes according to a predetermined computer program, and internal memory and other peripheral devices necessary for its operation.

The storage unit 32 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a nonvolatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. A program PG2 is recorded in the storage unit 32 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 21 to execute various processes necessary to provide various services to the user. Further, the storage unit 32 records game data necessary for providing a character development game. Such game data includes various types of data including music game data, and the example in FIG. 2 shows play data PD as one type of data. The play data PD is provided from the center server 2 through a distribution service. Note that the game data may include music data, sequence data, video data, or ID management data provided through a distribution service similarly to the play data PD. Further, the game data may also include, for example, image data for displaying various images for the game, BGM data for reproducing various BGM, and the like. However, these illustrations were omitted.

Various logical devices are configured in the control unit 31 by a combination of the hardware resources of the control unit 31 and the program PG2 as a software resource. Various processes necessary for providing the character development game (including processes necessary for enjoying the game machine services provided by the game machine service management unit 24 of the center server 2) are executed through these logical devices. However, in the example of FIG. 2, the progress control section 33 and the data management section 34 are shown as logical devices related to the character development game.

The progress control unit 33 is a logical device that performs various processes to control the progress of the game. Such processing also includes processing for guiding each execution time through instruction markers and reference markers, or processing for evaluating play behavior based on each such execution time. Alternatively, it also includes processing for displaying various moving images such as dances by dance units. In other words, it includes various types of processing for realizing the play of the music game.

On the other hand, the data management unit 34 is a logical device that performs various processes related to management of various data recorded in the storage unit 32. Such processing includes processing to update data that changes in relation to the progress of the game. Moreover, such data includes play data PD. That is, the processing executed by the data management unit 34 includes processing for updating the play data PD in relation to the progress of the game. Specifically, the data management unit 34 executes, for example, an experience value increase process and a benefit grant process as processes for updating such play data PD. The procedures for the experience value increase process and the benefit grant process will be described later.

Further, the game machine 3 may be provided with various output devices and input devices as appropriate depending on the type of the arcade game machine 3A or the user terminal type game machine 3, but in the example of FIG. 37 and a speaker SP are shown as output devices provided in the game machine 3. The monitor 37 and the speaker SP are a well-known display device for displaying a game screen and the like, and a well-known sound playback device for playing back audio, respectively. Similarly, in the example of FIG. 2, an input device 36 for inputting a user's play action is shown as an input device provided in the game machine 3. The input device 36 may be configured as appropriate depending on the type of game machine 3. For example, in the case of the arcade game machine 3A, a stage with a push button that can be pressed with a foot for a music game may be used as the input device 36. The user may then play a music game on this stage. Alternatively, a control panel may be provided with multiple pushbuttons. In such a case, the operation of pressing a push button with a foot or hand is used as a play action. Further, a touch pad or a touch panel display may be used as the input device 36. In this case, the action of touching these with a hand, foot, or touch pen (so-called stylus pen) is used as a play action.

On the other hand, for example, in the case of a stationary game machine 3B, a keyboard including a plurality of push buttons or a dedicated controller (including a mat controller that is placed on the floor or the like to be operated mainly with the feet) is used as the input device 36. It's fine. In this case, the operation of pressing those push buttons is used as a play action. Similarly, for example, in the case of the portable game machine 3C, a touch panel that outputs a signal corresponding to a user's touch operation (touch operation with a finger) may be used as the input device 36, for example. In this case, the touch operation and its position are used as a play action. Further, a dedicated controller (including the above-mentioned mat controller) may be connected to the portable game machine 3C by wire or wirelessly and used.

In addition, for example, the arcade game machine 3A may use cash, alternative coins, medals, electronic currency (including points), credit card functions, etc. to collect a predetermined price necessary for the game from the user. A consideration collection device may be provided as an input device. Such a device may collect various types of consideration such as electronic currency, for example, via a card that records the remaining amount of electronic currency. Further, for example, in the case of a user terminal device type game machine 3, the user terminal device type game machine 3 provides the game for a fee (including the case where a part of the game is paid for play in an additional range, etc.). However, it may be provided free of charge (including cases where the software has been purchased in advance). If the game is provided for a fee, the fee may be collected in the user terminal type game machine 3 through various well-known payment processes.

Next, the progress of the character development game will be explained. In the following, a portable game machine 3C that uses a touch panel as the input device 36 will be taken as an example, and the progress of the character development game will be explained with reference to an example of the game screen displayed on the monitor 37 of such a portable game machine 3C. explain. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the home screen. The home screen 40 is a game screen that primarily functions as a starting point for other game screens among the various game screens displayed on the monitor 37 for the character development game. Therefore, on the home screen 40, an icon (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a transition icon) that functions as a touch position (a position where a touch operation is to be performed) for transitioning to each screen is displayed. Further, the home screen 40 may be provided with other management functions and information. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the home screen 40 includes a "STORY" icon 41, a "DANCER" icon 42, a "TEAM" icon 43, a "lottery" icon 44, an "errand" icon 45, and a "DANCER" icon 44. It includes a "BATTLE" icon 46, a "MISSION" icon 47, an information area 48, and a character image CA.

The “STORY” icon 41 is a transition icon for transitioning to a story screen (not shown). The story screen is a game screen for selecting and viewing a story animation (video) set for each character, such as an individual history of each character in the game or a conversation scene between multiple people. Such a story may include things that are newly unlocked (become viewable) depending on the play situation, such as rewards earned in the game and the level of each character.

The "DANCER" icon 42 is a transition icon for transitioning to a character screen (not shown). The character screen is a game screen for presenting details of each character. Many characters are prepared in the character development game, and the details of each character are displayed on the character screen. For example, on the character screen, information on the parameters of each character is displayed as details for each character.

The “TEAM” icon 43 is a transition icon for transitioning to a team (unit) formation screen (not shown). The team formation screen is a game screen for selecting characters forming a dance unit. Although one dance unit may be formed by an appropriate number of characters, a case will be described below in which one dance unit is formed by three characters.

