JP7389839B2 - Programs, terminals, game management devices - Google Patents

Description

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act (1) Publication date: March 28, 2019 Publication address: https://www. youtube. com/watch? time_continue=17&v=E79AoXSUJ6Q (2) Release date April 22, 2019 Release name: 1st closed beta test Release date May 9, 2020 Release name: 2nd closed beta test (3) Release date September 9, 2020 - March 19, 2020 Website address: https://www. amazon. co. jp/dp/B07WRYC7NS Website address: https://apps. apple. com/jp/app/id1451804678 Website address: https://play. google. com/store/apps/details? id=com. bandai. zzard (4) Website publication date and website publication address ・Publication date: May 16, 2020 Publication address: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=_NyLVRHtY2s ・Publication date: May 17, 2020 Publication address: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=QFCLfSniz_w ・Publication date: June 21, 2020 Publication address: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=5jBBmkkxa3I ・Publication date: July 9, 2020 Publication address: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=G4yFXs5MqpU ・Publication date: July 26, 2020 Publication address: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=BHVeKlkzs8I ・Publication date: August 21, 2020 Publication address: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=Gt8Ou43BH0Y ・Publication date: August 30, 2020 Publication address: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=CjpuEEWGf6I ・Publication date: September 20, 2020 Publication address: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=t_7aMoj4dRc ・Publication date: October 11, 2020 Publication address: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=ySyM9gqzC9c

Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applies - Date of publication: October 18, 2020 Address of publication: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=Q3tqigJw15U ・Publication date: October 23, 2020 Publication address: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=fBTC6FMMwLk ・Publication date: October 29, 2020 Publication address: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=adFVaKTkLwM ・Publication date: November 14, 2020 Publication address: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=c−kEJocH9TM ・Publication date: December 6, 2020 Publication address: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=eCh_TgLKcWc ・Publication date: December 20, 2020 Publication address: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=dJ2UR_MXSBQ (5) Publication date: September 10, 2020 Publication address: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=A9rVI-4Ghd0 (6) Event date, publication date November 23, 2020 Meeting name: ZENONZARD THE 5WALLS powered by RAGE Publication address: https://www. openrec. tv/live/6oz324xq7r3 https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=o7qpGwi3Hwc https://live. nicovideo. jp/gate/lv322770047

Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applies (7) Website publication date and website publication address - Website publication date September 11, 2020 Website address https://www. aicarddass. com/zenonzard/information/5walls. php ZENONZARD official website - Website publication date October 23, 2020 Website address https://twitter. com/zenonzard/status/1186916739994402818 [Official] Zenonzard <ZENONZARD> ・Website publication date November 7, 2020 Website address https://www. aicarddass. com/zenonzard/information/%e3%80%8c5walls%e3%80%8d%e5%bd%93%e8%90%bd%e7%b5%90%e6%9e%9c%e3%81%ae%e7 %99%ba%e8%a1%a8. php ZENONZARD official website - Website publication date November 7, 2020 Website address https://twitter. com/zenonzard/status/1192370871035281408 [Official] Zenonzard <ZENONZARD>

The present invention relates to a program, a terminal, a game execution device, and a method, and more particularly to a program, a terminal, and a game management device that improve player interest.

In recent years, games using platforms such as smartphones and mobile phones have become popular. For example, there is a game in which a deck is a combination of game elements such as virtual cards, and the outcome of a competitive game is determined using the parameter values of each game element making up the deck. Among such games, there is a game mode in which teams compete against each other (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-26237

Among the various game formats, there has been a demand for a highly entertaining game format.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a program, a terminal, and a game management device that realize highly entertaining games.

One aspect of the present invention is a program for executing a competitive game using game elements, the deck setting means for causing a computer to configure a deck composed of game elements selected from game elements owned by a player. and a first match group executing means for controlling a first match group to be executable, including at least one first match using the set deck against a first type of non-player, and executing the first match group. and, if a predetermined condition is met, execution of a second match group that obtains permission information that permits execution of a second match group including at least one second match using a deck with a non-player of the second type. This program functions as a permission acquisition means and a second battle group execution means for controlling the second battle group to be executable on the condition that the permission information has been acquired.

One aspect of the present invention is a terminal for executing a competitive game using game elements, the terminal comprising: a deck setting means for setting a deck composed of game elements selected from game elements owned by a player; a first match group execution means for executable control of a first match group including at least one first match using the set deck against one type of non-player; , if a predetermined condition is met, a second match group execution permission acquisition means for acquiring permission information that permits execution of a second match group including at least one second match using a deck with a second type of non-player; and a second match group execution means for controlling the second match group to be executable on the condition that the permission information is acquired.

