JP2024041193A - Game system, computer program used therefor, and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a game system capable of providing a sub-part that is separate from the main part of a game and that aims to increase the interest of the main part. [Solution] A game machine 3 provides a training game including a training mode that progresses along a predetermined development such as a battle or communication through an input device 36 for inputting the play actions of each user and a display device 37 that displays a battle screen 50 including characters 51 that perform actions according to the play actions. The game machine 3 also provides a story mode as a mode separate from the training mode, in which a user's own story created by the user and other users' published stories are identified from among multiple stories created through a creation opportunity for creating a story including each character 51 that appears in the training mode as material, and the user can view (watch) these stories. [Selected Figure] Figure 4

Description

The present invention provides a main part that progresses along a predetermined development through an input device for inputting play actions of each user and a display device that displays a game screen including a character that performs actions according to the play action. The present invention relates to a game system, etc. that provides a game including.

A game including a main part that progresses along a predetermined development is played through an input device for inputting each user's play actions and a display device that displays a game screen including a character that performs actions according to the play action. A game system that provides this is known (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). In addition, Non-Patent Document 2 exists as a prior art document related to the present invention.

Gotcha Gotcha Games, “Event Edition”, “Events that talk when you talk to them”, [online], [Searched on August 29, 2020], Internet, <URL: https://tkool.jp/mz/guide/ event/kihon.html＞ “Manga Ka Kakeru”, [online], [Retrieved August 29, 2020], Internet, <URL: https://www.manga-kakeru.com/>

In the game of Non-Patent Document 1, an original RPG (role playing game) is created by the user. In this game, conversations between villagers appearing in the RPG may be created. However, in this game, only the main part of the game is created, and other parts that use the characters appearing there as materials are not created.

On the other hand, with the tool (software) in Non-Patent Document 2, an original manga is created by selecting and setting characters, panel layout, dialogue, etc. Although this tool is not part of the game, there may be cases where game characters are used as cartoon characters. However, this tool is just a tool for creating comics and has basically nothing to do with games. There may be some manga readers who become interested in the game, but that is just the result, not the intended purpose of the tool. For example, there is no intention to improve the interest in the main part of the game, such as by increasing the intimacy between the game user and the character used by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system and the like that can provide a sub-part separate from the main part of the game to improve the interest of the main part.

The game system of the present invention progresses in accordance with a predetermined development through an input device for inputting play actions of each user and a display device that displays a game screen including a character that performs actions corresponding to the play actions. A game system that provides a game that includes a main part that includes a main part, wherein the target content is created through a creation opportunity for creating content for viewing that includes the character that appears in the main part as a material. The present invention includes a target specifying means for identifying target content as content that satisfies a condition, and viewing providing means for providing a viewing part for viewing the target content as a part separate from the main part.

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

In addition, the control method of the present invention allows each user to follow a predetermined development through an input device for inputting the play actions of each user and a display device that displays a game screen including a character that performs an action corresponding to the play action. A computer installed in a game system that provides a game including a main part that progresses through a plurality of creation opportunities for creating viewing content including the characters appearing in the main part as materials. A target specifying procedure for identifying target content as content that satisfies target conditions among the contents, and a viewing providing procedure for providing a viewing part for viewing the target content as a separate part from the main part. , is a thing.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system to which a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing main parts of a control system of a network system. An explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the training game. The figure which shows typically an example of a story screen. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a preview screen. The figure which shows typically an example of a list screen. An explanatory diagram for explaining an example of various disclosure-related screens. The figure which shows typically an example of a creation screen. An explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a method for acquiring each element (option). The figure which shows an example of a structure of story data. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for story selection processing. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of a story provision process.

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

The game machine 3 functions as the game system of the present invention in the network system 1. The network system 1 may include any number of game machines 3, but in the example of FIG. 1, three (three types) of game machines 3A, 3B, and 3C are shown as the game machines 3. Each game machine 3 is an example of a game device that provides a game. Any game device may be used as the game machine 3, but in the example of FIG. 1, the game machine 3A is configured as an arcade game machine that allows users to play games within a range corresponding to the play fee in exchange for payment of a predetermined fee. This type of game machine is sometimes called an arcade game machine. This type of game machine 3A (hereinafter, sometimes called arcade game machine 3A) is often installed in a predetermined facility such as a store with the main purpose of making a profit by having many users play the game repeatedly.

On the other hand, game machines 3B and 3C are configured as user terminal devices for personal use by users. A user terminal device is a computer device that can be connected to a network and is used for personal use by a user. User terminal devices that can be connected to a network and include, for example, a stationary or book-type personal computer (PC), a stationary home game console, a portable game console, a portable tablet terminal device, a mobile phone including a smartphone, etc. Although various computer devices for personal use by the user may be used, in the example of FIG. 1, a PC and a smartphone are used as the game machines 3B and 3C, respectively. Hereinafter, the game machines 3B and 3C may be referred to as a PC 3B or a smartphone 3C, respectively, and may be referred to as a personal game machine 3 if these are not distinguished. In the example of FIG. 1, a plurality of types of game machines 3 are connected to the center server 2, but only one type of game machine 3 may be connected to the center server 2.

By implementing various computer software, the personal game machine 3 can allow the user to enjoy various services provided by the center server 2. The personal game machine 3 functions as a game machine 3 that provides games by installing a game application (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a game application) as such software.

The game machine 3 provides a competitive game in which a plurality of characters are divided into enemies and allies and compete against each other. The competitive game may be provided in an appropriate format such as an action game, a role-playing game, a shooting game, or a timing game (music game), and is provided in the form of a simulation game, for example. This simulation game may be composed of only battle elements, but as an example, it is composed of a composite game that includes other elements.

Specifically, as an example of a simulation game, the game machine 3 has a training mode in which each character is developed through battles between multiple characters, and a story mode in which content based on each character is viewed (viewed). We provide a character development type game (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a development game) that includes: Training games may be played for a fee (where a predetermined range of play is provided in exchange for the collection of a predetermined consideration, or where a part of a competitive game such as the purchase of items or a specific development is played in exchange for the collection of a predetermined consideration). In other words, the game may be played for free (including the case where the download of the game application is paid) or for free (including the case where the download of the game application is paid). , and personal game machine 3 are both provided for a fee.

A user terminal device 4 may be connected to the network system 1 via the network NT. Such user terminal devices exhibit various functions through various computer software as described above. Therefore, depending on the software (application) being executed, it functions as a game machine 3 or as a user terminal device 4 that allows users to enjoy various services provided by the center server 2. The user terminal device 4 includes various devices as described above, but in the example of FIG. ing.

The network NT may be configured as appropriate as long as the game machine 3 or the user terminal device 4 can be connected to the center server 2. As an example, the network NT includes the Internet as a WAN, a LAN that connects the center server 2, the game machine 3, etc. to the Internet, or various connection facilities or devices such as an access point AP.

The center server 2 provides various game machine services to the game machine 3 or its users. The game machine service may appropriately include various services related to the game machine 3, such as a distribution service that distributes and updates programs or data for the game machine 3 via the network NT, and a service that distributes and updates programs or data for the game machine 3 via the network NT. It includes a matching service that matches users when they play a common game. Services for game machines include, for example, services that receive user identification information from the game machine 3 and authenticate the user, and play data that receives and saves play data of authenticated users from the game machine 3. The service may appropriately include services such as a service that provides the game machine 3 with a fee, a billing service that collects fees from users, and a service that provides a user ID for identifying each user.

Furthermore, when the user terminal device 4 is connected, the center server 2 provides various Web services to the user terminal device 4 or its user. The web service may appropriately include various services related to the game provided by the game machine 3, and includes, for example, a story creation service. Details of the story creation service will be described later. Note that Web services include, for example, game information services that provide various information about games, distribution services that distribute various data or software (including updates of data, etc.) to each user terminal device 4, and services provided by users. It may include services such as a community service that provides a place for interaction such as transmitting, exchanging, and sharing information, and a service that assigns a user ID to identify each user.

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

The storage unit 22 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a nonvolatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk array. The storage unit 22 may be configured to hold all data in one storage unit, or may be configured to store data in a distributed manner in a plurality of storage units. A program PG1 is recorded in the storage unit 22 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 21 to execute various processes necessary to provide various services to the user. The storage unit 22 also stores server data necessary for providing various services. Although such server data may appropriately include various data for game machine services, the example in FIG. 2 shows play data PD, character data CD, and story data SD.

