JP5209094B2 - Network game system, server and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is a network game system participating in computer games through the information terminal device in which a plurality of players connected to the network, to the server, and a program.

  Among computer games (hereinafter simply referred to as “games”), there are multiplayer games in which a plurality of players participate. As this multiplayer game, for example, in the case of a role playing game, it is common that a character corresponding to each participating player is set, and the player participates in the game by operating his / her character. doing. As the player becomes proficient in the game, the corresponding character can gain experience in participating in various events and acquire various items. As a result, the character can increase the level set in the game, and can perform various functions in the game as the level increases. See Non-Patent Document 1 for network games with large participation.

  In the above-mentioned multiplayer game, the level of proficiency of participating players is often different, so there are often differences in the level of the player's character. However, if there is an excessive difference in the level of the player's character, there will be an extreme difference in the functions that can be performed in the game. For this reason, there is a problem in that a player who operates a low-level character cannot fully enjoy the game and loses interest in the game. On the other hand, even for players who operate high-level characters, for example, when a team is formed between characters, the low-level characters are often simply struggling to lose their interest in the game. There was a problem of becoming. A player who newly participates in the game has a problem in that his / her character level is naturally set low, so that he / she will give up participating in the game.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problem, and is a case where there is an extreme difference in player character levels in a multiplayer game in which a plurality of players participate. Another object of the present invention is to provide a network game system, a server and a program in which players operating various levels of characters do not lose interest in the game .

  A game device according to the present invention is a game device that executes a computer game in which a plurality of players participate, and corresponds to a rank recording unit in which the rank of a character on the computer game corresponding to the player is recorded, and the player A predetermined rank is set for the character on the computer game, the rank setting means for recording the rank in the rank recording unit, and the action between the characters according to the rank for each character recorded in the rank recording unit. It is characterized by comprising action setting means for setting.

  Here, in the game device of the present invention, the rank setting means includes a character action result in a computer game, parameters that are preset for the character and changeable according to the character action result, and / or the player's action. A predetermined rank can be set for the character based on the skill level of the computer game, and the rank can be recorded in the rank recording unit.

  Here, in the game apparatus of the present invention, the action setting means can set a battle as an action between characters whose rank difference recorded in the rank recording unit is within a predetermined battle allowable range. .

  Here, in the game device of the present invention, the action setting means can set a dialogue as an action between characters whose rank difference recorded in the rank recording unit is within a predetermined dialogue allowable range. .

  Here, in the game device of the present invention, the action setting means can set a dialogue as an action between characters whose rank difference recorded in the rank recording unit is within a predetermined dialogue allowable range. .

  Here, in the game device of the present invention, the dialogue set by the action setting means may be a dialogue related to a predetermined event on the computer game.

  Here, the game device of the present invention can further include a display form setting means for setting a display form of other characters around the character according to the rank of the character recorded in the rank recording unit. .

  Here, in the game device of the present invention, the display form setting means is a computer game character in which the other character corresponds to the player, and a difference between the rank of the character and the rank of the other character. Is outside the predetermined permissible visible range, the display form of the other character can be set to a translucent display.

  Here, the game device according to the present invention can further include rank changing means for changing the rank of the character recorded in the rank recording unit in accordance with the result of the action set by the action setting means.

  Here, the game device according to the present invention can further include rank display means for displaying the rank recorded in the rank recording unit attached to the character.

  The game processing method of the present invention is a game processing method for causing a game device to execute a computer game in which a plurality of players participate, wherein a predetermined rank is set for a character on the computer game corresponding to the player, and the rank is set. Is set in a rank recording section in which the rank of the character on the computer game corresponding to the player is recorded, and the action between the characters is set according to the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording section. And an action setting step.

  Here, in the game processing method of the present invention, the rank setting step includes a character action result in a computer game, a parameter preset for the character and changeable according to the character action result and / or the player. A predetermined rank can be set for the character based on the skill level of the computer game, and the rank can be recorded in the rank recording unit.

  Here, in the game processing method according to the present invention, the action setting step may set a battle as an action between characters whose difference in rank recorded in the rank recording unit is within a predetermined battle allowable range. it can.

  Here, in the game processing method of the present invention, the action setting step may set a dialogue as an action between characters whose rank difference recorded in the rank recording unit is within a predetermined allowable dialogue range. it can.

  Here, in the game processing method of the present invention, after the rank setting step, a display form for setting the display form of other characters around the character according to the rank of the character recorded in the rank recording unit A setting step can be further provided.

  The program according to the present invention is a program for executing a computer game in which a plurality of players participate, wherein the computer sets a predetermined rank for a character on the computer game corresponding to the player, and the rank corresponds to the player. As rank setting means for recording in the rank recording section in which the rank of the character on the computer game is recorded, action setting means for setting the action between characters according to the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording section It is a program to make it function.

  Here, in the program of the present invention, the rank setting means includes a character action result in a computer game, parameters set in advance for the character and changeable according to the character action result, and / or a player computer. A predetermined rank can be set for the character based on the skill level of the game, and the rank can be recorded in the rank recording unit.

  Here, in the program according to the present invention, the action setting means can set a battle as an action between characters whose difference in rank recorded in the rank recording unit is within a predetermined battle allowable range.

  Here, in the program according to the present invention, the action setting means can set a dialogue as an action between characters whose rank difference recorded in the rank recording unit is within a predetermined dialogue allowable range.

  Here, in the program of the present invention, the predetermined dialog set by the action setting means may be a dialog related to a predetermined event on a computer game.