One aspect of the present invention is a game management device for executing a competitive game using game elements, the game management device including a first deck between a player using a first deck made up of game elements and a first type of non-player. A first match group executing means for executable control of a first match group including at least one match, and a second deck composed of game elements, is used to execute the first match group to meet a predetermined condition. The game management device is provided with a second match group executing unit configured to enable execution of a second match group including at least one second match between a player who satisfies the above criteria and a second type of non-player.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a highly interesting game mode.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of the player terminal 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a battle screen of a competitive game displayed on the display 11 of the player terminal 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the player terminal 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the held card data D1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of card character data D2. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of deck setting data D3. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of player A's buddy setting data D4. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the game server 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an example of a tournament management table. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of user information data D6. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operations of the player terminal 1 and the game server 2. FIG. 13 is an example of a tournament announcement displayed on the player terminal 1.

<Embodiments of the present invention>
[overall structure]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system includes player terminals 1 prepared for each of game players A and B, and a game server 2. The player terminal 1 and the game server 2 can be connected to a communication line N and can communicate with each other.

The communication line N means a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, the communication line N includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN using Ethernet (registered trademark), etc., as well as communication networks such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet. /Regardless of wireless.

The player terminal 1 is a computer that can execute a game program, and can connect to a communication line N via a wireless communication base station or the like to perform data communication with the game server 2. The player terminal 1 is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a portable game device, a stationary home game device, an arcade game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a controller for a stationary home game device, or the like. Basically, there are a plurality of player terminals 1, and each player terminal operates the player terminal 1.

The game server 2 is a server system configured to include one or more server devices, storage devices, and the like. The game server 2 provides various services for operating the game of this embodiment, such as managing data necessary for operating the game and distributing game programs and data necessary for executing the game on the player terminal 1. It can be performed.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of the player terminal 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the player terminal 1 includes a display 11, a touch operation panel 12 that is integrated with the display 11, and a speaker 13. The player terminal 1 is also provided with a control board, a built-in battery, a power button, a volume control button, etc. (not shown).

The control board is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU, GPU, and DSP, various IC memories such as ASIC, VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a wireless communication module for wirelessly communicating with a mobile phone base station. Furthermore, a so-called I/F circuit (interface circuit), such as a driver circuit for the touch operation panel 12, is mounted on the control board. Each of the elements mounted on these control boards is electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected so that data can be read and written and signals can be transmitted and received.

In this embodiment, the game system as described above is applied to a competitive game using a first game element owned by a first player A and a first game element owned by a second player B who is an opponent. An example will be explained below.

Here, the first game element is a character, which is expressed as an image, a virtual or tangible object, or the like. Images include still images and moving images. Examples of virtual or physical items include virtual cards displayed on a computer, physical cards, and the like. Note that the article is not limited to a card, as long as it is configured such that a game element associated with the article can be specified. The article may be, for example, a shaped object such as a figure that has the appearance of a game element.

In the following explanation, it is assumed that in the game to be executed, the first game element is a character whose behavior is controlled based on the operation of a card by the player (including a non-player operated by a computer). The explanation will be given assuming that a design of a character (an image showing the external appearance of the character) is attached. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the character may specify other game elements such as items of the game to be executed or effects to be activated.

The deck is composed of a predetermined number of first game elements. A predetermined number of first game elements are set as a player's deck. For example, when the first game element is a virtual card displayed on a computer, the deck is a group of cards made up of a predetermined number of cards selected by the player. The player selects a desired deck from among the set decks and plays the game using the cards that make up the deck.

Furthermore, in the competitive game to which this embodiment is applied, a second game element different from the first game element is added.

Although the second game element is a character like the first game element, it does not necessarily need to be associated with a virtual or tangible item. Unlike the first game element, the second game element is not an object to be operated by a player (including a non-player operated by a computer) in a battle within the game, but is at least a phase in which the player can operate it. The game has the property of providing the player with operation assistance information, which is information related to the progress of the game, and provision reason information, which is information regarding the content of the operation assistance information or the reason for the timing of providing it.

In other words, unlike the first game element whose behavior is controlled based on the operations of the player (including non-players operated by a computer), the second game element is autonomous or voluntary within the game. It can also be said to provide operation assistance information or provision reason information.

The type of operation support information does not matter as long as it is information related to the progress of the game, but for example, information on operation methods, information on selection of the first game element or information on actions (selection of cards, opponent to be attacked, etc.) (advice information such as cards, etc.), information that makes the progress of the game advantageous (advice information such as presentation of the type of card that makes the match result of the game advantageous), etc.

The provision reason information is information regarding the basis (reason) of the content of the operation assistance information. For example, if the provision reason information is information regarding the selection or action of the first game element, it is the basis (reason) of the information regarding the selection or action of the first game element. Specifically, when the operation support information is advice information such as "You should attack your opponent's card Y using card This is information about the basis (reason) for advice information. The provision reason information is not limited to this, and may be the basis (reason) of the timing at which the operation assistance information was provided.

The contents or timing of provision of the operation assistance information and the provision reason information change depending on the character information possessed by the second game element. The character information changes as the player progresses through the game. Character information can have multiple parameters. For example, in this embodiment, the character information changes depending on a parameter (hereinafter referred to as level) that changes depending on the experience value obtained from the player's game results, and the frequency of use of the first game element used by the player. parameters (hereinafter referred to as card understanding level), parameters (hereinafter referred to as personality) that change depending on the usage rate of the type of first game element used by the player, and parameters that change depending on the usage rate of the type of first game element used by the player, and This includes changing parameters (hereinafter referred to as synchro level). Therefore, it should be noted that the operation assistance information and provision reason information provided by the second game element may differ depending on the character information of the second game element.

