JP4741106B2 - Program, information storage medium, game progress management system, and game system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention program , An information storage medium, a game progress management system, and a game system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A game in which a plurality of players share the same game space at the same time and enjoy chatting or forming a party with each other is known. In this network game, as in the normal game, parameters such as game level, experience value, life, attack power, defense power are set. That is, each player can operate his / her character to defeat an enemy character or find an item to increase experience points, equip a weapon, or acquire magic.
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
[0003]
However, when a certain period of time has elapsed since the game service was started, for example, the following situation may occur. In other words, there is too much disparity between players who have played the game from the day when the game service was started and have been playing since that day, and those who have started playing after a certain period of time from the date when the game service was started. Cases can happen. The disparity is a game level for each player, and specifically, it clearly appears as a difference in parameters such as the level of the operation character, attack power, and defense power.
[0004]
Under such circumstances, when all players play a game in the same game space, each player feels considerable stress. Specifically, new players cannot win even if they challenge a higher-level player who is ahead, and can not form a party because the level is quite different. It can fall into a situation that is left behind. On the other hand, even for high level players, there are few players of the same level, and even if a party is formed, it will be combined with a low level player, so it may happen that the game gets bored quickly.
[0005]
It is an object of the present invention to suppress variations in the level of each player, to provide the fun of the game to all players, and further, to solve these problems at any time after providing the game service. It is to realize the means to solve.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Above To solve the problems First According to the present invention, the game progress conditions (for example, FIG. 2) of the plurality of players participating in a given network game are determined with respect to the system (for example, the server 1) by calculation and control by the processor. Game progress management information for management based on the game progress condition 540), and a given statistical calculation based on the game progress of all or some of the players participating in the given network game The calculation means (for example, the level distribution determination unit 330 in FIG. 2) for calculating the game progress level criterion, and the change means (for example, the level in FIG. 2) for changing the game progress condition based on the game progress level criterion. Game condition management information, which causes the system to function as an up condition determination unit 340).
[0007]
7th The present invention is a game progress management system for managing the degree of game progress of a plurality of players participating in a given network game based on game progress conditions,
Calculation means for calculating a game progress criterion based on a given statistical calculation based on the game progress of all or some of the players participating in the given network game (for example, level distribution judgment in FIG. 2) Part 330) and a change means (for example, the level-up condition determination part 340 in FIG. 2) for changing the game progress condition based on the game progress degree criterion. is there.
[0008]
8th The present invention is connected to another game system or game terminal via a given telecommunications line (wireless or wired, meaning any form) and operates the other game system or game terminal. Or a game system in which a player who operates the other game system or game terminal and a player who operates the game system simultaneously control and execute a game sharing the same virtual space,
Means (for example, the processing unit 31 in FIG. 2) for managing the game progress of a plurality of players participating in the game based on the game progress conditions, and all or some of the players participating in the game Calculation means (for example, the level distribution determination unit 330 in FIG. 2) for calculating a game progress criterion by a given statistical calculation based on the game progress, and the game progress based on the game progress criterion A game system comprising: changing means for changing conditions (for example, the level-up condition determining unit 340 in FIG. 2).
[0009]
9th The invention of the present invention is a multiplayer game system having a plurality of game terminals (for example, a business game system integrated with a plurality of game terminals),
Means (for example, the processing unit 31 in FIG. 2) for managing the game progress of a plurality of players participating in the game based on the game progress conditions, and the games of all or some of the players participating in the game Based on a given statistical calculation based on the degree of progress, a calculation means (for example, the level distribution determination unit 330 in FIG. 2) for calculating the degree of game progress, and the game progress condition based on the game degree of progress criterion. A game system comprising: a changing means for changing (for example, the level-up condition determining unit 340 in FIG. 2).
[0010]
Here, the system is not limited to a system configuration constituted by a plurality of computer devices, but also includes a case where it is constituted by a single computer device. Further, the present invention is not limited to a computer device, and may be another device such as a business game system. The statistical calculation is, for example, an operation for obtaining values such as a mode value, an average value, a median value, and a standard deviation.
[0011]
First 1, 7, 8, or 9 of According to the invention, the game progress condition is changed by the changing means based on the game progress degree criterion calculated by the calculating means. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately adjust the game level distribution of participating players participating in the network game. For example, when there are many participating players with a high game level, it is possible to set a game progress condition that is a preferential treatment for a beginner player (a player with a low game level). In addition, since the calculation by the calculation means and the change of the game progress condition by the change means do not have to be at a specific time, an effective process can be realized at any time after the start of the provision of the game service.
