JP7413023B2 - Game program, game processing method, information processing device - Google Patents

Description

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

2. Description of the Related Art Among so-called online games in which a plurality of players play a game using a network, a competitive game in which a plurality of players compete against each other is known.

For example, in Patent Document 1, a higher ranked player and a lower ranked player are determined based on the match results between a plurality of matched players, and a handicap that puts the higher ranked player at a disadvantage is selected by the operation of the lower ranked player, A game system is described in which a handicap selected by a lower ranked player is displayed on a display unit of a higher ranked player's game device, and it is determined whether or not to accept the selected handicap by an operation of the higher ranked player. .

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-165562

The game system of the above-mentioned conventional technology has a problem in that, although it has a large advantage for lower-ranked players, it has little advantage for higher-ranked players, and it is difficult to lead to activation of the game.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game program, a game processing method, and an information processing device that can invigorate competitive games.

In order to achieve the above object, the game program of the present invention causes an information processing device to set a handicap in a match between the plurality of players based on an input by at least one player among the plurality of players. a processing unit, a competition execution processing unit that executes a competition between the plurality of players based on the handicap, and a reward setting that sets a reward to be obtained by a player who wins the competition to vary based on the content of the handicap. It functions as a processing section.

In order to achieve the above object, the game processing method of the present invention is a game processing method executed by an information processing device, in which the game a step of setting a handicap for a player in a match; a step of executing a match between the plurality of players based on the handicap; and a step of changing a reward obtained by a player who wins the match based on the content of the handicap. and a step of configuring.

In order to achieve the above object, the information processing device of the present invention includes a handicap setting processing unit that sets a handicap in a match between the plurality of players based on an input by at least one of the plurality of players; a competition execution processing unit that executes a competition between the plurality of players based on the handicap; and a reward setting processing unit that sets a reward to be obtained by a player who wins the competition to vary based on the content of the handicap. and has.

According to the game program and the like of the present invention, competitive games can be activated.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server device. It is a figure showing an example of a remuneration setting table. It is a figure showing an example of a handicap input screen. It is a figure showing an example of an equipment setting screen. It is a figure showing an example of a change of disparity display on an equipment setting screen. It is a figure showing an example of an item setting screen. It is a figure showing an example of a change of disparity display on an item setting screen. It is a figure showing an example of a skill setting screen. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in disparity display on a skill setting screen. It is a figure showing an example of a handicap acceptance screen. It is a flow chart showing an example of a processing procedure performed by CPU of a server device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a matching screen in a modified example in which a lower-ranked player sets a handicap. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<1. Overall configuration of game system>
First, an example of the overall configuration of a game system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described using FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes a plurality of terminal devices 3 (three are illustrated in FIG. 1) that are operated by a plurality of players, and a server device 5. Each terminal device 3 and the server device 5 are communicably connected via a network NW such as a LAN or the Internet, for example. Note that the network NW may be wireless or wired. Furthermore, although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the server device 5 is composed of a single computer, it may be composed of a plurality of computers.

The terminal device 3 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a portable game machine, a mobile phone, or the like. However, the computer is not limited to these, and may be, for example, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a stationary game machine, or the like. The terminal device 3 has a touch panel 7 on which various displays and various input operations are performed by the player. The player performs an input operation by touching the touch panel 7 with a finger, a pen, or the like. Note that, in addition to the touch panel 7, the terminal device 3 may include input units such as buttons, switches, levers, joysticks, and the like. Further, an audio output unit such as a speaker may be provided.

The server device 5 (an example of an information processing device) is a so-called server computer. The server device 5 accepts access via the network NW from the terminal device 3 of each player receiving the game service, stores and manages game information of each player in a recording device, and provides information to each player via the network NW. Provide online game services.

