JP6951655B1 - Information processing equipment, information processing methods, and programs - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately set a role in consideration of the number of players for each role in a game in which the roles of a plurality of players are set before the start of joint play. According to the present invention, a computer accepts a selection operation of selecting one of a plurality of types of roles from each of a plurality of players who jointly play a game before the start of the joint play of the game. However, for each of the plurality of players, the role played by the player during the joint play of the game is set based on the operation of the player, and the joint play of the game is started after accepting the selection operation by the target player among the plurality of players. If the target player responds to the role change request, the role of the target player is set to a role different from the type selected by the target player in the selection operation. [Selection diagram] FIG. 11

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 from among a plurality of types of roles (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes that roles of a plurality of players are set according to a predetermined setting procedure before the start of joint play of a game, and players having different roles jointly play a game.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-124489

As in the game described in Patent Document 1, the role of each player is set before the start of joint play, and when players having different roles play the game jointly, the number of players set for each role is the role. May differ between. In that case, if the number of players set for a certain role does not reach the required number of players, the joint play of the game cannot be started, which may hinder the play of the game.

Therefore, in view of the above points, in a game in which the roles of a plurality of players are set before the start of joint play, the present invention can appropriately set the roles in consideration of the number of players for each role and the like. An object of the present invention is to provide various information processing devices, information processing methods and programs.

The information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention has an operation reception unit that receives operations performed by each of a plurality of players who jointly play a game, and a player bears each of the plurality of players during joint play of the game. A role setting unit that sets roles based on operations is provided, and an operation reception unit starts joint play of a game by selecting one of a plurality of types of roles from each of a plurality of players. If the target player responds to the role change request between the time when the operation reception unit receives the selection operation by the target player and the time when the joint play of the game is started among the plurality of players received before, the role setting unit will perform. The role of the target player is set to a role different from the type selected by the target player in the selection operation.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the role selected by the target player in response to the role change request between the time when the plurality of players select the role and the time when the joint play of the game is started is performed. Can be set to a different role. As a result, the role setting of each player in the game is flexible, and the joint play of the game by a plurality of players can be smoothly performed.

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 explanatory drawing about a selection operation. This is an example of an inquiry screen. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the information processing system which includes the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the function of the information processing apparatus which concerns on one 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 the information processing flow which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flow of the role setting process. It is a figure which shows the flow of the 1st screen display processing. It is a figure which shows the flow of the 2nd screen display processing.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program of the present invention will be described 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 operation terminals shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 are operation terminals operated by a player who is viewing the play screens shown in these figures.

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 joint 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 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 FIG. 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 example of the 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 enemy character E is a character different from the field moving character J1 and the support character J2 described later.

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, an effect corresponding to the auxiliary object H is given to the player. The effects according to the auxiliary object H include, for example, changes in field conditions such as granting benefits or items that can be used in the game, changing parameters such as recovery of physical strength, and reducing the number of enemy character E appearing on the field. , And 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, but for example, a method of performing the movement operation through the direction keys of a controller (not shown), a method of voice input, a method of detecting the movement of the player's body such as motion capture, or a game. Examples thereof include a method of analyzing a player's brain wave during play.

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.

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, and are set for each player in the game. In other words, it can be said that the parameter is a parameter related to the player who operates the field moving character J1. The parameters include numerical values and properties related to the field movement character J1, for example, values indicating the state (current state) such as physical strength and hunger, values indicating abilities such as attack power and movement speed, types and attributes, screen display size, and others. Features etc. are included.

During gameplay, the parameters change (update) in conjunction with the progress of the game, specifically the movement and state changes 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 a kind of parameter, 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 player can change the parameters by using the auxiliary object H arranged on the field or the input object T thrown on the field during the game play. For example, when the auxiliary object H or the input object T corresponding to the physical strength recovery item 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 joint play mode will be described. In the joint play mode, a plurality of players can jointly play the same area at the same timing (that is, at the same time). In joint play, in addition to playing in cooperation with each other with the common goal of clearing the area, players compete with each other in the same area, and multiple players are in multiple teams. It is included that teams play against each other in the same area. In the following description, performing joint play is also referred to as "participating in joint play".

The plurality of players participating in the joint play are divided into one player who participates as a host and one or more players who participate as guests. Specifically, in the joint play mode, one player who has selected the joint play mode serves as a host and recruits guests to participate in the joint play. The procedure for the guest to apply for joint play is not particularly limited, but for example, a list of hosts currently recruiting guests may be selectively displayed on the screen of the player who desires joint play. Then, by selecting one host from the displayed list, you may apply for participation in the joint play hosted by that host.

Each of the plurality of players performing the joint play selects a role before the start of the joint play. The role is a role in a game played by each of a plurality of players performing joint play, and in the present invention, each player selects one of a plurality of types of roles before the start of joint play. The plurality of types of roles are, for example, a first role and a second role, and each player selects one of these roles before the start of joint play.
The plurality of types of roles may include roles other than the first role and the second role, that is, the roles that can be selected by each player may be three or more types.

Incidentally, in the present invention, before the start of joint play is before a plurality of players start playing an area in the game, specifically, before actually performing an operation on the field moving character J1 and the support character J2 described later. At the time of the stage.

After that, 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 joint play, the play screen on the player side set to the first role (hereinafter, also referred to as the first screen G1) includes a field moving character J1 and a portion corresponding to the current position of the field moving character J1 in the field. Is projected. 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 operates the support character J2 different from the field movement character J1 during the joint play. The support character J2 corresponds to the second character and has a motif of an air vehicle such as a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). 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 joint play, on the play screen on the player side set to the second role (hereinafter, also referred to as the second screen G2), as shown in FIG. 3, the support character J2 and the position of the support character J2 in the field are displayed. The corresponding part 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 second screen G2. 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, but for example, a method of performing the flight operation through the direction keys of a controller (not shown), a method of voice input, a method of detecting the movement of the player's body such as motion capture, or a game. Examples thereof include a method of analyzing a player's brain wave during play.

The support character J2 moves (flies) in the area where the field moving character J1 exists based on the flight operation. Specifically, the field movement character J1 and the support character J2 exist in different layers in the same area. The layer in which the support character J2 can move is higher than the layer different from the layer in which the field movement character J1 can move.

Strictly speaking, the support character J2 can be moved in a moving space virtually set as a space at a height different from the field in the game, specifically, in the space above (the sky) of the field. As a result, 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. ..
The movement range of the support character J2 is not limited to the space above the field (above), but may be the space below the field (underground, etc.).

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 second screen G2 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 second screen G2 according to the operation amount.

As described above, the player set to the second role performs a flight operation to fly the support character J2 over the field, thereby visually recognizing each area of the field on the second screen G2, and the field moving character. You can see the entire field including the location of J1.

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. Specifically, the player set to the second role selects an object to be input as the input object T from the objects possessed in the game, and as shown in the left figure of FIG. 4, the second screen G2. Among the object selection buttons displayed in, click the button corresponding to the type of the object selected as the input object T. After that, the player set to the second role specifies the placement position of the input object T on the field.
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.