[0012]
The game progress condition is a condition related to the progress of the game of the participating player, and depending on the specific conditions included in the game progress condition, Second From 4th Invention of You may comprise game progress management information.
[0013]
That is, Second Invention As ,
Appearance conditions (for example, appearance frequency, arrangement position, number of appearances, etc.) of the other character and / or benefits for winning against the other character included in the game progress condition for the changing means The game progress management information including information for changing the value information (for example, the conversion number described in the embodiment of the invention or the experience value provided at the time of winning) may be configured. .
[0014]
Also, Third Invention As ,
It is good also as comprising the game progress management information containing the information for functioning to change the game development conditions (for example, game scenario etc.) contained in the said game progress conditions with respect to the said change means.
[0015]
Also, 4th Invention As ,
The game progress degree includes at least a game level,
The network game is a game in which the game level of the player changes when the operation target character of the player battles with another character.
It is good also as comprising the game progress management information containing the information for functioning to change the level-up conditions contained in the said game progress conditions with respect to the said change means.
[0016]
5th The invention of First From 4th Either Invention In the game progress management information of
The network game is a game that consumes and / or acquires a given amount of game media according to the game situation,
Information for causing the system to function the game medium amount changing means for changing the amount of the game medium to be consumed and / or acquired for the player based on the game progress degree criterion and the game progress degree of the player. Is game progress management information.
[0017]
Here, the play media are medals, coins, banknotes, silver balls (pachinko balls), virtual virtual medals during the game, virtual virtual coins during the game, virtual virtual banknotes during the game, It is a virtual virtual silver ball. The amount may be represented not only by displaying virtual medals, virtual coins, virtual banknotes, and virtual silver balls, but also by numbers. The game medium is necessary for the player to participate in the game.
[0018]
this 5th According to the invention of First From 4th The effect of the present invention can also be realized for a game that consumes and / or acquires a given amount of game media. In this game, the amount of game media to be consumed and / or acquired for each player is changed. For example, the amount of game media to be consumed and / or acquired is favored for beginner players. It is possible.
Note that the amount of game media may be changed indirectly through the exchange rate described in the embodiment of the invention.
[0019]
6th The invention of First From 5th Either Invention This information storage medium stores the game progress management information.
[0020]
this 6th According to the invention of First From 5th It is possible to realize an information storage medium storing game progress management information that exhibits the effects of the present invention.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
This embodiment will be described on the assumption that the present invention is applied to a game generally called a network game. As a form for realizing a network game, for example, (1) a form in which a personal computer or a home game device installed in a home is used as a game terminal and connected to a server through an electric communication line such as the Internet network or a private line network, (2) A configuration in which a plurality of game terminals are connected to each other via a telecommunication line to form a structure like a parent device and a slave unit, (3) a plurality of game terminals are connected to each other via a telecommunication line, and one of them Have a server function, and (4) a form in which a plurality of game terminals are physically coupled to form a single device (for example, a business game system) as a whole. Although the present invention can be applied to any form, in the present embodiment, (1) a game terminal and a server will be described as a form connected by a given telecommunication line.
[0022]
In addition, in order to simplify the explanation, in this game, it is assumed that each player operates only one player character, and the player character is regarded as a player. In addition, it is assumed that the level of the player (own character) increases according to the number of enemy characters that have been defeated (hereinafter referred to as the number of defeated enemy characters). The number of enemy characters that must be defeated in order to increase from (for example, level “1”) to the next level (for example, level “2”).
[0023]
Further, the player level is set to the level “1” with the weaker level set to “5”. That is, the level of a player who has newly joined the game (hereinafter referred to as a new player) is “1”.
[0024]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the entire system configuration in the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, game terminals 2, 2,... Are connected to the server 1 via an electric communication line 3, and a player (player) plays a network game at each game terminal 2, 2,. Enjoy.
[0025]
The server 1 controls the progress of the network game, and also performs processing such as management of information of each player participating in the network game, authentication of whether or not the player is a legitimate player, and charging for using the game. The server 1 is composed of a computer, a workstation, and the like, and is composed of one or a plurality of devices. Further, it may be realized by a plurality of systems such as a plurality of central servers, a database system, and a billing system.
[0026]
The game terminal 2 is a terminal on which a player (player) inputs an operation while watching a game screen, and is any device such as a personal computer, a mobile terminal, a mobile phone, a home game device, and a business game device. Also good.
