JP2023158218A - Game managing device, game system, method of managing game, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game that can be repeatedly played by a user without getting tired and gives great fun.SOLUTION: Setting means sets at least one character selected by a user from among a plurality of characters that the user has as a first character for generating an event. Event management means allows an event relating to the first character to occur during a game according to the first character or a combination of a plurality of first characters. By the first character that can be set by the user at will or the combination of a plurality of first characters, a variation of the event occurring during the game is increased.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

The present invention relates to a game management device, a game system, a game management method, and a program for managing games.

Conventionally, games have been proposed in which various predetermined events occur during the progress of the game (for example, Patent Document 1). The user progresses through the game while enjoying events that occur during the game.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-33488

Usually, a plurality of various events are prepared in advance as events that occur during the game. However, since the events that occur during the game are fixed, as the user plays the game many times, the same events occur over and over again, and the user may become bored with the game.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a highly interesting game that users can play repeatedly without getting bored.

1) A game management device (3,201,203) according to one aspect of the present invention includes a setting means (3,201,203) for setting at least one character selected by a user from among a plurality of characters owned by the user as a first character for event occurrence. 71), and event management means (72) for generating an event related to the first character during the game according to the first character or a combination of the plurality of first characters.

The game management device having this configuration can be configured by, for example, a computer (a dedicated game machine, a personal computer, a smartphone, etc.) as a game device. Alternatively, the game management device can be configured by a computer such as a server that can communicate with each user's game terminal. Alternatively, the game management device can be configured by a plurality of computers (servers, game terminals) that communicate with each other.

In a game managed by this game management device, a user can own multiple characters. Here, various characters can be used as the characters, such as people, animals, plants, imaginary creatures (monsters, etc.), non-living things (materials, tools, etc.), depending on the content of the game. Further, the character can be displayed in various forms within the game, such as a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image, or a card-format image.

Furthermore, in the game managed by the present game management device, the user can select at least one character from among a plurality of characters owned by the user and set it as the character for occurrence of an event. At least one character selected by the user is set as the "first character for event occurrence" by the setting means.

Then, the event management means generates an event related to the first character during the game according to the first character or a combination of the plurality of first characters set for event generation. Here, as an event related to the first character, for example, in a game based on sports, an event in which the first character practices or competes with a rival can be considered. In addition, the first character may act together with the user's alter ego character (my character) (for example, practice, eat, travel), etc. Note that the event related to the first character is not limited to an event in which the first character appears on the screen. For example, the event may be an event in which a quiz related to the first character is asked. In addition, there are events where other characters related to the first character (friends, seniors, juniors, coaches, rivals, etc.) talk about the first character, or where the first character's rival defeats the first character. It may also be an event to practice for.

Note that when the first character or a plurality of first characters are set to generate an event, the event may always occur, the event may occur with a predetermined probability, or the event may occur with a predetermined probability. An event may be generated when a condition is met.

Further, the event related to the first character can be an event related to a parameter (characteristic parameter) of the first character. For example, if the first character is a character that is excellent in a specific ability (the parameters of the specific ability are higher than a predetermined standard), events related to the first character will be related to that specific ability. Make the event relevant (utilizing specific abilities). As a specific example, if the first character is a player with excellent batting ability (parameter of batting ability is higher than a predetermined standard), the event related to the first character is an event related to batting, for example, batting. It can be an event such as a special training session or a home run competition.

Further, the event related to the first character can be an event related to the relationship between the first character and a second character (such as a user's personal character), which will be described later. For example, if the first character and the second character have a rivalry relationship in the game, the event related to the first character is an event of a confrontation scene between both characters.

In particular, by combining a plurality of first characters, an event corresponding to the combination occurs, resulting in a large number of event variations. That is, when a user selects and combines r characters from n characters owned by the user, the number of combinations is n! /{(n-r)! r! } is represented. For example, if a user selects three characters from the ten characters they own and sets them as the first character, there are 120 combinations, and the user can change the combination of characters set as the first character. Various events can be expected to occur depending on the combination.

Furthermore, when a plurality of first characters are combined, an event may occur depending on the relationship between the plurality of first characters. Alternatively, an event may occur depending on the relationship between a plurality of characters including a plurality of first characters and a second character. An example is shown below.

Example 1: If characters A and B are rivals in the game, by setting both characters A and B as the first characters for the event occurrence, a confrontation scene event will occur (possibly Users can expect (or imagine events that might occur)

Example 2: If characters P, Q, and R are classmates from the same school in the game, by setting these three characters P, Q, and R as the first characters for event generation, We can expect that an event where three people go on a trip will (possibly) occur. Furthermore, if the characters P, Q, R and the second character are classmates at the same school, by setting these three characters P, Q, R as the first character for event generation, We can expect that an event will (may) occur where four people including the second character go on a trip.

Events do not always occur, but if the user knows the parameters, characteristics, relationships with other primary characters, relationships with secondary characters, etc. of each primary character, it is possible to set the event for occurrence. The first character or the combination of a plurality of first characters also creates the pleasure of imagining or anticipating events that may occur.

Further, the effect of event occurrence can also be arbitrarily determined. For example, when an event occurs, the parameters of the user's my character may change depending on the progress or result of the event, or the user may be given an item or the like. Alternatively, the user may simply enjoy the event that has occurred without producing effects such as parameter changes.

As described above, in this configuration, the user collects characters for event generation, arbitrarily selects the collected characters, and sets them as the first character for event generation, thereby creating the first character or a plurality of first characters. Various events can occur during the game depending on the combination of. Therefore, the user can enjoy variations of the event based on the first character set for event generation or a combination thereof. For example, a user who has become bored with the game can change the first character set for event generation, thereby changing the events that occur during the game, thereby allowing the user to play the game without getting bored. That is, in this game management device, the first character or the combination of a plurality of first characters that can be arbitrarily set by the user allows for a rich variety of events that occur during the game. This expands the range of play, making it possible to realize a highly interesting game that the user can play repeatedly without getting bored.

2) In the above configuration, it is preferable that the event management means (72) cause the event corresponding to the first character or a combination of a plurality of first characters to occur at a predetermined probability during the game.

Here, the probability of an event occurring may be the same probability for all events, or may be different, such as 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, etc., depending on the content, type, effect, etc. of the event. It's okay. Further, as in configuration 4) described below, the probability of occurrence of an event may be changed during the game depending on the user's game operation.

In this configuration, even if the first character for event generation is set, the event related to the first character does not necessarily occur 100% of the time, and whether or not the event occurs is determined based on probability. There is. Therefore, it is not known when the event will occur. Therefore, after the first character is set for event occurrence, the user plays the game with a sense of tension while expecting that an event related to the first character will occur. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the game performance.

3) In the configuration of 2) above, a relationship management means (73) for managing the relationship between the second character operated by the user during the game and the first character, and according to the relationship, Preferably, the apparatus further includes probability varying means (74) for varying the probability.

Here, the second character operated by the user during the game is a so-called player character, and can be, for example, a personal character that is an alter ego of the user. In addition, there are various relationships between the first character and the second character, such as teammates, players and coaches, players and managers, seniors and juniors, rivals, lovers, bosses and subordinates, parents and children, siblings, etc. Applicable. The degree of relationship between the first character and the second character may be, for example, the degree of intimacy between them, or may be an evaluation value by which one evaluates the other.

Further, the degree of relationship between the first character and the second character may have an initial value determined in advance. For example, the first character A and the second character are best friends in the game, and the degree of relationship between them is set to "100". On the other hand, the first character B and the second character are set to be acquaintances in the game, and the degree of relationship between them is set to "10". Furthermore, the degree of relationship may vary during the game depending on the actions of the second character operated by the user, as in configuration 5) described below.

According to this configuration, the probability of occurrence of an event related to the first character (or an event corresponding to the combination when the first character is included in the combination) is determined by the degree of relationship between the first character and the second character. (probability of occurrence) changes. For example, the greater the degree of relationship (the degree of familiarity, the evaluation value, etc.), the higher the probability of event occurrence.

For example, the relationship level between the first character and the second character is "39 or less", "40-79", "80-119", "120-159", "160-199", "200 (maximum)". ), the probability of event occurrence varies as "10%," "20%," "30%," "50%," "70%," and "100%," respectively. When the first character is alone, the event occurrence probability in the above example can be applied as is. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of first characters set for event occurrence, various modes can be considered for determining the probability of occurrence of an event according to a combination of the plurality of first characters. An example is shown below.

Regarding the probability of occurrence of an event depending on the combination of multiple first characters (A, B...), the degree of relationship between all the first characters (A, B...) and the second character is based on a predetermined standard (condition). When , the probability according to the criterion of the satisfied degree of relationship is applied. For example, the probability of an event occurring is "10%" until all of the set first characters satisfy a predetermined relationship standard (for example, "40 or more"), and when that standard is satisfied, In this case, the probability of occurrence of the event is "20%". Further, when all of the plurality of first characters further satisfy a higher relationship standard (for example, "80 or more"), the probability of occurrence of the event becomes "30%". Similarly, each time all of the plurality of first characters satisfy the higher degree of relationship criterion, the probability of occurrence of the event increases.

Alternatively, the probability of occurrence of an event depending on a combination of a plurality of first characters may be determined by employing the one with the highest degree of relationship among the plurality of first characters. Or, conversely, the one with the lowest degree of relationship may be adopted; in this case, the user is motivated to raise the degree of relationship.

Alternatively, the probability of occurrence of an event depending on a combination of a plurality of first characters may be determined based on the average of the relationship degrees by calculating the average of the relationship degrees of the plurality of first characters.

Incidentally, it is preferable that the degree of relationship between each first character and second character be made visible to the user on the screen. This allows the user to check the degree of relationship between the first character and the second character on the screen when setting the first character to generate an event, or while the game is progressing, and to play while recognizing the degree of relationship. can be enjoyed. For example, if the user confirms on the screen that the degree of relationship with a certain first character is high, the user's expectation that an event related to that first character will occur with a high probability increases.

With this configuration, the ease with which an event occurs is determined by the degree of relationship between the first character and the second character set for event generation, or by the degree of relationship with the second character after the first character is set. change. Therefore, if a user wants to cause an event to occur quickly, he or she can play the game in a way that increases the relationship between the first character that the user has set and the second character that is the user's controlled character. It can enhance the gameplay.

4) In the configuration of 3) above, further comprising an appearing character management means (75) for causing the first character to appear in the game, and the relationship management means (73) for making the first character appear in the game, and the relationship management means (73) for making the first character appear in the game. It is preferable that the degree of relationship between the first character and the second character is changed each time the character performs a predetermined action with the first character.

Here, the "predetermined action" refers to various in-game actions, such as the second character practicing with the first character, having a confrontation, eating, playing, or being together in the same place. say. In this configuration, the first character set by the user to generate an event appears in the game. If the second character operated by the user performs a predetermined action such as practicing with the first character in the game, the degree of relationship between the two (the intimacy, the evaluation value, etc.) improves, and the first character The probability of occurrence of an event related to (or an event corresponding to the combination when the first character is included in the combination) increases.

Furthermore, since the first character is set for event generation, even if the second character does not perform a predetermined action with the first character, an event related to the first character will occur with a predetermined probability as described above. There is a possibility. Furthermore, in this configuration, by causing the second character to perform a predetermined action with the first character through the user's operation, it is possible to intentionally improve the probability of an event occurring.

Therefore, if the user wants to cause an event related to a specific first character to occur with a high probability, the user can operate the game (the actions of the second character in the game) so that the second character performs a predetermined action with the first character. , etc.). With this configuration, the user can change the probability of occurrence of an event related to a specific first character through his/her own operation, thereby further improving the gameplay.

5) In the configuration of 1) above, an appearance character management means (75) for causing the first character to appear in the game, and a character management means (75) for causing the first character to appear in the game, and for each time the second character performs a predetermined action with the first character according to a user's operation. The event management means (72) further includes relationship management means (73) for changing the degree of relationship between the first character and the second character, and the event management means (72) is configured to change the degree of relationship between the first character and the second character. It is preferable that the event related to the first character is generated when the degree of relationship of the first character reaches a predetermined standard.

In this configuration, the first character set by the user to generate an event appears in the game. If the second character operated by the user performs a predetermined action (such as practicing together) with the first character in the game, the degree of relationship between the two characters (the degree of familiarity, the evaluation value, etc.) changes. Then, after the degree of relationship with a certain first character reaches a predetermined standard, an event related to that first character occurs (100% occurrence). Here, regarding the timing of event occurrence, the event may occur immediately after the degree of relationship reaches a predetermined standard, or it may occur after a certain amount of time after the degree of relationship reaches a predetermined standard ( For example, the event may occur after the event timing in the game has been adjusted. An example of a case where the timing of an event occurring in a game may be adjusted is as follows. In other words, in a game where the game progresses divided into multiple turns, if the degree of relationship between the first character and the second character reaches a predetermined standard while executing a command in a certain turn, at the start of the next turn Wait until then, so that an event related to the first character occurs.

