JP6675724B2 - Game program and game system - Google Patents

Description

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

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

JP-A-2004-33488

  Usually, a plurality of various events are prepared in advance as events that occur during the game. However, since the events that occur during the game are fixed, while the user plays the game many times, the occurrence of the same event is repeated, and the user may become tired of the game.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a highly entertaining game in which a user can play repeatedly without getting tired.

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

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

  In a game managed by the game management device, a user can own a plurality of characters. Here, various characters can be applied to the character depending on the contents of the game, such as a person, an animal, a plant, a fictional creature (monster or the like), a non-living matter (material or tool or the like). In the game, various display forms such as a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image and a card-type image can be applied to the character.

  In the game managed by the game management device, the user can select at least one character from a plurality of characters owned by the user and set the selected character as a character for event occurrence. At least one character selected by the user is set by the setting means as a “first character for event generation”.

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

  When the first character or a plurality of first characters are set for event occurrence, the event may be always caused, the event may be caused with a predetermined probability, or the predetermined character may be set. An event may be generated when the condition is satisfied.

  Further, the event related to the first character may be an event related to a parameter (characteristic parameter) of the first character. For example, if the first character is a character having a particular ability (the parameter of the particular ability is higher than a predetermined criterion), the event related to the first character is performed in the particular ability. Related (using specific abilities) events. As a specific example, when the first character is a player having an excellent hitting ability (the parameter of the hitting ability is higher than a predetermined reference), an event related to the first character is an event relating to the hitting, for example, an hitting event. Events such as special training, home run competition, etc.

  The event related to the first character may be an event related to a relationship between the first character and a second character (such as a user's My Character) described later. For example, when the first character and the second character have a rivalry relationship in the game, the event related to the first character is an event of a confrontation scene between the two characters.

  In particular, by combining a plurality of first characters, an event corresponding to the combination occurs, so that the variation of the event is very large. That is, when selecting and combining r characters from n characters owned by the user, the number of combinations is n! / ｛(N−r)! r! It is represented by｝. For example, when three characters are selected from ten characters owned by the user and set as the first character, there are 120 combinations, and if the user changes the combination of the characters set as the first character, Various events can be expected depending on the combination.

  When a plurality of first characters are combined, an event may be generated in accordance with the relationship between the plurality of first characters. Alternatively, an event may be generated in accordance with the relationship between a plurality of first characters and a plurality of characters including a second character. An example is shown below.

  Example 1: When the characters A and B have a relationship between rivals in the game, by setting both the characters A and B as the first characters for event generation, an event of the confrontation scene may be generated (may be an event of a confrontation scene). (Or imagine an event that can happen to the user).

  Example 2: When the characters P, Q, and R are related by classmates of the same school in the game, by setting these three characters P, Q, and R as the first characters for event generation, We can expect that the event of going on a trip with three people (maybe). Further, when the characters P, Q, and R and the second character are in the same class of the same school, by setting these three characters P, Q, and R as the first characters for event generation, It can be expected that an event (maybe) that four people including the second character go on a trip will occur.

  The event is not necessarily generated, but if the user knows the parameters and characteristics of each first character, the relationship with other first characters, the relationship with the second character, and the like, the event is set for event generation. The first character or a combination of a plurality of first characters also creates a pleasure of imagining or expecting a possible event.

  Further, the effect of the event occurrence can be arbitrarily determined. For example, when an event occurs, the parameters of the user's My Character may be changed according to the progress or result of the event, or an item or the like may be given to the user. Alternatively, the user may simply enjoy an event that has occurred without producing an effect such as a change in a parameter.

  As described above, in the present configuration, the user collects the characters for event generation, arbitrarily selects the collected characters, and sets the selected character as the first character for event generation, whereby the first character or a plurality of first characters is set. Various events may occur during the game depending on the combination of. Therefore, the user can enjoy the variation of the event by the first character set for event generation or the combination thereof. For example, a user who is tired of the game changes the first character set for generating an event, so that the event that occurs during the game also changes, so that the user can get tired of playing the game. That is, in the present game management device, the variation of events that occur during the game is enhanced by the first character or a combination of a plurality of first characters that can be arbitrarily set by the user. As a result, it is possible to realize a highly entertaining game in which the range of the game is expanded and the user can play the game continuously without getting tired.

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

  Here, the probability of generating an event may be the same for all events, or may be different, for example, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, etc., depending on the content, type, effect, etc. of the event. You may. Further, as in the configuration of 4) described later, the occurrence probability of an event may be changed during a game by a game operation by a user.

  In this configuration, just because the first character for event generation is set, an event related to the first character does not always occur 100%, and whether or not an event occurs is based on a probability. I have. Therefore, it is not known at what timing the event occurs. Therefore, after the first character is set for event generation, the user plays the game with a sense of tension while expecting an event related to the first character to occur. With this configuration, the game property is improved.

  3) In the configuration of the above 2), a relationship management unit (73) that manages a relationship between the second character and the first character operated by the user during the game, It is preferable that the apparatus further comprises a probability varying means (74) for varying the probability.

  Here, the second character operated by the user during the game is a so-called player character, and may be, for example, a user-owned my character. As for the relationship between the first character and the second character, there are various relationships such as teammates, players and managers, players and managers, seniors and juniors, rivals, lovers, bosses and subordinates, parents and children, brothers, and the like. Applicable. The degree of relationship between the first character and the second character may be, for example, the degree of intimacy between the two characters, or one may be an evaluation value for evaluating the other.

  The relationship between the first character and the second character may have an initial value determined in advance. As an example, the first character A and the second character are set as best friends in the game, and the degree of relationship between them is “100”. On the other hand, the first character B and the second character are set to a degree of acquaintance in the game, and the degree of relationship between them is "10". Further, the degree of the relationship may be changed during the game by the action of the second character operated by the user, as in the configuration of 5) described later.

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

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

  Regarding the probability of occurrence of an event according to a combination of a plurality of first characters (A, B...), The degree of relationship between all the first characters (A, B...) And the second characters is a predetermined reference (condition). Is satisfied, a probability is applied according to the criterion of the satisfied relationship. For example, the event occurrence probability is “10%” until all of the set plurality of first characters satisfy a predetermined relation degree criterion (for example, “40 or more”), and when the criterion is satisfied. Then, the event occurrence probability becomes “20%”. Further, when all of the plurality of first characters further satisfy the criterion of the degree of relation (for example, “80 or more”), the event occurrence probability becomes “30%”. Similarly, every time all of the plurality of first characters satisfy the higher relation criterion, the event occurrence probability is improved.

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

  Alternatively, the probability of occurrence of an event corresponding to a combination of a plurality of first characters may be determined based on an average of the degrees of relationship between the plurality of first characters and the average of the degrees of relationship.

  By the way, it is preferable that the degree of relation between each of the first characters and the second characters is made visible to the user on the screen. Thus, when the first character is set for event occurrence, or during the progress of the game, the user checks the relationship between the first character and the second character on the screen and recognizes the relationship while playing. You can enjoy. For example, when the user confirms on the screen that the degree of relation to a certain first character is high, the expectation that an event relating to the first character will occur with a high probability increases.

  With this configuration, the ease of occurrence of an event is reduced by the degree of relation between the first character and the second character set for event generation, or by the degree of relation to the second character after the first character is set. change. Therefore, when the user wants to generate an event quickly, the user may play the game so that the degree of relationship between the first character set by the user and the second character that is the operation character of the user increases. Game characteristics can be enhanced.

  4) In the configuration of the above 3), further provided is an appearance character managing means (75) for causing the first character to appear in the game, and the relation degree managing means (73) is configured to operate the second character by a user operation. It is preferable that the degree of the relationship between the first character and the second character is changed each time the user performs a predetermined action with the first character.

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

  Since the first character is set for event generation, an event related to the first character is generated at a predetermined probability as described above even if the second character does not perform a predetermined action with the first character. There is a possibility. In addition, in this configuration, the probability of occurrence of an event can be intentionally improved by causing the second character to perform a predetermined action with the first character by a user operation.

  Therefore, when the user wants to generate an event related to the specific first character with a high probability, the game operation (the action of the second character in the game) is performed so that the second character performs a predetermined action with the first character. , Etc.). With this configuration, the user can change the occurrence probability of an event related to the specific first character by his / her own operation, so that the game characteristics are further improved.

  5) In the configuration of the above 1), an appearance character managing means (75) for causing the first character to appear in the game, and each time the second character performs a predetermined action with the first character by a user operation. And a relationship management means (73) for changing the degree of relationship between the first character and the second character, wherein the event management means (72) further comprises: It is preferable that the event related to the first character is generated when the degree of relationship of the first character reaches a predetermined criterion.

  In this configuration, the first character set by the user for event occurrence appears in the game. Then, when the second character operated by the user performs a predetermined action (eg, practice together) in the game with the first character, the degree of relationship between the two (the intimacy, the evaluation value, and the like) fluctuates. Then, after the degree of relationship with a certain first character reaches a predetermined criterion, an event related to the first character occurs (100% occurs). Here, as for the timing of the event occurrence, the event may be generated immediately after the degree of relation reaches a predetermined criterion, or after a certain time after the degree of relation reaches the predetermined criterion ( For example, an event may be generated (after adjustment of the event generation timing in the game). As an example of adjusting the event occurrence timing in the game, the following case can be considered. That is, in a game in which a game is divided into a plurality of turns and a game progresses, when a degree of relation between the first character and the second character reaches a predetermined criterion during execution of a command of a certain turn, a start of the next turn is performed. Wait until the event relating to the first character occurs.

  In addition, when the degree of relationship does not reach the predetermined reference, it can be arbitrarily determined. For example, when the degree of relation between the first character and the second character does not reach a predetermined criterion, the first character is related to the first character at a probability corresponding to the degree of relation (or at a predetermined probability regardless of the degree of relation). An event may be generated. Alternatively, when the degree of relationship between the first character and the second character has not reached the predetermined criterion, an event related to the first character may not be generated.

  Here, when the number of the first character set for event generation is one, and when the degree of relation between the first character and the second character reaches a predetermined reference (as a trigger), the event is generated. Occur.