The “lottery” icon 44 is a transition icon for transitioning to a lottery result screen (not shown). The lottery result screen is a game screen for providing a lottery game for awarding various elements related to the character development game by lottery. For example, in such a lottery game, cards corresponding to each character are randomly awarded as elements related to the character development game. The cards awarded in the lottery game may be used to advance the play in the character development game, or may simply function as cards for collection or appreciation.

The “errand” icon 45 is a transition icon for transitioning to an errand screen (not shown). The errand screen is a game screen for providing an errand event. The errand event is an event for acquiring various items. The errand event is provided upon consumption of a predetermined value set in the game.

The “DANCE BATTLE” icon 46 is a transition icon for transitioning to a music game screen (not shown). The music game screen is a game screen that allows the user to actually play the music game by displaying the above-mentioned instruction signs and the like. Additionally, dance videos by dance units are also displayed on such music game screens.

The “MISSION” icon 47 is a transition icon for transitioning to a mission screen (not shown). The mission screen is a game screen for providing information regarding the missions, such as a list of missions prepared during the game, conditions for completion, rewards for completion, and history of achievements. A mission is a type of event for granting a predetermined reward to a user by satisfying (achieving) an achievement condition. There are many missions in the game, ranging from missions that can be determined with each play, to missions that require a relatively long period of play that cannot be achieved in just one play. It's fine.

The information area 48 is an area for presenting various information related to the game. The information area 48 includes, for example, a name area 48A, a rank area 48B, a physical strength area 48C, and a currency area 48D. The name area 48A contains the user's in-game name (“Gogo”) and various titles for the user prepared during the game (if the play situation satisfies various granting conditions, depending on the conditions that are satisfied). It is often provided to correspond to some of the ranks described below, and often functions as a type of information indicating the user's rank, but it is not assigned independently from the rank. This is an area for displaying the title (``Beitzuru Gakuen Gold Student'') given to the user who is playing the game.

The rank area 48B is an area for displaying a rank value indicating the user's rank. Rank is a concept indicating the degree of rank, stage, etc., and has a meaning equivalent to so-called level. Therefore, the rank value functions as a level value indicating the degree of growth of the user in the game, and a larger value often indicates that the user has played more games. As the rank value, appropriate elements such as numerical values, letters such as alphabets, or symbols (those that can be distinguished from each other and whose degree can be specified) may be used, but in the example of FIG. 3, a numerical value ("75") is used. has been done. Furthermore, the rank value is a value for defining various parameters. That is, various parameters such as a physical strength value, which will be described later, are defined according to the rank value. The rank value increases in accordance with the experience points given based on the playing situation of the character training game (for example, the play result such as the score obtained in the music game for training). Therefore, information on the amount of experience points acquired is also displayed in the rank area 48B. Specifically, the rank area 48B includes an experience value gauge EG. The experience value gauge EG is an image that functions as a gauge on the home screen 40 to indicate the amount of acquired experience values. The experience value gauge EG presents information on the amount of experience points acquired up to now (right diagonal line) and the remaining amount until the next rank increase (increase) (white outline). The relationship between the amount of experience points acquired and the increase in rank value will be described further below.

The currency area 48D is an area that displays information regarding currency value that functions as currency within the game (hereinafter sometimes referred to as in-game currency). In-game currency is value consumed to purchase items or use predetermined functions such as granting various lottery opportunities (playing the above-mentioned lottery game). In-game currency is purchased, for example, with the consumption of real currency (which may be collected in the same way as play fees). The currency area 48D is provided with, for example, a currency balance area 48D1 and a currency purchase icon 48D2. The currency balance area 48D1 is an area for presenting the balance (“0”) of in-game currency currently owned by the user. The currency purchase icon 48D2 is an icon that functions as a touch position for purchasing in-game currency (increasing the balance). Specifically, the currency purchase icon 48D2 functions as a position that is touched to request the purchase of in-game currency. In conjunction with a touch operation on the currency purchase icon 48D2, an additional area (so-called pop-up) may be further presented for selecting the purchase amount or confirming whether or not to execute the purchase, for example.

The physical strength value area 48C is an area that displays information regarding the physical strength value. The physical strength value is a value consumed in order to provide various progresses such as the use of events to the character development game. The physical strength value is set for each user as the user's physical strength value. Such physical strength values may be used to grant various advancements, but are consumed, for example, to provide (use) the above-mentioned errand event or to play a music game. The physical strength value gradually recovers to the maximum value (which may change depending on the level etc.) as time passes. The character development game also includes items for recovering a predetermined amount of physical strength (hereinafter sometimes referred to as recovery items). A limit may be set (eg, period, number of times, amount up to a maximum value, etc.) for recovery of physical strength by such a recovery item, or use may be allowed without limit.

The physical strength value area 48C is provided with, for example, a physical strength value presentation area 48C1 and a recovery icon 48C2. The physical strength value presentation area 48C1 is an area for presenting the current value (remaining amount) and maximum value of the physical strength value of each user. In the example of FIG. 3, "30" is presented as the user's current physical strength value (numerator of "30/30") and maximum value (denominator of "30/30"). Note that recovery of the physical strength value may be limited to the maximum value, but does not need to be limited. Therefore, for example, if recovery of the physical strength value is not limited to the maximum value, the current value (remaining amount) of the physical strength value may exceed the maximum value (denominator) of the physical strength value. The recovery icon 48C2 is an icon that functions as a touch position for recovering physical strength. More specifically, the recovery icon 48C2 functions as a position that is touched to request recovery of physical strength. In response to a touch operation on the recovery icon 48C2, an additional area (a so-called pop-up) is further presented for, for example, selecting a recovery item for recovering physical strength or confirming whether or not such a recovery item can be used. may be done. Then, when the recovery item is actually used (consumed) by such a touch operation, the physical strength value is recovered by a predetermined amount.

Character images CA are images corresponding to each character. On the home screen 40, character images CA corresponding to each character forming the dance unit to be trained are displayed as appropriate. In the example of FIG. 3, three character images CA corresponding to three (all) characters forming the dance unit are displayed on the home screen 40, respectively.