Note that if the degree of relationship does not reach a predetermined standard, it can be determined arbitrarily. For example, if the degree of relationship between a first character and a second character does not reach a predetermined standard, there is a probability that the relationship between the first character and the second character is related to the first character. An event may also occur. Alternatively, if the degree of relationship between the first character and the second character does not reach a predetermined standard, an event related to the first character may not occur.

Here, if there is only one first character set for event generation, the event will naturally occur when the degree of relationship between the first character and the second character reaches a predetermined standard (this triggers). Occur.

On the other hand, in the case where there is a plurality of first characters set for event occurrence, various modes are possible. An event corresponding to a combination of multiple first characters (A, B...) occurs when the degree of relationship between all the first characters (A, B...) and the second character reaches a predetermined standard. can be made to occur. Alternatively, an event corresponding to a combination of a plurality of first characters (A, B...) may be triggered when the degree of relationship between any one of the first characters and the second character reaches a predetermined standard. An event may also occur. Alternatively, an event corresponding to a combination of a plurality of first characters (A, B...) may be such that the degree of relationship between a predetermined percentage or more (for example, 50% or more) of the first characters and the second character meets a predetermined standard. The event may be caused to occur when the number is reached.

In this configuration, when the user wants to ensure that an event related to a specific first character occurs, the user can operate the game (introduce the second character in the game) so that the degree of relationship with the first character reaches a predetermined standard. (e.g., selecting an action). With this configuration, the user can cause 100% of the events related to the specific first character to occur through his/her own operations, thereby further improving the gameplay.

6) In any of the configurations 1) to 5) above, an upper limit can be set for the number of the first characters that can be set, and the upper limit of the number that can be set can be changed by satisfying a predetermined condition. Preferably, the device further includes a number management means (76).

According to this configuration, there is an upper limit to the number of first characters that can be set for event generation. For example, at the start of the game, the upper limit of the number that can be set is "2". However, the upper limit of the number that can be set varies depending on satisfying predetermined conditions. Here, examples of the predetermined conditions include the following.

(a) As in configuration 7) described below, a predetermined condition is that a game parameter related to the progress of the game satisfies a preset condition.

(b) In order to increase the upper limit of the number that can be set, a predetermined condition is that the user consumes a predetermined amount of in-game points, in-game currency, charged items, etc.

(c) In a game in which a predetermined relationship, for example, a friend relationship, can be established with other users, a predetermined condition is that the number of friends reaches a predetermined number.

(d) The case where the game execution result does not reach a predetermined standard is set as a predetermined condition. For example, in a game where characters can be trained, if the user stops training the character midway through, the upper limit of the number of characters that can be set is lowered.

Note that (a) to (d) above are examples of predetermined conditions, and the present invention is not limited to these, and various conditions can be determined depending on the content of the game.

In this configuration, while setting an upper limit on the number of first characters that can be set, the user can increase the upper limit by satisfying a predetermined condition. The larger the upper limit of the number of first characters that can be set, the greater the variation of events that can occur during the game. Therefore, the user is motivated to actively play the game so as to satisfy a predetermined condition in order to increase the upper limit of the settable number (or to avoid a decrease in the upper limit).

7) In the above configuration 6), it is preferable that satisfying the predetermined condition means that a game parameter related to the progress of the game satisfies a preset condition.

Here, an example of a game parameter related to the progress of the game is the number of characters that have been trained in a game where a plurality of characters can be trained. In this case, the predetermined condition is satisfied when the number of characters who have completed training reaches a predetermined value (for example, 1, 5, 10, etc.). As other examples of game parameters related to the progress of the game, various game parameters depending on the game content, such as stage, points, and level, can be applied. For example, reaching a predetermined stage, earning points reaching a predetermined value, user's game level reaching a predetermined level, user's My Character level reaching a predetermined level, etc. "Game parameters related to progress satisfy preset conditions."

In this configuration, the user is motivated to actively play the game so that the game parameters related to the progress of the game satisfy preset conditions.

8) In any of the configurations 1) to 7) above, information indicating a relationship between the event and the first character or a combination of a plurality of first characters for generating the event is transmitted to the user. It is preferable to further include notification means (80) for notifying the user. Here, an example of notification by the notification means is shown below.

(A) Notifying (presenting) information in advance to the user indicating the relationship between the effect of an event, such as parameter improvement, and a first character or a combination of a plurality of first characters to cause the event to occur. . For example, when the parameters of the user's own character change as a result of an event, the user is notified in advance of information regarding the first character or the combination of first characters necessary to improve the parameters. To take a baseball game as an example, the user may be instructed to ``in order to generate an event that strengthens batting power, set one of the characters P, Q, R, etc. (with high batting power).'' to be notified.

(B) Information indicating the relationship between the type or content of the event and the first character or a combination of the plurality of first characters for causing the event to occur is reported to the user in advance. Here, examples of the type or content of the event include a joint practice event, a confrontation event, a travel event, a meal event, and the like. These are just examples, and the type or content of the event varies depending on the game content. For example, the user is informed that "in order to cause a confrontation event, you only need to set character X (who is a rival to the user's own character)."

In both cases of (A) and (B) above, the user may be presented with detailed table information showing all the relationships, or only a part of it may be presented at random to satisfy the user's interest. You may also try subtracting. With the presentation of this information, the user is motivated to obtain the characters necessary to cause the desired event (and thereby the desired effect) to occur.

Furthermore, in both cases of (A) and (B) above, only information related to characters owned by the user may be extracted and presented to the user as information indicating the relationship. In this case, it is possible to motivate users (especially novice users who do not know much about what kind of events will occur if their own characters are set for event generation) to actively enjoy the game. .

9) In any of the configurations 1) to 8) above, the apparatus further includes parameter varying means (79) for varying the parameters of the second character in accordance with the progress or result of the event occurring during the game. It is preferable that

According to this configuration, an effect is produced in that the parameters of the second character change depending on the progress or result of an event that occurs during the game. For example, in the case of a baseball game, the second character may improve certain parameters such as batting power, running power, defensive power, etc., or acquire parameters of special abilities. For example, as a result of an event related to the first character A, the batting power of the second character increases by a predetermined amount (or a predetermined percentage). Further, depending on the result of the event related to the first character B, the running ability of the second character improves by a predetermined amount (or a predetermined percentage). Note that even if the event that has occurred is not completed to the end or the event is not cleared, the parameters can be changed depending on the progress of the event.

In this configuration, the parameters of the second character (user's personal character, etc.) change as an effect of each event. The effect of parameter variation also changes depending on the event that occurs. Therefore, by devising a combination of first characters to be set, the user can cause various events to occur and strengthen parameters such as the abilities of the second character. With this configuration, game performance can be further improved.

10) In the above configuration 9), it is preferable that the content of the change in the parameter of the second character is related to the parameter of the first character.

For example, if the first character is a player with excellent batting ability (the parameter of batting ability is higher than a predetermined standard), and the event related to the first character progresses or completes, the second character Under the influence of a specific parameter (in this case, batting ability) of the first character, that same batting ability is improved. With this configuration, the user can generate various events and uniformly improve the parameters of the second character by devising combinations while considering the parameters of the first character set for event generation. It is possible to strengthen specific parameters. With this configuration, game performance can be further improved.

11) In the configuration of 9) or 10) above, a rarity level is set for each of the plurality of characters owned by the user, and the parameter variation means (79) is configured to set the rarity level for each of the plurality of characters owned by the user. It is preferable that the higher the rarity of the first character, the more the parameters of the second character are changed in accordance with the progress or result of the event that occurred in response to the first character.

According to this configuration, a rarity level is set in advance for each character. The rarity can be expressed in various ways, such as "1, 2...", "A, B...", "gold, silver...", "normal, rare...", etc. For example, each character is set to one of a plurality of rarity levels "normal", "rare", and "S rare". In this example, the same character A has three types of rarity: normal, rare, and S rare.

Then, the higher the rarity of the first character set for event generation, the higher the effect of the event generated according to the first character. In other words, when an event corresponding to the first character occurs due to the first character being set for event generation, the higher the rarity of the first character, the more likely the second character will be set according to the progress or result of the event. Character parameters change significantly. For example, the higher the rarity of the first character, the greater the ability parameter of the second character.

With this configuration, the higher the rarity of the first character set for event generation, the more advantageously the game can proceed, and the more the game is played. In addition, it is possible to motivate the user to obtain a character with a higher degree of rarity.

12) In any of the configurations 1) to 11) above, the event that occurs in response to a combination of the plurality of first characters is an event based on the relationship between the plurality of first characters. is preferred.

Here, the relationships between the plurality of first characters may include various relationships depending on the content of the game, such as rivals, best friends, parents and children, lovers, etc. For example, assume that character A and character B are rivals. When character A and character B are set for event generation, a confrontation event occurs as an event corresponding to the combination of both characters based on the relationship (rivalry) between both characters. In this case, the second character (the user's personal character, etc.) may participate in the event by watching the showdown event, cheering, etc.

In this manner, in this configuration, an event occurs whose content is based on the relationship between the plurality of first characters set for event generation. Therefore, if the user wants to generate an event with specific content, such as a confrontation event, the user can select a plurality of characters for generating the event while considering the relationship between the characters. With this configuration, the game performance can be further improved.

13) In any of the configurations 1) to 12) above, a relationship management means (77) for managing a second user associated with a user, and a specific character owned by the second user, It is preferable that the character further includes permission means (78) for permitting the first character to be set as the first character for occurrence of an event.

The game management device includes relationship management means for managing second users, such as companions, associated with the user. Here, friends is a general term for the virtual relationships between users that are built in the game, such as acquaintances, friends, friends, classmates, partners, relatives, family members, brothers, sisters, colleagues at companies and organizations, etc. Including various in-game relationships. Note that, as long as the user is another user (second user) who is associated with the user, the relationship does not need to be a companion. However, in the following description, the second user will be referred to as a companion for convenience.

With this configuration, a specific character owned by a user's companion (second user) can be set as the user's own first character for event generation. That is, there is a frame in which a friend's character can be set as a setting frame for a character for event generation, and the user can borrow a friend's character and set it as a character for event generation. Here, an example of "a specific character owned by a friend" may be one of the characters that the friend has set for event generation, or a character that the friend has selected in advance as a character that can be lent out. . Alternatively, the game management device may automatically select the character with the highest ability among the characters owned by the companion as the specific character.

For the user, the number of frames in which fellow characters can be set may be one or multiple. For example, the upper limit of the frame in which companion characters can be set may be changed depending on the number of companions. That is, the upper limit of the frame may be increased as the number of friends increases.

As described above, with this configuration, the user can borrow a specific character owned by a friend, even if the user does not own the character, and set it as the user's own character for generating an event. In this case, the more friends the user has, the wider the range of selectable characters, and the more various events can occur. With this configuration, each user is motivated to actively try to make many friends. As the number of friends of each user increases, the community among the users becomes more active, and the game as a whole becomes more active.

14) In any of the configurations 1) to 13) above, a rarity level is set for each of the plurality of characters owned by the user, and the rarity level of the first character set for event occurrence is It is preferable that the higher the degree, the greater the number of events that may occur during the game.

According to this configuration, a rarity level is set in advance for each character. For example, a rarity level of any one of "normal", "rare", and "S rare (highest)" is set for each character. The number of events that may occur during the game varies depending on the rarity of the first character set for event generation.

Here, an example will be described in which the number of first characters set for event generation is one. When the rarity of the first character is "normal (lowest)", the number of events that may occur is, for example, "1". Further, when the rarity of the first character is "rare", the number of events that may occur is set to, for example, "2". Further, when the rarity of the first character is "S rare (highest)", the number of events that may occur is set to, for example, "3". As in this example, the higher the rarity of the first character, the greater the number of events that may occur during the game.

Similarly, when there are multiple primary characters set for event generation, the higher the rarity of some or all of the multiple primary characters, the more likely the event will occur depending on the combination of them. You may increase the number of .

With this configuration, the higher the rarity of the first character set for event occurrence, the wider the variation of events that occur during the game, and the more enjoyable the game becomes. In addition, it is possible to motivate the user to obtain a character with a higher degree of rarity.