By performing the throwing operation in the above procedure, as shown in the right figure of FIG. 4, the throwing object T is thrown onto the field from the support character J2 operated by the player who performed the throwing operation. As described above, the input object T is used when the field moving character J1 operated by the player set in the first role approaches the input object T. That is, the effect of the input object T is given to the player set in the first role.

The effect of the input object T changes according to the type of the input object, 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 the type that assists the player set in the first role, the type of the input object T may include a type that interferes with the play of the player set in the first role.

Further, the player set in the second role can purchase an object that can be used as the input object T during game play, and can input the purchased object as the input object T on the field.

The object purchase operation is performed, for example, through the second screen G2. Specifically, when the player set in the second role performs a predetermined operation on the second screen G2, a list of objects that can be purchased (not shown) is displayed. The player selects a desired object from the list. By performing the purchase operation in the above procedure, the right to use the purchased object is given to the player who performed the purchase operation, and specifically, the number of times the object is used increases by the number of purchased objects. In addition, payment processing is executed with the purchase of the object. The settlement process is executed according to a known execution procedure, and for example, the number of in-game currencies possessed by the player who performed the purchase operation is subtracted according to the type of the purchased object and the number of purchased objects.

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.

As described above, in the joint play mode, each of the plurality of players who perform joint play plays the game in either the first role or the second role, and the in-game character corresponding to the role, that is, the field. Operate either the moving character J1 or the support character J2.

Further, in the joint play 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. Further, parameters are set for the field moving character J1, in other words, parameters are set for the player who operates the field moving character J1. When a plurality of players perform joint play in the first role, each player performs joint play while monitoring their own parameters. Then, during the joint play, the player whose parameters are in a predetermined state, specifically, the physical strength is 0, cannot continue the play in the first role.

Further, in the joint play mode, when a plurality of players are set to the first role and one or more players are set to the second role, the players set to the second role are set to the second role during the joint play. Among the plurality of players set in the first role, the designated player can be the assist target, and the player can cooperate with the assist target player. 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, regardless of the intention of the player set in the second role.

Further, in the joint play 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 does not exceed the lower limit number. , You can start co-play. That is, the first role corresponds to a "predetermined role" in which the lower limit of the number of players is determined.
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.

Further, for each of the first role and the second role, the maximum number of players (upper limit number) that can be played simultaneously in one joint play is set, and the roles of each of the plurality of players in the joint play are set. , The number of players in each role is set so as not to exceed the maximum number.

[Operations and processes related to roles]
Roles are set for a plurality of players who perform joint play, and each player performs an operation according to the set roles during joint play. The role is set by the time the joint play is started, and can be changed if a predetermined condition is met during the joint play.
Further, as described above, the joint play cannot be started unless the number of players set in the first role is equal to or more than the minimum required number of players (lower limit number). Further, for each role, an upper limit of the number of players who play in each role during joint play is set. Therefore, the roles of each player are set so that the number of players in each role does not exceed the upper limit.

The operations and processes related to roles will be outlined below. In the following, it is assumed that the lower limit of the number of players set for the first role is two and the upper limit of the number of players for each role is three. However, these values are merely examples, and each of the above-mentioned lower limit number and upper limit number can be determined to be an arbitrary value.

(Role selection and setting)
Before the start of the joint play, each of the plurality of players performing the joint play performs a selection operation of selecting one of a plurality of types of roles, specifically, the first role and the second role. Specifically, one player acts as a host to recruit guests for joint play. After that, each of the host and the guest selects the desired role while looking at the role selection screen of FIG. 5 displayed before the start of the joint play, and clicks the button corresponding to the selected role in the role selection screen. do. Such an operation corresponds to a selection operation.

As shown in FIG. 5, the role selection screen displays the selection result of the player who performed the selection operation. The target player who has not yet performed the selection operation can select his / her own role while checking the roles selected by other players. As a result, role matching is performed.

In the above procedure, the host first recruits guests, accepts applications for more guests than necessary for joint play, and then each player performs a selection operation to match roles. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, each player may perform a selection operation at the stage of recruiting / applying guests before matching. In this case, it is preferable to display a matching result based on the selection operation performed by each player at the time of applying for the guest, that is, a screen showing the selection result of the role by each player.

Normally, when the host performs an operation for starting joint play after confirming the matching result on the role selection screen, the role is set for each player with this as an opportunity, and then the joint play is started. In this case, the role set for each player is the role selected by each player according to the selection operation, that is, the role desired by each player.

On the other hand, if the conditions for starting the joint play are not satisfied when the selection operation of each of the host and the guest is completed, the role change request is made. To explain with a specific example, in the case shown in FIG. 5, since the number of players set in the first role is less than the lower limit number (2 players), the joint play cannot be started as it is. In this case, the target player who has selected the second role in the selection operation is requested to change the role by displaying the inquiry screen G3 shown in FIG.

The target player is a player who is the target of a role change request among a plurality of players who perform joint play, and is, for example, a player whose inquiry screen G3 is displayed on an operation terminal.

The target player for whom the role change request has been made determines whether or not to respond to the request, and when responding to the request, clicks the consent button (the button labeled "Yes" in the screen) on the inquiry screen G3. .. In this case, the role of the target player in response to the role change request is set to a role different from the type selected by the target player in the selection operation, that is, the first role. It is preferable that the target player who responds to the role change request is given a privilege (for example, an item or character for advancing the game in an advantageous manner) that can be used during the immediate joint play as a compensation (apology).

In the above specific example, when the number of players set for the first role is less than the lower limit, a role change request is made to the player who has selected the second role in the selection operation to change the role. The role of the player (target player) in response to the request is set as the first role, but the role is not limited to this. In the case where the lower limit of the number of players set in the second role is set, the number of players set in the second role becomes the lower limit when each player who applied for the guest performs the selection operation. If the number is not satisfied, a role change request may be made to the player who has selected the first role during the selection operation. Then, the role of the player (target player) in response to the role change request may be set as the second role.

The role change request is not limited to a clear request as in the inquiry screen G3 shown in FIG. 6, but may be a screen display or an effect implicitly indicating that the role needs to be changed at the present time. For example, when displaying a screen showing a matching result (that is, a role selection result by each player) after each player performs a selection operation at the guest recruitment / application stage before matching, each player performs the selection operation. Through the screen, it is possible to confirm whether or not the number of players in each role is sufficient. In this case, the selected role can be changed, and the player who selects the role with a sufficient number of players may voluntarily offer to change to the role with a insufficient number of players. At this time, a screen or a message indicating a role in which the number of players is insufficient may be displayed as a role change request to the player who has selected a role in which the number of players is insufficient. The screen showing the role in which the number of players is insufficient may be the screen itself showing the matching result.

In addition, the maximum number of players who can select the same type of role as the type selected by the target player in the selection operation is the maximum number of players from when the target player responds to the role change request until the joint player is started. It decreases, and in detail, it is reduced by 1 from the original upper limit. To explain with a specific example, in a situation where the number of players who have selected the second role reaches the upper limit (3 players), while the number of players who have selected the first role is less than the lower limit, the selection is made. When the target player who has selected the second role in the operation responds to the role change request, the maximum number of players who can select the second role is set to two until the joint play is started.