There may be a plurality of second game elements, and each second game element may have different character information at an initial stage. Then, the player may select a desired second game element from a plurality of second game elements having different character information.

The above-mentioned autonomous or spontaneous provision of operation assistance information and provision reason information for the second game element is performed by the AI function provided in the game server 2. This AI function is possible using a learning model obtained by machine learning using the game progress and results of many competitive games as training data. Typical machine learning methods include deep learning, reinforcement learning, or a combination thereof, but are not limited thereto. Note that the learning model is capable of outputting operation assistance information and provision reason information having different contents depending on the character information of the second game element. To achieve this, for example, the higher the character information of the second game element, the more time it takes to search for the optimal solution; There are learning models that can obtain optimal solutions.

The above-mentioned second game element will be referred to as a buddy in the following description.

Note that the second game element can be set for each player, but the game operator may also prepare a second game element exclusively for the game operator. The second game element dedicated to the game management side is different from the above-mentioned buddy, and does not provide operation assistance information and provision reason information to the player, but plays the role of a so-called non-player and competes against the player.
[Summary of game content]
Next, to help understand the explanation of the embodiment, an outline of the game will be explained using the display screen of the display 11 of the player terminal 1.

In the game of this embodiment, the player uses a virtual game card (a first game element in which a character is embodied, hereinafter simply referred to as a "card"), which is a game object, in the game. Multiple types of cards are prepared, and each card is distinguished by a combination of associated character abilities, rarity, attributes (color), numbers, etc. For the abilities of the character, for example, ability parameter values such as level, attack power, and HP used in competitive play (battle) against opponents such as computer-controlled enemy characters and other players are determined.

The minimum number of cards required for competitive play (battle) is given to you when you register for an account, and you can also obtain them during the game, by purchasing them as paid items, or by drawing a lottery called gacha. . In addition, cards can also be obtained by obtaining a physical game card (hereinafter referred to as a "real card") and completing a registration procedure so that the obtained real card can be used in the game. Specifically, when players A and B perform a registration procedure for a real card, they can obtain a card of the card type associated with the real card.

Then, player A composes a deck using a predetermined number (for example, 40) of the cards he owns, and challenges the player to a competitive play (battle) using the deck. In competitive play (battle) using a deck, the outcome of the battle is decided against the opponent using the character's ability parameter values and card attribute settings defined in the cards that make up the deck (deck cards). .

Before starting the game, players A and B register for accounts. At the time of account registration, by selecting a preferred buddy from multiple types of second game elements (hereinafter referred to as buddies) presented by the player terminal 1, buddies forming a group with each player A and B can be selected. Each is set. Depending on the abilities and personality of the selected buddy, the gameplay style may change later. Then, each player A and B composes a deck using a predetermined number (for example, 40) of the cards they own. A deck can be organized by touching a card menu from a home screen or the like, and selecting one of the deck organization menus presented. Competitive play (battle) is started by selecting and operating the battle menu from the home screen displayed after logging in.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a battle screen of a competitive game displayed on the display 11 of the player terminal 1. The battle screen displayed on the display 11 includes a first player area 40 that is an area for the own player, and a second player area 41 that is an area for an opponent player. Further, at the boundary between the first player area 40 and the second player area 41, operation information 42 is displayed that displays information on operations that can be currently executed.

Each of the first player area 40 and the second player area 41 includes a hand area 43, a field area 44, a base area 45, and a life area 46. In the hand area 43, cards (hand) acquired from the own deck are arranged. In the field area 44, cards selected by the player from the hand area 43 or the base area 45 are arranged. By consuming a predetermined cost, cards in the hand area 43 can be placed in the field area 44. Cards placed in the field area 44 can activate their actions or effects. In the base area 45, cards and mana items that are consumed as costs for placing cards in the field area 44 are placed. The life area 46 includes a player life area 47 which is an area of the player who has life (HP), and a force life area 48 which is an area of the first object (force) which also has life. In the player life area 47, a second object corresponding to the player and the life value of the player are displayed. The force life area 48 displays the first object and the life value of the first object. The first object exhibits a specific effect in the game. Note that in this example, an image of the buddy is displayed as the second object.

In the battle, player A's turn and opponent player B's turn are executed alternately. Each turn consists of multiple phases such as a standby phase, a mana phase (card use preparation phase), and a main phase (competition phase).

The standby phase consists of steps such as placing one card drawn from the deck in the hand area 43. In the mana phase, the player can place cards or mana items in his base area 45.

In the main phase, the player can summon a character, attack an opponent, activate a card effect, move a card, etc. Summoning a character means placing a card in the field area 44 on the condition that a cost is consumed.