  On the other hand, when there are a plurality of first characters set for generating an event, various modes can be considered. An event corresponding to a combination of a plurality of first characters (A, B,...) Is performed when all the first characters (A, B,...) And the second characters have a predetermined degree of relationship. Can occur. Alternatively, an event corresponding to a combination of a plurality of first characters (A, B...) Is performed when the degree of relationship between any one of the first character and the second character reaches a predetermined reference. An event may be generated. Alternatively, an event corresponding to a combination of a plurality of first characters (A, B,...) Is such that the degree of relationship between a first character and a second character at a predetermined ratio or more (for example, 50% or more) is a predetermined reference. When the time has reached, the event may be generated.

  In this configuration, when the user wants to surely generate an event related to the specific first character, the game operation (the second character in the game) is performed so that the degree of relationship with the first character reaches a predetermined reference. Operation to select the action). With this configuration, the user can generate 100% of the event related to the specific first character by his / her operation, so that the game property is further improved.

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

  According to this configuration, the settable number of the first characters that can be set for event generation is set with an upper limit. For example, at the start of the game, the upper limit of the settable number is “2”. However, the upper limit of the settable number fluctuates when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Here, examples of the predetermined condition include the following.

  (A) As in the configuration of 7) to be described later, a predetermined condition is that game parameters related to the degree of progress of the game satisfy a preset condition.

  (B) In order to increase the upper limit of the settable number, a predetermined condition is that the user consumes a predetermined amount of in-game points, in-game currency, billing items, and the like.

  (C) In a game in which a predetermined relationship with another user, for example, a relationship between friends, can be established, the predetermined condition is that the number of friends reaches a predetermined number.

  (D) A case where the execution result of the game does not reach a predetermined reference is set as a predetermined condition. For example, in a game in which a character can be raised, if the user stops raising the character in the middle, the upper limit of the settable number is reduced.

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

  In this configuration, while an upper limit is set on the settable number of the first characters, the upper limit can be increased by the user satisfying a predetermined condition. As the upper limit of the settable number of the first characters increases, the variation of events that can occur during the game also increases. Therefore, the user is motivated to actively play the game so as to satisfy the predetermined condition in order to improve the upper limit of the settable number (or to avoid lowering the upper limit).

  7) In the configuration of 6), satisfying the predetermined condition preferably means that a game parameter related to the degree of progress of the game satisfies a preset condition.

  Here, as an example of the game parameters related to the degree of progress of the game, in a game in which a plurality of characters can be raised, the number of characters that have been raised is cited. In this case, it is assumed that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the number of characters that have been raised reaches a predetermined value (for example, 1, 5, 10, etc.). As another example of the game parameters related to the degree of progress of the game, various game parameters such as a stage, points, levels, and the like according to the game content can be applied. For example, the arrival of a predetermined stage, the acquisition point reaching a predetermined value, the user's game level reaching a predetermined level, the user's My Character level reaching a predetermined level, etc. Game parameters related to the degree of progress satisfy a preset condition ".

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

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

  (A) Information indicating a relationship between an effect such as parameter improvement caused by an event and a first character or a combination of a plurality of the first characters for generating the event is notified (presented) to a user in advance. . For example, when the parameters of the user's My Character fluctuate as an effect of the event, the user is notified in advance of information about the first character or a combination of the first characters necessary for improving the parameter. As an example of a baseball game, the user may specify that any of the characters P, Q, R,... (Having a high hitting force) should be set in order to generate an event that enhances the hitting force. To inform.

  (B) The user is notified in advance of information indicating the relationship between the type or content of the event and the first character or a combination of the plurality of first characters for generating the event. Here, examples of the type or content of the event include a joint practice event, a confrontation event, a travel event, a meal event, and the like. These are examples, and the type or content of the event varies depending on the game content. For example, the user is notified that "to generate a confrontation event, a character X (which is a rival to the user's my character) should be set".

  In any of the above cases (A) and (B), the user may be presented with detailed table information or the like indicating all relationships, or may present only a part thereof at random to the user's interest. May be drawn. When this information is presented, the user is motivated to try to generate the desired event (and thereby generate the desired effect) and to obtain the necessary characters for it.

  In both cases (A) and (B), only the information on the character owned by the user may be extracted and presented to the user as the information indicating the relationship. In this case, it is possible to motivate the user (especially a novice user who does not know much about what kind of event will occur if his / her own character is set for event generation) to actively enjoy the game. .

  9) The configuration according to any one of 1) to 8) above, further comprising parameter changing means (79) for changing a parameter of the second character in accordance with progress or a result of the event occurring during the game. Is preferred.

  According to this configuration, there is an effect that the parameters of the second character change according to the progress or the result of the event that occurred during the game. For example, in the case of a baseball game, specific parameters such as the hitting power, running power, and defensive power of the second character are improved, or parameters of special abilities are acquired. For example, the hitting force of the second character is improved by a predetermined amount (or a predetermined ratio) according to the result of the event related to the first character A. Further, the running power of the second character is improved by a predetermined amount (or a predetermined ratio) according to the result of the event related to the first character B. Note that even when the event that has occurred is not completed to the end or when the event is not cleared, the parameter can be changed according to the degree of progress of the event.

  In this configuration, as an effect of each event, the parameters of the second character (such as the user's My Character) fluctuate. The effect of changing the parameter changes according to the event that occurs. Therefore, by devising the combination of the first characters to be set, the user can generate various events and enhance parameters such as the ability of the second character. With this configuration, game characteristics can be further improved.

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

  For example, if the first character is a player having an excellent hitting ability (the hitting ability parameter is higher than a predetermined reference), and the event related to the first character progresses or is completed, the second character: Under the influence of the specific parameter (in this case, the hitting ability) of the first character, the same hitting ability is improved. With this configuration, the user can devise various combinations while considering the parameters of the first character set for event generation, thereby generating various events and uniformly improving the parameters of the second character. Or to enhance certain parameters. With this configuration, game characteristics can be further improved.

  11) In the configuration of the above 9) or 10), the rarity is set for each of the plurality of characters owned by the user, and the parameter changing means (79) sets the rarity for the event. It is preferable that, as the rarity of the first character is higher, the parameter of the second character is greatly changed in accordance with the progress or the result of the event generated in accordance with the first character.

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

  Then, the higher the rarity of the first character set for event generation, the higher the effect of the event generated in accordance with the first character. That is, when an event corresponding to the first character occurs due to the setting of the first character for event generation, as the rarity of the first character increases, the second character increases in accordance with the progress or result of the event. Character parameters fluctuate greatly. For example, the higher the rarity of the first character, the greater the ability parameter of the second character.

  According to this configuration, the higher the rarity of the first character set for event occurrence, the more advantageously the game can be advanced, and the game characteristics are enhanced. Then, the user can be motivated to obtain a character with a higher degree of rarity.

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

  Here, as the relationship between the plurality of first characters, for example, various relationships depending on the content of the game, such as rivals, best friends, parents and children, and lovers, can be applied. For example, assume that character A and character B are in a rivalry relationship. Then, when the character A and the character B are set for event generation, a confrontation event is generated as an event corresponding to a combination of both characters based on a relationship (rival) between the two characters. In this case, the second character (such as the user's My Character) may participate in the event by watching or supporting the confrontation event.

  As described above, in the present configuration, an event having a content based on the relationship between the plurality of first characters set for event generation occurs. Therefore, when the user wants to generate an event having a specific content such as a confrontation event, the user may select a plurality of characters for event generation while considering the relationship between the characters. With this configuration, the game performance is further improved.

  13) In any one of the constitutions 1) to 12) above, a relation management means (77) for managing a second user associated with the user, and a specific character owned by the second user may be used by the user. And a permitting means (78) for permitting setting as the first character for generating the event.

  The game management device includes a relationship management unit that manages a second user such as a friend associated with the user. Here, the companion is a general term for a virtual relationship between users constructed in the game, such as acquaintances, friends, friends, classmates, buddies, relatives, families, brothers, sisters, colleagues at companies and organizations, etc. Including various in-game relationships. It should be noted that other users (second users) associated with the user need not be related. However, in the following description, the second user will be described as a friend for convenience.

  In this configuration, a specific character owned by a user's friend (second user) can be set as the first character for the user's own event generation. That is, there is a frame in which a fellow character can be set as a setting frame for a character for event generation, and the user can borrow his own fellow character and set it as a character for event generation. Here, examples of the “specific character owned by a friend” may be one of the characters set by the friend for the occurrence of an event, or a character previously selected by the friend as a lendable character. . Alternatively, the character having the highest ability among the characters owned by the friends may be automatically selected as the specific character by the game management device.

  For the user, only one frame or a plurality of frames in which a fellow character can be set may be provided. For example, the upper limit of the frame in which a fellow character can be set may be changed according to the number of fellows. That is, the upper limit of the frame may be increased as the number of friends increases.

  As described above, in this configuration, even if the user does not own a character, the user can borrow a specific character owned by a friend and set it as a user's own event-generating character. In this case, for the user, as the number of friends increases, the range of characters that can be selected increases, so that various events can be generated. With this configuration, each user is motivated to actively make many friends. Then, as the number of friends of each user increases, the community between the users is activated, and thus the entire game is activated.

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

  According to this configuration, the rarity is set in advance for each character. For example, any one of “normal”, “rare”, and “S rare (highest)” is set for each character. Then, the number of events that may occur during the game differs depending on the rarity of the first character set for event occurrence.

  Here, a case will be described as an example where the number of first characters set for event generation is one. When the rarity of the first character is “normal (minimum)”, the number of events that may occur is, for example, “1”. When the rarity of the first character is “rare”, the number of events that may occur is set to “2”, for example. When the rarity of the first character is “S rare (highest)”, the number of events that may occur is set to, for example, “3”. As in this example, the higher the rarity of the first character, the greater the number of events that may occur during the game.

  Similarly, when there are a plurality of first characters set for event generation, an event that may occur in accordance with a combination of the first character and the plurality of first characters as the rarity of some or all of them is higher May be increased.