(Change of role)
The target player who responds to the role change request before the start of the joint play plays the game in a role different from the role selected by the selection operation during the joint play. On the other hand, when a predetermined condition (hereinafter referred to as a change condition) is satisfied during joint play, the role of the above target player is changed to a role of the type selected by the target player by the selection operation (hereinafter, the initial role). Can be changed to). The change condition is that the role of the player in response to the role change request can be changed to the original role during the joint play.

More specifically, if the first role is selected in the selection operation, but there is a target player set to the second role in response to the role change request, the first change condition is satisfied. Then, the role of the target player is changed from the second role to the first role.
The first change condition is the parameters of other players set to the same type of role (that is, the first role) as the type selected by the target player in the selection operation in response to the role change request. The parameter of the field movement character J1 operated by the player is in a predetermined state, specifically, the physical strength becomes 0 and the play cannot be continued.

When the first change condition is satisfied, the roles of the other player whose parameters are in the predetermined state and the roles of the target player in response to the role change request are exchanged, and the target player and others are replaced. The joint play by the players of is continued. That is, by exchanging the roles, the other player becomes the second role, and in the joint play that is continued thereafter, the operation according to the second role, that is, the flight operation and the throwing operation of the support character J2 are performed. become.

Further, although the second role is selected in the selection operation, if there is a target player set to the first role in response to the role change request, when the second change condition is satisfied, the target player is set. The role of is changed from the first role to the second role.
The second change condition is that the parameters of the target player in response to the role change request, specifically, the parameters of the field movement character J1 operated by the target player are in a predetermined state, specifically, the physical strength is 0 and the play cannot be continued. Is to be.

In addition, change conditions other than the above are also conceivable. For example, in the selection operation, when the target player who has selected the second role is set to the first role by responding to the role change request, during joint play, during the joint play. Suppose a player appears to participate. In that case, if the role set for the intermediately participating player is the first role, the role of the target player may be changed from the first role to the second role.

As described above, due to the role change during the joint play, the target player whose role is set to a role different from the original role in response to the role change request before the start of the joint play is triggered by the establishment of the change condition, and the initial role is set. You will be able to play jointly at.

When the roles are exchanged, the target player may take over the state and parameters (excluding physical strength) of the character before the exchange, and may resume the joint play from the arrangement position before the exchange. Specifically, when the role of the target player is changed from the first role to the second role, the target player can then operate the support character J2 and perform a throwing operation. become. Here, it is preferable that the types of objects that can be thrown and the number of possessed objects have already been set for the target player at the time of role switching, and the target player can perform the throwing operation within the set range. Further, even if the target player starts the operation (flying operation) of the support character J2 made possible by the exchange of roles from the position where the moving character J1 on the field, which had been operated until then, was immediately before the exchange of roles. good.

On the other hand, when the role of the target player is changed from the first role to the second role, the target player can operate the field moving character after that. At this time, the target player performs the operation (movement operation) of the field movement character J1 made possible by the replacement of the roles, at the position where the support character J2, which had been operating until then, was immediately before the replacement of the roles (hereinafter, the support character). It may start from the position immediately before J2). At this time, if the position immediately before the support character J2 is a position where the field moving character J1 cannot move, the position where the field moving character J1 can move is determined according to the position immediately before the support character J2. The joint play may be resumed from a position (for example, a position close to the immediately preceding position). Alternatively, the field moving character J1 operated by the player whose role is exchanged with that of the target player (that is, the player who was the first role before the role exchange) is in a predetermined state (state of 0 physical strength). At that time, the joint play may be restarted from the position of the field moving character J1 at that time.

(Setting roles in multiple joint plays)
In the game, the player can perform joint play a plurality of times. A player who performs a plurality of joint plays (hereinafter referred to as a specific player) performs a selection operation before the start of each joint play, that is, selects a role for each joint play. Then, in each joint play, the specific player plays in the role selected in the selection operation, except when responding to the role change request.

Here, among the plurality of joint plays performed by the specific player, the first joint play is referred to as the first joint play, and the subsequent joint play is referred to as the second joint play. When the roles of the specific player are different between the first joint play and the second joint play, a certain advantage is given to the specific player in the second joint play. The advantage is that the game can be advanced under conditions that are advantageous to the specific player as compared with the case where the roles of the specific player are the same between the first joint play and the second joint play. The following (a1) to (a3) are given as examples of advantages.
(A1) To give items and effects to promote the second joint play in an advantageous manner (a2) To give benefits related to parameters such as reduction or slowing of parameter consumption, and relax the game conditions in the second joint play. (A3) Increase the number of objects that can be used in the second joint play, such as increasing the maximum number of objects that can be input as the input object T, or increasing the number of objects that are normally difficult to obtain. Preferential treatment (a4) Increase the number of benefits (items) that can be acquired through the second joint play. If the advantages are (a1) or (a4) above, the benefits (items) will be given to. , Only the specific player may be included, and other players who participate in the second joint play together with the specific player may be included.

The second joint play corresponds to the joint play performed after the first joint play, and may be the joint play immediately after the first joint play, or several times after the first joint play. It may be a joint play that takes place.

[About the information processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention and the operation terminal of each player]
Next, the information processing device and the operation terminal of each player according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, it is assumed that four players A to D jointly play the same area of the game in the joint play mode.

As shown in FIG. 7, 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 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 each role of the players A to D before the start of the joint play. Specifically, the server 10 accepts a role selection operation from each player before the start of joint play. Further, before the start of the joint play, the server 10 makes a role change request to the target player as necessary.

Further, the server 10 executes a process of generating display data of the game play screen (for example, the first screen G1 and the second screen G2) and transmitting the display data to the operation terminals 11 to 14 of each player during the joint play. do. Further, the server 10 executes a process of changing parameters such as the physical strength of the field moving character J1 for each player according to the progress of the game during the joint play. In addition, the server 10 executes processing according to the operation of each player during the joint play. For example, when the input operation is performed, the process of inputting the input object T onto the field is executed.

Further, when the target player corresponding to the role change request exists among the plurality of players performing the joint play, the server 10 grants the target player a privilege that can be used during the joint play. ..

Further, in the scene where the specific player who performs the joint play a plurality of times performs the second joint play, the server 10 determines that the role of the specific player in the second joint play satisfies the above-mentioned advantage granting condition. Gives an advantage to a specific player. As a result, the specific player can advance the game (specifically, the second joint play) under more favorable conditions for the specific player.

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. , A request unit 36, a privilege granting unit 37, and a role changing unit 38. 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 for game progress performed by the player through the operation terminals 11 to 14, and in detail, acquires data indicating the operation content from the operation terminals 11 to 14 via the communication network 15. In particular, in the joint mode, the operation reception unit 31 receives an operation for progressing the game for each player.