  Here, the program according to the present invention can further include display form setting means for setting a display form of other characters around the character according to the rank of the character recorded by the rank recording unit.

  Here, in the program of the present invention, the display form setting means is characterized in that the other character is a character on a computer game corresponding to a player, and the difference between the rank of the character and the rank of the other character is When it is outside the predetermined visible tolerance range, the display form of the other character can be set to a translucent display.

  Here, the program according to the present invention may further include rank changing means for changing the rank of the character recorded in the rank recording unit in accordance with the result of the action set by the action setting means.

  Here, the program according to the present invention can further include rank display means for displaying the rank recorded in the rank recording section with the character attached thereto.

  The recording medium of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which the program of the present invention according to any one of claims 14 to 22 is recorded.

  The network game system according to the present invention is a network game system in which a plurality of players participate in a computer game via an information terminal device and a server connected to the network, and the server executes the computer game. A rank recording unit in which the rank of the character on the computer game corresponding to the player is recorded, and a predetermined rank is set for the character on the computer game corresponding to the player, Rank setting means for recording a rank in the rank recording section and action setting means for setting an action between characters according to the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording section.

  Here, in the network game system according to the present invention, the rank setting means includes an action result of the character in the computer game, parameters set in advance for the character and changeable according to the action result of the character and / or Alternatively, a predetermined rank can be set for the character based on the skill level of the player in the computer game, and the rank can be recorded in the rank recording unit.

  Here, in the network game system according to the present invention, the action setting means determines whether the action is set between characters according to the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit and time information when the player participates in the computer game. The action can be set.

  Here, in the network game system according to the present invention, the action setting means determines the action between characters according to the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit and the type of the information terminal device corresponding to the player. Can be set.

  Here, in the network game system of the present invention, the information terminal device is a movable information terminal device, and the action setting means corresponds to the rank and player for each character recorded in the rank recording unit. The action between characters can be set according to the position information of the information terminal device.

According to the network game system, the server, and the program of the present invention, in a multiplayer game in which a plurality of players participate, the characters corresponding to the players are ranked according to the skill level of the players, A battle can be set between characters whose ranks are within a predetermined battle tolerance range. For this reason, even if there is an extreme difference in the level of the player's character, a battle can be set between characters whose rank is within the battle tolerance range. There is an effect that it is possible to provide a network game system , a server, and a program that can prevent the player from losing interest in the game.

It is a figure which shows the internal circuit block of the game device which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a use condition of the game device which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural block of the program of this invention which performs a computer game. It is a figure which shows concepts, such as a game processing method which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the setting of the rank which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, and a battle | competition. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of a screen in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of a screen in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the other screen in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the other screen in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the game processing method of this invention. It is a figure which shows the information terminal device etc. of this invention connected to the network 90. FIG.

  Hereinafter, the contents common to each embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention will be described first with reference to the drawings, and then each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

  FIG. 1 shows an internal circuit block of a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes an internal circuit block of the game apparatus of the present invention, and 1 denotes a processing apparatus for processing a program for causing a computer to execute the game processing method of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “the program of the present invention”). The CPU 2 is a read-only storage device ROM in which data necessary for other processing such as initialization of the internal circuit block 10 is recorded, and 3 is a readable / writable storage device in which the program or data of the present invention processed by the CPU 1 is recorded. A RAM 4 is used as an image memory, and a storage device VRAM having a capacity corresponding to the data capacity of at least one screen of the image display unit 6 to be described later, 5 converts the data in the VRAM 4 into image data and transfers it to the image display unit 6. An image control unit 6 for sending out is a display for displaying an image based on the image data converted from the VRAM 4 and sent out. An image display unit such as A, 7 is a speech synthesis unit that synthesizes speech generated by executing the program of the present invention, 8 is a speech output unit that is connected to the speech synthesis unit 7 and outputs speech, and 11 is a program of the present invention. Or a detachable recording medium such as a computer-readable DVD in which data or the like is recorded; 12 a detachable recording medium such as a memory card; 9 a mounting portion (not shown) such as a recording medium 11 or 12; An input / output control unit that performs input / output control, 14 is an input operation unit such as various input buttons and input keys, 13 is an input control unit that is connected to the input operation unit 14 and performs input control, and 15 is a network 90 described later. A communication control unit 18 for controlling communication performed with an external game device or a computer via the CPU 18, the above-described CPU 1, ROM 2, RAM 3, VRAM 4, speech synthesis unit 7, input / output control 9, a bus for connecting the input control unit 13 and the communication controller 15.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a usage state of the game device according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 20 denotes a display as an embodiment of the image display unit 6, 21 denotes a speaker as an embodiment of the audio output unit 8, and 35 is generated on the display 20 by executing the program of the present invention. 22 is a cable connecting the game apparatus 25 according to the embodiment of the present invention and the display 20, 25 is a game apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention including the internal circuit 10, and 23 Is a loading / unloading port of a disk tray (not shown) for setting the recording medium 11 such as a DVD, and 26 is an open button for loading / unloading the disk tray from the loading / unloading port 23. Then, the disc tray is taken out to set the recording medium 11 such as a DVD, and the open button 26 is pressed again to bring the disc tray into the inside. It is possible to enter. Reference numeral 29 denotes a slot for inserting the recording medium 12 such as a memory card, 24 denotes a power button of the game apparatus 25, 30a denotes a cable connecting the game apparatus 25 and a controller 50a described later, and 30b denotes the game apparatus 25. A cable connecting between the controller 50b described later, a cable connecting 30c between the game apparatus 25 and a controller 50c described later, 30d a cable connecting between the game apparatus 25 and a controller 50d described later, 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, etc. are each equipped with a connection terminal for connecting the controller 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, etc. and the game apparatus 25, and 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d are equipped with an input operation unit 14 including various input buttons, etc. It is a controller.