  With this configuration, the higher the rarity of the first character set for event generation, the greater the variation of events that occur during the game, and the greater the game characteristics. Then, the user can be motivated to obtain a character with a higher degree of rarity.

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

  Here, the "predetermined scenario" in the game is a game story developed in accordance with the progress of the game, and is related to the game story such as roles of characters appearing in the game, staging effects in the game, options in the game, and the like. Various elements can be included. Taking a baseball game as an example, a story from summer of a second year high school student to becoming a professional baseball player can be set as a predetermined scenario with a second character operated by a user as a hero. In such a scenario, an event according to the first character or a combination of a plurality of the first characters set for event generation is additionally generated. In other words, the predetermined scenario is the main scenario of the game, and the event is a game element that does not change the main scenario itself but additionally occurs in the main scenario.

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

  17) A game management method according to another aspect of the present invention is a game management method for a computer that manages a game, wherein the computer has at least one selected from a plurality of characters owned by the user by the user. Setting one character as a first character for generating an event, and the computer managing the computer to change an event occurring during a game in accordance with the first character or a combination of a plurality of the first characters. Step.

  18) A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program for operating a computer as the game management device (3, 201, 203) according to any one of the above 1) to 15), wherein the computer manages the game management device. A program for functioning as each unit included in the device (3, 201, 203).

  According to the present invention, the first character or a combination of a plurality of first characters that can be arbitrarily set by the user allows a variety of events to occur during the game. As a result, it is possible to realize a highly entertaining game in which the range of the game is expanded and the user can play the game continuously without getting tired.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the game device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a game server configuration. It is a conceptual diagram showing that various events occur between the start and the end of a scenario. It is an explanatory view showing an example of an event deck setting screen. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a character selection screen for generating an event. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a character incorporated in an event deck and possible events. It is a functional block diagram showing an example of a basic functional configuration of a game device. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of user information. It is a functional block diagram showing an example of the main composition of a game management device. It is a functional block diagram showing another example of the main composition of a game management device. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of event deck setting information. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of relationship information indicating a relationship between a combination of a first character and an event. It is a functional block diagram showing another example of the main composition of a game management device. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a relationship degree between characters and an event occurrence probability. It is a functional block diagram showing another example of the main composition of a game management device. It is a functional block diagram showing another example of the main composition of a game management device. It is an explanatory view showing another example of an event deck setting screen. It is a functional block diagram showing another example of the main composition of a game management device. It is a functional block diagram showing another example of the main composition of a game management device. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence relationship between a first character and an event. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the game device. It is a block diagram showing another example of composition of a game system. It is a functional block diagram showing an example of the main composition of a game server. It is a block diagram showing another example of composition of a game system.

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

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system includes a game server 1 installed on a network 4 such as the Internet, and a game device 3 of each user who can communicably connect to the game server 1 via the network 4. Is done.

  The network 4 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the Internet. For example, a dedicated line, a public network, or the like may be used as long as the game server 1 and the game device 3 of each user can be connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. It may be a line (telephone line, mobile communication line, etc.), a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, or the like, or may be a combination of the Internet and these.

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

  Various devices can be applied to the game device 3 as long as the information processing device can execute a game program. For example, the game apparatus 3 includes a stationary or portable game dedicated machine, a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a “PC”), a tablet computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone terminal, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) terminal, A portable information terminal (PDA: Personal Digital Assistant), a multifunctional television receiver having an information processing function (so-called smart TV), and the like can be applied.

  The game server 1 receives access of each user who receives a game service from the game device 3 via the network 4, stores and manages game information of each user in a storage device such as a database, and provides each user with the network 4. To provide game services through. For example, the game server 1 provides a service for additionally delivering game scenario information to the game device 3 of each user. Further, the game server 1 provides a service of in-game exchange between users (for example, transmission of a message) to the users. The game server 1 also provides services such as matching between users when each user plays a game in an online mode (for example, a network battle game).

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

The game device 3 as a game management device according to one embodiment of the present invention has a function capable of increasing variations of events that occur during a game. The user collects characters for event generation, and can arbitrarily select the collected characters to construct an event deck. Then, according to a single character or a combination of a plurality of characters incorporated in the event deck, an event related to the character can be generated during the game. By changing the character incorporated in the event deck, an opportunity to generate a different event can be obtained, so that a variety of events can be provided, and the user can play repeatedly without getting tired of the game. Hereinafter, the configuration of the game device 3 and the like as the game management device according to the present embodiment for realizing this will be described in detail.
[Configuration of game device]

  As the game device 3 operated by the user, various devices such as a dedicated game machine, a PC, a smartphone, a mobile phone terminal and the like can be applied as described above, but an input operation for displaying a game screen or executing a game is performed. And so on, all of the basic configurations required for playing the game are the same.

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

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

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

  The sound processing unit 36 converts an analog audio signal into a digital audio signal when audio is input from the audio input unit 37, generates an analog audio signal based on a pronunciation instruction from the CPU 31, and outputs the analog audio signal to the audio output unit 38. Output. The voice input unit 37 is composed of a microphone built in or external to the game apparatus 3. The sound output unit 38 outputs a sound effect or the like at the time of executing the game, and includes a speaker built in or external to the game apparatus 3.

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

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

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

  The communication control unit 41 includes a communication interface 41a, and has a communication control function for performing data communication during a game operation or the like. Here, as the communication control function for data communication, for example, a wireless LAN connection function, an Internet connection function via a wireless LAN or a mobile phone network, and a predetermined frequency band (for example, a 2.4 GHz frequency band) are used. It includes a short-range wireless communication function and the like. The communication control unit 41 transmits a connection signal for connecting the game apparatus 3 to a wireless LAN, the Internet, or the like based on a command from the CPU 31, and receives information transmitted from a communication partner and supplies the information to the CPU 31. I do.

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

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

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

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the game server 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the game server 1 mainly includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12 and a RAM 13 as main storage devices, an auxiliary storage device 14, a communication control unit 15, and an input / output control unit 16. Are connected to each other via a bus line 17 including an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus. Although an interface circuit is interposed between the bus line 17 and each component as necessary, illustration of the interface circuit is omitted here.

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

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

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

  The input / output control unit 16 is communicably connected to, for example, the database server 2 and performs input / output control when the CPU 11 executes reading / writing of data (record) from / to the database server 2.

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

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

Further, when the number of users using the game service reaches hundreds of thousands, millions, or more, it is necessary to construct a server system that can withstand huge access from the game apparatus 3 to a large number of users. By providing a plurality of game servers 1 on the network 4 to achieve redundancy (multiplexing), a system configuration of a load distribution type may be adopted. In this case, it is desirable to provide a load balancer for adjusting the load among the plurality of game servers 1.
[Outline of the game]

  Examples of games executed by the game device 3 of the present embodiment as an example of the game management device include sports games, adventure games, simulation games, and the like based on baseball, soccer, tennis, American football, basketball, volleyball, and the like. Various games, such as a breeding game and a role playing game, can be cited regardless of the game format and genre. As an example, in the present embodiment, a case where the game apparatus 3 executes a baseball game will be mainly described below.

  The baseball game according to the present embodiment is a game mode in which a hero character performs a practice or the like while advancing a predetermined scenario, fosters the hero character (my character operated by a user), and completes an original character of its own. It has. The "predetermined scenario" in the game is a game story developed in accordance with the progress of the game, and various roles related to the game story, such as roles of characters appearing in the game, staging effects during the game, and options within the game. Elements can be included.

  As an example of the scenario in the baseball game, the following general game story from when the hero character operated by the user becomes a professional baseball player until the summer of the second year of high school can be used. For example, the hero character belongs to the baseball club of a prestigious sports high school, but cannot be regular at first because of the overwhelming level of teammates. The hero character wins a regular while practicing with his teammates at this high school, and participates in baseball games (national tournaments and the like). If the evaluation of the scout of the professional baseball team observing the practice and the game of the protagonist character is equal to or more than a certain value, the player is scouted as a professional baseball player. The main character operated by the user is an example of the second character.

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

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

  An example of the progress of the above scenario is shown below. The period in the game from the start to the end of the scenario is, for example, 50 weeks (virtual period in the game). In the game, a plurality of commands for selecting the action of the main character in the game are prepared. Examples of commands include "practice", "rest", "go out", and the like. By executing the practice command, the ability parameter of the main character can be improved. On the other hand, if the exercise command is executed, the physical fitness parameter decreases. By executing the rest command, for example, the physical strength parameter of the main character is improved. By executing the outing command, for example, the motivation parameter of the main character can be improved. Each time the user executes any command, for example, a virtual time in the game elapses by one week. That is, in the example of the present game, there are a total of 50 turns from the start to the end of the scenario, and the virtual time in the game elapses by one week for each turn, and the scenario proceeds.

  As shown in FIG. 4, various events occur between the start and the end of the scenario. The timing at which an event may occur can be arbitrarily determined. For example, in each turn from the start to the end of the scenario, an event occurrence opportunity is provided at a timing at which the user selects a command, an arbitrary timing during execution of the command, a timing at which the command ends, and the like. For example, at each of the above-mentioned timings, a lottery for determining whether to generate an event can be performed with a predetermined probability. Alternatively, an event may be provided that always occurs at the timing when the degree of progress of the game reaches the reference, regardless of the lottery. For example, if the scenario proceeds to 10, 20, and 30 turns, a predetermined event (match event or the like) scheduled at those timings may be 100% generated.

  However, in the present game, events to be generated are not fixed, and various events can be additionally generated according to a single character or a combination of a plurality of characters incorporated in the event deck by the user.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the event deck setting screen. On this screen, an event deck setting area 101 is provided. In the screen of FIG. 5, the event deck setting area 101 has three character setting frames (so-called slots) 102, and two of the setting frames 102 are set with a player A character and a player B character, respectively. An example is shown. In this example, an event deck is formed by a player A character and a player B character. The character of the player A and the character of the player B set in the event deck setting area 101 are examples of the first character for event generation. Hereinafter, the character incorporated in the event deck is referred to as a “first character” as necessary.