15) In any one of configurations 1) to 14) above, the game is a game based on a predetermined scenario played by a second character operated by a user, and the event is an additional event in the scenario. It is preferable that it occurs in

Here, the "predetermined scenario" in a game is a game story that unfolds as the game progresses, and is related to the game story, such as the roles of characters appearing in the game, production effects during the game, and choices within the game. can include various elements. Taking a baseball game as an example, a predetermined scenario can be set in which the second character operated by the user is the main character, and the story starts from the summer of his second year of high school until he becomes a professional baseball player. In such a scenario, an event corresponding to a first character or a combination of a plurality of first characters set for event generation additionally occurs. In other words, the predetermined scenario is the main scenario of the game, and the event does not change the main scenario itself, but is a game element that additionally occurs within the main scenario.

16) A game system according to another aspect of the present invention is a game system that includes a game server (201) and a terminal device (203) that communicates with the game server (201), a setting means (71) for setting at least one character selected by a user from among a plurality of characters owned by a user as a first character for event generation, the first character or a combination of the plurality of first characters; Accordingly, either the game server (201) or the terminal device (203) includes an event management means (72) for generating an event related to the first character during the game.

17) A game management method according to another aspect of the present invention is a game management method in a computer that manages a game, the computer managing at least one character selected by the user from among a plurality of characters owned by the user. a setting step of setting one character as a first character for event generation; and event management in which the computer changes an event that occurs during the game according to the first character or a combination of the plurality of first characters. and steps.

18) A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to operate as the game management device (3,201,203) according to any one of 1) to 15) above, the program causing the computer to operate as the game management device (3,201,203). This is a program for functioning as each means provided in the device (3,201,203).

According to the present invention, the first character or the combination of a plurality of first characters that can be arbitrarily set by the user allows for a rich variety of events that occur during the game. This expands the range of play, making it possible to realize a highly interesting game that the user can play repeatedly without getting bored.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a game device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a game server board configuration. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing that various events occur between the start and end of a scenario. It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an event deck setting screen. It is an explanatory view showing an example of a character selection screen for event generation. It is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the relationship between characters incorporated in an event deck and events that may occur. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the basic functional configuration of a game device. It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of user information. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the main configuration of a game management device. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing another example of the main configuration of the game management device. It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of event deck setting information. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of relational information showing a relation between a combination of first characters and an event. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing another example of the main configuration of the game management device. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the degree of relationship between characters and the probability of event occurrence. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing another example of the main configuration of the game management device. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing another example of the main configuration of the game management device. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the event deck setting screen. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing another example of the main configuration of the game management device. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing another example of the main configuration of the game management device. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the correspondence between a first character and an event. It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the game device. It is a block diagram showing another example of composition of a game system. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the main configuration of a game server. It is a block diagram showing another example of composition of a game system.

Hereinafter, a game system, a game management device, a game management method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Game system overview]

An example of the configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, this game system includes a game server 1 installed on a network 4 such as the Internet, and game devices 3 of each user that can be communicably connected to the game server 1 via the network 4. be done.

The network 4 of this embodiment is not limited to the Internet, but may be any network that can connect the game server 1 and each user's game device 3 in a communicable manner, such as a dedicated line or a public network. It may be a line (telephone line, mobile communication line, etc.), a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, or a combination of these with the Internet.

In this example of the game system, a game management device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be configured as a game device 3. Alternatively, the game management device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be configured as a game server 1, or can be configured as a game server 1 and a game device 3 that communicate with each other. Below, an example in which the game management device is configured as the game device 3 will be described first, and other configurations will be described later.

As the game device 3, various information processing devices can be applied as long as they are capable of executing game programs. For example, the game device 3 may include a stationary or portable game console, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a "PC"), a tablet computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone terminal, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) terminal, A portable information terminal (PDA: Personal Digital Assistant), a multifunctional television receiver equipped with an information processing function (so-called smart TV), etc. can be applied.

The game server 1 accepts access via the network 4 from the game device 3 of each user receiving game services, stores and manages game information of each user in a storage device such as a database, and provides access to the network 4 from the game device 3 of each user. Provide game services through. For example, the game server 1 provides a service for additionally distributing game scenario information to each user's game device 3. The game server 1 also provides users with services for in-game interaction (for example, sending messages) between users. The game server 1 also provides services such as matching between users when each user plays an online mode game (for example, a network competitive game).

Note that the game device 3 can execute the game in either online mode or offline mode.

The game device 3 as a game management device according to an embodiment of the present invention has a function that can increase the variation of events that occur during the game. The user can collect characters for event occurrence and arbitrarily select the collected characters to construct an event deck. Then, depending on a single character or a combination of a plurality of characters incorporated in the event deck, an event related to the character can occur during the game. By changing the characters incorporated into the event deck, different events can occur, which increases the variety of events and allows the user to play the game repeatedly without getting bored. Below, details of the configuration of the game device 3 etc. as a game management device according to this embodiment that realizes this will be explained.
[Configuration of game device]

As the game device 3 operated by the user, various devices such as a dedicated game machine, a PC, a smartphone, a mobile phone terminal, etc. can be applied as described above, but input operations for displaying a game screen or executing a game are applicable. The basic configuration required for playing the game, such as playing the game, is the same in all cases.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the game device 3. As shown in the figure, the game device 3 mainly includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33 as main storage devices, and an image processing unit 34. , display section 35, sound processing section 36, audio input section 37, audio output section 38, auxiliary storage device 39, operation input section 40, communication control section 41, decoder 42, and recording medium drive 43, and the components 31-34, 36 and 39-42 are interconnected via a bus line 44. Note that although an interface circuit is interposed between the bus line 44 and each component as necessary, illustration of the interface circuit is omitted here.

The CPU 31 interprets and executes commands from various programs such as game programs and web browsers, and controls the entire game device 3 . The ROM 32 stores programs and the like necessary for basic operational control of the game device 3. Further, the RAM 33 stores various programs and data loaded from the ROM 32, the auxiliary storage device 39, or the recording medium drive 43, and secures a work area for the CPU 31. Various programs such as game programs and web browsers are stored in the ROM 32 or the auxiliary storage device 39, loaded into the RAM 33, and executed by the CPU 31. Further, when displaying a screen using a web browser, various plug-in software for extending the browser functions of the web browser may be stored in the ROM 32 or the auxiliary storage device 39 together with the web browser.

The image processing section 34 drives the display section 35 based on an image display command from the CPU 31 to display an image on the screen of the display section 35. Various known display devices such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display can be applied to the display unit 35. Note that the display unit 35 does not need to be integrated with the game device 3, and may be, for example, a television monitor or the like externally connected to the game device 3.

The sound processing section 36 converts an analog audio signal into a digital audio signal when audio is input from the audio input section 37, and also generates an analog audio signal based on a pronunciation instruction from the CPU 31 and sends it to the audio output section 38. Output. The audio input section 37 includes a microphone built into or externally attached to the game device 3. The audio output unit 38 outputs sound effects and the like when the game is executed, and includes a speaker built into or externally attached to the game device 3.

The auxiliary storage device 39 is a storage device that stores the various programs and data described above. As the auxiliary storage device 39, for example, a hard disk drive, a flash memory drive, a memory card reader/writer, etc. can be used.

The operation input unit 40 receives a user's operation input and outputs an input signal corresponding to the operation input to the CPU 31 via the bus line 44. Examples of the operation input unit 40 include physical buttons provided on the main body of the game device 3, such as a direction button, a decision button, and an alphanumeric character input button. Alternatively, the operation input unit 40 may be a controller externally connected to the main body of the game device 3. Further, in the case of the game device 3 in which the display section 35 is configured as a so-called touch screen by mounting a touch panel (contact input type interface) on the screen of the display section 35, the touch panel also serves as the operation input section 40.

Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the CPU 31 analyzes the voice input from the voice input section 37 using general voice recognition technology, and various inputs can be performed by voice.

The communication control unit 41 includes a communication interface 41a, and has a communication control function for data communication during game operations and the like. Here, the communication control function for data communication includes, for example, a wireless LAN connection function, an Internet connection function via a wireless LAN or a mobile phone network, and a function using a predetermined frequency band (for example, a 2.4 GHz frequency band). This includes short-range wireless communication functions. The communication control unit 41 transmits a connection signal for connecting the game device 3 to a wireless LAN, the Internet, etc. based on a command from the CPU 31, and also receives information transmitted from the communication partner and supplies it to the CPU 31. do.

As the recording medium drive 43, for example, a DVD-ROM drive, a CD-ROM drive, a hard disk drive, an optical disk drive, a flexible disk drive, a silicon disk drive, a cassette medium reader, etc. are used. In this case, the recording medium 45 may be a DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, hard disk, optical disk, flexible disk, semiconductor memory, or the like.

The recording medium drive 43 reads image data, audio data, and program data from the recording medium 45 and supplies the read data to the decoder 42 . The decoder 42 performs error correction processing using ECC (Error Correction Code) on the reproduced data from the recording medium drive 43, and supplies the data subjected to the error correction processing to the RAM 33 and the like.

Note that the game device 3 may also include a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal receiving circuit, an imaging device (camera) such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, a three-axis acceleration sensor, and the like.
[Game server configuration]

FIG. 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the game server 1. As shown in the figure, the game server 1 mainly includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12 and a RAM 13 as main storage devices, an auxiliary storage device 14, a communication control section 15, and an input/output control section 16. , these are interconnected via bus lines 17 including an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. Note that although an interface circuit is interposed between the bus line 17 and each component as necessary, illustration of the interface circuit is omitted here.

The CPU 11 interprets and executes commands from application software such as system software and game programs, and controls the game server 1 as a whole. The ROM 12 stores programs and the like necessary for basic operational control of the game server 1. The RAM 13 stores various programs and data, and secures a work area for the CPU 11.

The auxiliary storage device 14 is a storage device that stores game programs, various data, and the like. As the auxiliary storage device 14, for example, a hard disk drive or the like can be used. As described later, the game server 1 can also be used as a game management device. In this case, a program for operating the game server 1 (computer) as a game management device is stored, for example, in the auxiliary storage device 14, and the program connects the bus line 17 from the auxiliary storage device 14 when the game server 1 is started. It is loaded into the RAM 13 via the CPU 11 and executed by the CPU 11.

The communication control unit 15 includes a communication interface 15a connected to the network 4, and controls communication with each user's game device 3 via the network 4.

The input/output control unit 16 is communicatively connected to, for example, the database server 2 and performs input/output control when the CPU 11 reads and writes data (records) to the database server 2 .

The database server 2 includes, for example, a large-capacity hard disk device having a RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) configuration as a storage device having an area for storing game information of each user managed by the game server 1. This database server 2 is, for example, a relational database that stores various game information (user name, level, in-game points, owned items, etc.) of each user in association with identification information (user ID) that uniquely identifies each user. It can be constructed as a database, object database, object relational database, etc.

Note that the game server 1 may have the function of the database server 2, and the database may be configured inside the game server 1. Furthermore, the game server 1 can be configured as a plurality of servers by distributing each function of the game server 1 to a plurality of servers. For example, when a user operates the game device 3 to access the game server 1, an authentication server having an authentication function that determines whether the user is an authorized user is provided separately from the main server of the game server 1, The game server 1 may be composed of a main server and an authentication server. As another configuration example, a billing management server that manages billing when a user purchases a billable item in the game is provided separately from the main server of game server 1, etc., and the main server, authentication server, and billing management The game server 1 may be configured by a server.

Furthermore, when the number of users using the game service increases to hundreds of thousands, millions, or more, it is necessary to construct a server system that can withstand huge accesses from the game devices 3 of many users. By providing a plurality of game servers 1 on the network 4 for redundancy (multiplexing), a load-balanced system configuration may be adopted. In this case, it is desirable to provide a load balancer for adjusting the load between the plurality of game servers 1.
[Game overview]

Examples of games executed by the game device 3 of this embodiment, which is an example of a game management device, include sports games, adventure games, simulation games, etc. based on baseball, soccer, tennis, American football, basketball, volleyball, etc. There are a variety of games, regardless of game format or genre, such as training games and role-playing games. As an example, in this embodiment, a case will be mainly described below in which the game device 3 executes a baseball game.

The baseball game of this embodiment is a game mode in which the main character practices, etc. while proceeding with a predetermined scenario, develops the main character (my character operated by the user), and completes his or her own original character. It is equipped with A "predetermined scenario" in a game is a game story that unfolds as the game progresses, and includes various aspects related to the game story, such as the roles of characters appearing in the game, production effects during the game, and choices within the game. Can contain elements.

An example of a scenario in this baseball game may be the following general game story in which the main character operated by the user starts in the summer of his second year of high school until he becomes a professional baseball player. For example, the main character is a member of the baseball team of a prestigious sports high school, but he is overwhelmed by the high level of his teammates and is unable to become a regular at first. The main character practices with his teammates at this high school, wins a regular spot, and participates in baseball games (national tournaments, etc.). If the evaluation of the main character by a scout of a professional baseball team who observes the main character's practices and games is above a certain level, he is scouted as a professional baseball player. The main character operated by the user is an example of a second character.

