JP7174800B2 - Game system, game providing method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game system and program using a three-dimensional space.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various games such as love simulations, RPGs, and battle games are known in a three-dimensional space using a player character as the player's avatar.

Recently, with the development of wearable image display devices such as head-mounted displays (hereinafter referred to as "HMDs") that are worn by users to display images, networks, and communications, the world of games has become more immersive. There are also games that allow you to experience the real world.

In particular, such a simulation game detects the line of sight of the player, reflects the detected line of sight of the player in the game space, and communicates with a target character in the game in the game space to progress the game. (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2015-231443 A

However, in the game system described in Patent Document 1, although the game can be progressed according to the line of sight of the player, it is not constructed as a competitive game, and there is room for improvement.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its object is to realize a new game called a battle game that utilizes the experience of communication with a game character, and to enable communication with a game character through the battle game. To provide a game system and its program capable of realizing a game capable of further deepening the game.

(1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention
A program for causing a computer to visualize a game space in which gaze characters to be gazed at by a plurality of players are arranged as a virtual three-dimensional space and to execute a battle game between the plurality of players,
said computer,
Object control means for controlling an object including a player character to be operated by each player in the game space and the focused character;
Receiving means for executing a process of receiving player inputs input by each player, including at least the line-of-sight direction of the player;
virtual camera control means for controlling a corresponding virtual camera based on each of the received player inputs;
For each player, a position where each player character is arranged in the game space is set as a position of a virtual camera corresponding to each player, and the game space seen in the line-of-sight direction of each player with each virtual camera as a viewpoint. and image generation means for generating images of
Based on the received player input, a given parameter relating to the battle game of at least one of the watching character and the player character is varied to control the battle game by the plurality of players based on the parameter. game control means,
function as
(1) The display control means controls, for each player, the mode of a given display object displayed in the vicinity of the focused character or a change in the mode according to the parameter for each player, or (2) the object control means controls the mode of the player character or the focused character, or a change in the mode;
the game control means
It is configured to compare the superiority and inferiority of each player with respect to the parameters of each player, and notify each player of the information of the comparison result of the superiority and inferiority as superiority and inferiority information.

With this configuration, the present invention can perform various operations including, for example, the detection status of each player's line of sight, the relationship between the detected line of sight of each player and the gaze character, the appearance change of the player to appeal to the gaze character, or , charging, etc., can be changed based on the progress of the game, the operation of each player, and the input of the line of sight.

In particular, in the case of a game in which a player and a player are communicating with each other, based on the characteristics of the player, the game environment, the degree of achievement of the communication, and the situation, the character being watched or Player character parameters can be varied.

In addition, since the present invention can visualize such parameter fluctuations by means of the displayed object or the mode of the gazed character, etc., the immersive feeling of the player can be maintained or improved. By comparing the parameters among a plurality of players, a competitive game can be established between the plurality of players.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a new game, a battle game that utilizes the experience of communication with the gaze character, and to compete with other players, including PCs, to communicate the intent of the gaze character through the battle game. It is possible to realize a game that can deepen communication.

Note that the focused character includes, for example, a character such as an idol who performs actions such as a performance in a game space, or a character (not only a dynamic character, but also a , including static objects.), which are characters watched by the player and controlled by the computer.

For example, as a character performing an action, an action of sending a line of sight toward the position of the virtual camera (that is, toward the player character) or an action specially provided for the player character This includes a gaze character that performs a fan service action toward the player when having a relationship with the fan.

The player character may be a character (so-called avatar) that acts as an alter ego of the player in the game space, or a character that acts in the game space based on the intention of the player, such as a companion character of the player. good too.

In particular, the player character may not be imaged when the game space is imaged (that is, may be hidden), or may be imaged in the image of the game space.

When the player character is imaged, for example, parts such as the hands and feet visible to the player character, player characters of other players, or player characters displayed on a monitor installed in the game space. Imaged for what is visible from the player's point of view.

The player input may be a player operation that is input or recognized according to the player's body movement such as an input to a controller, such as the player's fingers, arms, head, line of sight, or eyelids, or a camera. The input (line-of-sight direction or operation input) detected by detection means such as image detection or vibration detection (gyro) may be used.

In particular, player input may be input by a single player or by multiple players. The battle game may be a multiplayer battle or a battle between a PC and a computer.

A given display object includes, for example, an object having a predetermined shape such as a heart shape.

In particular, the appearance of the displayed objects includes the shape, size, color, and animation patterns (eg, changes in facial expressions) of these objects to control their initial or in-game appearance.

Furthermore, the given parameters include, for example, parameters set for each player such as player attributes and billing status, which can be strategically or easily set for the game, or parameters for the game. It contains parameters that change during the gaze of the gaze character as it progresses.

In addition to the above, the “nearby the focused character” may be, for example, the vicinity in the game space, or may be an image displayed by being superimposed as an image in the vicinity of the focused character turned into an image. may be in the vicinity of
In addition, in "controlling the mode of a displayed object or a change in the mode", "controlling the mode of a displayed object" means, for example, the behavior of a gaze character, such as a performance motion of a performance or a motion when confronting a player character. It means to control the appearance of the displayed object at the start of gaze, and "control of appearance change of the displayed object" indicates, for example, the appearance change of the displayed object while the gaze character is gazing.

Furthermore, the "comparison result of superiority" may be a display of points or a rank among a plurality of players, or may be a result indicating whether the player is winning or losing to other players.

(2) In addition, the present invention is
The object control means
When controlling the mode of the displayed object or the change in the mode, for each image of the game space generated, the displayed object for the player corresponding to the viewpoint of each image is visualized, and the corresponding player and has a configuration for performing display control for non-imaging the displayed objects of different other players.

With this configuration, according to the present invention, during a competitive game, the status of player operations of other players and the external appearance of the other player, etc., are not displayed in the visually recognizable images, so that other players can view the images during the competitive game. without being affected by the player's operation status or its status,
You can concentrate only on communicating with the gaze character.

Therefore, the present invention can realize a game in which each player can further enhance the sense of immersion and deepen communication with the focused character.

It should be noted that "another player different from the corresponding player" indicates a player who is an opponent of each player in the competitive game.

(3) In addition, the present invention is
the game control means
The superiority/inferiority information of each player is notified by rank, score, character action, effect change, or display object change.

With this configuration, the present invention can reliably provide superiority/inferiority information to each player, and allow the player to clearly recognize the state of competition and superiority/inferiority with other players, thereby realizing a heated battle game. can.

Note that "effects" include display effects and sound effects. Specifically, the display effect includes an effect that changes the transparency of a displayed object or decoration for display, or an effect that changes the facial expression or behavior of a focused object provided to the player.

For example, as an effect to change the transparency of the displayed object, the object displayed to the player with the highest ranking is opaque, while the transparency of the displayed object to the corresponding player is changed as the ranking decreases. Includes lowering effects.

In addition, as an effect to change the decoration of the displayed object, the decoration of the displayed object (the surroundings of the displayed object and the background illumination) for the player with the highest rank is made flashy, and the lower the rank, the more appropriate the display is. Includes effects that simplify the decoration of objects displayed to players who play the game.

Furthermore, the effects for changing the facial expression and behavior of the gaze object provided to the player include display effects for expressing a more intimate or flashy facial expression and behavior as the ranking is higher.

On the other hand, sound effects include effects that add echoes and sound effects, and effects that change the announcement method.

For example, as a sound effect that adds a sound effect, a flashy sound effect is added when providing the superiority/inferiority information to the player with the highest ranking, and the superiority/inferiority information is provided to the corresponding players as the ranking decreases. Includes an effect that simplifies the sound effect at the time (no sound effect for the lowest rank).

(4) In addition, the present invention is
the game control means
It has a configuration for controlling the competitive game by the plurality of players in accordance with the variation of the parameters of each of the players during a predetermined competitive period during which the competitive game is played.

With this configuration, the present invention provides a period other than the competition game period, such as a period in which the player concentrates on the competition game, a preparation period for the competition game, and a period for displaying the result of the competition game. In addition to being able to excite, for example, by giving a period to work out the strategy of the battle game, such as setting up the battle game during the preparation period, or by giving a predetermined effect to the winner or loser of the battle game during the result display period By executing the game, the interest of the game can be improved.

The "predetermined period" may be determined by the passage of time, such as one minute. etc.) or a period defined by predetermined timing such as one song or multiple songs.

(5) In addition, the present invention is
the game control means
identifying, as a specific player, the player who provides a special action of the focused character in the game space based on the superiority/inferiority information of each player;
The object control means
It has a configuration for controlling a special action of the watching character with respect to the player character corresponding to the specific player.

With this configuration, the present invention can provide a player character who is superior to other players, for example, who has a parameter of a predetermined value or more, or has a plurality of different types of parameters, or the like. Gaze for the player, such as moving forward, winking at the player character, hand gestures or blowing kisses, contact with the player character (including contact modes), and providing the gaze character's line of sight to the player character. You can control special aspects of your character.

Therefore, the present invention can increase the player's motivation for the game and the sense of immersion in the game space.

(6) In addition, the present invention is
The image generation means is
When the special action of the watching character is controlled for one player character, an image of the special action is provided to a player corresponding to another player character different from the one player character. It has a configuration that

With this configuration, the present invention can increase the motivation of other players to play the game, thereby making the game more active and more interesting.

(7) In addition, the present invention is
the game control means
controlling execution of the competitive game during a competitive period formed from a plurality of unit periods;
for each unit period, based on the superiority/inferiority information of each player, identifying the player who provides a special action of the focused character in the game space as a specific player;
The object control means
It has a configuration for controlling a special action of the watching character with respect to the player character corresponding to the specific player for each unit period.

With this configuration, the present invention provides a player who is better than other players for each unit period, for example, has a parameter of a predetermined value or more, or has parameters of a plurality of types or more. movement of the gaze character toward the player character, winks and hand gestures toward the player character, contact with the player character (including contact modes), provision of the gaze character's line of sight to the player character, etc. Special behaviors of the gaze character for that player can be controlled.

Therefore, the present invention can increase the player's motivation for the game and the sense of immersion in the game space.

Note that the "given condition" includes not only the target unit period, but also a parameter having a predetermined value or more, or a parameter having a plurality of types or more of different types in the previous or immediately preceding unit period. An upper limit can be included that includes the case where

(8) In addition, the present invention is
the game control means
providing information on an event that changes the parameter during a competition period to a player whose parameter satisfies a given condition;
When an instruction to execute the event is received during the competition period by the player's input, the parameters of the corresponding player are varied in correspondence with the event.

With this configuration, the present invention can change the parameters of the player by executing the billing event during the battle period, so that the game includes an element that reverses the player who lost the battle during the battle game. be able to.

That is, the present invention makes it possible to liven up the competitive game and improve the interest of the game by providing all the players with a chance to win until the competitive game is over.

In addition to billing events such as gifts to be provided to gaze characters, purchase of items used in games, or participation in mini games, events using owned items such as shaking psyllium a specified number of times are included in the event. is included.

(9) In addition, the present invention is
The object control means
For each of the players, given parameters related to the game for both the focused character and the player character are summed up to calculate a summed value, and depending on the summed value, the displayed object or the focused character is displayed. It has a configuration for controlling a mode or a change in the mode.

With this configuration, the present invention provides a display for visualizing the relationship between the character being watched and each player, such as whether or not communication is being achieved with the character being watched, and the mode of the watching program, to each player and each player. Since control can be performed using not only a single parameter of the gaze character but also both parameters, the communication achieved between each player and the gaze character can be accurately reflected in the game world. As a result, it is possible to accurately visualize the relationship indicating the communication between the focused character and each player in the game.

For example, in a game in which the character being watched and the player are to communicate with each other by making eye contact with the character in the game space of the player, the present invention can be used to facilitate communication between the character being watched and each player. The degree and the degree of mutual understanding with the focused character from each player side can be summed up and quantified as a parameter.

Therefore, the present invention can accurately quantify the progress of the game and the operation conditions for communicating with each player with respect to the focused character as parameters. It is possible to allow each player to accurately recognize the input situation based on the player's operation, and to appropriately execute an effect according to the play situation during the game.

(10) In addition, the present invention is
The given parameter relating to the fighting game is a parameter that changes and reflects the game situation information related to the watching character or the player character.

With this configuration, the present invention provides a game situation related to the focused character or the player character, such as parameters in which the attributes, appearance and equipment of the focused character or the player character are digitized, or position-based parameters such as position and distance. It is possible to control the aspect of the display object or the change in the aspect in accordance with the parameters that change and reflect the information.

Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to control the mode of the displayed object or changes in the mode by the attributes and appearance of the player character, or the operation of the player character. In a game in which a staring character is watched, the important elements can be reflected in the main functions of the game.

As a result, according to the present invention, the world view of the game can be broadened and the game can be enjoyed from various angles, so that the interest of the game can be maintained and improved.

Note that, for example, parameters for changing and reflecting the game situation information related to the focused character or the player character include:
[1] Parameters in which attribute information indicating the attributes (gender and preferences) of the focused character and the player character are digitized;
[2] Appearance (basic modeling (including size) such as a person, animal or robot, or appearance (including color), hairstyle) is quantified as a parameter,
[3] Parameters in which items (including charged items) equipped to the player character, such as costumes, accessories, and belongings (towels and glow sticks) set for the player character, are digitized [4] Parameters of the player character Parameters determined based on gaze control (viewpoint position, gaze direction, gaze position and gaze time) in the game space,
[5] A parameter determined based on the position, such as the position of the gaze character and the player character, or their distance in the game, or
[6] Parameters determined based on the movement of the player character and the associated movement of the focused character (the posture of the player character or the focused character, or the contact time and contact position contact status);
is included.

(11) In addition, the present invention is
The given parameter relating to the competitive game is a parameter reflecting the game situation of the player.