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

  When a character is set in the event deck setting area 101 by the user, the character comes to appear in the game thereafter. Characters that have appeared in the game may be described by two-dimensional or three-dimensional computer graphics in practice, games, various events, and the like in the game. In the example of this game, the characters that the user can own are teammate players, baseball managers, ordinary people (for example, town dwellers), and the like. In this manner, the characters may be managed in a plurality of categories such as "player", "manager", and "general". Also, if the character owned by the user is a person, if the character is incorporated into the event deck, the character becomes a character in the game, so the character owned (or can be owned) by the user is referred to as “appearance”. It may be referred to as a "character character", a "character unit", a "character card", or the like.

  The characters of the characters prepared from the beginning of the scenario (for example, one manager, one scout, one manager, and four to eight teammates) set the characters in the event deck setting area 101. Appear in the game without it. When a character is set in the event deck setting area 101, the character is added as a character.

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

  To change the character incorporated in the event deck, the user selects the change button 104 (or directly selects the setting frame 102 in which the character is set). As a result, the character selection screen for event generation illustrated in FIG. 6 is displayed, and the character can be selected again. When the character is to be removed from the event deck, a setting frame of the character to be removed may be selected and a predetermined setting release operation may be performed.

  Each character that can be set in the setting frame of the event deck has a unique event. Then, a unique event may occur during the game according to a single character or a combination of a plurality of characters incorporated in the event deck by the user. The event that can occur here is an event relating to the first character incorporated in the event deck.

  Events relating to the first character incorporated in the event deck include, for example, events in which the character acts alone (for example, practicing, eating, drawing fortunes, etc.). Another example of an event relating to the first character is an event in which the first character acts together with another character (for example, practice, eat, travel, etc.). In particular, an event in which the first character acts together with the main character is preferable.

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

  An example of the relationship between the first character incorporated in the event deck and possible events is shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. In FIG. 7, the left side of the “= (equal)” symbol is the first character incorporated in the event deck, and the right side thereof is an event that can occur.

  For example, when the user incorporates the character of "player A" into the event deck, an "event A" related to the character of "player A" may occur. An example of the event A may be an event in which the character of the player A performs a special practice. As another example of event A, in the case of a character setting in which the main character and player A are close teammates, the main character and the character of player A perform special training together or eat together. It can be an event.

  When the user incorporates the character of "player B" into the event deck, "event B" corresponding to "player B" may occur. As an example of the event B, in the case of setting a character in which the main character and the player B are in a rival relationship, the event may be an event in which the main character and the character of the player B confront each other.

  Further, for example, when the user incorporates both the characters “player A” and “player B” into the event deck, “event C” corresponding to the combination of “player A” and “player B” may occur. As an example of the event C, in the case of a character setting in which a player A and a player B have a rival relationship, an event in which the character of the player A and the character of the player B can be confronted. For example, in this confrontation event, the main character as the second character may participate in the event by watching the confrontation event, supporting the contest, or the like. In this case, not only “event C” but also “event A” and “event B” described above may be generated. That is, when both the characters "player A" and "player B" are incorporated in the event deck, three patterns of "player A", "player B", "player A" + "player B" are obtained. All are valid, and any of “Event A”, “Event B”, and “Event C” can be generated.

  Also, for example, when the user incorporates three characters “player C”, “player D”, and “general E” into the event deck, “event D” corresponding to a combination of these three characters may occur. As an example of the event C, in the case of a character setting in which “general E” is a lover candidate for “player C” and “player D”, the characters of “player C” and “player D” become the character of “general E” It can be a confession event. For example, in this event, the hero character may also participate in the event by confessing to the “general E” character.

  Also, for example, when the user incorporates three characters “player A”, “player B”, and “player D” into the event deck, “event E” corresponding to a combination of these three characters may occur. An example of the event D may be an event in which characters of “player A”, “player B”, and “player D” camp. For example, in this training camp event, the main character may also participate in the training camp.

  Each of the above-described events is merely an example, and various events can be generated according to a character to be incorporated in the event deck or a combination of a plurality of characters.

  When the character is incorporated into the event deck by the user, the event may be generated without fail, the event may be generated with a predetermined probability, or the event may be performed when a predetermined condition is satisfied. May be generated.

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

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

  Further, when the degree of relationship between the main character and a certain first character incorporated in the event deck reaches a predetermined reference, 100% of events related to the first character may be generated. Here, as for the timing of the event occurrence, the event may be generated immediately after the degree of relation reaches a predetermined criterion, or after a certain time after the degree of relation reaches the predetermined criterion ( For example, an event may be generated (after adjustment of the event generation timing in the game). As an example, when the degree of relationship between the hero character and the character of the player A reaches a predetermined criterion during execution of a command of a certain turn in a scenario, at the end of the turn or at the start of the next turn, the player A An event related to the character is generated.

  In addition, when the said degree of relationship has not reached the predetermined reference | standard, it can determine arbitrarily. For example, when the degree of relation between the main character and the first character does not reach a predetermined criterion, an event related to the first character is generated at a probability corresponding to the degree of relation (or at a predetermined probability regardless of the degree of relation). May be generated. Alternatively, when the degree of relationship between the main character and the first character has not reached the predetermined reference, 100% of events related to the first character may be prevented from occurring.

  By the way, it is possible to set no upper limit on the settable number of the first characters forming the event deck, but it is preferable to set an upper limit. Preferably, the upper limit of the settable number is changed by satisfying a predetermined condition. One example of satisfying the predetermined condition is that a game parameter related to the degree of progress of the game satisfies a preset condition. In the present game, the breeding of the main character is completed by the end of one scenario, so that the number of characters whose breeding is completed can be an example of the game parameter. That is, it is assumed that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the number of characters that have completed raising reaches a predetermined value (for example, 1, 5, 10, etc.), and the upper limit of the settable number is improved.

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

  Alternatively, when the user stops raising the character on the way, the upper limit of the settable number of the first characters may be reduced (the number of the setting frames 102 may be reduced). In addition, even if the breeding of the character is completed, if the parameter of the character does not reach the predetermined value, the upper limit of the settable number may be reduced.

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

  Further, in this game, the user can build a friendship with another user. Here, the companion is a general term for a virtual relationship between users constructed in the game, such as acquaintances, friends, friends, classmates, buddies, relatives, families, brothers, sisters, colleagues at companies and organizations, etc. Including various in-game relationships. It should be noted that other users (second users) associated with the user need not be related.

  If the user has a friend, a setting frame (which may be referred to as a friend frame, a helper frame, or the like) for setting a friend character may be added to the event deck setting screen. The details will be described later.

  When an event occurs during a game, various effects can be generated according to the progress or the result of the event. As an example of the effect, the parameter of the main character may be changed, or an item or the like may be given to the user. Alternatively, the user may simply enjoy an event that has occurred without producing an effect such as a change in a parameter.

  In order for a user to incorporate a character into the event deck, the user must obtain the character. There are several ways to get a character. For example, the user can obtain a character by lottery by executing the lottery mode. In this lottery mode, a character to be provided to the user is randomly selected from all the characters in the game. In order for the user to execute the lottery mode, for example, a predetermined amount of in-game points, billing items and the like may be required. Also, the user can receive a character as a present from another user (such as a friend). In addition, the user can obtain a character as a reward for playing in the game. For example, a user can compete with another user by using a plurality of characters that he or she has raised, and compete for ranking in the game. Here, a character is given as a reward to the user who ranked higher in the ranking. At the start of the game, a predetermined number (for example, five) of characters may be given to the user.

  In addition, rarity is set in advance for each character that can be owned by the user. In this game, any one of “normal”, “rare”, and “S rare” rarity is set for each character. Here, “normal” is the lowest rarity, and “S rare” is the highest rarity. Therefore, for example, the character of player A has three kinds of rarities of "normal", "rare", and "S rare". For example, the user may obtain a “normal” character in the lottery mode, or may obtain a “rare” or “S rare” character. As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the rarity of the character is indicated by the number of stars, "normal" has one star, "rare" has two stars, and "S rare" has a star. There are three.

  When the user obtains the same character as the character already possessed (the same character name and rarity), the game apparatus 3 automatically executes a merging process for merging both characters. At the time of execution of the combination process, a combination effect is displayed on the screen. By this merging process, the level of the character after merging is improved from “Lv1” to “Lv2”. When the uniting of the same character is repeated and the level of the character reaches a predetermined level (for example, Lv100), the rarity of the character is increased by one, and the level is reset to “Lv1”. For example, when the user who owns the character of player A (normal, Lv99) obtains the character of player A (normal, Lv1), the user owns the character of player A (rare, Lv1) by the uniting process. Will be.

  In this game, even if the character names are the same, the merging process is not performed if the rarity is different. Note that the above-described merging process is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of being automatically executed, the uniting process may be executed based on a user operation. In addition, it may be possible to combine characters of different rarities. In addition, different characters may be combined.

  The user can incorporate any rare character of “normal”, “rare”, and “S rare” into the event deck. It is preferable that the higher the rarity of the first character incorporated in the event deck, the higher the effect of the event related to the first character. For example, as the rarity of the first character is higher, the parameter of the main character is made to fluctuate more greatly in accordance with the progress or result of the event. The details will be described later.

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

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

When the change of the event deck is permitted after the start of the scenario, the user may be allowed to change the event deck any number of times, or the timing or the number of times of the change may be limited. As an example, the change of the event deck is permitted only three times (for example, turns 10, 20, and 30) during the progress of the scenario. In this case, the CPU 31 of the game apparatus 3 displays a message such as “Do you want to change the event deck now?” On the screen at the timing of permitting the change of the event deck, and the user can change the event deck. It is preferable to notify the effect. In addition, when the change of the event deck is permitted after the start of the scenario, it may be necessary to satisfy a predetermined condition (for example, the user executes a lottery mode to obtain a new character).
[Functional configuration and operation of game device]

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

  FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a basic configuration of the game apparatus 3.

  The game device 3 according to the present embodiment includes an input management unit 51, an execution unit 52, an output management unit 53, a character management unit 54, a user information management unit 55, a communication management unit 56, an exchange management unit 57, and the like. . These units are realized by the CPU 31 of the game apparatus 3 executing the program according to the present embodiment.