Note that the physical strength value presentation area 48C1 is not limited to such a user's physical strength value, but also includes information on physical strength values regarding characters that meet appropriate conditions, such as characters specified by a predetermined specifying means such as a cursor. May be presented. Alternatively, the physical strength values of all characters may be presented in the physical strength value presentation area 48C1. Similarly, the arrangement of each character image CA on the home screen 40 may be arbitrary. For example, even if the character most recommended by the user (so-called recommended member) is determined according to a prior designation or conditions such as the play situation, and the character image CA of such character is placed at the forefront on the home screen 40, good. Alternatively, the arrangement of each character image CA may be determined based on user specifications. Furthermore, a level value (rank value) may be appropriately set for each character or for each team (unit). Then, the upper limit values of various parameters defining each character or team may be appropriately defined according to such level values. Alternatively, either the user's rank value or the rank value of each character (or team) may be omitted. Similarly, the amount of experience points acquired is not limited to the experience value gauge EG in the rank area 48B, and may be presented at an appropriate location and using an appropriate method.

The experience value gauge EG will be further explained with reference to FIG. 4. In a character development game, a result screen may be displayed after a mini-game such as a music game. The result screen is a game screen for presenting the play results of the mini-game. The experience value gauge EG may be presented on such a result screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of such a result screen. Further, the example in FIG. 4 shows an example of a result screen displayed after a music game provided as a competitive game. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the result screen 50F includes a battle result display area 50F1, a music information area 50F2, and an acquisition information area 50F3.

The battle result display area 50F1 is an area for presenting the battle result (for example, "WIN" meaning victory) in the music game. The song information area 50F2 is an area for presenting information on songs used for play in the music game. In the music information area 50F2, as information about the music, for example, the name ("Song A") and its difficulty level ("NORMAL") are displayed. The acquired information area 50F3 is an area for presenting information on various values given according to the play results of the music game. Appropriate values may be adopted as such various values, but in the example of FIG. 4, experience points and items are provided as types of such values. Therefore, the acquired information area 50F3 includes information on the acquired amount of experience points ("+957") and the item ("A item") as such value information. Additionally, information regarding the rank value and the accumulated amount of experience points is also displayed as an element (value) that is influenced by the amount of experience points acquired.

Specifically, the acquired information area 50F3 includes an acquired experience value section F31, a rank information section F32, an accumulated experience value section F33, and a reward information section F34. The acquired experience value section F31 is a section for displaying information on the amount of experience points acquired through playing the current music game. Further, the reward information section F34 is a section for displaying information on items that will be given as rewards through playing the current music game. Therefore, the acquired experience value section F31 displays the information "+957" as the amount of experience points acquired this time, and the reward information section F34 displays the information of "Item A" as the currently granted item. There is.

On the other hand, the rank information section F32 is a section for displaying the user's rank value after reflecting the amount of experience points acquired this time. In the example of FIG. 4, information of "1UP" and "76" is displayed in the rank information section F32. "1UP" indicates that the user's rank value increases by one due to the amount of experience points acquired this time, and "76" indicates the user's rank value after such an increase. In other words, in addition to information on the user's rank value after reflecting the amount of experience points acquired this time, the rank information section F32 includes information on the user's rank value after reflecting the amount of experience points acquired this time, as well as information if the rank value increases due to the amount of experience points acquired this time. Information on the number of increased rank values is also displayed.

Further, the cumulative experience value section F33 is a part for displaying the cumulative amount of experience points obtained after reflecting the amount of experience points obtained this time. In the cumulative experience value section F33, an experience value gauge EG is displayed to indicate the cumulative amount of experience value acquired. The experience value gauge EG displays the cumulative experience value acquisition amount EV (right diagonal line) after reflecting the current experience value acquisition amount. In addition, the experience value gauge EG is formed in a band shape extending in the left-right direction, with the left end being zero (initial value) and the right end being the accumulated amount of experience points required to reach a rank increase next time (hereinafter referred to as "zero"). , rank-up standard amount), the amount of experience points acquired EV (right diagonal line) changes so as to function respectively. Therefore, in the experience value gauge EG, the unobtained experience value portion (white portion) functions as the remaining amount necessary for the next rank up. Then, these cumulative experience value acquisition amount EV (corresponding to the right diagonal line on the experience value gauge EG) and the numerical values corresponding to the next rank up standard amount are displayed above the experience value gauge EG. . Specifically, in the example of FIG. 4, "597" is displayed as the numerical value corresponding to the cumulative experience point acquisition amount EV, and "785" is displayed as the numerical value corresponding to the next rank up standard amount. There is. Further, these are displayed in a fractional format ("597/785") in which the former is placed as the numerator and the latter is placed as the denominator.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the relationship between the amount of experience points acquired and the increase in rank value (rank up) will be further described. An upper limit value is set for the rank value as an increase limit. This is because an unlimited increase in rank value is undesirable due to problems such as resources. Furthermore, if the rank value increases without limit, there is a possibility that the difference in progress in the game or the difference in superiority or inferiority in the game will become too large between users. As a result, the probability that other users will be able to catch up with the higher ranking user (or the probability that they will be able to win) will decrease, and there is a possibility that the other users' motivation to continue playing the game will decrease. Therefore, an upper limit value is set for the rank value. In similar games, there are many cases in which the amount of experience points acquired does not accumulate after the rank value (level value) reaches the upper limit value (level upper limit value), but the experience value gauge EG Even after reaching the limit, the amount of experience points gained will be reflected. However, since the rank value has already reached the upper limit, the amount of experience points acquired cannot contribute to increasing the rank value. Therefore, before and after such an upper limit is reached, the relationship between the amount of acquired experience points and rank increase (reaching the reference amount for rank increase) changes.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the amount of experience points acquired and rank increase before the rank value reaches the upper limit value. The example in FIG. 5 shows the experience value gauge EG corresponding to three states: (a) before rank up, (b) at the time of rank up, and (c) immediately after rank up. As shown in Figure 5, the amount of experience points gained in the experience value gauge EG gradually increases based on the play situation, and when it reaches the standard amount for rank-up, it becomes zero (initial value) with the grant of rank-up benefits. will be reset.