With this configuration, the present invention can control the mode of the display object or changes in the mode according to the game history, billing history, or parameters such as decorations in the game that do not depend on the focused character or the player character.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to control the mode of the displayed object or the change in the mode by using the game situation away from the character, such as when the billing amount is high or when the game has been played many times in the past.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the game can be played frequently or the game situation can be changed depending on the amount of money to be charged. can be improved.

For example, parameters that reflect the player's game situation are:
[1] Player's play frequency (number of times played, number of times logged in, elapsed time since the last time played), playing time (total time since the start of the game), play results (past best results and rank among multiple players) ), parameters determined based on the game history,
[2] Parameters determined based on billing information such as billing history indicating the billing amount at a predetermined timing during the game and the cumulative billing amount from the start of the game;
[3] Parameters that are not associated with the attention character or player character, such as magic items, in-game decorations, or items for performing such decorations (including charged items), or
[4] Contains parameters related to the game environment, such as the stage of the game being executed and the game level of the player.

(12) In addition, the present invention is
The aspect of the display includes at least one aspect of the shape, color, size, and display pattern of the display.

With this configuration, the present invention expresses the display object and its changes with various variations by controlling the appearance of the display object and changes in the appearance according to the shape, color, size, or display pattern of the display object. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

(13) In addition, the present invention is
The mode of the gaze character includes the mode of at least one of the facial expression parts object that configures the facial expression of the gaze character and the pupil part object that configures the eyes of the gaze character,
The object control means
It has a configuration for controlling a mode or a change in the mode of at least one of the facial expression parts object and the pupil parts object according to the parameter.

With this configuration, the present invention uses facial expression parts such as the eyes and mouth that make up the facial expression of the character being watched, or eye parts that are important when expressing the facial expression of the character being watched. Since facial expressions can be controlled, the player can easily and accurately recognize the progress of the game and the player's input to the gaze character. The display of the play status can be used as an effect to liven up the game.

Expression parts objects include, for example, eyes (including pupils), nose, mouth (including not only lips but also their surroundings), eyebrows, eyelashes, eyebrows, teeth, cheeks, hair, sweat, and decorations. Including items, and modalities include, for example, movement, size, color, shape, lighting, and patterns.

Further, the pupil part object includes, for example, a pupil part, an iris part, and a decoration part for decorating the pupil. Saga is included.

In particular, decorative parts include, for example, figures such as stars and hearts reflected in eyes, light rings, and parts of other characters including player characters. Also, the color of the pupil part object is determined, for example, by the elements of brightness, brightness, saturation, and hue, and changes in color indicate, for example, changes in these elements.

(14) In addition, the present invention
further functioning the computer as control processing means for executing control processing for controlling providing means for providing sound or vibration associated with the gaze object or the displayed object;
The control processing means is
It is configured to change the sound or vibration provided by the providing means in accordance with the state of the gaze object or the displayed object or a change in the state.

With this configuration, the present invention enables the player to recognize the progress of the game and the player's input to the character being watched, not only by visualization but also by auditory or tactile sensations. , a synergistic effect can be expected with regard to the effect of enhancing the play situation during the game, such as a situation in which mutual understanding is achieved.

Therefore, the present invention can further enhance the player's sense of immersion in the virtual space and improve the interest of the game.

The providing means includes, for example, speaker or headphone output, operation means such as a controller operated by the player, a structure for vibrating a display device worn by the player that displays the game image, wind from a blower, heat from an electric heater, Water vapor such as a humidifier is also included.

(15) In addition, the present invention
The image generation means is
displaying the generated image of the game space on a display means comprising a wearable image display device having a structure that covers the field of view of the player and allowing the image of the virtual three-dimensional space to be viewed;
The receiving means is
It is configured to receive the player's line-of-sight direction as the player's input.

With this configuration, the present invention can apply a virtual three-dimensional space that changes according to the position and posture of the player's head to the game space, so that the player can actually experience the game in the game space. It can give you that feeling.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to further enhance the player's sense of immersion and improve the interest of the game.

(16) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention
A game space in which gaze characters to be gazed at by a plurality of players are arranged is assumed to be a virtual 3
A game system for executing a battle game between the plurality of players while imaging as a dimensional space,
an object control means for controlling an object including a player character to be operated by each player in the game space and the focused character;
receiving means for executing a process of receiving player input input by each player, including at least the line-of-sight direction of the player;
virtual camera control means for controlling a corresponding virtual camera based on each of the received player inputs;
For each player, a position where each player character is arranged in the game space is set as a position of a virtual camera corresponding to each player, and the game space seen in the line-of-sight direction of each player with each virtual camera as a viewpoint. image generation means for generating images of
Based on the received player input, a given parameter relating to the battle game of at least one of the watching character and the player character is varied to control the battle game by the plurality of players based on the parameter. a game control means;
with
(1) The display control means controls, for each player, the mode of a given display object displayed in the vicinity of the focused character or a change in the mode according to the parameter for each player, or (2) the object control means controls the mode of the player character or the focused character, or a change in the mode;
the game control means
It is configured to compare the superiority and inferiority of each player with respect to the parameters of each player, and notify each player of the information of the comparison result of the superiority and inferiority as superiority and inferiority information.

With this configuration, the present invention can visualize the variation of the parameter by the displayed object or the mode of the gazed character. By comparing the parameters among a plurality of players, a competitive game can be established between the plurality of players.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a new game, a battle game that utilizes the experience of communication with the gaze character, and to compete with other players, including PCs, to communicate the intent of the gaze character through the battle game. It is possible to realize a game that can deepen communication.

1 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration in one embodiment of a game system according to the present invention; FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline|summary of the game of one Embodiment. It is an example of the functional block diagram which shows the structure of the server apparatus in one Embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of display object/facial expression parts object information stored in a storage unit of a server device in one embodiment; It is an example of the functional block diagram which shows the structure of the terminal device in one Embodiment. It is an example of the figure which shows the external appearance structure of the terminal device in one Embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the competitive game process of the embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the competitive game process of the embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining mode control processing of a display object according to an embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the mode control processing of the facial expression parts object of one embodiment; FIG. 11 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining notification of superiority/inferiority information using mode control processing of a display object in one embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the notification of superiority/inferiority information using the display object mode control processing in one embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram (part 3) for explaining the notification of superiority/inferiority information using the display object mode control process according to the embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining notification of superiority/inferiority information using the acting character mode control process in one embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the notification of superiority/inferiority information using the acting character mode control process in one embodiment; 4 is a flowchart (Part 1) showing the operation of the competitive game process executed by the server device of the embodiment; FIG. 10 is a flowchart (Part 2) showing the operation of the competitive game process executed by the server device of one embodiment; FIG.

Embodiments will be described below. It should be noted that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the scope of the invention described in the claims. Moreover, not all the configurations described in the present embodiment are essential constituent elements of the present invention. Furthermore, the following embodiments are directed to a game system that provides a game by simulating a virtual three-dimensional space using an HMD (head mounted display) as a wearable image display device. is applied.

[1] Game System [1.1] Overview First, the overview and schematic configuration of the game system 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration showing the configuration of the game system 1 of the present embodiment.

The game system 1 of the present embodiment is a VR experience (virtual reality experience) in which a player character (hereinafter referred to as an "avatar") appears in a virtual space and is perceived as if it exists around the player. ) as an online game (client-server type online game).

In particular, in the game system 1 of the present embodiment, for example, the player is a plurality of virtual three-dimensional idols (so-called attention characters that are watched by the player and perform actions in the game space (hereinafter referred to as "acting characters"). )), as one of the fans of the group, the theme is to watch a live stage (hereinafter also referred to as “stage”) where virtual acting performances (specifically, live singing) are performed 3 It has a configuration for providing a simulation game capable of 3D viewing.

That is, the game system 1 of the present embodiment, as a acting character, performs an action of sending a line of sight toward the player in the game space (that is, toward the position of the virtual camera) or an action specially provided to the player. It has a configuration to provide a game including watching an acting character performing (a fan service action toward the player when the acting character and the player have a relationship between an idol and a fan).

Also, the game system 1
(1) display the generated image of the game space in 3D on an HMD (wearable image display device) that has a structure that covers the field of view of the player and allows the image of the virtual 3D space to be viewed;
(2) controlling a virtual camera based on the attitude of the HMD;
(3) The game progresses by receiving input from the player wearing the HMD, including the line-of-sight direction of the player wearing the HMD, which is detected by a detecting means provided in the HMD.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 has a server device 10 that provides games such as competitive games and RPGs, and an HMD worn by a player. Terminal devices 20 (for example, terminal devices 20A, 20B, and 20C) used to play the transmitted game are configured to be connectable to a network such as the Internet.

The server device 10 is, for example, an information processing device capable of providing an online game that is executed using an API (application programming interface), a predetermined platform, or the like.

Further, the server device 10 may be composed of one (device, processor), or may be composed of a plurality of (devices, processors).

Information such as billing information and game information stored in a storage area (storage unit 140 described later) of the server device 10 is stored in a database (storage device, memory in a broad sense) connected via a network (intranet or Internet). ), or information such as the player information 146 stored in the storage area may be stored in a database (storage device or memory in a broad sense) connected via a network (intranet or Internet). You may do so.

In particular, the server device 10 receives input information based on the operation (player input) of the user of the terminal device 20 (that is, the player who executes the game), and performs game processing based on the received input information. there is

Then, the server device 10 transmits to the terminal device 20 an image of the three-dimensional image of the game space (including data for displaying the image) and the game processing result.

The terminal device 20 has an HMD unit 200 and a terminal control unit 300, and is a device that displays a three-dimensional image of a game space and executes games such as competitive games, simulation games, and RPGs.

The terminal device 20 is composed of an information processing device such as an image generation device such as a smart phone, a mobile phone, a PHS, a computer, a game device, a PDA, a portable game machine, etc., and is connected via a network such as the Internet (WAN) or LAN. It is a device that can be connected to the server device 10 via the server device 10 . A communication line between the terminal device 20 and the server device 10 may be wired or wireless.

In addition, the terminal device 20 performs display control using a communication control function for communicating with the server device 10 and data received from the server device 10, and transmits operation information input by the player to the server device 10. It has a configuration including a transmission function and the like.

The terminal device 20 is configured to provide the player with a game realized in a three-dimensional space transmitted from the server device 10 . However, the terminal device 20 may acquire game control information provided from the server device 10, execute predetermined game processing, and execute a game based on the game processing.

The game system 1 of this embodiment may be a system dedicated to a single-player mode in which only one player can play, or a system having a multi-player mode in which a plurality of players can play.

Also, when a plurality of players play, the game images and game sounds to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using a single terminal, or may be connected via a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. It may be generated by distributed processing using a plurality of terminal devices (game machines, mobile phones).

[1.2] Description of Game Next, an overview of the game realized by this embodiment as a VR experience will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the game of this embodiment.

The game space is constructed as a VR space (virtual three-dimensional space) 2, for example, as shown in FIG. A plurality of bleachers 6 are provided on which avatars 5 are arranged.

An idol character 8 (acting character) who is an NPC (non-avatar) performs on the stage, and the player can watch the performance of the idol character 8 through the avatar 5 .

The contents of the live stage are live performances such as singing songs, playing musical instruments, dancing, street performances, etc. For example, in this embodiment, live performances of singing songs with choreography are performed. .

The stage 4 can be appropriately set, for example, as an outdoor stage, a concert hall, a live house, or the like. In addition, depending on the content of the game, it is possible to set situations such as the stage of the school gymnasium, the teaching podium of the classroom, the loading platform of the truck, and the deck.

The audience seats 6 are viewing positions for viewing the live stage, and a large number of seats are prepared for one person in one live stage venue. The layout of the spectator seats 6 can be appropriately set according to the design of the stage 4 . Note that FIG. 2A shows an example in which the spectator seats 6 are set as standing room seats. However, it may be a seated type.

The sex, age, and number of idol characters 8 performing performances can be set appropriately.
In particular, in this embodiment, the idol character 8 is composed of a duo of a first idol character 8a and a second idol character 8b, as shown in FIG. 2(A). However, it may be composed of one person, or may be composed of a group of three or more people.

In the bleachers 6, an avatar 5 of an avatar having a role as an idol fan is arranged, and the player is associated with at least one avatar 5 whose appearance, appearance, items, etc. are set, and participates in the game. participate.

Each avatar 5 is automatically controlled to be synchronized with and linked to the player's motion detected by the HMD unit 200 attached to the player 2, for example, as shown in FIG. 2(B).

Specifically, the head posture of the avatar 5 is synchronized with the head posture of the player 2 detected by the HMD unit 200, and the line of sight of the avatar 5 is synchronized based on the player's line-of-sight direction detected by the HMD unit 200. are synchronized, and the avatar 5 in the game space 11 is automatically controlled based on these player inputs.

At the position of the avatar 5 in the game space 11, right-eye and left-eye virtual cameras are set so that the angle of view and the depth of field are set to correspond to the angle of view of a human being so that they face the front of the head. Images captured by these are displayed on the HMD unit 200 (specifically, a right-eye display panel 261 and a left-eye display panel 262, which will be described later). Therefore, the player 2 can view the image of the game space 11 as a three-dimensional image through the eyes of the avatar 5 by changing the direction and posture of the head and the direction of the line of sight.

Note that the game of this embodiment is capable of multi-play, and the avatars 5 associated with each player are arranged in each of the bleachers 6 . However, even in the bleachers 6 where the avatars 5 are not placed, the NPCs are automatically placed and automatically controlled by the computer to act as idol fans.

In addition, in the game of the present embodiment, the three-dimensional image provided to each player may or may not display the avatar 5 associated with each player. Similarly, the avatar 5 may or may not be displayed in the three-dimensional image provided to the player.

[2] Server Apparatus First, the outline and configuration of the server apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the server device 10 of this embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an example of display object object information or facial expression parts object information stored in the storage unit 140 of this embodiment. . Further, the server apparatus 10 of the present embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the constituent elements (each part) of FIG. 3 are omitted.