In this game, the development of the main character is completed by the end of one scenario. The main character whose development has been completed can be used as an original character in another game mode. After the scenario ends, the main character can be repeatedly developed by starting the scenario again from the beginning.

Alternatively, a plurality of scenarios may be prepared in advance, and the user may select any scenario. Furthermore, in order to increase the variation of scenarios, the game device 3 may be able to download additional scenarios from the game server 1. For example, the game server 1 provides new scenarios periodically (eg, once a month).

An example of the progression of the above scenario is shown below. The period in the game from the start to the end of the scenario is, for example, 50 weeks (virtual period in the game). A plurality of commands are provided in the game to select the actions of the main character in the game. Examples of commands include "practice," "rest," and "go out." By executing the practice command, the ability parameters of the main character can be improved. On the other hand, if you execute a practice command, your physical strength parameter will decrease. If a command to rest is executed, for example, the main character's physical strength parameter will improve. By executing the outing command, for example, the main character's motivation parameter can be improved. For example, one week of virtual time in the game passes each time the user executes any command. That is, in the example of this game, there are a total of 50 turns from the start to the end of the scenario, and the scenario progresses as the virtual time in the game passes by one week for each turn.

As shown in FIG. 4, various events occur from the start to the end of the scenario. The timing at which an event may occur can be arbitrarily determined. For example, in each turn from the start to the end of the scenario, an opportunity for an event to occur is provided at a timing when the user selects a command, at an arbitrary timing during execution of the command, at a timing when the command ends, etc. For example, at each of the above-mentioned timings, a lottery may be held with a predetermined probability to determine whether or not to cause an event to occur. Alternatively, an event may be provided that always occurs when the progress of the game reaches a standard, regardless of the lottery. For example, if the scenario progresses to turns 10, 20, and 30, predetermined events (game events, etc.) scheduled at those timings may occur 100% of the time.

However, in this game, the events that occur are not fixed, and various events can additionally occur depending on a single character or a combination of multiple characters that the user has incorporated into the event deck.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the event deck setting screen. An event deck setting area 101 is provided on this screen. In the screen of FIG. 5, there are three character setting frames (so-called slots) 102 in the event deck setting area 101, and player A's character and player B's character are set in two of these setting frames 102, respectively. An example is shown below. In this example, an event deck is formed by player A's character and player B's character. The character of player A and the character of player B set in the event deck setting area 101 are examples of first characters for event generation. Hereinafter, the character incorporated in the event deck will be referred to as a "first character" as necessary.

Characters that can be set in the event deck setting area 101 are basically characters owned by the user. The user can arbitrarily select from a plurality of characters that the user owns. Here, the character owned by the user can be displayed in various forms within the game, such as a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image, or a card-type image. In this embodiment, as an example, the characters owned by the user are in the form of cards. That is, the characters owned by the user are managed by the game device 3 as digital cards and are displayed on the game screen.

When a character is set in the event deck setting area 101 by the user, the character will then appear in the game. Characters appearing in the game may be depicted using two-dimensional or three-dimensional computer graphics during practices, matches, various events, etc. within the game. In the example of this game, the characters that can be owned by the user include teammate players, the manager of the baseball team, and ordinary people (for example, residents of a town). In this way, characters may be managed by being divided into a plurality of categories such as "player", "manager", and "general". Also, if the character owned by the user is a person, if that character is incorporated into the event deck, that character becomes a character in the game, so the character owned (or available to be owned) by the user is They may also be referred to as "character characters", "character units", "character cards", etc.

In addition, the characters that appear in the scenario from the beginning (for example, 1 manager, 1 scout, 1 manager, and 4 to 8 teammates) can be set in the event deck setting area 101. It will appear in the game even if you don't. When a character is set in the event deck setting area 101, that character is added as a character.

An example of an operation for setting a character in the setting frame 102 on the event deck setting screen will be shown below. By selecting the setting button 103 corresponding to the setting frame 102 (so-called empty slot) in which no character is set (or directly selecting the setting frame 102), the character selection screen for event occurrence illustrated in FIG. 6 is displayed. be done. This character selection screen displays a list of multiple characters currently owned by the user. The user selects a character to be incorporated into the event deck from the list of characters.

Furthermore, when changing the character incorporated in the event deck, select the change button 104 (or directly select the setting frame 102 in which the character is set). As a result, the character selection screen for event generation illustrated in FIG. 6 is displayed, so that the character can be selected again. Furthermore, if you want to remove a character from the event deck, you can select the setting frame of the character you want to remove and perform a predetermined setting cancellation operation.

Each character that can be set in the setting frame of the event deck has its own unique event. A unique event may occur during the game depending on a single character or a combination of characters that the user has incorporated into the event deck. The event that can occur here is an event related to the first character included in the event deck.

Examples of events related to the first character incorporated in the event deck include events in which the character acts alone (for example, practicing, eating, drawing a fortune, etc.). Other examples of events related to the first character include events in which the first character acts together with other characters (for example, practicing, eating, traveling, etc.). Particularly preferred is an event in which the first character acts together with the main character.

Note that the event related to the first character is not limited to an event in which the first character appears on the screen. For example, the event may be an event in which a quiz related to the first character is asked. In addition, there are events where other characters related to the first character (friends, seniors, juniors, coaches, rivals, etc.) talk about the first character, or where the first character's rival defeats the first character. It may also be an event to practice for.

An example of the relationship between the first character incorporated in the event deck and events that may occur is shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, the left side of the "= (equals)" symbol is the first character incorporated in the event deck, and the right side is the event that can occur.

For example, if the user incorporates the character of "Player A" into the event deck, "Event A" related to the character of "Player A" may occur. An example of event A may be an event in which player A's character does special practice. Another example of event A is if the main character and player A are good teammates, the main character and player A's character may have a special practice together or have a meal together. It can be an event.

Furthermore, if the user incorporates the character of "Player B" into the event deck, "Event B" corresponding to "Player B" may occur. As an example of event B, if the character setting is such that the main character and player B are in a rivalry relationship, the event may be an event in which the main character and player B's character face off against each other.

Further, for example, if the user incorporates both characters "Player A" and "Player B" into the event deck, "Event C" corresponding to the combination of "Player A" and "Player B" may occur. As an example of event C, in the case of a character setting in which player A and player B are in a rivalry relationship, it may be an event in which player A's character and player B's character face off. For example, in this confrontation event, the main character as the second character may participate in the event by watching over the confrontation event, cheering for the event, or the like. Note that in this case, not only "event C" but also the aforementioned "event A" and "event B" may occur. In other words, if both characters "Player A" and "Player B" are included in the event deck, there are three patterns: "Player A", "Player B", "Player A" + "Player B". All are valid, and any of "event A", "event B", and "event C" can occur.

Further, for example, if the user incorporates three characters, "Player C", "Player D", and "General E" into the event deck, "Event D" corresponding to the combination of these three characters may occur. As an example of event C, if the character setting is such that "General E" is a lover candidate for "Player C" and "Player D", the characters of "Player C" and "Player D" become the character of "General E". It can be an event to confess. For example, in this event, the main character may also participate in the event by confessing his feelings to the "General E" character.

Further, for example, if the user incorporates three characters "Player A", "Player B", and "Player D" into the event deck, "Event E" corresponding to the combination of these three characters may occur. An example of event D may be an event in which characters "player A", "player B", and "player D" go to a training camp. For example, in this training camp event, the main character may also participate in the training camp.

The above-mentioned events are just examples, and various events can occur depending on the character or combination of characters included in the event deck.

Note that when a character is incorporated into an event deck by a user, the event may always occur, the event may occur with a predetermined probability, or the event may occur when a predetermined condition is met. may occur.

Preferably, an event corresponding to a first character or a combination of a plurality of first characters incorporated in the event deck is caused to occur with a predetermined probability during the game. In this case, whether or not an event will occur is determined based on probability, and it is not known at what timing the event will occur. Therefore, after the first character is incorporated into the event deck, the user plays the game with a sense of tension while anticipating the occurrence of an event related to the first character.

Further, it is preferable to vary the probability of the event occurring depending on the degree of relationship between the main character as the second character operated by the user and the first character incorporated in the event deck. The degree of relationship between the main character and the first character may be, for example, the degree of intimacy between them, or may be an evaluation value by which one evaluates the other. This degree of relationship may be determined in advance, or may vary during the game depending on the actions of the main character operated by the user. Preferably, each time the main character performs a predetermined action with the first character through a user's operation, the degree of relationship between the two is changed. For example, when the main character practices or plays with the first character, the relationship between the two improves. Thereby, the user can improve the probability of occurrence of an event related to a specific first character through his or her operation.

Furthermore, when the degree of relationship between the main character and a certain first character incorporated in the event deck reaches a predetermined standard, events related to that first character may occur 100% of the time. Here, regarding the timing of event occurrence, the event may occur immediately after the degree of relationship reaches a predetermined standard, or it may occur after a certain amount of time after the degree of relationship reaches a predetermined standard ( For example, the event may occur after the event timing in the game has been adjusted. For example, if the degree of relationship between the main character and player A's character reaches a predetermined standard during command execution in a certain turn of a scenario, player A's character will Events related to characters will occur.

Note that if the degree of relationship does not reach a predetermined standard, it can be determined arbitrarily. For example, if the degree of relationship between the main character and the first character does not reach a predetermined standard, events related to the first character will occur with a probability according to the degree of relationship (or with a predetermined probability regardless of the degree of relationship). may occur. Alternatively, if the degree of relationship between the main character and the first character does not reach a predetermined standard, events related to the first character may be prevented from occurring 100% of the time.

Incidentally, although it is possible not to set an upper limit to the number of first characters that can be set to form an event deck, it is preferable to set an upper limit. Further, it is preferable that the upper limit of the settable number is varied by satisfying a predetermined condition. An example of satisfying the predetermined condition is that a game parameter related to the progress of the game satisfies a preset condition. In this game, the development of the main character is completed by the end of one scenario, so the number of characters whose development has been completed can be used as an example of the game parameter. That is, when the number of characters who have completed training reaches a predetermined value (for example, 1, 5, 10, etc.), a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the upper limit of the settable number is increased.

Furthermore, the number of setting frames 102 on the event deck setting screen may be increased by a predetermined number (for example, by one) by charging (for example, by consuming a charging item). Alternatively, the number of setting frames 102 may be increased based on the predetermined condition that the user consumes a predetermined amount of in-game points, in-game currency, or the like.

Alternatively, if the user stops character development midway through, the upper limit of the number of first characters that can be set may be lowered (the number of setting frames 102 may be reduced). Further, even if the character has been completely trained, if the parameters of the character do not reach a predetermined value, the upper limit of the number that can be set may be lowered.

In addition, the upper limit of the number of first characters that can be set may be changed by satisfying various conditions.

Furthermore, in this game, the user can build friendships with other users. Here, friends is a general term for the virtual relationships between users that are built in the game, such as acquaintances, friends, friends, classmates, partners, relatives, family members, brothers, sisters, colleagues at companies and organizations, etc. Including various in-game relationships. Note that, as long as the user is another user (second user) who is associated with the user, the relationship does not need to be a companion.

If the user has friends, a setting frame (also referred to as a friend frame, a helper frame, etc.) in which a friend's character can be set may be added to the event deck setting screen. The details will be described later.

Further, when an event occurs during the game, various effects can be generated depending on the progress or result of the event. As an example of the effect, the parameters of the main character may be changed, or items or the like may be given to the user. Alternatively, the user may simply enjoy the event that has occurred without producing effects such as parameter changes.

In order for a user to incorporate a character into an event deck, it is necessary to obtain the character. There are several ways to obtain characters. For example, a user can obtain a character by lottery by executing the lottery mode. In this lottery mode, a character to be given to the user is selected from among all the characters in the game. In order for the user to execute the lottery mode, for example, a predetermined amount of in-game points, charged items, etc. may be required. The user can also receive characters as presents from other users (friends, etc.). Additionally, the user can obtain characters as a reward for playing within the game. For example, a user can compete against other users using a plurality of characters that he or she has developed to compete for ranking within the game. Users who rank high here are given a character as a reward. Note that a predetermined number (for example, five) of characters may be given to the user at the start of the game.