The play data PD is data in which information regarding each user's past play performance is described. The play data PD is used, for example, to carry over previous play results (past achievements) to the next time or later, or to carry over settings specific to each user. When each character is given to and owned by each user in exchange for a play situation or a predetermined consideration, the characters owned by each user are managed by the play data PD as part of the play performance. The same applies when various items and the like are given to the user. Further, when each character in the training game grows according to the play situation, the past performance includes information on parameters for the growth. Although the value of the growth (change) parameter may be managed as appropriate, it is managed in the play data PD as described above, as an example.

On the other hand, the character data CD is data in which information on parameters defining each character is described. Such character data CD may include information on parameters after growth, but as an example, values of parameters corresponding to initial values (before change) are managed. That is, when the parameters of each character change, the parameters after the change are reproduced by a combination of the play data PD (change amount) and the character data CD (initial value).

Story data SD is data for realizing each story (content). In addition to the training mode for training each character and fighting through each character, a story mode is provided in the training game. The story mode is a mode for viewing each story. A story means a content that includes each character that appears in the training mode as a material. A story may be an appropriate content that uses each character as a material, and may be, for example, an animation (video) of each character without sound, or a statement by a single character (including silence), but is configured as a conversation including animation and sound as an example. In addition, stories that can be viewed in the story mode may be prepared in advance by an administrator of the game device 3, but include, for example, content (works) created by each user. The story data SD is used to reproduce these stories (content). Details of the story data SD will be described later.

The server data also includes, for example, ID data for managing various IDs such as user IDs, audio data for playing various sounds including music such as BGM, and for making each character perform various actions. Data such as operation data of , or image data for displaying various images of the game screen may be included as appropriate.

The control unit 21 is provided with a game machine service management section 24 and a web service management section 25 as logical devices realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the control unit 21 and the program PG1 as software resources. The game machine service management unit 24 executes various processes for realizing the above-mentioned game machine services. Such various processes include, for example, a process of distributing various data such as play data PD to the game machine 3, and executing matching for matching an opponent user. Similarly, the Web service management unit 25 executes various processes for realizing the above-mentioned Web service. Such processing includes, for example, processing for realizing a story creation service. Note that an input device such as a keyboard, an output device such as a monitor, etc. may be connected to the control unit 21 as necessary. However, their illustration was omitted.

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

The storage unit 32 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 32 records the program PG2 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 21 to execute various processes necessary to provide various services to the user. The storage unit 32 also records game data necessary to provide the game. Such game data may include various data for the game, and the example in Figure 2 shows play data PD, character data CD, and story data SD.

The play data PD, character data CD, and story data SD are as described above. The game data may be stored in the storage unit 32 using an appropriate method, and may be preinstalled in the game machine 3, for example, or may be stored in the storage unit 32 via various recording media. In this way, the game data can be stored in the storage unit 32 using an appropriate method, but as an example, the play data PD, character data CD, and story data SD are all provided from the center server 2 through a distribution service so as to include necessary parts. be done. Note that the game data may appropriately include various data for the game, such as the above-mentioned ID management data, audio data, motion data, and image data. However, these illustrations were omitted.

In the control unit 31, various logical devices are configured by combining the hardware resources of the control unit 31 with the program PG2 as a software resource. Various processes required for providing the game (including processes required for enjoying the game machine services provided by the game machine service management unit 24 of the center server 2) are executed through these logical devices, and in the example of Figure 2, a game providing unit 33 and a data management unit 34 are shown as logical devices related to the game.

The game providing unit 33 executes various processes for providing a training game. Such processing includes processing for realizing the breeding mode. In addition, the training game includes not only a training mode but also a story mode. Therefore, the processing executed by the game providing unit 33 includes processing for realizing such a story mode. Such processing includes, for example, story selection processing and story provision processing. Details of the story selection process and story provision process will be described later.

The data management unit 34 executes various processes for managing data stored in the storage unit 32. Such processing includes, for example, a process of updating the play data PD, or a process of providing the center server 2 with such updated play data PD. Furthermore, if the game machine 3 allows story creation or updating, the data management unit 34 may perform processing to save the created (or updated) story or provide it to the center server 2. good.

Further, the game machine 3 may be provided with various output devices and input devices as appropriate depending on the type of the arcade game machine 3A, the personal game machine 3, etc., but in the example of FIG. A monitor 37 and speaker SP are shown. The monitor 37 and the speaker SP are a well-known display device for displaying a game screen and the like, and a well-known sound playback device for playing back audio, respectively. Similarly, in the example of FIG. 2, an input device 36 for inputting a user's play action (operation or movement) is shown as an example of an input device provided in the game machine 3. The input device 36 may be configured as appropriate depending on the type of game machine 3. For example, in the case of the arcade game machine 3A, a control panel provided with a plurality of push buttons is used as an example of the input device 36. In such a case, the operation of pressing a button by hand is used as a play action.

Further, in the case of the PC 3B, a keyboard including a plurality of push buttons or a dedicated controller is used as an example of the input device 36. In this case, the operation of pressing those push buttons is used as a play action. Similarly, in the case of the smartphone 3C, for example, an example of the input device 36 is a touch sensor that is arranged to cover the display surface of the monitor 37 and outputs a signal corresponding to a user's touch operation (touch operation with a finger). is used. In this case, the touch operation is used as a play action.

In addition, the game machine 3 may be appropriately provided with various input devices and output devices. For example, the arcade game machine 3A may be equipped with cash, alternative coins, medals, electronic currency (including points), credit cards, etc. A compensation collection device for collecting a predetermined compensation necessary for the game from the user using the functions or the like may be provided as an input device. Such a device may collect various types of consideration such as electronic currency, for example, via a card that records the remaining amount of electronic currency. Similar devices may be used to read ID cards and the like that record user IDs. Alternatively, another device (reader) may be provided to perform such reading.

(Summary of the training game)
Next, the training game will be further explained with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the training game. As shown in FIG. 3, the training game includes a training mode and a story mode. Training mode and story mode are provided as different modes. Specifically, the training mode provides a play that progresses along a predetermined development. The predetermined development includes battles, communication, customization, etc. that proceed through each character. In other words, the training mode provides actual play in which each character competes against other characters and trains each character. On the other hand, the story mode provides an opportunity to view a story (conversation) based on the characters appearing in the training game. In other words, in story mode, each user does not play through each character, but simply views the story (content). (included in). In this example, the training mode and the story mode function as the main part and viewing part of the present invention, respectively.

The training mode and the story mode may be provided as appropriate; for example, the story mode may be provided at an appropriate timing such as the beginning, middle, or end of the training mode (however, even in this case, the training mode may not be provided). However, for example, at the start of the play, the user is provided with a mode selection opportunity to alternatively select between the two, and the selected mode is provided. Note that, for example, when the story mode is provided via a game application on the personal game machine 3, the story mode may be provided free of charge (with a separate fee structure from the training mode). Furthermore, since the story mode may reduce the turnover rate (number of users per predetermined period) of the game machine 3, appropriate restrictions such as time restrictions may be provided.

Training mode and story mode are provided through separate game screens. The game screen for the training mode includes, for example, a battle screen 50. The training mode includes elements for customizing each character and communicating with each character as appropriate, and is provided on a game screen corresponding to those elements, but you can also play against characters of other users (including computers). Contains elements of competition. The battle screen 50 is a game screen for realizing such a battle.

Although the battle screen 50 may appropriately include different configurations depending on the type of game machine 3, the example in FIG. 3 schematically shows the battle screen 50 displayed on the arcade game machine 3A. As shown in FIG. 3, the battle screen 50 includes a character image 51 and a life gauge 53. The character image 51 is an image showing each character appearing in the battle part. The character image 51 includes an ally character image 51A and an enemy character image 51B. In a battle in the training mode, each character is classified into an ally character and an enemy character. The ally character image 51A and the enemy character image 51B are images corresponding to the ally character and the enemy character, respectively, among the characters.