Specifically, as shown by the experience value gauge EG in (a), the amount of acquired experience values EV gradually increases as experience values are acquired based on the play situation until the rank is increased. Such an increase is expressed in the experience value gauge EG such that, for example, the acquired amount of experience values EV fills the white part of the experience value gauge EG. In other words, the acquired amount of experience points EV continues to expand within the range of the white part so as to gradually approach the standard amount for rank up. The rank up reference amount is a value (obtained amount) that functions as a rank up standard. Such a rank-up reference amount may be set as appropriate. For example, the standard amount for rank up may be set for each rank value (may be at predetermined intervals) so that the amount of experience points acquired EV required for rank up gradually increases as the rank value increases. . That is, the rank-up reference amount may change depending on the rank value given by the reference amount. Alternatively, the rank-up reference amount may be the same acquisition amount regardless of the rank value.

Next, as shown by the experience value gauge EG in (b), when the amount of experience points acquired EV reaches the standard amount for rank up (the amount EV of acquired experience points matches the standard amount for rank up), Rank value increases by one. Further, such rank increase (increase in rank value) is accompanied by rank increase benefits (effects). In other words, when you rank up, you will be given rank-up benefits. The rank-up benefit may be configured as appropriate, and includes, for example, a consumable benefit (effect) and a non-consumable benefit. A consumable benefit is a type of benefit that is consumed in relation to the progress of the game (including the passage of time). Such consumable benefits include items that are consumed (disappeared) with use (such as recovery items), or recovery of parameter values that decrease (consumed) as the game progresses, etc. However, in the example of FIG. 5, recovery of the physical strength value is adopted as recovery of such parameter values. Recovery of physical strength is a privilege that recovers a predetermined amount of physical strength. In other words, as the rank increases, the physical strength value is recovered by a predetermined amount as a rank-up benefit. Such a predetermined amount may be set as appropriate. For example, the predetermined amount may be an amount equivalent to the maximum physical strength value (in this case, recovery exceeding the maximum value, that is, the upper limit of the parameter may be allowed), or the amount that will be recovered to the maximum value ( (amount that changes depending on the remaining amount) may be adopted. Furthermore, such a predetermined amount may be related to, for example, equal to, the amount recovered by a recovery item, or may be unrelated.

On the other hand, non-consumable benefits are benefits that are not consumed even as the game progresses (effects are maintained or fixed for a predetermined period). Non-consumable benefits include, for example, the effect of increasing the upper limit values of various parameters (the denominator in the case of consumable parameters, the value in the case of non-consumable parameters, etc.). Such an increase in the upper limit value (maximum value) of the parameter is the intended effect of increasing the rank value. Various parameters may be used as such parameters, but in the example of FIG. 5, a physical strength value is used. In other words, as the rank increases, the maximum physical strength value increases as a rank-up benefit. Similarly, as such non-consumable benefits, various benefits such as items that do not disappear even after use (for example, costumes for characters, etc.) or the granting of special events (progress) may be used. In the example of FIG. 5, story release is adopted. Story release is a privilege that releases a new story that can be viewed on the story screen. In other words, as you rank up, a new story will be released on the story screen as a rank-up benefit.

Furthermore, with the granting of such rank-up benefits (or rank-up), the amount of experience points acquired in the experience value gauge EG becomes zero (initial value), as shown by the experience value gauge EG in (c). will be reset. Specifically, the entire experience value gauge EG returns to white color display. In other words, the experience points acquired up to the current rank up are cleared, and the accumulation of the acquired amount of experience points EV is started from zero. In this way, until the level upper limit is reached, the amount of experience points earned (EV) will increase based on the play situation, the rank will increase as the standard amount for rank up is reached (granting rank up benefits), and the amount of experience points earned (EV) will increase based on the play situation. Clearing (resetting) is repeated. Further, in this example, the rank-up benefit functions as a level-up benefit of the present invention. Note that the rank-up benefit may be any appropriate one as described above, and may be only an original benefit such as an increase in the upper limit value of a parameter (for example, an increase in the maximum value of physical strength). In other words, it is not necessary to include other incidental benefits such as consumption-type benefits or other non-consumable benefits such as story release.

On the other hand, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the acquired amount of experience points and the rank-up reference amount after the rank value reaches the upper limit value. The example of FIG. 6 is similar to the example of FIG. 5, (a) before reaching the rank up standard amount, (b) when the rank up standard amount is reached, and (c) after reaching the rank up standard amount. The experience value gauge EG corresponding to the three states is shown. As shown in FIG. 6, the amount of experience points gained in the experience value gauge EG gradually increases based on the play situation, similar to the example in FIG. 5, and becomes zero (initial value ) is reset. On the other hand, the benefits when the rank up standard amount is reached are different from those before the rank value reaches the upper limit (example in FIG. 5).

Specifically, after the rank value reaches the upper limit, the amount of experience points acquired in the experience value gauge EG reaches the standard amount for rank up (for example, equivalent to the next time after reaching the upper limit) (rank increases from the initial value) (increased to the standard amount), standard achievement benefits (effects) are given instead of rank-up benefits. Although any appropriate benefit may be used as such a standard achievement benefit, for example, a part of the rank-up benefit may be used. Specifically, among the rank-up benefits, only consumption-type benefits are used as standard achievement benefits. In other words, in order to clarify the difference with rank-up (or to avoid having the same effect as rank-up), some rank-up benefits that are not originally associated with rank-up, etc. The granting of consumptive benefits will be omitted. For this reason, in the example of FIG. 6, recovery of physical strength (recovery effect) is given as a standard achievement benefit, and the amount of experience points acquired EV of the experience value gauge EG is reset (cleared) to the initial value. In this case, as the rank-up standard amount is reached, after the physical strength value is recovered, accumulation of the acquired amount of experience points EV is started again from the initial value. Such a difference occurs in the relationship between the amount of experience points acquired and rank up (or reaching the rank up standard amount) before and after reaching the upper limit value. In this example, the rank up standard amount (corresponding amount of acquired experience points) functions as the predetermined amount of the present invention. In addition, recovery of physical strength (consumable benefit) functions as part of the level-increasing benefit of the present invention. Similarly, health values serve as a progression value for the present invention.

