JP2024028661A - Game programs and game systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a game system and a game program that allow users to enjoy multiplayer games with neighboring users even in areas with a small user population. A game program of the present invention includes a computer, an information processing unit that receives matching request information from a game device, and position information that specifies the position of the game device in real space, and a computer that transmits the matching request information. Among the game devices, the game devices whose position information is within a predetermined distance range in the real space are matched, and the total number of player characters corresponding to the matched game devices reaches a predetermined number. functions as a matching means that causes the game device to execute a multiplayer game, and when the total number of the player characters does not reach the predetermined number, changes the predetermined distance range to be larger and then restarts the matching. It is something that makes you [Selection diagram] Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a game system and a game program that allow users to enjoy multiplayer games with neighboring users even in areas with a small user population when online communication is possible.

A multiplayer game is known in which a plurality of users are matched with each other and a multiplayer game (communication play) can be performed by a large number of people (see Patent Document 1). In this multiplayer game, a user selects a quest with specified achievement conditions (hunting a specific monster, etc.) and requests the server device to match the quest with other users. In response to this, the server device matches users (game devices) who have requested matching at the same time. This allows the matched users (game devices) to cooperate with each other and enjoy multiplayer games such as completing quests.

Moreover, in recent years, in such multiplayer games, users in the neighborhood can also enjoy multiplayer games. Users who participate in such a multiplayer game among neighboring users may feel more like a team, and may be able to enjoy the game more than in a normal multiplayer game.

Here, nearby users are users who are determined to be within a predetermined area based on location information detected using, for example, the GPS function of a game device, or users who are determined to be within a predetermined physical distance. For example, between users who are connected to each other.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-176472

However, if the user population of the game is relatively small in an area, there may be few or no local users, and the necessary number of local users may not be able to gather or be recruited to play multiplayer games between local users. Sometimes it's not even done. In this case, there was a problem in that the multiplayer game between neighboring users did not function, and the game became less interesting.

An object of the present invention is to provide a game program and a game system that allow users to enjoy multiplayer games with neighboring users even in areas with a small user population when online communication is possible.

A first invention includes a plurality of game devices that execute multiplayer games that allow multiplayer play in virtual space based on user operations within a predetermined distance range;
A game program that causes a server device in a game system including the plurality of game devices and a server device connected via a network to function as a predetermined means,
The game device includes:
a game control unit that controls the movement of the player character in the virtual space based on the user's operation and executes the multiplayer game; and matching request information with other game devices and the position of the game device. a communication unit that transmits information to the server device;
Equipped with
The server device,
information processing means for receiving the matching request information and the position information, and when the total number of the player characters corresponding to the game device that transmitted the matching request information within the predetermined distance range reaches a predetermined number; matching means for matching the game devices that have transmitted matching request information;
function as
If the total number of player characters does not reach a predetermined number, the matching means changes the matching condition by increasing the value of the predetermined distance range from an initial state to a first predetermined value, and then resumes matching. ,
It is a game program.

A second invention includes a plurality of game devices that execute multiplayer games that allow multiplayer play in virtual space based on user operations within a predetermined distance range;
A game program that causes a server device in a game system including the plurality of game devices and a server device connected via a network to function as a predetermined means,
The game device includes:
a game control unit that controls the movement of the player character in the virtual space based on the user's operation and executes the multiplayer game; and matching request information with other game devices and the position of the game device. a communication unit that transmits information to the server device;
Equipped with
The server device,
information processing means that receives the matching request information and the position information; and when the total number of characters corresponding to the game device that transmitted the matching request information within the predetermined distance range reaches a predetermined number, the matching matching means for matching the game devices that have transmitted the request information;
function as
If the total number of player characters does not reach a predetermined number, the matching means rewrites the location information of the game device that transmitted the matching request information to another location information, changes the matching condition, and then performs matching. resume,
It is a game program.