Furthermore, a rarity level is set in advance for each character that can be owned by the user. In this game, each character has a rarity level of one of "normal", "rare", and "S rare". Here, "normal" is the lowest level of rarity, and "S rare" is the highest level of rarity. Therefore, for example, regarding player A's character, there are three types of rarity: "normal", "rare", and "S rare". For example, a user may obtain a "normal" character in the lottery mode, or may obtain a "rare" or "S rare" character. As illustrated in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the rarity of a character is indicated by the number of stars, with "normal" being one star, "rare" being two stars, and "S rare" being having stars. There are three.

When the user obtains a character that is the same as a character that he or she already owns (the character name and rarity are the same), the game device 3 automatically executes a combination process to combine both characters. When this merging process is executed, a merging effect is displayed on the screen. Through this merging process, the level of the merging character increases from "Lv1" to "Lv2". When the same character is repeatedly combined and the level of the character reaches a predetermined level (for example, Lv100), the rarity of the character increases by one, and the level is reset to "Lv1". For example, if a user who owns the character of player A (normal, Lv99) obtains the character of player A (normal, Lv1), the user will own the character of player A (rare, Lv1) through the merging process. It turns out.

Note that in this game, even if the characters have the same name, if the rarity levels are different, the merging process will not be performed. Note that the above-described merging process is an example and is not limited thereto. For example, instead of being automatically executed, the merging process may be executed based on a user's operation. Furthermore, it may be possible to combine characters with different rarities. Furthermore, it may be possible to combine different characters.

The user can incorporate any rarity character of "normal", "rare", or "S rare" into the event deck. Preferably, the higher the rarity of the first character incorporated in the event deck, the higher the effect of the event related to the first character. For example, the higher the rarity of the first character, the more the parameters of the main character change depending on the progress or result of the event. The details will be described later.

Further, it is preferable that the higher the rarity of the first character incorporated in the event deck, the greater the number of events (events related to the first character) that may occur during the game. The details will also be described later.

The timing at which the user can set or change the event deck can be arbitrarily determined. For example, setting of the event deck may be allowed only before the start of the scenario. Alternatively, setting of the event deck may be permitted before the start of the scenario, and change of the event deck may be permitted even after the start of the scenario.

When allowing changes to the event deck after the scenario starts, the user may be allowed to change the event deck any number of times at any timing, or the timing or number of changes may be limited. For example, the event deck may be changed only three times (for example, at the 10th turn, 20th turn, and 30th turn) during the course of the scenario. In this case, the CPU 31 of the game device 3 displays a message such as "Would you like to change the event deck now?" on the screen at the timing to allow the change of the event deck, and allows the user to change the event deck. It is preferable to notify that. Furthermore, when allowing the event deck to be changed after the scenario starts, it may be necessary to satisfy a predetermined condition (for example, the user executes a lottery mode to obtain a new character).
[Functional configuration and operation of game device]

Next, an example of the functional configuration of the game device 3 as a game management device that realizes the above game will be described.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the basic configuration of the game device 3. As shown in FIG.

The game device 3 according to the present embodiment includes an input management means 51, an execution means 52, an output management means 53, a character management means 54, a user information management means 55, a communication management means 56, an exchange management means 57, etc. . Each of these means is realized by the CPU 31 of the game device 3 executing the program according to the present embodiment.

The input management means 51 understands the input signal from the operation input section 40 operated by the user and outputs it to the execution means 52. The execution unit 52 executes calculations and data processing based on user operation input and the like. In this game, processes such as progressing the scenario, executing commands, and executing events are performed. Information on the processing results executed by the execution means 52 is stored in a predetermined area of a storage device (RAM 33, auxiliary storage device 39, etc.). The output management means 53 outputs the image information (still image or moving image) of the execution result by the execution means 52 to the display section 35 via the image processing section 34, and outputs the audio information of the execution result to the sound processing section 36. It is output to the audio output section 38 via the audio output section 38.

The character management means 54 has a function of managing all characters in the game. Each character is provided with a character ID that uniquely identifies them, and each character is managed by the character ID. Each character has predetermined ability parameters and rarity. Examples of the batter character's ability parameters include meat, power, trajectory, running ability, shoulder strength, and defensive ability. Further, examples of the pitcher character's ability parameters include ball speed, control, stamina, breaking ball, defensive ability, and the like. Information on each character (character database) is read from the auxiliary storage device 39 or the recording medium 45 and stored in the RAM 33.

The user information management means 55 stores and manages information regarding the user's game in a storage device (RAM 33, auxiliary storage device 39, etc.). An example of the information regarding the user's game managed by the user information management means 55 (in this example, information for one user with user ID=000001) is shown in FIG. The user information management means 55 stores basic information, character information, item information, point information, companion information, interaction history, etc. of the user in a storage device.

The user's basic information includes a user ID, password, user name, etc. The user ID and password are used when accessing the game server 1 in online mode.

The character information includes information on characters currently owned by the user (characters that can be incorporated into the event deck), information on the main character being trained, information on original characters that have been trained, and the like. A character ID is stored as information on the character currently owned by the user. Information on the character corresponding to this character ID is managed by the character management means 54. As information on the main character being developed, for example, information on parameters such as meat, power, trajectory, running power, shoulder strength, defensive strength, physical strength, motivation, etc. is stored. When some or all of the parameters of the main character are changed as a result of a command or event being executed during the game, the information on the parameters is updated to the changed information. As information on the original character that has been trained, the character ID and information on parameters at the time of completion of training are stored.

The item information and point information are information on items and points currently owned by the user.

The companion information is information about companions associated with the user, and the companion's user ID is stored in association with the user ID. Furthermore, the interaction history is information on the history of interactions between the user and other users (friends, etc.) within the game. This interaction history includes information on the type of interaction, the person with whom the interaction occurred, and the time. Types of interaction include greetings, sending messages, gifts, and chatting. The user ID of the other party is stored as the information of the other party of the interaction.

The communication management means 56 communicates between the user's game device 3 and the game server 1 or between the user's game device 3 and another user's game device 3 via the communication control unit 41 in the online mode or the communication battle mode. It has the function of managing information communication between.

The interaction management means 57 realizes interaction and communication between users within the game. The exchange management means 57 of the user's game device 3 sends and receives exchange information to and from the game device 3 of another user via the game server 1 (or directly without going through the game server 1). The exchange information includes messages created by the user to the other party, information on characters or items to be presented to the other party, and the like.

Next, the main functional configuration of the game device 3 will be explained with reference to the functional block diagram in FIG. 10 and the like. As shown in FIG. 10, the game device 3 as a game management device mainly includes a setting means 71 and an event management means 72. Each of these means is realized by the CPU 31 of the game device 3 executing the program according to the present embodiment.

The setting means 71 has a function of setting at least one character selected by the user from a plurality of characters owned by the user as the first character for generating an event. In this embodiment, as described above, on the event deck setting screen illustrated in FIG. . When character selection information is input by this operation, the setting means 71 stores the character ID of the selected character in a storage device (RAM 33 or auxiliary storage device 39, etc.) as setting information of the first character for event generation. do. Hereinafter, this setting information will be referred to as "event deck setting information."

FIG. 12 shows an example of event deck setting information. In FIG. 12, three setting frames 102 of the event deck are valid, and two of them include player A (S rare) with character ID = 2001 and player B (rare) with character ID = 1002. An example is shown in which two first characters are set. In addition, in FIG. 12, each information field of the name and rarity of the character corresponding to the character ID is provided, but these information fields can be omitted. This is because the name and rarity of the character are specified by the character ID. Further, in FIG. 12, an information field for the degree of relationship is also provided, which will be described later.

The event management means 72 has a function of generating an event related to the first character during the game according to the first character or a combination of the plurality of first characters incorporated in the event deck. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, relationship information indicating a relationship between a combination of first characters and an event is stored in advance in a storage device (RAM 33, etc.). This related information is stored, for example, in the recording medium 45 or the auxiliary storage device 39, is loaded during the game, and is stored in the RAM 33. Then, the event management means 72 manages events that occur during the game based on the related information.

Each event is assigned an event ID that uniquely identifies it. When an event with a certain event ID is generated during the game, an event execution program corresponding to the event ID is executed by the CPU 31.

In the related information of FIG. 13, when the first character incorporated in the event deck has character ID=0001, the corresponding event is an event called "batting training" with event ID=0001. Further, when the first character has character ID=0002, the corresponding event is an event called "Special Defense Training" with event ID=0002. Further, when the first character has character ID=0003, the corresponding event is an event called "base running training" with event ID=0003.

Further, when the first characters incorporated in the event deck have character IDs=0001 and 0002, the event corresponding to this combination is a "confrontation" event with event ID=0101. Further, when the first character has character ID=0001 and 0003, the event corresponding to this combination is a "quiz" event with event ID=0102.

Furthermore, when the first character has character ID=0001, 0002, and 0003, the event corresponding to this combination is the event "Batting Center" with event ID=0501. Further, when the first character has character ID=0001, 0002, and 0004, the event corresponding to this combination is the event "playing with everyone" with event ID=0502. In addition, various events are prepared according to a single first character or a combination of a plurality of first characters forming the event deck.

As mentioned above, if the first characters set as the event deck are, for example, character ID=0001 and 0002, three patterns of first character combinations are valid: "0001", "0002", and "0001+0002". It can be done. Therefore, in this case, events such as "batting training" with event ID=0001, "defense training" with event ID=0002, and "confrontation" with event ID=0101 may occur.

Similarly, if the first characters set as the event deck are, for example, character ID=0001, 0002, and 0003, then the first character combinations are "0001", "0002", "0003", "0001+0002", " Seven patterns can be made valid: "0001+0003", "0002+0003", and "0001+0002+0003".

The event that the event management means 72 generates during the game is an event related to the first character, as described above. For example, the "special batting training" with event ID=0001 is an event in which the character with character ID=0001 incorporated in the event deck performs special batting training alone or together with the main character. Note that, as described above, the event related to the first character is not limited to the event in which the first character appears on the screen.

Further, the event management means 72 may cause the event to occur without fail when the first character or a plurality of first characters are set to generate an event, or may cause the event to occur with a predetermined probability. Alternatively, the event may occur when a predetermined condition is met.

Further, the event related to the first character can be an event related to a parameter (characteristic parameter) of the first character. For example, if the first character is a character that is excellent in a specific ability (the parameters of the specific ability are higher than a predetermined standard), events related to the first character will be related to that specific ability. Make the event relevant (utilizing specific abilities). As a specific example, if the first character is a player with excellent batting ability (parameter of batting ability is higher than a predetermined standard), the event related to the first character is an event related to batting, for example, batting. It can be an event such as a special training session or a home run competition.

Furthermore, the event related to the first character can be an event related to the relationship between the first character and the main character. For example, if the first character and the main character are in a rivalry relationship in the game, the event related to the first character is an event of a confrontation scene between both characters.

In particular, by combining a plurality of first characters, an event corresponding to the combination occurs, resulting in a large number of event variations. That is, when a user selects and combines r characters from n characters owned by the user, the number of combinations is n! /{(n-r)! r! } is represented. For example, if a user selects 3 characters from the 10 characters they own and sets them as the first character, there are 120 combinations, and the user can change the combination of the first characters to be incorporated into the event deck. Various events can be expected to occur depending on the combination.

Furthermore, when a plurality of first characters are combined, an event may occur depending on the relationship between the plurality of first characters. Alternatively, an event may occur depending on the relationship between a plurality of first characters including the main character. An example is shown below.

Example 1: If characters A and B are rivals in the game, by incorporating both characters A and B into the event deck, it can be expected that a confrontation scene event will (may) occur. (Alternatively, the user imagines an event that could occur).

Example 2: If characters P, Q, and R are classmates at the same school in the game, by incorporating these three characters P, Q, and R into the event deck, the three of them will go on a trip. We can expect that such an event will (may) occur. Furthermore, if the characters P, Q, R and the second character are classmates at the same school, by setting these three characters P, Q, R as the first character for event generation, We can expect that an event will (may) occur where four people including the second character go on a trip.

Events do not always occur, but if the user knows the parameters, characteristics, relationships with other primary characters, relationship with the main character, etc. of each primary character, the The character or the combination of a plurality of first characters also creates the pleasure of imagining or anticipating events that may occur.

Further, the effect of event occurrence can also be arbitrarily determined. For example, when an event occurs, the parameters of the user's my character may change depending on the progress or result of the event, or the user may be given an item or the like. Alternatively, the user may simply enjoy the event that has occurred without producing effects such as parameter changes.

As described above, in the configuration of this embodiment, the user collects characters for event generation, arbitrarily selects the collected characters, and sets them as the first character for event generation. Various events may occur during the game depending on the combination of first characters. Therefore, the user can enjoy event variations based on the first character set for event generation or a combination thereof while constructing the event deck through trial and error. For example, a user who has become bored with the game can change the first character set for event generation, thereby changing the events that occur during the game, thereby making it possible to play the game without getting bored.