  In FIG. 2, four connection terminals 27a, 27b, 27c and 27d are shown. The cable 30a connecting the controller 50a and the game apparatus 25 is connected to the connection terminal 27a therein, the cable 30b connecting the controller 50b and the game apparatus 25 is connected to the connection terminal 27b therein, and the controller 50c and the game are connected. The cable 30c connecting the device 25 is connected to the connection terminal 27c therein, and the cable 30d connecting the controller 50d and the game device 25 is connected to the connection terminal 27d therein. When playing a multiplayer game in which a plurality of players participate, each player connects his or her controller 50a, 50b, 50c or 50d to the connection terminals 27a, 27b, 27c or 27d, and plays the game. Can do. In FIG. 2, only four connection terminals 27a and the like are shown, but only four are shown for convenience of explanation, and the number of connection terminals is not limited to four. Similarly, only four controllers 50a and the like are shown, but only four are shown for convenience of explanation, and the number of controllers is not limited to four. Therefore, the number of players participating in the game is not limited to four. In FIG. 2, a slot 29 for inserting a recording medium 12 such as a memory card is provided in the game apparatus 25. However, the slot 29 is not only provided in the game apparatus 25 but may be provided in the controller 50a or the like. In this case, each player can play a multiplayer game by inserting a memory card in which his / her data is recorded into a slot (not shown) provided in his / her controller 50a or the like.

  In the controller 50a of FIG. 2, reference numeral 40 is a direction key as an example of the input operation unit 14 for operating the movement of the character or cursor displayed on the display 20, and 41 is an up button for moving the character or the like upward. , 42 is a right button for moving the character or the like in the right direction, 43 is a lower button for moving the character or the like in the downward direction, and 44 is a left button for moving the character or the like in the left direction. By simultaneously pressing the up direction button 41 and the left direction button 44, the character or the like can be moved diagonally upward to the left. The same applies to the combinations of the other direction buttons 41, 42, 43 and 44. Reference numerals 56, 57, 58 and 59 are function buttons to which desired functions are assigned. Although omitted for convenience of drawing, the other controllers 50b, 50c and 50d are provided with various buttons in the same manner as the controller 50a.

  FIG. 3 shows the building blocks of the program of the present invention for executing a computer game. Specific examples of the function of each component will be described later in the corresponding embodiment. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 100 denotes a program of the present invention executed in the game device 25, 112 denotes a rank recording unit in which the rank of a character on a computer game corresponding to the player is recorded, and 102 denotes a computer corresponding to the player. A rank setting means for setting a predetermined rank for a character on the game and recording the rank in the rank recording unit 112; 104 is an action between characters according to the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit 112 Action setting means 106 for setting, display form setting means for setting the display form of other characters around the character according to the rank of the character recorded in the rank recording section 112, and 108 in the rank recording section 112 Rank display means 110 for displaying the recorded rank attached to the character, 110 Depending on the result of the action set by the use setting unit 104, a rank changing means for changing the rank of the recorded character rank recording unit 112.

  The program 100 and necessary data can be recorded in a recording medium 11 such as a DVD or a recording medium 12 such as a memory card attached to the input / output control unit 9. The program and data of the present invention recorded on the recording medium 11 such as a DVD or the recording medium 12 such as a memory card are loaded into the RAM 3 via the bus 18 via the input / output control unit 9. The CPU 1 executes the above program loaded in the RAM 3 to input from the input operation unit 14 via the input control unit 13, generate an image being executed on the image display unit 6, and output it to the audio output unit 8. The sound during execution can be output. The rank recording unit 112 can be recorded in the recording medium 12 such as a memory card, and the recorded contents can be appropriately loaded into the RAM 3 and read or changed from the program 100. The changed result can be stored in the recording medium 12 such as a memory card.

  Each embodiment of the present invention will be described below by taking a role playing game as an example of a multiplayer game. However, the multiplayer game to which the game device, the game processing method, and the like of the present invention are applied is not limited to the role playing game. The multiplayer game to which the game device, the game processing method, and the like of the present invention are applied is a game in which a plurality of players participate, as long as a rank is set for the character corresponding to each player.

  FIG. 4 shows the concept of the game processing method and the like according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 120 denotes a game world on a computer game virtually realized on the game apparatus of the present invention, 122 denotes a player A who has a high degree of skill in accessing the game world 120 and plays a game, and 123 denotes a player A122. , A character on the computer game corresponding to the player B 124, a character B on the computer game corresponding to the player B 124, and a character 126 on the game world 120. Players C and 127 having a low skill level to access and play a game are characters on the computer game corresponding to the player C126.

  Characters corresponding to each player are classified (ranked) by the rank setting means 102 according to the skill level of the player. For example, the character 123 of the player A 122 is ranked as heavy, the character 125 of the player B 124 is ranked as light heavy, and the character 127 of the player C 126 is ranked as light. These rankings are recorded in the rank recording unit 112 for each character corresponding to the player by the rank setting means 102. The ranking performed by the rank setting means 102 is set in advance for an action result in the game such as the character 123 such as the player A122, for example, an item acquired in the game, the character 123 such as the player A122, and the like. It can be set based on a parameter that can be changed according to the result or a skill level of the game such as a play time of the game such as the player A123.