Further, in the first or second invention, the server device further functions as elapsed time counting means for counting the elapsed time since the matching is started, and the matching means is configured to further function as elapsed time counting means for counting the elapsed time after the matching is started. If the elapsed time becomes a predetermined time or more in a state where the matching condition is not set, the matching condition may be changed to increase the value of the predetermined distance range from the initial state to a first predetermined value, and then matching may be restarted. can.

Further, in the first or second invention, the matching means determines the value of the predetermined distance range when the predetermined item is used in the game based on the user's operation in the matching. The matching can be restarted after changing the matching condition so that the matching condition is increased from the initial state to the first predetermined value.

Further, in the first invention, when a predetermined time period has elapsed since the matching was restarted and the matching has not yet been established, the matching means changes the value of the predetermined distance range to the first value. The matching can be restarted after the matching condition is changed to a state in which the matching condition is increased to a second predetermined value that is larger than the predetermined value.

In a second aspect of the present invention, the server device further functions as a matching number counting unit that counts the number of times the matching is completed for each predetermined area, and the matching unit is configured to match the another location information with the matching number. It is possible to rewrite the location information to any one of the regions where the number of times that is established is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

Furthermore, in the second invention, the matching means can rewrite the other location information to location information of a region selected based on the user's operation.

Further, in the first invention, the matching means counts the number of times the matching is restarted, and when the number of times the matching is restarted is a predetermined number or more, a non-player character may be allowed to participate in the matching. can.

Further, in the first or second invention, the game device or the server device stores information regarding the matching condition changed when the matching means restarts the matching (hereinafter, changed matching condition information). It has a storage section,
The matching means performs matching based on the changed matching condition information when the changed matching condition information is stored in the storage section, and when the total number of the player characters reaches a predetermined number, the matching means performs matching based on the changed matching condition information. When the matching is completed and the total number of player characters does not reach a predetermined number, the changed matching condition information can be further changed and the matching can be restarted.

A third invention includes a game device that executes a game by receiving an operation signal to an operation unit from a user, and a storage unit that stores the game program according to the first or second invention, and executes the game program. This is a game system including a server device that performs a game.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game system and a program that allow players to enjoy multiplayer games with neighboring users even in areas with a small user population.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the game system according to the present embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of account information at the time of matching in this embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of matching processing in this embodiment.

[Embodiment]
A game system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The game system 1 of the present invention executes, for example, matching of a multiplayer game that can be played in a multiplayer manner on the home game device 3.

In the multiplayer game described in this embodiment, a user operates an arbitrary character (hereinafter referred to as a player character) to fight against enemy characters in a virtual space. In the following, when four neighborhood users (hereinafter referred to simply as "users") are matched within a predetermined distance range, these users will cooperate with each other to fight a common enemy character. The present invention will be explained using a multiplayer game as an example. An example of such a game is an action hunting game in which a plurality of hunters (player characters) fight against monsters (enemy characters).

Here, within a predetermined distance range means, for example, within a radius of 2 km from the current position of the user's game device 3 serving as a host in the real world in which the user lives. The present invention will be described below using an example in which a predetermined distance range is within a radius of 2 km from the current position of the game device 3 of the user serving as the host.

<About hardware configuration>
Referring to FIG. 1, the hardware configuration of a server device 2 that implements a game system 1, and the hardware configuration of a plurality of game devices 3 that are communicatively connected to each other via this server device 2 will be described.

Note that different account information (unique identification information) is given to each game device and each user. Then, an ID (identification code) is assigned to each piece of account information. When each game device 3 communicates with the server device 2 via the communication network 4, account information is transmitted from the game device 3. The transmitted account information is subjected to predetermined authentication at the server device 2. This enables communication between the server device 2 and each game device 3.

<About the server device>
The server device 2 includes a control section 20, a storage section 21, and a network interface 22.

The storage unit 21 and the network interface 22 are connected to the control unit 20 of the server device 2 via the bus 200.

The control unit 20 controls the operation of the server device 2 .

The storage unit 21 mainly includes a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory).