The ally character is a character corresponding to the user who plays the battle part. The ally character may be directly operated by the user, and may be played as an action game or may be operated by autoplay. In the case of autoplay, friendly characters perform battles through automatic actions according to predetermined rules. Automatic actions (predetermined rules) may be executed as appropriate, but for example, instructions regarding the characteristics (personality, etc.) of each character and strategy in battle (for example, emphasis on attack, emphasis on defense, emphasis on close range, emphasis on long range, etc.) ) is executed to reflect the

In the battle in the training mode, an appropriate number of ally characters may appear, and the battle may be realized in an appropriate format such as one-many, many-on-many, etc., but as an example, three ally characters appear. These ally characters may appear simultaneously on the field for battle prepared in the battle part (range where the battle is carried out in the battle part), but as an example, they appear one by one in sequence. Specifically, when one ally character on the field is defeated by an enemy character, the next ally character appears on the field. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 3, a single ally character image 51A (one ally character) is shown.

On the other hand, the enemy character is a character corresponding to the enemy of the ally character. An appropriate number of enemy characters may appear in the battle, but in the example of FIG. 3, multiple enemy character images 51B (multiple enemy characters) are shown, and one ally character vs. ) match is being executed. The movements of each enemy character may be realized as appropriate, and may be realized by automatic movement under computer control, by direct operation by the opponent's user, or by following predetermined rules in the same way as for friendly characters. Good (including cases where these are mixed).

The life gauge 53 is a gauge that indicates life points (physical strength) that decrease when attacked. The life gauge 53 includes an ally life gauge 53A and an enemy life gauge 53B. The ally life gauge 53A is a life gauge 53 that indicates the life points of the ally character, and the enemy life gauge 53B indicates the life points of the enemy character. The enemy life gauge 53B may also be displayed on a computer-controlled enemy character, but as an example, it is displayed only on the enemy character corresponding to the opponent user. When your life points reach zero, it is determined that you are unable to continue the battle (you have been defeated).

Since multiple ally characters are displayed on the field partially at a time, they are classified into waiting ally characters that wait outside the field and ally characters that appear on the field. Waiting ally characters and on-field ally characters may be replaced as appropriate, but as an example, if a character that cannot continue the battle is replaced by the next waiting ally character in a pre-specified order. In the battle part, the outcome between users may be determined as appropriate, but as an example, the player who has no characters on the field that can continue the battle is determined to have lost.

The battle screen 50 also includes, for example, a target mark indicating the attack target of an ally character, a time image indicating the remaining time of the battle, a radar image 56 indicating the position of the enemy character, information indicating the user's name, and the name of each character. Various types of information (including images) related to the battle may be displayed as appropriate, such as information indicating the ally character who is on standby, if there is one. However, their explanation will be omitted. In this example, the battle screen 50 functions as the game screen of the present invention.

The game screen for the story mode includes a story screen 60. Story mode includes elements such as selecting a story to view and creating a story if story creation is permitted, and is provided on a game screen corresponding to these elements, but it also includes elements for viewing the story. . The story screen 60 is a game screen for realizing viewing of such a story. Although the story screen 60 may appropriately include different configurations depending on the type of game machine 3, the example in FIG. 3 schematically shows the story screen 60 displayed on the arcade game machine 3A. Details of the story screen 60 will be described later.

Various stories are viewed on the story screen 60, including stories created by users (hereinafter sometimes referred to as UGC stories). The opportunity to create a UGC story may be provided as appropriate, and may be provided via the game machine 3, for example, but may be provided via the user terminal device 4 as an example. A story creation service is a service that provides this creation opportunity. The story creation service may be provided to the user terminal device 4 as appropriate, for example, through a dedicated application, but as an example, it may be provided through a website for creation opportunities (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a game site). Ru. Therefore, the user of the user terminal device 4 enjoys the story creation service (provision of creation opportunities) via the web application for viewing various websites.

The game site includes various functions and can be displayed on an appropriate site screen according to the various functions, and the creation screen 70 is included as one of such site screens. The creation screen 70 is a site screen for each user to create a story. That is, the user of the user terminal device 4 is provided with a creation opportunity through the creation screen 70. On the creation screen 70, various elements constituting the story, such as utterances of each character (so to speak, lines produced by the characters), are created. Although the creation screen 70 may appropriately include different configurations depending on the type of game machine 3, the example in FIG. 3 schematically shows the creation screen 70 displayed on the mobile terminal device 4B. Details of the creation screen 70 will be described later.

When information necessary for creating a story is registered via the creation screen 70, story data SD for realizing a story corresponding to the information is generated based on the information. Although this generation may be executed in the user terminal device 4, it is executed in the center server 2 as an example. The center server 2 transmits the story data SD to the game machine 3 at an appropriate time. Then, the game machine 3 displays a story screen 60 for viewing the UGC story based on the story data SD. As an example, a UGC story is viewed in the story mode in this manner.

(Story screen)
Next, the details of the story screen 60 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the story screen 60. The example of FIG. 4 shows the story screen 60 corresponding to the example of FIG. 3. The example of FIG. 4 shows a case where conversation-type content including character animation and voice is provided as a story. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the story screen 60 includes a conversation display field 61 and an end button 62. The end button 62 is an image showing a virtual button for ending the display of the story screen 60. The end button 62 is operated by a touch operation, a click operation, or a push button after the position of the end button 62 is specified via a cursor or the like, and a predetermined operation (instruction) is executed according to the input device 36 provided on the game machine 3.

The conversation display column 61 is an area for displaying the content of the story. For example, a story is constructed as a conversation between multiple characters. For this reason, the conversation display field 61 displays utterances (lines) for each character. Further, in a story, a conversation may be carried out between an appropriate number of characters, and the conversation display field 61 may be configured appropriately depending on the number of characters, but in the example of FIG. Conversations between (minimum number of conversations) are displayed. In this case, the conversation display field 61 includes a first character field 63 and a second character field 64, respectively corresponding to the two characters.

The first character column 63 and the second character column 64 may be configured as appropriate, but in the example of FIG. 4, both include a character enlarged image 65, a character name section 66, and a text section 67. The character enlarged image 65 is an image obtained by enlarging a part of the character image 51. The character enlarged image 65 may be an enlarged image of an appropriate part, but in the example of FIG. 4, it is displayed as an enlarged image of the head. Effects FI for expressing various emotions and the like may be displayed on the enlarged character image 65 as a type of decoration. In the example of FIG. 4, an image of sweat is added to the enlarged character image 65 in the first character column 63 as an effect FI indicating an emotion such as dismay. The character name section 66 is a section indicating the name of each character. The text portion 67 is a portion showing the lines of each character. These are displayed for each character in the first character column 63 and the second character column 64. In this example, the contents of the first character column 63 and the second character column 64 function as the first content and second content of the present invention.

(Appearance of each character on the story screen)
The first character field 63 and the second character field 64 may be started to be displayed at any time, but as an example, they are started to be displayed in order for each character in the conversation (in other words, for each line). For example, a conversation in which the character corresponding to the first character column 63 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the first character) and the character corresponding to the second character column 64 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second character) speak in that order. In this case, the first character field 63 and the second character field 64 are displayed with animation (operation) in that order. That is, the animation (video) of each character in the story includes an appearance motion in which each character appears on the story screen 60.

Specifically, first, the first character field 63 appears through an animation in which it slides from left to right along a first appearance direction 68. That is, the first character field 63 slides from the left so as to frame from outside the story screen 60 into the story screen 60, and starts displaying. The first character column 63 includes an enlarged character image 65 of the first character. Therefore, this frame-in functions as the appearance of the first character.

In addition, the actions of each character include various actions in addition to the appearance action. For example, the first character reads out the lines displayed in the first character column 63 in a predetermined voice in time for frame-in. In other words, a voice action is performed to actually utter (utter) a voice corresponding to the lines in the first character field 63 (utterances in the text section 67 such as "Master, this tree hasn't been feeling well lately"). Further, the enlarged character image 65 (first character) in the first character column 63 is displayed with a predetermined facial expression corresponding to the lines. In other words, the enlarged character image 65 includes facial movements that express facial expressions according to the lines. This facial expression movement may be displayed as an animation (video) through the movement of the enlarged character image 65, but is expressed as a change in facial expression included in a still image (enlarged character image 65), for example. In other words, the character's movement includes not only a moving image but also a still image expressing the character's movement.

When the effect FI is displayed, the effect FI may be displayed as appropriate in the same way as the enlarged character image 65. For example, the effect FI may be displayed as an animation that moves in response to the dialogue (for example, a moving image falling from the top to the bottom). However, as an example, it is displayed as a still image accompanying the enlarged character image 65. That is, the character enlarged image 65 appears on the story screen 60 with the effect FI added.