[0027]
Further, the telecommunication line 3 may be any form of wired / wireless, and may be any form such as an internet network, a telephone network, a private line network, and a LAN.
[0028]
That is, as will be described in detail below, the present invention relates to the function of the server. Accordingly, the H / W configuration itself of the server 1, the game terminal 2, and the telecommunications line 3 can be realized by a known device / technology. The gist of the present invention is not captured by the configuration. Therefore, in the following, the server that is the point of the present invention will be mainly described.
[0029]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating main functional blocks of the server 1. The server 1 includes a communication unit 11, a processing unit 31, and a storage unit 51.
[0030]
The communication unit 11 is a functional unit that performs information communication with the game terminal 2 such as a personal computer or a mobile terminal via a given telecommunication line (such as the Internet network or a dedicated line network). The processing unit 31 transmits / receives game data (for example, game space setting information, position information of each player, operation information of each player, etc.) to / from the game terminal 2 via the communication unit 11 and the like. To do.
[0031]
The storage unit 51 stores player information 520, level distribution information 530, game progress conditions 540, and a game progress management program 550. The function of the storage unit 51 can be realized by hardware such as a CD-ROM, IC card, MO, FD, DVD, memory, and hard disk.
[0032]
The player information 520 is information relating to players registered (participating) in the network game operated and controlled by the server 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the player information 520. The player information 520 corresponds to the player name, the player level, the total number of enemy characters defeated at that level (hereinafter referred to as the enemy character cumulative defeat number), and the converted number converted from the enemy character cumulative defeat number. It is a data table stored together.
[0033]
The enemy character cumulative defeat number is the total number of enemy characters defeated by the player at the current level, and the converted number is a weight (see FIG. 11) described later for the enemy character cumulative defeat number. It is a value multiplied as a coefficient. For example, in FIG. 3, “player A”, level “2”, enemy character cumulative defeat number “13”, and conversion number “16” are stored in the player information 520. A indicates that at level 2, 13 enemy characters are defeated and the converted number is “16”.
[0034]
The processing unit 31 controls the progress of the player in the network game with reference to the enemy character cumulative defeat number or converted number, which number is a design matter, and is switched appropriately. It is also possible.
[0035]
The level distribution information 530 is information for analyzing the level distribution of all players registered (participated) in the network game. The level distribution information 530 includes a level distribution number T1 (see FIG. 4A). )) And level occupancy T2 (see FIG. 5A).
[0036]
The game progress condition 540 is information for changing the game progress condition of each player's level based on the analysis result of the level distribution. The game progress condition 540 includes each of the level-up condition determination formulas described later. A constant, a constant determination table T3 (see FIG. 8), an enemy character appearance number table T4 (see FIG. 10), a weight table T5 (see FIG. 11), and an application scenario correspondence table T6 (see FIG. 12) are included.
[0037]
The game progress management program 550 is a program described for managing the game progress of each player participating in the network game operated and managed by the server 2. The game progress management program 550 includes a level distribution determination program 552 that is read and executed by the level distribution determination unit 330 and a level-up condition determination program 554 that is read and executed by the level-up condition determination unit 340. included.
[0038]
The processing unit 31 is a functional unit for managing, operating, and controlling the entire network game, and is realized by hardware such as a CISC type or RISC type CPU, DSP, or a memory for temporarily storing data. . The processing unit 31 includes a level distribution determining unit 330 and a level-up condition determining unit 340, which are main units for realizing the present invention. The processing unit 31 controls the progress of the game for each player participating in the network game according to the game progress condition 540 finally set by the level-up condition determination unit 340.
[0039]
The level distribution determination unit 330 is a functional unit that analyzes the player information 520 using statistics, updates the level distribution information 530, and calculates a distribution index by executing the level distribution determination program 552. The function executed by the level distribution determination unit 330 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.
[0040]
FIG. 4A shows an example of the level distribution table T1. The level distribution table T1 is a data table in which each level is stored in association with the number of players at that level. Based on the player information 520, the level distribution determination unit 330 first creates and updates this level distribution table T1. Incidentally, FIG. 4B shows a graph (histogram).
[0041]
Next, the level distribution determination unit 330 updates the level occupancy rate table T2. FIG. 5A shows an example of the level occupancy table T2. The level occupancy table T2 is a data table in which each level and the ratio of the number of players at the level to the total number of players (hereinafter referred to as occupancy ratio) are stored in association with each other.