The storage unit 21 stores, for example, a game program and data for executing a multiplayer game, an information processing module for realizing the game system 1 of the present invention, a quest generation module and quest content candidate data, a matching module, and progress. A time count module and various data (for example, data related to each module, regional information by municipality (hereinafter referred to as regional information), map data, etc.) are stored.

The information processing module is a module that transmits and receives data necessary for progressing the game to and from each game device 3, and is a module that receives, for example, matching request information, position information, etc., which will be described later. Further, the information processing module is a module that authenticates account information using account information transmitted from the game device 3.

The quest generation module is a module that randomly sets quest content based on data of quest content candidates and generates quest content information.

Here, the quest content includes the types of main monsters that appear in the quest and the number of appearances thereof, the types of sub-monsters and the number of appearances thereof, stages, and events that occur. The quest content candidate is a quest content that can be appropriately determined as the quest content by the quest content generation program.

Further, the information regarding the user is data indicating the user's account information, user information, player character information, and the like.

The matching module is a module that performs processing to determine whether matching request information from a user has been received via the information processing module.

In addition, the matching module is configured to perform processing via the information processing module when the total number of user characters participating in a multiplayer game related to a quest is set in advance to a predetermined number ("4" in this embodiment). This module performs a process of associating the received matching request information based on the position information received and processed by the information processing module.

Furthermore, when the number of characters corresponding to the game device 3 that has transmitted matching request information within a predetermined distance range reaches a predetermined number ("4" in this embodiment), the matching module This is a module that performs matching processing between game devices 3 that have sent matching request information.

Further, if the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time while no matching is established, the matching module changes the value of the predetermined distance range from the initial state (for example, within a radius of 2 km around the host game device 3). It is also a module that restarts matching after changing the matching conditions in a state where the matching conditions have increased to a first predetermined value (for example, a radius of 4 km centered on the host game device 3).

Further, if the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time or more after restarting the matching and no matching is established, the matching module sets the value of the predetermined distance range to the first predetermined value (for example, the host The module may restart matching after changing the matching condition to a second predetermined value (for example, a radius of 8 km centered on the host game device 3) that is larger than the radius of 4 km centered on the game device 3 of the host. be.

The network interface 22 is connected to the communication network 4 in order to transmit and receive data between the server device 2 and each game device 3.

<About the functional configuration of the control unit of the server device>
The control unit 20 of the server device 2 executes the information processing module 201, the quest generation module 202, and the matching module by executing the information processing module, the quest generation module, the matching module, the count module, the non-player character participation module, and the game program. It functions as means 203 and elapsed time counting means 204.

The information processing means 201 transmits and receives data related to the current position, data related to matching, data related to quest content generation, and data necessary for progressing the multiplayer game to and from each game device 3. Furthermore, the information processing means 201 uses the account information transmitted from the game device 3 to authenticate the account information.

For example, the information that the information processing means 201 receives from each game device 3 includes current position information, movement information of the player character based on the user's operation, matching request information, user account information, game device account information, and user information. , and player character information.

The current location information includes information obtained from a location information service such as GPS.

The matching request information includes information as to whether the user is requesting matching as a host user or a guest user.

The account information includes game device identification information set for the game device 3 and user identification information set for the user. The game device identification information and user identification information are unique identification codes (IDs).

The user information includes user rank information. The user's rank information is a so-called player rank or player level that increases as the user operates a player character to fight and win against enemy characters in virtual space.

The player character information includes the type of player character selected by the user, rank information of the player character, and equipment set for the player character.

The type of player character is the type of player character that the user operates in the multiplayer game. For example, the user can select one or more characters to use from a plurality of selectable characters, such as "Hunter A" and "Hunter B."

The rank information of the player character is a so-called character rank or character level that increases as the user operates the player character to fight against enemy characters in virtual space and win, or performs operations to strengthen the player character. .

Equipment set for the player character includes weapons (greatswords, hammers, bows, etc.), armor (head armor, body armor, arm armor, leg armor, etc.), and items (decorations, ice axes, etc.) equipped on the player character. , insect nets, etc.).