In the form of game service provided by the server device 5, a game program (also referred to as application software) is installed in the server device 5, and the game is not executed on the terminal device 3, but is executed by the player on the terminal device 3. There is a mode in which the server device 5 executes the game in response to an operation input, and the execution results are transmitted to the terminal device 3 of each player. For example, the server device 5 may provide a so-called browser game in which the game can be played using a web browser installed in the terminal device 3 of each player. Further, the server device 5 may provide a so-called cloud game in which a game image resulting from the game executed by the server device 5 is transmitted to the terminal device 3 in a streaming format, for example. Alternatively, even if the server device 5 provides a so-called social game that is executed by application software created based on an operating environment such as an API (application programming interface) that operates on a web browser in a SNS (social networking service). good. Note that a part of the game program may be installed on the terminal device 3 so that not only the server device 5 but also the terminal device 3 partially executes the game process.

<2. Functional configuration of server device>
Next, an example of the functional configuration of the server device 5 will be described using FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the server device 5 includes a status database 9, a handicap setting processing section 11, a match execution processing section 13, a reward setting processing section 15, an information acquisition processing section 17, and a rank determination processing section 19. , a handicap reception processing section 21 , an acceptance determination processing section 23 , and a disparity presentation processing section 25 .

In the status database 9, status information of each player participating in the game is registered. "Status information" is information that represents the state of the player (including the character operated by the player), such as various ability values (physical strength, magic power, intelligence, speed, attack power, defense power, experience points, etc.) , information such as equipment, possessed skills, possessed items, and game progress (for example, stage, level, chapter, chapter, etc.). Note that the characteristics and contents of statuses such as equipment, skills, items, progress, etc. are expressed in numerical values, and are registered together with the numerical values. For example, the more powerful the equipment, skills, and items, the higher the numerical value, and the more advanced the progress, the higher the numerical value.

The handicap setting processing unit 11 sets a handicap for a match between a plurality of players based on an input by at least one of the plurality of players. The "multiple players" may be two players competing one-on-one, or three or more players competing in a battle royale, for example. A "handicap" refers to a disadvantageous condition (handicap) imposed on a player with a higher ability in order to adjust the difference in ability between a plurality of players. Handicap elements include, for example, removing certain equipment or replacing it with other equipment, prohibiting the use of certain items and skills, prohibiting the use of items and skills with specific attributes, and specific game progress (for example, changing one's ability). This includes restrictions on items and skills that can be used or acquired up to the point in time (game progress of a lower-ranked player). Note that elements other than these may also be included. Further, the handicap set by the handicap setting processing unit 11 is not limited to one, and a plurality of handicap patterns may be set.

Note that the equipment includes, for example, weapons (swords, spears, bows, etc.), armor (shields, helmets, armor, etc.), accessories, and the like. In addition, the above-mentioned items include tools, instruments, equipment, medicines, food and drinks, and other articles having various effects. It also includes living things such as plants and animals, and virtual living things such as dragons and monsters. In addition, there are special effects that can be added to these items (for example, enchantment effects, attribute effects, skills, etc.), and companion characters that can form a party or play cooperatively. (including cards) etc.

The competition execution processing unit 13 executes a competition between a plurality of players based on the handicap set by the handicap setting processing unit 11. "Competition" includes competition conducted in competitive games in which players (including characters operated by players) compete to determine their superiority or inferiority in skills and abilities in various genres, such as fighting, sports, racing, mahjong, shogi, and quizzes. .

The remuneration setting processing section 15 sets the remuneration to be obtained by the player who wins the match so that it changes based on the contents of the handicap set by the handicap setting processing section 11. "Rewards" include virtual currency (for example, coins, points, stones, jewels, etc.), items, status (for example, ability values, experience points, reputation values, etc.), and the like. For example, the reward setting processing unit 15 sets the reward so that the more disadvantageous the handicap is to the player who won the match, the higher the reward. "Improving remuneration" includes increasing the amount of remuneration and improving the type and quality of remuneration.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a remuneration setting table by the remuneration setting processing section 15. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the player who wins the battle acquires, for example, virtual currency (gold) and experience values (points). Furthermore, the "higher rank player" shown in FIG. "Player" is a player whose rank is determined to be lower than the above-mentioned higher rank player. Moreover, the "disparity" shown in FIG. 3 is the disparity between a higher rank player and a lower rank player determined by the rank determination processing unit 19, which will be described later.