The game of this embodiment is a game based on a predetermined scenario in which a main character is operated as a second character by a user. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the game device 3 includes a scenario progression means 70. The scenario progression unit 70 has a function of advancing a predetermined scenario by the main character based on the user's game progression operation (command selection operation in this game). The event generated by the event management means 72 according to the event deck is additionally generated in the scenario. In other words, the predetermined scenario is the main scenario of the game, and the event according to the event deck does not change the main scenario itself, but is a game element that additionally occurs within the main scenario (Fig. (see 4).

In the main scenario of the game, basic events prepared in advance (match events, etc.) may occur periodically or randomly, regardless of the event deck. In this case, the basic event may occur during the progress of the scenario even if no character is set in the event deck. In this case, if the user sets at least one first character as an event deck, there is a possibility that an event corresponding to the event deck will additionally occur as a special event not included in the basic event.

However, the applicable games are not limited to games that proceed according to a scenario. For example, in the case of a baseball game in which the user operates a player character to perform batting and defense, there is no predetermined scenario. In such games, if the user sets at least one coach character in the event deck, additional events will occur during the game in which the coach teaches batting tips as events corresponding to the event deck. You may also do so.

Next, a preferred example will be described in which an event according to the event deck is generated with a predetermined probability. The event management means 72 of this embodiment has a function of causing the event corresponding to a first character or a combination of a plurality of first characters incorporated in the event deck to occur at a predetermined probability during the game. Here, the probability of causing an event may be set to be the same probability (for example, 20%) for all events. Alternatively, the probability of occurrence may be varied, for example, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, etc., depending on the content, type, effect, etc. of the event. Alternatively, the degree of relationship between the main character and the first character may change according to the user's game operation, and the probability of occurrence of an event may vary during the game (details will be described later).

Alternatively, the probability of event occurrence may vary depending on the progress of the scenario. For example, the probability of occurrence of an event is made different depending on whether the progress of the scenario reaches a predetermined value (50%) or after that. For example, the probability of an event occurring is set to 10% until the progress of the scenario reaches 50%, and then set to 20%. This is an example in which an event that did not occur in the first half of the scenario is made more likely to occur in the second half of the scenario. Conversely, events may be made more likely to occur in the first half of the scenario, and less likely to occur in the second half of the scenario.

In this configuration, even if the first character for event generation is set, the event related to the first character does not necessarily occur 100% of the time, and whether or not the event occurs is determined based on probability. There is. Therefore, it is not known when the event will occur. Therefore, after the first character is set for event occurrence, the user plays the game with a sense of tension while expecting that an event related to the first character will occur. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the game performance.

Next, a preferred configuration will be described in which the probability of occurrence of an event is varied depending on the degree of relationship between the main character and the first character. As shown in FIG. 14, it is preferable that the game device 3 further includes a relationship management means 73 and a probability variation means 74 in addition to the setting means 71 and the event management means 72.

The relationship management means 73 has a function of managing the relationship between the main character, which is an example of a second character operated by the user during the game, and the first character incorporated in the event deck. Various relationships can be applied to the relationship between the main character and the first character, such as teammates, player and coach, player and manager, senior and junior, rivals, lovers, boss and subordinate, parent and child, siblings, etc. The degree of relationship between the main character and the first character may be, for example, the degree of intimacy between them, or may be an evaluation value by which one evaluates the other.

In this embodiment, the degree of relationship will be described as taking any numerical value from 0 to 200, for example. Note that the degree of relationship may be expressed not as a numerical value but as a level such as "A, B...".

The degree of relationship between the main character and the first character may have an initial value determined in advance. To give an example, the main character and player A (an example of the first character) are set as best friends in the game, and the degree of relationship between them is set as "100". On the other hand, the main character and player B (an example of the first character) are set to be acquaintances in the game, and the degree of relationship between the two is set as "10". Further, the degree of relationship between the main character and manager C (an example of the first character) is set to "50".

Further, it is preferable that the degree of relationship changes during the game depending on the actions of the main character operated by the user. That is, the game device 3 further includes appearance character management means 75 that causes the first character incorporated in the event deck to appear in the game. The relationship management means 73 changes the relationship between the first character and the main character each time the main character performs a predetermined action with the first character through a user's operation. Here, "predetermined actions" refer to various in-game actions, such as the main character practicing with the first character, having a confrontation, eating, playing, or being together in the same place. To tell. In this way, if the main character performs an action that has a predetermined relationship with the first character in the game, the degree of relationship between the two will change.

For example, if the main character practices together with the first character, such as a teammate, the relationship level increases by "10". Further, for example, if the main character eats with the first character, the relationship level increases by "5". Further, for example, if the main character faces off against the first character and wins, the relationship level (evaluation value) increases by "10", whereas if the main character loses, the relationship level decreases by "5". These are just examples, and the correspondence between the main character's actions and the degree of relationship can be arbitrarily determined.

An example of relationship management by the relationship management means 73 is shown below. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the event deck setting information includes a relationship information field. The relationship management means 73 updates the value of the relationship information field every time the relationship between the first character set as the event deck and the main character changes, and manages the current relationship. .

Then, the probability changing means 74 determines the probability that an event related to the first character will occur (or the combination thereof when the first character is included in the combination), depending on the degree of relationship between the main character and the first character. It has the function of varying the probability that an event will occur depending on the event. FIG. 15 shows an example of the relationship between the degree of relationship and the probability of event occurrence. In this example, if the relationship is "39 or less", "40-79", "80-119", "120-159", "160-199", or "200 (maximum)", the probability of event occurrence is They fluctuate as "10%", "20%", "30%", "50%", "70%", and "100%", respectively. In this example, the higher the numerical value of the degree of relationship (or the higher the level), the probability of event occurrence is gradually improved.

If there is only one first character set as the event deck, the event occurrence probability shown in FIG. 15 can be applied as is. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of first characters set as an event deck, the probability of occurrence of an event according to a combination of the plurality of first characters can be determined, for example, as follows. Here, a case will be exemplified in which the characters of player A and player B are included in the event deck. For example, assume that the degree of relationship between the main character and player A is "100," and the degree of relationship between the main character and player B is "50." In this case, based on the relationship shown in FIG. 15, an event occurrence probability of 30% can be obtained from player A's degree of relationship and 20% from player B's degree of relationship. Therefore, the probability of occurrence of an event according to the combination of player A+player B can be averaged to be (30%+20%)/2=25%.

Various other methods can be considered for determining the probability of occurrence of an event according to a combination of a plurality of first characters. An example is shown below.

Regarding the probability of occurrence of an event depending on the combination of multiple first characters (A, B...), the degree of relationship between all the first characters (A, B...) and the second character is based on a predetermined standard (condition). When , the probability according to the criterion of the satisfied degree of relationship is applied. For example, the probability of an event occurring is "10%" until all of the set first characters satisfy a predetermined relationship standard (for example, "40 or more"), and when that standard is satisfied, In this case, the probability of occurrence of the event is "20%". Further, when all of the plurality of first characters further satisfy a higher relationship standard (for example, "80 or more"), the probability of occurrence of the event becomes "30%". Similarly, each time all of the plurality of first characters satisfy the higher degree of relationship criterion, the probability of occurrence of the event increases.

Alternatively, for the event occurrence probability according to the combination of multiple first characters, the one with the highest relationship among the multiple first characters is adopted, and the relationship and event occurrence probability illustrated in FIG. It may also be determined based on the relationship. Or, conversely, the one with the lowest degree of relationship may be adopted; in this case, the user is motivated to raise the degree of relationship.

Alternatively, for the probability of occurrence of an event according to a combination of multiple first characters, the average value of the degree of relationship of the plurality of first characters is applied, and the relationship between the degree of relationship and the probability of event occurrence illustrated in FIG. 15 is calculated. It may be determined based on

Incidentally, it is preferable that the degree of relationship between each character and the main character be made visible to the user on the screen. This allows the user to check the degree of relationship between the first character and the main character on the screen when setting the first character for event generation, or during the course of the game, and play the game while recognizing the degree of relationship. You can enjoy it. For example, if the user confirms on the screen that the degree of relationship with a certain first character is high, the user's expectation that an event related to that first character will occur with a high probability increases.

An example of screen display control in the game device 3 that allows the user to visually recognize the degree of relationship will be shown below. The game includes a screen that displays the main character's current game status (scenario progress, etc.) and parameters. On this screen, or on another screen transitioned from this screen, a list of characters owned by the user (all owned characters including characters set as event decks) is displayed. For each character included in this list, the degree of relationship with the main character is visibly displayed. For example, the degree of relationship is divided into six levels (see FIG. 15), and the level of relationship is expressed by the number of stars (1 to 6 at most). Alternatively, the relationship value itself (in the example of FIG. 15, a value in the range of 0 to 200) may be expressed. Among the characters included in the list, the characters that are set as event decks are attached with information (marks, letters, colors, shading, etc.) that allows confirmation of this fact. Therefore, by looking at the screen, the user can confirm which character is set as the event deck and what degree of relationship that character has with the main character.

Alternatively, on the event deck setting screen illustrated in FIG. 5 or FIG. 18, the degree of relationship with the main character may be visually displayed for each currently set character.

With this configuration, the ease with which an event occurs varies depending on the degree of relationship between the first character set for event generation and the main character, or depending on the degree of relationship with the main character after the first character is set. Therefore, if a user wants to cause an event to occur quickly, he or she can play the game in a way that increases the relationship between the first character that the user has set and the second character that is the user's controlled character. It can enhance the gameplay.

Furthermore, since the first character is set for event occurrence, an event related to the first character will occur with a predetermined probability as described above even if the main character does not perform a predetermined action with the first character. There is a possibility. Furthermore, in this configuration, the probability of an event occurrence can be intentionally increased by causing the main character to perform a predetermined action with the first character through the user's operation.

Therefore, if the user wants to cause an event related to a specific first character to occur with a high probability, the user can operate the game (select the actions of the main character in the game) so that the main character performs a predetermined action with the first character. All you have to do is perform the following operations. With this configuration, the user can change the probability of occurrence of an event related to a specific first character through his/her own operation, thereby further improving the gameplay.

Further, the event management means 72 is capable of causing 100% of events related to the first character when the degree of relationship between the first character set as the event deck and the main character reaches a predetermined standard. preferable. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, when the degree of relationship reaches "200", the probability of occurrence of the event is set to 100%.

Here, regarding the timing of event occurrence, the event may occur immediately after the degree of relationship reaches a predetermined standard (for example, 200), or the event may occur for a certain amount of time after the degree of relationship reaches a predetermined standard. The event may occur after a certain period of time (for example, after the timing of event occurrence in the game has been adjusted).

Note that if the degree of relationship does not reach a predetermined standard, it can be determined arbitrarily. For example, if the degree of relationship between the main character and the first character has not reached the predetermined standard of "200," as illustrated in FIG. may occur. Alternatively, if the degree of relationship does not reach a predetermined standard, an event may occur with a predetermined probability regardless of the degree of relationship. Alternatively, if the degree of relationship between the main character and the first character does not reach a predetermined standard, an event related to the first character may not occur.

Here, in the case where there is only one first character set for event generation, when the degree of relationship between the first character and the main character reaches a predetermined standard (this triggers), the event will occur at 100. %Occur.

On the other hand, in the case where there are a plurality of first characters set for event generation, various modes as shown below are possible.

An event corresponding to a combination of a plurality of first characters (A, B...) will be rated 100 if the degree of relationship between all the first characters included in the combination and the main character reaches a predetermined standard. % can be made to occur.

Alternatively, an event corresponding to a combination of a plurality of first characters (A, B...) may be triggered when the degree of relationship between any one of the first characters and the second character reaches a predetermined standard. The event may be set to occur 100% of the time.

Alternatively, an event corresponding to a combination of a plurality of first characters (A, B...) may be such that the degree of relationship between a predetermined percentage or more (for example, 50% or more) of the first characters and the second character meets a predetermined standard. The event may be set to occur 100% of the time when the threshold is reached.

In this configuration, when the user wants to ensure that an event related to a specific first character occurs, the user can operate the game (maintain the main character in the game) so that the degree of relationship with the first character reaches a predetermined standard. All you have to do is perform an operation to select an action, etc.). With this configuration, the user can cause 100% of the events related to the specific first character to occur through his/her own operations, thereby further improving the gameplay.

Next, a configuration will be described in which the upper limit of the number of first characters that can be set as an event deck is varied depending on various conditions. As shown in FIG. 16, the game device 3 of this embodiment includes a settable number management means 76 in addition to a setting means 71 and an event management means 72. This settable number management means 76 has a function of setting an upper limit on the settable number of first characters and varying the upper limit of the settable number by satisfying a predetermined condition.