The information that the information processing means 201 sends to each game device 3 includes quest contents (types of main monsters and number of appearances thereof, types of sub-monsters and number of appearances thereof, stages, occurrence events, etc.), and multiplayer game information. There is information related to the matched user (game device 3) necessary for communication to perform.

For example, the quest generation means 202 randomly or based on the user's operation determines the type of main monster and the number of appearances thereof, the type of sub monsters and the number of appearances thereof, the stage, and the occurrence event that appear in the quest of the multiplayer game. to be determined.

The matching means 203 determines whether the information processing means 201 has received matching request information from the user.

Further, the matching means 203 performs information processing when the total number of characters of users participating in a multiplayer game (multiplayer game) related to a quest in the region is set in advance to a predetermined number ("4" in this embodiment). The matching request information received via the means 201 is correlated based on the position information received and processed by the information processing means 201, and is stored in the storage unit 21.

Furthermore, the matching means 203 determines whether or not the information processing means 201 has received matching request information from the user.

Furthermore, when the information processing means 201 determines that matching request information has been received from the user, the matching means 203 sends the matching room ID (session information) to the user (host game device 3) and within a predetermined distance range (e.g. Matching of the player character corresponding to the user (game device 3) is performed by transmitting the account information of each game device 3 that is a guest located within a radius of 2 km from the host game device 3.

Specifically, in response to a request from a host user (host game device) who wishes to participate in a multiplayer game, the matching means 203 creates a session (in which four player characters including the host user's player character) can participate. room). Then, the matching means 203 matches each player character corresponding to three guest users (guest game devices) within a predetermined distance range (for example, within a 2 km radius around the host game device 3) who wish to participate in the session. Add to this session.

At this time, the information processing means 201 transmits the account information, IP address, etc. of each game device 3 to each game device 3. The multiplayer game may be either a client-server type multiplayer game or a P2P type multiplayer game. In addition to a multiplayer game in which the server device 2 performs matching, the game may be an ad hoc mode game played with a user (game device 3) who is within a communicable area by short-range communication. The same applies hereafter.

The elapsed time counting means 204 counts the elapsed time from the start of matching for each matching, and causes the storage unit 21 to store information on the elapsed time obtained by counting.

Here, the matching means 203 performs the above-mentioned matching in normal times, but not only is the frequency of matching low, but even if matching is started, the predetermined number of characters required to perform the quest is If the matching request information is not received for a predetermined number of time or more (a state in which a predetermined number or more of matching request information from a predetermined number of game devices 3 is not received for a predetermined time or more), matching may not be established.

At this time, if the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) with no matching established, the matching means 203 changes the value of the predetermined distance range to an initial state (for example, when the host game device 3 is Matching is restarted after changing the matching condition such that the matching condition has increased from (within a radius of 2 km around the center) to a first predetermined value (for example, within a radius of 4 km around the host game device 3).

Further, if the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) or more after restarting the matching and no matching is established, the matching means 203 changes the value of the predetermined distance range to the first The matching condition is changed to a state in which the matching condition is increased to a second predetermined value (for example, within a radius of 8 km around the host game device 3) which is larger than the predetermined value (for example, within a 4 km radius around the host game device 3). Then restart matching.

A specific example of matching by the matching means 203 will be shown below. For example, in response to a request from a host user (host game device) who wishes to participate in a multiplayer game, the matching means 203 generates a session (room) in which a quest can be performed when all four player characters are present. do. When this matching is started, the matching means 203 notifies neighboring users via the game device 3 that matching of a multiplayer game is now possible.

Then, the matching means 203 receives information from a guest user (guest game device 3) who wishes to participate in the session based on the operation of a neighborhood user who has learned of the notification of the matching recruitment via the game device 3, for example. When a matching request is made, the player character corresponding to the guest user is added to this session in response to the request.

At this time, if there is no matching request from the third user (third game device 3) and fourth user (fourth game device 3) even after a predetermined period of time (for example, one minute) has passed. , the matching means 203 changes the value of a predetermined distance range from an initial state (for example, within a 2 km radius around the host game device 3) to a first predetermined value (for example, within a 4 km radius around the host game device 3). After changing the matching condition as an increased state, matching is restarted.