"Class" includes, for example, abilities, equipment, usable skills, usable items, game progress, etc., and "disparity" includes, for example, differences in abilities, equipment, differences in usable skills, and usage. This includes differences in possible items, differences in game progress, etc. Since the "rank" of a higher-ranked player changes depending on the details of the handicap set by the handicap setting processing section 11, the "disparity" also changes depending on the details of the handicap set. When the disparity is positive (+), the higher-ranked player is higher than the lower-ranked player, but when the disparity is negative (-), the rank is reversed and the higher-ranked player is higher than the lower-ranked player. The rank is lower.

As shown in FIG. 3, the reward setting processing unit 15 sets the reward (virtual currency and experience points in this example) that a higher-ranking player will obtain when winning a match as the difference decreases on the positive side and approaches 0. The amount is set to be increased as the difference decreases from 0 to the negative side. In other words, for a high-ranking player who is at a disadvantage due to the handicap setting, the greater the degree of disadvantage, the more difficult it becomes to win, but the reward that can be obtained increases accordingly.

Further, the reward setting processing unit 15 sets the reward (virtual currency and experience points in this example) that a lower-ranked player obtains when winning a match to be reduced as the disparity decreases on the positive side and approaches 0. At the same time, the amount is set to be further reduced as the disparity decreases from 0 to the negative side. In other words, for a lower-ranked player who has an advantage due to the handicap setting, the greater the degree of advantage, the easier it is to win, but the reward that can be obtained will decrease accordingly.

Note that the remuneration may be changed in a manner different from the remuneration setting table shown in FIG. 3. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the remuneration is increased or decreased exponentially as the disparity increases or decreases, but the remuneration may be increased or decreased in proportion to the increase or decrease in the disparity, for example. Further, for example, the degree of increase or decrease in remuneration may be changed depending on whether the disparity is in a positive range or in a negative range.

The information acquisition processing unit 17 acquires status information of each of the plurality of players from the status database 9.

The rank determination processing section 19 determines the rank of the plurality of players based on the status information acquired by the information acquisition processing section 17. For example, based on the player's various ability values and the values of characteristics and contents such as equipment, skills, items, and progress quantified as described above, a predetermined calculation (for example, addition) is performed to determine the player's ability. The value is calculated, and the one with the larger ability value is determined to be of higher rank, and the one with the smaller ability value is determined to be of lower rank. Incidentally, it is also possible to determine whether the case is higher or lower by a method other than the above.

Further, the rank determination processing unit 19 determines the disparity between the higher-rank player and at least one lower-rank player who is determined to be lower in rank than the higher-rank player, as well as the upper and lower ranks. For example, the difference value between the above-mentioned ability value of the higher-ranked player and the above-mentioned ability value of the lower-ranked player is calculated as the disparity. Note that the disparity may be determined using a method other than the above.

The handicap acceptance processing unit 21 presents a handicap input screen to a higher-ranked player who is determined to be of a higher rank than at least one player among the plurality of players, and receives the handicap input. The higher rank player may be the player determined to have the highest rank among multiple players, or if there are three or more players, the rank will be higher if there is at least one lower rank player. It may also be a player who is determined to be the second or lower player. The above-mentioned handicap setting processing section 11 sets a handicap based on the input by the above-mentioned higher-ranked player.

The consent determination processing unit 23 presents the handicap input by the higher-ranked player to at least one lower-ranked player who is determined to be lower in rank than the higher-ranked player, and presents the handicap input by the higher-ranked player to at least one lower-ranked player who is determined to be lower in rank than the higher-ranked player, and presents the handicap input by the higher-ranked player to at least one lower-ranked player who is determined to be lower in rank than the higher-ranked player. Determine whether or not. "Presentation" includes, for example, displaying on the touch panel 7 of the terminal device 3 of the lower ranked player. Furthermore, the lower ranked player to be presented may be, for example, the single player determined to be the lowest ranked player, or all or one of the players determined to be lower ranked than the higher ranked player who has input the handicap. It can also be a department. Note that a plurality of patterns of handicaps input by the higher-ranked player may be presented, and the lower-ranked player may accept by selecting any one of them. The above-mentioned handicap setting processing unit 11 sets a handicap based on the input by the higher-ranked player when consent is given by at least one lower-ranked player.