For example, at the start of the game, the upper limit of the number of first characters that can be set is "2". However, the upper limit of the number that can be set varies depending on satisfying predetermined conditions. Here, examples of the predetermined conditions include the following.

(a) A predetermined condition is that a game parameter related to the progress of the game satisfies a preset condition. The details will be described later.

(b) In order to increase the upper limit of the number that can be set, a predetermined condition is that the user consumes a predetermined amount of in-game points, in-game currency, charged items, etc.

(c) In a game such as the game of this embodiment, in which companion relationships can be established with other users, a predetermined condition is that the number of companions reaches a predetermined number. For example, when the number of friends reaches 30, the upper limit of the number that can be set increases by one, then increases by one more when the number of friends reaches 40, and increases by one more when the number reaches 50 or more.

(d) The case where the game execution result does not reach a predetermined standard is set as a predetermined condition. For example, in a game where characters can be trained, if the user stops training the character midway through, the upper limit of the number of characters that can be set is lowered. Further, even if the character has been completely trained, if the parameters of the character do not reach a predetermined value, the upper limit of the number that can be set is lowered.

Note that (a) to (d) above are examples of predetermined conditions, and the present invention is not limited to these, and various conditions can be determined depending on the content of the game.

The settable number management means 76 manages the increase/decrease in the settable number of the first character by, for example, switching the validity/invalidity of a flag provided in the event deck setting information shown in FIG. 12.

In this configuration, while setting an upper limit on the number of first characters that can be set, the user can increase the upper limit by satisfying a predetermined condition. The larger the upper limit of the number of first characters that can be set, the greater the variation of events that can occur during the game. Therefore, the user is motivated to actively play the game so as to satisfy a predetermined condition in order to increase the upper limit of the settable number (or to avoid a decrease in the upper limit).

Next, a preferred form will be explained in which the "predetermined condition" for changing the upper limit of the number of first characters that can be set is that a game parameter related to the progress of the game satisfies a preset condition. do. Here, as an example of a game parameter related to the progress of the game, in a game in which a plurality of characters can be trained like the game of this embodiment, the number of characters that have been trained can be cited. In this case, the predetermined condition is satisfied when the number of characters who have completed training reaches a predetermined value (for example, 1, 5, 10, etc.).

For example, at the start of a game where no scenario has been started, the upper limit of the number of first characters that can be set is "2". In this case, there are only two setting frames 102 on the event deck setting screen in FIG. Thereafter, when the number of characters that have been trained reaches "1" due to the end of the scenario, the upper limit of the number of first characters that can be set is changed to "3". As a result, there are three setting frames 102 on the event deck setting screen in FIG. Furthermore, after that, when the number of characters that have been trained reaches "2" due to the end of the scenario, the upper limit of the number of first characters that can be set is changed to "4", and the number of setting frames 102 becomes four. After that, the upper limit of the number of characters that can be set can be increased each time the number of characters that have completed training increases, or once the upper limit of the number of characters that can be set reaches a predetermined value (for example, 5), no more characters can be set. The upper limit may not become large (the number of setting frames 102 may not increase).

As other examples of game parameters related to the progress of the game, various game parameters depending on the game content, such as stage, points, and level, can be applied. For example, reaching a predetermined stage, earning points reaching a predetermined value, user's game level reaching a predetermined level, user's My Character level reaching a predetermined level, etc. "Game parameters related to progress satisfy preset conditions."

With the configuration of this embodiment, the user is motivated to actively play the game so that the game parameters related to the progress of the game satisfy preset conditions.

Next, when the user has a friend, a preferred configuration that allows the user to incorporate the friend's character into the user's event deck will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, the game device 3 having this configuration includes, in addition to the setting means 71 and the event management means 72, a companion management means 77 and a permission means 78 as an example of a relationship management means.

The companion management means 77 has a function of managing companions as an example of second users associated with the user. One form for a user to establish a buddy relationship with another user is for one of the two users to make a buddy request to the other user via the game server 1, and then send the buddy request to the other user. An example of this is an operation of a friend application and its approval made between both users, in which the user who has received the request approves becoming a friend via the game server 1. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the buddy management means 77 stores the user IDs of other users who are in a buddy relationship with the user as buddy information, and performs buddy management.

The permission means 78 has a function of allowing the user to set a specific character owned by a friend as the user's first character for generating an event. Here, an example of "a specific character owned by a friend" may be one of the characters set by the friend as an event deck. For example, on the event deck setting screen in FIG. 5, a friend may change the character set in the leftmost setting frame 102 (the character corresponding to the setting frame ID=1 in FIG. 12) to "a specific character owned by the friend." It can be done.

Alternatively, a character selected in advance by a friend as a lentable character may be set as a "specific character owned by a friend." Alternatively, the game device 3 may automatically extract the character with the highest ability among the characters owned by the companion, and may designate that character as a "specific character owned by the companion."

For example, if the user has created a predetermined number of friends (for example, one person) or more, the permission means 78 allows the friends' characters to be set as an event deck. As a result, the event deck setting screen is provided with a helper frame 105 in which fellow characters can be set.

FIG. 18 shows an example of an event deck setting screen in which a helper frame 105 is provided. FIG. 18 shows an example in which a total of six frames are provided, including five normal setting frames 102 and one helper frame 105. When setting a fellow character in the helper frame 105, for example, if the user selects the helper frame 105, the screen transitions to a helper selection screen (not shown). A list of companion characters is displayed on this helper selection screen, and by selecting an arbitrary character from the list, the selected character can be set in the helper frame 105.

The user may have only one helper slot 105 or a plurality of helper slots 105 in which fellow characters can be set as an event deck. For example, the number of helper slots 105 may be varied depending on the number of companions associated with the user. That is, the larger the number of companions, the more the number of helper frames 105 in which companion characters can be set may be increased.

In the configuration of the present embodiment, even if the user does not own a character, the user can borrow a specific character owned by a friend and set it as the user's own character for generating an event. In this case, the more friends the user has, the wider the range of selectable characters, and the more various events can occur. With this configuration, each user is motivated to actively try to make many friends. As the number of friends of each user increases, the community among the users becomes more active, and the game as a whole becomes more active.

Next, effects etc. when an event occurs depending on the event deck will be explained. When an event occurs, the user may simply enjoy the event, but it is preferable to change the parameters of the main character according to the progress or result of the event. As shown in FIG. 19, the game device 3 implementing this configuration includes a parameter varying means 79 in addition to a setting means 71 and an event management means 72.

The event according to the event deck is preferably an event related to the main character, which is an example of the second character operated by the user. Here, the events related to the main character include, for example, the main character practicing with the first character, having a confrontation, having a meal, traveling, and the like. Note that events related to the main character are not limited to events in which the main character appears on the screen. For example, it may be an event where the first character talks about, thinks about, or imagines the main character, or an event where the first character who is a rival of the main character practices in order to defeat the main character. good.

The parameter varying means 79 has a function of varying the parameters of the main character according to the progress or result of an event that occurs during the game and that corresponds to the event deck.

For example, in the case of a baseball game, depending on the progress or result of events, the main character improves specific parameters such as batting power, running power, and defensive power, or acquires special ability parameters. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, when player A's character with character ID=0001 is set as the event deck, a batting training event occurs. In this event, for example, the main character and player A perform batting training together. As a result of this event, the parameters of the main character's batting power (meat, power) improve by a predetermined amount (or by a predetermined percentage).

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 13, when the character of player B with character ID=0002 is set as the event deck, a special running training event occurs. In this event, for example, the main character and athlete B perform special running training together. As a result of this event, the running power parameter of the main character improves by a predetermined amount (or a predetermined percentage).

Note that the condition for an event that changes the parameters of the main character does not necessarily have to be an event related to the main character. For example, if the first character is a player with excellent batting ability, and an event related to the first character progresses or completes, even if the main character himself does not appear in that event, the main character's The parameters of batting ability may be improved.

However, only when an event related to the main character as the second character occurs, the parameters (abilities, etc.) of the main character may be changed according to the progress or result of the event.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a first character with a high predetermined ability (batting power, running ability, defensive ability, etc.) be set as an event deck so that an event that improves the ability of the main character occurs. For example, by setting any of the first characters P, Q, R, . . . whose batting power parameters are higher than a predetermined standard as an event deck, an event occurs that can strengthen the batting power of the main character. In addition, by setting more first characters P, Q, R... whose batting power parameters are higher than a predetermined standard as an event deck, such as 2 instead of 1, 3 instead of 2, the batting power can be strengthened. An event occurs that has a higher effect (the contents of each event are also different). Similarly, by setting a character whose running ability parameter is higher than a predetermined standard as an event deck, an event that can strengthen the main character's running ability occurs.

In this way, it is preferable that the content of the change in the parameter of the main character is related to the parameter of the first character. For example, if the first character is a player with excellent batting ability (parameters of batting ability are higher than a predetermined standard), when an event related to the first character progresses or completes, the main character Under the influence of a specific parameter (in this case, batting ability) of the first character, the same batting ability is improved.

Note that even if the user does not complete the event that has occurred or does not clear the event, it is possible to change the parameters according to the progress of the event.

In the configuration of this embodiment, the parameters of the main character vary as an effect of an event depending on the event deck. The effect of parameter variation also changes depending on the event that occurs. Therefore, by devising combinations while considering the parameters of the first character set as an event deck, the user can generate various events to uniformly improve the main character's parameters or strengthen specific parameters. You can also aim for With this configuration, game performance can be further improved.

Next, a preferred configuration will be described in which the effect of the event is varied depending on the rarity of the first character set as the event deck. As described above, in the game of this embodiment, one of the rarity levels of "normal", "rare", and "S rare" is set in advance for each character. Note that the rarity level is not limited to three levels. For example, the rarity level may be in five levels: "normal", "normal+", "rare", "rare+", and "S rare". Moreover, the rarity can be expressed in various ways, such as "1, 2...", "A, B...", "gold, silver...", etc.

The parameter changing means 79 changes the parameters of the main character to a greater extent in accordance with the progress or result of an event occurring in accordance with the first character, the higher the rarity of the first character set as the event deck. It has the function of For example, as a result of an event that occurs in response to the first character of player A (normal), the batting power of the main character becomes "+10". Furthermore, even though the characters have the same name, the batting power of the main character becomes "+20" as a result of an event that occurs in response to the first character of player A (rare). Furthermore, as a result of the event that occurs in response to the first character of player A (S rare), the batting power of the main character becomes "+30". In this way, even if player A's character has the same name, if the rarity level differs, events with different contents will occur (or events with the same contents may occur), and the effects of the events will differ as described above.

According to the configuration of this embodiment, the higher the rarity of the first character set as the event deck, the more advantageously the game can be played, and the more the game is played. In addition, it is possible to motivate the user to obtain a character with a higher degree of rarity.

Next, a preferred configuration will be described in which the higher the rarity of the first character set as the event deck, the greater the number of events (events related to the first character) that may occur during the game.

Here, an example will be described in which the number of first characters set as the event deck is one. FIG. 21 shows an example of the correspondence between the first character set as an event deck and events that may occur. In the example of FIG. 21, when the character of player A (normal) is set as the event deck, one of the events that may occur is "Special batting training 01". Further, when the character of player A (rare) is set as the event deck, there are two events that may occur: "Special batting training 02" and "Special batting training 03." Additionally, if the character of Player A (S Rare) is set as the event deck, there are three events that may occur: "Special Batting Training 04," "Special Batting Training 05," and "Special Batting Training 06." . Note that this is just an example, and the number of events can be arbitrarily determined as long as the relationship holds that the higher the rarity of the first character, the greater the number of events that are likely to occur during the game.

In the example of FIG. 21, if three characters, Player A (Normal), Player A (Rare), and Player A (S Rare), are incorporated into the event deck, "Special Batting Training 01" to "Special Batting Training 06" Any event may occur.

Similarly, when there are multiple first characters set as an event deck, the higher the rarity of some or all of the multiple first characters, the more likely the event will occur depending on the combination of them. You can increase the number.

According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the higher the rarity of the first character set for event generation, the wider the variations of events that occur during the game, and the more the game becomes more enjoyable. In addition, it is possible to motivate the user to obtain a character with a higher degree of rarity.

Incidentally, it is preferable that the event that occurs depending on the combination of the plurality of first characters is an event based on the relationship between the plurality of first characters. Here, the relationships between the plurality of first characters may include various relationships depending on the content of the game, such as rivals, best friends, parents and children, lovers, etc. For example, assume that character A and character B are rivals. When character A and character B are set as the event deck, a confrontation event occurs based on the relationship (rivalry) between both characters as an event corresponding to the combination of both characters. In this case, the main character may participate in the event by watching the showdown event, supporting the event, or the like.