If a matching request is received from a third user (third game device 3) and a fourth user (fourth game device 3) within a predetermined time (for example, one minute), the matching device 203 adds player characters corresponding to the third and fourth guest users to this session in response to the request.

On the other hand, if there is no matching request from the third user (third game device 3) and fourth user (fourth game device 3) within a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) , the value of the predetermined distance range is set to a second predetermined value (for example, within a radius of 8 km centered on the host game device 3) that is larger than the first predetermined value (for example, within a radius of 4 km centered on the host game device 3). After changing the matching condition, matching is restarted.

If a matching request is received from a third user (third game device 3) and a fourth user (fourth game device 3) within a predetermined time (for example, one minute), the matching device 203 adds player characters corresponding to the third and fourth guest users to this session in response to the request.

In this way, when there is a shortage of guest users, the matching means 203 expands the search range by a predetermined distance range (for example, a radius of 2 km) at predetermined intervals (for example, 1 minute) and compares it with the initial state. The number of guest users who can participate in matching gradually increases.

In this embodiment, a system will be described in which the server device 2 performs matching, and then a plurality of game devices 3 execute a game in P2P. Further, in this embodiment, user account information is taken as an example of information regarding the user.

<About the game device>
A monitor 330, a speaker 340, and a controller 350 are externally connected or built into the game device 3. In this game device 3, a game progresses based on a game program and data read from a storage medium or the like. Further, the game device 3 can perform data communication with other game devices 3 and the server device 2 via a communication network 4 such as the Internet or wireless LAN communication.

The game device 3 includes a control section 30, a storage section 31, a network interface 32, a graphics processing section 33, an audio processing section 34, and an operation section 35.

The storage section 31 , network interface 32 , graphic processing section 33 , audio processing section 34 , and operation section 35 are connected to the control section 30 via the bus 300 .

The control unit 30 controls the operation of the game device 3.

The storage unit 31 mainly includes an HDD, RAM, and ROM. The storage unit 31 stores, for example, a game program and data for executing a multiplayer game.

The network interface 32 is connected to the communication network 4 in order to transmit and receive data between the other game devices 3 and the server device 2. As a result, multiplayer games are executed synchronously within the same game space.

The graphic processing unit 33 draws a game image including a virtual space and each character in a moving image format according to instructions from the control unit 30. The game image drawn in a moving image format by the graphic processing unit 33 is displayed on the monitor 330 as a game screen.

The audio processing unit 34 reproduces and synthesizes digital game sounds according to instructions from the control unit 30. Further, a speaker 340 is connected to the audio processing section 34. The game sound is output from the speaker 340 to the outside.

The operation unit 35 is connected by wire or wirelessly to a controller 350 attached to the game device 3, and is capable of transmitting and receiving data regarding operation inputs. The user inputs an operation signal to the game device 3 by operating an operator (not shown) such as a button provided on the controller 350.

<About the functional configuration of the control unit of the game device>
The control section 30 of the game device 3 controls the game control means 301 and the communication means by executing the game program downloaded (installed) into the storage medium inserted into the game device 3 or the storage section 31 of the game device 3. 302.

The game control means 301 reads data such as objects and textures included in the game data from the storage unit 31 and generates a two-dimensional or three-dimensional virtual game space. Furthermore, the game control means 301 generates a virtual space and arranges a player character and non-player characters such as enemy characters in the virtual space.

The game control means 301 also controls the actions of the player's character and the actions of the enemy character in the virtual space according to operation signals to the controller 350 connected to the player's game device 3 and the progress of the game. do.

In proceeding with the multiplayer game, a communication means 302, which will be described later, receives an operation signal from a controller 350 connected to another game device 3 via the server device 2 or the host game device. Based on the signal, the game control means 301 controls the actions of the own player character as well as other player characters.

The game control means 301 generates information for displaying these virtual spaces and characters on the monitor 330 as a game screen. The graphic processing unit 33 draws a game image according to this information.