The disparity presentation processing unit 25 presents the disparity determined by the rank determination processing unit 19. The "presentation" may be performed for both the higher-ranked player and the lower-ranked player, or may be performed only for the higher-ranked player who inputs the handicap. Moreover, "presentation" includes displaying on the touch panel 7 of the terminal device 3, for example. Although the display mode is not particularly limited, for example, if the disparity is calculated as the difference value between the ability values of a higher rank player and a lower rank player as described above, the difference value may be displayed as it is as a numerical value. Good too. Alternatively, the information may be displayed using, for example, a status bar, a gauge, or the like (including bar graphs and pie graphs).

Note that the processing etc. in each processing unit explained above is not limited to the example of the division of processing, and may be processed by an even smaller number of processing units (for example, one processing unit), for example. Further, the processing may be performed by further subdivided processing units. In addition, the functions of each processing unit described above are implemented by a game program executed by a CPU 501 (see FIG. 14), which will be described later, but some of them may be implemented using dedicated integrated circuits such as ASIC or FPGA, or other electronic devices. It may also be implemented by an actual device such as a circuit. Furthermore, each of the processing units described above is not limited to the case where all of them are installed on the server device 5 side, and some or all of them may be installed on the terminal device 3 side.

<3. Game screen>
Next, an example of the game screen according to this embodiment will be explained using FIGS. 4 to 11.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a handicap input screen. In the example shown in FIG. 4, when two players, player A and player B, compete, player A is determined to be superior, and the handicap input screen is displayed on player A's terminal device 3. On the handicap input screen, for example, various status information of Player A, who is the player himself, and Player B, who is his opponent, are displayed. Further, a disparity display section 27 indicating the disparity with player B is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 4, it is displayed that the ability value of player A is greater than the ability value of player B by, for example, 87 (+87).

Further, the handicap input screen displays a selection button for selecting the type of handicap. In the example shown in FIG. 4, for example, an "equipment" button 29 for setting an equipment handicap, an "item" button 31 for setting an item handicap, and a "skill" button 33 for setting a skill handicap are provided. Displayed.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the equipment setting screen. The equipment setting screen is displayed when, for example, the "equipment" button 29 is operated on the handicap input screen shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the equipment setting screen includes a disparity display section 27, an equipment list 35, and a "Yes" button 37 and a "No" button 39 for instructing whether or not to determine the equipment handicap setting. is displayed.

The equipment list 35 displays a list of equipment that player A is currently equipped with. The equipment list 35 displays, for each equipment, a "remove" button 41 for removing the equipment and an "exchange" button 43 for replacing it with another equipment. Player A can remove equipment by operating a "remove" button 41 of a specific equipment. In addition, by operating the "exchange" button 43 of a specific equipment, player A displays a list of unequipped equipment that is owned but not equipped (not shown), and selects a specific unequipped equipment. You can exchange equipment. Note that when equipment is removed, the "Remove" button 41 becomes the "Equip" button (see Figure 6), and Player A operates the "Exchange" button 43 to select a specific unequipped item, and then selects the "Equip" button. ” By operating the button 41, it can be equipped again.

When player A attaches, detaches, or replaces equipment, the display content of the disparity display section 27 is updated in real time. For example, in the example shown in Figure 6, by exchanging "Sword W" with the lower-level "Sword has decreased to Player A can thus check the disparity and attach/detach or replace equipment as many times as desired.

When the "Yes" button 37 is operated by player A, the equipment handicap setting is determined. On the other hand, if player A operates the "No" button 39, the equipment handicap setting is canceled.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the item setting screen. The item setting screen is displayed, for example, when the "item" button 31 is operated on the handicap input screen shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the item setting screen includes a disparity display section 27, a list of owned items 45, an input section 47 for inputting an upper limit on the number of times an item can be used, and a section for selecting items whose use is prohibited from attributes. a selection button 49 for selecting prohibited items, a selection button 51 for selecting an item whose use is prohibited based on the progress level of the game, and a "Yes" button 53 and a "No" button for instructing whether or not to determine the item handicap setting. ” button 55 is displayed.

