JP6951654B1 - Information processing equipment, information processing methods, and programs - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing device, an information processing method and a program capable of encouraging joint play by a plurality of players in a game in which a role is set for a player. In the present invention, a computer sets a role played by a player during play of a game for each of a plurality of players who jointly play a game, and a first player in which the first role is set is set. , And, when a predetermined condition is satisfied while the second player in which the second role is set jointly plays the game, the computer replaces the role of the first player and the role of the second player with each other. .. [Selection diagram] FIG. 14

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

In a game in which a plurality of players jointly play, a role in the game may be set for each player, and the role of each set player may be changed during the game play (for example, Patent Document 1). reference). Patent Document 1 describes that, for the purpose of improving game playability, the role of each player is changed according to the achievement status of a mission in the game during game play.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-124489

By the way, in the case of joint play of a game, if players with different roles can cooperate with each other, it is expected that joint play can be promoted (activated).

Therefore, in view of the above points, it is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program capable of encouraging joint play by a plurality of players in a game in which a role is set for the player. And.

In the information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention, a role setting unit that sets a role played by a player during game play and a role different from each other are set for each of a plurality of players who jointly play the game. It has a role switching unit that replaces the roles of the first player and the second player when a predetermined condition is satisfied while the first player and the second player jointly play the game. It is characterized by.

According to one aspect of the present invention, in the joint play of a game, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the roles are exchanged between the first player and the second player, so that the players having different roles cooperate (cooperate). Can encourage co-play of the game.

It is a figure which shows an example of the area which can play in a game. This is an example of a play screen displayed when playing a game in the first role. This is an example of a play screen displayed when playing a game in the second role. It is explanatory drawing about the closing operation. It is a figure which shows an example of the change request screen (left figure) and inquiry screen (right figure). It is a figure which shows an example of the return instruction screen. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the information processing system including the information processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the player information. It is a figure which shows the flow of a role setting flow. It is a figure which shows the screen transition before the game play start. It is a figure which shows the flow of the 1st screen display flow. It is a figure which shows the flow of the 2nd screen display flow. It is a figure which shows the flow of the role exchange flow which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flow of the role exchange flow which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the procedure which exchanges a role in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the function of the information processing apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

The information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program of the present invention will be described below with reference to a plurality of suitable embodiments (referred to as the first to fourth embodiments) with reference to the accompanying drawings.
It should be noted that the embodiments described below are merely one of the specific examples given for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention. That is, the present invention may be modified or improved from the embodiments described below without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also, of course, the present invention includes an equivalent thereof.
In addition, the screen example shown by the drawing referred to in the following description is only an example, and the screen configuration example, the content of the displayed information, the GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc. are the content of information processing and the system. It can be freely designed according to the design specifications of the above, the preference of the player, and the like, and can be changed as appropriate.

[About the game that can be played by the present invention]
A game that can be played through the information processing device of the present invention (hereinafter, simply referred to as “game”) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an area that can be played in a game, and shows an overall image of the area in detail. 2 and 3 are examples of game play screens. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a closing operation described later.

The game is content that the player plays while looking at the screen on the operation terminal for game play, and more specifically, is an online game that uses data communication. Online games include browser games that use web browsers, social games provided on SNS (Social Networking Service), games that can be played by downloading dedicated application software such as mobile games, and play-by. Regularly updated online games such as the Web (PBW) are included. The genre (classification) of the game is not particularly limited.

The player selects either a single play mode by one player or a simultaneous play mode (multi-play mode) by a plurality of players to play the game.

The player who has selected the single play mode operates a predetermined in-game character (hereinafter referred to as a field moving character J1) during game play. The field movement character J1 corresponds to the first in-game character, and moves on the field set in the area shown in FIG. 1 based on the player's operation (hereinafter referred to as the movement operation). The game area is an in-game space set for the purpose of clearing, and there are one or two or more in the game. A field is a terrain set for each area, and is a two-dimensionally spread area such as a floor, a ground, or a water surface.

The appearance (display image) of the field moving character J1 can be arbitrarily set according to the content of the game, but in the following description, it is assumed to be humanoid as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Further, the number of field movement characters J1 that can be operated by one player may be one or two or more, but in the following description, it is one.

As shown in FIG. 1, an enemy character E appears in the field, and auxiliary objects H are arranged according to certain rules or irregularly. The enemy character E appears on the field as an appearing character and interferes with the player's play of the game (specifically, an operation such as movement of the field moving character J1). The auxiliary object H is used by the player during game play, and for example, when the field moving character J1 approaches or comes into contact with the auxiliary object H, the effect of the auxiliary object H is given to the player. The effects of the auxiliary object H include, for example, granting benefits or items that can be used in the game, changing parameters such as recovery of physical strength, changing field conditions such as reducing the number of enemy characters E appearing on the field, and so on. This includes the occurrence of predetermined events such as the appearance of boss enemies.

In the single play mode, the player performs a movement operation (corresponding to the first operation) for the field movement character J1 while looking at the field movement character J1 on the game play screen. As shown in FIG. 2, a part of the field, specifically, a certain range including the current position of the field moving character J1 (the area surrounded by the broken line in FIG. 1) is projected on the play screen at this time. It has been.

As an example of the movement operation, as shown in FIG. 2, an operation of dragging the field movement character J1 displayed on the screen to the movement destination (the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 2) while touching the screen can be mentioned. .. The method of performing the movement operation is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method of performing the movement operation through the direction keys of a controller (not shown), a method of voice input, a method of analyzing the brain wave of the player during game play, and the like.

When the field movement character J1 moves on the field in response to the movement operation, the portion of the field displayed on the screen is switched accordingly. The player can grasp the current position (position after movement) of the field movement character J1 through the screen after switching.

The screen shown in FIG. 2 is a screen when a part of the field is viewed from directly above, but the screen is not limited to this. The screen displayed during gameplay may be a screen when a part of the field is viewed from an arbitrary line-of-sight angle (view angle), and the angle may be adjusted according to the player's preference during gameplay. It may be changed arbitrarily.

In the game, parameters are set for the field movement character J1. The parameters are values and statuses that the player monitors (confirms) and manages during game play. For example, values indicating the state (current state) of the field movement character J1 such as physical strength and hunger, attack power, movement speed, and the like. Values, types and attributes, screen display sizes, and other features that indicate the ability of

During game play, the parameters change (update) in conjunction with the progress of the game, specifically the movement and state change of the field moving character J1. For example, when the field moving character J1 moves on the field or receives an action (specifically, an attack, an obstacle, etc.) from an enemy character E on the field, the physical strength, which is one of the parameters, decreases. Then, when the state of the field moving character J1 becomes a state of physical strength 0 (zero) (corresponding to an example of a predetermined state), play cannot be continued, that is, the game is over.

Further, the parameters can be changed by using the auxiliary object H arranged on the field or the input object T described later to be input on the field. For example, the auxiliary object H corresponding to the physical strength recovery item or When the input object T is used, the physical strength of the field moving character J1 can be increased (recovered).
The parameters do not necessarily have to be changed in conjunction with the movement of the field moving character J1 or the like. For example, the parameters may be changed according to the contents of the operation (movement operation or the like) of the player who operates the field moving character J1. good.

When the player achieves the clearing conditions for each area, such as when the field moving character J1 reaches a predetermined position on the field or defeats a predetermined enemy character E appearing on the field, the player sets the area. Can be cleared. Further, the player can move to the next area by clearing one area, and can move the field movement character J1 on the field set in the area after the movement.