For example, based on the user's operation, the communication means 302 transmits the player character's movement information, matching request information, user account information, user information, and player character information to the server device 2 based on the user's operation. Furthermore, the communication means 302 receives matching completion information and quest content data from the server device 2 .

In addition, the communication means 302 transmits and receives data necessary for progressing the multiplayer game to and from other game devices 3 and the server device 2.

<About matching process>
The matching process of the server device 2 will be explained using FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing account information when matching is performed in normal times, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of matching processing according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, account information is set for each user, but when matching is performed in normal times (described later), information on whether the user is a host or a guest is associated with the matching means 203. , is stored in the storage unit 21 of the server device 2. User1's account information is "12345," User2's account information is "67890," User3's account information is "76543," and User4's account information is "99009."

The flow of matching processing of the server device 2 will be explained using FIG. 3.

First, the matching means 203 uses the information processing means 201 to determine whether matching request information has been received from any of the game devices 3 within a predetermined time, that is, whether there has been a matching request (host) within a predetermined time. Determine (step S1).

In step S1, if the matching means 203 determines that there is no matching request (host) (step S1: NO), the matching process ends.

On the other hand, in step S1, if the matching means 203 determines that there is a matching request (host) within the predetermined time (step S1: YES), the matching means 203 determines that the user of the game device 3 who made the matching request (host) The player character corresponding to is determined as the matching host (step S2).

Subsequently, the quest generation means 202 reads data of quest content candidates stored in the storage unit 21 of the server device 2 (step S3).

Then, the quest generation means 202 determines the quest content selected based on the user's operation of the game device 3 corresponding to the player character serving as the host as the quest to be performed after the current matching by the matching means 203 (step S4 ).

Next, the matching means 203 generates a session hosted by the player character corresponding to the user of the game device 3 who made the matching request (host). Then, based on the position information of the game device 3 other than the host, the matching means 203 connects the session to another game device 3 existing within a predetermined distance range (for example, a radius of 2 km) from the position information of the game device 3 of the host. Notify that it has been generated (matching is possible). At this time, the quest generation means 202 transmits (announces) the quest content selected by the user's operation or automatically determined by the quest generation means 202 to the game device 3 (host game device or all notified game devices). (Step S5).

Subsequently, the matching means 203 determines whether or not there have been three matching requests (guests) other than the matching request (host) within a predetermined time (step S6).

In step S6, if the matching means 203 determines that there have been three matching requests (guests) within the predetermined time (step S6: YES), the matching means 203 adds the matching request (guest) to the game that made the matching request (guest) in the session. Each of the player characters corresponding to the user of the device 3 is added (step S7).

Specifically, the matching means 203, for example, uses the account information "12345", "67890", "76543", and "99009" corresponding to each user shown in FIG. 2 as the four matched account information. and add it to the session.

After a series of processes like this are completed, the matching process ends.

On the other hand, in step S6, if the matching means 203 determines that there are no three matching requests (guests) within the predetermined time (step S6: NO), the matching means 203 selects a value within a predetermined distance range (for example, a radius of 2 km). ) is made larger (for example, to a radius of 4 km) to widen the search range (step S8).

Then, in step S9, based on the location information of the game device 3 of the user who has not yet participated in the matching, other game devices existing within a predetermined distance range (for example, a radius of 4 km) from the location information of the host game device 3 are determined. 3, it is announced that a session has been created (matching is possible).

Subsequently, the matching means 203 determines whether four matching requests (one host and three guests) have been received within a predetermined time (step S10).

In step S10, if the matching means 203 determines that four matching requests (one host and three guests) have been received within a predetermined time (step S10: YES), the matching means 203 adds the matching request to the session. Each of the player characters corresponding to the user of the game device 3 who played the role of guest is added (step S11).

Specifically, the matching means 203, for example, uses the account information "12345", "67890", "76543", and "99009" corresponding to each user shown in FIG. 2 as the four matched account information. and add it to the session.

After a series of processes like this are completed, the matching process ends.

