JP7244781B2 - Information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

2. Description of the Related Art In a game in which a plurality of players play together, there are cases where a role in the game is set for each player, and the role of each player after setting is changed (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). Patent Literature 1 describes changing the role of each player according to the achievement status of missions in the game for the purpose of improving the game.

JP 2014-124489 A

For each player, the role played during the joint play is an important factor related to the interest of the joint play (that is, the fun of the game). It is expected that the properties can be further improved.

Therefore, in view of the above points, it is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can improve the interest of joint play performed by setting the roles of each player. and

An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present inventor includes a role setting unit that sets, for each of a plurality of players, a role to be played by each of a plurality of players before co-play of a game is started; a role changing unit capable of changing the role of the target player set to the first role from the first role to the second role when a change condition is satisfied in .

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to change the role set before starting the joint play during the joint play, thereby making the joint play more interesting.

It is a figure which shows an example of the area which can be played in a game. It is an example of the play screen displayed when playing the game in the first role. It is an example of the play screen displayed when playing the game in the second role. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a play screen in which guide objects are displayed; It is explanatory drawing about throwing-in operation. It is an example of a role selection screen. It is an example of a reservation screen. It is an example of an inquiry screen. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system including an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a figure which shows the function of the information processing apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of player information. It is a figure which shows the information processing flow which concerns on one embodiment of this invention (part 1). It is a figure which shows the information processing flow which concerns on one embodiment of this invention (part 2). It is a figure which shows the transition of the role of each player. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of first screen display processing; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of second screen display processing; It is explanatory drawing about the modification of the timing which changes a target player's role (part 1). FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the timing of changing the role of the target player (No. 2);

Preferred embodiments (first to third embodiments) of an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
It should be noted that the embodiment described below is merely one of specific examples given to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. That is, the present invention can be changed or improved from the embodiments described below without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Of course, this invention also includes equivalents thereof.
In addition, the screen examples shown in the drawings referred to in the following description are merely examples, and the configuration examples of the screens, the contents of the displayed information, and the GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc., may vary depending on the contents of the information processing and the system. It can be freely designed according to the design specifications of the player and the preference of the player, etc., and can be changed as appropriate.

[Regarding games that can be played with the present invention]
A game (hereinafter simply referred to as "game") that can be played through the information processing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a playable area in a game, and in detail shows an overall image of the area. 2 and 3 are examples of game play screens. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a play screen on which a guide object, which will be described later, is displayed. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an inserting operation, which will be described later. Note that the operation terminals shown in FIGS. 2 to 8 are operation terminals operated by the player viewing the play screens shown in these figures.

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

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

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

The appearance (display image) of the field-moving character J1 can be arbitrarily set according to the content of the game, but in the following description, it is assumed to be human-shaped as shown in FIG. Also, the number of field-moving characters J1 that can be operated by one player may be one or two or more, but in the following description it is assumed to be one.

In the field, as shown in FIG. 1, an enemy character E appears, and auxiliary objects H are arranged according to a fixed rule or irregularly. The enemy character E appears on the field and interferes with the player's play of the game (specifically, movements such as movement of the field-moving character J1).

The auxiliary object H is used by the player during game play. For example, when the field-moving character J1 approaches or touches the auxiliary object H, an effect corresponding to the auxiliary object H is given to the player. The effects according to the auxiliary object H include, for example, granting a privilege or item that can be used in the game, changing parameters such as physical strength recovery, and changing the field situation such as reducing the number of appearances of the enemy character E on the field. , and the occurrence of a predetermined event such as the appearance of a boss enemy.

In the single play mode, the player performs a movement operation on the field-moving character J1 while looking at the field-moving character J1 on the game play screen. On the play screen at this time, as shown in FIG. 2, a portion of the field, specifically, a certain range (area surrounded by broken lines in FIG. 1) including the current position of the field moving character J1 is displayed. be

As an example of the movement operation, as shown in FIG. 2, there is an operation of touching and dragging the field movement character J1 displayed on the screen to the movement destination (the position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 2). . The method of performing the movement operation is not particularly limited, but for example, a method of using direction keys of a controller (not shown), a method of voice input, a method of detecting the movement of the player's body such as motion capture, or a game A method of analyzing the electroencephalogram of the player during play, and the like.

When the field-moving character J1 moves on the field in accordance with the movement operation, the part displayed on the screen in the field changes accordingly. The player can grasp the current position (post-movement position) of the field-moving character J1 through the screen after the switching.

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

Parameters are set for the field movement character J1. A parameter is a value or status that a player monitors (confirms) and manages during game play, and is set for each player in the game. In other words, it can be said that the parameters are parameters related to the player who operates the field-moving character J1. The parameters include numerical values and properties related to the field-moving character J1, such as values indicating the state (current state) such as physical strength and hunger, values indicating abilities such as attack power and movement speed, type and attributes, and screen display. size as well as other characteristics.

During game play, the parameters are displayed near the field-moving character J1 on the first screen G1, as shown in FIG. Also, during game play, the parameters change (update) in conjunction with the progress of the game, specifically the movement and state changes of the field-moving character J1. For example, when the field-moving character J1 moves on the field or is attacked or disturbed by an enemy character E on the field, the physical strength, which is a kind of parameter, decreases. When the physical strength of the field-moving character J1 becomes 0 (zero) (corresponding to an example of a predetermined state), the play cannot be continued, that is, the game is over.

Also, the player can change the parameters by using the auxiliary object H placed on the field or the throw-in object T thrown on the field during game play. For example, the physical strength of the field-moving character J1 can be increased (recovered) when the auxiliary object H or the thrown object T corresponding to the physical strength recovery item is used.
Note that the parameters do not necessarily have to be changed in conjunction with the movement of the field-moving character J1. good.

When the player achieves a clear condition for each area, such as the field-moving character J1 reaching a predetermined position on the field or defeating a predetermined enemy character E appearing on the field, the player leaves the area. can be cleared. Also, the player can move to the next area by clearing one area, and move the field moving character J1 on the field set in the area after the transition.

Next, the joint play mode will be described. In the joint play mode, a plurality of players can jointly play the same area at the same timing (that is, at the same time). Cooperative play includes, in addition to players cooperating with each other with a common goal of clearing an area, players competing in the same area, and multiple players forming multiple teams. It includes splitting into two teams and playing against each other in the same area. Note that, in the following description, performing joint play is also referred to as "participating in joint play".

Each of the multiple players participating in co-op play selects a role before co-op play begins. A role is a game role played by each of a plurality of players who participate in a joint play. In the present invention, each player selects one of a plurality of types of roles before starting the joint play. The multiple types of roles are, for example, a first role and a second role, and each player selects one of these before co-play starts.
Note that the multiple types of roles may include roles other than the first role and the second role, that is, the number of roles selectable by each player may be three or more.

Incidentally, in the present invention, "before the start of joint play" means before a plurality of players start playing an area in the game, more specifically, before the field movement character J1 and the later-described support character J2 are actually operated. It is the time of the stage.

After that, each player's role is set according to the selection result of each player, and cooperative play is started. In joint play, each player plays a game in a set role. More specifically, the player assigned to the first role operates the field moving character J1 to advance the game during the joint play. A player assigned to the second role assists (supports) a player assigned to the first role during cooperative play. Assisting the player assigned to the first role means playing the game in a position different from that of the player assigned to the first role. Specifically, the player assigned to the first role plays the game. It means playing the game in a way that is favorable to you.

Note that the first role and the second role may be roles opposite to those described above. That is, the present invention can be applied even when the second role is the role of operating the field-moving character J1 and the first role is the role of assisting the player who operates the field-moving character J1. .

The operations performed by the players during the joint play will be explained for each role.
The player set to the first role performs a movement operation on the field moving character J1 while watching the play screen (hereinafter also referred to as the first screen G1) on his/her own operating terminal during the joint play. A field-moving character J1 and a portion corresponding to the current position of the field-moving character J1 in the field (area surrounded by broken lines in FIG. 1) are displayed on the first screen G1.