  The action setting unit 104 can set the action between characters according to the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit 112. There are various actions between characters. For example, a battle can be set as an action between characters whose rank difference recorded in the rank recording unit 112 is within a predetermined battle allowable range. Here, the battle allowable range is a range in which the ranks between characters are not too far apart, in other words, a range of difference in skill level of the game that allows players operating the characters to fully enjoy the game together. It can be said. The skill level can be appropriately determined based on the total time of playing the game or the number or type of rare items acquired in the game in the case of a role playing game. A player's skill level is digitized, and characters corresponding to players whose numerical values are within a predetermined range can be divided into the same rank. As a result, the character corresponding to the player is usually divided into a plurality of ranks. It can be considered that the battle allowable range is not too far away when the rank between the characters is one rank away. That is, a character that is one rank above and below a certain rank is within the battle tolerance range when viewed from the character at that rank. On the other hand, when it is 5 or more ranks away, it can be considered that it is too far away. The difference in rank that is the battle allowable range may be different between the upper rank and the lower rank. For example, in a rank lower than a certain rank, the rank difference that is the allowable range of the battle may be set wider than the rank higher than the rank. As a result, a character with a lower rank can play against a character with a higher rank. The rank difference that is the allowable range of the battle can be set according to the type of game. For example, it may be set so that a difference in rank that is a permissible competition range is set wide in a race game and narrow in a role playing game.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the rank of the character 123 of the player A 122 is set to the heavy class, and the rank of the character 125 of the player B 124 is set to the light heavy class. Is not considered too far away. Therefore, since it is possible to compete in vs2 between the player A122 and the player B124, the action setting means 104 can set a battle via each character. On the other hand, since the rank of the character 127 of the player C126 is a light grade, the difference in rank between the characters 123 and 127 is considered to be extremely far away. Therefore, since it is impossible for the player A122 and the player C126 to compete in vs1, the battle through each character is not set. Similarly, a battle between the character 125 of the player B 124 and the character 127 of the player C 126 is not possible with respect to the character 127, so that a battle through each character is not set.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of rank and battle settings according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 130 denotes a game running screen displayed on the display 20, 140 a character corresponding to the player A <b> 1, 142 a character 140 rank (“10th class”) display, and 150 corresponding to the player A <b> 2. , 152 is a display of the rank of the character 150 (“2nd grade”), 160 is a character corresponding to the player A3, 162 is a display of the rank of the character 160 (“7th grade”), and 170 is a character corresponding to the player A4. , 172 is a display of the rank (“1st grade”) of the character 170.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the rank display means 108 can display the rank of each character 140 and the like recorded in the rank recording unit 112 by attaching the rank to each character 140 and the like. As a result, players operating the characters can know the ranks of other characters. The rank shown in FIG. 4 is set as “heavy class” or the like, but the rank can also be set numerically like the rank “10 class” shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the rank display 142 of the character 140 is “10th grade”, and the rank display 172 of the character 170 is “1st grade”. Therefore, the difference in rank between the two characters is extremely far away. Therefore, a battle is not set between both characters at vs12. Similarly, a battle is not set between the character 140 and the character 150 vs vs 20 and between the character 160 and the character 170 vs 10. On the other hand, since the rank display 152 of the character 150 is “second grade” and the rank display 172 of the character 170 is “first grade”, it cannot be said that the difference in rank between the two characters is extremely far away. It can be considered that the game is within the allowable range. Therefore, a battle is set by the action setting means 104 at vs14 between both characters. Similarly, a battle in vs. 18 is set between the character 140 and the character 160. In vs16 between the character 150 and the character 160, the battle can be set by setting the battle allowable range, or can be not set.

  In the above description, the action setting unit 104 sets a battle between characters when the rank difference between the characters is within a predetermined battle allowable range. However, the action setting means 104 can be set to challenge a character with a higher rank from a character with a lower rank recorded in the rank recording unit 112, apart from a predetermined allowable range of battle.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, in a multiplayer game in which a plurality of players with different skill levels of the game participate, the characters corresponding to the players are ranked according to the skill level of the players. Can do. The skill level can be appropriately determined based on the total time of playing the game or the number or type of rare items acquired in the game in the case of a role playing game. It is possible to set a battle between characters whose rank is within a predetermined battle allowable range, and not to set a battle between characters whose rank is far apart and outside the battle allowable range. As a result, even if there is an extreme difference in the ranks (levels) of the characters of a plurality of participating players, it is possible to set a battle between characters whose rank is within the battle allowable range. It is possible to prevent a plurality of players operating the characters from losing interest in the game.

  FIG. 6 shows a screen example in the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 200 is a game running screen displayed on the display 20, 155 is a message 150 message display, and 175 is a character 170 message display.

  In the first embodiment, the action setting unit 104 sets a battle as an action between characters whose rank difference recorded in the rank recording unit 112 is within a predetermined battle allowable range. In the second embodiment, the action setting unit 104 can set a dialogue as an action between characters whose difference in rank recorded in the rank recording unit 112 is within a predetermined dialogue allowable range. Here, the allowable dialogue range is a range in which the rank between characters is not excessively separated, as in the competitive battle range in the first embodiment. In other words, both players who operate the characters fully enjoy the game. It can be said that it is the range of the difference in skill level of the game that can be achieved. In the case of a role-playing game, the skill level can be appropriately determined based on whether or not a predetermined event has occurred on the game. As in the first embodiment, the skill level of the player is digitized, and the characters corresponding to the players whose numerical values are within a predetermined range can be divided into the same rank. As a result, the character corresponding to the player is usually divided into a plurality of ranks. It can be considered that the allowable dialogue range is not too far away when the rank between characters is separated by one rank. That is, a character that is one rank above and below a certain rank is within the allowable dialogue range as viewed from the character of that rank. On the other hand, when it is 5 or more ranks away, it can be considered that it is too far away. The difference in rank that is the dialogue allowable range may be different between the upper rank and the lower rank. For example, in a rank lower than a certain rank, the difference in rank that is within the dialogue allowable range may be set wider than a rank higher than the rank. As a result, the lower rank characters can interact with the higher rank characters. The rank difference that is the allowable dialogue range can be set according to the type of game. For example, it may be set such that a difference in rank that is an allowable dialogue range is taken in a race game and narrow in a role playing game. Even if the battle described in the first embodiment is not set, it is possible to set the dialogue so long as the dialogue is within the allowable range.