On the other hand, in step S10, if the matching means 203 determines that four matching requests (one host and three guests) have not been completed within the predetermined time (step S10: NO), the matching means 203 The search range is further expanded by increasing the range value (eg, 4 km radius) (eg, 8 km radius) (step S8).

That is, steps S8 to S10 are repeated until the matching means 203 determines in step S10 that four matching requests (one host and three guests) have been received within a predetermined time.

Note that the progress of the multiplayer game is managed by the game device 3 (host game device). Each game device 3 communicates with each other to transmit and receive information necessary for progressing the game. As a result, a multiplayer game is executed on each game device 3 in accordance with the content of the quest.

Furthermore, when the multiplayer game satisfies the quest achievement conditions or the game is over, the game device 3 (host game device or all matched game devices) sends that information to the server device 2. Send.

To summarize the above, the present invention includes a plurality of game devices 3 that execute multiplayer games that allow multiplayer play in a virtual space based on user operations within a predetermined distance range;
A game system comprising a plurality of game devices 3 and a server device 2 connected via a network,
The game device 3 is
a game control unit 301 that controls the movement of the player character in the virtual space based on the user's operation and executes the multiplayer; and matching request information with other game devices and position information of the game device. a communication unit 302 that transmits the information to the server device;
Equipped with
The server device 2 includes:
When the total number of the player characters corresponding to the information processing unit 201 that receives the matching request information and the position information and the game device 3 that has transmitted the matching request information within the predetermined distance range reaches a predetermined number, a matching means 203 for matching the game devices 3 that have transmitted the matching request information;
function as
If the total number of player characters does not reach a predetermined number, the matching means 203 changes the matching condition by increasing the value of the predetermined distance range from the initial state to a first predetermined value, and then resumes matching. do,
It is a game system.

[Effect of the invention]
According to the game system of this embodiment, when online communication is possible, it is possible to enjoy multiplayer games with neighboring users even in areas with a small user population.

Furthermore, according to the game system of this embodiment, it is possible to provide an opportunity to communicate with neighborhood users who have met through the multiplayer game.

[Other embodiments]
In the embodiment described above, an example is described in which the server device 2 and the game device 3 are separate computers, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, if necessary, the host game device that is the host user's game device 3 may play the role of the server device 2 in the embodiment.

The control means and processing procedure described in FIG. 3 are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. The design of the processing procedure and the like can be changed as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention.

In a client-server type multiplayer game and an ad hoc mode multiplayer game, part of the flow shown in FIG. 3 is different from this embodiment.

When adopting a client-server type game system, the control unit 20 of the server device 2 runs programs including an information processing module, a quest generation module, a matching module, a count module, a non-player character participation module, and the game program. When executed, it functions as an information processing means, a quest generation means, a matching means, a counting means, and a non-player character participation means. At this time, the control unit 20 does not need to transmit the quest content selected by the user's operation or automatically determined by the quest generation means to each game device 3. In a client-server type multiplayer game, the server device 2 executes the progress of the game.

In addition, when adopting an ad hoc mode game system, the control unit 30 of the host game device executes a program including an information processing module, a quest generation module, a matching module, a count module, a non-player character participation module, etc., and a game program. By executing the above, it functions as an information processing means, a quest generation means, a matching means, a counting means, and a non-player character participation means.

That is, according to the ad hoc mode game system, the present invention allows a computer (server device 2 or host game device 3) connected to the game device 3 via a network to receive matching request information from the game device 3. an information processing unit, a matching unit that matches the plurality of game devices 3 based on the received matching request information, a quest generation unit that determines the quest content of the multiplayer game, a counting unit that counts the number of successful matches, and a non-contact unit. This is a program that functions as a player character participation means.

Further, although the above embodiment describes an example in which a home game device is used as the game device 3, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be implemented using arcade game cabinets provided at game centers and the like. Further, as the game device 3, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone equipped with a touch panel (operation section) can also be used.

Although the above embodiment describes an action hunting game as an example of a multiplayer game, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to various types of multiplayer games, such as shooting games, role-playing games, simulation games, board games, and puzzle games.