  The input management unit 51 understands an input signal from the operation input unit 40 operated by the user and outputs the signal to the execution unit 52. The execution means 52 performs calculations and data processing based on user operation inputs and the like. In this game, processes such as progress of a scenario, execution of a command, and execution of an event are performed. Information on the processing result executed by the execution unit 52 is stored in a predetermined area of a storage device (the RAM 33, the auxiliary storage device 39, and the like). The output management unit 53 outputs the image information (still image or moving image) of the execution result by the execution unit 52 to the display unit 35 via the image processing unit 34, and outputs the sound information of the execution result to the sound processing unit 36. The output is provided to the audio output unit via

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

  The user information management unit 55 stores and manages information about the user's game in a storage device (the RAM 33, the auxiliary storage device 39, and the like). FIG. 9 shows an example of information related to the game of the user managed by the user information management means 55 (in this example, information for one user with user ID = 000001). The user information management unit 55 stores the user's basic information, character information, item information, point information, associate information, exchange history, and the like in a storage device.

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

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

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

  The associate information is information of associates associated with the user, and stores the associate's user ID in association with the user ID. Further, the exchange history is information of a history of a user's interaction with another user (a friend or the like) in the game. This exchange history includes information on the type of exchange, the partner, and time. The types of interaction include greetings, message transmissions, gifts, and chats. The user ID of the partner is stored as the information of the partner of the exchange.

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

  The exchange management means 57 implements exchange and communication between users performed in the game. The exchange management means 57 of the user's game device 3 exchanges exchange information with the game device 3 of another user via the game server 1 (or directly without passing through the game server 1). The exchange information includes a message created by the user for the other party, information on a character or an item to be presented to the other party, and the like.

  Next, a main functional configuration of the game apparatus 3 will be described with reference to a functional block diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the game device 3 as a game management device mainly includes a setting unit 71 and an event management unit 72. These units are realized by the CPU 31 of the game apparatus 3 executing the program according to the present embodiment.

  The setting unit 71 has a function of setting at least one character selected by the user from a plurality of characters owned by the user as a first character for event generation. In the present embodiment, as described above, on the event deck setting screen illustrated in FIG. 5, the user performs an operation of selecting an arbitrary character from a plurality of characters owned by the user and setting the character in the setting frame 102. . When the character selection information is input by this operation, the setting unit 71 stores the character ID of the selected character in a storage device (such as the RAM 33 or the auxiliary storage device 39) as the setting information of the first character for event generation. I do. Hereinafter, this setting information is referred to as “event deck setting information”.

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

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

  Each event is given an event ID that uniquely identifies them. When an event having an event ID in a game is generated, an event execution program corresponding to the event ID is executed by the CPU 31.

  In the relationship information of FIG. 13, when the first character incorporated in the event deck has the character ID = 0001, the corresponding event is the event “hit special training” with the event ID = 0001. Further, when the first character has the character ID = 0002, the corresponding event is the event “defense special training” with the event ID = 0002. When the first character has the character ID = 0003, the corresponding event is an event called “running training” with event ID = 0003.

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

  When the first character has character IDs of 0001, 0002, and 0003, the event corresponding to this combination is the event “batting center” with the event ID = 0501. If the first character has character IDs of 0001, 0002, and 0004, the event corresponding to this combination is the event of event ID = 0502, "Play with everyone." In addition, various events are prepared according to a single first character or a combination of a plurality of first characters constituting an event deck.

  As described above, when the first character set as the event deck is, for example, character ID = 0001 and 0002, three patterns of “0001”, “0002”, and “0001 + 0002” are valid as the combination of the first characters. It can be. Therefore, in this case, an event of “batting special training” with event ID = 0001, a “defense special training” with event ID = 0002, and a “confrontation” event with event ID = 0101 may occur.

  Similarly, when the first character set as the event deck is, for example, character ID = 0001, 0002, and 0003, the combination of the first characters is “0001”, “0002”, “0003”, “0001 + 0002”, and “0001”. Seven patterns of "0001 + 0003", "0002 + 0003", and "0001 + 0002 + 0003" can be made effective.

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

  In addition, the event management unit 72 may be configured to cause an event to occur when the first character or a plurality of first characters are set for event occurrence, or to allow an event to occur with a predetermined probability. Alternatively, an event may be generated when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  Further, the event related to the first character may be an event related to a parameter (characteristic parameter) of the first character. For example, if the first character is a character having a particular ability (the parameter of the particular ability is higher than a predetermined criterion), the event related to the first character is performed in the particular ability. Related (using specific abilities) events. As a specific example, when the first character is a player having an excellent hitting ability (the parameter of the hitting ability is higher than a predetermined reference), an event related to the first character is an event relating to the hitting, for example, an hitting event. Events such as special training, home run competition, etc.

  The event related to the first character may be an event related to a relationship between the first character and the main character. For example, when the first character and the main character are in a rival relationship in the game, the event related to the first character is an event of a confrontation scene between the two characters.

  In particular, by combining a plurality of first characters, an event corresponding to the combination occurs, so that the variation of the event is very large. That is, when selecting and combining r characters from n characters owned by the user, the number of combinations is n! / ｛(N−r)! r! It is represented by｝. For example, when three characters are selected from ten characters owned by the user and set as the first character, there are 120 combinations, and the user can change the combination of the first characters incorporated in the event deck. Various events can be expected depending on the combination.

  When a plurality of first characters are combined, an event may be generated according to the relationship between the plurality of first characters. Alternatively, an event may be generated in accordance with a relationship between a plurality of first characters and a plurality of characters including a main character. An example is shown below.

  Example 1: When characters A and B have a relationship between rivals in the game, by incorporating both characters A and B into an event deck, an event of a confrontation scene may be expected (may occur). (Or imagine an event that the user can cause).

  Example 2: If the characters P, Q, and R are related by classmates at the same school in the game, the three characters P, Q, and R are incorporated into the event deck to go on a trip with three people. Event may occur (maybe). Further, when the characters P, Q, and R and the second character are in the same class of the same school, by setting these three characters P, Q, and R as the first characters for event generation, It can be expected that an event (maybe) that four people including the second character go on a trip will occur.

  The event does not always occur, but if the user knows the parameters and characteristics of each first character, the relationship with other first characters, the relationship with the main character, and the like, the first event incorporated into the event deck Depending on the character or the combination of the plurality of first characters, there is also a pleasure of imagining or expecting an event that can occur.

  Further, the effect of the event occurrence can be arbitrarily determined. For example, when an event occurs, the parameters of the user's My Character may be changed according to the progress or result of the event, or an item or the like may be given to the user. Alternatively, the user may simply enjoy an event that has occurred without producing an effect such as a change in a parameter.

  As described above, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the user collects the characters for event generation, arbitrarily selects the collected characters, and sets the selected character as the first character for event generation. Various events according to the combination of the first characters may occur during the game. Therefore, the user can enjoy the variation of the event by the first character set for event generation or the combination thereof while performing trial and error in the construction of the event deck. For example, a user who is tired of the game changes the first character set for event generation, so that the event that occurs during the game also changes.

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

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

  However, the game to be applied is not limited to a game that proceeds according to a scenario. For example, in the case of a baseball game in which a user operates a player character to hit or defend, there is no predetermined scenario. In such a game, if the user sets at least one coach character in the event deck, an event, such as an event in which the coach teaches tips on hitting during the game, is additionally generated as an event corresponding to the event deck. You may make it.

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

  Alternatively, the event occurrence probability may be changed according to the degree of progress of the scenario. For example, the event occurrence probability is made different until the progress of the scenario reaches a predetermined value (50%) and thereafter. As an example, the event occurrence probability is set to 10% until the progress of the scenario reaches 50%, and 20% thereafter. This is an example in which an event that did not occur in the first half of the scenario is more likely to occur in the second half of the scenario. Conversely, an event may be easily generated in the first half of the scenario, and may not be easily generated in the second half of the scenario.

  In this configuration, just because the first character for event generation is set, an event related to the first character does not always occur 100%, and whether or not an event occurs is based on a probability. I have. Therefore, it is not known at what timing the event occurs. Therefore, after the first character is set for event generation, the user plays the game with a sense of tension while expecting an event related to the first character to occur. With this configuration, the game property is improved.

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

  The relationship management unit 73 has a function of managing the relationship between the hero character as an example of the second character operated by the user during the game and the first character incorporated in the event deck. Various relationships can be applied to the relationship between the main character and the first character, such as teammates, players and managers, players and managers, seniors and juniors, rivals, lovers, bosses and subordinates, parents and children, brothers, and the like. Then, the degree of relationship between the main character and the first character may be, for example, the degree of intimacy between the two, or one may be an evaluation value for evaluating the other.

  In the present embodiment, the degree of relation will be described as taking any numerical value of, for example, “0 to 200”. Note that the degree of relationship may be represented by a level such as "A, B ..." instead of a numerical value.

  The degree of relationship between the protagonist character and the first character may have an initial value determined in advance. As an example, the main character and the player A (an example of the first character) are set as best friends in the game, and the relationship between them is “100”. On the other hand, the main character and the player B (an example of the first character) are set to a degree of acquaintance in the game, and the degree of relationship between them is "10". Further, the degree of relation between the main character and the manager C (an example of the first character) is set to “50”.

  Further, it is preferable that the degree of relationship fluctuates during the game depending on the action of the main character operated by the user. That is, the game apparatus 3 further includes an appearance character management unit 75 for causing the first character incorporated in the event deck to appear in the game. Then, the relationship management unit 73 changes the relationship between the first character and the main character each time the main character performs a predetermined action with the first character by a user operation. Here, the “predetermined action” means, for example, various in-game actions, such as the hero character practicing with the first character, confronting, eating, playing, or being together at the same place. To tell. As described above, if the main character performs an action having a predetermined relationship with the first character in the game, the relationship between the two characters fluctuates.