A player set to the second role operates a support character J2, which is an in-game character different from the field moving character J1, during a joint play. The support character J2 has a motif of a flying object such as a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). The number of operable support characters J2 per player assigned to the second role may be one or two or more, but in the following description it is assumed to be one.

More specifically, the player who is set to the second role operates the support character J2 (hereinafter referred to as the , flight maneuvers). As shown in FIG. 3, the second screen G2 displays a bird's-eye view of the support character J2 and a portion corresponding to the position of the support character J2 in the field (the area surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 1). be

As an example of the flight operation, as shown in FIG. 3, there is an operation of dragging the support character J2 displayed on the screen to a destination while touching the screen. The method of performing the flight operation is not particularly limited, but for example, a method using direction keys of a controller (not shown), a method based on voice input, a method of detecting the movement of the player's body such as motion capture, or a game. A method of analyzing the electroencephalogram of the player during play, and the like.

The support character J2 moves (fly) within the area where the field moving character J1 exists based on the flight operation. Specifically, the field-moving character J1 and the support character J2 exist in different layers in the same area. The hierarchy to which the support character J2 can move is higher than the hierarchy to which the field movement character J1 can move. Strictly speaking, the support character J2 can be moved in a movement space set virtually as a space at a height different from the field in the game, more specifically, in the space above the field (in the sky). Note that the movement range of the support character J2 is not limited to the space above the field (in the sky), and may be the space below the field (under the ground, etc.).

The support character J2 can move in the entire range of the field, and can move freely even in the range in which the field-moving character J1 cannot move. For example, the field-moving character J1 cannot move due to obstacles or the like in the placement area of the field, but the support character J2 is not subject to the obstacles or the like in movement. .

Then, when the support character J2 flies over the field in accordance with the flight operation, the portion of the field displayed on the second screen G2 is switched accordingly. As a result, the player assigned to the second role can grasp the current position (post-movement position) of the support character J2 through the screen after switching, and continue to move (fly) the support character J2, thus allowing the entire field to move. can look around.

Although the second screen G2 shown in FIG. 3 is a screen when a part of the field is viewed from directly above, the present invention is not limited to this. The second screen G2 may be a screen when a part of the field is viewed from an arbitrary line-of-sight angle (view angle). You may be able to change it arbitrarily according to your preference.

A part of the field may be displayed on the second screen G2, or the entire field may be displayed. Also, when the player set to the second role performs an operation for enlarged display, a portion of the field may be enlarged and displayed on the screen at a magnification corresponding to the amount of operation. Conversely, when an operation for reduced display is performed, part or all of the field may be reduced and displayed on the screen according to the amount of operation.

By the way, the portion of the field that appears on the first screen G1 is limited to the field-moving character J1 and its vicinity, and is a narrower area than the portion that appears on the second screen G2. In other words, the range of the field that the player assigned to the first role can check through the screen during the joint play is narrower than the player assigned to the second role. Therefore, the player set to the first role cannot visually recognize the enemy character E or the like existing outside the portion shown in the first screen G1 on the field.

On the other hand, the second screen G2 can display a wider area than the first screen G1 in the field. As a result, for example, by displaying part or all of the field including the current position of the field-moving character J1 on the second screen G2, the player set to the second role can perform the action, in other words, of the field-moving character J1. Then, the operation of the player set to the first role can be confirmed.

Moreover, as described above, the second screen G2 can display a portion other than the portion displayed on the first screen G1. As a result, the player assigned to the second role can see the second screen G2 during the joint play and check the situation of the field from a wider field of view than the player assigned to the first role. . That is, the player assigned to the second role can obtain information on a portion of the field that the player assigned to the first role cannot visually recognize on the first screen G1. can know the types and appearance positions of enemy characters existing outside the portion shown on the first screen G1.

Then, if the player assigned to the second role satisfies a certain condition, the player assigned to the first role will receive information about the character that appears in the second screen G2 in the field. can be notified.

Specifically, the player set to the second role controls the support character J2 so that the support character J2 reaches a position corresponding to the enemy character E to whom information is to be notified (hereinafter referred to as the notified character). Operate J2 to move. The position corresponding to the to-be-notified character is, for example, a position where the to-be-notified character is within the lighting range LS of the support character J2. The to-be-notified character is not particularly limited, but a predetermined enemy character E on the field, for example, a boss enemy in an area may be used as the to-be-notified character.
The illumination range LS is a circular or elliptical object (more specifically, the range is indicated by object), which is always displayed on the second screen G2 during cooperative play.

Then, when the support character J2 reaches the position corresponding to the notified character, the guide object K is displayed on the first screen G1 as shown in the left diagram of FIG. The guide object K is a mark that indicates the azimuth of the to-be-notified character when viewed from the field-moving character J1. It is a linear object.

By displaying the guide object K as described above, the player assigned to the second role can assist the player assigned to the first role during the joint play. Specifically, by displaying the guide object K, it is possible to inform the player assigned to the first role of the to-be-notified character existing outside the portion shown in the first screen G1 and its orientation.
It should be noted that the operation performed by the player set to the second role to display the guide object K, that is, the flight operation of moving the support character J2 so that the to-be-reported character enters the illumination range LS is the field movement character J1. It corresponds to an operation for exerting a predetermined effect on

The guide object K is always displayed while the support character J2 is at a position corresponding to the to-be-notified character (that is, as long as the to-be-notified character exists within the illumination range LS of the support character J2). On the other hand, when the to-be-notified character leaves the illumination range LS, the guide object K for that to-be-notified character is hidden.

Note that while the guide object K is displayed on the first screen G1, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. The guide object K may also be displayed on the side of the player assigned to the role (that is, the guide object K may also be displayed on the second screen G2).

In addition, the display mode of the guide object K, for example, the display time of the guide object K, the display pattern such as lighting or blinking, the color, the thickness, etc., can be set arbitrarily, and may be changed after setting. .

Also, the field-moving character J1 can perform an action of attacking the enemy character E on the field, more specifically, an action of firing a bullet or the like at the enemy character E. FIG. When causing the field-moving character J1 to perform this action, the player set to the first role performs a predetermined operation (hereinafter referred to as shooting operation). A shooting operation includes, for example, an operation of instructing the direction in which a bullet or the like is to be shot.

When a shooting operation is performed on the field moving character J1 while the guide object K is being displayed, the shooting direction of the bullet or the like is automatically set so that the bullet or the like is directed toward the notified character existing ahead of the guide object K. may be set explicitly. In this case, the player who is set to the first role can reliably hit the notified character with a bullet or the like without instructing the shooting direction in the shooting operation. As described above, the player assigned to the second role can effectively assist the player assigned to the first role by causing the guide object K to be displayed.

On the other hand, during the joint play, the support character J2 cannot attack the enemy character E, and is neither attacked nor disturbed by the enemy character E. Also, the support character J2 cannot use the auxiliary object H and the input object T. In other words, the player assigned to the second role cannot enjoy the effects of the auxiliary object H and the input object T. FIG. Instead, the player assigned to the second role performs an operation (hereinafter referred to as an "insertion operation") of throwing the throw-in object T onto the field as a support material for the player set to the first role during the co-play. )It can be performed.

The input operation is performed through the second screen G2. Specifically, the player who is set to the second role selects an object to be thrown as the thrown object T from among the objects possessed in the game, and the object is displayed on the screen as shown in the left diagram of FIG. The button corresponding to the type of the object selected as the input object T is clicked among the selected object selection buttons. After that, the player set to the second role designates the placement position of the thrown object T on the field.
It should be noted that the object to be used as the thrown object T and the arrangement position of the thrown object T are not limited to being determined based on the will of the player set to the second role, but may be automatically determined by lottery or the like, for example. good too.

By performing the throwing operation in the above procedure, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 5, the thrown object T is thrown onto the field from the support character J2 operated by the player who performed the throwing operation. As described above, the thrown object T is used by the player who is set to the first role, and is used when the field moving character J1 operated by the player approaches the thrown object T. That is, the effect of the thrown object T is given to the player set to the first role.