The server device 10 includes a server processing unit 100 that mainly executes processing related to games to be provided, an input unit 120 that is used for input by an administrator and others, a display unit 130 that performs predetermined displays, and various types of It includes a storage unit 140 that stores data, an information storage medium 180 that stores predetermined information, and a communication unit 196 that communicates with the terminal device 20 and others.

The input unit 120 is used by a system administrator or the like to input game-related settings and other necessary settings and data. For example, the input unit 120 of this embodiment is configured by a mouse, a keyboard, or the like.

The display unit 130 displays an operation screen for the system administrator. For example, the display unit 130 of this embodiment is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like.

The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs and data, and its functions include optical discs (CD, DVD), magneto-optical discs (MO), magnetic discs, hard disks, and magnetic tapes. , or a memory (ROM) or the like.

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, terminals, other servers, and other network systems), and its function is implemented by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs. or a program.

The storage unit 140 serves as a work area for the server processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its function is configured by a RAM (VRAM) or the like. Information stored in the storage unit 140 may be managed by a database.

In this embodiment, the storage unit 140 includes a main storage unit 1142 used as a work area, game information 144 indicating information about the game to be provided, player Information 146, display object/expression object information 148 indicating information on display object and expression parts object information, and table data 149 used for calculation of game parameters are stored. However, in addition to the above information, the storage unit 140 stores various information necessary for game calculations.

The player information 146 includes player identification information such as name, age, gender, account information for billing settlement, game play information indicating the player's level and progress during the game, and billing information, associated with the player ID for each player. Billing history information in which information is registered as history is stored.

In particular, the game play information includes avatar information, and the avatar information includes basic shapes (basic shapes (including sizes) of people, animals, robots, etc., and appearances such as hairstyles and makeup (including colors). , hairstyle), and information for setting the avatar such as owned items (clothes, accessories, belongings (towels and glow sticks)).

Further, the billing history information includes billing date and time indicating the date and time when billing was performed, types of billing elements such as item purchases and minor purchases, billing amounts indicating billed amounts, and the like.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the display object/facial expression object information 148 includes (A1) basic specifications indicating the basic specifications of the display object in association with the display object ID for each display object type. specification information,
(A2) change specification information of a plurality of display objects, in which change specifications changed from the basic specifications are defined for each game parameter range;
(A3) Sound effect information when displaying a display object for each change specification information,
is defined.

In particular, the basic specification information includes, for example, information on one or more elements such as the shape, color, size, or display pattern of animation (that is, animation pattern) of a reference display object, and coordinate values (local coordinates), the number of pixels, RGB gradation values, or information necessary for displaying display objects in the game space, such as frame speed.

In addition, the change specification information includes a plurality of ranges from the minimum value to the maximum value of the game parameter (hereinafter referred to as "parameter range"), and for each parameter range, the amount of change from the standard specification (standard shape , color, size, or difference value of each element of animation) is defined.

Note that FIG. 4A shows the total value of the game parameters (total value of the game parameters calculated for each of the avatar and the performance character) for the hard type display object "A" with the display object ID "001". is set, and the specification information and the sound effects are defined for each level range.

On the other hand, the display/facial expression object information 148 includes, for example, facial expression parts objects or a facial expression parts object group (hereinafter referred to as "facial expression parts objects" unless otherwise specified), as shown in FIG. 4B. each, (B1) basic specification information associated with the facial expression parts ID and indicating the basic specifications of the facial expression parts object;
(B2) a plurality of change specification information of facial expression parts objects in which change specifications changed from basic specifications are defined for each game parameter range;
(B3) Sound effect information when displaying the facial expression parts object for each change specification information,
is defined.

In particular, the basic specification information includes, for example, the shape (including orientation) of each facial expression parts object for forming the facial expression of the acting character, such as reference eyes (including pupils), mouth, and eyebrows. , color or size, or display pattern (i.e., animation pattern) of the facial expression part object group, for example, coordinate value (local coordinate), number of pixels, RGB gradation value Alternatively, information necessary for displaying the facial expression parts object in the game space, such as frame speed, is included.

In addition, the change specification information includes a plurality of ranges from the minimum value to the maximum value of the game parameter (hereinafter referred to as "parameter range"), and for each parameter range, the amount of change from the standard specification (standard shape , color, size, or difference value of each element of animation) is defined.

Note that FIG. 4B shows the total value of the game parameters (the total value of the game parameters calculated for each of the avatar and the performance character) for the facial expression parts object group with the smile "A" with the facial expression part ID "101". ) is set, and specification information and sound effects are defined for each level range. It should be noted that the first level range of the facial expression parts object group of smile "A" in FIG. 4 shows the case where the basic specification information is defined as the specification information.

The table data 149 includes
(1) A strategy game parameter table in which items related to attributes of acting characters and players, appearances and items set for avatars, emotions, and billing amounts are associated with game parameter values. ,
(2) An interlocking game parameter table linked to the game, in which each action of the performance character and avatar, each item related to each position and game history information of the player, and the value of each game parameter are defined in association with each other. ,
including.

In particular, in the strategy game parameter table and the interlocking game parameter table, points for each game parameter are associated with items in which game parameters related to avatar settings, performance character acting, or game history are set. stipulated.

The server processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main storage unit 142 in the storage unit 140 as a work area. The functions of the server processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

The server processing unit 100 performs various processes of this embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 180 . That is, the information storage medium 180 stores a program for causing the computer to function as each part of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute the processing of each part).

For example, the server processing unit 100 (processor) controls the entire server device 10 based on a program stored in the information storage medium 180, and performs processing such as game control processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing. I do.

Further, the server processing unit 100 performs, as game control processing, processing for starting the game when the game start condition is satisfied, processing for advancing the game, processing for various objects in an object space (three-dimensional space) such as characters and maps. , displaying an object, calculating the game result, or ending the game when the game end condition is satisfied.

Specifically, the server processing unit 100 of this embodiment includes a communication control unit 101, a user management unit 102, a parameter control unit 118, an information acquisition unit 104, a billing management unit 105, a game control unit 110, a virtual camera control unit 106 , and at least a sound generation unit 107 , an image generation unit 108 and a timer unit 160 .

For example, the game control unit 110 of this embodiment constitutes the game control means, the object control means, and the control processing means of the present invention, and the information acquisition unit 104 constitutes the receiving means of the present invention. Further, for example, the virtual camera control unit 106 of this embodiment constitutes the virtual camera control means of the invention, and the image generation unit 108 constitutes the image generation means of the invention.

The communication control unit 101 performs processing for transmitting and receiving data to and from the terminal device 20 via the network. That is, the server device 10 performs various processes based on various information including player operation information received from the terminal device 20 or the like by the communication control unit 101 .

The user management unit 102 performs processing related to user registration procedures and storage management of data associated with accounts (player IDs).

Specifically, the user management unit 102 controls account granting, registration information management for registering and managing personal information about users, and a virtual account that is linked to the account and used as a source of payment for the execution of billing elements. setting and deposit/withdrawal control, registration of billing history related to billing elements by the user of the account, and storage and management of game play information regarding game progress in association with the account.

The information acquisition unit 104 acquires various information necessary for the processing of the server processing unit 100 . That is, the reception processing of these information is performed. For example, the information acquisition unit 104 acquires player operation information from each terminal device 20 .

Specifically, the information acquisition unit 104 acquires the player's line-of-sight information based on image information captured by the image capturing unit 210 of the HMD unit 200 in the terminal device 20 during the game, information detected by the motion sensor 220 of the HMD unit 200, (hereinafter referred to as "motion detection information") and information on switch inputs input in conjunction with the game during execution of the game (hereinafter referred to as "switch input information").

In particular, the information acquisition unit 104 acquires information about each of the three axes of the player's head from the motion sensor 220 as motion detection information, and obtains rotation angles about the three axes based on the acquired motion detection information. Thus, information on the direction in which the player's head is directed may be acquired as line-of-sight information, or imaging information obtained by imaging the orientation of the player's eyeballs may be acquired, and predetermined image processing may be performed on the acquired imaging information. During execution, line-of-sight information indicating the line-of-sight direction of the player may be obtained using the direction of the player's head calculated based on the motion detection information.

Note that the information acquisition unit 104 may acquire line-of-sight information based on operation information from the input unit 260 (eg, game controller) of the terminal device 20 . For example, the information acquisition unit 104 acquires (specifies) line-of-sight information based on operation information obtained by the player operating a direction instruction key, an analog stick, an operation button, or the like provided on the input unit 260. good too.

In addition to the motion detection information of the motion sensor 220, the player's line-of-sight information may be obtained using an image of a plurality of light emitting elements (LEDs) of a light emitting unit (not shown) captured by an imaging unit (not shown).

Furthermore, information other than the motion detection information of the HMD unit 200 may be used to detect the player's line-of-sight information. For example, an imaging unit (not shown) is provided with a depth sensor capable of detecting depth information in a three-dimensional space, and the skeleton information of the player is extracted using the color image from the color image sensor and the depth information from the depth sensor. , the line-of-sight information of the player may be acquired using the extracted skeleton information.

The billing management unit 105 executes billing processing for billing elements in the game based on instructions from the target player for each player, and stores information on billing (that is, billing information) in the player information 146 as a billing history ( hereinafter referred to as “accounting processing”).

In particular, in the present embodiment, the billing elements include the billing amount charged for dressing the avatar (for example, make-up, costume, or item), and a predetermined item (for example, a gift or a twist) for the acting character. ), and a parameter corresponding to the amount charged to execute a game such as Continue or Gacha.

Also, the billing management unit 105 calculates the accumulated billing amount during game execution for each player based on billing history information in which billing information is registered as a history.

As the charging process, the charging management unit 105 requests charging by using virtual currency or points or by using a credit card or prepaid card, and executes each charging process based on the player's instructions.

The game control unit 110 performs various processes related to game execution management. The game control unit 110 of the present embodiment communicates with the terminal device 20 and performs control to provide data necessary for game play.

Specifically, the game control unit 110 includes a game execution control unit 111, a grandstand setting unit 112, an avatar setting unit 113, an object control unit 114, an avatar line-of-sight control unit 115, a line-of-sight matching detection unit 116, and a special control execution unit 117. , a parameter control unit 118 and a notification control unit 119 .

Note that, for example, the notification control unit 119 of the present embodiment configures game control means, object control means, and control processing means of the present invention in conjunction with the object control unit 114 and the special control execution unit 117 .

The game execution control unit 111 executes various processes related to the execution of the game, including the performance of the performance character, the start processing and end processing of the performance, and the processing of each game.

In particular, the game execution control unit 111 sets the live stage in the game space where the acting character performs the performance based on the player's operation input when executing the game including the performance of the acting character, and sets the live stage in the set live stage. Various controls such as playback of music and lighting are performed during the performance for the acting character to perform (that is, during the performance).

The audience seat setting unit 112 sets the position of the player's avatar in the live stage set by the game execution control unit 111, that is, the viewing position of the stage, based on the player's operation input. Set the virtual cameras (for the right eye and left eye) that will be the viewpoint of the player.

The spectator seat setting unit 112 of the present embodiment sets the viewing position by making a reservation designation as a spectator seat prior to holding the live stage.

The avatar setting unit 113 sets an avatar associated with the player based on the player's operation input, and registers the set avatar in the player information 146 .

Specifically, based on the player's operation, the avatar setting unit 113 sets the basic shape (basic shape of a person, animal, or robot (including size), appearance such as hairstyle and makeup (including color), Hairstyle) and owned items (clothes, accessories, belongings (towels and psyllium)) for avatars to dress up.

In addition, the avatar setting unit 113 performs settings for making the avatar dress by selecting predetermined parts and the like. When setting an avatar by billing, the avatar setting unit 113 performs avatar setting in conjunction with the billing management unit 105 for the portion for which billing has occurred.

It should be noted that an expiration date is set for components and items of the appearance of the avatar. , even if the player's setting instruction is input, the setting is disabled.

On the other hand, based on the player's operation, the avatar setting unit 113 assigns items associated with actual objects such as clothes and equipment (including gifts and twists for acting characters) that actually exist in the real space to the avatar. It has a configurable configuration.

Specifically, for example, when the avatar setting unit 113 acquires identification information such as a product number assigned to an article or code information of a two-dimensional barcode that is transmitted from the terminal device 20 by an operation of the player, the identification information It has a configuration that can set the item in which the article is digitized, which is associated with the , to the corresponding avatar.

Note that items may be provided by media such as game cards instead of actual goods, and conceptual items such as twists are similarly provided by media such as game cards.

In addition, when the item is used during a game, such as during the performance of a performance character such as twisting, the avatar setting unit 113 registers the item in the player information 146 in advance as an item based on the player's operation before starting the game. has a configuration that allows

The object control unit 114 performs setting processing of an object space (a game space that is a three-dimensional virtual space) in which a plurality of objects are arranged. For example, characters (people, animals, robots, etc.), maps (terrain), buildings, courses (roads), trees, walls, water surfaces, and various other objects (polygons, free-form surfaces, primitive surfaces such as subdivision surfaces, etc.) ) is placed and set in the object space. That is, the position and rotation angle (synonymous with orientation and direction) of the object in the world coordinate system are determined, and at that position (X, Y, Z) at that rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, Z axes) Place objects.

Specifically, the storage unit 170 stores object data such as the position, rotation angle, moving speed, and moving direction of an object (part object) in association with an object number. Also, the object control unit 114 performs, for example, a process of updating the object data for each frame.

The object control unit 114 also controls the placement of various objects including acting characters and the movement of various objects such as acting characters and avatars within the game space.

In particular, the object control unit 114 controls the movement (choreography) of each part including the direction of the face, the movement of the eyes, the direction of the line of sight, the direction of the body, and the dialogue on the stage during the game, including during the acting performance, for each acting character. to control.

Also, when an avatar is displayed on a monitor such as a large display device in the game space, the object control unit 114 controls the movement of the displayed avatar.

The avatar line-of-sight control unit 115 controls the line-of-sight of the avatar by controlling the orientation of the virtual camera associated with the player based on the player's line-of-sight input output from the terminal device 20 .