The owned item list 45 displays a list of items that player A currently owns. In the owned item list 45, a "prohibit use" button 57 for prohibiting use is displayed for each item. Player A can individually set one or more items to be prohibited from use during a match by operating a "prohibit use" button 57 for a specific item. Note that instead of prohibiting the use of the selected item, only the selected item may be made usable.

Furthermore, player A can set an upper limit on the number of times an item can be used using the input section 47. For example, if the upper limit is set to "5" times, all items will become unusable after the total number of times they have been used reaches five times, regardless of the type of item used. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the input section 47 is configured as a pull-down menu, but other input methods (for example, display of another input window, numerical input box with up/down buttons, slide bar, etc.) Good too.

Player A also displays an item attribute selection screen (not shown) by operating the selection button 49, and selects a specific attribute (for example, fire, water, wind, ice, lightning, light, darkness, etc.). It is possible to prohibit the use of items belonging to that attribute. For example, if the "fire" attribute is selected, the use of all items belonging to the fire attribute, such as a fire sword and fire armor, is prohibited. Note that instead of prohibiting the use of items with the selected attributes, only items with the selected attributes may be usable.

In addition, by operating the selection button 51, player A displays a game progress selection screen (not shown), selects a specific game progress level (for example, stage, level, chapter, chapter, etc.), Usable items can be limited to items that can be used or acquired up to the point in time of the game progress. For example, if "Stage 3" is selected, the items that can be used during the battle are limited to those that can be used or acquired up to Stage 3. Note that, for example, a button such as "opposite player's progress" may be provided so that the player B's progress in the game can be selected.

When player A limits the use of an item or limits the number of times, the display content of the disparity display section 27 is updated in real time. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8, by prohibiting the use of items A, C, D, and E, the difference with player B is reduced from, for example, "+46" to "+15." In addition, in FIG. 8, the operated "prohibit use" button 57 is shown by hatching. In this way, player A can check the disparity and re-set item use restrictions and number-of-use restrictions as many times as desired.

Note that it may be possible to set handicaps regarding items other than those mentioned above. For example, it may be possible to select items whose use is prohibited or allowed based on the type of item (for example, medicine, animal, companion character, etc.). Further, for example, the number of usable item types may be limited (for example, only one type can be used) or the number of usable items may be limited (for example, only 10 items can be used).

When the "Yes" button 53 is operated by the player A, the setting of the item handicap is determined. On the other hand, if the "No" button 55 is operated by player A, the setting of the item handicap is canceled.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the skill setting screen. The skill setting screen is displayed, for example, when the "skill" button 33 is operated on the handicap input screen shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the skill setting screen includes a disparity display section 27, a possessed skill list 59, an input section 61 for inputting the upper limit of magic power consumption when using a skill, and a skill whose use is prohibited from the attribute. A selection button 63 for selecting a skill, a selection button 65 for selecting a skill whose use is prohibited based on the progress level of the game, and a "Yes" button 67 for instructing whether or not to determine the skill handicap setting. A "No" button 69 is displayed.

The possessed skill list 59 displays a list of skills that player A currently possesses. In the possessed skill list 59, a "prohibit use" button 71 for prohibiting use is displayed for each skill. Player A can individually set one or more skills to be prohibited from use during a match by operating a "prohibit use" button 71 for a specific skill. Note that instead of prohibiting the use of the selected skill, only the selected skill may be allowed to be used.

Furthermore, player A can set an upper limit for the amount of magical power consumed when using a skill using the input unit 61. For example, if the upper limit is set to "50" points or less, the skill will not be able to be used (activated) if the total amount of magical power consumed exceeds 50 points. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the input section 61 is configured as a pull-down menu, but other input methods may be used.