The effect of the thrown object T changes according to the type of the thrown object, and the content of the effect (that is, the type of object) can be arbitrarily determined according to the content of the game. It should be noted that the type of the thrown object T may include a type that interferes with the play of the player set to the first role, in addition to the type that assists the player set to the first role.

Also, the player set to the second role can purchase an object that can be used as the throw-in object T during game play, and throw the purchased object as the throw-in object T onto the field. Objects that can be used as the thrown object T may be obtained by a method other than purchase, for example, by playing a lottery event held in the game.

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

Also, in a co-play mode, multiple players can select a first role to play the game. In this case, a field moving character J1 exists on the field for each player set to the first role, and each player set to the first role operates their own field moving character J1.

Further, when a plurality of players play the first role together, each player performs the joint play while monitoring the parameters of the field moving character J1 operated by each player. During the joint play, the player whose parameters are in a predetermined state, specifically, the state in which the physical strength is 0, cannot operate the field-moving character J1, so the player continues playing in the first role. be unable to do so.

Also, in the co-play mode, when a plurality of players are set to the first role and one or more players are set to the second role, the player set to the second role can, during the co-play, Among the plurality of players set to the first role, a designated player can be a target for assistance, and can cooperate with the target player for assistance. The player to be assisted may be specified before co-play is started, or may be specified during co-play. Also, a player to be assisted may be randomly selected from among a plurality of players assigned to the first role, regardless of the intention of the player assigned to the second role.

In the cooperative play mode, a minimum required number of players (first lower limit number) and a maximum number of participants (first upper limit number) are determined for the number of players who play in the first role. Therefore, cooperative play can be started only when the number of players who have selected the first role exceeds the first lower limit number. Further, when the number of players who have selected the first role reaches the first upper limit number, other players cannot newly select the first role until an empty slot is secured. The vacant slot is the remaining number of players set to the first role, that is, the difference between the upper limit number of players set to the first role and the current number.

On the other hand, the minimum required number of players (second lower limit number) and the maximum number of participants (second upper limit number) are also determined for the number of players who play the second role. Therefore, cooperative play can be started only when the number of players who have selected the second role exceeds the second lower limit number. Further, when the number of players who have selected the second role has reached the second upper limit number, other players cannot newly select the second role until an empty slot is secured.
Note that the number of players who play in the second role does not have to be a lower limit, and even if the number of players who have selected the second role is an arbitrary number, for example, 0, cooperative play is possible. may be able to start.

[Regarding role setting and role change in the first embodiment]
In the present invention, a role is set for each of a plurality of players who play a joint game before co-play is started, and each player performs an operation according to the set role during the co-play. Also, as described above, unless the number of players who select each role exceeds the respective minimum required number (lower limit number), cooperative play cannot be started. Furthermore, since an upper limit is set for the number of players in each role, the role of each player is set (adjusted) so that the number of players in each role does not exceed the upper limit.

On the other hand, in the first embodiment of the present invention, for example, when an empty slot is secured during a joint play, the role of the target player can be changed to the role for which the empty slot is secured. The target player is a player whose role is to be changed during the joint play among the plurality of players performing the joint play, and particularly the player who is set to the first role before the start of the joint play. , hereinafter referred to as a first target player.
Also, a player who is set to the second role before co-play starts and whose role is to be changed during co-play is called a second target player.

In the following description, the role of operating the field moving character J1 is defined as the first role, and the role of operating the support moving character J2 is defined as the second role. The roles may each be the opposite role to the above.

Role setting and role change in the first embodiment will be described below. In the following, the lower limit number of players set for each role (first lower limit number and second lower limit number) is one, and the upper limit number (first upper limit number and second upper limit number) is three. A case will be assumed for explanation. However, these values are merely examples, and the lower limit number and upper limit number of each role can be set to arbitrary values.

In the first embodiment, each of a plurality of players who perform joint play selects one of a plurality of types of roles, specifically a first role and a second role, before starting joint play. Perform a selection operation. Specifically, one player (hereafter referred to as a host) who organizes the joint play designates an area for the joint play and invites participants for the joint play (hereafter referred to as guests). After that, the guest player and the host player who have applied for participation in the joint play select their desired role while viewing the role selection screen shown in FIG. Click the button corresponding to the selected role on the screen. Such an operation corresponds to a selection operation.

As shown in FIG. 6, the role selection screen displays the selection result of the player who performed the selection operation. A player who has not yet performed a selection operation can select his/her own role while confirming the roles selected by other players. Thereby, role matching is performed.

Note that role matching may be performed by inviting players to participate in the joint play and having each player perform a selection operation after the end of the solicitation. Alternatively, each player performs a selection operation at the time of applying for participation in a joint player, and a screen showing the matching result based on the selection operation of each player (that is, the result of role selection by each player) is displayed to each player. You may

If the number of players who have selected the first role and the number of players who have selected the second role each exceed the lower limit, one of the players (e.g., the host) will start co-play after confirming the role matching result. perform operations for With this as an opportunity, a role is set for each player, and then joint play is started. In this case, the role set for each player is the role selected by each player according to the selection operation, that is, the role desired by each player.

On the other hand, if either the number of players who have selected the first role or the number of players who have selected the second role is less than the lower limit, the joint play cannot be started as it is, and the lower limit number It will be in a standby state until the number of players below the lower limit increases to above the lower limit.

In addition, while the number of players who have selected the first role reaches the upper limit number (first upper limit number), the players who have not yet performed the selection operation at that time can perform the selection operation to select the first role. cannot be newly performed. Similarly, when the number of players who have selected the second role reaches the upper limit number (second upper limit number), the players who have not yet performed the selection operation at that time are selected to select the second role. New operations cannot be performed.

On the other hand, in the first embodiment, when the number of players who select a certain role reaches the upper limit, the change reservation operation can be performed for that role. Specifically, when the number of players who have selected the second role has reached the second upper limit number, it is assumed that the players who have not yet performed the selection operation at that time desire the second role. cannot select the second role, and must select the first role in order to perform (participate in) cooperative play. Therefore, the player performs a selection operation for selecting the first role, and can perform a change reservation operation at this time.

The reservation change operation is performed, for example, through the reservation screen G3 shown in FIG. The reservation screen G3 is a screen displayed to a player who has selected a different role when the number of players who have selected a certain role has reached the upper limit. When the player who has selected the first role wishes to change the reservation, he/she clicks the reservation request button (the button labeled "Yes" in the screen) on the reservation screen G3. Such an operation corresponds to a change reservation operation.

As for the player who has performed the change reservation operation described above, if a predetermined condition is satisfied during the joint play, it becomes possible to change the role. becomes possible. Here, when the number of players who have selected the second role has reached the second upper limit, the player who performs the selection operation of selecting the first role and performs the above change reservation operation target player, strictly speaking, the first target player.

Note that the change reservation operation may be performed after the selection operation is performed before the start of the joint play, may be performed before the selection operation or at the same timing as the selection operation, or may be performed at the same timing as the selection operation. May be done after initiation.

In addition, when the number of players who have selected the first role has reached the first upper limit number, the players who have not yet performed the selection operation at that time will have no choice but to perform the selection operation for selecting the second role. At this time, the change reservation operation can be performed. As a result, when a predetermined condition is met during a joint play, the player's role can be changed, more specifically, from the second role to the first role. Here, when the number of players who have selected the first role has reached the first upper limit number, the player who has performed the selection operation of selecting the second role and has performed the change reservation operation is the second Corresponds to the target player.

As described above, in the first embodiment, when the respective roles of the first target player and the second target player who have performed the reservation change operation meet predetermined conditions (hereinafter referred to as change conditions) during joint play, Specifically, each target player can change to a role originally desired. On the other hand, the role of the player who does not perform the change reservation operation (non-target player) is not changed even if the change condition is satisfied during the joint play.

The change condition is that a vacant slot is secured during cooperative play. Specifically, for example, it is assumed that the number of players who have selected the second role has reached the second upper limit before co-play is started, and co-play is started in this state. In other words, it is assumed that the cooperative play is started when the number of players assigned to the second role has reached the second upper limit number.