Note that the same standard amount for rank up after the rank value reaches the upper limit may be adopted as the standard amount before the rank value reaches the upper limit, or a different and unique standard amount (after reaching the upper limit) may be adopted. Specific) reference amounts may be adopted as appropriate. For example, in order to make it easier for users whose rank value has reached the upper limit to achieve the standard amount of rank up (in other words, to be more likely to receive the standard achievement benefit), A smaller reference amount may also be employed. Further, the standard achievement benefit is not limited to a part of the rank-up benefit. As the standard achievement benefit, a unique benefit that is completely different from the rank-up benefit may be adopted as appropriate. Furthermore, non-consumable benefits may be allowed as standard achievement benefits, as long as they are substantially different from rank increases.

Next, details of the play data PD will be explained. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of play data PD. The play data PD is data for managing each user's play performance regarding the game as described above. Such play results include information such as the above-mentioned rank value, physical strength value, or experience value. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the play data PD includes a play record PDR that manages these rank values and the like for each user. The play record PDR includes information such as "user ID", "rank", "physical strength value (maximum)", "physical strength value (remaining amount)", "experience value", "story", and "item". I'm here.

"User ID" is a unique user ID for each user to identify each user (as long as each user's account can be identified, one user may use multiple user IDs, and there is not necessarily a one-to-one pairing with the user). 1 may not be supported). “Rank” is information indicating the rank value of each user. Both the “physical strength value (maximum)” and the “physical strength value (remaining amount)” are information indicating the physical strength value. Specifically, "physical strength value (maximum)" is information indicating the maximum value of physical strength value. On the other hand, "physical strength value (remaining amount)" is information indicating the remaining amount (usable amount) of physical strength value. For example, the current value (remaining amount) of the physical strength value presentation area 48C1 indicates the remaining amount of physical strength indicated by “physical strength value (remaining amount)” (the numerator in the example in FIG. )” (the denominator in the example of FIG. 3) is displayed. “Experience value” is information indicating the amount of experience value acquired. For example, the experience value gauge EG displays the amount of experience value acquired (for example, the right diagonal line EV in the example of FIG. 5 or FIG. 6) indicated by "experience value". “Story” is information indicating a story that can be viewed on the story screen. If there are multiple stories, story ID information for identifying each story is written in "story". Further, for example, if there is a story released by story release, information on the story ID corresponding to such story is written in "story". “Item” is information indicating an item owned by each user. For example, an "item" may include a unique item ID for each item (it may be a unit of type. In that case, the "item" may also include information on the number) to identify each of multiple items. Information is written. Similarly to the story, information on the item ID corresponding to the item given to the user as a reward or the like is written in "Item". These pieces of information are recorded in the play record PDR so as to be correlated with each other.

Note that the play data PD is not limited to these pieces of information, and may include information on various types of play results to be managed. Alternatively, some of this information may be used as appropriate, such as information on "physical strength value (maximum)" when the maximum physical strength value is fixedly set (uniquely acquired) according to the rank value. may be abbreviated to Furthermore, for example, some of this information may be managed as separate data as appropriate.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the experience value increase process and the bonus grant process will be described. The experience value increase process is a process for increasing the amount of experience points acquired based on the play situation. The data management unit 34 starts the experience value increase process shown in FIG. 8 every time the play of a training mini-game (a game to which experience points are given), such as a music game, is completed, and first The play status of a mini-game (for example, a music game) is acquired (step S101). For example, when the training game is a music game, the data management unit 34 acquires the acquired points (play results) obtained by playing the music game as such a play situation.

Next, the data management unit 34 calculates the amount of experience points that should be given this time (that should be acquired by the user) based on the play situation acquired in step S101 (step S102). Such calculation may be realized, for example, through appropriate conversion data (not shown) that associates (maps) the acquired score with the amount of experience points. Note that such calculation may be performed as part of the progress of the game, after the game ends, in order to present the play result through the progress control unit 33. In that case, the data management unit 34 may acquire the calculated amount of experience points as the play status in step S101, and may omit the process of step S102. Alternatively, on the contrary, the progress control unit 33 may use (acquire) the processing results of the experience value increase processing in order to present the play results.

Next, the data management unit 34 gives the amount of experience points calculated in step S102 (or acquired in step S101) to the user (step S103). Specifically, the data management unit 34 realizes such granting by increasing the amount of acquisition managed by the "experience value" of the play data PD. That is, the data management unit 34 updates the play data PD so that the amount of acquisition managed by "experience points" increases by the amount of experience points calculated in step S102. After such provision, the data management unit 34 ends the current experience value increase process. As a result, the amount of acquisition managed by the "experience value" of the play data PD increases depending on the playing situation of the music game or the like. Moreover, such an increase in the amount of acquisition is performed regardless of whether the rank value has reached the upper limit value. Therefore, such an increase in the acquisition amount is performed even after the rank value reaches the upper limit value. Then, the acquired amount of experience points is presented on the experience value gauge EG in the rank area 48B based on the acquired amount managed by the "experience points" of the play data PD. In other words, such an increase in the amount of acquired experience points is reflected in the experience value gauge EG regardless of whether the rank value has reached the upper limit value.