Next, the multiplayer mode will be described. In the multiplayer mode, a plurality of players can jointly play the same area at the same timing (that is, at the same time). Here, "joint play" means that players cooperate with each other with the common goal of clearing the area.

Each of the plurality of players performing joint play in the multiplayer mode selects a role before the start of joint play. The role is a role in the game played by each of a plurality of players who perform joint play, and in the present invention, each player has a "first role" and a "second role" before the start of joint play. Select either one. The start of the joint play is before the plurality of players start playing the area in the game, specifically, before the operation on the field moving character J1 and the support character J2 described later is started.

After each player selects a role, the role of each player is set according to the selection result of each player, and the joint play is started. In joint play, each player plays a game in a set role. More specifically, the first role is to operate the above-mentioned field moving character J1 to advance the game. During the joint play, the part corresponding to the current position of the field moving character J1 in the field is projected on the play screen on the player side set to the first role (hereinafter, also referred to as the first screen G1) (see FIG. 2). ). The player set to the first role performs a movement operation as the first operation for the field movement character J1 while looking at the first screen G1.

The second role is a role of assisting (supporting) the player set as the first role during the joint play. Assisting the player set in the first role means playing the game in a different position from the player set in the first role, specifically, the player set in the first role plays the game. It means playing the game in an advantageous way.

Explaining the second role in detail, the player set to the second role supports different from the field moving character J1 while watching the game play screen (hereinafter, also referred to as the second screen G2) during joint play. Operate the character J2. The support character J2 corresponds to the second in-game character and has a flying object such as a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) as a motif. The number of support characters J2 that can be operated by each player set in the second role may be one or two or more, but in the following description, it is one.

During the joint play, on the play screen on the player side set to the second role, that is, the second screen G2, as shown in FIG. 3, a portion corresponding to the position of the support character J2 in the field is projected from a bird's-eye view. The player set to the second role performs an operation on the support character J2 (hereinafter referred to as a flight operation) while looking at the screen. The flight operation corresponds to the second operation.

As an example of the flight operation, as shown in FIG. 3, an operation of dragging the support character J2 displayed on the screen to the moving destination while touching the screen can be mentioned. The method of performing the flight operation is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method of performing the flight operation through the direction keys of a controller (not shown), a method of voice input, a method of analyzing the brain waves of the player during game play, and the like.

The support character J2 moves (flies) in the area where the field moving character J1 exists based on the flight operation. More specifically, the field movement character J1 and the support character J2 exist in different layers in the same area. The hierarchy in which the support character J2 can move is above the hierarchy in which the field movement character J1 can move, and strictly speaking, it is located in the space above the field virtually set in the game (that is, above the field). do. Therefore, the support character J2 can move the entire range in the field, and can freely move in the field even in the range where the field movement character J1 cannot move. For example, the field movement character J1 cannot move in the field in the placement area of obstacles or the like due to the restrictions of obstacles or the like, whereas the support character J2 is not restricted by the above obstacles or the like. ..

Then, when the support character J2 flies over the field in response to the flight operation, the portion of the field projected on the second screen G2 is switched accordingly. As a result, the player set to the second role can grasp the current position (position after movement) of the support character J2 through the second screen G2 after switching. Further, the player set to the second role can confirm the moving operation of the field moving character J1 while the field moving character J1 is displayed on the second screen G2. As a result, during the joint play, the player set in the second role can watch (watch) the play by the player set in the first role.

The second screen G2 shown in FIG. 3 is a screen when a part of the field is viewed from directly above, but the screen is not limited to this. The second screen G2 may be a screen when a part of the field is viewed from an arbitrary line-of-sight angle (view angle), and the angle is set to the second role of the player during game play. It may be arbitrarily changed according to preference.

In addition, a part of the field may be projected on the second screen G2, or the entire field may be projected. For example, when a player set to the second role performs an operation for enlarged display, a part of the field may be enlarged and displayed on the screen at a magnification corresponding to the operation amount. On the contrary, when the operation for reduced display is performed, a part or all of the field may be reduced and displayed on the screen according to the operation amount.

As described above, the player set to the second role confirms each area of the field through the second screen G2 by performing a flight operation and moving (flying) the support character J2 over the field, for example. , The place where the field moving character J1 exists can be found in the field.

On the other hand, the support character J2 cannot attack the enemy character E on the field, and is not affected by the action (specifically, attack, obstruction, etc.) from the enemy character E. Further, the support character J2 cannot use the auxiliary object H and the input object T. That is, the player set to the second role cannot enjoy the effect brought about by the auxiliary object H and the input object T. Instead, the player set in the second role throws the input object T onto the field as a support material for the player set in the first role during the joint play (hereinafter referred to as an input operation). )It can be performed.

The closing operation is performed through the second screen G2 as shown in FIG. Specifically, the player set to the second role selects one of the objects possessed in the game, and as shown in the left figure of FIG. 4, the object selection button displayed on the screen. Click the button that corresponds to the selected object type. After that, the player set to the second role specifies the placement position of the input object T on the field. By performing the throwing operation in such a procedure, the throwing object T is thrown onto the field from the support character J2 as shown in the right figure of FIG. As described above, the input object T is used by the player set in the first role, and is used when the field moving character J1 operated by the player approaches the input object T.
The object to be used as the input object T and the placement position of the input object T are not limited to the case where they are determined based on the intention of the player set in the second role, and are automatically determined, for example, by a lottery or the like. May be good.

In addition, the player set to the second role can purchase an object that can be used as the input object T at a shop or the like in the game during game play, and the purchased object is placed on the field as the input object T. Can be thrown in. The purchase of an object is performed by using the currency (in-game currency) possessed by the player in the game, that is, by consuming the in-game currency.
The object that can be used as the input object T may be acquired by a method other than purchase, and may be acquired by playing, for example, a lottery event held in the game.

In the joint play, when the player set to the first role uses the input object T, the effect corresponding to the input object T is given to the player. The effect according to the input object T changes according to the type of the input object T, and the content of the effect (that is, the type of the object) can be arbitrarily determined according to the content of the game.
In addition to assisting the player set in the first role, the input object T may include an object that interferes with the play of the player set in the first role.

As described above, when performing joint play in the multiplayer mode, each of the plurality of players plays the game in either the first role or the second role, and the in-game character corresponding to the role, that is, , Field movement character J1 or support character J2 is operated.

Further, in the multiplayer mode, a plurality of players can select the first role and play the game. In this case, a field moving character J1 exists on the field for each player set in the first role, and each player set in the first role operates his / her own field moving character J1. At this time, a plurality of players set in the first role may cooperate to clear the same area, the players may compete with each other in the same area, or they may be divided into a plurality of teams. Teams may play against each other in the same area.

Further, in the multiplayer mode, when a plurality of players select the first role and one or more players select the second role, the player set to the second role during game play is the first. Of the plurality of players set in the role of, the designated player is targeted for assistance, and joint play is performed with the player to be assisted. The player to be assisted may be designated before the start of the joint play, or may be designated during the joint play. Further, the player to be assisted may be randomly determined from a plurality of players set in the first role, or may be determined by lottery or the like, regardless of the intention of the players participating in the second role. ..

Further, in the multiplayer mode, the minimum required number of players (lower limit number) to play the game in the first role is determined, and only when the number of players who have selected the first role is equal to or greater than the lower limit number. You can start co-play.
On the other hand, regarding the number of players who play the game in the second role, the second role is selected as long as the number of players who have selected the first role is equal to or greater than the lower limit. Even if the number of players is arbitrary, for example, 0, the joint play can be started. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the minimum required number of players (lower limit number) may be determined for the number of players who play the game in the second role.
The maximum number of players (upper limit number) that can be played simultaneously in one joint play for each of the first role and the second role is not particularly limited, but is set to, for example, the number of players based on the game specifications. May be done.