In the above case, during co-play, the player assigned to the second role withdraws from the co-play, and the number of players playing in the second role decreases from the second upper limit number to less than the second upper limit number. That is, the change condition corresponds to securing a vacant slot for the second role. Also, the change condition in this case is hereinafter referred to as the first change condition.

The situation in which the player withdraws from the joint play includes, for example, a state in which the operating character cannot be operated (for example, in the case of the field-moving character J1, the physical strength is 0), and the player cannot continue playing. Voluntarily quitting co-play, interrupting play due to communication failure, etc., leaving co-play without any operation for a certain period of time, or continuing co-play due to other circumstances For example, it becomes impossible to

Similarly, before the behavior play starts, the number of players who have selected the first role reaches the first upper limit number, and the cooperative play is started when the number of players set to the first role reaches the first upper limit number. Assume that In this case, during the joint play, the player set to the first role withdraws from the joint play, and the number of players playing in the first role decreases from the first upper limit number to less than the first upper limit number; That is, the change condition corresponds to securing an empty slot for the first role. Also, the change condition in this case is hereinafter referred to as a second change condition.

Then, when the first change condition is satisfied during the joint play, the role of the first target player can be changed, more specifically, the role can be changed from the first role to the second role. Similarly, when the second change condition is satisfied during the cooperative play, the role of the second target player can be changed, more specifically, the role can be changed from the second role to the first role.

In addition, in the first embodiment, when changing a player's role during a joint play, the role is changed after confirming the intention of the player. Specifically, when the first change condition is established during the joint play, the inquiry screen G4 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the operating terminal of the first target player. The inquiry screen G4 is displayed for the purpose of inquiring whether or not to change the role. The first target player determines whether or not to change the role, and if the role is to be changed, clicks the change request button (the button labeled "Yes" in the screen) on the inquiry screen G4, If the role change is to be postponed, the change postponement button (the button indicated as "No" in the screen) is clicked. These screen operations (specifically, the operation of clicking any button on the screen) correspond to the operation of replying to the inquiry.

In the first embodiment, when the first target player replies to the inquiry that the role is to be changed, the role of the first target player is changed from the first role to the second role. By changing the role, the first target player can operate the in-game character corresponding to the role after the change, that is, the support character J2, and more specifically, can perform a flight operation for the support character J2. . In addition, by being changed to the second role, the first target player comes to assist another player playing in the first role. An operation (flying operation) and an operation (throwing operation) for throwing the thrown object T can be performed.

Similarly, when the second change condition is established during the joint play, an inquiry screen G4 is displayed on the operation terminal of the second target player, and the second target player determines whether or not to change the role and answers. An operation, specifically, an operation of clicking any button on the inquiry screen G4 is performed. In the first embodiment, when the second target player replies to the inquiry that the role is to be changed, the role of the second target player is changed from the second role to the first role. By changing the role, the second target player can operate the field-moving character J1, and more specifically, can perform a moving operation on the field-moving character J1.

By the way, when a player's role is changed during a joint play, the number of players set to the same role as that player's role before the change is reduced by one. As a result, it is conceivable that the number of players assigned to the above roles will fall below the lower limit, and in that case, it will be difficult to continue the cooperative play. In order to avoid such a situation, when the first change condition is satisfied, the number of players who play in the first role during cooperative play (strictly speaking, the number of players after changing the role of the first target player ) exceeds the first lower limit number, the role of the first target player can be changed from the first role to the second role.

Similarly, when the second change condition is satisfied, the number of players who play in the second role during co-play (strictly speaking, the number of players after changing the role of the second target player) is the second Only when the lower limit number is exceeded, the role of the second target player can be changed from the second role to the first role.

[Regarding the information processing device of the first embodiment and the operation terminal of each player]
Next, the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment and the operation terminals of each player will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that six players A to F jointly play the same area of the game in the joint play mode.

Each player has operating terminals 11 to 16 for games, as shown in FIG. Each of the operation terminals 11 to 16 is a client terminal, and specifically, it is composed of a personal computer, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a game machine, a television receiver capable of inputting information, a wearable terminal, or the like. Each of the operation terminals 11 to 16 is communicably connected to the server 10 via a communication network 17 as shown in FIG. The communication network 17 is, for example, a communication line network composed of the Internet or a mobile communication network, and may include a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an intranet, Ethernet (registered trademark), and the like. .

The server 10 is an example of the "information processing apparatus" of the present invention, and is a computer that generates, transmits and receives data necessary for progressing the game, and executes various information processing related to the progress of the game. More specifically, for example, an SNS server. is. The server 10 may be composed of one computer, or may be composed of a plurality of computers distributed in parallel. The server 10 may be a server computer for ASP (Application Service Provider), SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service) or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service). In this case, since the server 10 executes a series of information processes related to the progress of the game (excluding input and display of information), the operation terminals 11 to 16 of each player can input information to be handed over to the server 10, And the information delivered from the server 10 is output.

The server 10 has, as hardware devices, a processor 21, a memory 22, a communication interface 23, and a storage 24, which are electrically connected via a bus 25, as shown in FIG. The processor 21 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), MCU (Micro Controller Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) or ASIC (Application specific integrated circuit) or the like.

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

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

Further, in the server 10, as software, an operating system (OS) program and an information processing program for progressing the game are installed. These programs correspond to the "programs" of the present invention, and are programs for controlling the server 10, which is a computer. That is, the server 10 functions as an information processing apparatus of the present invention by being executed by the processor 21 described above.

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

The server 10 advances the game by executing the above program during game play. Specifically, the server 10 receives an operation for progressing the game from each of the players A to F, and executes a series of processes for progressing the game. For example, the server 10 executes a process of setting the roles of the players A to F before co-play starts. Specifically, the server 10 accepts a role selection operation from each player and sets the role of each player according to the selection operation before co-play is started.

In addition, the server 10 generates display data for game play screens (for example, the first screen G1 and the second screen G2) during the joint play, and executes processing for transmitting the data to the operation terminals 11 to 16 of each player. do. The server 10 also executes a process of changing parameters such as physical strength of the field-moving character J1 for each player according to the progress of the game.

In addition, the server 10 executes processing according to the operations of each player during the cooperative play. For example, when a throwing operation has been performed, a process of throwing a thrown object T onto the field is executed. Further, when a flight operation is performed on the support character J2 so that the to-be-notified character enters the illumination range LS, a process of displaying the guide object K for the to-be-notified character is executed.

In addition, the server 10 enables the role of the player who performed the change reservation operation to be changed when the change condition is satisfied during the joint play, and changes the role at a predetermined timing. Specifically, when the first change condition is satisfied during the cooperative play, the server 10 changes the role of the first target player to the first when the first target player replies to the inquiry screen G4 that the role will be changed. Change from role 1 to role 2. At this time, the role of the first target player is changed only when the number of players playing in the first role in the joint play exceeds the first lower limit number.

Similarly, when the second change condition is satisfied during the cooperative play, the server 10 changes the role of the second target player to the second one when the second target player replies to the inquiry screen G4 that the role will be changed. Change from a role to the first role. At this time, the role of the second target player is changed only when the number of players playing in the second role in the joint play exceeds the second lower limit number.

10, the server 10 includes an operation reception unit 31, a role setting unit 32, a game progression unit 33, a display control unit 34, and a storage unit 35. , an inquiry unit 36 and a role change unit 37 . Among these functional units, the storage unit 35 is implemented by the memory 22 or the storage 24, and the other functional units are implemented by cooperation between various hardware devices constituting the server 10 and programs installed on the server 10. It is realized by working Each functional unit will be described in detail below.

(Operation reception part)
The operation reception unit 31 receives operations for progressing the game performed by the player through the operation terminals 11 to 16 , and more specifically, acquires data indicating the details of the operations from the operation terminals 11 to 16 via the communication network 17 . In particular, in the cooperative mode, the operation reception unit 31 receives an operation for progressing the game from each player.

In the joint play mode, the operation reception unit 31 receives a role selection operation from each of the plurality of players who perform the joint play before the start of the joint play. On the other hand, when the number of players who have selected the first role reaches the first upper limit number before co-play starts, the operation reception unit 31 performs a selection operation to select the first role while the situation continues. do not accept new Similarly, while the number of players who have selected the second role has reached the second upper limit number, the operation accepting unit 31 does not accept a new selection operation for selecting the second role.