The appearance of the second character is similar to that of the first character. Specifically, after the first character appears (after reading the lines), the second character column 64 appears through an animation in which the character slides from right to left along the second appearance direction 69. In other words, the second character column 64 (second character) slides from outside the screen on the opposite side to the first character column 63 into the story screen 60, and begins to be displayed. The reading of lines, facial expressions, and effects FI (if applied) are also similar to those of the first character. In other words, the second character reads out lines provided as part of a conversation in response to the first character's statement (lines) as the frame comes in ("Master and Shinki, it appears there's an 'error' in the watering machine..."), and an enlarged character image 65 (second character) is displayed including a facial expression corresponding to the lines and effects FI (if added). In this example, the first character and the second character function as the one character and the other character, respectively, of the present invention. Also, the lines (statements) displayed in each text portion 67 function as the lines of each character of the present invention.

(Continuous conversation on the story screen)
The number of conversations (the number of dialogue exchanges) in the story can be set as appropriate. For this reason, if the conversation is not limited to two times (one line and its corresponding answer), but three or more consecutive conversations (for example, a maximum of 30 times, appropriate limits may be set) There is. Furthermore, conversations that occur three or more times are not limited to two characters, but may be performed by many characters, such as three or four characters. In this case, on the story screen, the contents of the lines displayed in the text section 67 and the display of characters that have already appeared change. For example, when the first character speaks again after the second character's dialogue, the dialogue (sentence) in the text portion 67 changes to a sentence indicating the remark, and the first character reads out the remark in a predetermined voice. The facial expression of the first character changes depending on the content of the statement. That is, an animation (video) showing a change in facial expression is added to the first character. The same applies to effect FI.

On the other hand, when another character (hereinafter referred to as a third character) speaks after the second character speaks, the first character first exits the story screen 60 at an appropriate timing (for example, after the second character finishes speaking). Execute the exit action to (exit). That is, each character may be displayed as an animation performing such an exit action. Specifically, when the first character leaves, the first character field 63 is displayed in an animation of sliding out of the story screen 60 in the opposite direction to the first appearance direction 68. That is, the first character column 63 frames out from the story screen 60 from right to left, opposite to the appearance, and disappears. Subsequently, the character column corresponding to the third character is placed in the frame in the same manner as the first character column 63. This character column is configured in the same manner as the first character column 63, etc., but the enlarged character image 65, character name section 66, and text section 67 each contain the third character, its name, and its statement (third conversation). lines) respectively. Continuous conversation can be implemented as appropriate, but is implemented in this manner as an example.

(Preview screen)
Next, the preview screen will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a preview screen. Although each user may be allowed to create an appropriate number of self-stories, the example in FIG. 5 shows a preview screen 50 in a case where the creation of a plurality of self-stories is permitted. The preview screen 80 is a game screen for previewing a part of the story. Although the preview screen 80 may be configured as appropriate, the example in FIG. 5 shows a case where it also functions as a selection opportunity for selecting a story to view. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the preview screen 80 includes a thumbnail section 81, a background preview section 82, an option display section 83, an ID display section 84, a delete button 85, a play button 86, an update button 87, a publish button 88, and a list switching button 89.

The thumbnail section 81 is a section for displaying thumbnail images 81a that function as thumbnails for identifying each story. The thumbnail image 81a may be configured as appropriate, but in the example of FIG. 5, it is configured as an image of the conversation display field 61 of each story. The conversation display field 61 of the thumbnail image 81a may be configured as appropriate, and may include only part of the information in the actual conversation display field 61, for example, but in the example of FIG. , a character name section 66, and a text section 67. In story mode, various stories can be watched as appropriate. For example, in UGC stories, each story created by oneself (hereinafter referred to as "self story") and each story created by other users. Among the stories, two types of stories (hereinafter sometimes referred to as public stories) that are instructed to be published by their creators are included in the stories that can be viewed. In the thumbnail section 81, a list of thumbnail images 81a corresponding to the self-story among these images is displayed. In other words, the preview screen 80 also functions as a game screen for displaying a list of one's own stories through the thumbnail section 81.

However, the number of thumbnail images 81a displayed in the thumbnail section 81 is limited. Although the number can be set as appropriate, in the example of FIG. 5, it is limited to three thumbnail images 81a. For this reason, the thumbnail section 81 is provided with a slide operation section 81b for displaying other thumbnail images 81a. The slide operation section 81b is a section where an operation (instruction) for changing the thumbnail image 81a displayed in the thumbnail section 81 is executed. The slide operation section 81b may be configured as appropriate, but in the example shown in FIG. 5, it is configured to be slid up and down.

The background preview section 82 is a section for displaying the mini background image 82a as a thumbnail of the background image to be displayed behind the conversation display field 61 on the story screen 60. Although omitted in the example of FIG. 4, various background images may be displayed as appropriate behind the conversation display field 61 on the story screen 60, and the background preview section 82 corresponds to the background image of each conversation display field 61. A mini background image 82a is displayed as a preview separately from the thumbnail image 81a. However, since each mini background image 82a corresponds to each thumbnail image 81a, it is arranged side by side with the corresponding thumbnail image 81a.

The option display section 83 is a section for showing selectable options in each story. The option display section 83 is also arranged side by side with the corresponding thumbnail image 81a. Various optional elements may be prepared for each story, and these can function as options as appropriate, but in the example of FIG. 5, three are shown: voice, sound effects, and BGM. Therefore, the option display section 83 includes a voice section 83a, a sound effect section 83b, and a BGM section 83c, which correspond to these sections, respectively.

Voice is information indicating the sound of each character. Story mode has multiple voices, and each character's voice is set through voice selection. Sound effects are sound effects that are inserted into each story. Sound effects may be inserted into the story as appropriate, and are inserted and played at the beginning, for example. When a plurality of types of sound effects are prepared, they may be selected under appropriate conditions, but, for example, only sound effects that are purchased and owned in exchange for a predetermined price can be selected. Therefore, there is a possibility that no sound effects are set. Moreover, BGM is a sound effect inserted into each story. BGM may also be inserted into the story as appropriate; for example, it may be inserted and played during a conversation. When multiple types of BGM are prepared, they may be selected under appropriate conditions in the same way as sound effects, but for example, BGM is also purchased in exchange for a predetermined price, and only the BGM that you own can be selected. . Therefore, there is a possibility that BGM will not be set either. Details of the relationship between these voices and the usage conditions for making them selectable will be described later.

The ID display section 84 is a section for displaying a story ID uniquely assigned to each story in order to identify each story. The story ID may be assigned to identify each self-story, but as an example, it is assigned uniquely to all UGC stories including public stories. The story ID corresponding to the currently selected (specified) story is displayed on the ID display section 84.

The delete button 85 is an image showing a virtual button for deleting the story that is being selected (selection of each story may be realized through an appropriate operation such as a touch operation). Each self-story is deleted by operating the delete button 85. The play button 86 is an image showing a virtual button for playing (viewing) the selected self-story. When a predetermined operation (appropriate operation such as a touch operation) is performed on the playback button 86, the story screen 60 is activated, and the selected self-story is played there.

The update button 87 is an image showing a virtual button for reflecting the contents of the edited story on the game screen such as the preview screen 80. Editing of each self-story may be executed as appropriate, and may be executed on the game machine 3, for example, but as an example, it may be executed on the user terminal device 4 through a story creation service, similar to the creation opportunity. In other words, each story is edited through the game site. When a predetermined operation is performed on the update button 87, the edited content is acquired via the center server 2 and reflected on the game machine 3.

The publish button 88 is an image showing a virtual button for publishing one's own story to other users. When a predetermined operation is performed on the publish button 88, the self-story changes to a public story for other users. That is, each user changes his/her own story into content that can be freely viewed by other users by operating the public button 88. The list switching button 89 is an image showing a virtual button for switching the game screen to a list screen that displays a list of published stories. When a predetermined operation is performed on the list switching button 89, the game screen is switched from the preview screen 80 to the list screen.