On the other hand, the benefit granting process is a process for granting a rank-up benefit or a standard achievement benefit. For example, the data management unit 34 starts the privilege granting process shown in FIG. 9 every time the experience value increase process ends, and first determines whether or not the rank up condition is satisfied (step S201). The rank up condition is a condition for determining whether or not it corresponds to rank up. As the rank-up condition, an appropriate condition such as the use of a special item may be used, but for example, a condition of whether or not the above-mentioned rank-up reference amount is reached is used. That is, the data management unit 34 determines whether or not the amount of experience points acquired (the amount of “experience points” acquired in the play data PD) reaches the rank-up reference amount as a rank-up condition. More specifically, the data management unit 34 determines that if the rank-up condition is satisfied when the amount of acquired experience points has reached the rank-up standard amount, the rank-up condition is satisfied when the rank-up standard amount has not been reached. If they are not satisfied, each is determined. Then, if it is determined that the rank-up conditions are not met, that is, if the amount of experience points acquired has not reached the rank-up standard amount, the data management unit 34 skips the subsequent processing and ends the current benefit granting process. do.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the rank-up condition is satisfied, that is, if the amount of experience points acquired has reached the rank-up reference amount, the data management unit 34 determines whether the rank value has reached the upper limit (step S202). If the rank value has not reached the upper limit value, the data management unit 34 provides a rank-up benefit (step S203). When restoring physical strength, increasing the upper limit of physical strength, and unlocking a story are used as rank-up benefits, for example, such grants can be applied to “physical strength (remaining amount)” and “physical strength (maximum)” in the play data PD. )” and “story” information. In other words, the data management unit 34 updates the "physical strength value (maximum)" so that the maximum value of the physical strength value increases, and also updates the "physical strength value (maximum)" so that the "physical strength value (remaining amount)" recovers by a predetermined amount. (Remaining amount)” is updated. Similarly, the data management unit 34 updates the "story" information in the play data PD so that, for example, a story ID corresponding to a story released by story release is added.

On the other hand, if the rank value has reached the upper limit, the data management unit 34 grants a standard achievement benefit (step S204). When recovery of the physical strength value similar to the rank-up benefit is used as the standard achievement benefit, such provision is realized by updating the "physical strength value (remaining amount)" of the play data PD in the same way as the rank-up benefit. After granting such a standard achievement benefit or after granting a rank-up benefit in step S203, the data management unit 34 resets the acquired amount of experience points to the initial value (step S205). In other words, the data management unit 34 reduces the amount of gain of experience points by the amount of increase from the previous granting of the benefit to the granting of the current benefit (the amount acquired corresponding to the rank-up standard amount). Specifically, the data management unit 34 updates the play data PD so that the amount of acquisition managed by "experience points" becomes the initial value (for example, zero) (or decreases by an amount corresponding to the increase). Achieve a reset like this. After such a reset, the data management unit 34 ends the current benefit granting process.

According to the procedure shown in FIG. 9, benefits associated with ranking up are granted. Specifically, a rank-up benefit is provided as such a benefit until the rank value reaches the upper limit value. For example, if the physical strength recovery, story release, and maximum physical strength increase shown in the example in Figure 5 are used as rank-up benefits, the maximum physical strength value will increase, your physical strength will be recovered by a certain amount, and a new story will be unlocked. On the other hand, after the rank value reaches the upper limit, a standard achievement benefit is granted as such a benefit. For example, if the recovery of physical strength shown in the example in Figure 6 is used as a standard achievement benefit, when the rank-up conditions are met (for example, the amount of experience points acquired reaches the standard amount for rank-up), the physical strength increases by a predetermined amount. Recover. In other words, after the rank value reaches the upper limit, only a part of the benefits at the time of ranking up are granted, unlike before reaching the upper limit.

As explained above, according to this embodiment, even after the rank value reaches the upper limit value, the amount of experience points acquired increases based on the playing situation of the music game or the like. Therefore, even after the rank value reaches the upper limit value (level upper limit value), the play situation can be reflected in the amount of experience points acquired. Further, if the amount of experience points acquired increases (reaches) the rank-up standard amount after reaching such a level upper limit value, a standard achievement benefit is granted instead of the rank-up benefit. Specifically, a consumable benefit (for example, recovery of physical strength) that is part of the rank-up benefit is provided as the standard achievement benefit. Therefore, the amount of experience points acquired after reaching the level upper limit can be used to provide such benefits. Thereby, the amount of experience points acquired after reaching the level upper limit value can be used more effectively than in the case where the acquired amount of experience points is not counted and is wasted. Moreover, since the standard achievement benefit is similar to the rank-up benefit, although it is a part of it, it is possible to suppress the feeling of discomfort that may arise from the difference in the value of experience points before and after the level upper limit.

Furthermore, with the granting of such benefits, for example, the amount EV of experience points acquired in the experience value gauge EG (the increase after rank up, that is, after reaching the upper limit of the level) is reset to zero. In other words, the compensation for granting the benefit is reduced from the amount of experience points acquired. As a result, for example, if the amount of experience points gained once again contributes to rank up due to an increase (change) in the level upper limit, the experience points that contributed to the granting of a benefit will be used again for another benefit (e.g. In other words, it is possible to prevent the experience points increased after rank up from being redundantly used for other benefits. Alternatively, it is possible to reduce disadvantages such as an increase in processing load or resources that may occur when the amount of experience points acquired increases without limit. With these, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the user's desire (motivation) for the game and promote the use of the game.

On the other hand, when the amount of experience points acquired increases to the rank-up reference amount after the level value reaches the upper limit, only the consumption-type benefits are granted among the level-increasing benefits. More specifically, among the level-increasing benefits, only physical strength recovery effects (benefits) are included. Even once such physical strength is recovered, it is consumed in connection with the progress of the game. Therefore, it is possible to limit the difference that occurs between a user at the upper limit level and other users due to the provision of such benefits to a temporary period. Therefore, it is possible to suppress differences in progress or differences in superiority or inferiority that may occur between users at the upper limit level and other users. As a result, it is possible to suppress the user's discomfort while suppressing a decrease in the desire to continue playing the game not only for the user whose level value has reached the upper limit value but also for other users.

In the above embodiment, the data management unit 34 of the game machine 3 functions as the experience value increasing means of the present invention by executing the process of step S103 in FIG. Further, the data management unit 34 of the game machine 3 functions as a privilege granting means and an experience value subtraction means of the present invention by executing the procedure shown in FIG. Specifically, the data management unit 34 functions as a privilege granting means by executing the process of step S204 in FIG. 9, and functions as an experience value subtraction means by executing the process of step S205 in FIG.