The line-of-sight matching detection unit 116 detects, for each avatar, that a given line-of-sight facing condition for detecting a state in which the line of sight of the acting character matches the line of sight of the avatar in the game space, that is, the "state of line of sight" is met. And it is detected for each acting character.

The special control execution unit 117 determines whether or not the special control of the performance character can be executed based on the game parameters, and executes the special control based on the result.

In particular, as a special control for acting characters,
(1) Improving the frequency of directing the line of sight of the acting character to the avatar;
(2) Providing a special opportunity to direct the line of sight of the acting character to the avatar (winks, blowing kisses, hand gestures, creating a heart with both hands, etc.);
(3) Providing opportunities for contact with avatars;
(4) The performance character makes a definite line or a definite pose toward the avatar, or
(5) performing control of two or more of (1) to (4);
is included.

The parameter control unit 118 is a parameter set for each player, such as a player's attribute and billing status, which can be strategically or simply set for the game, or a parameter for acting characters according to the progress of the game. Control parameters that change during gaze (hereinafter referred to as "game parameters").

In particular, the parameter control unit 118 controls not only the game parameters set for each player, but also the game parameters set for the acting characters for each player, and calculates the sum of the game parameters for the players and the game parameters for the acting characters. calculate.

The notification control unit 119 allows the player to communicate with the acting character during the performance of the acting character or at a predetermined timing according to the game parameters of at least one of the acting character and the player (specifically, the avatar). display objects for visualizing the relationship between the acting character and each player, such as whether or not the acting character is active, are controlled to be displayed on the game screen in the vicinity of the acting character. Run.

In particular, the notification control unit 119 may perform display control to place a display object in the vicinity of the performance character in the game space, or may perform display control to place the display object in the vicinity of the performance character in the game space. may be superimposed on the image and displayed.

In particular, the notification control unit 119 may perform display control to place a display object in the vicinity of the performance character in the game space, or may perform display control to place the display object in the vicinity of the performance character in the game space. may be superimposed on the image and displayed.

On the other hand, the notification control unit 119 allows the player to communicate with the acting character according to the game parameters of at least one of the acting character and the player (specifically, the avatar) during the performance of the acting character or at a predetermined timing. A facial expression parts object mode control process is executed for controlling the facial expression parts object for visualizing the relationship between the performance character and each player, such as whether or not the performance character is established.

The virtual camera control unit 106 controls a virtual camera (viewpoint, reference virtual camera) for generating an image seen from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint (in this embodiment, the position where the player object is placed) in the object space. Perform control processing.

Specifically, processing for controlling the position (X, Y, Z) or rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, Z axes) of the virtual camera (processing for controlling the viewpoint position, line-of-sight direction, or angle of view) I do.

The image generation unit 108 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processes (game processing, simulation processing) performed by the server processing unit 100 to generate an image, and transmits the generated image data to the terminal device 20. do.

Specifically, the image generation unit 108 performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source processing, and generates drawing data ( Position coordinates of vertices of primitive faces, texture coordinates, color data, normal vectors, α values, etc.) are created. Then, based on this drawing data (primitive surface data), the object (one or more primitive surfaces) after perspective transformation (after geometry processing) is converted into image information in units of pixels in a drawing buffer (frame buffer, work buffer, etc.) (not shown). ) to a buffer that can store This produces an image seen from a virtual camera (given viewpoint) in object space.

Note that the drawing processing performed by the image generation unit 108 can be realized by vertex shader processing, pixel shader processing, or the like.

Then, the image generation unit 108 generates parallax images (for the right eye and the left eye) for achieving stereoscopic viewing by allowing the player wearing the HMD unit 200 to visually recognize an image of the game space having a predetermined amount of parallax. Generate.

The sound generation unit 107 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the server processing unit 100 , generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, or voices, and transmits them to the HMD unit 200 via the communication unit 196 . (Specifically, the sound output unit 240).

The vibration generation unit 150 generates control data for controlling a pattern for vibrating the vibrator 341 provided in the terminal device 20 based on the results of various processes performed by the server processing unit 100, and outputs the control data to the terminal device 20. do.

The timer unit 160 uses the system clock to measure the current date and time, time limit, time management for game progress control, and other timer values.

[3] Terminal Device Next, the terminal device 20 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the terminal device 20 of this embodiment, and FIG. 6 is an example of a diagram showing an external configuration of the terminal device 20 of this embodiment. Also, the terminal device 20 of the present embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the constituent elements (each part) in FIG. 5 are omitted.

The terminal device 20 is equipped with an HMD unit 200 that detects various player inputs and displays a game image that is an image of a virtual three-dimensional space output from the terminal device 20, and a server device. 10 and a terminal control unit 300 that executes predetermined processing such as processing for displaying game images.

The HMD unit 200 includes an imaging unit 210 that detects the line of sight of the player wearing it, a motion sensor 220 that detects the orientation including the position and direction of the player's head, an interface 230, a sound output unit 240, and a switch 250. and consists of

6A and 6B, the HMD unit 200 has a structure that holds the terminal control unit 300 and is worn by the player.

The HMD unit 200 includes a display panel (for the right eye) 261 for allowing the player wearing the terminal device 20, which is an HMD, to visually recognize an image of the game space having a predetermined amount of parallax with both eyes to achieve stereoscopic vision. and a display panel (for left eye) 262 , and has a structure for displaying the right-eye parallax image and the left-eye parallax image displayed on the terminal device 20 .

Note that the parallax images for realizing stereoscopic vision are the same as those for conventional 3D moving images, so detailed description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 6B is a diagram of the terminal device 20 with the sound output unit 240 omitted.
The image pickup unit 210 picks up an image of the eyes (eye movement) of the player wearing the HMD unit 200, detects the line-of-sight direction, and outputs a signal corresponding to the detection.

The imaging unit 210 also includes an imaging camera 211 having a predetermined imaging element such as a CCD and an optical system such as a lens, and an imaging object based on the output of the imaging camera, and outputs the image to the terminal control unit 300 as image data. and an image generation unit 212 for output.

Motion sensor 220 is implemented by, for example, an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor. For example, the motion sensor 220 detects rotational motion of the player's head (HMD) about three axes of the X, Y, and Z axes using an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. Detects the rotation angle, angular velocity, etc.

The interface 230 is, for example, HDMI (High-Definition M
A wired input/output interface such as Ultimemedia Interface/registered trademark), USB (Universal Serial Bus/registered trademark), or a wireless interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or IEEE802.11a, g, n, ac, etc. It has a function for performing wired or wireless communication with the terminal control unit 300 (specifically, the communication unit 296).

The interface 230 is configured by hardware such as a communication ASIC or communication processor, and communication firmware.

The sound output unit 240 outputs the sound generated by the server processing unit 100, and its function can be realized by hardware such as speakers or headphones.
The switch 250 is interlocked with the switch of the terminal control unit 300 and used to perform a predetermined operation input while the HMD unit 200 is being worn.

The terminal control unit 300 is composed of an input section 260 , a storage section 270 , an information storage medium 280 , a display section 290 , a communication section 296 , a vibration section 340 and a terminal processing section 310 .

The input unit 260 is a device for inputting input information from the user, and outputs the user's input information to the terminal processing unit 310 . The input unit 260 of this embodiment has a configuration for detecting user input information (input signal). For example, the input unit 260 is composed of levers, buttons, a steering wheel, a microphone, a touch panel display, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

It should be noted that the input unit 260 of this embodiment is formed by a touch panel formed on the display unit 290 .

On the other hand, the input unit 260 may include a microphone for collecting the player's voice to recognize the player's voice instruction, or may be configured by an imaging camera.

In particular, when an item to be set to an avatar or an item to be used in a game is a digitalized item that actually exists, the imaging camera is used to image a two-dimensional barcode as identification information for specifying the item. is provided.

In addition to the above, the input unit 260 may also include an acceleration sensor, a line-of-sight sensor, and the like. Note that the acceleration sensor and line-of-sight detection sensor may function instead of the imaging section 210 and motion sensor 220 provided in the HMD unit 200 .

The storage unit 270 serves as a work area for the terminal processing unit 310, the communication unit 296, and the like, and its function can be realized by a RAM (VRAM) or the like. The storage unit 270 of this embodiment includes a main storage unit 271 used as a work area, and an image buffer 272 in which final display images and the like are stored. In addition, it is good also as a structure which abbreviate|omits some of these.

The information storage medium 280 (computer-readable medium) stores programs and data, and its functions include optical discs (CD, DVD), magneto-optical discs (MO), magnetic discs, hard disks, and magnetic tapes. , or a memory (ROM) or the like.

The terminal processing unit 310 performs various processes of this embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 280 . The information storage medium 280 can store a program for causing a computer to function as each part of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute the processing of each part).

In addition, in this embodiment, the program and game data for causing the computer to function as each part of this embodiment stored in the information storage medium 180 and the storage unit 140 of the server device 10 are received via the network, The received program and data are stored in the information storage medium 280 . Programs and data received from the server device 10 may be stored in the storage unit 270 . Receiving programs and data in this way to make the network system function is also included within the scope of the present invention.

The display unit 290 outputs an image generated according to this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, HMD (head mounted display), or the like.

For example, the display unit 290 displays the parallax images transmitted from the server device 10 at the positions of the right-eye display panel 261 and the left-eye display panel 262 when the HMD unit 200 is attached. In addition, in this embodiment, the display unit 290 is formed by a touch panel type display.

The communication unit 296 performs various controls for communicating with the outside such as the server apparatus 10, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, and the like.

The terminal processing unit 310 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on input information and programs output from the input unit 260 and the HMD unit 200 .

Specifically, the terminal processing unit 310 performs various processes using the main storage unit 271 in the storage unit 270 as a work area. The functions of the terminal processing unit 310 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

The terminal processing section 310 includes a communication control section 311 , a game processing section 312 , a drawing section 320 and a sound processing section 330 . In addition, it is good also as a structure which abbreviate|omits some of these.

The communication control unit 311 performs processing for transmitting and receiving data to and from the server device 10 . The communication control unit 311 also performs processing for storing data received from the server device 10 in the storage unit 270, processing for analyzing the received data, and other control processing related to transmission and reception of data.

Note that the communication control unit 311 may store server destination information (IP address, port number) in the information storage medium 280 and perform a process of managing it. Further, the communication control unit 311 may communicate with the server device 10 when input information for starting communication is received from the user.

The game processing unit 312 performs various game calculation processes. For example, there are a process of starting the game when the game start condition is satisfied, a process of advancing the game, and a process of ending the game when the game end condition is satisfied.

Further, the game processing unit 312 may execute part of the game processing in the server device 10, or may execute predetermined game processing in conjunction with the server device 10. FIG.

The drawing unit 320 performs drawing processing based on various types of processing (for example, game processing) performed by the terminal processing unit 310 , thereby generating an image and outputting it to the display unit 290 . In particular, the drawing unit 320 generates parallax images based on the image data transmitted from the server device 10 and displays the generated parallax images on the display unit 290 .

The sound processing unit 330 performs sound processing based on the sound data output from the server device 10 and the results of various processes performed by the terminal processing unit 310, and generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and voice. , to the sound output unit 240 .

The vibrating unit 340 has a vibrating body 341, and vibrates based on the vibration pattern data output from the server device 10 and the vibration pattern data generated based on the results of various processes performed by the terminal processing unit 310. It has a configuration for vibrating the body 341 .

[4] Method of this Embodiment [4.1] Overview of Battle Game Processing Next, an overview of the method (fight game processing) of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining the battle game processing of facial expression parts objects according to the present embodiment.

The server device 10 of the present embodiment utilizes processing for controlling the manner of a performance character (hereinafter referred to as “performance character manner control processing”) including manner control processing for display objects and manner control processing for facial expression parts objects. In addition, in a game in which performance characters are closely watched, a plurality of players have a configuration in which multi-player battles or single-player battles against a computer are executed.

That is, the server device 10 of the present embodiment visualizes a game space in which acting characters watched by a plurality of players (including players controlled by a computer) are arranged as a virtual three-dimensional space, This is a competitive game that can be executed by the player, and has a configuration that realizes the competitive game based on the game parameters visualized by the display object mode control process or acting character mode control process described above.

Specifically, the server device 10 of the present embodiment is interlocked with the terminal device 20 of the player participating in the competitive game,
(1) game parameters of each player based on the action of the acting character and the player input such as gaze input and operation input for communication with the acting character during the acting period of the acting character; by varying
(2) calculating the game parameters of each player as appropriate according to the progress of the game;
(3) comparing the calculated game parameters of each player at a predetermined timing and notifying each player of the comparison result;
(4) identifying the best player at the end of the performance period and determining that player as the winner;
Run a battle game.

Then, the server device 10 executes the display object mode control process or acting character mode control process described above according to the game parameters of each player, and compares the game parameters of each player as superiority/inferiority information. It has a configuration for notifying the player.

In particular, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the server device 10 visualizes the superiority/inferiority information by, for example, the appearance of a display object or acting character or a change in the appearance, thereby maintaining the sense of immersion in the player. Alternatively, while improving the sense of immersion, it has a configuration that realizes a competitive game between the plurality of players by comparing the game parameters of each player among the players.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the player 2A and the player 2B are playing a competitive game, and the player 2A is winning. A display object indicating a situation is executed to control the mode of the display object showing the situation, and the game image for the player A shows a state in which the game is won, and the game image for the player B shows a situation in which the game is lost. shows an example of executing mode control processing.

In particular, FIG. 7(A) is a diagram showing that mode control processing using a heart-shaped display object is being performed on the avatar 5A of player 2A and the avatar 5B of player 2B in the game space. 7B is a diagram showing a state in which the heart-shaped display objects 30A and 30B are displayed as game space images.

FIG. 8 shows a state in which the player 2A and the player 2B are playing a competitive game, and the player 2A is winning. The mode control processing of the acting character indicating the situation is executed, and the game image for player A shows the state in which the game is won, and the game image for player B shows the state in which the game is lost. It shows an example of executing control processing.