An attack on an opponent consists of multiple steps such as an attack designation step, a flash timing step, a block designation step, and a battle resolution step. The attack designation step is a step in which the own player selects an attack target from the opponent player and the force. The flash timing step is a step in which the own player and the opponent player can mutually use specific cards having special effects. The block designation step is a step in which the opponent player can select whether or not to block an attack from his own player using a card placed in the field area 44 of the second player area 41. The battle resolution step is a step in which the result of the attack is determined and, based on the determination result, a resolution process is performed, such as extinguishing the attacking card or the blocking card, or reducing the life of the opponent player or force.

Activation of a card effect is to activate the effect of a specific card (for example, a magic card) having a special effect placed in the hand area 43 on the condition that the cost is consumed. Further, the movement of the card is to move the card between the field area 44 and the base area 45. Note that the player may end the battle phase without summoning a character, attacking the opponent, activating a card effect, moving a card, or the like.

A turn consisting of a series of phases like this is repeated alternately between player A's team and the opponent player B's team, and either player's life becomes 0 or the deck has 0 cards. This will determine the outcome. Depending on the match result, the player's rank, the buddy's experience value, and the buddy's character information (changing ability information) change.

In the above description, an example of a battle between players has been described, but the same applies even if one of the players is a non-player who is processed by AI. In the following description, a tournament mode in which players and non-players compete against each other will be explained as an example.
[Functional configuration]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the player terminal 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the player terminal 1 includes an operation input section 51, a processing section 52, an image display section 53, a sound output section 54, a communication section 55, and a storage section 56.

The operation input section 51 is used by the player to input various operations related to the game, and outputs an operation input signal corresponding to the operation input to the processing section 52. The functions of the operation input unit 51 include, for example, a touch operation pad, a home button, a button switch, a joystick, a trackball, and other elements that the player A directly operates with his or her fingers, as well as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, an inclination sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor. This can also be realized using elements that detect motion or posture. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the touch operation panel 12.

The processing section 52 comprehensively controls the operation of the player terminal 1 based on programs and data stored in the storage section 56, operation input signals from the operation input section 51, and the like. The functions of the processing unit 52 can be realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or an IC memory. The processing section 52 includes a game calculation section 61, an image generation section 62, a sound generation section 63, and a communication control section 64 as main functional sections.

The game calculation unit 61 executes various game processes to realize the game of this embodiment, and outputs the processing results to the image generation unit 62 and the sound generation unit 63. The game calculation section 61 includes a player information management section 70, a card management section 71, a deck setting section 72, a buddy setting section 73, a tournament entry section 74, a match execution section 75, a reward acquisition section 76, and a game management section 77.

The player information management section 70 manages player information. The information to be managed includes basic user information such as the player's nickname, player rank, and buddy level.

The card management unit 71 uses the held card data D1 and the card character data D2 stored in the storage unit 56 to manage cards that can be provided by the game system, including whether the cards are owned and used by the player.

Possession card data D1 includes card identification information of cards that can be provided by the game system, a possession flag indicating whether the player owns the card, and a usage permission flag indicating whether the player can use the card. is the associated data. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the held card data D1. In FIG. 5, the card identification information field describes card identification information of cards that can be provided by the game system. If the player owns the card with the card identification information, "1" is set in the possession flag field, and if the player does not possess the card, "0" is set in the possession flag field. has been done. Also, if the player can use the card with the card identification information, "1" is set in the usable flag field, and if the player cannot use the card, "0" is set in the usage permission flag field. It is set. FIG. 5 shows an example of the held card data D1, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Note that even if "0" is set in the possession flag field, "1" may be set in the usable flag field. For example, even if the player does not own a card, the player may be allowed to use the card temporarily.

The card character data D2 is data in which card identification information of a card and character information of the card are associated. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of card character data D2. In FIG. 6, card identification information and character information (character image, card name, card type, cost number, attribute, race, ability, attack power, hit points, and rarity) are associated. Note that FIG. 5 shows an example of the card character data D2, and the present invention is not limited to this.

If there is a new card that can be provided, the card management unit 71 acquires the card identification information of the card and the card character data D2 of the card identification information through communication with the game server 2. Then, the card management unit 71 adds the acquired card identification information to the held card data D1, and sets the holding flag of the card identification information to "0" and the usable flag field to "0". Further, the acquired card character data D2 is stored in the storage unit 56. When the player acquires and owns a new card, the card management unit 71 sets the possession flag of the card identification information to "1" and the usable flag field to "1".

The deck setting unit 72 uses the held card data D1 and the card character data D2 to present cards (in principle held cards) that can currently be used as cards constituting the deck, and selects the presented card by the user's operation. Select the cards that make up the deck from , and configure (edit) the deck. The deck setting section 72 generates deck setting data D3 that associates the name of the set deck, the identification information (deck ID) of the deck, and the card identification information of each card constituting the deck, and stores it in the storage section. 56. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of deck setting data D3. The example in FIG. 7 is an example of deck setting data D3 for deck 1 of player A, and deck 1 with deck ID "D001" is selected from cards with card identification information "0001", "0006" to card identification information "0450". This is an example showing that it is configured. Note that FIG. 7 shows an example of the deck setting data D3, and the present invention is not limited to this.