  In FIG. 6, it is assumed that the players of the characters 150 and 170 have each experienced a predetermined event on the game. For this reason, the rank of the character 150 and the rank of the character 170 are set and displayed at substantially the same rank, such as a rank display 152 “second grade” and a rank display 172 “first grade”. The action setting means 104 can set a dialog as an action because the difference in rank between the character 140 and the character 170 is not too far and is within a predetermined allowable dialogue range. Specifically, the utterance display 155 of the character 150 has the content “Where did the item be obtained?”, Whereas the utterance display 175 of the character 170 is “acquired in area A”. Is the content. In this way, a dialogue can be set between those who have experienced a predetermined event, and the message display 175 can be a dialogue about a predetermined event on the game experienced by both players.

  FIG. 7 shows another screen example in the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 300 is a game running screen displayed on the display 20, 240 is a character corresponding to the player, 242 is a display of the rank of the character 240, 245 is a display of the remarks of the character 240, and 250 is another screen. A character corresponding to the player, 252 is a display of the rank of the character 250, and 255 is a display of the speech of the character 250.

  Unlike the example described with reference to FIG. 6 described above, for example, the player of the character 250 has experienced a predetermined event on the game, but the player of the character 240 has not experienced the predetermined event on the game. It can also be assumed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the rank of the character 250 can be set to “2nd class”, and the rank of the character 240 can be set to “10th class”. In other words, the rank of the character 240 can be outside the predetermined dialogue range as seen from the rank of the character 250. In this case, the action setting unit 104 does not set a dialogue as an action between the character 240 and the character 250. For example, the message display 245 of the character 240 indicates “Where can the item A be obtained?”, But the message display 255 of the character 250 is displayed as an unreadable character. As a result, although it is possible to convey the content of the message about the player of the character 240 to the player of the character 250 through the message display 245, it is possible to prevent information about a predetermined event from being obtained from the player of the character 250 through the dialogue. it can. In other words, for the player of the character 250, the content of the statement can be known from the player of the character 240 through the message display 245, but information cannot be transmitted to the player of the character 240 through the message display 255. be able to. In the above description, the character is used as an example, but other characters or symbols may be used as long as one player cannot read. Alternatively, the message display itself may not be displayed.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, in a multiplayer game in which a plurality of players with different skill levels of the game participate, the player is in accordance with the skill level of the player. Corresponding characters can be ranked. In the case of a role playing game, the skill level can be appropriately determined based on whether or not a predetermined event has been experienced in the game. It is possible to set a dialogue between characters whose rank is within a predetermined dialogue allowable range, and not to set a dialogue between characters whose rank is extremely far and outside the dialogue allowable range. As a result, even if there is an extreme difference in the rank (level) of the characters of a plurality of participating players, the player character who has experienced the predetermined event and whose character rank is within the predetermined allowable dialogue range. You can set up a dialogue between them. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a plurality of players operating characters of various ranks from losing interest in the game.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a screen in the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. In FIG. 8, reference numeral 400 denotes a screen during game execution displayed on the display 20, and reference numeral 450a denotes an enemy character that appears during the game, and is another character that does not correspond to the player.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the enemy character 450a is a character that appears around the character 150 corresponding to the player. Here, the rank of the character 150 is set higher as “second grade” as shown in the rank display 152. Since the enemy character 450a is assumed to be a character having a relatively high battle ability in the game, it is displayed in a large size. In other words, the player who operates the character 150 can recognize that the character has a relatively high fighting ability by looking at the enemy character 450a displayed larger.

  FIG. 9 shows another screen example in the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 500 denotes a screen during game execution displayed on the display 20, and 450 b denotes an enemy character that appears during the game and does not correspond to the player.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the enemy character 450b is a character that appears around the character 140 corresponding to the player. Here, the rank of the character 140 is set as low as “10th grade” as shown in the rank display 142. In the game, the enemy character 450a displayed in FIG. 8 and the enemy character 450b displayed in FIG. 9 are assumed to be the same enemy character. However, the display form setting means 106 displays the display form of other characters around the character 150 or 140, such as the enemy character 450a or 450b, according to the rank of the character 150 or 140 recorded in the rank recording unit 112. Can be set. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the rank of the character 140 corresponding to the player is set to be higher than the second grade, the display form setting means 106 can display it as large as the enemy character 450a. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when the rank of the character 150 corresponding to the player is set as low as the 10th class, the display form setting means 106 can display it in a small size like the enemy character 450b. In other words, the display form setting means 106 can display a large battle ability for a player who operates a character with a high rank even if the enemy character is the same, and a player who operates a character with a low rank. Can be displayed as small and low combat ability. The damage that the character 150 or 140 receives from the enemy character 450a or 450b may also be set differently depending on the display of each enemy character.