In particular, FIG. 8(A) is a diagram in which a special control is executed in which the acting character 8 approaches the avatar 5A of the player 2A in the game space, and the special control is seen from a distance. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a state in which each situation is displayed as a game space image.

In this embodiment, by having such a configuration, it is possible to realize a new game called a battle game that utilizes the experience of communication with acting characters, and to compete with other players including PCs. , it is possible to realize a game in which communication with the watching character can be further deepened through the battle game.

[4.2] Mode control processing of display object Next, the mode control processing of the display object of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9 . Note that FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the mode control processing of the display object of the present embodiment.

The server device 10 of the present embodiment works in conjunction with the terminal device 20 to control the line of sight of the avatar (that is, the line of sight of the player), or control the appearance of the avatar 5 (such as costumes and (decoration), etc., to appeal to the acting character, and to parameterize communication with the acting character, including eye contact with the acting character.

Then, the server device 10 uses the game parameters thus parameterized in order to visualize the relationship between the acting character and the player, such as the degree of achievement of mutual understanding, and to notify the superiority or inferiority of each player in the battle game. According to the above, a display object is displayed in the vicinity of the acting character placed in the game space.

That is, the server device 10 of the present embodiment works in conjunction with the terminal device 20 to adjust the player's game settings, the player's operation during the game, the player's characteristics, the game environment, the level of communication achieved during the game, and the situation. Calculates game parameters that fluctuate based on the calculated game parameters, and depending on the calculated game parameters, the aspect of a display object having both functions of visualizing communication with the acting character and notifying superiority and inferiority in the battle game, or changes in the aspect It has a configuration for executing mode control processing of a display object that controls .

For example, as shown in FIG. 9(A), the server device 10, before or during the performance of the performance character 8, performs the following actions based on the characteristics of the player, the game environment, the achievement level of communication during the game, and the situation. A game parameter is calculated, and display setting of the display object (heart-shaped display object) 30 is executed according to the calculated game parameter.

Then, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the performance character 8 exists in the line-of-sight direction of the avatar 5, the server device 10 displays a display object ( An image of a heart-shaped display object) 30 is provided.

Specifically, the server device 10 visualizes the game space in which the performance character to be gazed at by the player operating the terminal device 20 is arranged as a virtual three-dimensional space, and progresses the game by:
(1) controlling each object including acting characters in the game space;
(2) performing a process of receiving player input including at least the line-of-sight direction of the player input by the player via the terminal device 20;
(3) The position where the avatar to be operated by the player (i.e., the avatar) is arranged in the game space is set as the position of the virtual camera, and the image of the game space seen from the player's line of sight is created with the virtual camera as the viewpoint. generate and
(4) controlling a virtual camera based on the received player input;
(5) Displaying a display object in the vicinity of a performance character placed in a game space at a predetermined timing or during a predetermined period, and controlling the aspect of the display object according to a game parameter, or Execute a process for controlling the change in the mode (that is, a mode control process for the display object);
have a configuration.

In the present embodiment, "controlling the mode of the display object" means controlling the mode of the display object at the start of gaze of the acting character, such as the performance action of acting or the action when confronting an avatar. Show control.

Further, in the present embodiment, "control of change in appearance of a display object" indicates, for example, a change in appearance of a display object during performance of a performance character.

[4.2] Mode control processing of facial expression parts object Next, the mode control processing of the facial expression parts object of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10 . Note that FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the mode control processing of the facial expression parts object of the present embodiment.

The server device 10 of the present embodiment executes acting character mode control processing including mode control processing for facial expression parts objects instead of mode control processing for display object objects, and notifies superiority and inferiority information of each player in a competitive game. do.

That is, the server device 10 of the present embodiment displays the display object in order to visualize the relationship between the acting character and the player, such as the degree of achievement of mutual understanding, and to notify the superiority or inferiority of each player in the battle game. Instead of the mode control process, it is configured to interlock with the terminal device 20 and execute the acting character mode control process according to the calculated game parameters while the acting character is acting in the game space.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10(A), the server device 10, before the performance of the performance character 8 starts or during the performance, based on the player's characteristics, the game environment, the degree of achievement of communication during the game, and the situation. Game parameters are calculated, and control of the facial expression parts object (smiling facial expression parts object) 30 is executed according to the calculated game parameters.

Then, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the acting character 8 exists in the line-of-sight direction of the avatar 5, the server device 10 provides an image of the acting character 8 with a smiling expression as the game space image. It's like

In the present embodiment, "control of the mode of the facial expression parts object" means, for example, controlling the mode of the facial parts object at the start of gaze of the performance character, such as the performance movement of the performance or the movement when confronting the avatar. Show control.

Further, in the present embodiment, "control of change in appearance of facial expression parts object" indicates, for example, change in appearance of facial parts object during performance of a performance character.

[4.2] Game Parameters Next, game parameters of this embodiment will be described.

(Type of game parameter)
In the present embodiment, the game parameters used in the display object mode control process or the acting character mode control process including facial expression parts objects are, for example, parameters set for each player, such as player attributes and billing status. game parameters (strategic game parameters) that can be strategically or simply set in advance in the game, or parameters that change during the performance of the acting character according to the progress of the game (interlocking sex game parameters).

Specifically, the strategic game parameters include:
(A) Characteristic parameters related to the characteristics of at least one of the performance character and avatar in the game, or parameters based on the characteristic parameters (B) Item parameters related to items provided to the avatar, or parameters based on the item parameters ,
(C) Billing parameters relating to the player's game billing status and billing history, or one or more of the billing parameters.

In particular, the characteristic parameters include, for example, parameters related to attribute information indicating the attributes of the acting character and the player (the position and preference for gazing at the acting character), appearance (basic modeling of humans, animals, robots, etc. (including size) ), appearance (including color), and hairstyle).

The item parameters include items set for the player character (including billable items, such as costumes, accessories, belongings (towels and psyllium)), items consumed in the game such as presents for acting characters. (including billable items), non-character dependent items such as magic items and stage change items used in the game (including billable items), and parameters related to information provided to acting characters.

Further, the billing parameters include the billing amount charged to dress up the player character (for example, makeup, clothes, or items), the amount charged to provide the gaze character with a predetermined item, and the amount of money charged to provide the player character with a predetermined item. and parameters corresponding to amounts charged in the past for executing games such as Continue and Gacha.

The billing parameters include parameters corresponding to billing amounts charged in the past, as well as parameters such as points acquired or consumed in the past that can be used in the game in the same way as money.

Note that "parameters based on characteristics, items, or billing parameters" include parameters affected by these parameters, such as parameters obtained by multiplying the characteristics, items, or billing parameters by a predetermined coefficient.

On the other hand, for interlocking game parameters,
(a) parameters determined based on the actions of at least one of the acting character and/or avatar (hereinafter referred to as "action-induced parameters"), or parameters based on the action-induced parameters (b) at least one of the acting character and avatar a parameter determined based on one of the positions in the game space (hereinafter referred to as a "position-based parameter"), or a parameter based on the position parameter, and
(c) Parameters related to game history information indicating the player's game history (hereinafter referred to as "game history-derived parameters") or parameters based on the game history-derived parameters, including one or more parameters.

In particular, the motion-induced parameters are the line-of-sight control of the avatar in the game space (line-of-sight direction, gaze position, and gaze time), or the movement of the avatar and the accompanying movement of the acting character (the posture of the avatar or acting character, or the contact time). and the contact status of the contact position).

Also, the position-based parameter is a parameter determined by the distance in the game space between the acting character and the avatar.

In addition, game history-related parameters include the player's play frequency (number of times played, number of logins, and elapsed time since the last time the game was played), play time (total time since the start of the game), is a parameter that is determined based on the ranking among players).

In addition, "parameters based on motion-based parameters, position-based parameters, or game history-based parameters" refer to parameters based on motion or position, or parameters related to game history multiplied by a predetermined coefficient. Include parameters that are affected by parameters based on or related to game history.

(Game parameters calculated before starting the performance)
The parameter control unit 118 calculates strategic game parameters based on avatar information before the acting character starts acting.

Specifically, the parameter control unit 118
(1) Avatar attributes (preferences such as favorite acting characters when the acting characters are a group),
(2) Appearance of the avatar (basic shape of a person, animal, robot, etc., its size, appearance (including color), dressed avatar mode such as hairstyle),
(3) Items held by avatars (clothes, accessories, belongings (towels and glow sticks)) or items used in games (gifts including twists),
(4) Player billing status (reservation of bleachers, preparation of clothes, purchase of items, etc.) and billing history,
Based on this, the strategic game parameters are calculated using the parameter table for strategy.

For example, with respect to avatar attributes, a predetermined point is set for each acting character in the strategy parameter table for the avatar's attributes, appearance, items, and combinations thereof that the acting character prefers.

Further, for example, regarding the appearance of avatars, predetermined points are set in the strategy parameter table for each aspect of avatars, such as basic modeling, size, appearance, and hairstyle. In particular, the more conspicuous the appearance, such as flashy clothes, hairstyles, and appearance, the higher the points set in the strategy parameter table.

For example, in terms of avatar items, the strategy parameter table contains predetermined points for each costume, accessory, belonging (towel or psyllium), and gift (including twist) provided to the acting character. is set.

In particular, flashy costumes and makeup, glowing items such as psyllium, conspicuous items such as towels that can be swung around, actual character goods related to acting characters, or items that are effective when used during games such as gifts and twists High points are set in the strategy parameter table as much as possible.

As mentioned above, items that exist in real space, such as character goods, are acquired by acquiring identification information such as the identification number and barcode of the character goods when the character goods are acquired through purchase or the like. It is possible to do so. However, an intangible object such as a twist may be provided in advance by a storage medium such as a game card.

In addition, avatar items such as twists and presents can be set even during the acting character's performance. That is, at a predetermined timing during the performance, it can be set as an avatar by paying for a purchase or the like.

In the player billing situation, the strategy parameter table contains information for each billing element, such as securing bleachers, playing the game (including continue), setting avatars, purchasing items, etc., or corresponding to the billing amount (billing range). Predetermined points are set in association with or in association with past cumulative billing amounts. In particular, high points are set in the strategy parameter table for high billing amounts and important billing elements (charging elements used in games such as presents provided to acting characters such as continuations and twists).

In this way, the parameter control unit 118 uses the strategy parameter table to
Game parameters are calculated based on attributes of avatars and acting characters, appearances of avatars, items held by avatars, and billing status of players.

(Game parameters calculated during performance)
The parameter control unit 118 calculates each interlocking game parameter including an action-based parameter, a position-based parameter, and a game history-based parameter based on the player's input while the performance character is acting.

In addition, the parameter control unit 118 calculates the game parameter associated with the avatar and the game parameter associated with the performance character as the interlocking game parameter.

Specifically, the parameter control unit 118
(A1) line-of-sight control (line-of-sight direction, gaze position and gaze time) in the avatar's game space, or
(A2) Movement of the avatar and accompanying movement of the acting character (attitude of the avatar or acting character, or contact time, contact position, contact situation),
Based on this, the action-induced parameter is calculated using the interlocking game parameter table.

For example, in (A1), the interlocking game parameter table includes the viewpoint direction (type of acting character in the line-of-sight direction) with respect to the avatar's acting character, gaze position (acting character's part), gaze time (acting character's part). A predetermined point is set according to the length of time the person continuously gazes at the

In particular, the strategy parameter table includes points given when a favorite acting character exists in the line of sight, different points depending on the part of the favorite acting character that the favorite acting character is gazing at, and higher points as the gazing time is longer. is set.

During the performance, the performance character moves on the stage due to choreography or the like, or the line of sight or the direction of the face changes. The value of the game parameter changes according to the operation.

Also, the motion-induced parameter may be calculated by a coefficient based on the timing of line-of-sight control. For example, when a period for gazing at an acting character is set during a game, and a predetermined part (face) of the acting character is gazed at during the set period (including the gazing time), the strategy parameter table sets A multiplication operation may be performed on the points.

Further, for example, in (A2), the interlocking game parameter table includes the posture of the avatar (posture including movements in the game space based on player input and game parameters), the posture of the acting character (movements based on special control, ), and the contact between the avatar and the performance character (contact time, contact position and contact situation).

In particular, in the strategy parameter table, for example, depending on the avatar's posture such as shaking a towel or psyllium, the acting character can perform special control (approaching the avatar, winking, throwing, etc.) to the avatar according to the game parameters. Kissing, etc.), different points are set according to the contact time and the contact action, such as when the acting character approaches the avatar and gives a high five or a hug.

In addition, the strategy parameter table includes, for example, the number of times the avatar and the acting character meet their gazes, the time during which their eyes meet, the timing at which their gazes meet, or the incidental motions of the acting character when their eyes meet (winks, throwing kisses, etc.). ) are set accordingly.

In particular, in the strategy parameter table, higher points are set as the number of times the line of sight meets increases or the length of time increases. Further, in the strategy parameter table, for example, when the line of sight meets at the timing of special control, such as when the acting character approaches the avatar, or when the line of sight meets the acting character, the accompanying action is executed. When there is a normal line of sight, additional points are set.

Also, in the strategy parameter table, items for avatars (items related to postures including movements) and items for acting characters (items related to postures including movements) are set, and points are set for each item. It is

The avatar's posture, including the action, is controlled by operating inputs such as line-of-sight input and switch input at a predetermined timing, and is automatically activated and controlled by game parameter values.

In addition, the posture including the action of the performance character is automatically activated and controlled according to the game parameter values and the avatar's line-of-sight input (including gaze position and timing) according to the program.

On the other hand, the parameter control unit 118 calculates position-dependent parameters using the interlocking game parameter table based on the positions of the performance character, the avatar, or both in the game space.

For example, in the interlocking game parameter table, predetermined points are set according to the viewpoint position of the avatar (that is, the position of the audience seat), the standing position of the acting character on the stage, and the distance between the avatar and the acting character. ing.