Note that the creation of self-stories may be limited to one for each user. In this case, the preview screen 80 may be configured to preview each of a plurality of lines included in the one self-story. In other words, the preview screen 80 may function not as a list of multiple self-stories but as a list of lines included in one self-story. Specifically, instead of the entire conversation display field 61 (including the first character field 63 and the second character field 64), each thumbnail section 81 of the preview screen 80 displays only the first character field 63 or Only the second character field 64 may be displayed. In this case, for example, when the self-story is created as a conversation including five lines, the preview screen 80 has five thumbnail sections 81 corresponding to those five lines in order (the order of utterances in the conversation). The following items can be switched by the slide operation section 81b) are displayed. In each thumbnail section 81, a first character column 63 or a second character column 64 corresponding to each of the five lines is displayed. In this case, the background preview section 82 and the option display section 83 may be set in appropriate units such as the entire conversation, but as one example, similar to the thumbnail section 81, they are set in units of lines. That is, as in the example of FIG. 5, a thumbnail section 81 for each line such as the first character column 63 or the second character column 64, a background preview section 82 showing the background etc. corresponding to each line, and an option display section. 83 is displayed.

(List screen)
Next, the list screen will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a list screen. The list screen 90 is a game screen for displaying a list of published stories (in other words, UGC stories published through the publishing button 88). As shown in FIG. 6, the list screen 90 includes a summary display section 91, an ID input section 92, a play button 93, a return button 94, and a slide operation section 95.

The summary display section 91 is a part for displaying the summary of each published story. The list screen 90 is provided with a summary display section 91 for each published story. Each summary display section 91 may be displayed as appropriate, and includes, for example, a title section 96, a thumbnail image 97, and a playback button 93. The title section 96 is a section for displaying the title of each story (conversation). The thumbnail image 97 is similar to the thumbnail image 81a described above. Each summary display section 91 displays a thumbnail image 97 corresponding to each published story. The play button 93 is an image showing a virtual button that functions similarly to the play button 86 described above. That is, when a predetermined operation is performed on the playback button 93, the story screen 60 for viewing the target public story is activated.

The ID input section 92 is a section for inputting a story ID. Each public story may be grasped and reproduced through each summary display section 91, but for example, when the ID of the target is known, it may be preferable to specify the target using the story ID. In this case, when a story ID is input into the ID input section 92 and a predetermined operation is performed on the play button 93 next to it, a story screen is displayed for viewing the story with the story ID input into the ID input section 92. 60 starts.

The slide operation section 95 is a section that functions similarly to the above-mentioned slide operation section 81b. Although an appropriate number of summary display sections 91 may be displayed on the list screen 90, three summary display sections 91 are displayed in the example of FIG. 6. The slide operation section 95 is used to switch between these summary display sections 91. Specifically, the slide operation section 95 is configured to be slid up and down like the slide operation section 81b, and the summary display section 91 to be displayed changes through such operations.

The return button 94 is an image showing a virtual button for returning to the previous game screen. Therefore, when a predetermined operation is performed on the return button 94, the screen returns to the previous screen. Specifically, when a predetermined operation is performed on the back button 94, the game screen is switched from the list screen 90 to the previous preview screen 80. That is, when the return button 94 is operated, the preview screen 80 is activated again. In this example, at least one of the public story corresponding to each summary display section 91 and the self-story corresponding to each thumbnail image 81a on the preview screen 80 functions as the content (content for viewing) of the present invention.

(Publishing related screen)
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, various disclosure-related screens related to disclosure of one's own story will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of various disclosure-related screens. In the example of FIG. 7, (A) schematically shows the publication instruction screen PI1, and (B) schematically shows the publication confirmation screen PI2. The self-story may be published directly without going through confirmation etc. when the publishing button 88 is operated, but as an example, it is published via the publishing instruction screen PI1 and the publishing confirmation screen PI2.

Specifically, the release instruction screen PI1 is a game screen that is displayed when a predetermined operation is performed on the release button 88 on the preview screen 80 (including a pop-up screen that is displayed superimposed on the preview screen 80). ). As shown in FIG. 7A, the publication instruction screen PI1 includes an explanation section PII, an affirmation button PIY, and a negative button PIN. The commentary section PII is a section where explanatory text explaining the effects (influences) of publication is posted. Various explanatory texts can be posted in the explanatory section PII, but in the example shown in Figure 7, it says, "By publishing, masters all over the country can view this story. Previously published stories will be deleted." Contains explanatory text.

The affirmation button PIY is an image showing a virtual button for affirming publication and executing an instruction to actually publish the self-story. When a predetermined operation is performed on the affirmation button PIY, the user's own story is actually disclosed to other users via the disclosure confirmation screen PI2, and becomes viewable in the story mode played by other users. On the other hand, the denial button PIN is an image showing a virtual button for executing an instruction to deny publication and return to the original preview screen 80. That is, when a predetermined operation is performed on the negative button PIN, the screen returns to the original preview screen 80, and the current operation on the publish button 88 is canceled.

The release confirmation screen PI2 is a game screen (including a pop-up screen displayed in a superimposed manner on the preview screen 80) that is displayed when the affirmative button PIY on the release instruction screen PI1 is operated. As shown in FIG. 7B, the publication confirmation screen PI2 includes a confirmation information section PIC and an information confirmation button PIA. The confirmation information section PIC is a section for displaying various information regarding the published self-story for confirmation. Various types of information for confirmation may be appropriately displayed in the confirmation information section PIC, and in the example of FIG. 7, information such as the story ID to be published is displayed. The information confirmation button PIA is an image showing a virtual button on which an instruction to agree to (understand) the information in the confirmation information section PIC is to be executed. When a predetermined operation is performed on the information confirmation button PIA, the publication confirmation screen PI2 ends (is closed) and returns to the original preview screen 80. As an example, disclosure of one's own story is realized via these game screens. In this example, a predetermined operation on the affirmation button PIY functions as a disclosure instruction of the present invention.

(Creation screen)
Next, details of the creation screen 70 and the story creation service will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The story creation service is a service that provides an opportunity to create a UGC story via the creation screen 70 as described above. Although the story creation service may be provided as appropriate, it is realized via the creation screen 70 as an example. Further, the story creation service requires a user ID. For this reason, the story creation service may appropriately include a service for providing a user ID. In the story creation service, a creation screen 70 is provided to the user terminal device 4 after each user (creator) is authenticated based on the user ID.

The example in FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the creation screen 70. Although the creation screen 70 can be configured as appropriate to allow creation of UGC stories, the example in FIG. 8 shows a case where the creation screen 70 is configured to be created for each utterance (dialogue) in each story. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the creation screen 70 includes a title section 71, a character section 72, an expression section 73, a voice section 74, an effect section 75, an equipment option EO, an SE section 76, a BGM section 77, and a text section 78. , and progression options 79.

The title section 71 is a section into which the title of each story is to be input. The title input in the title section 71 (for example, "The Story of the Computer Uncle") is displayed in the title section 96 on the list screen 90, for example. The character section 72 is a section where characters that make each statement should be set. In the story mode, a plurality of characters that appear in the training mode can be used as appropriate, but for example, among those characters, use is limited to only the characters owned by each user (owned characters). Therefore, if each user owns a plurality of characters, one of them is set in the character section 72. This selection of one of the owned characters can be realized as appropriate depending on the type of input device 36 provided in the game machine 3, but, for example, by the first touch operation on the character section 72, a candidate character (a plurality of owned characters) is selected. ) is displayed, and then the target is determined by touching one of the candidates. Information indicating the type of character set (“Character A”) is displayed in the character section 72. The ownership of each character will be described later along with other elements such as facial expressions.

The facial expression section 73, voice section 74, effect section 75, SE section 76, and BGM section 77 contain facial expressions, voices, effect FI, sound effects, and BGM to be used when each character speaks. are the parts that should be set respectively. A plurality of candidates are prepared for each of the facial expressions, voices, effect FI, sound effects, and BGM, and any one of them is set in the facial expression section 73 and the like. In addition, although candidates for each element such as facial expressions may be realized as appropriate, as an example, elements such as facial expressions owned by each user are used as each candidate, similar to characters. The target to be set in the facial expression section 73 and the like may be selected from these candidates as appropriate, but as an example, a candidate display button CB is provided in each of the facial expression sections 73 and the like. When a predetermined operation (for example, a touch operation) is performed on the candidate display button CB, each candidate is displayed, and a setting target is determined through a touch operation on one of the candidates. The determined elements (for example, "smile", "joy", "sparkle", "sparkle", and "opening") are displayed on the facial expression section 73, etc., respectively.