[0042]
The level distribution determining unit 330 further obtains a frequency diagram obtained by normalizing the histogram of the level distribution table T1, and calculates a probability density function. FIG. 5B is a frequency diagram obtained by normalizing the histogram of FIG. 4B so that the total area becomes “1”. In addition, FIG. _X FIG. 5C shows the probability density function idealized as (x).
[0043]
There are “representative value” and “variation index” as main indexes representing the characteristics of the probability distribution.
Representative values include values such as an average value, median (moden), and mode (mode), and variations indicators include variance, standard deviation, and variation coefficient. In the present embodiment, the level distribution determination unit 330 calculates and grasps the level distribution of players participating in the network game using these indices.
[0044]
The level-up condition determination unit 340 executes the level-up condition determination program 554 to specify the level distribution pattern of the players participating in the network game based on the distribution index calculated by the level distribution determination unit 330. Based on the identified distribution pattern, conditions (such as a level-up condition determination formula described later) required for each level player to move up to the next level are determined, and conditions relating to the game progress such as the appearance frequency of enemy characters are determined. It is a functional part to be set.
[0045]
More specifically, the level-up condition determination unit 340 first determines to which of the specific distribution patterns the level distribution of the participating players is a probability density function assumed and categorized in advance. (Hereafter, this judgment is referred to as “fitting”).
[0046]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of distribution patterns assumed and categorized in advance, and assumes the four distribution patterns shown in FIGS. Hereinafter, FIG. 6A is referred to as a first distribution pattern, (b) is referred to as a second distribution pattern, (c) is referred to as a third distribution pattern, and (d) is referred to as a fourth distribution pattern.
[0047]
In the first distribution pattern, many of the preceding players are concentrated at level 2, in the second distribution pattern, many of the preceding players are concentrated at level 3, and in the third distribution pattern, many of the preceding players are at level 4. focusing. In the fourth distribution pattern, the preceding players are distributed from level 1 to level 5 as a whole.
[0048]
FIG. 7A shows a level-up condition determination formula for calculating the number of defeated enemy characters. In FIG. 7A, the vertical axis (Y) represents the number of defeated enemy characters, and the horizontal axis (X) represents the level of the player. The intersection of the Y axis and the X axis is the origin.
[0049]
In the figure, the broken line represented by the formula X = b represents the boundary between the level where the preceding player concentrates and the level one level below. Hereinafter, this line is referred to as a reference level boundary line.
Also, in the figure, the broken line represented by Y = c represents the number of defeated enemy characters required for the level 1 player to rise to the level where the preceding player concentrates. Hereinafter, this line is referred to as a reference line, and “c” is referred to as the ease of participation in the middle.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 7A, the level-up condition determination formula is defined by two formulas of a straight line and a parabola. First, there is a straight line connecting the origin and the intersection of the reference line and the reference level boundary line, that is, Y = m × X (0 ≦ X ≦ b) (where m is represented by m = c / b). .) Next, the parabola Y = a × (X−b) with the intersection as the vertex ² + C (c ≦ X).
[0051]
The Y value at the intersection of the level-up condition determination formula (ie, straight line and parabola) and the boundary line one level above each level is the number of defeated enemy characters at that level, and the level-up condition determination unit 340 Calculates the number of defeated enemy characters based on the defined level-up condition determination formula. This will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7B is a specific numerical example of the level-up condition determination formula. In FIG. 7B, the reference level boundary line is a boundary line between level 3 and level 4, and the reference line is a line of “50” defeated enemy characters. In FIG. 7B, for example, the number of defeated enemy characters for the level 2 player to rise to level 3 is “30”, which is the Y value of the level-up condition determination formula at the boundary line between level 2 and level 3. Become. Similarly, the number of defeated enemy characters for a level 3 player to rise to level 4 is “50”, and the number of defeated enemy characters for a level 4 player to rise to level 5 is “120”.
[0052]
The level-up condition determination unit 340 changes the slope “m” of the straight line constituting the level-up condition determination formula, the parabolic proportional constant “a”, and the ease of participation “c” based on the applied distribution pattern. Let FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the constant determination table T3. The constant determination table T3 is a data table in which the values of the constants “a”, “b”, and “c” of the level-up condition determination formula are associated with the first to fourth distribution patterns.
[0053]
Hereinafter, the case where the constant of the constant determination table T3 is applied to each of the first to fourth distribution patterns will be described.
[0054]
First, the first distribution pattern and the second distribution pattern will be described as a case where the concentrated level is significant.
[0055]
When the applied distribution pattern is the first distribution pattern, the constants of the level-up condition determination formula are determined as a = 10, b = 1, and c = 10 from the constant determination table T3. The level-up condition determination formula at this time is as shown in FIG.