In addition, when there is a player who has performed a reservation change operation, that is, a first target player and/or a second target player, among the plurality of players, the operation accepting unit 31 accepts a change reservation operation from that player.

Further, during the period from the start of the joint play to the continuation of the joint play, the operation accepting unit 31 accepts a movement operation for the field moving character J1 from the player set to the first role, and the player is set to the second role. A flight operation for the support character J2 is accepted from the player who has entered. Further, when a player set to the second role performs an operation of inserting an input object T during a joint play, the operation receiving unit 31 receives an input operation from the player.

Further, when the first target player performs an answer operation through the inquiry screen G4 that is displayed when the first change condition is satisfied during the joint play, the operation accepting unit 31 accepts an answer operation from the first target player. Similarly, when the second target player performs an answer operation through the inquiry screen G4 displayed when the second change condition is satisfied during the joint play, the operation accepting unit 31 accepts an answer operation from the second target player. .

(role setting section)
The role setting unit 32 sets a role for each of the plurality of players who perform the joint play based on the selection operation received from each player by the operation reception unit 31 before the start of the joint play. The role selected by each player is set to one of the first role and the second role.

(Game progress part)
The game progression unit 33 progresses the game according to the operations received from each player during the joint play. For example, when a movement operation is received from a player set to the first role, the game progression unit 33 causes the field movement character J1 operated by the player to move on the field according to the movement operation. At this time, the game progression section 33 may change the state of the field in conjunction with the movement of the field-moving character J1, for example, change the appearance position of the enemy character E on the field.

The game progression unit 33 also changes the parameters of the player set to the first role, specifically the state of the field moving character J1 operated by the player, in accordance with the progress of the game. For example, when the field-moving character J1 receives an attack from an enemy character E on the field, the game progression unit 33 reflects the attack and changes the state of the field-moving character J1. A process for decreasing the physical strength of the character J1 is executed.

Further, when the field-moving character J1 approaches or touches the auxiliary object H or the thrown-in object T on the field, the game progression unit 33 displays an effect according to the object to the player who operates the field-moving character J1. For example, if a physical strength recovery type object is used, processing for increasing (recovering) physical strength is executed.

When the physical strength of the field-moving character J1 becomes 0, the player operating the field-moving character J1 can no longer operate the field-moving character J1 at that point, and is unable to continue playing (game over). becomes.

Further, during the joint play, when the game progress unit 33 receives a flight operation from a player set to the second role, the game progress unit 33 moves the support character J2 corresponding to the player over the field according to the flight operation (flying operation). ). Further, during the cooperative play, when receiving an input operation from a player set to the second role, the game progression unit 33 places the input object T on the field in accordance with the object type and arrangement position specified by the input operation. Deploy (insert). When the thrown object T is thrown, the game progression unit 33 executes a process of subtracting the number of objects used as the thrown object T possessed by the player who performed the throwing operation.

(Display control unit)
During the joint play, the display control unit 34 controls the operation terminals 11 to 16 of each player to display the play screen. 16 to send the display data. Specifically, the display data of the first screen G1 is transmitted to the operation terminal of the player who plays in the first role, and the display data of the second screen G2 is transmitted to the operation terminal of the player who plays in the second role. Send display data.

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

Similarly, when the support character J2 flies over the field by receiving a flight operation from the player playing in the second role, the display control unit 34 generates display data for the second screen G2 after movement. Send. On the second screen G2 displayed based on this display data, a portion corresponding to the position of the support character J2 after movement in the field is displayed. As a result, in conjunction with the movement (flying) of the support character J2, the portion of the field displayed on the second screen G2 is changed at any time.

It is also assumed that during the joint play, the to-be-notified character enters the illumination range LS of the support character J2 operated by the player in the second role in accordance with the flight operation of the player. In this case, the display control unit 34 specifies the current positions of each of the field moving character J1 and the to-be-notified character, and guides the linear guide object K connecting the specified positions to the player playing the first role. is displayed on the play screen (that is, the first screen G1). On the other hand, when the to-be-notified character leaves the illumination range LS, the display control unit 34 terminates the display of the guide object K at that point.
When a plurality of players play the first role, the display control unit 34 may display the guide object K for each player, or may display the field moving character J1 positioned closest to the to-be-notified character. The guide object K may be displayed only for the player who operates the .

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

The area information is information about each of a plurality of areas set in the game, and is stored in the storage unit 35 for each area. The area information includes an identification number of each area, information about fields in the area, area clear conditions, and the like. The information about the field includes the topography of the field, the type and placement position of the auxiliary object H placed on the field, the type and appearance position of the enemy character E appearing on the field, and the like.

The player information is information relating to each of a plurality of players who play jointly, and is stored in the storage unit 35 for each player. The player information includes, as shown in FIG. 11, each player's name, identification ID, area being played, type and number of possessed objects (possessed items), type and number of in-game currency, and currently set including roles.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the player information of the player set to the first role includes information on the field-moving character J1 to be operated, for example, the current state and parameters of the field-moving character J1, and information on the field. The current position and the like are further included. The player information of the player set to the second role includes information about the support character J2 to be operated, such as the current position of the support character J2 in the area, the type and position of the thrown-in object T thrown from the support character J2, In addition, information (for example, name or identification ID) related to the player designated as the assistance target is further included.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, the player information further includes flag information indicating whether or not the player is the player who performed the change reservation operation (that is, the first target player or the second target player).
Note that the player information is not limited to the information shown in FIG. 11, and may further include information other than the information shown in FIG.

(Inquiry Department)
The inquiry unit 36 inquires of the first target player and/or the second target player whether or not to change the role when the change condition is satisfied during the joint play.

Specifically, in a case where co-play is started with the number of players assigned to the second role reaching the second upper limit, an empty slot is secured for the second role during co-play ( That is, the number of players playing in the second role has changed from the second upper limit number to less than the second upper limit number). In this case, the inquiry unit 36 makes the above inquiry to the first target player by displaying the inquiry screen G4 on the operation terminal of the first target player. At this time, the above inquiry may be made to the first target player only when the number of players playing the first role in the joint play exceeds the first lower limit number.

In addition, at the start of the joint play, the number of players set to the first role has reached the first upper limit number, and an empty frame is secured for the first role during the joint play (that is, the first The number of players playing the role has changed from the first upper limit number to less than the first upper limit number). In this case, the inquiry unit 36 makes the above inquiry to the second target player by displaying the inquiry screen G4 on the operation terminal of the second target player. At this time, the above inquiry may be made to the second target player only when the number of players playing the second role in the joint play exceeds the second lower limit number.

(role change department)
The role change unit 37 can change the role of the target player set to the first role from the first role to the second role when the change condition is satisfied during the joint play. Specifically, when the operation accepting unit 31 accepts a change reservation operation from the first target player and the first change condition is met during the cooperative play, the role changing unit 37 changes the role of the first target player to the first target player. It is possible to change from one role to a second role.

In the first embodiment, when the first target player replies "to change the role" in response to the inquiry from the inquiry unit 36, and the operation reception unit 31 receives the answer operation, the role change unit 37 , the role of the first target player can be changed from the first role to the second role. In the first embodiment, after the first change condition is established, the number of players who play in the first role during cooperative play (strictly, the number of players after the role change) exceeds the first lower limit number. Only when it exceeds, it becomes possible to change the role of the first target player from the first role to the second role.

Further, when the operation accepting unit 31 accepts the change reservation operation from the second target player and the second change condition is satisfied during the cooperative play, the role changing unit 37 changes the role of the second target player to the second target player. to the first role. In the first embodiment, when the second target player answers "to change the role" in response to the inquiry from the inquiry unit 36, and the operation accepting unit 31 accepts the answer operation, the role changing unit 37 It is possible to change the role of the second target player from the second role to the first role. In the first embodiment, after the second change condition is established, the number of players who play in the second role during cooperative play (strictly, the number of players after the role change) exceeds the second lower limit number. Only when it exceeds, the role of the second target player is changed from the second role to the first role.