The buddy setting unit 73 uses buddy setting data D4 to manage information regarding the buddy selected by the players from a plurality of buddies (second game element) when players A and B register their accounts. The buddy setting data D4 is character information of the buddy selected from the menu settings. This buddy's character information changes as the game progresses, but when it changes, the game server 2 notifies the character information after the change, and the character information is updated. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of player A's buddy setting data D4. In the example of FIG. 8, the buddy setting data D4 includes buddy identification information, buddy image, buddy name, level, and character information. FIG. 8 shows an example of the buddy setting data D4, but is not limited thereto. The level and character information of the buddy (second game element) at the time of account registration are set to initial values (lowest values). Furthermore, when the buddy is changed, the level and character information of the previous buddy are not inherited, and the level and character information of the changed buddy (second game element) are set to the initial value (lowest value). Further, the buddy setting section 73 outputs image information of the buddy to the image generating section 62 during a match or on another menu screen.

The entry unit 74 transmits entry information for entering the tournament to the server 2. The entry information includes a tournament entry request and a player's player ID. It also receives entry acceptance sent from the server 2 and stores entry information (including entry qualification status).

The match execution unit 75 uses the set deck to execute a normal match between players and a match between a non-player and a player prepared by the game operator.

The reward acquisition unit 76 acquires the reward provided from the game server 2 according to the result of the competition.

The game management section 74 manages the progress of the entire game.

The image generation unit 62 generates one game screen in one frame time (for example, 1/60 seconds) based on the processing result of the game calculation unit 61, and outputs an image signal of the generated game screen to the image display unit 103. do. The functions of the image generation unit 62 include, for example, processors such as GPUs and digital signal processors (DSPs), programs such as video signal ICs and video codecs, IC memories for drawing frames such as frame buffers, and texture data development. This can be realized using IC memory, etc.

The sound generation section 63 generates sound signals such as sound effects and BGM related to the game, audio information of operation assistance information, and various operation sounds based on the processing results of the game calculation section 61, and outputs them to the sound output section 54. The function of the sound generation unit 63 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of reproducing audio files, or the like.

The communication control unit 64 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with the game server 2.

The image display section 53 displays various game screens based on image signals input from the image generation section 62. The function of the image display section 53 can be realized by a display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display, for example. In FIG. 2, the image display section 62 corresponds to the display 11.

The sound output unit 54 is for outputting sound effects and the like related to the game based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 63. In FIG. 2, the sound output section 54 corresponds to the speaker 13.

The communication unit 55 connects to the communication line N to realize communication. The functions of the communication unit 55 can be realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a wired communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like.

The storage unit 56 stores in advance programs for operating the player terminal 1 and realizing various functions of the player terminal 1, data used during the execution of this program, or temporarily stores data each time processing is performed. be memorized. The storage unit 56 can be realized by, for example, a RAM, a ROM, an IC memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD, or the like.

The storage unit 56 stores system programs and game programs. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of the player terminal 1 as a computer. The game program is a program for causing the processing section 52 to function as the game calculation section 61. This program is distributed from the game server 2 or another application distribution server after the player completes account registration.

The storage unit 56 also stores held card data D1, card character data D2, deck setting data D3, buddy setting data D4, and card composition data D5. In addition, data necessary for the game, such as model data, texture data, motion data, effect data, background images of the game screen, sound data such as sound effects, etc., for displaying the images of the card characters and buddies, etc. The data is distributed as a file and stored in the storage unit 56.

Next, the configuration of the game server 2 will be explained. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the game server 2. As shown in FIG.

The game server 2 includes a processing section 91, a communication section 92, and a storage section 93.

The processing unit 91 includes a player management unit 101 , a tournament notification unit 102 , a tournament management unit 103 , an AI processing unit 104 , a non-player execution unit 105 , a reward provision unit 106 , and a game management unit 107 .

The player management unit 101 manages accounts, game progress, etc. for each connected player terminal 1 using user information data to be described later.

The tournament notification unit 102 transmits the contents of a tournament sponsored by a game operator to the player terminal 1. If the tournament consists of multiple match groups, such as qualifying rounds and finals, the content of each match group (period, passing conditions, etc.) is included. In this example, a case will be explained in which the tournament consists of a qualifying round (first group of matches) and a final round (second group of matches).

For example, the following may be considered as the content of the preliminary round (period, conditions for passing the preliminary round).
(1) The qualifying period shall be the first period.
(2) In order to advance to the final round, the number of matches against non-players of the first type (non-players for the preliminary rounds) must exceed a predetermined number during the first period.
(3) In order to advance to the final round, the number of wins in matches against non-players of the first type (non-players for the preliminary rounds) must exceed a predetermined number.
(4) It is possible to advance to the final round by winning a lottery (selected using a predetermined random number) from among players who meet the conditions in (2) or (3).
(5) It is possible to advance to the final round by winning a lottery according to the number of participating players (selected using a predetermined random number) from among players who meet the conditions in (2) or (3).
(6) The decks that can be used in battles must consist of cards owned by the players.