The present invention is not limited to the form described above, and may be implemented in forms with appropriate modifications or changes. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the amount of experience points acquired is uniformly reset to the initial value upon reaching the rank-up reference amount, even when the rank is increased and after reaching the level upper limit. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the amount of experience points earned is counted cumulatively until the level cap is reached, and only the increase after reaching the level cap is reset to the initial value (the cumulative value until the level cap is reached). It's okay.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the relationship between the acquired amount of experience points and the rank-up reference amount according to the modification. The example in FIG. 10 is similar to the example in FIG. 6: (a) before reaching the rank-up reference amount, (b) when reaching the rank-up reference amount, and (c) after reaching the rank-up reference amount. The experience value gauge EG corresponding to the three states is shown. In this example, as shown in FIG. 10, unlike the example in FIG. 6, the acquired amount of experience points EV is cumulatively counted until the level upper limit is reached. In other words, until the level upper limit is reached, the experience value acquisition amount EV remains without being reset even if the rank increases. Therefore, the increased amount exceeding the acquisition amount EV when the upper limit value is achieved is used for granting the standard achievement benefit and is reset.

Specifically, for example, as shown by the experience value gauge EG in (a), the amount of experience points acquired EV is cumulatively counted until the level upper limit is reached, so after reaching the level upper limit, the level upper limit The acquired amount of experience points EV at the time of value remains, and from then on, the experience points increase beyond the acquired amount EV. In other words, even if the level upper limit is reached, the experience point acquisition amount EV is still cumulatively counted until the rank up standard amount is reached. Then, as shown by the experience value gauge EG in (b), when the amount of experience points acquired EV reaches the standard amount for rank up (corresponding to the next time after reaching the level upper limit), that is, at the level upper limit When the increase in experience value exceeding the acquired amount EV reaches a predetermined amount, the standard achievement benefit is granted as in the example of FIG. 6 .

On the other hand, as shown by the experience value gauge EG in (c), such an increase is reset as the rank-up standard amount is reached (a standard achievement benefit is given). That is, the acquired amount of experience points EV that has increased beyond the acquired amount of experience points EV at the level upper limit value is returned to the acquired amount of experience points EV at the level upper limit value. After reaching the level upper limit value, such a flow is repeated. In this way, the reset destination after reaching the rank-up standard amount, that is, the initial value that is reset when the standard achievement benefit is granted, is zero or It may be set as appropriate, such as the amount of experience points acquired at the level upper limit. Similarly, the predetermined amount of experience points that corresponds to the granting of standard achievement benefits is the standard amount of rank up (corresponding amount of experience points acquired) when the initial value is reset to zero, or the amount of experience points at the level cap. The amount of increase when the value is reset to the amount of experience points acquired (the amount of increase from the amount of experience points acquired at the level upper limit to the standard amount for rank up, that is, the amount of experience points acquired at the level upper limit from the standard amount for rank up) (obtained amount subtracted), etc. may be set as appropriate.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, for example, when the amount of acquired experience points EV reaches the rank-up standard amount after reaching the level upper limit, the standard achievement benefit is automatically granted upon reaching the rank-up standard amount. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, such a standard achievement benefit may be provided at an appropriate time such as when specified by the user. In such a case, for example, depending on the period, the amount of experience points acquired EV may be accumulated in excess of the rank-up standard amount. In such a case, the amount of experience points acquired EV may or may not be reset upon reaching a rank up. In the case of being reset upon reaching a rank up, information indicating the right to grant a standard achievement benefit upon reaching a rank up may be separately counted. In such a case, such rights (or information indicating such rights) may function as a benefit of the present invention. On the other hand, if it is not reset upon reaching the rank up, the acquired amount of experience points EV may be reset with subsequent granting of the standard achievement benefit. Further, if the acquired amount of experience points EV is not reset when the rank up is reached, the acquired amount of experience points EV will be accumulated in excess of the standard time for rank up. Therefore, resetting the acquired amount of experience points EV is not limited to resetting to the initial value. In this case, the predetermined amount of experience points for granting the standard achievement benefit (for example, the increase from zero to the rank up standard in the example of Figure 6, or the acquisition of experience points at the upper level level in the example of Figure 10) (from the amount to the rank-up reference amount) may be subtracted from the acquired amount of experience points EV so as to be reset. That is, in this case, the acquired amount of experience points EV may be decreased by a predetermined amount instead of being uniformly reset to the initial value.

In the above embodiment, it is not specifically mentioned whether the upper limit value of the rank value is fixed or variable, but it may be either of these. In other words, after reaching the upper limit of the rank value, the same state may continue thereafter, and the upper limit of the rank value may be changed as appropriate depending on predetermined conditions (for example, play status, administrator's designation, etc.) May be changed to . Therefore, for example, when the upper limit value is changed, even after the upper limit value of the rank value has been reached, an opportunity to increase the rank again may be provided in accordance with such a change in the upper limit value. In other words, upon reaching the rank-up reference amount, the state in which the standard achievement benefit is provided may return to the state in which the rank-up benefit is provided again.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the amount EV of experience points acquired after reaching the upper limit of the rank value is also uniformly managed by the play data PD as the same "experience value" information. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the amount of experience points acquired after reaching the upper limit of the rank value may be managed as information separate from the amount of experience points acquired that reaches such upper limit. In this case, the amounts obtained (the amounts obtained before and after reaching the upper limit value) may be managed as separate pieces of information by the same play data PD, or may be managed by separate pieces of data.

In the above embodiment, the game machine 3 provides a character development game. However, the games provided by the game machine 3 are not limited to such games. The game machine 3 may provide an appropriate game including experience points and ranks (levels) using the experience points. The various experience points (or values equivalent thereto) included in such a game may be configured as described above.

Further, the center server 2 may perform all or part of the role (various processes, etc.) of the game machine 3 in the above-described form. That is, the game system of the present invention may be configured such that the center server 2 and the game machine 3 cooperate as appropriate to realize each function that the game machine 3 and the center server 2 of this embodiment have. On the other hand, the center server 2 may be omitted. In this case, one game machine 3 may function as the game system of the present invention. Or, conversely, the center server 2 may function alone as the game system of the present invention.