In addition, by operating the selection button 63, player A displays a skill attribute selection screen (not shown) and selects a specific attribute (for example, fire, water, wind, ice, lightning, light, darkness, etc.). It is possible to prohibit the use of skills belonging to that attribute. For example, if the "water" attribute is selected, the use of all skills belonging to the water attribute, such as attacks using water and summoning of water spirits, is prohibited. Note that instead of prohibiting the use of the skills of the selected attributes, only the skills of the selected attributes may be allowed to be used.

In addition, by operating the selection button 65, player A displays a game progress selection screen (not shown), selects a specific game progress level (for example, stage, level, chapter, chapter, etc.), It is possible to limit the usable skills to those that can be used or acquired up to the point in time of the game progress level. For example, if "Level 20" is selected, the skills that can be used during the battle are limited to those that can be used or acquired up to level 20. Note that, for example, a button such as "opposite player's progress" may be provided so that the player B's progress in the game can be selected.

When player A restricts the use of skills or the amount of magical power consumed, the display contents of the disparity display section 27 are updated in real time. For example, in the example shown in Figure 10, by restricting the upper limit of magical power consumption to 50 points or less, the disparity with Player B decreases from, for example, "+15" to "-10", and the disparity between Player A and Player B is reversed. are doing. In this way, player A can check the disparity and re-impose the restriction on the use of skills and the restriction on magical power consumption as many times as desired.

Note that it may be possible to set handicaps related to skills other than those mentioned above. For example, in the above description, the case where magical power is consumed when using a skill is described as an example, but when a status other than magical power (for example, physical strength, experience points, etc.) is consumed, the upper limit of the status may be limited. Further, it may be possible to select a skill whose use is prohibited or enabled from the type of skill (for example, attack type, defense type, status change type, etc.). Further, for example, the number of types of skills that can be used may be limited (for example, only one type can be used), or the number of times a skill can be used (for example, only 10 times can be used).

When the "Yes" button 67 is operated by the player A, the setting of the skill handicap is determined. On the other hand, if the "No" button 69 is operated by player A, the setting of the skill handicap is canceled.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the handicap acceptance screen. The handicap acceptance screen is displayed on the terminal device 3 of the lower ranked player (player B in this example) when the handicap setting by the higher ranked player (player A in this example) is completed. In the example shown in FIG. 11, a handicap content presentation section 73 and a "Yes" button 75 and a "No" button 77 for instructing whether or not to accept the presented handicap are displayed on the handicap acceptance screen. There is.

The handicap content presentation section 73 includes handicap details set by player A, such as exchanging sword W for sword X, removing equipment from helmet H, prohibiting the use of items A, C, D, and E, and consuming skills. It is displayed that the upper limit of magical power is limited to 50 points or less. Note that, in the same way as the disparity display section 27 described above, the disparity with A may be displayed on the handicap acceptance screen.

When the "Yes" button 75 is operated by the player B, the details of the handicap are determined and the match with the player A is executed. On the other hand, if player B operates the "No" button 77, the match with player A is canceled.

<4. Processing procedure of information processing device>
Next, an example of a processing procedure executed by the CPU 501 of the server device 5 will be described using FIG. 12.

In step S5, the server device 5 determines whether to start a match. For example, through matching processing, it is determined whether or not an opponent player who satisfies a predetermined condition has joined a waiting player, or whether a predetermined number of players who meet a predetermined condition has reached a predetermined number. do. If the match is not to be started (step S5: NO), this flow is ended. On the other hand, when starting a competition (step S5: YES), the process moves to the next step S10.

In step S10, the server device 5 uses the information acquisition processing unit 17 to acquire status information of each of the plurality of players participating in the match from the status database 9.

In step S15, the server device 5 uses the rank determination processing unit 19 to determine the rank of the plurality of players participating in the match based on the status information acquired in step S10, and also determines the rank of the players participating in the match. Determine the disparity between For example, the difference between the highest ranked player and the lowest ranked player is determined. Note that when there are a plurality of lower-ranked players, the disparity between the highest-ranked player and each lower-ranked player may be determined individually.