The above is an example, and other conditions may be used. For example, monetary payment may be required for participation in the preliminary round.

The content of the final competition may be as follows.
(1) The period for the final round shall be the second period, which is shorter than the first period for the preliminary round.
(2) In the final round, all cards can be used as cards constituting the deck, regardless of whether the player owns them or not.
(3) If you play against a second type of non-player (tournament non-player) who has higher fighting ability than the first type of non-player (preliminary non-player), and the number of wins exceeds a predetermined number, It is possible to play against a third type of non-player who has a higher competitive ability than a second type of non-player (non-player for tournaments).
(4) In the final round, rewards will be given according to the number of wins.

The above is an example, and other conditions may be used.

The tournament management section 103 manages the content of matches between players who have entered the tournament. Using the tournament management table T, the tournament management section 103 records the competition content of the player for each player's identification information (hereinafter referred to as player ID) who has entered the tournament. FIG. 10 is an example of the tournament management table T. In the tournament management table T of FIG. 10, player IDs, the number of matches played against non-players in the preliminary rounds, qualifications for participation in the final round, and the number of matches won against non-players in the final round are associated with each other. The tournament management section 103 records in the tournament management table T the match results of each player who has entered the tournament.

The AI processing unit 104 has a learning model obtained by performing machine learning on teacher data such as game progress contents and results of many competitive games. A typical machine learning method is deep learning, but it is not limited to this.

The AI processing unit 104 inputs the card setting information or action selection information transmitted from the player terminal 1 and the character information (buddy ability) of the player's buddy of the player terminal 1, and inputs the card setting information or action selection information. Outputs operational assistance information in this situation. Note that the learning model of the AI processing unit 104 outputs different operation assistance information depending on the buddy's character information (the buddy's ability). An example of such a learning model is that the higher the buddy's character information (the buddy's ability), the more time it takes to search for the optimal solution; There are learning models that can provide more optimal solutions. Therefore, even if the card setting information or action selection information transmitted from the player terminal 1 is the same, different operational assistance information will be output if the player's buddy's character information (the buddy's ability) is different, as described above. It should be noted that there is a possibility that

Furthermore, the AI processing unit 104 also plays the role of a non-player on the game management side using the above-described learning model. The abilities of the non-players are determined in stages by changing the time for searching for the optimal solution, and a plurality of non-players with different abilities are prepared.

The non-player execution unit 105 executes a match between a player and a non-player according to the content of the tournament. For example, in a qualifying match, a match is played between a first type of non-player and a player. In the main match, a match is played between a player and a second type of non-player whose ability is higher than that of the first type of non-player. Furthermore, in a special match such as the final of the main tournament, a match may be played against a third type of non-player whose ability is higher than that of the second type of non-player. The first type of non-player, the second type of non-player, and the third type of non-player having different abilities can be realized by the AI processing unit 104 described above.

When the tournament ends, the reward providing unit 106 uses the tournament management table T to provide participating players with rewards according to the match results. For example, the reward is based on the number of wins in matches. Further, the total number of rewards can be determined in advance and divided by the number of players who won all the matches in the final round. Rewards include special cards and in-game currency.

The game management section 107 manages the entire game.

The communication unit 92 connects to the communication line N to realize communication.

The storage unit 93 stores system programs and game programs. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of the game server 2 as a computer. The game program includes a processing unit 91, a player management unit 101, a tournament notification unit 102, a tournament management unit 103, an AI processing unit 104, a non-player execution unit 105, a reward provision unit 106, and a game management unit 107. This is a program to make it function as a.

Furthermore, the recording unit 92 stores user information data D6 and card data.

User information data D6 is basic data of players participating in the game, and user information data D6 for each player is recorded. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of user information data D6. The example in FIG. 11 includes the player's user identification information, held card data D1, deck setting data D3, and buddy setting data D4. Note that FIG. 11 shows an example of the user information data D6, and is not limited to this.

The card data is card data of all cards used in this game. Basically, data similar to the card character data shown in FIG. 5 described above is stored for all cards used in the game. The card data includes the basic data of the buddy used in this game (buddy identification information, character image, buddy name, initial value of level, initial value of card understanding level, initial value of personality, and initial value of synchronization level). ) may be included.
[Operation of each device]
Next, the operations of the player terminal 1 and the game server 2 will be explained. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operations of the player terminal 1 and the game server 2. In the following description, a case will be described in which a player uses the player terminal 1 to participate in a tournament held by a game operator and play a competitive game. The tournament held by the game operator consists of preliminary rounds and the final round.