[Regarding the information processing method according to the first embodiment]
Next, as an information processing method according to the first embodiment, an information processing flow for progressing a game in the first embodiment (hereinafter referred to as this information processing flow) will be described.
This information processing flow is merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps added, or the execution order of the steps changed within the scope of the present invention.

This information processing flow is executed according to the flow shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B by the computer, that is, the server 10, which constitutes the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the following description, it is assumed that six players A to F play together in the same area.

In this information processing flow, first, the roles of players A to F are set (S001). This step S001 is performed before co-play is started. Specifically, before co-play is started, the server 10 receives a role selection operation from each of the players A to F.

Specifically, each player confirms how many players have selected each role at the present time (in other words, whether or not there is an empty slot) on the role selection screen shown in FIG. and the second role. Each player's selection result is converted into data and transmitted from each player's operation terminal to the server 10 .

Further, in the first embodiment, when the number of players who have selected the second role reaches the second upper limit at the time before co-play starts, after that, until co-play starts , a player (strictly speaking, a player who has not yet performed a selection operation) cannot newly perform a selection operation for selecting the second role. For example, as shown in (a) of FIG. 13, players D, E, and F have already performed a selection operation to select the second role, and the number of players who have selected the second role is the second upper limit number (three players). ) is reached. In this case, when the player A performs a selection operation after that, even if the player A desires the second role, the player A selects the first role.

In the above case, player A who has selected the first role through the selection operation can further perform a change reservation operation as shown in FIG. 13(a). When the player A performs a reservation change operation, the contents of the operation are converted into data, and data relating to the reservation change operation is transmitted from the operation terminal 11 of the player A to the server 10 . The server 10 receives the change reservation operation from the player A by receiving the data. In this case, the player A corresponds to the target player, more specifically, the first target player.

In the following, as shown in (a) of FIG. 13, players A, B, and C select the first role in the selection operation, and players D, E, and F select the second role in the selection operation. Also, a case where player A and player D perform a reservation change operation will be described. In this case, player A corresponds to the first target player, and player D corresponds to the second target player.

After receiving a selection operation from each of the players A to F, the server 10 sets the role of each player. After that, the server 10 starts cooperative play on the condition that the number of players set for each role exceeds the respective minimum number (one) (S002).

Further, during the joint play, the server 10 executes the screen display process at any time, and displays the play screen according to the operation of each of the players A to F on the operation terminal of each player (S003). The screen display processing includes processing for the player set to the first role (hereinafter referred to as first screen display processing) and processing for the player set to the second role (hereinafter referred to as second screen display processing). including.

The first screen display process proceeds according to the flow shown in FIG. 14, and is carried out via data communication between the server 10 and the operation terminal of the player set to the first role. Here, the first screen display processing performed between the server 10 and the operation terminal 11 of the player A will be described with the player A as a representative of the players set to the first role.

In the first screen display process, the server 10 first generates display data for the first screen G1 and transmits it to the operation terminal 11 of the player A (S021). As a result, the first screen G1 showing the field moving character J1 and part of the field is displayed on the operating terminal 11 (S022). The first screen G1 displayed at the start of the joint play shows a portion of the field corresponding to the initial position (start position) of the field-moving character J1.

During the joint play, the player A performs a movement operation on the field movement character J1 at any time while watching the first screen G1 (S023). The server 10 receives a movement operation from the player A through communication with the operation terminal 11 (S024), and moves the field movement character J1 on the field according to the received movement operation (S025). Thereafter, the server 10 generates display data of a first screen G1 (hereinafter referred to as "first screen G1 after movement") showing a portion corresponding to the position of the field moving character J1 after movement in the field, and operates the display data. It transmits toward the terminal 11 (S026). As a result, the first screen G1 after movement is displayed on the operation terminal 11 (S027).

Thereafter, steps S024 to S027 are repeatedly performed each time the player A performs a movement operation, whereby the first screen G1 displayed on the operation terminal 11 is updated as needed. The first screen display process continues during the joint play, and ends when the game ends (S028). The end of the game means that the conditions for ending the joint play are satisfied. retired).

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

The second screen display process proceeds according to the flow shown in FIG. 15, and is carried out via data communication between the server 10 and the operation terminal of the player set to the second role. Here, the second screen display processing performed between the server 10 and the operation terminal 14 of the player D will be described with the player D as a representative of the players set to the second role.

In the second screen display process, the server 10 first generates display data for the second screen G2 and transmits it to the operation terminal 14 of the player D (S031). As a result, the second screen G2 showing the support character J2 and part of the field is displayed on the operation terminal 14 (S032). The second screen G2 displayed at the start of the joint play shows a portion of the field corresponding to the initial position (start position) of the support character J2.

During the joint play, the player D performs a flight operation on the support character J2 at any time while watching the second screen G2 (S033). The server 10 receives a flight operation from the player D through communication with the operation terminal 14 (S034), and moves the support character J2 over the field according to the received flight operation (S035). After that, the server 10 generates display data of a second screen G2 (hereinafter referred to as a "second screen G2 after movement") displaying a portion corresponding to the position of the support character J2 after movement in the field, and displays the display data on the operation terminal. 14 (S036). As a result, the second screen G2 after movement is displayed on the operation terminal 14 (S037).

Thereafter, steps S034 to S037 are repeatedly performed each time the player D performs a flight operation, thereby updating the second screen G2 displayed on the operation terminal 14 as needed. The second screen display process continues while the joint play is being performed, and ends when the game ends (S038).

Although not shown, when player D performs a throwing operation of throwing thrown object T onto the field during cooperative play, server 10 receives the throwing operation from player D and throws thrown object T onto the field. Execute the input (arrangement) process. Along with this, the server 10 generates display data for displaying the first screen G1 and the second screen G2 when the thrown object T is placed on the field. The server 10 then transmits the generated display data to the operation terminals 11 to 16 of each player.

Further, during the joint play, when the to-be-notified character enters the lighting range LS of the support character J2 operated by the player D, the server 10 generates display data for displaying the guide object K for the to-be-notified character on the first screen G1. do. Then, the server 10 transmits the generated display data to the operation terminals 11-13 of the players A-C.

Returning to this information processing flow, as shown in FIG. When the number of playing players decreases and an empty slot is secured, the first change condition is established (S004). In this case, the server 10 determines whether or not there is a first target player among the players A to C playing the first role (S005). Here, since player A corresponds to the first target player, the server 10 proceeds to step S006.

In step S006, the server 10 inquires of the player A whether or not to change the role. Specifically, the operation terminal 11 of player A is caused to display an inquiry screen G4 shown in FIG. When the player A clicks a change request button on the screen to reply to change the role, the reply operation is converted into data and transmitted from the operation terminal 11 of the player A to the server 10.例文帳に追加The server 10 accepts an answer operation from the player A by receiving data about the answer operation.

When Player A answers that he/she will change his role (S007), the server 10 further determines the number of players who will play in the first role after changing the role of Player A (hereinafter referred to as the first role for convenience). ) exceeds the first lower limit number (S008). Then, when the number of players in the first role exceeds the first lower limit number, the server 10 changes the role of player A from the first role to the second role as shown in (c) of FIG. 13 ( S009). As a result, the player A operates the support character J2 as a supporting role in the subsequent joint play. Further, after the role change, the player A can display the guide object K on the operation terminals 12 and 13 of the players B and C and throw the thrown object T onto the field during the joint play. can.

Also, in this information processing flow, it is possible to change the role of the second target player during the cooperative play, as with the first target player. That is, in the first embodiment, it is possible to mutually change roles between the first role and the second role.

Specifically, if one of the players A to C leaves the joint play due to retirement or other reason, the number of players playing in the first role during the joint play decreases and an empty slot is secured. , the second change condition is established (S010). When the second change condition is established, the server 10 determines whether or not there is a second target player among the players D to F playing in the second role (S011). Here, since the player D corresponds to the second target player, the server 10 proceeds to step S012.