Various aspects of the present invention derived from each of the embodiments and modifications described above will be described below. In the following description, corresponding members illustrated in the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, but the present invention is thereby limited to the illustrated form. It's not a thing.

In the game system of the present invention, the level value for defining the parameters used for progression increases in accordance with the amount of experience points acquired (EV) given based on the play situation, and the level value A game system (1) that provides a game in which a level upper limit value is set as a limit, wherein the amount of acquired experience points is determined by the level value reaching the level upper limit value after the level value reaches the level upper limit value. experience value increasing means (34) for increasing the experience value from a later initial value based on the play situation; and a benefit granting means (34) for granting a benefit when the acquired amount of experience points increases from the initial value to a predetermined amount. and an experience value subtraction means (34) that reduces the acquired amount of experience points by the predetermined amount in accordance with the granting of the benefit, and the benefit granting means is configured to: If a benefit for increasing the level is granted, including a consumable benefit that is consumed in connection with the progress of the game and a non-consumable benefit that is not consumed in connection with the progress of the game, the consumption Among the type benefits and the non-consumable benefits, only the consumption benefits are granted as the benefits.

According to the present invention, the amount of experience points acquired increases based on the play situation even after the level value reaches the level upper limit value. Therefore, even after the level value reaches the level upper limit value, the play situation can be reflected in the amount of experience points acquired. Furthermore, if the amount of experience points acquired increases by a predetermined amount after reaching such a level upper limit value, a benefit is granted. Therefore, the amount of experience points acquired after the level upper limit can be used for granting benefits. Thereby, the amount of experience points acquired after reaching the level upper limit value can be used more effectively than in the case where the acquired amount of experience points is not counted and is wasted. Furthermore, with the provision of such benefits, the amount of experience points acquired is reduced by a predetermined amount. In other words, the compensation for granting the benefit is reduced from the amount of experience points acquired. As a result, for example, if the amount of experience points acquired once again contributes to leveling up due to an increase (change) in the level upper limit, the experience points that contributed to the granting of the benefit will be reused as another benefit (for example, level up). In other words, it is possible to prevent a predetermined amount of experience points from being redundantly used for another benefit. Alternatively, it is possible to reduce disadvantages such as an increase in processing load or resources that may occur when the amount of experience points acquired increases without limit. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the user's desire (motivation) for the game when the user has reached the upper limit level, and to promote the use of the game.

On the other hand, when the amount of acquired experience points increases from the initial value to a predetermined amount after the level value reaches the upper limit, only the consumption-type benefits are granted among the level-increasing benefits. Such consumable benefits, even once granted, are consumed in connection with the progress of the game. Therefore, it is possible to limit the difference that occurs between a user at the upper limit level and other users due to the provision of such benefits to a temporary period. Therefore, it is possible to suppress differences in progress or differences in superiority or inferiority that may occur between users at the upper limit level and other users. Also, the benefits after the level value reaches the upper limit are the same as the benefits for increasing the level, although some of them are the same, so there is a difference in the value of experience points before and after the level value reaches the upper limit. It is possible to suppress the discomfort that may arise from this. As a result, it is possible to suppress the user's discomfort while suppressing a decrease in the desire to continue playing the game not only for the user whose level value has reached the upper limit value but also for other users.

Further, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the benefit granting means is configured such that the game includes a value for progression that is consumed to grant a predetermined progression and gradually recovers over time; When a recovery effect that recovers the value for progression is used as the consumption-type benefit, the recovery effect may be provided as the benefit.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause the computer (31) to function as each means of the above-mentioned game system.

Further, in the control method of the present invention, the level value for defining parameters used for progression increases in accordance with the amount of experience points acquired (EV) given based on the play situation, and the level value A computer (31) incorporated in a game system (1) that provides a game in which a level upper limit value is set as a limit of increase, the amount of experience points acquired after the level value reaches the level upper limit value. A procedure for increasing experience points based on the play situation from the initial value after reaching the upper limit of the level, and a bonus granting a benefit when the acquired amount of experience points increases from the initial value to a predetermined amount. and an experience value subtraction procedure for reducing the acquired amount of experience points by the predetermined amount as the level value increases in the game. When a level-increasing benefit is granted that includes a consumable benefit that is consumed in connection with the progression of the game and a non-consumable benefit that is not consumed in connection with the progression of the game, the consumable benefit; And among the non-consumable benefits, only the consumable benefits are provided as the benefits. By executing the computer program or control method of the present invention, the game system of the present invention can be realized.

1 Game System 3 Game Machine 31 Control Unit (Computer)
34 Data management department (experience point increase means, benefit granting means, experience point subtraction means)
EV Amount of experience points acquired PG2 Program (computer program)

Claims (2)

The level value that defines the parameters used for progression increases according to the accumulated amount of experience points given based on the play situation, and the level upper limit is the limit for increasing the level value. A game system comprising a computer that provides a game in which
The computer includes:
After the level value reaches the level upper limit value, value increasing means for increasing the amount acquired as a cumulative amount of value other than the amount of acquired experience points based on the play situation;
a benefit granting means that grants a benefit when the acquired amount of the other value increases to a predetermined amount;
Equipped with
In the game system, the benefit granting means grants, as the benefit, a consumable benefit that is granted as the level value increases in the game and is consumed in connection with the progress of the game. The level value that defines the parameters used for progression increases according to the accumulated amount of experience points given based on the play situation, and the level upper limit is the limit for increasing the level value. A game system comprising a computer that provides a game in which
The computer includes:
After the level value reaches the level upper limit value, value increasing means for increasing the amount acquired as a cumulative amount of value other than the amount of acquired experience points based on the play situation;
a benefit granting means that grants a benefit when the acquired amount of the other value increases to a predetermined amount;
experience value subtraction means for reducing the acquired amount of the other value by the predetermined amount in conjunction with the granting of the benefit;
Equipped with
The above-mentioned privilege giving means is a game system in which the above-mentioned privilege giving means gives a privilege given as the above-mentioned privilege as the above-mentioned level value rises in the above-mentioned game.

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