That is, the equation of the straight line constituting the level-up condition determination equation is Y = 10X (0 ≦ X ≦ 1), and the parabolic equation is Y = 10 (X−1). ² +10 (10 ≦ X).
[0056]
In this case, the number of defeated enemy characters for the level 1 player is “10”, the number of defeated enemy characters for the level 2 player is “20”, and the number of defeated enemy characters for the level 3 player is “50”. The number of enemy characters defeated by level 4 players is “100”.
[0057]
When the fitted distribution pattern is the second distribution pattern, a = 30, b = 2, and c = 10 from the constant determination table T3. The level-up condition determination formula at this time is as shown in FIG.
That is, the equation of the straight line constituting the level-up condition determination equation is Y = 5X (0 ≦ X ≦ 2), and the parabolic equation is Y = 30 (X−2). ² +10 (10 ≦ X).
[0058]
In this case, the number of defeated enemy characters for the level 1 player is “5”, the number of defeated enemy characters for the level 2 player is “10”, and the number of defeated enemy characters for the level 3 player is “40”. The number of defeated characters for level 4 players is “130”.
[0059]
Here, the two distribution patterns fitted are compared. First, regarding the slope m of the straight line, m in the case of the second distribution pattern is smaller than m in the case of the first distribution pattern. This setting is such that the higher the level at which the number of players is concentrated, the faster the level of new players can be increased.
[0060]
Further, when looking at the parabolic proportional constant a, a in the second distribution pattern is larger than a in the first distribution pattern. This is a setting in which the higher the level at which the number of players is concentrated, the more difficult it is for the preceding player to rise to a level higher than that level, so that the player with a higher level will not get bored.
[0061]
In this way, the level-up condition determining unit 340 sets the values of the constants a, b, and c of the level-up condition determining formula so that a new player can easily reach a level where there are many players, It is possible to make it difficult to level up high players. Therefore, it is possible to make the new player easily familiar with the game, while it is possible to prevent a player with a high level from staying at the same level as many players.
[0062]
Next, the fourth distribution pattern, which is a case where the player levels are dispersed, will be described.
[0063]
The constants of the level-up condition determination formula in the case of the fourth distribution pattern are determined as a = 30, b = 2, and c = 10 from the constant determination table T3. This constant is equal to pattern 2. Therefore, the level-up condition determination formula is as shown in FIG.
[0064]
In this case, a player with a low level can easily go up to level 3, but a player with a medium or high level can hardly go up to a higher level. Therefore, as a result, it approaches the distribution of the second distribution pattern.
Similarly, when the values of a, b, and c are equal to the first distribution pattern, the distribution approaches the distribution like the first distribution pattern, and when equal to the third distribution pattern, Approaching the distribution.
[0065]
That is, the level-up condition determination unit 340 changes the constant of the level-up condition determination formula, so that any level distribution of players participating in the game can be concentrated at any level, It is possible to control such that the player concentrates on a level that is not the concentration level (that is, shifts the concentration level).
[0066]
Next, a case where the level-up condition determination unit 340 changes another game progress condition 540 will be described.
[0067]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the enemy character appearance number table T4. The enemy character appearance number table T4 is a data table in which the player level and the enemy character appearance number per unit time are stored in association with each other.
[0068]
In the figure, the number of enemy characters appearing per unit time for level 1, level 2, level 3, level 4 and level 5 players is “10”, “8”, “6”, “4”, “ 2 "is set. That is, for a player with a low level, the number of enemy characters appearing per unit time is large, and for a player with a high level, the number of enemy characters appearing per unit time is set small. For this reason, players with lower levels have more chances to level up.
[0069]
In this way, the level-up condition determination unit 340 can set the enemy character appearance number table T4 to change the appearance number of enemy characters according to the player level, and control the distribution of the player level. be able to.
[0070]
This embodiment shows an extreme example. That is, when this principle is simply applied, it is considered that a player with a high level has less chance of encountering an enemy character and can defeat the fun of the game. However, there is generally not one type of enemy character that appears in the game. In other words, when applying this principle, it is possible to maintain the fun even for high level players by making adjustments such as changing the number of appearances depending on the type of enemy character.
[0071]
Next, a case where the level-up condition determination unit 340 sets the weight table T5 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the weight table T5. The weight table T5 is a data table in which player levels and weights are stored in association with each other.