The equipment option EO is an option for setting the presence or absence of equipment. When equipped is set, the character enlarged image 65 on the story screen 60 (including the case where it is displayed as a thumbnail on other game screens) is displayed with the equipment content in the training mode. On the other hand, when "No equipment" is set, the character enlarged image 65 does not inherit the equipment contents of the training mode, and is in the initial state (initial state of the character set for the training game) that does not include the equipment set by the user. Is displayed. The equipment options EO include a Yes option EO1 corresponding to the presence of equipment, and a No option EO2 corresponding to the absence of equipment. These can be configured as appropriate, but in the example shown in FIG. 8, they are configured as radio buttons from which one is selectively selected.

The text section 78 is a section into which the lines (contents of statements) of each character in the story are to be input. The input contents to the text section 78 are displayed on the text section 67 of the story screen 60. For example, if "My computer broke down" is entered in the text section 78, the same text "My computer broke down" will be displayed in the text section 67 of the story screen 60 as a line for each character, and The lines are played in each character's voice.

The progression option 79 is an option for selecting progression. The progress option 79 may include various options related to progress as appropriate, but in the example of FIG. 8, it includes two options: an additional option 79A and a registration option 79B. The additional option 79A is an option for adding a conversation. When the additional option 79A is selected (operated), the creation screen 70 is expanded so that an additional conversation (utterance) can be input. Specifically, on the creation screen 70, a first comment area 70A and a second comment area 70B are formed. Both the first comment area 70A and the second comment area 70B include the above-mentioned title part 71, character part 72, facial expression part 73, voice part 74, effect part 75, equipment option EO, SE part 76, BGM part 77, and The first comment area 70A is formed as an area including a text part 78, and the first comment area 70A is for lines corresponding to the first word in a conversation, and the second comment area 70B is for lines that are uttered as a set in response to the lines. handle. Then, a character or the like corresponding to the responding line is appropriately set in the character section 72 and the like of the second comment area 70B (as an example, the input result of the first comment area 70A is copied for the title part 71).

The registration option 79B is an option for instructing the registration (confirmation) of the input result (creation result) in the title section 71 or the like. That is, when the registration option 79B is selected (operated), the contents input to the title section 71 etc. are actually created as a UGC story. Further, for example, when a first comment area 70A and a second comment area 70B are formed, the progress option 79 is displayed only in the second comment area 70B (the area corresponding to the last line in the conversation). Therefore, the creation screen 70 is expanded so that the progress option 79 is moved to the second comment area 70B. Then, when the registration option 79B is selected, the input results of both the first comment area 70A and the second comment area 70B are registered as a UGC story.

(Conditions for use of various options)
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the relationship between various options such as voice and usage conditions for making them usable (selectable) in the UGC story will be described. Each option (element) such as a voice includes, for example, one that can be used unconditionally and one that can be used by ownership. In other words, ownership of some options satisfies the usage conditions. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a method for acquiring (owning) each element (option). In the example of FIG. 9, the explanation of each element (item) and its acquisition method are shown as a list.

As shown in FIG. 9, in a UGC story, the use of each element such as a character may be limited to owned elements, but the acquisition method differs for each element. Specifically, the title is an element corresponding to the title of the UGC story, and is arbitrarily input by the user. Therefore, there is no concept of acquisition in the title. Similarly, the effect FI is selected from options prepared in advance, and the equipment set in the training mode is used, so there is no concept of acquisition. The effect FI is an element for decorating each character, and in addition to the above-mentioned dismay (sweat mark), candidates such as an anger mark indicating anger are prepared. The equipment is also as described above, but when no equipment is selected (in the case of "Off"), the character enlarged image 65 is displayed without equipment, and when with equipment is selected (in the case of "On"). An enlarged character image 65 is displayed with the equipment that was last set in the training mode.

On the other hand, characters, facial expressions, voices, sound effects, BGM, and backgrounds are acquired using a predetermined acquisition method. This acquisition method includes two types: sales and growth. Selling is a method of acquiring (purchasing) in exchange for a predetermined consideration. On the other hand, growth is a method that utilizes the play situation of the training game. As the play situation, any appropriate play situation may be used, such as when a predetermined enemy is defeated, when a predetermined score is obtained, or when the game progresses beyond a certain level, but as an example, the level set for each character may be used. be done. In other words, growth is obtained through the growth (nurturing) of each character in the training game. These can be set appropriately for each element, but as an example, only sales are set for characters, sound effects, BGM, and background. In other words, each user can acquire (own) elements such as these characters through sales (in exchange for a predetermined consideration) and use the purchased characters as materials (characters, etc.) for UGC stories. can.

On the other hand, both sales and growth are set as acquisition methods for voice and facial expressions. Therefore, each user can not only acquire various voices and facial expressions through purchase, but also acquire and own various voices and facial expressions through training (play status) in the training mode. The voices, etc. that they own will be used as materials for UGC stories. The facial expressions may include appropriate candidates for expressing various emotions, and in the example of FIG. 9, facial expressions such as a smiling face, a crying face, or an angry face are shown. The acquisition method can be set as appropriate depending on the characteristics of the element, etc., and is set like this as an example.

(story data)
Next, details of the story data SD will be explained with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of story data SD. As shown in FIG. 10, the story data SD includes a story record SDR that manages the contents of each story. In addition, such a story record SDR includes "story ID", "creator", "type", "title", "conversation type", "character", "facial expression", "voice", "effect", " It includes information on "equipment", "sound effects", "BGM", "dialogue", and "background". These pieces of information are recorded in the story record SDR so as to be correlated with each other.

“Story ID” and “title” are information indicating the above-mentioned story ID and title, respectively. In the case of a conversation that includes multiple utterances, the same story ID is used for each utterance that forms one conversation. “Creator” is information indicating the user (creator) who created the UGC story. "Creator" is used in the case of UGC stories. Although various types of information may be appropriately used as information indicating the creator, as an example, information on a user ID uniquely assigned to each user is used to identify each user. In other words, information on the user ID of the user who created each UGC story is written in "Creator" as creator information.

“Type” is information indicating the type of each story, such as a private story and a public story. If there are stories prepared in advance in addition to the UGC story, this may be used as information for distinguishing between these UGC stories and the like. “Conversation type” is information indicating the type of each statement in each story (conversation). Conversations may be realized with an appropriate number of people, such as a conversation with one person, a conversation with two people, or a conversation with three people, and in the case of a conversation between a plurality of characters, each character speaks in turn. “Conversation type” describes information indicating the type (order) of utterances such as the first utterance and the next utterance in these conversations.

“Character” is information for identifying each character. Although appropriate information may be used as such information, for example, information on a unique character ID for each character is used. That is, information on the character ID of the character who speaks each line in each conversation is written in the "character".

"Facial expression", "voice", "effect", "sound effect", "BGM", and "background" are information indicating the above-mentioned facial expression, voice, effect FI, sound effect, BGM, and background image, respectively. For example, facial expressions are assigned facial expression IDs to identify each candidate facial expression, such as smiling, crying, and angry. "Facial expression" describes facial expression ID information indicating the facial expression each character should have in each utterance. The same is true for voice, effect FI, sound effect, BGM, and background image. In other words, multiple candidates prepared for each element such as voice are assigned IDs to identify each candidate. "Voice", etc. describes ID information indicating the voice that reads each line, the effect FI, sound effect, BGM, and background image that should be assigned to each line.

“Equipment” and “lines” are information indicating the above-mentioned equipment and lines (utterances), respectively. For example, each piece of equipment prepared in training mode is given an equipment ID to identify each piece of equipment, and if "equipped" is set, "equipment" corresponds to the latest (last) equipment in training mode. The equipment ID information to be used is described. On the other hand, if there is no equipment, information indicating that there is no equipment is written in "Equipment". Note that the story data SD is not limited to these pieces of information, and may manage appropriate information for reproducing the story. Alternatively, this information may be omitted as appropriate.

(Game machine processing)
Next, the story selection process and the story provision process will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. The story selection process is a process for providing a selection opportunity to select a story to be viewed (played). Although such a selection opportunity may be provided as appropriate, the example in FIG. 11 shows a case where this selection opportunity is provided through the preview screen 80. In this case, when the story mode is selected at the mode selection opportunity, the game providing unit 33 starts the story selection process shown in FIG. 11, and first acquires the user ID of the user who will play the story mode. (Step S101). This acquisition may be realized as appropriate, for example, a user ID is requested at the start as a condition for starting play, and the acquired user ID may be acquired (obtained through reading an ID card etc. that records the user ID). It may also be realized by requesting the input of the user ID in step S101 and acquiring the user ID input there.