In particular, in the strategy parameter table, the closer the acting character is to the stage on which the acting performance is performed and the closer to the center, the closer the standing position (reference position) of the acting character on the stage is to the position of the avatar (that is, the viewpoint position). , or the closer the distance between the performance position of the performance character during performance and the avatar, the higher the score.

The standing position or acting position of the acting character differs depending on the acting performance to be provided or the date and time (timing) of acting, and points are set accordingly in the strategy parameter table.

The avatar's viewpoint position can also be moved during the performance by player input, game parameters, or computer control.

On the other hand, the parameter control unit 118 controls the player's play frequency (the number of times played, the number of times logged in, and the elapsed time since the last time the game was played), the play time (total time since the start of the game), the performance of the player (his highest performance in the past, multiple (ranking among players), a game history attribute parameter is calculated using an interlocking game parameter table.

For example, in the interlocking game parameter table, the higher the play frequency, the longer the play time, or the higher the play performance, the higher the points set.

In addition, in the case of multi-play where a plurality of players pay close attention to the acting performance of the acting character, the parameter control unit 118 determines the game performance based on real-time results according to the values of the game parameters calculated during the performance. Calculate history-driven parameters.

(Variation of game parameters during performance)
The parameter control unit 118 calculates the relevant parameters out of the strategic game parameters and the interlocking game parameters before starting the performance of the acting character, and calculates the relevant game parameters during the performance of the acting character.

In particular, the parameter control unit 118 changes the mode or the mode of the display object, or the mode or the mode of the performance character including the expression parts object, so that the game parameters related to the player or the avatar and the performance character are used. Calculate the total value by summing the parameters.

Note that, in this embodiment, the parameter control unit 118 uses the player or avatar as a game parameter for changing the mode or the mode of the display object, or the mode or the mode of the performance character including the expression parts object. Calculating either the game parameter related to the game parameter or the game parameter using the acting character, and using only one of the game parameters, the mode or the mode of the display object, or the mode or the mode of the acting character including the expression part object control may be exercised.

On the other hand, the parameter control unit 118 sets each of the above parameters as a game parameter during the performance after a predetermined time (10 seconds or 30) has elapsed from the timing at which it was given, or at a predetermined timing (the music during the performance). It disappears at a timing that can be easily separated in terms of performance, such as until the end of.

In particular, the parameter control unit 118 adds parameters among parameters added based on items set to the avatar during the performance, or game parameters changed during the performance of the acting character, such as behavior-based parameters and position-based parameters. The minute value disappears after a predetermined time has elapsed or at a predetermined timing.

In addition, expiration dates are set for appearances of avatars and items, and the parameter control unit 118 calculates parameters according to the expiration dates. For example, if an item is set with an expiration date of only 30 seconds during the performance or only at a predetermined timing, the parameter control unit 118 prohibits the use of the item after the applicable expiration date. Stop calculating game parameters based on

[4.3] Fighting Game Processing Next, a fighting game by a plurality of players based on acting performances of acting characters in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15. FIG. FIGS. 11 to 13 are diagrams for explaining the notification of superiority/inferiority information using the display object mode control processing according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining notification of superiority/inferiority information using mode control processing;

(Basic principle)
The game execution control unit 111 of this embodiment works in conjunction with the parameter control unit 118 and the notification control unit 119,
(1) setting the performance period during which the acting performance of the acting character is executed as the competition period during which the competition game is performed;
(2) Acquiring each player's input such as line-of-sight input and operation input along with the performance of the performance character during the performance period,
(3) calculating each game parameter based on the acquired player input, or summing up at a predetermined timing;
(4) comparing the superiority or inferiority of each player with respect to the calculated game parameters of each player;
(5) Notifying each player of the comparison result information as superiority/inferiority information by means of the display unit object or the facial expression of the acting character;
Each process is executed or caused to be executed, and at the end of the performance period, a competitive game is executed in which the best player (specifically, the player with the highest game parameter score) wins.

In particular, in order to maintain or improve the feeling of immersion in the game in the virtual three-dimensional space, the notification control unit 119 includes mode control processing and facial expression parts objects for display objects in notification of superiority/inferiority information that compares the superiority/inferiority of each player. A mode control process for acting characters is used.

That is, the notification control unit 119 has a configuration for notifying each player participating in the competitive game of the superiority/inferiority information by visualizing the superiority/inferiority information by means of the appearance of the display object or the performance character or the change in the appearance. .

In addition, the notification control unit 119 uses the totaled game parameters in the same manner as the display object mode control process or the facial expression parts object mode control process described above.

Note that the notification control unit 119 provides the results of the competitive game to each player after the competitive game ends. At this time, the notification control unit 119 executes the highest-class special control (hug) for the winning avatar, executes a demonstration display using the avatar and the performance character, or executes the winning avatar or control to provide a predetermined fan service (photographing in the game space) or an item (present) to the player.

(Notification of superiority/inferiority information using display object mode control processing)
The notification control unit 119, when using the mode control processing of the display object for notification of superiority information,
(A1) changing the shape, color, size, or animation of a display object displayed in the vicinity of the acting character,
(A2) displaying rankings and scores along with the display object, or
(A3) Execute a display effect such as changing the transparency of the display object or changing the total strength of the display object.

(Part 1 of superiority/inferiority information notification using display object mode control processing: A1)
In the case of (A1) above, the notification control unit 119 performs the same process as the display object mode control process described above, except that the game parameter is treated as a score. That is, the notification control unit 119 executes a display object mode control process for displaying display objects with different shapes, colors, sizes, or animation patterns in the order of game parameter scores.

That is, the notification control unit 119 executes display object mode control processing for displaying the display object by changing the size, color, size, or animation pattern according to the calculated score of the game parameter.

For example, when changing the size of the display object, the notification control unit 119 changes the size of the display object for each player so that the display object becomes larger as the game parameter calculated for each player increases. Execute mode control processing.

Specifically, the notification control unit 119 first identifies the preset display object type for each acting character, each avatar, or each acting performance at the start of the battle game.

Then, the notification control unit 119 sets the initial mode of the specified display object according to the game parameter calculated as the initial value, and displays the set display object near the acting character. display control execution.

More specifically, the notification control unit 119 sends hearts, for example, for each performance character, for each avatar, or for each performance period based on the game information 144 and the player information 146 when the player is set in advance. One type is specified from among a plurality of display object types of a type, a plurality of star-plus-ellipse types, and a performance character expression type.

In particular, at the start of the battle game, the notification control unit 119 selects the basic specification information of the type of the specified display object from among the information defined in the display object/expression object information 148, and the initial value as described above. The change specification information specified in the parameter range including the game parameter calculated as .

Then, the notification control unit 119 forms a display object based on the read basic specification information and change specification information, and moves the formed display object to the vicinity of the target performance character according to the line-of-sight direction of the avatar. Execute display control to display in .

For example, the type of display object is "heart-shaped", and four levels of parameter ranges are set. is registered in the display object/facial expression object information 148 .

In this case, if the game parameter as the initial value is within the parameter range of the second stage, the notification control unit 119 reads the basic specification information and the changed specification information of the second stage, and reads out the basic specification information and the changed specification. Based on the information, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a heart display object 30 having a second-stage shape is formed, the initial mode is set, and the mode control is performed. Start.

In addition, in the display control of the display object, the notification control unit 119 appropriately determines whether or not the acting character is arranged in the line-of-sight direction in the game space specified by the avatar line-of-sight control unit 115. When it is determined that the acting character is arranged, display control is executed to display the display object set in the vicinity of the corresponding acting character.

Then, when two or more acting characters are arranged in the line-of-sight direction, the notification control unit 119 executes display control to display the display object for the acting character close to the avatar.

On the other hand, during the competitive game, the notification control unit 119 determines whether the newly calculated game parameter belongs to another parameter range outside the current parameter range each time the parameter control unit 118 calculates a new game parameter. determine whether or not

Then, when the newly calculated game parameter belongs to another parameter range, the notification control unit 119 reads the change specification information stored in association with the other parameter range, and A display object is formed based on the specification information and the change specification information, and display control is performed to display the formed display object in the vicinity of the target performance character according to the line-of-sight direction of the avatar.

For example, when the type of the display object is "heart-shaped", the parameter range of the initial values is the second stage, and the newly calculated parameter range of the game parameter is included in the parameter range of the third stage. assume.

In this case, the notification control unit 119 reads the change specification information of the third stage, and based on the basic specification information already read and the change specification information read this time, a heart-shaped display object having the shape of the third stage Create an object and start controlling its display.

Then, for example, when the heart-shaped display object 30 having the shape of the third stage is larger in size than the display object 30 shown in FIG. , to display a heart-shaped display object 30 larger in size than the display object 30 shown in FIG.

Note that the display object may have other shapes such as a round shape or a star shape (including a plurality of shapes) as illustrated in FIG. , Animation patterns that repeat large and small shapes, and animation patterns that change the facial expressions of acting characters (eyes gradually become bigger, or smiles flashy (a facial expression that laughs only with the mouth becomes an expression that links the eyes, mouth, and wrinkles) etc.)).

In particular, in FIG. 12A, the acting character is performing a “wink” action as special control, and as a result, the game parameters of the avatar 5 and acting character 8 fluctuate (increase). ), which is an example of a case in which change control of the display object 30 displayed by the animation pattern is executed.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 12B, as the game parameter increases, the display object not only increases in size but also changes in color (for example, brightness and chromaticity are changed to increase luster). become smaller), deformed in shape (eg, partly enlarged), or a combination thereof.

Furthermore, the display object may be formed as a two-dimensional display, or may be formed as a three-dimensional object like other objects placed in the game space.

In addition to the above, when notifying superiority/inferiority information based on the size of a heart-shaped display object, the notification control unit 119 may notify the player having the highest score game parameter as shown in FIG. 11(A). A heart-shaped display object smaller than the display object in FIG. 11A as shown in FIG. display.

(Part 2 of superiority/inferiority information notification using display object mode control processing: A2)
In the case of (A2) above, the notification control unit 119 visually recognizes an image of the game space on the display object or in the vicinity of the display object according to the calculated score of the game parameter. A notification process of the superiority/inferiority information is executed to display the corresponding order for each of the players who are playing the game.

For example, when displaying the ranking based on the game parameter score of each player at that time, the notification control unit 119 uses the ranking of each player as superiority/inferiority information, as shown in FIG. 13(A). 30 is displayed.

Note that FIG. 13A shows an example of a display object when superiority/inferiority information with a rank of “first” is displayed. In addition, the notification control unit 119 can execute the mode control processing of the display object on the display object that each player is visually recognizing.

(Announcement of superiority/inferiority information using display object mode control processing Part 3: A3)
In the case of (A3) above, the notification control unit 119 executes an image effect on the display object such as the transparency or the degree of decoration of the display object according to the calculated score of the game parameter. The superiority/inferiority information notification process is executed by changing the display object.

For example, when displaying the ranking based on the game parameter score of each player at that point in time using transparency, the notification control unit 119 displays the ranking of each player as a display object as shown in FIG. 13B. Superiority and inferiority information is notified by 30 degrees of transparency.

Note that FIG. 13B shows an example of a display object when the superiority/inferiority information with the lowest order is displayed with transparency (20%). In addition, the notification control unit 119 can execute the mode control processing of the display object on the display object that each player is visually recognizing.

In addition, when superiority or inferiority information is indicated by transparency, it is difficult to recognize the ranking compared to when the ranking is announced directly. However, if it is transparent (if it disappears), it can be recognized that it is losing, and if it is about to disappear, it can be recognized that the ranking is low.

(Modified example of superiority/inferiority information notification using display object mode control processing)
The notification control unit 119 visualizes the communication state of the acting characters by the mode control processing of the display object, and when notifying the superiority/inferiority information, changes the mode of the display object, displays the ranking, and displays the display object. The mode of the display object may be controlled in a hybrid manner by combining size change and transparency change.

In addition, the notification control unit 119 controls the display of display objects for each player (that is, for each avatar), and executes display control for non-image display objects of other players.

However, the notification control unit 119 may also cause display objects of other players to be displayed in the image of the other player's game space. In this case, for example, the notification control unit 119 may display the other player's display object as a two-dimensional model in the corner of the game screen, or display it as an object placed in the game space for each avatar. The appearance may be changed according to the viewpoint and line-of-sight direction, while controlling the display to be displayed in the front.

(Announcement of superiority/inferiority information using state control processing of acting character)
The notification control unit 119 identifies the type of preset facial parts object for each acting character, each avatar, or each acting period during which the acting performance is performed, at the start of the battle game.

Then, the notification control unit 119 sets the initial mode of the identified facial expression parts object according to the game parameters calculated as the initial values, and sets the performance character including the set facial expression parts object, Execution of mode control for controlling the mode of the set acting character is started.

Specifically, the notification control unit 119, for example, smiles or One type is specified from among a plurality of facial expression part objects, such as a set pose, which form the facial expression of the acting character.

Specifically, the notification control unit 119, based on the game information 144 and the player information 146 when the player is set in advance, for each performance character, each avatar, or each performance period, for example, the performance character One type is specified from among a plurality of facial expression parts objects constituting the facial expression.

Further, at the start of the battle game, the notification control unit 119 selects the basic specification information of the type of the specified facial expression parts object group from among the information defined in the display object/facial expression object information 148, and the initial information as described above. The change specification information specified in the parameter range including the game parameter calculated as the value is read.

Then, the notification control unit 119 forms facial expression parts objects (group) based on the read basic specification information and change specification information, and sets ( Control.

Note that the facial expression part object (group) is usually composed of a plurality of parts objects, so the basic specification information and change specification information are composed of information of a plurality of facial expression parts included in one facial expression parts object group. ing. Then, the notification control unit 119 forms a plurality of facial expression part objects based on the read basic specification information and change specification information.

For example, the facial expression parts object is "Smile A", and four parameter ranges are set. In each parameter range, change specification information is displayed that changes the expression of the smile as the game parameter increases. A state registered in the thing/facial expression object information 148 is assumed.