[0072]
In the figure, the weights of level 1, level 2, level 3, level 4, and level 5 are “1.5”, “1.2”, “1.0”, “0.8”, “0”, respectively. .7 "is set in association with each other. That is, the weight for a player with a low level is set high, and the weight for a player with a high level is set low.
[0073]
The “weight” is a coefficient by which the number of enemy characters actually defeated by the player is multiplied. Even if one enemy character is actually defeated by multiplying this weight, It is converted to “0.5” or “2”. As described above, the converted number of the player information 520 shown in FIG. 3 is a numerical value calculated using this weight.
[0074]
In addition, this conversion number is used instead of the number of enemy characters actually defeated, so that, for example, a player with a low level has at least the number of enemy characters actually defeated to defeat enemies for level up. It is determined that the number of characters has been exceeded, and it is possible to easily level up.
[0075]
As described above, the level-up condition determination unit 340 can control the distribution of the level of the player by changing the weight with respect to the number of defeated enemy characters according to the level of the player.
[0076]
This embodiment shows an extreme example. That is, when this principle is simply applied, it is considered that a player with a high level cannot easily level up even if an enemy character is defeated, and can defeat the fun of the game. However, there is generally not one type of enemy character that appears in the game. In other words, when applying this principle, it is possible to maintain the fun even for high level players by making adjustments such as changing the number of appearances depending on the type of enemy character.
[0077]
Next, a case where the level-up condition determination unit 340 sets the application scenario correspondence table T6 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the application scenario correspondence table T6. The application scenario correspondence table T6 is a data table in which the player level and the scenario number to be applied are stored in association with each other.
[0078]
In the figure, the first scenario, the first scenario, the second scenario, the third scenario, and the third scenario are associated with the players of level 1, level 2, level 3, level 4, and level 5, respectively. .
[0079]
A scenario is requirement information related to progress provided at a necessary point in the game. Specifically, for example, when a player finds a locked treasure box containing gold coins, in the first scenario, “(1) possession of key item” is a requirement to open the treasure box. In the scenario, “(1) possession of key item” and “(2) acquisition of personal identification number” are requirements for opening the treasure chest. In the third scenario, “(1) possession of key item” is a requirement to open a treasure box, but “(3) defeat the snake that appears when the treasure box is opened” is a requirement to obtain gold coins. . As described above, the first to third scenarios are preset as different scenarios.
[0080]
In the progress of the game, the processing unit 31 refers to the application scenario correspondence table T6 and applies a scenario corresponding to the level of each player. Therefore, the game development can be changed by changing the scenario applied to each level by the level-up condition determining unit 340. Also, depending on the content of the game development, it is possible to control the level of difficulty of level up and the distribution of player levels.
[0081]
Next, the flow of operations related to game progress management executed by the processing unit 31 of the server 1 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the game progress management process of the processing unit 31 executed in accordance with the game progress management program 550. The game progress management process is a process that is performed at regular intervals such as, for example, every week or every month.
[0082]
In FIG. 13, first, the level distribution determination unit 330 calculates a distribution index (for example, a representative value, a variation index, etc.) using a statistical method, and also includes the number of level distributions T1 included in the level distribution information 530 and The level occupancy T2 is updated (step S1).
[0083]
Next, the level-up condition determination unit 340 compares the first distribution pattern to the fourth distribution pattern based on the distribution index calculated in step S1, and specifies the current level distribution pattern (step S2).
[0084]
Next, it is determined whether or not the specified (applied) distribution pattern is different from the current pattern (pattern already applied) (step S3). If it is determined that they are not different, that is, they are the same, the processing unit 31 ends this processing. On the other hand, if the identified distribution pattern is different from the current pattern, the distribution pattern is changed and stored / updated as the currently applied distribution pattern (step S4).
[0085]
Based on the updated distribution pattern, the level-up condition determination unit 340 includes a level-up condition determination formula constant, a constant determination table T3, an enemy character appearance number table T4, a weight table T5, and an application scenario correspondence table T6. The progress condition 540 is changed (step S5), and this process is terminated.
[0086]
Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the server 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the apparatus shown in the figure, a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1004, an information storage medium 1006, a sound generation IC 1008, an image generation IC 1010, and I / O ports 1012, 1014 are connected to each other via a system bus 1016 so as to be able to input and output data. . A display device 1018 is connected to the image generation IC 1010, a speaker 1020 is connected to the sound generation IC 1008, a control device 1022 is connected to the I / O port 1012, and a communication device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014. Has been.
[0087]
The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data for expressing display objects, sound data, play data, and the like, and corresponds to the storage unit 51 in FIG. The information storage medium 1006 is realized by a memory such as a CD-ROM, DVD, or ROM, or a hard disk, for example.