In the joint play mode, the operation reception unit 31 receives a role selection operation from each of the plurality of players performing the joint play before the start of the joint play. Further, if there is a target player who responds to the role change request before the start of the joint play, the operation reception unit 31 responds to the effect of responding to the role change request (specifically, on the inquiry screen G3 of FIG. 6). The operation of clicking the consent button) is accepted from the target player.

When the target player responds to the role change request, the same type of role as the type selected by the target player in the selection operation from the time the target player responds to the role change request until the start of joint play is started. The maximum number of players who can select is reduced. For example, when the target player responds to the role change request after selecting the second role in the selection operation, the maximum number of players who can select the second role is reduced from 3 to 2. .. This is a player set to the second role when the change condition (specifically, the second change condition) is satisfied during the joint play and the role of the target player can be changed to the second role. This is to secure a vacancy (frame).

From the start of the joint play to the continuation of the joint play, the operation reception unit 31 receives a movement operation for the field movement character J1 from the player set in the first role, and is set in the second role. Accepts flight operations for the support character J2 from the player. Further, during the joint play, when the player set to the second role performs the input operation of the input object T or the purchase operation of the object, the operation reception unit 31 accepts these operations.

(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 operation received from each player by the operation reception unit 31, and more specifically, the first Set to either the role of or the second role. In a normal case, the role setting unit 32 sets the role of each player based on the selection operation of each player received by the operation reception unit 31, and specifically, the role selected by the selection operation (that is, , Each player's desired role).

On the other hand, if the target player responds to the role change request between the time when the operation reception unit 31 receives the selection operation by the target player and the time when the joint play is started, the role setting unit 32 sets the role of the target player. Set a role different from the type selected by the target player in the selection operation.

More specifically, when the number of players who select a predetermined role is less than the lower limit before the start of joint play, and the target player who selects a role other than the predetermined role in the selection operation responds to the role change request. The role setting unit 32 sets the role of the target player to a predetermined role. To explain with a specific example, in the case where the target player selects the second role in the selection operation, but the number of players who select the first role is less than the lower limit, the above-mentioned target player makes a role change request. When responding, the role setting unit 32 sets the role of the target player as the first role instead of the second role.

Further, when there is a specific player who performs a plurality of joint plays, the role setting unit 32 sets the role of the specific player for each joint play before the start of each joint play.

(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 operated by 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.

Further, the game progress unit 33 changes the parameters of the player set in the first role, that is, the parameters and states of the field moving character J1 operated by the player, according to the progress of the game. For example, when the field moving character J1 receives an attack (action) from the enemy character E when moving on the field, the game progressing unit 33 reflects the attack and reduces the physical strength of the field moving character J1. To execute.

Further, when the field moving character J1 uses the auxiliary object H or the input object T on the field, the game progressing unit 33 imparts an effect corresponding to the object to the player who operates the field moving character J1. For example, when a certain player uses a physical strength recovery type object, the game progress unit 33 executes a process of increasing (recovering) the physical strength of the field moving character J1 operated by the player.

Since the player whose physical strength of the field moving character J1 becomes 0 cannot continue playing at that time, the field moving character J1 cannot be operated in the joint play that is continued thereafter.

Further, during the joint play, when the game progress unit 33 receives a flight operation from the player set in the second role, the game progress unit 33 moves (flys) the support character J2 of the player over the field according to the flight operation. .. The support character J2 flying over the field does not come into contact with the enemy character E on the field and is not attacked (action) by the enemy character E. Therefore, during joint play, the game progress unit 33 does not reflect the attack from the enemy character E in the state of the support character J2.

Further, during the joint play, when the game progress unit 33 receives the input operation from the player set in the second role, the input object T is placed on the field according to the type and arrangement position of the object specified in the input operation. Place (put in). Along with the input of the input object T, the game progress unit 33 executes a process of subtracting the number of possessed objects used as the input object T for the player who has performed the input operation.

Further, during joint play, when the operation reception unit 31 receives a purchase operation from a player set in the second role, the game progress unit 33 sets the number of possessed objects purchased to that player as the number of purchases. Execute the process to increase accordingly.

Further, when a specific player performing a plurality of joint plays performs a second joint play after the first joint play, the game progressing unit 33 moves between the first joint play and the second joint play. When the roles of the specific players are different in the above, an advantage is given to the specific player in the second joint play. As a result, in the second joint play, the specific player is in a condition advantageous to the specific player as compared with the case where the roles of the specific player are the same between the first joint play and the second joint play. You can advance the game.

(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 is transmitted to the operation terminal of the player set to the first role, and the second screen G2 is transmitted to the operation terminal of the player set to the second role. Send the display data of.

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, in conjunction with the movement of the field movement character J1, the portion of the field reflected on the first screen G1 is switched at any time.

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, in conjunction with the movement (flight) of the support character J2, the portion reflected on the second screen G2 in the field is switched at any time.

(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 set in the game, 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 in-game currency type and the number of possessions, and the currently set. Roles etc. are included.

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.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the player information further includes flag information indicating whether or not the player (target player) has responded to the role change request before the start of joint play.
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.

(Request section)
The requesting unit 36 makes a role change request to the target player when a role change request is required between the time when the selection operation is received from each of the plurality of players performing the joint play and the time when the joint play is started. conduct.

As a scene where a role change request is made, for example, there is a case where the number of players who select the first role is less than the minimum required number (lower limit number) before the start of joint play. Specifically, before the start of the joint play, the target player selects the second role (role other than the predetermined role) by the selection operation, and the player selects the first role (predetermined role). This is a case where the number is below the lower limit for a predetermined time or longer. In this case, the requesting unit 36 makes a role change request to the target player. At this time, the requesting unit 36 sets each of the players who have selected the second role as the target player, and causes the operation terminal of each target player to display the inquiry screen G3 as to whether or not to respond to the role change request. good.

In the above case, if the number of players who select the first role continues to be below the lower limit for a predetermined time or longer before the start of joint play, a role change request is made, but this is limited to this. It is not something that is done. For example, before the start of joint play, a player who participates in joint play as a guest selects a second role (a role other than a predetermined role) and selects a first role (a predetermined role) by a selection operation. It is assumed that the number of players to play is less than the lower limit. In this case, when a player who participates in the joint play as a host performs a change request operation and the operation reception unit 31 receives the change request operation, the request unit 36 requests the target player to change the role. May be done.

In the change request operation, the host player designates one or more players from among the guest players. The request unit 36 sets the guest player specified in the change request operation as the target player, makes a role change request to the target player, and specifically displays the inquiry screen G3 on the operation terminal of the target player. Let me.

(Bonus granting department)
If there is a target player who responds to the role change request before the start of the joint play, the privilege granting unit 37 grants the privilege to the target player who responds to the role change request during the joint player. The benefits given during the joint play are, for example, items and characters that can be used in the joint play of the times in which the target player responds to the role change request. In addition, the type and number of benefits granted by the privilege granting unit 37 can be arbitrarily determined in consideration of the specifications of the game, but for example, depending on the field and difficulty level of the area where joint play is performed. It is preferable if it is decided.