In step S20, the server device 5 presents a handicap input screen (see FIG. 4) to the superior player determined in step S15. For example, a handicap input screen is displayed on the touch panel 7 of the terminal device 3 of the highest ranked player. In addition, if there are multiple players of lower rank, the status information of the lowest player determined to be the lowest rank may be displayed on the handicap input screen, or the status information of all the lower rank players may be displayed individually. . Further, status information of a lower ranked player selected by a higher ranked player may be displayed.

In step S25, the server device 5 causes the disparity presentation processing unit 25 to present the disparity with the lower ranked player on the handicap input screen displayed in step S20. Note that when there are multiple players of lower rank, the disparity with the lowest player determined to be the lowest rank may be presented, or the disparity with all the lower rank players may be presented. Alternatively, the difference between the higher ranked player and the lower ranked player selected may be presented.

In step S30, the server device 5 determines whether or not handicap input has been completed on the handicap input screen displayed in step S20. If handicap input has not been completed (step S30: NO), the process returns to step S20. On the other hand, if the input of the handicap is completed (step S30: YES), the process moves to the next step S35.

In step S35, the server device 5 uses the consent determination processing unit 23 to present the handicap input by the higher-ranked player to the lower-ranked player (see FIG. 11). At this time, the higher-ranked player may present a plurality of patterns of handicaps set by the lower-ranked player, and the lower-ranked player may accept by selecting any one of them. Note that if there are a plurality of lower-ranked players, a handicap may be presented to each of the lower-ranked players, or a handicap may be presented to the lowest-ranked player determined to be the lowest ranked player. Alternatively, a handicap may be presented to a selected lower player by a higher player.

In step S40, the server device 5 uses the acceptance determination processing unit 23 to determine whether or not the handicap has been accepted by the lower ranked player who presented the handicap in step S35. If the handicap is not accepted (step S40: NO), this flow ends. On the other hand, if the handicap is accepted (step S40: YES), the process moves to the next step S45.

In step S45, the server device 5 uses the handicap setting processing unit 11 to set a handicap for the match based on the input by the higher-ranked player.

In step S50, the server device 5 causes the reward setting processing unit 15 to set the reward to be earned by the player who wins the match based on the details of the handicap set in step S45. Specifically, the remuneration is set based on the disparity that fluctuates according to the set handicap and the remuneration setting table shown in FIG. 3 described above. Note that if there are multiple lower-rank players, the rewards between the higher-rank players and each lower-rank player are individually set based on their respective disparities.

In step S55, the server device 5 causes the battle execution processing unit 13 to execute a battle between a plurality of players based on the handicap set in step S45.

In step S60, the server device 5 determines whether the winner or loser of the match has been determined. If the winner or loser has not been determined (step S60: NO), the process returns to step S55. On the other hand, if the winner or loser is determined (step S60: YES), the process moves to the next step S65.

In step S65, the server device 5 provides a reward to the winning player based on the reward details set in step S50. After that, this flowchart ends.

Note that the above-mentioned processing procedure is an example, and at least a part of the above-mentioned procedure may be deleted or changed, or a procedure other than the above-mentioned procedure may be added. Furthermore, the order of at least part of the above steps may be changed.

<5. Effects of embodiment>
As described above, the game program of the present embodiment causes the server device 5 to be configured as a handicap setting processing unit that sets a handicap in a match between a plurality of players based on an input by at least one player among the plurality of players. 11. A competition execution processing unit 13 that executes a competition between a plurality of players based on the handicap; a reward setting processing unit 15 that sets the reward that a player who wins the competition will receive to change based on the content of the handicap; function as

According to the present embodiment, in a game in which a plurality of players compete against each other, the reward that the winning player obtains is changed depending on the details of the set handicap. As a result, for example, the reward that a player who is disadvantaged due to handicap settings (higher-ranked player) wins will be improved as the degree of disadvantage increases, and for example, a player who is advantageous due to handicap settings (lower-ranked player) It becomes possible to improve the reward obtained when the player wins as the degree of advantage becomes smaller. By doing so, it is possible to bring about the advantage of playing a handicap battle against both the higher-ranked player and the lower-ranked player in the competitive game, so that the competitive game can be revitalized.