In this case, if the game parameter as the initial value is within the parameter range of the second stage, the notification control unit 119 reads the basic specification information and the changed specification information of the second stage, and reads out the basic specification information and the changed specification. 10(A) and 10(B), for example, a smiling expression part object 40 having a shape of the second stage is formed, the initial mode is set, and the mode is controlled. Start.

On the other hand, during the competitive game, the notification control unit 119 determines whether the newly calculated game parameter belongs to another parameter range outside the current parameter range each time the parameter control unit 118 calculates a new game parameter. determine whether or not

Then, when the newly calculated game parameter belongs to another parameter range, the notification control unit 119 reads the change specification information stored in association with the other parameter range, and A facial expression parts object 40 is formed based on the specification information and the change specification information, a acting character including the formed facial expression parts object 40 is set, and execution of mode change control for controlling a mode change of the set acting character is started. do.

For example, when the type of the facial expression parts object is "smile A", the parameter range of the initial values is the second stage, and the parameter range of the newly calculated game parameters is included in the parameter range of the third stage. assume.

In this case, the notification control unit 119 reads the changed specification information of the third stage, and based on the already read basic specification information and the changed specification information read this time, the facial expression part of the smile A having the shape of the third stage An object is formed, and a performance character including the formed expression parts object 40 is controlled (set).

Then, for example, when the facial expression parts object 40 of "smile A" having the shape of the third stage has a brighter and more pleasant smile than the facial expression parts object 40 shown in FIG. ), the performance character including the facial expression parts object 40 forming a brighter and more pleasant smile than the facial expression parts object 40 shown in FIG. )do.

For example, when the parameter range of the newly calculated game parameter is included in the parameter range of the fourth stage, the "smile A" facial expression parts object 40 having the shape of the fourth stage is shown in FIGS. 14(A), the notification control unit 119, as shown in FIG. Control (set) an acting character including an expression parts object 40 that forms a brighter and more pleasant smile than 40 (specifically, an acting character whose eye and mouth expression parts objects have changed).

On the other hand, the facial expression parts object may be an eye parts object that forms the eyes of the acting character. In other words, the expression of the acting character can be controlled by using the pupil parts that are important in expressing the expression of the acting character.

Therefore, it is possible to allow the player to easily and accurately recognize the progress of the game and the input status of the player to the performance character, and to display the play status during the game such as the status of communication. , can be used as an effect to liven up the game.

Specifically, the pupil parts object is composed of, for example, a pupil part, an iris part, and a composite object that includes decorative parts for decorating the pupil. , the shape, color, and size of each part.

In particular, decorative parts include, for example, figures such as stars and hearts reflected in eyes, light rings, and parts of other characters including player characters. Also, the color of the pupil part object is determined by the elements of brightness, brightness, saturation, and hue, and changes in color indicate changes in these elements.

For example, the pupil part object 41 may be an object complex having a round pupil part and star-shaped and diamond-shaped iris parts, as illustrated in FIG. ), it may be a composite object having a star-shaped pupil part and a heart-shaped decorative part.

In particular, FIG. 15(A) shows change control of the facial expression parts object 40 when the action of "wink (right eye)" is executed as special control in the acting character.

In the above-described embodiment, the facial expression parts object is explained using a complex of facial expression parts such as eyes and mouth (lips) or more detailed facial expression parts such as eyes. (including not only the lips but also the corners of the mouth and its surroundings such as "dimples"), eyebrows, eyelashes, glabella, teeth, cheeks, hair, sweat, and ornaments, such as movement, Size, color, shape, lighting, and animation patterns (expressions showing specific gestures based on continuous movement of facial expression parts) may be included.

(Announcement of superiority/inferiority information using state control processing of acting character)
When the performance character mode control process is used, the notification control unit 119
(B1) providing mode control processing of facial expression part objects (eye part objects) only for excellent avatars (players with high game parameter scores), or
(B2) Providing performance character mode control processing for executing special control only for excellent avatars.

(Announcement part 1 of superiority/inferiority information using state control processing of acting character: B1)
In the case of (B1) above, the notification control unit 119 causes the avatar with the highest game parameter score to execute the acting character mode control process including the mode control process for the facial expression part object (eye part object). , for the other avatars, a process of showing the appearance of the performance character including the facial expression parts object (eye parts object) is executed.

For example, the notification control unit 119 executes acting character mode control processing including the facial expression parts object mode control processing shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 for the player having the highest score game parameter.

(Notification part 2 of superiority/inferiority information using state control processing of acting character: B2)
In the case of (B2) above, the notification control unit 119
(1) Based on the superiority/inferiority information of each player, a special action (wink, hand gesture, blowing kiss, contact with the avatar, fixed pose, utterance of fixed lines, or a combination thereof) of the acting character is provided. Identifies the player as a specific player,
(2) executing special control for controlling a special action of the acting character for the avatar corresponding to the specific player;
(3) Do nothing for avatars other than the specific player, and execute each process of showing the special control from the viewpoint of the avatar.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15(A), the notification control unit 119 changes the appearance of the pupil part object for the player with the highest score in the game parameter, and performs a "wink" action. A control process is provided to the avatar of the player in question, and superiority/inferiority information is notified to the player in question.

(Modified example of notification of superiority/inferiority information using acting character mode control processing)
The notification control unit 119 visualizes the communication state of the acting character by the above-described facial expression part object mode control processing, and when notifying superiority/inferiority information, performs special control as shown in FIG. 15(A). Alternatively, the superiority/inferiority information may be notified in a hybrid manner by combining the mode control processing of the facial expression parts object and the special control.

Further, the notification control unit 119 may simply execute special control of approaching the corresponding avatar without executing the facial expression parts object mode control processing.

On the other hand, the notification control unit 119 may change the facial expression executed by the mode control processing of the facial expression parts object or change the special control depending on the timing during the acting period.

That is, the notification control unit 119 causes the expression parts object's appearance control processing at the beginning of the performance period to liven up the game at the end of the acting period, and executes the expression control processing of a smile that is more joyful and enjoyable than the expression control processing at the beginning of the performance period. More flashy performance special controls may be run.

In addition, the notification control unit 119 may perform each control in a composite manner, such as executing the mode control processing of the facial expression parts object at the beginning and executing special control at the end.

For example, the notification control unit 119 sends a line of sight to the corresponding avatar by the mode control processing of the facial expression parts object at the beginning, changes the facial expression provided by the mode control processing of the facial expression parts object for the corresponding avatar toward the middle stage, and You may perform control, such as performing special control with respect to an applicable avatar.

Furthermore, in the above description, the notification control unit 119 executes performance character mode control such as facial expression parts object mode control processing or special control for the avatar with the highest score. Appearance control processing or special control of facial expression parts objects may also be executed for avatars.

For example, for the avatar with the second highest game parameter score, the notification control unit 119 may, after or before executing the acting character mode control for the avatar with the highest score, set a different (specifically Specifically, acting character mode control may be executed, which is of a low level as a mode such as a small smile or poor performance.

In addition, in the case of single play, the notification control unit 119 sets a plurality of thresholds for the game parameters, and every time the game parameters calculated during the battle game exceed the thresholds, the corresponding facial expression parts object mode control, or , may perform special control.

On the other hand, when the acting character special control is executed for one player character, the image generating unit 108 creates an image of the special control different from the avatar on which the special control is executed. It may be provided to players corresponding to other avatars.

[4.4] Modification Next, a description will be given of a modification of the fighting game processing or display of performance characters and avatars according to the present embodiment.

(Competitive game based on multiple periods)
The game execution control unit 111 may divide the performance period into a plurality of periods and notify the superiority/inferiority information for each period.

Specifically, the game execution control unit 111
(1) dividing the performance period into a plurality of unit periods, controlling the execution of the competitive game for each unit period;
(2) For each unit period, based on the superiority/inferiority information of each player, a player who provides a special action of the performance character in the game space is identified as a specific player. (3) For each unit period, the specific player is identified. perform special control of the acting character for the avatar,
The superiority/inferiority information may be notified.

Then, the game execution control unit 111 may cumulatively calculate the game parameters of each player in another unit period after the unit period, or may newly start from "0" after the unit period ends. Calculation of game parameters may be performed.

However, if the game execution control unit 111 newly calculates the game parameters from "0" after the end of the unit period, at the final timing after the end of the performance, the total of all periods It is desirable to determine the ranking of each player by game parameters.

Further, if the game execution control unit 111 continuously executes the special control for the same avatar in each unit period (that is, if the game parameter has a high score continuously), the special control Special control may be executed to perform a more flashy performance (for example, winking while approaching the avatar and saying a decided line).

(Implementation of events such as billing events during competitive games)
During the competitive game, the game execution control unit 111 provides a player whose game parameter satisfies a given condition with information on an event that causes the game parameter to vary. When an instruction to execute the event is received by player input, the game parameters of the player are varied in response to the event.

Specifically, the game execution control unit 111, for example, during the battle game, for a player with a low rank such as the lowest rank, a mini game using items (actual items) actually possessed by the avatar, Alternatively, by providing the start information of the use event of point-up items such as gifts and twists provided by game cards, etc., a special bonus is given to the corresponding player according to the result of the mini-game or the usage situation of the point-up items. give game points.

For example, the game execution control unit 111 executes a mini-game using actual items, such as a game in which psyllium is shaken a predetermined number of times, or a shouting contest.

In addition, as a point-up item use event, the game execution control unit 111 may execute control to obtain and use a point-up item by charging when event information is provided, or may execute control to obtain and use a point-up item by charging a point-up item before the start of the competitive game. Alternatively, a point-up item given by a game card may be registered in advance, and control may be performed based on the player's input when the event information is provided.

(Notification by Sound or Vibration)
During the battle game, the notification control unit 119 controls the terminal device 20 in association with a change in the display object mode control process or acting character mode control process, and notifies the player of the display object or the acting character ( Specifically, sounds or vibrations associated with facial expressions or actions) may be provided.

Specifically, the notification control unit 119 changes the volume, pitch, interval, or scale of the heartbeat in association with changes in the display object mode control processing or acting character mode control processing. Control is performed to increase the volume, speed up the pitch, raise the pitch, or raise the scale.

For example, the notification control unit 119 sets the threshold value of the game parameter step by step in the same manner as the display object mode control process or the performance character mode control process, and as the threshold increases (as the threshold decreases), Data for stepwise increasing (decreasing) the volume, stepwise increasing (decreasing) the pitch, and stepwise increasing (decreasing) the pitch or scale is output to the terminal device 20 .

Note that the notification control unit 119 may set the threshold values of the game parameters step by step in advance, and execute control for changing the sound output from the terminal device 20 as the threshold value increases.

For example, the notification control unit 119 sets the game parameter thresholds in stages, and increases (decreases) the tone color or changes it to a brighter (darker) sound as the threshold increases (lower). may

In addition, the notification control unit 119 performs control to vibrate the vibrator 341 provided in the terminal device 20 in association with the mode control processing of the display object or the performance character mode control processing instead of or together with the sound. may

In this case, the notification control unit 119, for example, sets the threshold value of the game parameter in stages, and increases (decreases) the vibration as the threshold value increases (decreases), or increases the vibration pattern. Perform switching control to turn on (quiet).

Furthermore, instead of sound or vibration, the notification control unit 119 may control a blower, an electric heater, or a humidifier (not shown) to provide wind, heat, or steam to the real space.

(acting character)
In the above-described embodiment, the acting character is described as an acting character that performs actions such as acting performance in a game space such as an idol. Any character, such as a character, that is watched by the player and controlled by a computer may be used.

In particular, acting characters include not only dynamic characters that move in the game space or have physical (partial) movement, but also static objects such as trees and rocks, and characters that simply appear in the game. There may be.

(avatar display)
In the above-described embodiment, the avatar is an avatar that acts as an alter ego of the player in the game space. good too.

Further, in the above embodiment, the avatar is imaged when the game space is imaged, such as being displayed on a large display device installed in the game space. It may be hidden.

(player input)
The player input may be a player operation that is input or recognized according to the player's body movement such as an input to a controller, such as the player's fingers, arms, head, line of sight, or eyelids, or a camera. The input (line-of-sight direction or operation input) detected by detection means such as image detection or vibration detection (gyro) may be used.

In particular, player input may be input by a single player or by multiple players. Therefore, the number of players participating in the game may be one or more.

[5] Operation in this Embodiment Next, the operation of the competitive game process executed by the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 and 17 are flow charts showing the operation of the game processing in the performance of the performance character including the battle game processing executed by the server device 10 of the present embodiment.

In this operation, it is assumed that the setting of the bleachers and the setting for getting the avatar dressed have already been completed, and that each data indicating the content of the setting has been stored in the player information 146 .

In addition, in this operation, as a game parameter for comparing the superiority or inferiority of each player in the battle game, a parameter obtained by summing the game parameters of both the player (avatar) and the acting character (that is, the summed game parameter) is used. and

On the other hand, in this operation, it is assumed that the object control unit 114 arranges, moves, or operates each object including acting characters in the game space according to the program during the battle game, and executes the game. It is assumed that the control unit 111 is executing each effect of the game space.

On the other hand, the information acquisition unit 104 acquires line-of-sight information output from the terminal device 20 at each predetermined timing (5 ms), and the avatar line-of-sight control unit 115 adjusts the avatar's game space each time the line-of-sight information is acquired. Determines the viewing direction in

Then, for each player (that is, for each avatar), based on the determined line-of-sight direction, the image generation unit 108 generates a game space image by imaging the game space viewed from the virtual camera placed in the bleachers, Data of the generated game space image is output to the terminal device 20 of each corresponding player as needed.

In addition, the terminal device 20 is assumed to generate images (parallax images) for displaying images in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the image data output from the image generation unit 108 and display the images on the HMD unit 200 . do.

Note that this operation is operation processing of a battle game having a predetermined performance period, and the competition period (that is, the performance period) is divided into a plurality of periods, and superiority/inferiority information is announced based on game parameters for each period. This is the operation of the fighting game.