  FIG. 10 shows another example of the screen in the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 600 denotes a game running screen displayed on the display 20, 150 a is a translucent display of the character 150, and 170 a is a translucent display of the character 170.

  When the difference between the rank of the character on the computer game corresponding to a certain player and the rank of another character corresponding to another player is outside the predetermined visible tolerance range, the display form setting means 106 The display form can be set to a translucent display as shown in FIG. Here, the predetermined visible allowable range is set in the same manner as the battle allowable range described in the first embodiment. As a result, for example, it can be clearly displayed to the player who operates each character that the battle of vs12 is not set between the character 140 and the character 170a. The same applies to vs20 between the character 140 and the character 150a. On the other hand, since the vs. 18 battle between the character 140 and the character 160 is set, both characters are not displayed translucently.

  FIG. 11 shows another example of the screen in the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 11, reference numeral 700 denotes a game running screen displayed on the display 20, 140 a character corresponding to the player, 142 a display of the rank of the character 140, 145 a display of the speech of the character 140, and 170 a a character 170. 175 is a display of the rank of the character 170a, and 175a is a display of the speech of the character 170.

  In FIG. 11, as in the case described with reference to FIG. 7, since the difference in rank between the characters 140 and 170 a is not within the predetermined allowable dialogue range, the character 140 displays the message 145 “where the item was acquired. Even if the message is like "Is it?", The message 170a's message display 175a "xxxxxxx" is displayed in the abbreviation. In the example of FIG. 10 described above, it has been described that the predetermined visible allowable range is set in the same manner as the battle allowable range described in the first embodiment. However, the predetermined visible allowable range can be set similarly to the dialog allowable range described in the second embodiment. In other words, the display form setting means 106 determines that the difference between the rank of the character 140 corresponding to a certain player and the rank of another character 170a corresponding to another player is outside the predetermined visible tolerance range, in this case outside the dialogue tolerance range. In some cases, the display form of the other character 170a can be set to a translucent display as shown in FIG. As a result, it can be clearly displayed to the player who operates each character that the dialogue between the character 140 and the character 170a is not set.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the first or second embodiment, the display form setting means 106 greatly increases the fighting ability for a player who operates a character with a high rank even if it is the same enemy character. Can be displayed so as to be high, and it can be displayed so as to be small and low in battle ability for a player who operates a character with a low rank. In other words, in a multiplayer game in which a plurality of players having different skill levels of the game participate, the same enemy character is displayed so that the fighting ability of the enemy character varies depending on the skill level of the player's game. Can do. The damage received from the same enemy character can also be set differently depending on the battle ability of the displayed enemy character. For this reason, even when a plurality of players having different skill levels of the game perform a battle or the like with the same enemy character, it is possible to perform a battle or the like with the enemy character according to the skill level of each player. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a plurality of players operating characters of various ranks from losing interest in the game.

  Furthermore, when the difference between the rank of the character corresponding to a certain player and the rank of another character corresponding to another player is outside the predetermined visible allowable range, the display form setting means 106 changes the display form of the other character to half. A transparent display can be set. As a result, it can be clearly displayed to the player who operates each character that a dialogue between a certain character and another character is not set.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the rank of the character is recorded in the rank recording unit 112. The rank changing unit 110 of the present invention can change the rank of the character recorded in the rank recording unit 112 in accordance with the result of the action set by the action setting unit 104 described above. For example, when a battle is set as an action between a character corresponding to a certain player and a character corresponding to another player, the rank of the character who won the battle can be changed to be higher. Conversely, the rank of the character who lost the battle can be changed to be lower. Or you may change so that the rank of the character of the one who won the battle | competition and the rank of the character of the losing may be switched. Even in the case of replacement, in order to replace characters with a difference in rank within the allowable range of battle, for example, the rank is switched between a character of rank 1 and a character of rank 100. There is no large difference in rank.

  As described in the above embodiments, the rank display means 108 can display the rank of the character. However, in addition to the rank, the purpose of the player participating in the game can be displayed. As a result, for example, a player who participates for the purpose of chatting can easily identify the character of the player who participated for the same purpose, and can communicate with the player who participated for the same purpose via the character. Or the rank display means 108 can also display the state of a character. As a result, for example, a character with a power of 0 can easily identify a character with the same state, and thus can communicate with a player having the character with the same state.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the game processing method of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, first, a predetermined rank is set for the character corresponding to the player, and the rank is recorded in the rank recording unit 112 (step S10, rank setting step).

  Next, the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit 112 is obtained, and it is determined whether or not the difference is within a predetermined battle allowable range (step S21). When it is determined in step S21 that it is within the predetermined battle allowable range, a battle is set as an action (step S23), and the process proceeds to step S25. If it is not determined in step S21 that it is within the predetermined battle allowable range, the process also proceeds to step S25. In step S25, the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit 112 is obtained, and it is determined whether or not the difference is within a predetermined allowable dialogue range. If it is determined in step S25 that it is within the predetermined allowable dialogue range, dialogue is set as an action (step S27), and the process proceeds to step S31. If it is not determined in step S25 that it is within the predetermined allowable dialogue range, the process also proceeds to step S31. The above steps S21, S23, S25 and S27 are action setting steps (step S20) for setting the action between characters, and are shown surrounded by dotted lines in FIG.