The privilege given by the privilege granting unit 37 is not limited to the one that can be used in the joint play of the times when the target player responds to the role change request, for example, the times other than the times when the target player responds to the role change request. It may be available in the joint play of. Alternatively, it may be a privilege that can be used when the target player who responds to the role change request plays the game in the single play mode.

The procedure for determining the privilege to be granted by the privilege granting unit 37 is not particularly limited, but for example, the target player who responds to the role change request selects the privilege, and the privilege to be granted is given according to the selected type. It may be decided.

Specifically, for example, the privilege given to the target player who has selected the first role in response to the role change request is a privilege that can be used when performing joint play in the first role, or It is assumed that it is a privilege that exerts a predetermined effect in the joint play. This privilege may be a privilege that cannot be used or does not exert a predetermined effect when performing joint play in the second role. As such a privilege, for example, an item that raises the parameter of the field moving character J1 in joint play (for example, an item of a physical strength recovery system, an item that raises an ability value such as an attack power, etc.) can be mentioned.
A plurality of types of the above-mentioned benefits may be prepared, and one of them may be selected by the target player. Here, the selection is made by the target player selecting one of a plurality of types of benefits, or by a lottery in the game that is carried out in response to the request of the target player (strictly speaking, Automatically selected) is included. Then, the selected type of privilege is given to the target player.

The timing of granting the privilege to the target player is not particularly limited, but for example, the timing when the target player responds to the change request or the initial role during the joint play (the target player selects by the selection operation before the start of the joint play). The timing of the change to the first role) is also good. Alternatively, if the target player can arbitrarily specify the timing at which the role of the target player can be changed to the initial role during joint play, the privilege may be given to the target player at the specified timing. Alternatively, the target player may be given a privilege at a random timing during joint play.

The procedure for granting benefits described above can be similarly applied to the case where the target player selects the second role in response to the role change request. In this case, the target player is given a privilege that can be used as the input object T. Specifically, among the objects possessed by the target player to be used as input objects, the number of possessed objects corresponding to the privilege increases.

(Role change department)
When the target player who responded to the role change request exists before the start of the joint play, the role change unit 38 determines the role of the target player who responds to the role change request when the change condition is satisfied during the joint play. Change to the original role selected by the target player during the selection operation.

As a specific example, in the selection operation, it is assumed that the target player who has selected the second role is set to the first role in response to the role change request (first case). In the first case, during joint play, the parameters of the target player in response to the role change request are in a predetermined state. Specifically, the physical strength of the field moving character J1 operated by the target player becomes 0, and the play cannot be continued. When the state is reached, the change condition is satisfied at that point.

In the first case, the role changing unit 38 changes the role of the target player in response to the role change request to the second role, which is the initial role, when the change condition is satisfied during the joint play.

As another specific example, in the selection operation, it is assumed that the target player who has selected the first role is set to the second role in response to the role change request (second case). In the second case, during the joint play, the parameters of the other player set in the first role are in a predetermined state, and specifically, the physical strength of the field moving character J1 operated by the other player becomes 0. When it becomes impossible to continue playing, the change condition is satisfied at that point.

In the second case, the role change unit 38 changes the role of the target player in response to the role change request to the first role, which is the initial role, when the change condition is satisfied. Further, in the second case, the role of the other player who is in a state where the play cannot be continued is changed from the first role to the second role due to the change of the role of the target player. That is, in the second case, when the role change unit 38 changes the role of the target player in response to the role change request, the role of the target player and the role of another player who has become unable to continue playing are used. To replace.
After that, each of the target player whose role has been replaced and each of the other players continues the joint play in the role after the replacement.

[About the information processing method according to the embodiment of the present invention]
Next, as an example of the information processing method of the present invention, an information processing flow for game progress (hereinafter referred to as the present information processing flow) will be described. The information processing flow 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.

The information processing flow is executed by the computer constituting the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, that is, the server 10, according to the flow shown in FIG. In the following, it is assumed that four players A to D jointly play the same area, player A participates in the joint play as a host, and players B to D participate in the joint play as guests.

In this information processing flow, first, the role setting process is executed as shown in FIG. 10 (S001). The role setting process is executed according to the flow shown in FIG. 11 before the start of the joint play. In the role setting process, the server 10 first receives a role selection operation from each of the players A to D (S011).

In step S011, the server 10 causes the operation terminals 11 to 14 of the players A to D to display the role selection screen shown in FIG. Each player selects one of the first role and the second role while looking at the displayed role selection screen, and clicks the button corresponding to the selected role in the role selection screen. 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 selection operation from each player.

When the server 10 receives a selection operation from each player, the server 10 determines whether the number of players who select the first role at that time is equal to or greater than the minimum required number (lower limit number) (S012). If the number of players who select the first role is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the process proceeds to step S013. In step S013, the server 10 sets the role of each player based on the selection operation received from each player, and specifically, sets the role selected by each player in the selection operation (S013).

On the other hand, when the number of players who select the first role is less than the lower limit, if the number of players who select the first role is less than the lower limit for a predetermined time or longer (S014), the server 10 is targeted. A role change request is made to the player (S015). In step S015, the server 10 inquires the target player whether or not to respond to the role change request by displaying the inquiry screen G3 of FIG. 6 on the operation terminal of the target player. Here, the target player for which the role change request is made may be all the players who have selected the second role at that time, or the player who is the host among the players who have selected the second role. It may be the person designated by A.

When the target player who has made the role change request responds to the request, he / she performs a response operation to the effect that he / she responds to the request by clicking the consent button in the inquiry screen G3 or the like (S016). When the server 10 receives the answer operation from the target player, the server 10 sets the role of each player by the time the joint play is started (S017). At this time, the server 10 sets the role of the target player in response to the role change request to a role different from the type selected by the target player in the selection operation (that is, the first role).

Further, after the execution of step S016, the upper limit of the number of players who can select the second role may be subtracted by -1 until the joint play is started (S018). As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the target player who responds to the role change request is treated disadvantageously in terms of role setting.

The role setting process ends when the steps up to the above are completed. In the following description, it is assumed that the players A and C are set to the first role and the players B and D are set to the second role. Further, the player C corresponds to the target player who has selected the second role at the time of the selection operation but has been set to the first role before the start of the joint play because he / she has responded to the role change request. And.

Returning to the main information processing flow of FIG. 10, when the role setting process is completed, the joint play can be started (S002). When the joint play is started, the server 10 grants the target player C who responded to the role change request before the start of the joint play a privilege that can be used during the joint play (S003).

Further, although not particularly shown, the server 10 includes a specific player (a player whose joint play is the second and subsequent joint plays) in which the joint play is performed a plurality of times, among the plurality of players who perform the joint play. Determine if it is. When the specific player is included, the server 10 compares the role of the specific player in the current joint play with the role of the specific player in the previous joint play. Here, this joint play corresponds to the second joint play, and the previous joint play corresponds to the first joint play.

Then, when the role of the specific player is different between the joint play of this time and the joint play of the previous times, the server 10 (more specifically, the game progressing unit 33) is the specific player in this joint play. Give an advantage to. In other words, compared to the case where the role of the specific player is the same between the joint play of this time and the joint play of the previous times, the joint play of this time is performed under favorable conditions for the specific player. become.