First, the tournament notification unit 102 of the game server 2 notifies the player's terminal 1 of the tournament (Step 1). An example of the tournament announcement is as follows.
Contents of the preliminary round (conditions for passing)
・The period for conducting the preliminary round is from March 1, 2020 to March 10, 2020 (first period).
・During the qualifying period, matches with Type 1 non-players (non-players for qualifying) must occur more than three times.
- 400 players will be selected by lottery from among players who have played against Type 1 non-players (non-players for qualifying) more than three times to qualify to participate in the final round.
Contents of the main competition - The main competition will be held on March 15, 2020 (second period) - In the main competition, all cards can be used as cards that make up the deck, regardless of whether the player owns them or not.
・If you play against a 2nd type non-player (a non-player for the tournament) who has higher fighting ability than a 1st type non-player (a non-player for the preliminaries) and you win more than 4 times, you will be eligible for the 2nd It is possible to play against a third type of non-player whose competitive ability is higher than that of the third type of non-player (non-player for tournaments).
・Rewards will be given according to the number of wins in the final round.

The tournament announcement unit 102 announces the tournament to the player's terminal 1 based on the above conditions. FIG. 13 is an example of a tournament announcement displayed on the player terminal 1. In the example of FIG. 13, tournament content information 110 and an entry button 111 for entering the tournament are displayed.

Next, the player who intends to participate in the tournament after seeing the tournament announcement displayed on the player's terminal 1 sets the deck to be used in the preliminary match. The deck setting is performed by the deck setting process of the deck setting section 72 (Step 2). The deck that can be used in the qualifying match is a deck made up of cards owned by the players. Therefore, the deck setting unit 72 presents cards whose possession flags are set to "1" from the possession card data D1. Then, the user selects cards constituting the deck from the presented cards and sets (edits) the deck.

Once you have finished setting up the deck you will use for the qualifying match, you will enter your qualifying entry. Entry for the qualifying round is performed by entry processing by the entry section 74 (Step 3). The entry unit 74 transmits entry information to the game server 2 in response to a player's operation. In the example of FIG. 13, this is done by pressing the entry button 111. The entry information includes a qualifying entry request and a player's user ID.

The tournament management unit 103 of the game server 2 that has received the entry information performs entry acceptance processing (Step 4). In the entry acceptance process, the user IDs of players who have entered the preliminary round are recorded in the tournament participation table T, and an entry acceptance message indicating that the entry has been accepted is sent to the player terminal 1 that sent the entry information.

The players who received the entry acceptance execute the preliminary match. Preliminary competition execution processing is performed between the competition execution unit 75 of the player terminal and the non-player competition execution unit 105 of the game server 2 (Step 5). The match performed in the preliminary competition execution process (Step 5) is a competition between a player and a first type of non-player (non-player for the preliminary round). Each time a match between a player and a non-player of the first type (a non-player for qualifying) is executed and completed, the tournament management unit 103 records the match result in the tournament management table of the corresponding user ID.

When the first period, which is the qualifying period, ends, the tournament management unit 103 of the game server 2 performs a process to determine eligibility for participation in the final competition (Step 6). The tournament management section 103 performs the qualification qualification process for participation in the finals by reading the tournament management table and determining whether the competition with the first type of non-player (non-player for the preliminaries) has been played more than three times during the first period in which the preliminaries are held. 400 players are selected from the players using predetermined random numbers. Then, the tournament management section 103 transmits the lottery results to each player terminal 1.

Among the players who have received the lottery results, the card management unit 71 of the player terminal 1 that can participate in the final selection sets the use flags of all the cards in the held card data D1 to "1", regardless of whether the players own them or not. This is to allow players who can advance to the final round to use all the cards that make up their decks. Players who can participate in the final round will set up a deck for the final round. The deck setting is performed by the deck setting process of the deck setting section 72 (Step 7). The deck that can be used in the main competition can be constructed by selecting from all cards. Therefore, the deck setting unit 72 presents all the cards whose usage flags are set to "1" from the held card data D1. Then, the user selects cards constituting the deck from the presented cards and sets (edits) the deck.

Next, the players play the main match. A main match match execution process is performed between the match execution unit 75 of the player terminal 1 and the non-player match execution unit 105 of the game server 2 (Step 8). In the competition performed in the main competition execution process (Step 8), first, a competition is held between a player and a second type of non-player (a non-player for the preliminary round). Then, only the player who has won all the matches against the second type of non-players (non-players for the preliminaries) can play against the third-type non-players (non-players for the preliminaries). The tournament management section 103 records the match results in the tournament management table of the corresponding user ID. When the final competition ends, the tournament management section 103 reads out the tournament management table and transmits the result to the reward providing section 106.

The reward providing unit 106 provides the player with cards, in-game currency, etc. that can be used in the game, depending on the number of wins in the final round (Step 9).

The reward acquisition unit 76 of the player terminal 1 acquires the reward (Step 10).

According to the present embodiment, by using non-players in each match group (for example, preliminary rounds and final round), players can enjoy the atmosphere of the tournament without having to play against others. In addition, by making the non-players used for the tournament exclusive for the tournament, players can become even more interested in the game.

Note that after the final round (second group of matches) ends, it is also possible to hold a pseudo-final round in which anyone can participate, using the final round non-players used in the final round.

In the embodiments described above, a card game using virtual game cards has been exemplified, but the applicable game genre is not limited. For example, it may be a competitive sports game in which the character associated with the first game element is a player, or a training game for a character associated with the first game element.