In this way, an event occurs with content based on the relationship between the plurality of first characters set for event generation, so if the user wants to generate an event with specific content such as a confrontation event, the user can You can select multiple characters to incorporate into the event deck while considering the relationship between them. With this configuration, the game performance can be further improved.

Next, a configuration for notifying the user of information indicating the relationship between an event and a character for causing the event to occur in advance will be described. As shown in FIG. 20, the game device 3 includes notifying means 80 in addition to setting means 71 and event management means 72.

The notification means 80 has a function of notifying the user of information indicating the relationship between an event and a first character or a combination of a plurality of first characters for causing the event. An example of notification by the notification means 80 is shown below.

(A) Notifying (presenting) information in advance to the user indicating the relationship between the effect of an event, such as parameter improvement, and a first character or a combination of a plurality of first characters to cause the event to occur. . For example, when the parameters of the main character change as an effect of an event, information regarding the first character or the combination of first characters necessary for improving the parameters is notified to the user in advance. For example, in a baseball game, information such as "In order to generate an event that strengthens batting power, you need to set one of the characters (with high batting power) P, Q, R..." Display on the screen to notify the user. The information to be notified may be hint information that provides a clue to the information indicating the relationship. For example, it may be possible to notify that "If you set character P, you may be able to strengthen your batting power in an event."

(B) Information indicating the relationship between the type or content of the event and the first character or a combination of a plurality of first characters for causing the event (including the above-mentioned hint information) to the user in advance. to be notified. Here, examples of the type or content of the event include a training event, a confrontation event, a travel event, a meal event, and the like. These are just examples, and the type or content of the event varies depending on the game content. For example, information such as "In order to cause a confrontation event, character X (who is a rival of the main character) needs to be set" is displayed on the screen to notify the user. After the confrontation event, as described above, a predetermined effect (such as improving the main character's parameters or acquiring special abilities) may occur. Further, the effect may also be notified.

In both cases (A) and (B) above, the user can check the above information presented from the notification means 80 on the screen at any time by performing a predetermined operation on the game device 3.

In both cases (A) and (B) above, detailed table information showing all relationships may be presented to the user, or only a part of it may be randomly presented to the user. may be designed to attract the interest of With the presentation of this information, the user is motivated to obtain the characters necessary to cause the desired event (and thereby the desired effect) to occur.

Furthermore, in both cases of (A) and (B) above, only information related to characters owned by the user may be extracted and presented to the user as information indicating the relationship. In this case, it is possible to motivate users (especially novice users who do not know much about what kind of events will occur if their own characters are set for event generation) to actively enjoy the game. .

Here, an example of the operation of the game device 3 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 22.

When the user operates the operation input unit 40 of the game device 3 to select an arbitrary scenario from among a plurality of scenarios, the CPU 31 of the game device 3 determines a scenario to be executed (S1). Note that if there is only one scenario, step S1 can be omitted.

After that, the game device 3 executes an event deck setting process (S2). In step S2, the game device 3 causes the display unit 35 to display an event deck setting screen illustrated in FIG. On this event deck setting screen, the user can select any character from among the characters he or she owns and compose an event deck. The game device 3 sets at least one character selected by the user as the first character for event occurrence. As a result, for example, the event deck setting information shown in FIG. 12 is stored in the storage device (RAM 33, auxiliary storage device 39, etc.).

Note that the event deck setting process in step S2 may be performed before the scenario selection in step S1.

Furthermore, after the event deck is set as described above, the event deck setting information is stored in a nonvolatile storage device (auxiliary storage device 39, etc.) until the user changes the character composition of the event deck. , event deck setting information may be retained. In this case, the user does not have to perform event deck setting operations from scratch every time a scenario is started, and the previous event deck settings are carried over.

Furthermore, the characters that can be incorporated into the event deck may be limited depending on the scenario selected in step S1. For example, in the case of a scenario set in a girls' high school, the characters that can be incorporated into the event deck are limited to female characters. Further, for example, in the case of a scenario set in a foreign school, the characters that can be incorporated into the event deck are limited to foreign characters. In this case, the user is motivated to obtain a character corresponding to the scenario before starting the scenario.

Note that the user can also start the scenario without setting any characters in the setting frame 102 of the event deck setting screen (the number of characters in the event deck is zero). However, in that case, an event corresponding to the event deck will not occur. However, a basic event unrelated to the event deck may occur.

After starting the scenario (S3), the user selects one of the commands, eg, "practice," "rest," or "going out" (S4), and advances the scenario. For example, the "practice" command has various selectable subcommands such as batting practice, base running practice, fielding practice, and strength training. For example, if you select the batting practice command, you will practice with player A on the event deck, and if you select the base running practice command, you will practice with player B on the event deck. The people you practice with are different.

After the user selects the command, the game device 3 executes an event lottery process (S5). The probability of occurrence of an event related to the first character included in the event deck may vary depending on the degree of relationship between the main character and the first character, as shown in FIG. 15, for example. If there is a winning event (YES in S6), the game device 3 generates the event (S7). If at least one first character is included in the event deck, there is a possibility that an event related to the first character will occur. If a plurality of first characters are included in the event deck, there will be many variations in combinations of the plurality of first characters, and the possibility of an event occurring will also increase.

The game device 3 changes the parameters of the main character according to the progress or result of an event that has occurred. For example, the game device 3 improves parameters such as batting power, running power, and defensive power of the main character. At this time, the game device 3 updates the parameters of the character being trained illustrated in FIG. 9 to the changed values (S8). After that, the process moves to step S9.

On the other hand, if there is no winning event in step S6 (NO in S6), the process moves to step S9 without executing steps S7 and S8. In step S9, the command selected in step S4 is executed. If the parameters of the main character change due to execution of the command, the game device 3 updates the parameters to the changed values (S10). Further, when the main character performs a predetermined action (practice, etc.) with the first character included in the event deck by executing the command, the game device 3 also updates the degree of relationship between the two (S11). As a result, for example, the relationship value in the event deck setting information in FIG. 12 is updated.

Thereafter, it is determined whether the scenario has ended (S12). Here, if the scenario has not ended (NO in S12), the process returns to step S4, and steps S4 to S12 are repeated until the scenario ends. When the scenario ends, the development of the main character is completed.

As described above, in the game device 3 of the present embodiment, the first character or the combination of a plurality of first characters that can be arbitrarily set by the user allows for a rich variety of events that occur during the game. This expands the range of play, making it possible to realize a highly interesting game that the user can play repeatedly without getting bored.
[Other configuration examples of game management device]

In the embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the game management device was configured as the game device 3, but an example in which the game management device was configured as the game server 201 will be described below. Furthermore, an example in which the game management device is configured by a plurality of computers (servers, terminal devices) that communicate with each other will be described. In addition, the same component numbers are given to the same structure as the structure shown in the already mentioned drawing, and the description is abbreviate|omitted suitably.

FIG. 23 shows a configuration example of a game system incorporating a game management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, this game system includes a game server 201 installed on a network 4 such as the Internet, and each user's terminal device 203 that can be communicably connected to the game server 201 via the network 4. be done.

The hardware configuration of the game server 201 is similar to the game server 1 in FIG. 3. Further, the hardware configuration of the terminal device 203 is also the same as that of the game device 3 in FIG.

The game server 201 accepts access via the network 4 from the terminal device 203 of each user receiving the game service, stores and manages game information of each user in a database (storage device), and provides access to the network 4 from the terminal device 203 of each user. Provide game services through.

The game service provided by the game server 201 is such that a game program (application software) is installed on the game server 201, and the game is not executed on the terminal device 203, but the game is operated on the terminal device 203. There is a mode in which the game server 201 executes a game in response to an input, and the execution result is transmitted to each user's terminal device 203. For example, the game server 201 provides a so-called browser game that can be played using a web browser installed in each user's terminal device 203. Alternatively, the game server 201 provides a so-called cloud gaming service in which game images resulting from the execution of a game on the game server 201 are transmitted to the terminal device 203 in a streaming format, for example.

Alternatively, a game system may be provided in which part or all of the game execution program is installed on the user's terminal device 203, and the game execution process is performed on the terminal device 203 as well.

For example, in a service format that provides browser games, there is no need to download or install game-specific software on the user's terminal device 203, and as long as the terminal device 203 can be connected to the network 4, the user can easily play the game anywhere. The game service provided by the server 201 can be enjoyed.

In this game system, a game server 201 executes arithmetic processing and data processing for progressing the game in response to each user's input operation on the terminal device 203. Then, the game server 201 updates the game information of each user in the database based on the execution results of calculation processing, etc., and also updates the web page information (game information) for displaying the execution results on the screen of the user's terminal device 203. screen data) to each user's terminal device 203.

Each user's terminal device 203 is equipped with a web browser having a website viewing function as a user agent, so that web page information sent from the game server 201 can be displayed on the screen of the terminal device 203. It has become. This terminal device 203 is, for example, a mobile phone terminal, a PHS terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a PC, a tablet computer, a game device (stationary or portable game device) with a communication function, or an interactive Various terminals that can connect to the game server 201 via the network 4 and receive game services can be applied, such as a multi-functional television receiver (so-called smart TV) equipped with communication functions.

The game server 201 and the terminal device 203 can communicate with each other to send and receive various data, and both are information processing devices (computers) equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, auxiliary storage device, communication control unit, etc. They have similar hardware configurations. Therefore, in a game system including the game server 201 and the terminal device 203, each of the means 71 to 80 included in the game device 3 described in each of the above embodiments is implemented by either the game server 201 or the terminal device 203. Just be prepared. That is, each of the means 71 to 80 included in the game device 3 can be provided in the game server 201. Alternatively, each of the means 71 to 80 included in the game device 3 can be distributed and provided in the game server 201 and the terminal device 203. These configurations also provide the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments.

For example, in FIG. 10, the game device 3 includes the setting means 71 and the event management means 72, but as illustrated in FIG. 24, the game server 201 has the functions of the setting means 71 and the event management means 72. can be taken as a thing.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the functions of the setting means 71 and the event management means 72 may be distributed and provided between the game server 201 and the terminal device 203. Although FIG. 25 shows a configuration example in which the game server 201 is provided with the setting means 71 and the terminal device 203 is provided with the event management means 72, the present invention is not limited to this. The game server 201 may be provided with the event management means 72, and the terminal device 203 may be provided with the setting means 71.
[Other embodiments]

In each of the above-described embodiments, a baseball game is illustrated, but the present invention is also applicable to games in which a plurality of characters appear, such as soccer games, competitive games, and the like. Further, although an example has been described in which the characters that can be incorporated into the event deck are people such as players, the present invention is not limited to this. Various characters can be used as the characters, such as animals (race horses, etc.), plants, imaginary creatures (monsters, etc.), non-living things (materials, tools, etc.), depending on the content of the game.

For example, in the case of a cooking game, the characters that can be incorporated into the event deck can be vegetables, fruits, seasonings, etc. that are ingredients for cooking. By incorporating such a character into the event deck, an event related to the cooking method will occur, and as the event progresses or completes, the main character will master one recipe (cooking method), and the ability parameters as a cook will be set. It can also be applied to games that improve performance.

In addition, regarding a configuration that has a storage control function that stores various information in a storage device, the storage device itself is not included in the configuration, so it can be installed anywhere, regardless of whether it is inside or outside of the game device, terminal device, game server, or game system. may have been done. For example, the storage device may be the RAM 13 or auxiliary storage device 14 that the game server 1 has, the RAM 33 or auxiliary storage device 39 that the game device 3 has, or a file server (online storage) that is configured separately from the game server 1 or the game device 3. It may be.

Furthermore, the configurations described in each of the above-described embodiments can be applied in appropriate combinations.

Further, the computer-readable program according to the present embodiment is recorded on various computer-readable recording media such as a hard disk, an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.), a flexible disk, a semiconductor memory, etc. , and executed by the CPU of the game device, terminal device, and game server. Further, the means for providing the program to a server or the like is not limited to the above-mentioned recording medium, but may also be provided via a communication network such as the Internet.

1 Game server 3 Game device (game management device)
31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
39 Auxiliary storage device 70 Scenario progression means 71 Setting means 72 Event management means 73 Relationship management means 74 Probability variation means 75 Appearance character management means 76 Settable number management means 77 Fellow management means (relationship management means)
78 Permission means 79 Parameter variation means 80 Notification means 201 Game server (game management device)
203 Terminal device (game management device)

Claims (1)

a setting means for setting at least one character selected by the user from a plurality of characters owned by the user as a first character for event occurrence;
A game management device comprising: event management means for generating an event related to the first character during the game according to the first character or a combination of the plurality of first characters.

Images