Further, during the joint play, the server 10 executes the screen display process at any time, and displays the play screen corresponding to each operation of the players A to D on the operation terminal of each player (S004). The screen display process includes a process for the player set in the first role (hereinafter referred to as the first screen display process) and a process for the player set in the second role (hereinafter referred to as the second screen display process). including.

The first screen display process proceeds according to the flow shown in FIG. 12, and is executed via data communication between the server 10 and the operation terminals 11 and 13 of the players A and C set in the first role. Here, the first screen display process performed 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 process, 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 (S021). As a result, the operation terminal 11 displays the first screen G1 in which the field moving character J1 and a part of the field are displayed (S022). 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 (S023). The server 10 receives a movement operation from the player A through communication with the operation terminal 11 (S024), and moves the field movement character J1 on the field according to the received movement operation (S025). 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 (S026). As a result, the operation terminal 11 displays the first screen G1 after the movement (S027).

After that, each time the player A performs a movement operation, steps S024 to S027 are repeatedly executed, whereby the first screen G1 displayed on the operation terminal 11 is updated at any time. Then, the first screen display process is continued during the joint play and ends at the end of the game (S028). The end of the game means that the conditions for ending the joint play are satisfied. For example, when the predetermined area is cleared, the preset joint play time (time limit) has elapsed, or the player A interrupts the play (player A interrupts the play). Retirement), etc.

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 accordingly, the player of the player A stored in the storage unit 35. Update the information.

The second screen display process proceeds according to the flow shown in FIG. 13, and is executed via data communication between the server 10 and the operation terminals 12 and 14 of the players B and D set in the second role. Here, the second screen display process performed 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 process, 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 (S031). As a result, the operation terminal 12 displays the second screen G2 in which the support character J2 and a part of the field are displayed (S032). 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 (S033). The server 10 receives a flight operation from the player B through communication with the operation terminal 12 (S034), and moves the support character J2 over the field according to the received flight operation (S035). 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 (S036). As a result, the second screen G2 after the movement is displayed on the operation terminal 12 (S037).

After that, each time the player B performs a flight operation, steps S034 to S037 are repeatedly executed, whereby the second screen G2 displayed on the operation terminal 12 is updated at any time. Then, the second screen display process is continued while the joint play is performed, and ends at the end of the game (S038).

Although not particularly shown, 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. Execute the process of inputting (arranging). Along with this, the server 10 generates display data for displaying the first screen G1 and the second screen G2 when the input object T is arranged on the field, and the generated display data is transmitted to the operation terminals 11 and 12. Send to.

Returning to the main information processing flow of FIG. 10, when the change condition is satisfied during the joint play (S005), the server 10 initially plays the role of the target player C in response to the role change request before the start of the joint play. Change to (S006).

Specifically, for example, while the target player C performs joint play in the first role, the parameters of the player C are in a predetermined state, and more specifically, the physical strength of the field moving character J1 operated by the player C. When becomes 0, the change condition is satisfied. Then, when the change condition is satisfied, the server 10 changes the role of the player C from the first role to the second role. After the role is changed, the server 10 receives a flight operation for the support character J2 from the player C.

Further, as a case different from the above case, the player B selects the first role by the selection operation, but the player B is set to the second role in response to the role change request (that is, the player B). The case corresponding to the target player) is assumed. In such a case, when the parameter of the player (for example, player A) who performs joint play in the first role becomes a predetermined state, specifically, when the physical strength of the field moving character J1 operated by the player A becomes 0, the change condition is satisfied. do.

In the above case, the server 10 changes the role of the player B in response to the role change request to the first role, which is the initial role, when the change condition is satisfied. At this time, the server 10 swaps the roles of the player A and the roles of the player B whose parameters are in a predetermined state. After that, the player B and the player A continue the joint play in the role after the change (after the replacement). That is, in the joint play that continues after the role is changed (after the replacement), the server 10 accepts the movement operation for the field moving character J1 from the player B and the flight operation for the support character J2 from the player A.

Each step S004 to 006 after the screen display process in this information processing flow is repeatedly executed while the joint play is continued. Then, the present information processing flow ends at the end of the game, specifically at the end of the joint play (S007).

[Other Embodiments]
The information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program of the present invention have been described above with specific embodiments, but the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments are also conceivable. obtain.

In the above embodiment, the server 10 as an example of the computer functions as the information processing device of the present invention, but some of the functions of the server 10 may be provided on the operation terminals 11 to 14 of the player. .. For example, the game progress unit 33 may be provided in the operation terminals 11 to 14 of the player. In that case, in the joint play, the operation terminal of each player receives the data for progressing the game from the server 10 and executes the process of advancing the game according to the operation of each player.

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 server 10 (client-server method), but the server 10 is used. A P2P (peer-to-peer) method may be used without intervention. 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 [17], and various effects can be obtained by each configuration.

[1] The information processing device of the present invention has an operation reception unit that receives operations performed by each of a plurality of players who jointly play a game, and a role played by the players during the joint play of the game for each of the plurality of players. , A role setting unit for setting based on operations. The operation reception unit receives a selection operation for selecting one of a plurality of types of roles from each of the plurality of players before the start of joint play of the game. Further, among a plurality of players, if the target player responds to the role change request between the time when the operation reception unit receives the selection operation by the target player and the time when the joint play of the game is started, the role setting unit is targeted. The role of the player is set to a role different from the type selected by the target player in the selection operation.
According to the above configuration, for example, the target player is requested to change the role so that the number of players required to start the joint play for a certain role is secured, and the role of the target player in response to the request. Can be changed from the original role selected during the selection operation. This gives flexibility in setting the roles of each player in joint play. As a result, the joint play performed by a plurality of players can be smoothly started (implemented).

[2] The information processing device of the present invention may include a privilege giving unit that grants a privilege to a target player in response to a role change request during joint play of a game.
According to the above configuration, the target player can easily respond to the role change request by giving a privilege as a compensation (reward) to the target player who responded to the role change request before the start of the joint play. That is, it is possible to give the target player an incentive to respond to the role change request.

[3] In the information processing device of the present invention, when a predetermined condition is satisfied during joint play of a game, the role of the target player in response to the role change request is selected by the target player by a selection operation. It may be provided with a role change part that changes to.
According to the above configuration, when a predetermined condition (change condition) is satisfied, the target player who responds to the role change request performs joint play in the original role selected by the selection operation. Can be done. As a result, the target player can easily respond to the role change request, and can enjoy the joint play in the initial role.

[4] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the plurality of types of roles include a first role of operating the first character in the joint play of the game and a second role of operating the second character in the joint play of the game. And may be included. Further, the information processing device of the present invention may include a game progressing unit that advances the game according to the operation of the player. The game progress part changes the state of the first character by reflecting the action from the appearing character in the game different from the first character and the second character, and reflects the action from the appearing character in the state of the second character. You don't have to let it.
According to the above configuration, in the joint play, each player advances the game by operating the in-game character according to the role set for each player. Here, the nature of the in-game character operated by the player of each role is different between the first role and the second role. Therefore, during joint play, the target player whose role has been changed can operate a plurality of in-game characters having different properties. As a result, the fun of the game can be enhanced.