[About the first embodiment]
In the present invention, when a predetermined condition (hereinafter referred to as “replacement condition”) is satisfied during joint play, the roles can be exchanged between the player set in the first role and the player set in the second role. ..
Hereinafter, the exchange of roles between players according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In the following, among a plurality of players who perform joint play, a player set to either the first role or the second role is referred to as a first player, and a player whose role is different from that of the first player is referred to as a first player. It will be called the second player.

The first player and the second player perform joint play in different roles, but in the following description, the role of the first player is set to the first role (operation of the field moving character J1), and the second player Is assumed to be the case where the role of is set to the second role (operation of the support character J2).
However, the contents described below can be applied to the case opposite to the above, that is, when the role of the first player is set to the second role and the second player is set to the first role.

From the start of the joint play of the game until the replacement condition is satisfied, the first player performs a movement operation on the field moving character J1, and the second player performs a flight operation on the support character J2. Further, if the exchange condition is satisfied during the joint play, the roles can be exchanged between one first player and one second player.

In the first embodiment, it is possible to switch between players triggered by a change request of one player. Specifically, each player performing joint play can perform a change request operation during game play. The change request operation is performed through the change request screen shown on the left side of FIG. On the change request screen, a player who plays jointly in a role different from his / her own is displayed as a candidate for a role replacement partner. The player who performs the change request operation specifies one of the candidate players displayed on the change request screen through the change request screen. For example, when the player set in the first role performs the change request operation, one player is designated from the players set in the second role.

When one first player performs a change request operation, if a player having a different role from the first player (that is, a player set to the second role) has not performed the change request operation at that time, the first player has performed the change request operation. From the two players, one second player is selected based on the designated result of the first player. Here, selecting the second player based on the designated result of the first player in the change request operation corresponds to selecting the second player according to a predetermined criterion.

On the other hand, when the selected second player permits the role change requested by the first player, the selected second player performs an consent operation for the role. The consent operation is performed through the inquiry screen shown on the right side of FIG. 5, and specifically, the operation of clicking the consent button (the button labeled “Yes”) on the screen corresponds to the operation. On the contrary, when the elected second player refuses the role change, he / she clicks the refusal button (the button labeled “No”) on the screen.

Then, when the change request operation is received from one first player and the consent operation is received from the second player designated by the first player, the replacement condition is satisfied, and when the condition is satisfied, the above-mentioned first The roles are swapped between the player and the second player. Due to the replacement of roles, in the subsequent joint play, the first player who performed the change request operation will play in the second role and perform the flight operation for the support character J2, and the second player who has performed the consent operation. Will play in the first role to perform a move operation on the field move character J1. That is, by switching the roles, the field movement character J1 that has been operated by the first player until then is operated by the second player, and the support character J2 that has been operated by the second player until then is the first player. Will be operated by.

As described above, the roles can be exchanged between the players (first player and second player) set to different roles, triggered by the establishment of the exchange condition. As a result, in a situation where the first player and the second player cooperate (cooperate) during game play, and for example, the movement operation for the field movement character J1 becomes difficult for the first player, the above movement operation is replaced by the second player. Can be done. As a result, the joint play of the game can be promoted, which can lead to the activation of the game (specifically, the increase in the number of players of the game).

In the above case, the first player performs the change request operation, and the second player designated by the change request operation performs the consent operation, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the second player may perform the change request operation, and the first player designated by the second player may perform the consent operation at the time of the change request operation. In this case, it is preferable that the replacement condition is satisfied by accepting operations from both players, and the roles are switched between the first player and the second player as the condition is satisfied.

Further, in the above case, one player whose role is exchanged with the first player from among the players having different roles from the first player (that is, the second player) based on the designated result of the first player. The second player has been elected, but is not limited to this. Other criteria for selecting a second player (corresponding to a predetermined criterion) include, for example, one second player designated by the first player before the start of joint play (for example, a second player designated as an auxiliary target). 2 players) may be registered in advance, and such a second player may be selected as a replacement partner of roles. In addition, one second player randomly or by lottery or the like may be selected as a role replacement partner.

Further, in the first embodiment, when the return condition is satisfied after the roles are exchanged between the first player and the second player, the roles of the first player and the second player are returned to the roles before the exchange ( You can return to the original role). The return condition includes, for example, that the first player or the second player performs a return operation after the roles are switched, and the return operation is accepted. The return operation is performed through the return instruction screen shown in FIG. 6, and specifically, the operation of clicking the return instruction button (button labeled “Yes”) on the screen corresponds to the operation.

As another example of the return condition, a certain time elapses after the roles of the first player and the roles of the second player are exchanged, or the first player and the second player are playing at the time of the exchange of roles. Clearing the area etc. can be mentioned.

Further, in the first embodiment, while the roles of the first player and the roles of the second player are exchanged (while the roles are changed from the original roles), after the replacement of the first player and the second player, respectively. The exchange of roles with the roles of other players is restricted. The other players are players who perform joint play with the first player and the second player whose roles have been exchanged, that is, the first player and the second player whose roles have not been exchanged yet.

[About the information processing device of the first embodiment and the operation terminal of each player]
Next, the information processing device and the operation terminal of each player according to the first embodiment will be described. In the following, it is assumed that four players A to D jointly play the same area in the multiplayer mode. Of these, players A and C are set to the first role at the start of the joint play, and players B and D are set to the second role at the start of the joint play.
The contents described below can be applied omnipresently to the cases where the first player and the second player perform joint play, including the above case.

Each player possesses operation terminals 11 to 14 for games. Each of the operation terminals 11 to 14 is a client terminal, and specifically, is composed of a personal computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a game machine, a television receiver capable of inputting information, a wearable terminal, and the like. As shown in FIG. 7, the operating terminals 11 to 14 are communicably connected to the server 10 via the communication network 15. The communication network 15 is, for example, a communication network composed of the Internet or a mobile communication network, and may include a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an intranet, an Ethernet (registered trademark), and the like. ..

The server 10 is an example of the "information processing device" of the present invention, and is a computer that executes various information processing related to the game progress, such as generation and transmission / reception of data necessary for the game progress, and more specifically, for example, an SNS server. Is. The server 10 may be composed of one computer or a plurality of computers distributed in parallel. Further, the server 10 may be a server computer for ASP (Application Service Provider), SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service) or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service). In this case, since the server 10 executes a series of information steps related to the progress of the game (however, the input and display of the information are excluded), the operation terminals 11 to 14 of each player input the information to be handed over to the server 10. And the information distributed from the server 10 may be output.

As a hardware device, the server 10 has a processor 21, a memory 22, a communication interface 23, and a storage 24 as hardware devices, and these are electrically connected via a bus 25. The processor 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application). It is preferable that it is composed of a Specific Integrated Circuit) or the like.

The memory 22 may be composed of a semiconductor memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory).
The communication interface 23 may be composed of, for example, a network interface card, a communication interface board, or the like. The standard of data communication by the communication interface 23 is not particularly limited, and communication by wireless LAN based on Wi-fi (registered trademark), communication by mobile communication system of 3G to 5G or later generation, or communication by mobile communication system of 3G to 5G or later generation, or Communication based on LTE (Long Term Evolution) and the like can be mentioned.