  For example, if the hero character practices together with a first character such as a teammate, the degree of relationship is improved by "10". Further, for example, if the main character eats with the first character, the degree of relation is improved by “5”. Further, for example, when the hero character confronts the first character and wins, the degree of relation (evaluation value) increases by “10”, and when the character loses, the degree of relation decreases by “5”. These are merely examples, and the correspondence between the action of the main character and the degree of relationship can be arbitrarily determined.

  An example of the relationship management by the relationship management unit 73 will be described below. As illustrated in FIG. 12, an information field of the degree of relation is provided in the event deck setting information. Then, the relationship management unit 73 updates the value of the relationship information field each time the relationship between the first character set as the event deck and the main character changes, and manages the current relationship. .

  The probability varying means 74 determines the probability that an event related to the first character will occur (or the combination when the first character is included in the combination) according to the degree of relationship between the main character and the first character. Has a function of varying the probability of an event occurring in response to the event. FIG. 15 shows an example of the relationship between the degree of relationship and the event occurrence probability. In this example, when the degree of relation is “39 or less”, “40 to 79”, “80 to 119”, “120 to 159”, “160 to 199”, and “200 (maximum)”, the event occurrence probability is The values fluctuate to “10%”, “20%”, “30%”, “50%”, “70%”, and “100%”, respectively. In this example, the larger the numerical value of the degree of relation (or the higher the level), the stepwise the probability of occurrence of the event is improved.

  When there is one first character set as the event deck, the event occurrence probability in FIG. 15 can be applied as it is. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of first characters set as the event deck, an event occurrence probability corresponding to a combination of the plurality of first characters can be obtained, for example, as follows. Here, a case where the characters of the player A and the player B are incorporated in the event deck is illustrated. For example, it is assumed that the degree of relation between the main character and player A is “100” and the degree of relation between the main character and player B is “50”. In this case, based on the relationship in FIG. 15, an event occurrence probability of 30% can be obtained from the relationship of player A, and an event occurrence probability of 20% can be obtained from the relationship of player B. Therefore, the average probability of occurrence of an event corresponding to the combination of player A + player B can be (30% + 20%) / 2 = 25%.

  Various other modes are conceivable for determining the event occurrence probability according to the combination of the plurality of first characters. An example is shown below.

  Regarding the probability of occurrence of an event according to a combination of a plurality of first characters (A, B...), The degree of relationship between all the first characters (A, B...) And the second characters is a predetermined reference (condition). Is satisfied, a probability is applied according to the criterion of the satisfied relationship. For example, the event occurrence probability is “10%” until all of the set plurality of first characters satisfy a predetermined relation degree criterion (for example, “40 or more”), and when the criterion is satisfied. Then, the event occurrence probability becomes “20%”. Further, when all of the plurality of first characters further satisfy the criterion of the degree of relation (for example, “80 or more”), the event occurrence probability becomes “30%”. Similarly, every time all of the plurality of first characters satisfy the higher relation criterion, the event occurrence probability is improved.

  Alternatively, as for the occurrence probability of the event corresponding to the combination of the plurality of first characters, the one having the highest relationship among the plurality of first characters is adopted, and the relationship between the relationship and the event occurrence probability illustrated in FIG. May be determined based on the relationship. Alternatively, conversely, the one having the lowest degree of relationship may be adopted, and in this case, the user is motivated to raise the degree of relationship.

  Alternatively, as for the event occurrence probability corresponding to the combination of the plurality of first characters, the average value of the relationship degrees of the plurality of first characters is applied, and the relationship between the relationship degree and the event occurrence probability illustrated in FIG. It may be determined on the basis of.

  By the way, it is preferable that the user can visually recognize the degree of relationship between each character and the main character on the screen. Thus, when the first character is set for event occurrence, or during the progress of the game, the user checks the degree of relation between the first character and the main character on the screen, and plays the game while recognizing the degree of relation. You can enjoy. For example, when the user confirms on the screen that the degree of relation to a certain first character is high, the expectation that an event relating to the first character will occur with a high probability increases.

  An example of screen display control in the game device 3 that allows the user to visually recognize the degree of relationship will be described below. The game is provided with a screen for displaying the current game situation (such as the progress of the scenario) and parameters of the main character. A list of characters owned by the user (all owned characters including the character set as the event deck) is displayed on this screen or another screen transited from this screen. Then, for each character included in the list, the degree of relationship with the main character is displayed so as to be visually recognizable. For example, the level of the degree of relation is classified into six levels (see FIG. 15), and the level of the degree of relation is indicated by the number of stars (1 to 6 at maximum). Alternatively, the value of the degree of relationship itself (a value in the range of 0 to 200 in the example of FIG. 15) may be described. Then, among the characters included in the list, the character set as the event deck is provided with information (mark, character, color, shade, etc.) for confirming the fact. Therefore, the user can confirm which character is set as the event deck by looking at the screen, and how much the character is related to the main character.

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

  With this configuration, the ease of occurrence of an event changes depending on the degree of relation between the first character set for event generation and the main character, or on the degree of relation with the main character after the first character is set. Therefore, when the user wants to generate an event quickly, the user may play the game so that the degree of relationship between the first character set by the user and the second character that is the operation character of the user increases. Game characteristics can be enhanced.

  Since the first character is set for event generation, an event related to the first character occurs at a predetermined probability as described above even if the main character does not perform a predetermined action with the first character. There is a possibility. In addition, in this configuration, the probability of occurrence of an event can be intentionally improved by causing the hero character to perform a predetermined action with the first character by a user operation.

  Therefore, when the user wants to generate an event related to the specific first character with high probability, the game operation (selecting the action of the hero character in the game so that the hero character performs a predetermined action with the first character) Operation, etc.). With this configuration, the user can change the occurrence probability of an event related to the specific first character by his / her own operation, so that the game characteristics are further improved.

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

  Here, as for the timing of the event occurrence, the event may be generated immediately after the degree of relation reaches a predetermined reference (for example, 200), or a certain time after the degree of relation reaches the predetermined reference. An event may be generated after that (for example, after adjustment of the event generation timing in the game).

  In addition, when the degree of relationship does not reach the predetermined reference, it can be arbitrarily determined. For example, when the degree of relation between the main character and the first character does not reach the predetermined reference “200”, as shown in FIG. 15, an event related to the first character has a probability corresponding to the degree of relation. May be generated. Alternatively, when the degree of relation does not reach the predetermined reference, an event may be generated with a predetermined probability regardless of the degree of relation. Alternatively, when the degree of relationship between the main character and the first character has not reached the predetermined reference, an event related to the first character may not be generated.

  Here, if the number of the first character set for event generation is one, and if the degree of relationship between the first character and the main character reaches a predetermined reference (as a trigger), the event is set to 100. %Occur.

  On the other hand, when there are a plurality of first characters set for event generation, various modes as described below can be considered.

  The event corresponding to the combination of the plurality of first characters (A, B...) Is 100 when the relationship between all the first characters and the main character included in the combination reaches a predetermined standard. % Can be generated.

  Alternatively, an event corresponding to a combination of a plurality of first characters (A, B...) Is performed when the degree of relationship between any one of the first character and the second character reaches a predetermined reference. An event may be generated 100%.

  Alternatively, an event corresponding to a combination of a plurality of first characters (A, B,...) Is such that the degree of relationship between a first character and a second character at a predetermined ratio or more (for example, 50% or more) is a predetermined reference. When the time has reached, the event may be 100% generated.

  In this configuration, when the user wants to surely generate an event related to the specific first character, the user performs a game operation (the main character's character in the game) so that the degree of relationship with the first character reaches a predetermined reference. Operation for selecting an action). With this configuration, the user can generate 100% of the event related to the specific first character by his / her operation, so that the game property is further improved.

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

  For example, at the start of the game, the upper limit of the settable number of the first characters is “2”. However, the upper limit of the settable number fluctuates when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Here, examples of the predetermined condition include the following.

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

  (B) In order to increase the upper limit of the settable number, a predetermined condition is that the user consumes a predetermined amount of in-game points, in-game currency, billing items, and the like.

  (C) In a game such as the game of the present embodiment, in which a friend relationship can be established with another user, the condition that the number of friends reaches a predetermined number is set as a predetermined condition. For example, when the number of friends reaches 30, the upper limit of the settable number increases by one, and then increases by one with 40, and further increases by 50 or more.

  (D) A case where the execution result of the game does not reach a predetermined reference is set as a predetermined condition. For example, in a game in which a character can be raised, if the user stops raising the character in the middle, the upper limit of the settable number is reduced. If the parameters of the character do not reach the predetermined value even after the character has been bred, the upper limit of the settable number is reduced.

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

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

  In this configuration, while an upper limit is set on the settable number of the first characters, the upper limit can be increased by the user satisfying a predetermined condition. As the upper limit of the settable number of the first characters increases, the variation of events that can occur during the game also increases. Therefore, the user is motivated to actively play the game so as to satisfy the predetermined condition in order to improve the upper limit of the settable number (or to avoid lowering the upper limit).

  Next, a description will be given of a preferred embodiment in which the condition that the game parameters related to the degree of progress of the game satisfy a preset condition is defined as a “predetermined condition” for changing the upper limit of the settable number of the first characters. I do. Here, as an example of the game parameters related to the degree of progress of the game, in a game in which a plurality of characters can be bred as in the game of the present embodiment, the number of characters that have been bred is cited. In this case, it is assumed that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the number of characters that have been raised reaches a predetermined value (for example, 1, 5, 10, etc.).

  For example, at the start of a game in which the scenario has never been started, the upper limit of the settable number of the first characters is “2”. In this case, there are only two setting frames 102 on the event deck setting screen in FIG. Thereafter, when the number of characters that have been bred by the end of the scenario becomes “1”, the upper limit of the settable number of the first characters is changed to “3”. Thus, the number of setting frames 102 on the event deck setting screen in FIG. 5 is reduced to three. Further, thereafter, when the number of characters that have been bred by the end of the scenario becomes “2”, the upper limit of the settable number of the first characters is changed to “4”, and the number of setting frames 102 becomes four. Thereafter, each time the number of characters that have completed the breeding increases, the upper limit of the settable number of the first character may be increased. The upper limit may not be increased (the number of setting frames 102 may not be increased).