  In step S31, the rank of the character recorded in the rank recording unit 112 is obtained, and it is determined whether or not the rank is a predetermined rank considered in the display form setting step. If it is determined in step S31 that the rank is the predetermined rank, the display form of other characters around the character is set according to the rank (step S33), and the process proceeds to step S35. If it is not determined in step S31 that the rank is the predetermined rank, the process proceeds to step S35. In step S35, it is determined whether or not the other character is a character corresponding to the player, and the rank difference between the characters obtained from the rank recording unit 112 is outside a predetermined visible allowable range. If it is determined in step S35 that it is out of the predetermined visible allowable range, the display form of the other character is set to translucent (step S37), and the process proceeds to step S40. If it is not determined in step S35 that it is within the predetermined visible allowable range, the process also proceeds to step S40. The above steps S31, S33, S35, and S37 are display mode setting steps (step S30) for setting the display mode setting of the character, and are shown surrounded by dotted lines in FIG.

  In step S40, it is determined whether or not the character rank has been changed. If it is determined that the rank has been changed, the rank is appropriately changed (step S43), and the process proceeds to step S50. If it is not determined in step S40 that the rank has been changed, the process also proceeds to step S50. In step S50, the rank of each character recorded in the “rank recording unit” 112 is displayed, and the process ends.

  FIG. 13 shows the information terminal device and the like of the present invention connected to the network 90. In FIG. 13, reference numerals 70, 72, 74 and 76 are information terminal devices in the network game system of the present invention, 78 is a server computer of a game company, etc., 80, 82, 84, 86 and 88 are information terminal devices. The nodes 70, 72, 74, 76 and the server computer 78 are connected to the network 90. The server computer 78 is connected to the network 90 via a communication control unit 91 similar to the communication control unit 15 of the game apparatus 25 and a node 88. The server computer 78 has rank setting means 102, action setting means 104, display form setting means 106, rank display means 108, and rank changing means 110, and further has a rank recording unit 112 for recording the rank. Yes. The rank setting unit 102 or rank recording unit 112 is the same as that described with reference to FIG.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, as a form of the multi-participant game processing method or apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of players are individually connected to one controller 50a, memory card 12, etc. in one game apparatus 25. The stand-alone type that participates through the network was explained. Separately from this, in the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a server computer 78 such as a game company and the information terminal devices 70 of a plurality of players are connected via a network 90. It is also possible to adopt a network game system type form in which a plurality of players participate in a multiplayer game. In this case, by accessing the server computer 78 via the network 90 connected through the communication control unit 15 from the information terminal device 70 or the like in the network game system of the present invention, each player is of a multiplayer participation type. Can participate in the game. A plurality of participating players can collaborate to form a team and advance a role playing game or the like. The server computer 78 or the program of the present invention executed on the server computer 78 has a function of executing a computer game and controlling the entire computer game.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the action setting unit 104 of the server computer 78 determines whether the character between the characters depends on the rank for each character recorded in the rank recording unit 112 and the time information when the player participates in the computer game. The action can be set. For example, a desired action can be set between the characters of the player who has accessed the server computer 78 at a predetermined time.

  The action setting means 104 can also set the action between characters according to the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit 112 and the type of the information terminal device 70 corresponding to the player. For example, when the information terminal device 70 of a certain player is a personal computer and the information terminal device 72 of another player is also a personal computer, a desired action can be set between the corresponding characters. However, when the information terminal device 72 of another player is a portable information terminal device, it is possible not to set a desired action between the corresponding characters. In this way, an action can be set between the corresponding characters in accordance with the difference in hardware of the information terminal device of each player.

  The information terminal device 70 or the like may be a portable information terminal device as described above. In this case, the action setting unit 104 can set the action between characters according to the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit 112 and the position information of the information terminal device 70 corresponding to the player. For example, a desired action can be set between the characters of the player at a predetermined position. This position information is not necessarily limited to position information in the real world, and may be virtual position information in the game world.

  Other than the functions described above, the functions of the game apparatus 25, the game processing method, the program, etc. of the present invention described in the stand-alone type are the functions of the server computer 78 in the network game system type. Of course, it can be applied. For example, other functions of the game device 25 described above can be applied to the server computer 78 in the same manner by receiving desired data or information from the information terminal device 70 or the like connected via the network 90. it can.

  As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the multiplayer participation game processing method or apparatus according to the present invention is a network game system type in which a plurality of players participate via the network 90. You can also. In this case, the functions of the game apparatus 25, the game processing method, the program, etc. of the present invention described for the stand-alone type can be applied as the functions of the server computer 78 in the network game system type. Furthermore, the action between characters can be set according to the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit 112 and the position information of the information terminal device 70 corresponding to the player. The action between characters can be set according to the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit 112 and the time information of the player participating in the computer game. The action between characters may be set according to the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit 112 and the type of the information terminal device 70 corresponding to the player.

  A recording medium on which a computer program that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to the game apparatus 25 of the present invention, and the computer CPU 1 of the game apparatus 25 records a DVD or the like set in the input / output control unit 9. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing a computer program stored in the medium 11 or the like. In this case, the computer program itself read from the recording medium 11 or the like realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium 11 or the like on which the computer program is recorded constitutes the present invention. Become. As the recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, for example, a DVD, an optical disk, a CD-ROM, an FD, a hard disk, a ROM, a memory card, and the like can be used.

As an application example of the present invention, the present invention can be applied to a network game system and a server such as a game device that executes a multiplayer game in which a plurality of players participate.