[0088]
The control device 1022 corresponds to a game controller, an operation panel, and the like, and is a device for inputting a result of a determination made by the player in accordance with the progress of the game to the device body.
[0089]
In accordance with a program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002 (such as device initialization information), a signal input from the control device 1022, the CPU 1000 controls the entire device and performs various data processing. . The RAM 1004 is a storage means used as a work area of the CPU 1000 and stores the given contents of the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002 or the calculation result of the CPU 1000.
[0090]
Further, this apparatus is provided with a sound generation IC 1008 and an image generation IC 1010 so that sound output and image output can be performed. This is particularly necessary only for realizing the processing of the server 1 according to the present invention. It is not H / W. The sound generation IC 1008 is an integrated circuit that generates sound based on information stored in the information storage medium 1006 or the ROM 1002, and the generated sound is output from the speaker 1020. The image generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information to be output to the display device 1018 based on image information sent from the RAM 1004, the ROM 1002, the information storage medium 1006, and the like. The display device 1018 is realized by a CRT, LCD, TV, plasma display, liquid crystal plasma display, projector, or the like.
[0091]
The communication device 1024 exchanges various types of information used inside the device with the outside (game terminal 2). The communication device 1024 is connected to other devices to send and receive given information according to a game program or the like. It is used for sending and receiving information such as game programs via a communication line.
[0092]
Various processes described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12 include an information storage medium 1006 that stores a program for performing the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13, a CPU 1000 that operates according to the program, an image generation IC 1010, This is realized by the sound generation IC 1008 or the like. Note that the processing performed by the image generation IC 1010 or the like may be performed by software using the CPU 1000 or a general-purpose DSP.
[0093]
Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the present invention can be applied to a game in which magic can be used in exchange for a predetermined amount of game media (for example, game points) or a tool (item) can be obtained. More specifically, when a play medium is scored, 5 points are required to use a certain magic, and 10 points are required to use a more powerful magic. In addition to the score of the game, the game medium may be a currency in the game, or may be a coin or medal to be inserted when the game system is a business game system.
[0094]
A specific method of applying the present invention to such a game will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the reference exchange value table T8, and FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the exchange rate table T9. The reference exchange value table T8 is a data table in which a consideration (magic, tool, etc.) and a reference exchange value of a play medium (points, coins, etc.) necessary for obtaining the compensation are stored in association with each other. The exchange rate table T9 is a data table in which player levels and exchange rates are stored in association with each other.
[0095]
The reference exchange value table T8 and the exchange rate table T9 are realized as follows. That is, for example, in order for a level 1 player to use magic 1, a play medium of “8” points in which the exchange rate “0.8” is multiplied by the reference exchange value “10” is required, and the level 2 player In order to use Magic 1, a game medium of “10” points in which the exchange rate “1.0” is multiplied by the reference exchange value “10” is required. The amount of required play media changes.
[0096]
The reference exchange value table T8 and the exchange rate table T9 are stored in the game progress condition 540, and the level-up condition determination unit 340 sets the values of each table, and the processing unit 31 sets the values of each table set. Based on the value, the required amount of play media for each player is changed. This can be realized in this way.
[0097]
In the above embodiment, “representative value” and “variation index” are used as main indexes representing the characteristics of the probability distribution, but other indexes may be used.
[0098]
Moreover, although the level-up condition determination formula is defined by a straight line and a parabola, the straight line may be a parabola or another curve (for example, a cubic curve or the like). The parabola may be a straight line or another curve. Furthermore, although the level-up condition determination formula is defined by a combination of two types of formulas of a straight line and a parabola, there may be fewer or many types of combinations. For example, it is good also as a combination of four types of formulas which connected the straight line and the parabola further after the parabola. In this case, the first straight line concentrates the player on a certain level, and the second straight line concentrates the player on another level (that is, higher than a certain level and different from a certain level). So you can focus on two different levels.
As described above, by defining a level-up condition determination expression by combining a plurality of expressions, various distribution situations can be generated.
[0099]
In addition, the constants a, b, and c that determine the level-up condition determination formula are changed according to the level distribution of the player, but are multiplied by a coefficient corresponding to the elapsed time after the start of the game service and the difficulty of the network game. It may be changed.
[0100]
In the description of the present embodiment, the level increases according to the number of defeated enemy characters or the converted number, but the number of defeated enemy characters may be replaced with a score or an experience value. Moreover, the score and experience value obtained according to the type of enemy character may be changed. Further, the level may be determined by a plurality of parameters in addition to the parameters by the defeated enemy character.