Subsequently, the game providing unit 33 acquires the story data SD (step S102). The game providing unit 33 may acquire the story data SD (story data SD acquired from the center server 2 in advance and stored) in the storage unit 32 in step S101, but as an example, the latest story Obtain data SD. Further, the story data SD includes the contents of each story, and is used to reproduce each story. Therefore, acquiring the story data SD corresponds to acquiring each story. That is, the game providing unit 33 acquires each story including the UGC story from the center server 2 via the story data SD in step S102.

Next, the game providing unit 33 refers to the story data SD and identifies a story that satisfies the target conditions (step S103). The target condition is a condition for specifying a story that can be viewed (viewed) on the story screen 60. Therefore, the target condition is satisfied by the story that can be viewed on the story screen 60. Furthermore, on the story screen 60, among the UGC stories, the user's own story and public story can be viewed. In this case, the target condition is satisfied by the self story and the public story among the UGC stories. Specifically, the game providing unit 33 refers to the "author" and "type" of the story data SD, and selects the self-story of the user requesting the story mode and the public stories published by other users. is identified as a (viewable) story that meets the target conditions.

Note that, on the preview screen 80, the story displayed in the thumbnail section 81 is the own story among these two types, and the public story is displayed on the list screen 90. Therefore, the public story may be specified when the list switching button 89 is operated on the preview screen 80, and the game providing unit 33 may specify only the own story as the viewable story in step S102. In this example, only the self-story and/or the public story functions as the target content of the present invention.

Next, the game providing unit 33 provides a selection opportunity (story selection opportunity) for selecting a story to actually view from among the viewable stories based on the identification result in step S103 (step S104). For example, an opportunity to select a self-story is provided through the preview screen 80, and an opportunity to select a public story is provided through a list screen 90. Displayed when the operation is executed. That is, the opportunity to select a public story is provided via the preview screen 80. Therefore, the game providing unit 33 displays the preview screen 80 on the monitor 37 to provide an opportunity to select a story through the preview screen 80. After providing this story selection opportunity (after displaying the preview screen 80), the game providing unit 33 ends the current story selection process.

According to the procedure shown in FIG. 11, self-stories and public stories among the UGC stories are specified as viewable stories (stories that meet the target conditions), and an opportunity to select a story including them as options is provided. Specifically, a preview screen 80 (an opportunity to indirectly provide a selection opportunity to select one's own story and a selection opportunity to select a public story) is displayed as such a story selection opportunity.

The story providing process is a process for providing (making the user view) the story selected in the story selection opportunity to the user. Although the story may be provided as appropriate, the example in FIG. 12 shows a case where the story is provided through the story screen 60. In this case, when the play button 86 on the preview screen 80 or the play button 93 on the list screen 90 is operated, the game providing unit 33 starts the story providing process shown in FIG. As a result, in other words, information on the target story corresponding to the operated playback button 86 or playback button 93 is acquired (step S201).

Subsequently, the game providing unit 33 acquires story data SD of the target story based on the selection result acquired in step S201 (step S202). Next, the game providing unit 33 provides the target story based on the acquired story data SD (step S203). Specifically, the game providing unit 33 provides the target story through the story screen 60 by displaying the story screen 60 on the monitor 37 while referring to the story data SD. Then, after providing the story, the game providing unit 33 ends the current story providing process. As a result, a story screen 60 for viewing the story selected on the preview screen 80 or the like is displayed, and the story is actually viewed through the story screen 60.

As explained above, according to this form, a story for viewing is created by each user through the creation opportunity, and the story mode for viewing self-stories and public stories among those UGC stories is played in a predetermined manner. It is provided as a mode (play form) different from the training mode in which you play. In this story mode, characters that appear in the training mode are used as materials. On the other hand, the purpose of the story mode is for viewing (watching), and you cannot control the characters, but since it is prepared separately from the development mode, it is especially important to understand the predetermined development and personality in the development mode (default personality and tone). etc.) etc.). Therefore, the characters that appear in the training mode can be freely used to create a story. As a result, it is possible to give each character a personality that is not available in the training mode, create relationships with other characters, and improve intimacy with the character, so it is possible to add new interest. . As a result, it is possible to provide a story mode that improves the interest of the training mode as a mode separate from the training mode of the game.

In addition, various options such as voices are prepared as creation elements in the story, but for example, if the growth (level) in the training mode is used as a condition for using these (acquisition method), the relationship between the story mode and the training mode can have. Alternatively, if these are purchased in exchange for a predetermined consideration, it is possible to increase the opportunity to collect the consideration through a story mode different from the training mode. Therefore, it is possible to promote the use of the training mode and the payment of fees. Furthermore, the UCG stories to be viewed include public stories. Therefore, not only the user's own story but also the public story can be viewed through the story mode. Thereby, it is possible to further improve the interest of the story mode and, by extension, the interest of the training mode, and it is also possible to utilize the story as a communication tool with other users. As a result, it is possible to promote the use of the training mode.

On the other hand, an opportunity to create a UGC story such as a self-story is provided via the user terminal device 4 through a story creation service. In this case, the creation opportunity is provided via a device other than the game machine 3. Creating a story is likely to take time. For this reason, for example, if a creation opportunity is provided via the game machine 3, there is a possibility that one game machine 3 will be occupied by one user for a long time. Creation opportunities may be provided free of charge or for a fee, but occupation by a single user may lead to a decrease in the turnover rate, which in turn may lead to a decrease in profitability (amount of compensation collected) of the game machine 3. There is. When the creation opportunity is provided via the user terminal device 4, it is possible to suppress the disadvantages caused by prolonged occupation, such as a decrease in the turnover rate or a decrease in profitability.

In the above embodiment, the game providing unit 33 of the game machine 3 functions as the target specifying means of the present invention by executing the process of step S103 in FIG. 11. Similarly, the game providing unit 33 of the game machine 3 functions as viewing providing means of the present invention by executing the process of step S203 in FIG. 12. Furthermore, the game providing unit 33 of the game machine 3 functions as an information acquisition means of the present invention by executing step S102 in FIG.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described form, and may be embodied in a form with appropriate modifications or changes. Furthermore, the present invention may be embodied in a form obtained by appropriately combining various technical means included in the above-described form and the following modified form. For example, in the above-described form, the public stories are not particularly rated. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the story mode may be provided with a mechanism for rating public stories. This rating may be performed by a user who has viewed each public story, or may be automatically performed by a predetermined algorithm based on various achievements such as the number of views.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, no special benefits are provided for publishing one's own story. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, various benefits may be appropriately given to a user who publishes their own story. For example, such benefits may include various options in the story, such as a special voice. Alternatively, such benefits may include items that can be used in the development mode, or elements related to the development mode, such as developments. In other words, the story mode may have an effect on the development mode. Furthermore, if the published story is evaluated, the evaluation results may be reflected in such benefits.

In the above embodiment, the story is being viewed on the game machine 3. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, viewing (viewing) a story may be provided to the user terminal device 4 as part of a web service. In other words, the published story may be published on a game site (website) through a web service.

In the above-described embodiment, free creation of stories is permitted on the creation screen. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the creation screen may be provided with a check function that automatically checks for inappropriate expressions and sentences. A similar check may also be provided for publishing one's own stories. Specifically, publishing stories that include inappropriate expressions, etc. may be restricted. Alternatively, an automatic check may be performed after publishing, and a process of making the published story private may be performed based on the results. Furthermore, a reporting function may be provided to allow users to report inappropriate published stories.

In the above embodiment, the game providing unit 33 of the game machine 3 executes the processes shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. As a result, the game machine 3 alone functions as the game system of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the center server 2 may perform all or part of the role (various processes, etc.) of the game machine 3 in the above-described form. For example, when the center server 2 executes all of the processes shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the center server 2 alone (including the case where it is constituted by a plurality of server devices) may function as the game system of the present invention. Further, for example, the processing shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 may be appropriately shared between the center server 2 and the game machine 3, and in that case, the network system 1 may function as the game system of the present invention.

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

The game system of the present invention includes an input device (36) for inputting play actions of each user, and a display device that displays a game screen (50) including a character (51) that performs an action according to the play action. (37) A game system (3) that provides a game including a main part that progresses along a predetermined development, and creating content for viewing that includes the character appearing in the main part as a material. a target specifying means (33) for identifying target content as content that satisfies target conditions among a plurality of contents created through the creation opportunity; and a viewing part for viewing the target content, which is defined as the main part. Viewing providing means (33) provided as a separate part.