The storage 24 includes a flash memory, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an FD (Flexible Disc), an MO disc (Magneto-Optical disc), a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and an SD. It may be composed of a card (Secure Digital card), a USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), or the like. Further, the storage 24 may be built in the server 10 or may be attached to the server main body in an external form. Further, the storage 24 may be configured by an external computer (for example, a database server) or the like that is communicably connected to the server body. As a technique for recording various data, a distributed ledger technique such as a blockchain may be used for the purpose of avoiding unauthorized data tampering.

Further, as software, a program for an operating system (OS) and an information processing program for game progress are installed on the server 10. These programs correspond to the "programs" of the present invention and are programs that control the server 10 which is a computer. That is, when the program is executed by the processor 21, the server 10 functions as the information processing device of the present invention.

The program may be acquired by reading from a computer-readable recording medium (media), or may be acquired (downloaded) via a network such as the Internet or an intranet.

The server 10 advances the game by executing the above program during game play. Specifically, the server 10 receives operations for progressing the game from each of the players A to D, and executes a series of processes for advancing the game. For example, the server 10 executes a process of setting a role for each of the players A to D before the start of the joint play. Further, during joint play, the server 10 generates display data of the game play screen and transmits it to the operation terminals 11 to 14 of each player, and an in-game character such as the physical strength of the field moving character J1. Executes a process of changing the state of the game according to the progress of the game.

Further, when the replacement condition is satisfied during the joint play, the server 10 executes a process of switching roles between the first player and the second player. Further, the server 10 executes a process of returning (returning) the role after the replacement to the role before the replacement when the return condition is satisfied after the replacement condition is satisfied during the joint play.

Explaining the configuration of the server 10 again from the configuration side, as shown in FIG. 8, the server 10 includes an operation reception unit 31, a role setting unit 32, a game progress unit 33, a display control unit 34, and a storage unit 35. And a role switching unit 36. Of these functional units, the storage unit 35 is realized by the memory 22 or the storage 24, and the other functional units are a combination of various hardware devices constituting the server 10 and a program installed on the server 10. It is realized by working. Hereinafter, each functional unit will be described in detail.

(Operation reception department)
The operation reception unit 31 accepts an operation performed by the player through the operation terminals 11 to 14 for game play, and specifically acquires data indicating the operation content from the operation terminals 11 to 14 via the communication network 15. When the multi-play mode is selected, the operation receiving unit 31 accepts the operation for each player.

When the joint play is performed in the multi-play mode, the operation reception unit 31 receives a role selection operation from each player before the start of the joint play. Further, from the start of the joint play until the roles are switched between the players A and B, the operation reception unit 31 accepts the movement operation from the player A to the field movement character J1 and flies from the player B to the support character J2. Accept operations. Further, when the player B performs a throwing operation of the throwing object T, a purchasing operation of an object that can be used as the throwing object T, or the like during the joint play, the operation receiving unit 31 accepts these operations.

Further, when one first player performs a role change request operation and one second player performs a role change consent operation during joint play, the operation reception unit 31 performs the change request operation and consent. Accept each of the operations. For example, when the player A performs the change request operation as the first player and the player B performs the consent operation as the second player, the operation reception unit 31 performs the change request operation from the player A and the consent operation from the player B, respectively. accept.

Further, after the roles are exchanged, the operation reception unit 31 receives an operation according to the changed roles from the player whose roles have been exchanged. For example, when the roles are exchanged between the player A and the player B, the operation reception unit 31 receives a movement operation from the player B to the field movement character J1 and a flight operation from the player A to the support character J2.

Further, when the first player or the second player performs the return operation after the roles are exchanged between the first player and the second player, the operation reception unit 31 accepts the return operation.

(Role setting section)
Before the start of the joint play, the role setting unit 32 sets a role for each of the plurality of players performing the joint play based on the selection operation received from each player by the operation reception unit 31. The role of each player is set to either "first role" or "second role". The types of roles that can be set in the game are not limited to the above two types, and may be three or more types.

(Game progress section)
The game progress unit 33 advances the game according to the operation received from each player during the joint play. For example, when a movement operation is received from a player set in the first role, the game progress unit 33 moves the field movement character J1 corresponding to the player on the field according to the movement operation. At this time, the game progressing unit 33 may change the state of the field in conjunction with the movement of the field moving character J1, and may change the appearance position of the enemy character E on the field, for example.

In addition, the game progress unit 33 changes the state and parameters of the field moving character J1 according to the progress of the game. For example, when the field moving character J1 receives an attack (action) from the enemy character E, the game progressing unit 33 executes a process of reducing the physical strength of the field moving character J1. Further, when the player who operates the field moving character J1 uses the auxiliary object H or the input object T on the field, the game progressing unit 33 exerts an effect according to the object on the player who operates the field moving character J1. For example, when a physical strength recovery type object is used, the physical strength of the field moving character J1 is recovered.

In addition, when a flight operation is received from a player set to the second role during joint play, the game progress unit 33 flies the support character J2 corresponding to the player over the field according to the flight operation ( Move).

(Display control unit)
The display control unit 34 controls the operation terminals 11 to 14 of each player to display the play screen during the joint play. Specifically, the display data of the play screen is generated for each player, and the operation terminals 11 to 11 of each player are generated. Display data is transmitted toward 14. Specifically, the display data of the first screen G1 that projects the portion corresponding to the current position of the field moving character J1 in the field is transmitted to the operation terminal of the player set to the first role. The display data of the second screen G2 that displays the portion corresponding to the current position of the support character J2 in the field is transmitted to the operation terminal of the player set to the second role.

Further, when the field movement character J1 moves on the field by accepting the movement operation from the player set in the first role, the display control unit 34 generates and transmits the display data of the first screen G1 after the movement. do. On the first screen G1 displayed based on the display data, a portion of the field corresponding to the position of the moved field moving character J1 is projected. As a result, when the field moving character J1 moves, the portion of the field reflected on the first screen G1 is switched at any time in conjunction with the movement.

Similarly, when the support character J2 flies over the field by accepting a flight operation from the player set in the second role, the display control unit 34 generates the display data of the second screen G2 after the movement. Send. On the second screen G2 displayed based on this display data, a portion in the field corresponding to the position of the supported character J2 after movement is projected. As a result, when the support character J2 flies, the portion reflected on the second screen G2 in the field is switched at any time in conjunction with the flight.

(Memory)
The storage unit 35 stores various information necessary for the progress of the game. The information stored in the storage unit 35 includes area information and player information.

The area information is information about each of the plurality of areas, and is stored in the storage unit 35 for each area. The area information includes the identification number of each area, the information about the fields in the area, the clearing condition of the area, and the like. The information about the field includes the terrain of the field, the type and placement position of the auxiliary object H placed on the field, the type and appearance position of the enemy character E appearing on the field, and the like.

The player information is information about each of a plurality of players performing joint play, and is stored in the storage unit 35 for each player. As shown in FIG. 9, the player information includes the name of each player, the identification ID, the area being played, the type and number of possessed objects (possessed items), the type and number of possessed currencies in the game, and the currently set. Includes roles, etc.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the player information of the player set in the first role includes information about the field moving character J1 to be operated, for example, the current state and parameters of the field moving character J1, and the player information on the field. The current position etc. are further included. The player information of the player set in the second role includes information about the support character J2 to be operated, for example, the current position of the support character J2 in the area, the type and the input position of the input object T input from the support character J2, and so on. In addition, information (for example, name or identification ID) about the player designated as the auxiliary target is further included.
The player information is not limited to the information shown in FIG. 9, and may further include information other than the information shown in FIG.