[0101]
In addition, the player level has been described mainly with respect to the direction of rising, but the present invention may be applied in a direction of lowering the level, or the present invention may be applied when moving up and down according to various conditions. It is good to do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the entire system configuration in an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a server.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of player information.
FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of a level distribution table. (B) is a histogram of FIG.
FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of a level occupancy rate. FIG. 4B is a frequency diagram of FIG. (C) is the probability density function of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution pattern assumed and classified in advance.
FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a level-up condition determination formula. (B) is a figure which shows the specific numerical example of a level-up condition determination formula.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a constant determination table.
FIG. 9A is a diagram for explaining a level-up condition determination formula applied to the first distribution pattern; (B) is a figure for demonstrating the level-up condition determination formula applied to a 2nd distribution pattern.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an enemy character appearance number table.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a weight table.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an application scenario correspondence table.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of game progress management processing.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the server of this embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a reference exchange value table.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an exchange rate table.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 server
11 Communication Department
31 Processing unit
330 Level distribution judgment unit
340 Level-up condition judgment part
51 Storage unit
520 Player information
530 Level distribution information
540 Game progress conditions
550 Game Progress Management Program
552 Level distribution judgment program
554 Level-up condition judgment program

Claims (5)

A program for causing a computer system to manage the levels of a plurality of players participating in a given network game by calculation and control by a processor,
For each level, a level-up condition from the level to the upper level is defined,
Storage control means for storing the level of each player participating in the network game in a storage unit;
Concentration level determination means for analyzing a level distribution of players participating in the network game and determining a concentration level where the number of players is concentrated;
A desired concentration level setting means for setting a desired concentration level, which is a level at which the number of players is to be concentrated,
If the desired concentration level is higher than the concentration level, the level-up condition defined for a level lower than the desired concentration level is changed to a condition that allows easier level-up and is higher than the desired concentration level. Concentrated level increasing condition change setting means for changing and setting the level up condition defined for the level to a condition that makes the level up more difficult,
A program for causing the computer system to function as A computer-readable information storage medium storing the program according to claim 1 . A game progress management system for managing levels of a plurality of players participating in a given network game,
For each level, a level-up condition from the level to the upper level is defined,
Storage control means for storing the level of each player participating in the network game in a storage unit;
A concentration level determination means for analyzing a level distribution of players participating in the network game and determining a concentration level where the number of players is concentrated;
A desired concentration level setting means for setting a desired concentration level, which is a level at which the number of players is to be concentrated,
If the desired concentration level is higher than the concentration level, the level-up condition defined for a level lower than the desired concentration level is changed to a condition that allows easier level-up and is higher than the desired concentration level. Concentration level increasing condition change setting means for changing and setting the level-up condition defined for the level to a condition that makes the level-up more difficult,
A game progress management system comprising: A player who is connected to another game system or game terminal via a given telecommunication line and operates the other game system or game terminal, or a player who operates the other game system or game terminal, and A game system in which a player operating a game system controls and executes a game that simultaneously shares the same virtual space,
For each player level, there is a level up condition from that level to the upper level,
Means for storing and managing the level of each player participating in the game in a storage unit;
A concentration level determination means for analyzing a level distribution of players participating in the game and determining a concentration level where the number of players is concentrated;
A desired concentration level setting means for setting a desired concentration level, which is a level at which the number of players is to be concentrated,
If the desired concentration level is higher than the concentration level, the level-up condition defined for a level lower than the desired concentration level is changed to a condition that allows easier level-up and is higher than the desired concentration level. Concentration level increasing condition change setting means for changing and setting the level-up condition defined for the level to a condition that makes the level-up more difficult,
A game system comprising: A multiplayer game system having a plurality of game terminals,
For each player level, there is a level up condition from that level to the upper level,
Means for storing and managing the level of each player participating in the game in the storage unit;
A concentration level determination means for analyzing a level distribution of players participating in the game and determining a concentration level where the number of players is concentrated;
A desired concentration level setting means for setting a desired concentration level, which is a level at which the number of players is to be concentrated,
If the desired concentration level is higher than the concentration level, the level-up condition defined for a level lower than the desired concentration level is changed to a condition that allows easier level-up and is higher than the desired concentration level. Concentration level increasing condition change setting means for changing and setting the level-up condition defined for the level to a condition that makes the level-up more difficult,
A game system comprising:

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