  As another example of the game parameters related to the degree of progress of the game, various game parameters such as a stage, points, levels, and the like according to the game content can be applied. For example, the arrival of a predetermined stage, the acquisition point reaching a predetermined value, the user's game level reaching a predetermined level, the user's My Character level reaching a predetermined level, etc. Game parameters related to the degree of progress satisfy a preset condition ".

  With the configuration of the present embodiment, the user is motivated to actively play the game so that the game parameters related to the degree of progress of the game satisfy a preset condition.

  Next, a description will be given of a preferred configuration that enables a friend character to be incorporated into the event deck of the user when the user has a friend. As shown in FIG. 17, the game device 3 having this configuration includes, in addition to the setting unit 71 and the event management unit 72, a friend management unit 77 and a permission unit 78 as an example of a relationship management unit.

  The friend management unit 77 has a function of managing a friend as an example of the second user associated with the user. As one mode for a certain user to establish a friendship relationship with another user, one of the two users makes a friendship application to the other user via the game server 1 and performs the friendship application. Approval of the received user to become a friend through the game server 1 is a friend application made between the two users and an operation of the approval. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the associate management unit 77 stores the user IDs of other users who are associated with the user as associate information, and performs associate management.

  The permission unit 78 has a function of permitting a specific character owned by a friend to be set as a first character for generating an event of the user himself. Here, an example of the “specific character owned by a friend” may be one of the characters set as an event deck by the friend. For example, on the event deck setting screen in FIG. 5, the friend sets the character set in the leftmost setting frame 102 (the character corresponding to the setting frame ID = 1 in FIG. 12) to “a specific character owned by the friend”. It can be.

  Alternatively, a character previously selected as a character that can be lent by a friend may be set as a “specific character owned by a friend”. Alternatively, the game apparatus 3 may automatically extract the character having the highest ability among the characters owned by the friend, and set the character as a “specific character owned by the friend”.

  For example, when the user has created a buddy of a predetermined number (for example, one person) or more, the permission unit 78 permits setting a buddy character as an event deck. As a result, the event deck setting screen is provided with a helper frame 105 in which a fellow character can be set.

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

  For the user, only one helper frame 105 or a plurality of helper frames 105 that can set a fellow character as an event deck may be used. For example, the number of helper frames 105 may be changed according to the number of associates associated with the user. That is, as the number of friends is larger, the number of helper frames 105 that can set a friend character may be increased.

  In the configuration of the present embodiment, even if the user does not own the character, the user can borrow a specific character owned by a friend and set it as the user's own event generation character. In this case, for the user, as the number of friends increases, the range of characters that can be selected increases, so that various events can be generated. With this configuration, each user is motivated to actively make many friends. Then, as the number of friends of each user increases, the community between the users is activated, and thus the entire game is activated.

  Next, effects and the like when an event corresponding to the event deck occurs will be described. When an event occurs, the user may simply enjoy the event that has occurred. However, it is preferable that the parameters of the hero character be changed in accordance with the progress or the result of the event that has occurred. As shown in FIG. 19, the game apparatus 3 that realizes this configuration includes a parameter changing unit 79 in addition to the setting unit 71 and the event management unit 72.

  The event corresponding to the event deck is preferably an event related to the main character as an example of the second character operated by the user. Here, the event relating to the main character includes, for example, the main character practices, confronts, eats, travels, etc. with the first character. Note that the event related to the main character is not limited to an event in which the main character appears on the screen. For example, an event in which the first character speaks, thinks, or imagines the main character, or an event in which the first character, which is a rival of the main character, practices to win the main character. Good.

The parameter changing means 79 has a function of changing the parameters of the main character according to the progress or the result of the event according to the event deck, which has occurred during the game.

  For example, in the case of a baseball game, specific parameters such as the hitting power, running power, and defensive power of the hero character are improved, or parameters of special abilities are acquired, according to the progress or result of the event. As an example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the character of the player A with the character ID = 0001 is set as the event deck, a batting special training event occurs. In this event, for example, the protagonist character and the player A perform special hitting training. As a result of this event, the parameters of the hitting power (meat, power) of the main character are improved by a predetermined amount (or a predetermined ratio).

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

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

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

  Further, it is preferable that an event for improving the ability of the main character is generated by setting the first character having a high predetermined ability (such as hitting power, running power, and defensive ability) as an event deck. For example, by setting any one of the first characters P, Q, R,... Having a higher hitting parameter than a predetermined reference as an event deck, an event occurs in which the hitting power of the main character can be enhanced. In addition, by setting the first characters P, Q, R... Having a higher hitting parameter than a predetermined reference as two or more than one and three as two or more event decks, the hitting strength is enhanced. An event with a higher effect occurs (the content of each event is also different). Similarly, by setting a character whose running power parameter is higher than a predetermined reference as an event deck, an event that can enhance the running power of the main character occurs.

  Thus, it is preferable that the content of the change of the parameter of the main character is related to the parameter of the first character. For example, if the first character is a player with a superior hitting ability (the parameter of the hitting ability is higher than a predetermined criterion), and the event related to the first character progresses or completes, the hero character sets Under the influence of a specific parameter (in this case, the hitting ability) of the first character, the same hitting ability is improved.

  It should be noted that even if the user does not complete the event that occurred or does not clear the event, it is possible to vary the parameters according to the degree of progress of the event.

  In the configuration of the present embodiment, the parameter of the main character changes as an effect of the event corresponding to the event deck. The effect of changing the parameter changes according to the event that occurs. Therefore, the user devises the combination while considering the parameters of the first character set as the event deck, thereby generating various events, improving the parameters of the main character uniformly, and enhancing the specific parameters. Can be planned. With this configuration, game characteristics can be further improved.

  Next, a description will be given of a preferred configuration in which the effect of the event is changed according to the rarity of the first character set as the event deck. As described above, in the game of the present embodiment, any one of “normal”, “rare”, and “S rare” is preset for each character. The rarity is not limited to the three-stage setting. For example, the rarity may be five levels of “normal”, “normal +”, “rare”, “rare +”, and “S rare”. The rarity can be expressed in various forms such as “1, 2,...”, “A, B,.

  The parameter changing means 79 changes the parameter of the main character in accordance with the progress or the result of the event generated in accordance with the first character, as the rarity of the first character set as the event deck increases. It has a function to make For example, as a result of an event generated according to the first character of player A (normal), the hitting power of the main character is “+10”. Further, even with the same name, as a result of the event generated according to the first character of the player A (rare), the hitting power of the main character becomes “+20”. In addition, as a result of the event generated according to the first character of the player A (S rare), the hitting power of the main character is “+30”. As described above, even if the character of the player A having the same name has a different rarity, an event having a different content occurs (or an event having the same content may occur), and the effect of the event is different as described above.

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the higher the rarity of the first character set as the event deck is, the more advantageously the game can be advanced, and the more game characteristics are enhanced. Then, the user can be motivated to obtain a character with a higher degree of rarity.

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

  Here, the case where the number of the first character set as the event deck is one will be described as an example. FIG. 21 shows an example of the correspondence between a first character set as an event deck and events that may occur. In the example of FIG. 21, when the character of the player A (normal) is set as the event deck, the event that may occur is one of the “hitting special training 01”. Further, when the character of player A (rare) is set as the event deck, there are two events that are likely to occur, “battery special training 02” and “battery special training 03”. Also, when the character of player A (S rare) is set as the event deck, there are three events that may occur: “battery special training 04”, “battery special training 05”, and “battery special training 06”. . Note that this is an example, and the number of events can be arbitrarily determined as long as the relationship that the number of events that may occur during the game increases as the rarity of the first character increases.

  In the example of FIG. 21, when three characters of player A (normal), player A (rare), and player A (S rare) are incorporated in the event deck, “battery special training 01” to “battery special training 06” are performed. Either event can occur.

  Similarly, when there are a plurality of first characters set as event decks, the higher the rarity of some or all of the plurality of first characters, the more events that may occur depending on their combination. The number may be larger.

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment, as the rarity of the first character set for event generation is higher, the variation of the event that occurs during the game is increased, and the game characteristics are enhanced. Then, the user can be motivated to obtain a character with a higher degree of rarity.

  Incidentally, it is preferable that the event that occurs in accordance with the combination of the plurality of first characters is an event based on the relationship between the plurality of first characters. Here, as the relationship between the plurality of first characters, for example, various relationships depending on the content of the game, such as rivals, best friends, parents and children, and lovers, can be applied. For example, assume that character A and character B are in a rivalry relationship. When the character A and the character B are set as the event deck, a confrontation event is generated as an event corresponding to a combination of the two characters based on a relationship (rival) between the two characters. In this case, the protagonist character may participate in the event by watching over or supporting the confrontation event.

  As described above, since the event having the content based on the relationship between the plurality of first characters set for the event occurrence occurs, the user wants to generate the event having the specific content such as the confrontation event. It is only necessary to select a plurality of characters to be incorporated in the event deck while considering the relationship. With this configuration, the game performance is further improved.

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

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

  (A) Information indicating a relationship between an effect such as parameter improvement caused by an event and a first character or a combination of a plurality of the first characters for generating the event is notified (presented) to a user in advance. . For example, when the parameters of the protagonist character fluctuate as an effect of the event, the user is notified in advance of information on the first character or a combination of the first characters necessary for improving the parameter. In the case of a baseball game, for example, information indicating that any one of the characters P, Q, R,... Display on the screen to notify the user. The information to be informed may be hint information that can be a clue to the information indicating the relationship. For example, it may be a notification that "If the character P is set, the hitting power may be enhanced in the event."

  (B) Information indicating the relationship between the type or content of the event and the first character or a combination of a plurality of the first characters for generating the event (including the hint-like information) is provided to the user in advance. To inform. Here, examples of the type or content of the event include a special training event, a confrontation event, a travel event, a meal event, and the like. These are examples, and the type or content of the event varies depending on the game content. For example, information indicating that "to generate a confrontation event, a character X (which is a rival to the main character) may be set" is displayed on the screen to notify the user. After the confrontation event, as described above, a predetermined effect (for example, a parameter of the main character is improved or a special ability is acquired) may be generated. Also, the effect may be notified together.