According to the present invention, content for viewing is created by each user through a creation opportunity, and the viewing part for viewing content that satisfies the target conditions among the content is separate from the main part for playing a predetermined development. provided as part of. In content for viewing, characters appearing in the main part are used as materials. The purpose of the viewing part is to watch, and the characters cannot be manipulated, but since it is prepared separately from the main part, it is not particularly limited by the predetermined development or personality (personality, tone, etc.) of the main part. Therefore, the characters appearing in the main part can be freely used in creating content. By doing this, you can give each character a personality that is not found in the main part, create relationships with other characters, and improve intimacy with the characters, so you can add new interest. . As a result, it is possible to provide a viewing part that improves the interest of the main part as a subpart separate from the main part of the game, and in turn, it is possible to promote the use of the main part.

The content may be any appropriate content that uses the main part character as a material. For example, the content may use only one character as the material, or the content may use multiple characters as the material. Similarly, for example, each content may be a still image of a single character, only an animation (video) showing an action (no sound), or even an animation with sound. Similar still images or animations of multiple characters may be used. Furthermore, each character may have a statement (line) (with or without voice), or may not include a statement. In addition, it may or may not include various performance elements such as sound effects, various types of dramatic sounds such as BGM, or various types of dramatic images that assist emotional expression.

Specifically, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, a plurality of characters (51) appear in the main part, and each content is a first game using one of the plurality of characters (65). 1 content (63), and a second content (64) using another character (65) as content provided after the first content as a set with the first content. . In this aspect, each content is configured as a conversation between the one character and the other character, and the first content and the second content are utterances of the one character. The character may include a line (67) and a line (67) of the other character. Furthermore, in this aspect, the first content and the second content include at least one of an effect (FI) for expressing each character's action and each character's emotion, and The movements include an appearance movement in which each character appears on the game screen, an exit movement in which each character exits from the game screen, a generation movement in which a sound corresponding to each character's line is generated, and an expression in response to each character's line. The expression may include at least one facial action expressing the expression.

Furthermore, in the content, all characters appearing in the main part may be used unconditionally or with appropriate conditions. When used conditionally, the conditions under which each character can be used may be set as appropriate; for example, different conditions may be set for each character, or similar conditions may be set for all characters. Specifically, for example, characters that can be used in content may be limited to characters owned by each user (creator who creates content through the creation opportunity). Further, each character may be assigned to each user as appropriate, for example, depending on various play situations such as obtaining a predetermined score, clearing a predetermined development, reaching a predetermined level, or by lottery. It may be given regardless of the play situation through etc. Alternatively, it may be purchased in exchange for a predetermined consideration. If the content includes elements such as effects and facial expressions, the same applies to elements such as these effects.

Specifically, for example, in an aspect including elements such as effects, the game may involve exchanging at least a portion of the one character, the other character, the effect, the voice, or the facial expression for a predetermined price, or It may be configured to be provided depending on the progress of the main part. Alternatively, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the main part is configured such that the predetermined development progresses through an owned character (51A) owned by each user among the plurality of characters. , the one character, and the other character may be limited to the owned character. In these cases, the viewing part can be associated with the main part, and the viewing part can encourage the use of the main part and the payment of fees.

The target conditions may be set as appropriate, and the content that satisfies the target conditions may include various types of content as appropriate. For example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, a publishing instruction (PIY) for publishing content created by one user to other users is input to the input device, and the game may be provided while specifying each user, and the target condition may be satisfied by content created by the user through the creation opportunity and content instructed to be published through the publication instruction. In this case, not only the user's own content but also content created by other users can be viewed through the viewing part through the other user's disclosure instructions. This not only makes it possible to further improve the interest of the viewing part and, by extension, the main part, but also allows the content to be used as a communication tool with other users.

Creation opportunities may be provided as appropriate. For example, it may be provided via the game system, or may be provided through another device connected to the game system. For example, as one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the game system is connected via a network (NT) to a user terminal device (4) that provides the creation opportunity to each user, and acquires each content from the user terminal device of each user. An embodiment including an information acquisition means (33) may be adopted. In this case, the creation opportunity is provided via a user terminal device connected to the game system, ie, a device separate from the game system. Creating content is likely to take time. For this reason, for example, if a game system is configured as an arcade game machine and creation opportunities are provided via that game machine, it is possible that one game machine will be occupied by one user for a long time. There is sex. Creation opportunities may be provided for free or for a fee, but occupation by a single user will lead to a decrease in turnover rate, which in turn will lead to a decrease in profitability (amount of consideration collected) of arcade game machines. there is a possibility. When a creation opportunity is provided via a user terminal device (separate device), it is possible to suppress the disadvantages caused by long occupation, such as a decrease in turnover rate or a decrease in profitability.

On the other hand, the computer program (PG2) of the present invention is configured to cause a computer (31) connected to the input device and the display device to function as each means of the game system described above.

Further, the control method of the present invention displays a game screen (50) including an input device (36) for inputting each user's play action, and a character (51) that performs an action according to the play action. Through a display device (37), a computer (31) incorporated in a game system (3) that provides a game including a main part that progresses along a predetermined development is provided with a view that includes the characters appearing in the main part as materials. A target specifying procedure for identifying target content as content that satisfies target conditions among a plurality of contents created through a creation opportunity for creating content for the purpose, and a viewing part for viewing the target content as described above. The viewing provision procedure is provided as a separate part from the main part. By executing the computer program or control method of the present invention, the game system of the present invention can be realized.

3 Game console (game system)
31 Control unit (computer)
33 Game provision department (target identification means, viewing provision means, information acquisition means)
50 Battle screen (game screen)
51 Character 63 First character column (first content)
64 Second character column (second content)
65 Character enlarged image (one character, other characters)
67 Text part (dialogue)
FI Effect NT Network SD Story Data PG2 Program (Computer Program)

Claims (10)

A game including a main part that progresses along a predetermined development is played through an input device for inputting each user's play actions and a display device that displays a game screen including a character that performs actions according to the play action. A game system that provides
Target specifying means for identifying target content as content that satisfies target conditions among a plurality of contents created through a creation opportunity for creating viewing content that includes the character appearing in the main part as a material; ,
viewing providing means for providing a viewing part for viewing the target content as a part separate from the main part;
A game system equipped with. In the main part, multiple characters appear,
Each content includes a first content using one of the plurality of characters, and a second content using another character as content provided after the first content as a set with the first content. The game system of claim 1, further comprising content. Each content is configured as a conversation between the one character and the other character,
3. The game system according to claim 2, wherein the first content and the second content each include a line of the one character and a line of the other character as utterances of each character. the first content and the second content include at least one of an action of each character and an effect for expressing an emotion of each character;
The game system of claim 3, wherein the actions of each character include at least one of an entrance action by which each character appears on the game screen, an exit action by which each character exits from the game screen, a generation action that produces a sound corresponding to each character's lines, and an facial expression action that expresses a facial expression corresponding to each character's lines. The game is configured to provide at least a part of the one character, the other character, the effect, the voice, and the facial expression in exchange for a predetermined consideration, or in accordance with the progress of the main part. 5. The game system according to claim 4. The main part is configured such that the predetermined development progresses through a character owned by each user among the plurality of characters,
6. The game system according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the one character and the other character is limited to the owned character. A publishing instruction for publishing content created by the one user to other users is input into the input device, and
The game is provided while identifying each user,
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the target condition is satisfied by content created by the user through the creation opportunity and content whose publication is instructed through the publication instruction. According to any one of claims 1 to 5, the information acquisition means is connected via a network to a user terminal device that provides the creation opportunity to each user, and acquires each content from the user terminal device of each user. Game system described. A computer program configured to cause a computer connected to the input device and the display device to function as each means of the game system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A game including a main part that progresses along a predetermined development is played through an input device for inputting each user's play actions and a display device that displays a game screen including a character that performs actions according to the play action. The computer built into the game system we provide,
a target specifying step for identifying target content as content that satisfies target conditions among a plurality of contents created through a creation opportunity for creating viewing content that includes the character appearing in the main part as a material; ,
a viewing provision procedure for providing a viewing part for viewing the target content as a part separate from the main part;
A control method for executing.

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