(Role replacement department)
If the replacement condition is satisfied while the joint play is being performed, the role replacement unit 36 replaces the roles of the first player and the roles of the second player with each other. In the first embodiment, the role switching unit 36 switches the roles between the first player who performed the change request operation during the joint play and the second player who performed the consent operation during the joint play.

Here, it is assumed that among the players A to D performing the joint play, a scene in which the change request operation is received from the player A during the joint play is assumed. Further, in the change request operation, it is assumed that the player A designates the player B as the second player to be the exchange partner of the roles. In this case, if the change request operation is not received from the players B and D whose roles are different from those of the player A when the change request operation is received from the player A, the role switching unit 36 can switch the role with the player A. Player B is elected as the second player.

Then, when the consent operation is received from the player B, the role switching unit 36 switches the roles between the player A, which is the first player, and the player B, which is the second player designated by the player A. In this case, players C and D correspond to "other players".

Further, in the first embodiment, when the return condition is satisfied after the role of the player A and the role of the player B are exchanged, for example, when the return operation is received from the player A or the player B, the role exchange unit 36 uses the player. The roles of A and B are returned to the roles before the replacement.

Further, in the first embodiment, when the role switching unit 36 swaps the roles of the player A and the role of the player B, the player A, while the joint play performed at the time of the role swapping continues, The replacement of the roles of B after each replacement with the roles of players C and D (other players) is restricted.

[About the information processing method according to the first embodiment]
Next, as an example of the information processing method of the present invention, the information processing flow for game progress executed by the computer constituting the information processing apparatus of the first embodiment, that is, the server 10 will be described. The information processing flow described below is merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the step execution order may be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. ..

In the following, among the information processing flows for game progress, the flow related to role setting (hereinafter referred to as role setting flow), the flow related to the display of the play screen (hereinafter referred to as screen display flow), and the flow related to role replacement (hereinafter referred to as role replacement flow). The role replacement flow) will be mainly described.

(Role setting flow)
The role setting flow proceeds according to the flow shown in FIG. In the role setting flow, first, the server 10 starts from accepting a mode selection operation from the player (S001). Specifically, when the player logs in to the game on the operation terminal, the play mode selection screen shown on the left side of FIG. 11 is displayed on the operation terminal. The player selects either the single play mode or the multi-play mode, and touches one of the two mode selection buttons displayed on the screen. The selection result of the player is converted into data by the operation terminal of the player and transmitted to the server 10. As a result, the server 10 receives the mode selection operation from the player.

When the server 10 receives a mode selection operation from a player who has selected the multiplayer mode, the server 10 identifies the player and determines whether or not there are a plurality of players who have selected the multiplayer mode within a certain period of time (S002). Then, when a certain period of time elapses, the number of people (number of players) who play the game in the multiplayer mode is determined. In the following, it is assumed that four players A to D play a game in the multiplayer mode.

The server 10 receives a role selection operation from each of the players A to D (S003). Specifically, the server 10 causes each of the operation terminals of the players A to D to display the role selection screen shown in the right figure of FIG. Each of the players A to D selects either the first role or the second role, and one of the two role selection buttons displayed on the role selection screen corresponds to the selected role. Touch. In the screen example shown in FIG. 10, the button described as "field move" corresponds to the first role, and the button described as "support" corresponds to the second role.

The selection result of each player is converted into data by the operation terminal of each player and transmitted to the server 10. As a result, the server 10 receives the role selection operation from each player. Then, after receiving the role selection operation from all the players A to D (S004), the server 10 sets each role of the players A to D based on the role selection operation received for each player (S005). ..

When the role setting of each player is completed, the game play in the multi-play mode, that is, the joint play can be started. The minimum required number of players (lower limit number) may be set for the player who plays in the first role in the multiplayer mode. In that case, the player waits until the number of players who select the first role exceeds the lower limit, and when the number of players who select the first role exceeds the lower limit, joint play can be started.

Further, after the start of the joint play, a new player may be able to participate in the ongoing (in-play) joint play in the middle. Alternatively, mid-career participation of new players may be restricted (or not allowed) from the start to the end of joint play.

(Screen display flow)
The screen display flow is a screen display flow for the player set in the first role (hereinafter referred to as the first screen display flow) and a screen display flow for the player set in the second role (hereinafter referred to as the second screen display). Includes flow).

The first screen display flow proceeds according to the flow shown in FIG. 12, and is executed via data communication between the server 10 and the operation terminal of the player set in the first role. Here, the first screen display flow executed between the server 10 and the operation terminal 11 of the player A will be described with the player A as a representative of the player set in the first role.

In the first screen display flow, the server 10 first generates the display data of the first screen G1 and transmits it to the operation terminal 11 of the player A (S011). As a result, the operation terminal 11 displays the first screen G1 in which the field movement character J1 operated by the player A and a part of the field are displayed (S012). The first screen G1 displayed at the start of joint play shows a portion of the field corresponding to the initial position (start position) of the field moving character J1.

During the joint play, the player A performs a movement operation for the field moving character J1 at any time while looking at the first screen G1 (S013). The server 10 receives a movement operation from the player A through communication with the operation terminal 11 (S014), and moves the field movement character J1 on the field according to the received movement operation (S015). After that, the server 10 generates and operates the display data of the first screen G1 (hereinafter, referred to as "the first screen G1 after the movement") showing the portion of the field corresponding to the position of the field movement character J1 after the movement. It is transmitted to the terminal 11 (S016). As a result, the first screen G1 after the movement is displayed on the operation terminal 11 (S017).

After that, each time the player A performs a movement operation, steps S014 to S017 are repeatedly executed, whereby the first screen G1 displayed on the operation terminal 11 is updated at any time. Then, the first screen display flow is continued while the joint play is performed, and ends at the end of the game (S018). The end of the game means that the end condition of the joint play is satisfied. For example, when the predetermined area is cleared, the preset joint play time (time limit) has elapsed, or the player A interrupts the joint play. For example, when (retired).

Although not particularly shown, the server 10 appropriately changes the state and parameters of the field moving character J1 according to the progress of the game during the joint play, and the user of the player A stored in the storage unit 35 accordingly. Update the information.

The second screen display flow proceeds according to the flow shown in FIG. 13, and is executed via data communication between the server 10 and the operation terminal of the player set in the second role. Here, the second screen display flow executed between the server 10 and the operation terminal 12 of the player B will be described with the player B as a representative of the player set to the second role.

In the second screen display flow, the server 10 first generates the display data of the second screen G2 and transmits it to the operation terminal 12 of the player B (S021). As a result, the operation terminal 12 displays the second screen G2 in which the support character J2 operated by the player B and a part of the field are displayed (S022). The second screen G2 displayed at the start of joint play shows a portion of the field corresponding to the initial position (start position) of the support character J2.

During the joint play, the player B performs a flight operation on the support character J2 at any time while looking at the second screen G2 (S023). The server 10 receives a flight operation from the player B through communication with the operation terminal 12 (S024), and moves the support character J2 over the field according to the received flight operation (S025). After that, the server 10 generates display data of the second screen G2 (hereinafter, referred to as "second screen G2 after movement") showing a portion of the field corresponding to the position of the support character J2 after movement, and is an operation terminal. It is transmitted toward 12 (S026). As a result, the second screen G2 after the movement is displayed on the operation terminal 12 (S027).

After that, each time the player B performs a flight operation, steps S024 to S027 are repeatedly executed, whereby the second screen G2 displayed on the operation terminal 12 is updated at any time. Then, the second screen display flow is continued while the joint play is performed, and ends at the end of the game (S028).