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

  In both cases (A) and (B), the user may be presented with detailed table information or the like indicating all relationships, or may be presented with only a part of the table at random and presented to the user. May be of interest. When this information is presented, the user is motivated to try to generate the desired event (and thereby generate the desired effect) and to obtain the necessary characters for it.

  In both cases (A) and (B), only the information on the character owned by the user may be extracted and presented to the user as the information indicating the relationship. In this case, it is possible to motivate the user (especially a novice user who does not know much about what kind of event will occur if his / her own character is set for event generation) to actively enjoy the game. .

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

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

  Thereafter, the game device 3 executes an event deck setting process (S2). In step S2, the game device 3 causes the display unit 35 to display an event deck setting screen illustrated in FIG. On this event deck setting screen, the user can select an arbitrary character from the characters owned by the user and can organize the event deck. The game device 3 sets at least one character selected by the user as a first character for event occurrence. Thereby, for example, the event deck setting information shown in FIG. 12 is stored in the storage device (the RAM 33, the auxiliary storage device 39, and the like).

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

  After the event deck is set as described above, the event deck setting information is stored in a non-volatile storage device (such as the auxiliary storage device 39), and thereafter, until the user changes the character organization of the event deck. Alternatively, the event deck setting information may be held. In this case, the user does not need to perform the event deck setting operation from the beginning each time the scenario is started, and the previous event deck setting is inherited.

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

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

  After the start of the scenario (S3), the user selects, for example, one of the commands of "practice", "rest", and "going out" (S4), and advances the scenario. For example, the command of "practice" includes various selectable sub-commands such as a hitting practice, a base practice, a defense practice, and a strength training. For example, if the command of the hitting practice is selected, the player practices with the player A on the event deck, and if the command of the base practice is selected, the player practices with the player B of the event deck. Practice different people.

  After the user selects the command, the game device 3 executes an event lottery process (S5). For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the occurrence probability of an event related to the first character incorporated in the event deck may fluctuate according to the degree of relationship between the main character and the first character. If there is a winning event here (YES in S6), the game device 3 generates the event (S7). If at least one first character is incorporated in the event deck, an event related to the first character may occur. If a plurality of first characters are incorporated in the event deck, the variation of the combination of the plurality of first characters increases, and the possibility of occurrence of an event increases.

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

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

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the scenario has been completed (S12). If the scenario has not ended (NO in S12), the process returns to step S4, and steps S4 to S12 are repeated until the scenario ends. With the end of the scenario, the training of the main character is completed.

As described above, in the game device 3 according to the present embodiment, the first character or a combination of a plurality of first characters that can be arbitrarily set by the user allows a wide variety of events to occur during the game. As a result, it is possible to realize a highly entertaining game in which the range of the game is expanded and the user can play the game continuously without getting tired.
[Other configuration examples of the game management device]

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the game management device is configured as the game device 3 has been described. Hereinafter, an example in which the game management device is configured as the game server 201 will be described. Further, an example will be described in which the game management device is configured by a plurality of computers (servers, terminal devices) that communicate with each other. Note that the same components as those shown in the above-described drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  FIG. 23 shows a configuration example of a game system in which the game management device according to one embodiment of the present invention is incorporated. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system includes a game server 201 installed on a network 4 such as the Internet, and a terminal device 203 of each user who can communicably connect to the game server 201 via the network 4. Is done.

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

  The game server 201 receives access from the terminal device 203 of each user who receives the game service via the network 4, stores and manages game information of each user in a database (storage device), and provides each user with the network 4. To provide game services through.

  As a mode of providing a game service by the game server 201, a game program (application software) is mounted on the game server 201, and instead of executing the game on the terminal device 203, a game operation on the terminal device 203 is performed. There is a form in which a game is executed in the game server 201 in response to an input, and the execution result is transmitted to the terminal device 203 of each user. For example, the game server 201 provides a so-called browser game in which a game can be played by a web browser mounted on the terminal device 203 of each user. Alternatively, the game server 201 provides a so-called cloud gaming service in which a game image resulting from the execution of the game by the game server 201 is transmitted to the terminal device 203 in, for example, a streaming format.

  Alternatively, a game system in which a part or the whole of the game execution program is installed on the terminal device 203 side of the user and the terminal device 203 can execute the game execution process can also be provided.

  For example, in a service form that provides a browser game, there is no need to download or install game-specific software on the user's terminal device 203, and if the environment allows the terminal device 203 to be connected to the network 4, the user can easily play the game anywhere. A game service provided from the server 201 can be enjoyed.

  In this game system, the game server 201 executes arithmetic processing and data processing for game progress according to each user's input operation on the terminal device 203. The game server 201 updates the game information of each user in the database based on the execution result of the arithmetic processing and the like, and also displays web page information (game information) for displaying the execution result on the screen of the terminal device 203 of the user. Screen data) is transmitted to the terminal device 203 of each user.

  The terminal device 203 of each user is equipped with a web browser having a website browsing function as a user agent so that the web page information transmitted from the game server 201 can be displayed on the screen of the terminal device 203. Has become. As the terminal device 203, for example, a mobile phone terminal, a PHS terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a PC, a tablet computer, a game device having a communication function (stationary or portable game device) or a two-way Various terminals that can be connected to the game server 201 via the network 4 and provided with a game service, such as a multi-function television receiver (so-called smart TV) having the communication function described above, can be applied.

  The game server 201 and the terminal device 203 can transmit and receive various data by communicating with each other, and are both information processing devices (computers) including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an auxiliary storage device, a communication control unit, and the like. And have a similar hardware configuration. Therefore, in a game system including the game server 201 and the terminal device 203, each of the units 71 to 80 included in the game device 3 described in each of the above-described embodiments is configured such that any one of the game server 201 and the terminal device 203 You only have to have it. That is, each of the units 71 to 80 included in the game apparatus 3 can be provided in the game server 201. Alternatively, each of the units 71 to 80 included in the game device 3 can be provided separately in the game server 201 and the terminal device 203. With these configurations, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  For example, in FIG. 10, the game apparatus 3 includes the setting unit 71 and the event management unit 72. However, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the game server 201 includes the functions of the setting unit 71 and the event management unit 72. Things.

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

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the baseball game has been exemplified. However, the present invention can be applied to a game in which a plurality of characters appear, for example, a soccer game, a fighting game, and the like. Further, an example has been described in which a character such as a player is a character that can be incorporated into the event deck, but the present invention is not limited to this. Various characters can be applied as the character depending on the contents of the game, such as animals (racehorses, etc.), plants, fictitious creatures (monsters, etc.), non-living things (materials, tools, etc.).

  For example, in the case of a cooking game, the characters that can be incorporated into the event deck can be vegetables, fruits, seasonings, and the like that are ingredients for cooking. By incorporating such a character into the event deck, an event relating to the cooking method occurs, and as the event progresses or completes, the hero character masters one recipe (cooking method), and the ability parameter as a cook It can also be applied to games where the game is improved.

  Further, regarding a configuration having a storage control function of storing various information in a storage device, since the storage device itself is not included in the configuration, the storage device can be installed anywhere regardless of inside or outside of a game device, a terminal device, a game server, or a game system. It may be. For example, the storage device may be the RAM 13 or the auxiliary storage device 14 included in the game server 1, the RAM 33 or the auxiliary storage device 39 included in the game device 3, or a file server (on-line storage) configured differently from the game server 1 or the game device 3. It may be.

  The components described in the above embodiments can be combined as appropriate and applied.

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

1 game server 3 game device (game management device)
31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
39 auxiliary storage device 70 scenario progression means 71 setting means 72 event management means 73 relation degree management means 74 probability variation means 75 appearance character management means 76 settable number management means 77 associate management means (relationship management means)
78 permission means 79 parameter changing means 80 notification means 201 game server (game management device)
203 Terminal device (game management device)

Claims (6)

A video game involving an operation on a character to be operated by a user, a game program for causing a computer to implement a function of controlling the progress of the video game in which a plurality of events occur,
A setting function of setting any one or more candidate characters associated with predetermined information and the event information as an event generation character that is not the operation target character ;
When the plurality of event-generating characters are set by the setting function, the predetermined information associated with each of the plurality of event-generating characters satisfies a predetermined criterion. A determination function of determining a probability according to a predetermined criterion as an occurrence probability of an event associated with a combination of the plurality of the event occurrence characters ;
A generating function of generating an event associated with a combination of the plurality of event generating characters at the occurrence probability;
A game program that realizes.   The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined information is information on a relationship between the event occurrence character and another character. In the setting function, a function of setting any of the candidate characters owned by the user as a character for generating an event,
The game program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the game program is realized. In the setting function, a function of setting the candidate character selected by the user via the operation unit as the event generating character;
The game program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which realizes: A video game involving an operation on a character to be operated by a user , wherein a server device connected to a game terminal device that executes a video game in which a plurality of events occur and a communication network controls the progress of the video game. A game program,
A setting function of setting any one or more candidate characters associated with predetermined information and the event information as an event generation character that is not the operation target character ;
When the plurality of event-generating characters are set by the setting function, the predetermined information associated with each of the plurality of event-generating characters satisfies a predetermined criterion. A determination function of determining a probability according to a predetermined criterion as an occurrence probability of an event associated with a combination of the plurality of the event occurrence characters ;
A generating function of generating an event associated with a combination of the plurality of event generating characters at the occurrence probability;
A game program that realizes. A game system including a game terminal device for executing a video game in which a plurality of events occur, wherein the game terminal device performs a video game involving an operation relating to an operation target character by a user , and a server device connected to the game terminal device via a communication network And
Setting means for setting any one or more candidate characters associated with predetermined information and the event information as an event generation character that is not the operation target character ;
When the plurality of event-generating characters are set by the setting means, the predetermined information associated with each of the plurality of event-generating characters satisfies a predetermined criterion. Determining means for determining a probability according to a predetermined criterion as an event occurrence probability associated with a combination of the plurality of event generating characters ;
Generating means for generating an event associated with the combination of the plurality of event generating characters at the occurrence probability;
Game system including.

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