In step S012, the server 10 inquires of the player D whether or not to change the role. When player D responds to the inquiry to the effect that the role will be changed (S013), the server 10 further determines the number of players who will play in the second role after the role of player D is changed (hereinafter referred to as (S014).

Then, when the number of players in the second role exceeds the second lower limit number, the server 10 changes the role of player D from the second role to the first role (S015). As a result, the player D operates the field-moving character J1, defeats the enemy character E on the field, uses the auxiliary object H and the thrown-in object T, etc., to advance the game in the subsequent joint play. can be made

Steps S004 to S015 after the screen display process in this information processing flow are repeatedly performed while the joint play is continued. Then, when the game ends, more specifically, when the joint play ends, this information processing flow ends (S016).

[About the second embodiment]
In the above-described first embodiment, when the change condition is satisfied during cooperative play, the target player's role can be changed. If the answer is yes, the role of the target player will be changed. That is, in the first embodiment, when the target player responds that the role is to be changed, the target player's role is changed with this as a trigger. However, it is not limited to this, and another embodiment (hereinafter referred to as a second embodiment) can be considered.

A second embodiment will be described below. Among the second embodiment, the points that are different from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the points that are common to the first embodiment will be omitted. In the following, the same case as in the first embodiment, that is, players A to F play together, player A performs a reservation change operation, and corresponds to the target player (strictly speaking, the first target player). We will assume a situation where

In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, if a change condition (strictly speaking, the first change condition) is established during cooperative play, the role of player A can be changed from the first role to the second role. becomes. Further, if the player A desires to change the role, the player A performs a predetermined operation (hereinafter referred to as a change instruction operation) on his own operation terminal 11 after the change condition is met. The change instruction operation includes, for example, an operation in which player A touches or repeatedly hits a predetermined location on the play screen (that is, the first screen G1) during a joint play, an operation in which a predetermined phrase is uttered, or a change instruction (not shown). An operation of displaying a screen and touching a predetermined portion on the screen may be mentioned.

Player A can perform a change instruction operation at any timing during the joint play, as long as the change condition is established during the joint play. In the second embodiment, after the change condition is satisfied and before the change instruction operation is performed, the inquiry screen G4 shown in FIG. Player A may be asked whether or not.

When the server 10 (specifically, the operation reception unit 31) receives a change instruction operation from the player A, the role of the player A is changed from the first role to the second role. That is, in the second embodiment, the server 10 (more specifically, the role changing unit 37) changes the role of the target player from the first role to the second role at the timing when the change instruction operation by the player A is accepted. do.

While the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the above points, it is common to the first embodiment in other respects, and can obtain the same effects as the first embodiment.

[About the third embodiment]
Regarding the timing of changing the role of the target player, an example different from the above-described embodiment (hereinafter referred to as a third embodiment) can be considered. The third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 16A and 16B. In the following, the points of the third embodiment that are different from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described, and the points that are common to the first and second embodiments will be omitted. .

In the following description, players A to F play together, and at the start of the joint play, the roles of players A to C are the first role and the roles of players D to F are the second role. I will assume and explain. In such a scene, it is assumed that the number of players set for each role has reached the upper limit (three) at the start of the joint play, and players A and D are performing the reservation change operation. That is, in the following description, the player A corresponds to the target player, strictly speaking, the first target player, and the player D corresponds to the second target player.
Incidentally, FIG. 16A shows the screen transition on the player A side, and FIG. 16B shows the screen transition on the player D side.

In the third embodiment, while the first change condition is satisfied during the joint play, the state of the field moving character J1 operated by the player A is in a predetermined state, for example, in a state of zero physical strength (that is, inability to continue playing). state), the role of the player A is changed from the first role to the second role.

Specifically, when the physical strength of the field-moving character J1 operated by the player A becomes 0 while the first change condition is satisfied in the joint play (the left diagram in FIG. 16A), the server 10 (details , the role changing unit 37) uses this as a trigger to change the role of the player A from the first role to the second role.

Then, due to the role change, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 16A, a screen showing the support character J2, that is, the second screen G2 is displayed on the operation terminal 11 of the player A, and the player A continues after that. It becomes possible to operate the support character J2 in the joint play. In addition, since the role of player A is changed to the second role, player A can display guide object K and throw throw-in object T onto the field.

When changing the role of player A, the server 10 determines whether the number of players in the first role exceeds the first lower limit number, and determines whether the number of players in the first role exceeds the first lower limit number. Only in this case, Player A's role may be changed from the first role to the second role.

Further, in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to mutually change roles between the first role and the second role. Specifically, when the support character J2 operated by the player D enters a predetermined state while the second change condition is satisfied in the joint play, the server 10 (specifically, the role change unit 37) , with this as an opportunity, the role of the player D is changed from the second role to the first role.

Here, when the support character J2 is in a predetermined state, the support character J2 is in a state in which the player D does not perform an operation for exerting an effect (predetermined effect) of assistance to the field-moving character J1. That is. Specifically, for example, the state when the guide object K is no longer displayed, which is easier to understand, is the state where the enemy character E corresponding to the notified character is out of the illumination range LS of the support character J2 (the left figure in FIG. 16B). ) applies.

Then, due to the change of role, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 16B, the screen showing the field moving character J1, that is, the first screen G1 is displayed on the operation terminal 14 of the player D, and the player D continues after that. It becomes possible to operate the field moving character J1 in the joint play.

When changing the role of player D, the server 10 determines whether the number of players in the second role exceeds the second lower limit number, and determines whether the number of players in the second role exceeds the second lower limit number. Player D's role may be changed from the second role to the first role only if.

As described above, the third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the role change timing is different, but is otherwise common to the first and second embodiments. And effects similar to those of the second embodiment can be obtained.

Further, as an example of the third embodiment, cases other than the above-described cases are conceivable. For example, while the first change condition is satisfied during the joint play, the state of the field moving character J1 operated by another player (for example, player B) playing in the first role other than player A is changed. Assume that the player is in a predetermined state, for example, a state of zero physical strength (a state in which it is impossible to continue playing). In this case, the field-moving character J1 operated by the player A can be operated by the player B in place of the field-moving character J1 in a predetermined state, and the role of the player A is changed from the first role to the second. Change to role 2.
As a result, the player A transfers to the player B the authority to operate the field moving character J1 that has been operated up to that point, and then the role can be changed. Further, the field-moving character J1 to be operated by the player B thereafter takes over the state and parameters of the field-moving character J1 of the player A just before the role of the player A is changed, and at that time, the field-moving character J1 of the player A takes over the field movement character J1 of the player A. Play is restarted from the position on the field where the moving character J1 is.

Moreover, further modifications (variations) are conceivable for the third embodiment. For example, while the second change condition is satisfied during the joint play, the state of the field moving character J1 operated by one of the players A to C playing the first role is in the state of 0 physical strength (predetermined state). Triggered by this, the server 10 (specifically, the role changing unit 37) may change the role of the player D, who is the second target player, from the second role to the first role.

Alternatively, when the first change condition is satisfied during the cooperative play, an inquiry is made to player A, who is the first target player, as to whether or not to change the role, and player A replies that the role will be changed. Suppose After that, assume that the players A to F who play jointly clear the area in which they were playing at the time of the above answer and proceed to the next area. Triggered by this, the server 10 (specifically, the role changing unit 37) may change the role of the player A from the first role to the second role. In this way, the role of the first target player may be changed using the transition to the stage (area) determined according to the timing of the answer as a trigger.

[Other embodiments]
So far, the information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the program of the present invention have been described with some specific embodiments, but the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments. can also be considered.

In the above embodiment, the server 10 as an example of a computer functions as the information processing apparatus of the present invention, but some of the functions of the server 10 may be provided on the player's operation terminal side. For example, the game progression unit 33 may be provided in the player's operation terminal. In that case, in the joint play, the operation terminal of each player receives data for progressing the game from the server 10 and executes processing for progressing the game according to the operation of each player.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the communication method used when the operation terminals of the plurality of players performing the joint play communicate is a method (client-server method) via the server 10. A non-intervening P2P (peer-to-peer) system may also be used. In that case, the operation terminals of each player cooperate to function as the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

[summary]
The present invention is achieved by the configurations shown in [1] to [12] below, and various effects can be achieved by each configuration.