Although not shown in particular, when the player B performs a throwing operation of throwing the throwing object T onto the field during joint play, the server 10 accepts the throwing operation from the player B and puts the throwing object T on the field. Perform the process of inputting (arranging). Along with this, the server 10 generates the display data of the first screen G1 and the second screen G2 when the input object T is arranged on the field, and directs the generated display data to the operation terminals 11 and 12. Send. As a result, the field in which the input object T is input is projected on the first screen G1 and the second screen G2.

(Role change flow)
The role replacement flow proceeds according to the flow shown in FIG. The role switching flow begins with the first player performing a change request operation (S031). Here, it is assumed that the player A corresponds to the first player, and the player A performs a change request operation and designates the player B as the second player to be the partner player whose role is to be replaced. The specified result is converted into data by the operation terminal 11 of the player A and transmitted to the server 10. As a result, the server 10 receives the change request operation from the player A (S032).

When the server 10 receives the change request operation from the player A, the server 10 determines at that time whether or not the player whose role is different from that of the player A, that is, the second player, has not received the change request operation (S033). When the change request operation is not accepted from the second player, the server 10 selects the player B specified in the change request operation of the player A as the second player whose role is exchanged with that of the player A (S034).

An inquiry screen (right figure in FIG. 5) is displayed on the operation terminal 12 of the selected player B, and the player B selects and accepts the role change requested by the player A. The consent operation is performed, specifically, the operation of clicking the consent button on the screen is performed. When the player B performs the consent operation for the role change (S035), the server 10 accepts the consent operation from the player B (S036). When the server 10 accepts the change request operation from the player A and the consent operation from the player B designated by the player A as described above, the exchange condition is satisfied for the player A and the player B.

Then, when the replacement condition is satisfied, the server 10 switches the roles between the player A and the player B (S037). By switching the roles, in the subsequent joint play, the player B will operate the field moving character J1 which has been operated by the player A until then. Further, the player A now operates the support character J2, which has been operated by the player B until then.
In other words, in the joint play after the roles are switched, the server 10 displays the first screen G1 on the operation terminal 12 of the player B, and accepts the movement operation from the player B to the field movement character J1. On the other hand, the server 10 causes the operation terminal 11 of the player A to display the second screen G2, and receives the flight operation from the player A to the support character J2. Further, by switching the roles, the player A can perform the input operation of the input object T, and the server 10 can accept from the player A.

If the return condition is satisfied after the roles are replaced during the joint play (S038), the server 10 returns the roles of the player A and the player B after the replacement to the roles before the replacement (S039). As the return condition, as described above, the return operation is accepted from the first player A or B after the role change, or a certain time elapses after the role change.

Further, when the roles are exchanged between the players A and B during the joint play, the exchange between the roles of the players A and B after the exchange and the roles of the other players C and D is restricted. ..

[About the second embodiment of the present invention]
In the first embodiment, when a change request operation is received from the first player and a consent operation is received from the second player specified in the change request operation, the roles are exchanged between the first player and the second player. And said. That is, in the first embodiment, the change request operation is performed only by one of the two players whose roles are exchanged (the first player), but the change request operation is not limited to this, and other forms can be considered. .. Such an embodiment will be referred to as a second embodiment, and the second embodiment will be described below.

In the following, the points different from the first embodiment of the second embodiment will be mainly described, and the points common to the first embodiment will be omitted. Further, in the following, it is assumed that players A to D perform joint play, player A is set to the first role, and player B is set to the second role.

In the second embodiment, when the change request operation is received from both the first player and the second player, the server 10 switches the roles between the first player and the second player. Specifically, in the role replacement flow according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the player set to the first role performs the change request operation in the same flow as the first embodiment. The server 10 receives a change request operation from the player (S041, S042). Here, it is assumed that the player A performs the change request operation and the server A accepts the change request operation from the player A.

After that, the server 10 waits for the change request operation from the player set in the second role, and when, for example, the player B performs the change request operation (S043), the server 10 accepts the change request operation from the player B (S044). ), Matching players requesting a change of role (that is, players A and B). Then, the server 10 (specifically, the role switching unit 36) switches roles between the matched players A and B as shown in FIG. 15 (S045).

As described above, in the second embodiment, when the change request operation is received from both of the two players set to different roles, the roles are exchanged between the two players. In the second embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, when the return condition is satisfied after the role is replaced in the joint play (S046), the role of the player after the replacement is returned to the role before the replacement. It may be good (S047).

Further, when the roles are exchanged between the players A and B during the joint play, even if the exchange between the roles of the players A and B after the exchange and the roles of the other players C and D is restricted. good.

[About the third embodiment of the present invention]
In the above embodiment, each player can perform a change request operation at an arbitrary timing in the joint play, in other words, the server 10 (specifically, the operation reception unit 31) can perform the change request operation at an arbitrary timing during the joint play. It was decided that the change request operation could be accepted from the first player and / or the second player. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other forms can be considered. Such an embodiment will be referred to as a third embodiment, and the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

In the following, the points different from the first and second embodiments of the third embodiment will be mainly described, and the points common to the first and second embodiments will be omitted. .. Further, in the following description, it is assumed that the player A who is the first player plays the first role and the player B who is the second player plays the joint play in the second role. However, the contents described below can also be applied to the case where the player A plays the second role and the player B plays the joint play in the first role.
16 (a) to 16 (c) show screen transitions on the player A side, and (d) to (f) show screen transitions on the player B side.

In the third embodiment, when the state of the field moving character J1 operated by the first player becomes a predetermined state, for example, a state of 0 physical strength and the play cannot be continued during the joint play, the first The roles can be exchanged between the player and the second player.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, when the physical strength of the field moving character J1 operated by the player A becomes 0 ((a) in FIG. 16), the change request screen is displayed on the operation terminal 11 of the player A. ((B) in FIG. 16). At this timing, the player A can perform the change request operation, and the server 10 (specifically, the operation reception unit 31) can accept the change request operation from the player A. That is, in the third embodiment, the change request operation by the first player can be accepted on condition that the state of the field moving character J1 operated by the first player becomes a predetermined state.

When the player A designates the player B as the opponent for the role change in the change request operation, the inquiry screen is displayed on the operation terminal 12 of the player B who operates the support character J2 in the joint play as shown in FIG. ((D) and (e) of FIG. 16). When the player B permits the role change requested by the player A, the player B performs a consent operation for the role change, and the server 10 (specifically, the operation reception unit 31) accepts the consent operation from the player B. A change request screen may be displayed on the operation terminal 12 of the player B instead of the inquiry screen. In that case, the player B performs the change request operation, and the server 10 performs the change request operation, respectively. The change request operation is accepted from, and both players are matched.

When the change request operation is received from the player A and the consent operation or the change request operation is received from the player B, the server 10 (specifically, the role switching unit 36) switches the roles between the players A and B. As a result, in the subsequent joint play, the player A plays in the second role and performs the flight operation for the support character J2 ((c) in FIG. 16), and the player B becomes the first role. Play and perform a movement operation on the field movement character J1 ((f) in FIG. 16).

Further, when the server 10 (specifically, the game progressing unit 33) restarts the game after the roles are switched, the state of the field moving character J1 that has been in a predetermined state is changed to a state before the predetermined state, for example, physical strength. Returns to the state before it became 0, and then restarts the game. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16 (f), the player B after the roles are switched can operate the field moving character J1 in a state before the physical strength becomes 0 (that is, a state in which the game play can be continued). Will be.