[5] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the operation reception unit causes the input object to be input from the second character onto the field in the game during the joint play of the game as an operation performed by the player set to the second role. The input operation and the purchase operation of purchasing the input object during the joint play of the game may be accepted.
According to the above configuration, the player set in the second role performs a throwing operation and a purchasing operation mainly in order to assist (support) the player set in the first role during the joint play. Can be done.

[6] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the game progress unit moves the first character in the field in the game in response to the operation of the player set in the first role, and the game progress unit is the second. The second character may be moved in a moving space virtually set as a space at a height different from the field in the game according to the operation of the player set in the role of.
According to the above configuration, the second character moves in the moving space at a height different from the moving space of the first character. As a result, the player who operates the second character, that is, the player who is set to the second role, finds the first character and sees the operation of the first character by moving the second character during the joint play. Can be done. As a result, the player set in the second role can view the operation (play) of the player set in the first role during the joint play.

[7] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the lower limit of the number of players who play a predetermined role in the joint play of a game may be determined. Then, before the start of joint play of the game, when the number of players who select a predetermined role is less than the lower limit and the target player who has selected a role other than the predetermined role in the selection operation responds to the role change request. It is preferable that the role setting unit sets the role of the target player to a predetermined role.
According to the above configuration, the effect of the present invention is more prominently exhibited. More specifically, when it is necessary that the number of players playing in a predetermined role is equal to or greater than the lower limit in performing joint play, a situation may occur in which the number of players selecting a predetermined role is less than the lower limit. .. In such a situation, the joint play is not started and the player is in a standby state until the number of players who select a predetermined role reaches the lower limit or more. On the other hand, in the present invention, the number of players playing in a predetermined role is secured by setting the role of the target player in response to the role change request to a predetermined role. As a result, the waiting time before the start of the joint play can be shortened, and the joint play can be started smoothly.

[8] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of players may be divided into a player who participates in the joint play of the game as a guest and a player who participates in the joint play of the game as a host for recruiting guests. Further, in the information processing device of the present invention, the number of players in which a target player who participates as a guest selects a role other than a predetermined role by a selection operation and selects a predetermined role before the start of joint play of the game. May have a request unit that makes a role change request to the target player based on the operation of the player participating as the host when the number is less than the lower limit.
According to the above configuration, when the number of players who select a predetermined role is less than the lower limit, a role change request can be made to the target player according to the intention of the players who participate in the joint play as the host. As a result, the joint play can be started smoothly.

[9] In the information processing device of the present invention, the number of players who select a role other than a predetermined role by a selection operation and select a predetermined role is the lower limit before the start of joint play of the game. A requesting unit may be provided to request the target player to change the role when the state below the above is continued for a predetermined time or longer.
According to the above configuration, a role change request can be made to the target player when the number of players selecting a predetermined role continues to be less than the lower limit for a predetermined time or longer. By setting the time condition when the role change request is made in this way, the role change request can be made to the target player at an appropriate timing, and as a result, the joint play can be started smoothly.

[10] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, when the number of players who select a predetermined role is less than the lower limit for a predetermined time or longer, does the requesting unit respond to the role change request to the operation terminal of the target player? An inquiry screen asking whether or not it may be displayed.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to appropriately make a role change request to the target player by using the GUI.

[11] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the parameters set for each player in the game may change according to the progress of the game. In this case, when the parameters of the target player in response to the role change request are in a predetermined state during the joint play of the game, the role change unit selects the role of the target player in response to the role change request. You may change to the role of the selected type.
According to the above configuration, the target player who responds to the role change request can perform joint play in the initial role selected by the selection operation when his / her parameter becomes a predetermined state. As a result, the target player can have an opportunity to enjoy the joint play in the role he / she desires even if he / she responds to the role change request before the start of the joint play. As a result, it becomes easy to guide (solicit) the player to the joint play.

[12] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the parameters set for each player in the game may change according to the progress of the game. In this case, during joint play of the game, when the parameters of other players set to the same type of role as the type selected by the target player in response to the role change request in the selection operation are in a predetermined state, the role change unit However, the role of the target player in response to the role change request may be changed to a role of the type selected by the target player in the selection operation.
According to the above configuration, the target player who responds to the role change request is initially selected by the selection operation when the parameters of other players who have selected the same role by the selection operation are brought into a predetermined state. You can play together by role. As a result, the target player can have an opportunity to enjoy the joint play in the role he / she desires even if he / she responds to the role change request before the start of the joint play. As a result, it becomes easy to guide (solicit) the player to the joint play.

[13] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, when the role changing unit changes the role of the target player in response to the role change request, the role of another player and the role of the target player in response to the role change request are changed. The joint play of the game by the target player and other players may be continued in the role after the replacement and the replacement.
According to the above configuration, the target player who responds to the role change request and the other player whose parameters are in the predetermined state continue the joint play in the changed role after the roles are exchanged with each other. can do. As a result, the target player and the other players can enjoy the joint play in a plurality of types of roles (specifically, the first role and the second role), and as a result, the game (particularly, the game (particularly, the second role)) can be enjoyed. The fun of joint play) is enhanced.

[14] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the same type of role as the type selected by the target player in the selection operation is selected from the time when the target player receives the role change request until the joint play of the game is started. You may reduce the upper limit of the number of players that can be played.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the target player who responds to the role change request is treated disadvantageously in terms of role setting.
Specifically, for example, when the target player who has selected the second role in the selection operation changes to the first role in response to the role change request before the start of the joint play, the above effects will be described in detail. It is assumed that the number of players set in the second role has reached the upper limit (3 players) by selecting the second role. In this case, even if the change condition is satisfied during the joint play, the number of players set in the second role has reached the upper limit, so the role of the above target player is changed to the second role (initial role). You will not be able to change to.
In order to avoid the above situation, when the target player responds to the role change request, the maximum number of players who can select the second role is reduced to two until the joint play is started. To. As a result, the vacancy (frame) of the player set to the second role during the joint play is secured. As a result, when the change condition is satisfied during the joint play, the role of the target player in response to the role change request is surely changed to the original role.

[15] The information processing device of the present invention may include a game progressing unit that advances the game in response to a player's operation. In addition, the role setting unit may set the role in each of the plurality of joint plays performed by the specific player for the specific player who performs the joint play of the game a plurality of times. Then, in the second joint play performed after the first joint play among the plurality of joint plays, the game progressing unit plays the role of a specific player between the first joint play and the second joint play. When is different, it is preferable to proceed with the game under conditions that are advantageous to the specific player, as compared with the case where the roles of the specific player are the same between the first joint play and the second joint play. be.
According to the above configuration, in the second joint play, when the specific player selects a role different from that of the first joint play, the specific player is given an advantage. As a result, the specific player is motivated to play the second joint play in a role different from that of the first joint play. As a result, it becomes easy for the specific player to evenly select a plurality of types of roles in a plurality of joint plays performed by the specific player.