[1] The information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a role setting unit that sets, for each of a plurality of players, a role to be played by each player during the joint play, and and a role changing unit capable of changing the role of the target player set to the first role from the first role to the second role when the condition is established.
According to the information processing device of the present invention, it is possible to change the role of the target player set before starting the joint play during the joint play (during the in-game). If the role of the target player can be changed in this way, the target player can play the game in a role different from the role set at the start of the joint play, for example. As a result, it is possible to enhance the interest of the joint play type game.

[2] The information processing apparatus of the present invention may have an inquiry unit that, when an inquiry condition is established during a joint play, inquires of the target player whether or not to change the role. Then, it is preferable that the role change unit can change the role of the target player from the first role to the second role when the target player replies to the inquiry that the role is to be changed.
According to the above configuration, when changing the role of the target player, an inquiry is made to the target player as to whether or not the role should be changed. Change roles. As a result, the target player's intention can be respected and the target player's role can be changed.

[3] The information processing apparatus of the present invention may have an operation reception unit that receives operations of each of a plurality of players. The operation receiving unit may receive, from each of the plurality of players, a selection operation of selecting one type of role before co-play is started. In addition, even if the first upper limit number of players who play in the first role during co-play and the second upper limit number of players who play in the second role during co-play are respectively determined good. Then, while the number of players who have selected the first role reaches the first upper limit number, the operation receiving unit does not newly receive a selection operation to select the first role and selects the second role. It is preferable not to accept a new selection operation for selecting the second role while the number of players who have played has reached the second upper limit number.
According to the above configuration, by setting an upper limit for the number of players who can select each role, the number of players for each role can be kept within an appropriate range during cooperative play.

[4] Further, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the target player selects the first role when the number of players who have selected the second role has reached the second upper limit number, and performs a change reservation operation. may be the player who performed In this case, when the operation accepting unit accepts the change reservation operation from the target player and the change condition is satisfied during the cooperative play, the role changing unit changes the role of the target player from the first role to the second role. It is preferable if it is possible to change to
In the above configuration, since the number of players who have selected the second role has reached the upper limit at the start of the joint play, the player who has selected the first role performs a reservation change operation. Then, when the change condition is satisfied during the joint play, the role of the player who performed the change reservation operation is changed. As a result, even a player who was unable to select the desired role (second role) at the start of the joint play can select the role (second role) during the joint play as long as the change reservation operation is performed. role). As a result, the interest of the game can be further enhanced.

[5] In addition, in the information processing device of the present invention, the role change unit, when the number of players playing in the second role during the joint play becomes less than the second upper limit number from the second upper limit number, the target It should be possible to change the role of the player from the first role to the second role.
In the above configuration, the role of the target player can be changed on the condition that an empty slot is secured for the number of players who play in the second role during the joint play.

[6] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, a first lower limit number of the number of players who play in the first role during cooperative play may be determined. In this case, the role changing unit determines that the number of players who play in the second role during the joint play becomes less than the second upper limit number from the second upper limit number, and the number of players who play in the first role during the joint play. It is preferable that the role of the target player can be changed from the first role to the second role when the number of players to play exceeds the first lower limit number.
When the role of the target player is changed from the first role to the second role during co-play, the number of players playing in the first role during co-play decreases accordingly, and falls below the first lower limit number. can be. In that case, it may become difficult to continue the joint play. On the other hand, in the above configuration, an empty frame is secured for the number of players who play in the second role during co-play, and the number of players who play in the first role during co-play is increased to the first. 1 Only when the lower limit number is exceeded, the role of the target player is changed. As a result, the above situation can be avoided.

[7] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the role changing unit changes the role of the target player from the first role to the second role at the timing when the change instruction operation by the target player is accepted while the change condition is satisfied. 2 roles may be changed.
According to the above configuration, the role of the target player is changed at the time when the change instruction operation by the target player is accepted, so the role of the target player can be changed at the timing desired by the target player.

[8] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the player playing in the first role may operate the in-game character during the cooperative play. In this case, when the in-game character operated by the target player enters a predetermined state while the change condition is satisfied, the role changing unit changes the role of the target player from the first role to the second role. Then it is preferable.
According to the above configuration, the role of the target player can be changed at the timing determined based on the state of the in-game character, in other words, the parameters that change according to the progress of the game.

[9] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the target player may be a first target player set to a first role. Moreover, the change conditions may include a first change condition and a second change condition. The role changing unit can change the role of the first target player from the first role to the second role when the first change condition is satisfied during the joint play. It is preferable that the role of the second target player set in the second role can be changed from the second role to the first role if the second change condition is satisfied in .
According to the above configuration, the role of the first target player set to the first role before starting the joint play can be changed to the second role during the joint play (during the in-game). The role of the second target player set to the second role before the start of play can be changed to the first role during cooperative play. That is, in the above configuration, the roles can be changed between the first role and the second role.

[10] In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the player playing in the first role may operate the in-game character during the cooperative play. In this case, when the in-game character operated by any of the players playing in the first role enters a predetermined state while the second change condition is satisfied, the role change unit changes the second target It is preferred to change the player's role from the second role to the first role.
According to the above configuration, at a timing determined based on the state of the in-game character operated by the player playing in the first role, that is, the play situation of the player set in the first role, the second The role of the target player can be changed.

[11] In the information processing method of the present invention, a computer sets, for each of a plurality of players, a role to be played by each of a plurality of players before co-play of a game is started, and changes conditions during co-play. is established, the computer can change the role of the target player set to the first role from the first role to the second role.
According to the information processing method of the present invention, the role of the target player set before the start of the joint play can be changed during the joint play. can.

[12] The program of the present invention causes a computer to set, for each of a plurality of players, a role to be played by a player during joint play before co-play of a game is started, and a change condition is established during co-play. In this case, the computer enables the role of the target player set to the first role to be changed from the first role to the second role.
By causing the computer to execute the program of the present invention, the role of the target player set before the start of the joint play can be changed during the joint play, thereby enhancing the interest of the joint play compatible game. be able to.

10 information processing device 11 to 16 operation terminal 17 communication network 21 processor 22 memory 23 communication interface 24 storage 25 bus 31 operation reception unit 32 role setting unit 33 game progression unit 34 display control unit 35 storage unit 36 inquiry unit 37 role change Section E Enemy character G1 1st screen G2 2nd screen G3 Reservation screen G4 Inquiry screen H Auxiliary object J1 Field moving character (in-game character)
J2 Support character K Guide object LS Illumination range T Input object

Claims (3)

An information processing device comprising a processor,
The processor
setting the roles of a plurality of players participating in the joint play from among a plurality of roles including a first role and a second role that assists the player in the first role;
After a change condition corresponding to the number of players of the second role is satisfied during the joint play, if a predetermined operation by the player of the first role is received, the role of the player who performed the operation is changed to the role of the player who has performed the operation. changing from the role of 1 to the second role,
The change condition includes that the number of players in the first role after the player who performed the operation has changed to the second role does not fall below a predetermined number of 1 or more,
Information processing equipment. A processor sets the roles of a plurality of players participating in the joint play from among a plurality of roles including a first role and a second role that assists the player in the first role, and
When the processor accepts a predetermined operation by the player of the first role after the change condition corresponding to the number of players of the second role is satisfied during the joint play, the role of the player who performed the operation from said first role to said second role ,
The change condition includes that the number of players in the first role after the player who performed the operation has changed to the second role does not fall below a predetermined number of 1 or more,
Information processing methods. causing a processor to set the roles of a plurality of players participating in a joint play from among a plurality of roles including a first role and a second role that assists the player in the first role;
If the processor accepts a predetermined operation by the player of the first role after the change condition corresponding to the number of players of the second role is satisfied during the joint play, the role of the player who performed the operation is changed from the first role to the second role ;
A program for executing a process, wherein the change condition includes that the number of players in the first role after the player who performed the operation is changed to the second role does not fall below a predetermined number of 1 or more.

Images