In the third embodiment, the number of times to return to the state before the physical strength becomes 0 at the time of role switching, that is, the number of times to recover the physical strength may be set in advance in association with the field moving character J1. In this case, if the number of times of recovery of physical strength remains at least a predetermined number, the roles can be exchanged, and when the roles are exchanged, the number of times of recovery of physical strength is consumed by a predetermined number (for example, once). That is, when the field moving character J1 operated by the player A has a physical strength of 0, if the number of times the field moving character J1 recovers the physical strength is 1 or more, the roles can be exchanged with the player A. When the roles are switched, the number of times the physical strength is recovered associated with the field movement character J1 of the player A is reduced by one.
On the other hand, for a player whose physical strength recovery count associated with the field moving character J1 is 0, even if the physical strength of the field moving character J1 becomes 0, the replacement of roles is restricted and after the physical strength becomes 0. You will not be able to continue co-playing.

[About the fourth embodiment of the present invention]
In the above embodiment, the first player performs a change request operation, and in the change request operation, the first player designates and designates a player whose role is to be replaced from among the players whose roles are different from those of the player (that is, the second player). It was decided to switch the roles between the second player and the first player. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other forms can be considered. Such an embodiment will be referred to as a fourth embodiment, and the fourth embodiment will be described below.
In the following, the points different from the first to third embodiments of the second embodiment will be mainly described, and the points common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

In the fourth embodiment, in the stage before the start of joint play, each player designates one or a plurality of players other than himself / herself and is associated with the designated player. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the server 10x forming the information processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment further has an association unit 37 in addition to the above-mentioned functions. The association unit 37 associates the first player and the second player in advance before the start of the joint play.

More specifically, in the multiplayer mode, each player can register one player from among the players whose roles are different from his / her own through a predetermined registration screen. This registration operation is accepted by the operation reception unit 31, and may be performed by the first player or may be performed by the second player. The purpose of registration is not particularly limited, and may be registration of friends in the game or registration of subsidies in joint play.

The association unit 37 associates the player who performed the registration operation with the registered player, triggered by the acceptance of the registration operation. That is, the registered player and the registered player are associated with each other, and information related to the association (that is, registered contents) is stored in the storage unit 35 of the server 10.

In the fourth embodiment, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the joint play, the server 10x (specifically, the role switching unit 36) plays a role between the first player and the second player associated by the association unit 37. Replace. For example, in joint play, when the state of the field moving character J1 operated by the first player becomes a predetermined state (specifically, a state in which the physical strength is 0), the second player registered in advance by the first player. The roles are exchanged between the player and the first player.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the roles are exchanged between the players associated with each other. The association between the players may be performed before the start of the game play (specifically, the joint play), or may be performed during the joint play (in-play).

[About other embodiments]
The information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program of the present invention have been described above with reference to some specific embodiments, but the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments are provided. Can also be considered.

In the above embodiment, the servers 10 and 10x as an example of the computer function as the information processing device of the present invention, but some of the functions of the servers 10 and 10x are provided on the operation terminal side of the player. You may. For example, the game progress unit 33 may be provided in the player's operation terminal. In that case, in the joint play, each player's operation terminal receives the game progress data from the servers 10 and 10x, and each player's play. The process of advancing the game is executed according to the operation.

Further, in the above embodiment, the communication method when the operation terminals of the plurality of players performing the joint play communicate with each other is the method via the servers 10 and 10x (client-server method). A P2P (peer-to-peer) method that does not involve 10, 10x may also be used. In that case, the operation terminals of the respective players cooperate to function as the information processing device of the present invention.

[summary]
The present invention is achieved by the configurations shown in the following [1] to [13], and various effects can be obtained by each configuration.

[1] In the information processing device of the present invention, a role setting unit that sets a role played by a player during game play and a role different from each other are set for each of a plurality of players who jointly play the game. It is characterized by having a role switching unit that replaces the roles of the first player and the roles of the second player when a predetermined condition is satisfied while the first player and the second player jointly play the game. And.
According to the above configuration, in the joint play of the game, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the roles of the first player and the second player can be exchanged to promote cooperation between the players. As a result, each of the first player and the second player can play the game in a plurality of roles. As a result, it is possible to provide each player with various ways of enjoying the game (game experience) while maintaining the balance of the plurality of roles in the joint play.

[2] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the role switching unit may switch roles between the first player and the second player designated by the first player.
According to the above configuration, the role of the first player is replaced with the role of the second player designated by the first player. Therefore, in the joint play of the game, the first player and the player who do not want to be replaced It is possible to avoid a situation in which the roles are exchanged with the player.

[3] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the role switching unit is designated by the first player and the first player when the second player designated by the first player accepts the role change operation. The roles may be exchanged between the second player and the player.
According to the above configuration, since the roles are exchanged between the first player and the second player after receiving the consent operation from the second player, the timing at which the agreement of both the first player and the second player is obtained. Then, the roles can be exchanged between both players.

[4] The information processing apparatus of the present invention includes an associating unit that associates the first player with the second player before the start of playing the game, and the role switching unit is associated by the associating unit when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The roles may be exchanged between the first player and the second player.
According to the above configuration, by associating the first player and the second player in advance, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the joint play, a role is played between the first player and the second player associated with each other. Can be replaced smoothly. As a result, the operation required for the replacement can be omitted, and the burden on the player related to the operation can be reduced.

[5] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, when a change request operation is received from the first player and a change request operation is not received from a player having a different role from the first player during joint play of the game, the role switching unit is used. , The roles may be exchanged between the first player and the second player selected according to a predetermined criterion from the players in which the roles different from those of the first player are set.
According to the above configuration, when the change request operation of the first player is accepted, if there is no change request operation from another player (strictly speaking, a player whose role is different from that of the first player), the selection is made according to a predetermined criterion. The roles can be exchanged between the second player and the first player. As a result, it is possible to prevent the roles from being exchanged between the second player and the first player who do not satisfy the predetermined criteria, and thus the roles that are unfavorable for the first player are exchanged.

[6] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, when a change request operation is received during joint play of a game from both a first player and a second player in which different roles are set, the role switching unit is the first. The roles may be exchanged between the player and the second player.
According to the above configuration, when a change request operation is received from both the first player and the second player, the roles can be exchanged, and the roles can be exchanged between the players who wish to exchange the roles.

[7] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the role switching unit is the first player and the first player when the state of the in-game character operated by the first player becomes a predetermined state during the joint play of the game. The roles may be exchanged between the two players.
According to the above configuration, the roles can be exchanged between the first player and the second player when the state of the in-game character becomes a predetermined state. As a result, for example, although the first player who is a beginner of the game (particularly joint play) is challenging a difficult scene during the joint play, the physical strength of the in-game character operated by the first player is an enemy character. It is assumed that the number has decreased significantly due to an attack from E. In such a situation, by allowing the second player, who is an advanced player of the game, to perform the operation of the above-mentioned in-game character on behalf of the first player, it becomes easier for the first player to get through a difficult scene.
In addition, a situation in which a first player, who is an advanced player, is advancing the game in an advantageous manner by operating an in-game character during joint play to acquire a specific item (for example, being attacked by an enemy character E). However, it is assumed that the physical strength does not decrease). In such a situation, by allowing the second player who is a beginner of the game to perform the operation of the above-mentioned in-game character on behalf of the second player, it is possible to let the second player play a scene with a low degree of difficulty.

[8] The information processing device of the present invention may further include a game progressing unit for advancing the game. In this case, when the role switching unit switches roles between the first player and the second player, the game progressing unit returns the state of the in-game character to the state before the predetermined state and restarts the game. You may let me.
According to the above configuration, when the state of the in-game character becomes a predetermined state and the roles are exchanged between the first player and the second player, the in-game character is brought into the predetermined state in the subsequent joint play. The second player can operate the in-game character in the returned state.