In addition, some or all of the above embodiments are also described in the following supplementary notes, but are not limited to the following.

[Additional note 1]
A terminal for executing a competitive game on a computer using game elements by a player,
Comprising a memory storing execution instructions and a processor,
The processor, according to the execution instruction,
a deck setting process for setting a deck composed of game elements selected from game elements owned by the player;
a first match group execution process that enables execution of a first match group including at least one first match with a first type of non-player using the set deck;
When the first match group is executed and a predetermined condition is satisfied, permission information is provided that permits execution of a second match group including at least one second match using a deck with a second type of non-player. A second battle group execution permission acquisition process to be obtained;
A terminal that executes a second battle group execution process that controls the second battle group to be executable on the condition that the permission information is acquired.

[Additional note 2]
A game management device that manages a game played by a player using a first game element,
Comprising a memory storing execution instructions and a processor,
The processor, according to the execution instruction,
a first match group execution process that enables execution of a first match group including at least one first match between a player using a first deck made up of game elements and a first type of non-player;
A second match group including at least one second match between a player who executes the first match group and satisfies a predetermined condition, and a second type of non-player, using a second deck made up of game elements. a second battle group execution process for executable control;
A game management device that runs

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiments, and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of the technical idea.

1 Player terminal 2 Game server 11 Display 12 Touch operation panel 13 Speaker 51 Operation input section 52 Processing section 53 Image display section 54 Sound output section 55 Communication section 56 Storage section 61 Game calculation section 62 Image generation section 63 Sound generation section 64 Communication control Section 70 Player information management section 71 Card management section 72 Deck setting section 73 Buddy setting section 74 Entry section 75 Match execution section 76 Reward acquisition section 77 Game management section 91 Processing section 92 Communication section 93 Storage section 101 Player management section 102 Tournament notification section 103 Tournament management department 104 AI processing department 105 Non-character battle actual part 106 Reward provision department 107 Game management department

Claims (7)

computer,
a first battle execution means for controlling a first battle group between the player and the non-player characters to be executable within a predetermined period;
after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, a second battle execution means controls the second battle between the player and the non-player character to be executable;
Setting means for setting a game element that is associated with the player and has character information that increases according to the player's match result, and that provides operation assistance information and provision reason information according to the character information during the match;
acquisition means for acquiring the operation assistance information and the provision reason information;
providing means for providing the acquired operation assistance information and the provision reason information;
function as
The first match group includes a preliminaries in which players compete against non-player characters of a first type, and a main match in which players who pass the preliminaries compete against non-player characters of a second type,
The second match is a match in which all players can compete against the second type of non-player character after the final round,
The second type of non-player character has higher fighting ability than the first type of non-player character,
The providing means can also provide the operation assistance information and the provision reason information in each match of the first match group and the second match.
program. The second type of non-player characters includes a plurality of non-player characters with different fighting abilities,
The first match execution means controls to enable a match between the player and a different second type of non-player character with high fighting ability in the main competition, on the condition that the player wins the match.
The program according to claim 1. The second match execution means is capable of selecting a non-player character to be used in the second match from among the second type of non-player characters.
The program according to claim 1 or claim 2. The computer,
functioning as a reward acquisition means for acquiring rewards for execution of the first battle group ;
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The reward is a reward according to the number of wins in the first battle group .
The program according to claim 4. a first match execution means for controlling a first match group between the player and the non-player characters to be executable within a predetermined period;
after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, a second battle execution means controls the player to execute a second battle between the player and the non-player character;
a setting means for setting a game element that is associated with the player and has character information that increases according to the player's battle result, and that provides operation assistance information and provision reason information according to the character information during the battle; ,
acquisition means for acquiring the operation assistance information and the provision reason information;
providing means for providing the acquired operation assistance information and the provision reason information;
Equipped with
The first match group includes a preliminaries in which players compete against non-player characters of a first type, and a main match in which players who pass the preliminaries compete against non-player characters of a second type,
The second match is a match in which all players can compete against the second type of non-player character after the final round,
The second type of non-player character has higher fighting ability than the first type of non-player character,
The providing means can also provide the operation assistance information and the provision reason information in each match of the first match group and the second match.
terminal. A game management device,
a first battle execution means for controlling a first battle group between the player and the non-player characters to be executable within a predetermined period;
after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, a second battle execution means controls the player to execute a second battle between the player and the non-player character;
a setting means for setting a game element that is associated with the player and has character information that increases according to the player's battle result, and that provides operation assistance information and provision reason information according to the character information during the battle; ,
Providing means for providing operation assistance information and provision reason information according to the character information;
Equipped with
The first match group includes a preliminaries in which players compete against non-player characters of a first type, and a main match in which players who pass the preliminaries compete against non-player characters of a second type,
The second match is a match in which all players can compete against the second type of non-player character after the final round,
The second type of non-player character has higher fighting ability than the first type of non-player character,
The providing means can also provide the operation assistance information and the provision reason information in each match of the first match group and the second match.
Game management device.

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