Also, this operation is an operation for a multi-player game in which a plurality of players play a battle game against a single acting character, and in the case of acting character mode control processing including mode control processing for facial expression part objects. This is the operation of the fighting game in .

First, when the game execution control unit 111 detects the start of a competitive game such as an instruction from a player or detection of a predetermined timing (step S101), the avatar set from the player information 146 of each player participating in the competitive game is displayed. Acquire various information (related to characteristics and emotions including appearance and items), information on the player's bleachers, billing information of the player, and each information (information related to characteristics and emotions) set for the acting character (step S102). ).

Next, the parameter control unit 118 calculates the game parameters of the player and each acting character at the start of the performance of the acting character, adds up the calculated game parameters of the corresponding acting character and the avatar for each player, and obtains the total game parameter. is calculated (step S103).

Next, the notification control unit 119 specifies, for each player, the initial mode of the facial expression parts object to be displayed first, including the color and size, based on the calculated initial value of the total game parameter (step S104).

Next, the game execution control unit 111 starts a battle game based on the total game parameters calculated for each player, causes the parameter control unit 118 to start the acting character, and instructs the notification control unit 119 to perform an initial Execution of mode control of the performance character set in the mode is started (step S105).

When the object control unit 111 instructs the object control unit 114 to start the acting performance on the stage for each acting character, the game execution control unit 111 instructs the object control unit 114 to control each acting character according to a preset program until the acting ends. control the acting performance of

In addition, the notification control unit 119 interlocks with the object control unit 114 and the special control execution unit 117 after the performance of each acting character is started, and controls the mode and mode change of the acting character including the expression parts object.

Next, the game execution control unit 111 determines whether or not it is time to determine the superiority or inferiority of each player based on the game parameters (step S106). At this time, if the game execution control unit 111 determines that it is not the time to determine the superiority or inferiority of each player, it proceeds to the process of step S107. , the process proceeds to step S111.

Next, when the game execution control unit 111 determines that it is not the time to determine the superiority or inferiority of each player, the object control unit 114 sends various information such as the elapsed time from the performance start of the acting character and the game parameters of each player. Depending on the situation, the behavior control of the acting character is executed (step S107).

Next, the game execution control unit 111 determines whether or not the end of the competitive game (that is, the end of the performance) has been detected (step S108). For example, the game execution control unit 111 uses the timer unit 160 to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the performance.

At this time, if the game execution control unit 111 determines that the end of the performance has been detected, it executes end processing related to the end of the competitive game, such as display of a demonstration image, display of the final game parameters, or effect based on them. Then (step S109), this operation is ended, and if it is determined that the end of the performance is not detected, the process returns to step S106.

Note that the game execution control unit 111 performs, for example, the object control unit 1 as end processing.
14, a special performance such as hugging the acting character and the avatar that won the battle game is executed.

On the other hand, when the game execution control unit 111 determines that it is time to determine the superiority or inferiority of each player, the game execution control unit 111 compares the superiority or inferiority of each player based on the game parameters of each player, and determines the game parameter with the highest points. A determination process for specifying a player (that is, the best player in the period) is executed (step S111).

Next, the special control execution unit 117 specifies the avatar of the player who is determined to be the best, and performs various actions such as the elapsed time from the performance start of the acting character and the game parameters of each player for the specified avatar. Special control is executed according to the situation (step S112).

Next, the game execution control unit 111 specifies a player other than the best player, or specifies a player who satisfies a predetermined condition such as the lowest rank, and adds a game parameter to the specified player. An event (hereinafter referred to as a "parameter addition event") is provided, and the game parameters corresponding to the event result are added to the game parameters of each player for the players participating in the event (step S113), and the process of step S106 is performed. transition to

The above parameter addition events include obtaining (purchasing) changing elements that change items and appearance, such as twisting, changing the appearance of items or avatars, and purchasing items and appearance changing elements that each player already has. It includes execution of mini-games accompanying player inputs such as use, switching, and repeatedly hitting a predetermined switch.

[6] Others The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, a term cited as a broad definition or a synonymous term in the description in the specification or drawings can be replaced with a broad definition or a synonymous term in other descriptions in the specification or drawings.

In this embodiment, the simulation game is described as a simulation game in which the acting character is watched, but it can also be used in other simulation games such as romance simulation, battle games, and other games such as RPG.

Further, in this embodiment, each game may be provided to the terminal device 20 by one server device 10, or a server system may be constructed by linking a plurality of server devices 10 to provide each game to the terminal device 20. You may

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the server device 10 executes various game-related processes, but the terminal control unit 300 of the terminal device 20 is caused to execute each function of the server processing unit 100 and the game program, The above game may be implemented as a stand-alone. Further, when a game is executed by a plurality of players, one terminal device 20 may further function as the above server.

The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations that have the same function, method, and result, or configurations that have the same purpose and effect). Moreover, the present invention includes configurations in which non-essential portions of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. In addition, the present invention includes a configuration that achieves the same effects or achieves the same purpose as the configurations described in the embodiments. In addition, the present invention includes configurations obtained by adding known techniques to the configurations described in the embodiments.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail as above, those skilled in the art will easily understand that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. . Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.

1: Game system 2: Player 4: Stage 5: Avatar 6: Audience seat 8: Acting character (idle character)
10: server device 20: terminal device 30: display object 40: display part object 41: pupil part object 100: server processing unit 101: communication control unit 102: user management unit 104: information acquisition unit 105: billing management unit 106: Virtual camera control unit 107 : Sound generation unit 108 : Image generation unit 110 : Game control unit 111 : Game execution control unit 112 : Spectator seat setting unit 113 : Avatar setting unit 114 : Object control unit 115 : Avatar line of sight control unit 116 : Line of sight Combination detection unit 117 : Special control execution unit 118 : Parameter control unit 119 : Notification control unit 120 : Input unit 130 : Display unit 140 : Storage unit 142 : Main storage unit 144 : Game information 146 : Player information 148 : Display object/facial expression Object information 149 : Table data 150 : Vibration generating unit 160 : Timer unit 180 : Information storage medium 196 : Communication unit 200 : HMD unit 210 : Imaging unit 211 : Imaging camera 212 : Image generating unit 220 : Motion sensor 230 : Interface 240 : Sound output unit 250: switch 260: input unit 261: right-eye display panel 262: left-eye display panel 270: storage unit 271: main storage unit 272: image buffer 280: information storage medium 290: display unit 296: communication unit 300: Terminal control unit 310 : Terminal processing unit 311 : Communication control unit 312 : Game processing unit 320 : Drawing unit 330 : Sound processing unit 340 : Vibration unit 341 : Vibrating body

Claims (16)

A game space in which gaze characters gazed at by a plurality of players are arranged is imaged as a virtual three-dimensional space on a computer, and a battle game between the plurality of players based on communication between the plurality of players and the gaze character is performed. A program that executes
said computer,
Object control means for controlling an object including a player character to be operated by each player in the game space and the focused character;
Receiving means for executing a process of receiving player inputs input by each player, including at least the line-of-sight direction of the player;
virtual camera control means for controlling a corresponding virtual camera based on each of the received player inputs;
For each player, a position where each player character is arranged in the game space is set as a position of a virtual camera corresponding to each player, and the game space seen in the line-of-sight direction of each player with each virtual camera as a viewpoint. and image generation means for generating images of
A given parameter relating to the battle game of at least one of the focused character and the player character, the parameter relating to communication between the focused character and the player, is varied based on each of the received player inputs. game control means for controlling a competitive game by the plurality of players based on the parameters;
function as
(1) The display control means is a given display object displayed in the vicinity of the gaze character for each of the players according to the parameters of each player, and the gaze character and the player communicate with each other. or (2) the object control means is the mode of the player character or the gaze character, and the intent of the gaze character and the player is controlled. control the mode showing the relationship related to communication or the change in the mode,
the game control means
Comparing the superiority and inferiority of each player with respect to the parameters of each player, and notifying each player of information on the comparison result of the superiority and inferiority as superiority and inferiority information;
The object control means
A program for controlling a mode of the display object or the gaze character or a change in the mode according to a given parameter relating to a game of both the gaze character and the player character. The program according to claim 1,
The object control means
When controlling the mode of the displayed object or the change in the mode, for each image of the game space generated, the displayed object for the player corresponding to the viewpoint of each image is visualized, and the corresponding player and is a program that performs display control for non-imaging the displayed objects of different other players. The program according to claim 1 or 2,
the game control means
A program for notifying the superiority/inferiority information of each of the players by means of ranks, scores, actions of the character being watched , changes in effects, or changes in the displayed objects. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
the game control means
A program for controlling a competitive game by the plurality of players according to fluctuations in the parameters of the players during a predetermined competitive period during which the competitive game is played. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
the game control means
identifying, as a specific player, the player who provides a special action of the focused character in the game space based on the superiority/inferiority information of each player;
The object control means
A program for controlling a special action of the gaze character with respect to the player character corresponding to the specific player. The program according to claim 5,
The image generation means is
When the special action of the watching character is controlled for one player character, an image of the special action is provided to a player corresponding to another player character different from the one player character. Do, program. The program according to claim 5 or 6,
the game control means
controlling execution of the competitive game during a competitive period formed from a plurality of unit periods;
for each unit period, based on the superiority/inferiority information of each player, identifying the player who provides a special action of the focused character in the game space as a specific player;
The object control means
A program for controlling a special action of the gaze character with respect to the player character corresponding to the specific player for each unit period. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
the game control means
providing information on an event that changes the parameter during a competition period to a player whose parameter satisfies a given condition;
A program for changing a parameter of a player corresponding to an event when an instruction to execute the event is received during the competition period by the player's input. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The program, wherein the given parameter relating to the fighting game is a parameter for changing and reflecting the game situation information related to the focused character or the player character. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A program, wherein the given parameters relating to the competitive game are parameters reflecting the game situation of the player. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A program, wherein the aspect of the display object includes at least one aspect of the shape, color, size, and display pattern of the display object. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The mode of the gaze character includes the mode of at least one of the facial expression parts object that configures the facial expression of the gaze character and the pupil part object that configures the eyes of the gaze character,
The object control means
A program for controlling a mode or a change in the mode of at least one of the facial expression parts object and the pupil parts object according to the parameter. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
further functioning the computer as control processing means for executing control processing for controlling providing means for providing sound or vibration associated with the gaze character or the displayed object;
The control processing means is
A program for changing the sound or vibration provided by the providing means according to the mode of the gaze character or the displayed object or a change in the mode. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The image generation means is
displaying the generated image of the game space on a display means comprising a wearable image display device having a structure that covers the field of view of the player and allowing the image of the virtual three-dimensional space to be viewed;
The receiving means is
A program that accepts the player's line-of-sight direction as the player's input. A game in which a game space in which a gaze character gazed at by a plurality of players is placed is imaged as a virtual three-dimensional space, and a battle game is executed between the plurality of players based on communication between the plurality of players and the gaze character. a system,
an object control means for controlling an object including a player character to be operated by each player in the game space and the focused character;
receiving means for executing a process of receiving player input input by each player, including at least the line-of-sight direction of the player;
virtual camera control means for controlling a corresponding virtual camera based on each of the received player inputs;
For each player, a position where each player character is arranged in the game space is set as a position of a virtual camera corresponding to each player, and the game space seen in the line-of-sight direction of each player with each virtual camera as a viewpoint. image generation means for generating images of
A given parameter relating to the battle game of at least one of the focused character and the player character, the parameter relating to communication between the focused character and the player, is varied based on each of the received player inputs. a game control means for controlling a competitive game by the plurality of players based on the parameters;
with
(1) The display control means is a given display object displayed in the vicinity of the gaze character for each of the players according to the parameters of each player, and the gaze character and the player communicate with each other. or (2) the object control means is the mode of the player character or the gaze character, and the intent of the gaze character and the player is controlled. control the mode showing the relationship related to communication or the change in the mode,
the game control means
Comparing the superiority and inferiority of each player with respect to the parameters of each player, and notifying each player of information on the comparison result of the superiority and inferiority as superiority and inferiority information;
The object control means
A game system characterized by controlling a mode of the display object or the gaze character or a change in the mode in accordance with a given parameter relating to the game of both the gaze character and the player character. A server that visualizes a game space in which gaze characters gazed at by a plurality of players are arranged as a virtual three-dimensional space, and executes a battle game between the plurality of players based on communication between the plurality of players and the gaze character. A game providing method for providing game information from a device to a terminal device of a player, comprising:
The server device
an object control means for controlling an object including a player character to be operated by each player in the game space and the focused character;
receiving means for executing a process of receiving player input input by each player, including at least the line-of-sight direction of the player;
virtual camera control means for controlling a corresponding virtual camera based on each of the received player inputs;
For each player, a position where each player character is arranged in the game space is set as a position of a virtual camera corresponding to each player, and the game space seen in the line-of-sight direction of each player with each virtual camera as a viewpoint. image generation means for generating images of
A given parameter relating to the battle game of at least one of the focused character and the player character, the parameter relating to communication between the focused character and the player, is varied based on each of the received player inputs. a game control means for controlling a competitive game by the plurality of players based on the parameters;
with
(1) The display control means is a given display object displayed in the vicinity of the gaze character for each player according to the parameter for each player, and the gaze character and the player communicate with each other. (2) the object control means controls the aspect of a display object showing the relationship between the player character or
is the mode of the gaze character and controls a mode indicating a relationship regarding communication between the gaze character and the player, or a change in the mode;
the game control means
Comparing the superiority and inferiority of each player with respect to the parameters of each player, and notifying each player of information on the comparison result of the superiority and inferiority as superiority and inferiority information;
The object control means
In the case of controlling the appearance of the display object or the gaze character or a change in the aspect according to given parameters related to the game of both the gaze character and the player character,
accepting the player's operation and transmitting information about the accepted player's operation to the server device;
receiving information about the game from a server system that executes processing about the game;
A game providing method characterized by:

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