[9] The information processing device of the present invention may have an operation reception unit that receives operations of each of a plurality of players. In this case, the operation reception unit receives the first operation performed on the first in-game character by the player for which the first role is set during the joint play of the game, and the second role is set. Accepts a second operation performed by the player on a second in-game character that is different from the first in-game character. Then, after the roles are exchanged between the first player in which the first role is set and the second player in which the second role is set by the role exchange unit, the operation reception unit becomes the first player. It is preferable to accept the second operation by the second player and the first operation by the second player.
According to the above configuration, the first player and the second player whose roles have been exchanged can play the game in the role after the exchange, and specifically, the in-game character corresponding to the role after the exchange. Can be operated.

[10] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, when the return condition is satisfied after the roles of the first player and the roles of the second player are exchanged, the role exchange unit determines the roles of the first player and the roles of the second player. May return to the role before the replacement.
According to the above configuration, the roles of the first player and the second player once replaced can be returned to the roles before the replacement. As a result, each of the first player and the second player can return to the original role after temporarily experiencing the role after the replacement, so that the role switching during the joint play can be easily enjoyed (that is,). You can try switching roles).

[11] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, after the role switching unit replaces the roles of the first player and the roles of the second player with each other, the roles of the first player and the second player are replaced during the joint play of the game. The replacement of the later role with the role of another player may be restricted.
According to the above configuration, the replacement of the roles of the first player and the second player after the replacement with the roles of the other players is restricted, so that it is possible to avoid complicating the role replacement situation. can. For example, if the role of the first player is replaced with the role of the second player and then the role of another player (third player) is further replaced, there will be a plurality of opponents whose roles have been replaced with the first player. This complicates the situation, in which case it becomes difficult, for example, to return the role to the role before the change.

[12] In the information processing method of the present invention, the computer sets a role played by the player during the play of the game for each of a plurality of players who jointly play the game, and the first role is set. When a predetermined condition is satisfied while the first player and the second player to which the second role is set jointly play the game, the computer determines the role of the first player and the role of the second player. Is characterized by exchanging with each other.
According to the above method, cooperation between players is promoted by exchanging roles among players, and each of the first player and the second player can play a game in a plurality of roles during joint play. It becomes. As a result, it is possible to provide each player with various ways of enjoying the game (game experience) while maintaining the balance of the plurality of roles in the joint play.

[13] The program of the present invention causes a computer to set a role played by a player during play of a game for each of a plurality of players who jointly play a game, and a first role is set. When a predetermined condition is satisfied while the player and the second player to which the second role is set jointly play the game, the role of the first player and the role of the second player are mutually assigned to the computer. It is characterized by being replaced.
By letting the computer execute the above program, the roles can be exchanged between the players, thereby promoting the cooperation between the players, and each of the first player and the second player plays the game in a plurality of roles. It becomes possible to do. As a result, it is possible to provide each player with various ways of enjoying the game (game experience) while maintaining the balance of the plurality of roles in the joint play.

10,10x Information processing device 11,12,13,14 Operation terminal 15 Communication network 21 Processor 22 Memory 23 Communication interface 24 Storage 25 Bus 31 Operation reception unit 32 Role setting unit 33 Game progress unit 34 Display control unit 35 Storage unit 36 Role switching part 37 Association part E Enemy character G1 1st screen G2 2nd screen H Auxiliary object J1 Field moving character (in-game character, first in-game character)
J2 support character (second in-game character)
T input object

Claims (13)

A role setting unit that sets a role played by a player during the play of the game for each of a plurality of players who jointly play the game.
When a predetermined condition is satisfied while the first player and the second player having different roles are set to play the game jointly, the role of the first player and the role of the second player are exchanged with each other. and the role the replacement section, a possess,
When the role switching unit receives the consent operation for the role change from the second player designated by the first player, the role switching unit receives the first player, the second player designated by the first player, and the second player. An information processing device that switches roles between. A role setting unit that sets a role played by a player during the play of the game for each of a plurality of players who jointly play the game.
When a predetermined condition is satisfied while the first player and the second player having different roles are set to play the game jointly, the role of the first player and the role of the second player are exchanged with each other. Has a role switching part,
When a change request operation is received from both the first player and the second player in which different roles are set during the joint play of the game, the role switching unit performs the first player and the second player. An information processing device that switches roles between. An association unit for associating the first player with the second player before the start of playing the game is provided.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the role switching unit switches roles between the first player and the second player associated by the associating unit when the predetermined condition is satisfied. .. When the change request operation is received from the first player during the joint play of the game and the change request operation is not received from the player whose role is different from that of the first player, the role switching unit is with the first player. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the roles are exchanged between the second player selected according to a predetermined criterion from the players in which different roles are set and the first player. The role switching unit is used between the first player and the second player when the state of the in-game character operated by the first player becomes a predetermined state during the joint play of the game. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the roles can be exchanged. Further having a game progress section for advancing the game,
When the role switching unit swaps roles between the first player and the second player, the game progressing section returns the state of the in-game character to the state before the predetermined state. The information processing device according to claim 5 , which restarts the game. It has an operation reception unit that receives the operations of each of the plurality of players.
The operation receiving unit receives the first operation performed on the first in-game character by the player to which the first role is set during the joint play of the game, and the player to which the second role is set is received. Accepts a second operation performed on a second in-game character different from the first in-game character.
After the roles are exchanged between the first player in which the first role is set and the second player in which the second role is set by the role exchange unit, the operation reception unit is set. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , which accepts the second operation by the first player and also accepts the first operation by the second player. When the return condition is satisfied after the role of the first player and the role of the second player are exchanged, the role exchange unit changes the role of the first player and the role of the second player to the role before the exchange. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is to be restored. After the role switching unit replaces the roles of the first player and the roles of the second player with each other, during the joint play of the game, the roles of the first player and the second player after the replacement, respectively, The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the exchange with the roles of other players is restricted. The computer sets the role played by the player during the play of the game for each of the plurality of players who jointly play the game.
When a predetermined condition is satisfied while the first player in which the first role is set and the second player in which the second role is set jointly play the game, the computer causes the first player. e interchanged and role of the second player and the role of the player from each other,
When the second player designated by the first player accepts the role change, the computer between the first player and the second player designated by the first player. Information processing method that switches roles. The computer sets the role played by the player during the play of the game for each of the plurality of players who jointly play the game.
When a predetermined condition is satisfied while the first player in which the first role is set and the second player in which the second role is set jointly play the game, the computer causes the first player. The role of the player and the role of the second player are interchanged with each other.
When a change request operation is received during joint play of the game from both the first player and the second player in which different roles are set, the computer is used between the first player and the second player. Information processing method that switches roles. The computer is made to set the role played by the player during the play of the game for each of the plurality of players who jointly play the game.
When a predetermined condition is satisfied while the first player in which the first role is set and the second player in which the second role is set jointly play the game, the first player is notified to the computer. a role of the second player with the role of the player is interchanged,
When the consent operation for the role change is received from the second player designated by the first player, the computer between the first player and the second player designated by the first player. A program that allows you to switch roles. The computer is made to set the role played by the player during the play of the game for each of the plurality of players who jointly play the game.
When a predetermined condition is satisfied while the first player in which the first role is set and the second player in which the second role is set jointly play the game, the first player is notified to the computer. The role of the player and the role of the second player are interchanged with each other.
When a change request operation is received during joint play of the game from both the first player and the second player in which different roles are set, the computer is informed between the first player and the second player. A program that allows you to switch roles.

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