  1 CPU, 2 ROM, 3 RAM, 4 VRAM, 5 image control unit, 6 image display unit, 7 speech synthesis unit, 8 audio output unit, 9 input / output control unit, 10 internal circuit block, 11, 12 recording medium, 13 Input control unit, 14 input operation unit, 15, 91 communication control unit, 20 display, 21 speaker, 22, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d cable, 23 disk tray carry-in / out port, 24 power button, 25 game device, 26 Open button, 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d Connection terminal, 29 slots, 35, 100, 130, 200, 300, 400, 500 Screen, 40 Direction keys, 41 Up button, 42 Right button, 43 Down button, 44 Left Button, 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d Roller, 56, 57, 58, 59 function button, 70, 72, 74, 76 information terminal device, 78 server computer, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88 node, 90 network, 100 program, 102 rank setting means 104 action setting means, 106 display form setting means, 108 rank display means, 110 rank change means, 112 rank recording section, 120 game world, 122 player A, 123, 125, 127, 140, 150, 160, 170, Characters corresponding to 240, 250 players, 124 Player B, 126 Player C, 142, 152, 162, 172, 242, 252 Rank display, 155, 175, 245, 255 Display of speech, 450a, 450b Enemy character.

Takeshi Nagao, “Video Game Fengyun Record”, published by Shunju Bungei, June 30, 1999.

Claims (8)

A network game system in which a plurality of players participate in a computer game via an information terminal device and a server connected to a network,
The server controls at least a part of a computer game;
A rank recording section in which the rank of the character on the computer game corresponding to the player is recorded;
Rank setting means for setting a predetermined rank for a character on a computer game corresponding to a player, and recording the rank in the rank recording unit;
Action setting means for setting an action between characters in accordance with the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit, and challenging a character with a higher rank from a character with a lower rank recorded in the rank recording unit. A network game system comprising means for setting a battle as an action. A network game system in which a plurality of players participate in a computer game via an information terminal device and a server connected to a network,
The server controls at least a part of a computer game;
A rank recording section in which the rank of the character on the computer game corresponding to the player is recorded;
Rank setting means for setting a predetermined rank for a character on a computer game corresponding to a player, and recording the rank in the rank recording unit;
Action setting means for setting an action between characters according to the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit, wherein the difference in rank recorded in the rank recording unit is within a predetermined dialogue allowable range. A network game system characterized in that a dialogue is set as an action between characters . A server in a network game system in which a plurality of players participate in a computer game via an information terminal device and a server connected to a network, and the server controls at least a part of the computer game. Yes,
A rank recording section in which the rank of the character on the computer game corresponding to the player is recorded;
Rank setting means for setting a predetermined rank for a character on a computer game corresponding to a player, and recording the rank in the rank recording unit;
Action setting means for setting an action between characters in accordance with the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit, and challenging a character with a higher rank from a character with a lower rank recorded in the rank recording unit. A server characterized by comprising a server that sets a battle as an action. A server in a network game system in which a plurality of players participate in a computer game via an information terminal device and a server connected to the network, and the server controls at least a part of the computer game. ,
A rank recording section in which the rank of the character on the computer game corresponding to the player is recorded;
Rank setting means for setting a predetermined rank for a character on a computer game corresponding to a player, and recording the rank in the rank recording unit;
Action setting means for setting an action between characters according to the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit, wherein the difference in rank recorded in the rank recording unit is within a predetermined dialogue allowable range. A server characterized in that a dialogue is set as an action between characters . A program executed by a server in a network game system in which a plurality of players participate in a computer game via an information terminal device and a server connected to a network, the server controlling at least a part of the computer game And a rank recording unit in which the rank of the character on the computer game corresponding to the player is recorded.
  Rank setting means for setting a predetermined rank for a character on a computer game corresponding to a player and recording the rank in the rank recording section;
  Action setting means for setting an action between characters in accordance with the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit, and challenging a character with a higher rank from a character with a lower rank recorded in the rank recording unit. A program for functioning as a means to set a battle as an action. A program executed by a server in a network game system in which a plurality of players participate in a computer game via an information terminal device and a server connected to a network, and the server controls at least a part of the computer game. And a rank recording unit in which the rank of the character on the computer game corresponding to the player is recorded.
  Rank setting means for setting a predetermined rank for a character on a computer game corresponding to a player and recording the rank in the rank recording section;
  Action setting means for setting an action between characters according to the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit, wherein the difference in rank recorded in the rank recording unit is within a predetermined dialogue allowable range. A program for functioning as a means for setting dialogue as an action between characters. A network game system in which a plurality of players participate in a computer game via an information terminal device and a server connected to a network,
  The server controls at least a part of a computer game;
    A rank recording section in which the rank of the character on the computer game corresponding to the player is recorded;
    Rank setting means for setting a predetermined rank for a character on a computer game corresponding to a player, and recording the rank in the rank recording unit;
    An action setting means for setting an action between characters according to the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit, wherein a difference in rank that is a battle allowable range is different between a higher rank and a lower rank. A rank lower than the rank has a larger rank difference than the upper rank, and the battle is set as an action between characters whose rank difference recorded in the rank recording section is within the battle allowable range.
A network game system characterized by comprising: A network game system in which a plurality of players participate in a computer game via an information terminal device and a server connected to a network,
  The server controls at least a part of a computer game;
    A rank recording section in which the rank of the character on the computer game corresponding to the player is recorded;
    Rank setting means for setting a predetermined rank for a character on a computer game corresponding to a player, and recording the rank in the rank recording unit;
    Action setting means for setting the action between characters according to the rank of each character recorded in the rank recording unit, wherein the difference in rank that is the battle allowable range recorded in the rank recording unit is the computer・ To set a battle as an action against characters that are within the rank difference set according to the type of game.
A network game system characterized by comprising:

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