[16] In the information processing method of the present invention, the computer performs a selection operation of selecting one of a plurality of types of roles from each of a plurality of players who jointly play a game before the joint play of the game is started. Acceptance, the computer sets the role played by the player during the joint play of the game for each of the plurality of players based on the player's operation, and after accepting the selection operation by the target player among the plurality of players, the game is jointly played. If the target player responds to the role change request before the start of play, the role of the target player is set to a role different from the type selected by the target player in the selection operation. It is a feature.
According to the above method, by changing the role of the target player in response to the role change request before the start of joint play from the original role selected at the time of the selection operation, it is possible to flexibly set the role of each player in the game. Will be. As a result, joint play by a plurality of players can be smoothly started.

[17] The program of the present invention causes a computer to accept a selection operation of selecting one of a plurality of types of roles from each of a plurality of players who jointly play a game before the start of joint play of the game. , The computer is made to set the role played by the player during the joint play of the game for each of the plurality of players based on the player's operation, and after accepting the selection operation by the target player among the plurality of players, the joint play of the game If the target player responds to the role change request before the start of, the role of the target player is set to a role different from the type selected by the target player in the selection operation. And.
By letting the computer execute the above program, the role setting of each player in the game becomes flexible, and as a result, the joint play by a plurality of players can be smoothly started.

10 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 Request Part 37 Bonus granting part 38 Role changing part E Enemy character G1 1st screen G2 2nd screen G3 Inquiry screen H Auxiliary object J1 Field moving character (1st character)
J2 support character (second character)
T input object

Claims (17)

An operation reception unit that accepts operations performed by each of multiple players who jointly play the game,
For each of the plurality of players, a role setting unit that sets the role played by the player during the joint play of the game based on the operation, and
Among the plurality of players, a request unit for making a role change request to the target player is provided.
The operation reception unit receives a selection operation for selecting one of a plurality of types of roles from each of the plurality of players before the start of joint play of the game.
The requesting unit makes the role change request for a change to a role different from the type selected by the target player.
During the selection operation by the front Symbol Target player after receiving said operation reception unit to said game joint play is started, when the target player according to the role change request, the role setting section, An information processing device that sets the role of the target player to a role different from the type selected by the target player in the selection operation. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a privilege giving unit that grants a privilege to the target player in response to the role change request during joint play of the game. A role change unit that changes the role of the target player in response to the role change request to a role of the type selected by the target player in the selection operation when a predetermined condition is satisfied during joint play of the game. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The plurality of types of roles include a first role of operating the first character in the joint play of the game and a second role of operating the second character in the joint play of the game.
A game progress unit that advances the game according to the operation of the player is provided.
The game progressing unit changes the state of the first character by reflecting the action from the appearing character in the game, which is different from the first character and the second character, and the action from the appearing character is the first. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is not reflected in the state of two characters. As an operation performed by the player set to the second role, the operation receiving unit includes a throwing operation in which a throwing object is thrown onto the field in the game from the second character during joint play of the game, and the game. The information processing device according to claim 4, which accepts a purchase operation of purchasing the input object during the joint play of the above. The game progressing unit moves the first character in the field in the game in response to the operation of the player set to the first role.
The game progressing unit is the second character in a moving space virtually set as a space at a height different from the field in the game in response to the operation of the player set in the second role. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5. The lower limit of the number of players who play a predetermined role in the joint play of the game is determined.
Before the start of joint play of the game, the target player who has selected a role other than the predetermined role in the selection operation in a state where the number of players who select the predetermined role is less than the lower limit is the role change request. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the role setting unit sets the role of the target player to the predetermined role. The plurality of players are divided into a player who participates in the joint play of the game as a guest and a player who participates in the joint play of the game as a host recruiting the guest.
Before the start of the joint play of the game, the number of players who participate as the guest selects a role other than the predetermined role by the selection operation and selects the predetermined role is the lower limit number. If below, the request unit, based on the operation performed by the player participate as the host, cormorants line the role change request to the target player, an information processing apparatus according to claim 7. In the requesting unit, the number of players who select a role other than the predetermined role by the selection operation and select the predetermined role is the lower limit number before the start of the joint play of the game. when the below condition persists more than a predetermined time, cormorants line the role change request to the target player, an information processing apparatus according to claim 7. When the number of players selecting the predetermined role is less than the lower limit for a predetermined time or longer, the requesting unit asks the operation terminal of the target player whether or not to respond to the role change request. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9. When the parameters set for each player in the game change according to the progress of the game,
During the joint play of the game, when the parameter of the target player in response to the role change request becomes a predetermined state, the role change unit assigns the role of the target player in response to the role change request to the target player. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the player changes to the role of the type selected by the selection operation. When the parameters set for each player in the game change according to the progress of the game,
During the joint play of the game, when the parameter of another player set to the same type of role as the type selected by the target player in the selection operation in response to the role change request becomes a predetermined state, the role The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the changing unit changes the role of the target player in response to the role change request to a role of the type selected by the target player in the selection operation. When the role change unit changes the role of the target player in response to the role change request, the role change unit replaces the role of the other player with the role of the target player in response to the role change request.
The information processing device according to claim 12, wherein the joint play of the game by the target player and the other player is continued in the role after the replacement. A player who can select the same type of role as the type selected by the target player in the selection operation from the time when the target player responds to the role change request until the joint play of the game is started. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, which reduces the upper limit of the number. A game progress unit that advances the game according to the operation of the player is provided.
The role setting unit sets a role in each of the plurality of joint plays performed by the specific player for the specific player who performs the joint play of the game a plurality of times.
In the second joint play performed after the first joint play among the plurality of joint plays, the game progressing unit is specified between the first joint play and the second joint play. When the roles of the players are different, the above-mentioned conditions are favorable to the specific player as compared with the case where the roles of the specific player are the same between the first joint play and the second joint play. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the game is advanced. The computer accepts a selection operation of selecting one of a plurality of types of roles from each of a plurality of players who jointly play the game before the start of the joint play of the game.
The computer sets, for each of the plurality of players, the roles played by the players during the joint play of the game, based on the player's operations.
The computer makes a role change request to the target player among the plurality of players for changing to a role different from the type selected by the target player.
During a period from reception of the selection operation by the front Symbol Target player until the game jointly played is started, when the target player according to the role change request, the role of the target player, the subject An information processing method in which a player sets a role different from the type selected in the selection operation. The computer is made to accept a selection operation for selecting one of a plurality of types of roles from each of a plurality of players who jointly play the game before the start of the joint play of the game.
The computer is made to set the role played by the player during the joint play of the game for each of the plurality of players based on the operation of the player.
The computer is made to request the target player among the plurality of players to change the role to a role different from the type selected by the target player.
During a period from reception of the selection operation by the front Symbol Target player until the game jointly played is started, when the target player according to the role change request, the role of the target player, the subject A program that causes a player to set a role different from the type selected by the selection operation.

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