In the embodiment described above, the number of player characters operated by the user in one multiplayer game (quest) is one, but the number is not limited to this. For example, the user may operate a plurality of player characters (five characters), and these five characters may be set as a so-called deck to execute a multiplayer game in which the player characters fight against enemy characters.

Furthermore, when the total number of player characters does not reach a predetermined number, the matching means in the embodiment replaces the location information of the game device 3 (host) that transmitted the matching request information with another location information (for example, in an urban area or The matching may be resumed after the information has been rewritten (the information may be temporarily rewritten (for example, between the time of matching and the end of multiplayer)). As a result, even if a match is not established in the location where the host user is located, it is possible to welcome a user from another region as a guest and perform matching.

Furthermore, the server device 2 in the embodiment described above is also made to function as a matching means for counting the number of successful matches for each predetermined region (for example, a city, town, village, or a region divided into squares of 5 km square, etc.). Good too. At this time, the matching means 203 may rewrite the other location information to location information of one of the regions for which the number of successful matches is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. As a result, even if matching is not achieved in the location where the host user is located, matching can be performed by welcoming users in areas where matching is often achieved as guests. In other words, matching can be easily achieved.

Further, the matching means 203 in the embodiment may rewrite the other location information to location information of a region selected based on a user's operation. This allows the user to at least temporarily rewrite the position information of the game device 3 that he or she operates. For example, by temporarily rewriting the location information of the user's own game device 3 to an urban area or an area with many active users, matching becomes easier.

Furthermore, in the matching, when a predetermined item is used in the game based on a user's operation, the matching means 203 in the embodiment changes the value of the predetermined distance range from the initial state to a first predetermined value. The matching may be restarted after changing the matching condition as the value has increased. As a result, as long as the player character of the host user has a predetermined item in the game, it is possible to welcome a user from another region as a guest and perform matching at any time.

Furthermore, the matching means 203 in the embodiment may count the number of times matching is restarted, and when the number of times matching is restarted exceeds a predetermined number, a non-player character may be allowed to participate in this matching. .

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the case where four player characters are matched is explained as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only player characters corresponding to two or three players may be matched, or player characters corresponding to five or more players may be matched. Furthermore, one or more non-player characters may be included in the matching of these player characters.

Further, in the embodiment, the quest generation means 202 determines the quest content selected based on the user's operation of the game device 3 corresponding to the player character serving as the host as the quest to be performed after matching. . Alternatively, after the matching, the users may decide on the quest while chatting with each other in the game via the game device 3.

Further, the game device or the server device may include a storage unit that stores information regarding matching conditions changed by the matching means 203 (hereinafter referred to as changed matching condition information) when restarting the previous matching. When the changed matching condition information is stored in the storage section, the matching means 203 may be capable of performing matching based on the changed matching condition information. That is, the matching means 203 performs matching based on the changed matching condition information, completes the matching when the total number of player characters reaches a predetermined number, and completes the matching when the total number of player characters does not reach the predetermined number. It is possible to further change the changed matching condition information and restart matching.

Even when these other embodiments are adopted, the effects of the present invention can be exerted. Moreover, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with other embodiments, or with other embodiments, as appropriate.

1 Game system 2 Server device (computer)
201 Information processing means (information processing unit)
202 Quest generation means (quest generation unit)
203 Matching means (matching section)
204 Elapsed time counting means (elapsed time counting section)
3 Game device (computer)
301 Game control means 302 Communication means (communication section)
4 Communication network (network)

Claims (1)

computer,
information processing means for receiving matching request information from a game device and position information specifying the position of the game device in real space;
Among the game devices that have transmitted the matching request information, the game devices whose position information is within a predetermined distance range in the real space are matched, and the total number of player characters corresponding to the matched game devices. If the total number of player characters does not reach the predetermined number, the game device executes the multiplayer game, and if the total number of player characters does not reach the predetermined number, the predetermined distance range is changed to be larger and then the matching is performed. Matching means to resume,
A game program that functions as a.

Images