In addition, in general, in online competitive games, a specified number of players with the same status (e.g. abilities, skills, equipment, owned items, points, levels, ranks, parameter values, experience points, game progress, etc.) are reached. A matching process is performed that waits until For this reason, for example, in a competitive game where no handicap is provided, the waiting time may be long or the opponent may be switched to a computer. In this embodiment, by setting handicaps, players of different ranks can compete against each other, so that the matching time can be shortened and it is possible to ensure a match against a real player rather than a computer.

Furthermore, when a matching process is performed, for example, for a player with a high rank, there are few players with the same rank, so there is less variation in the lineup of matched opponents, and the game becomes less interesting. In this embodiment, by setting a handicap, players can compete against a variety of players, making the game more interesting.

Further, generally, when a player's level increases and acquires powerful equipment, items, skills, etc., weaker equipment, items, skills, etc. are usually no longer used and become unnecessary. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to create an opportunity to use such weak equipment, items, skills, etc., so that the game can be made even more interesting.

Further, in this embodiment, the reward setting processing unit 15 sets the reward so that the more disadvantageous the handicap is to the player who won the match, the higher the reward is.

As a result, for example, the reward that a player who is disadvantaged due to handicap settings (higher-ranked player) wins will be improved as the degree of disadvantage increases, and for example, a player who is advantageous due to handicap settings (lower-ranked player) The smaller the degree of advantage (that is, the larger the degree of disadvantage), the more the reward obtained when the player wins can be improved. Therefore, in the competitive game, it is possible to bring about the advantage of playing a handicap battle against both the higher-ranked player and the lower-ranked player, so that the competitive game can be revitalized.

In particular, in this embodiment, the game program controls the server device 5, the information acquisition processing unit 17 that acquires the status information of each of the plurality of players, and the information acquisition processing unit 17 that acquires the status information of each of the plurality of players, and determines the rank of the plurality of players based on the acquired status information. A handicap determining processing unit 19 that presents a handicap input screen to a player whose rank is determined to be higher than at least one player among a plurality of players, and accepts handicap input. The handicap setting processing section 11 further functions as a reception processing section 21, and sets a handicap based on an input by a higher-ranked player.

In this embodiment, the rankings of multiple players competing against each other are determined, and a player who is determined to have a higher rating than at least one player (for example, the player with the highest ranking) is handicapped. Enable input and settings. This allows high-ranking players to demonstrate their ability and skill as players, such as being able to defeat their opponents by combining less powerful items and skills, even if the use of powerful items and skills is prohibited. It becomes possible. Therefore, by allowing a high-ranking player to select, for example, elements that are prohibited from use, it becomes more interesting to think about strategies such as how many elements can be prohibited and still win, and the strategic nature of the game can be enhanced. Furthermore, there is an advantage for lower-ranked players in that they can learn tactics by watching how higher-ranked players fight.

Further, in this embodiment, the game program in particular causes the server device 5 to present the handicap input by the higher-ranked player to at least one lower-ranked player who is determined to be lower in rank than the higher-ranked player. , the handicap setting processing unit 11 further functions as an acceptance determination processing unit 23 that determines whether consent has been given by at least one lower-ranked player, and the handicap setting processing unit 11 is configured to allow a higher-ranked player to Set handicaps based on input.

Thereby, it is possible to execute a match after obtaining the consent of the lower ranked player regarding the content of the handicap.

In addition, in this embodiment, in particular, the rank determination processing unit 19 determines the disparity between a higher-rank player and at least one lower-rank player whose rank is determined to be lower than the higher-rank player, as well as the upper and lower ranks. However, the game program further causes the server device 5 to function as a disparity presentation processing section 25 that presents disparities.

Thereby, the higher-ranked player can set the handicap to an appropriate content by inputting the handicap while looking at the quantified disparity.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the handicap setting processing unit 11 sets the handicap based on the input by the higher-ranked player so that the disparity decreases and approaches 0 compared to before setting the handicap, and the reward setting processing unit 15 is set so that the closer the disparity is to 0, the higher the reward that the higher-ranking player receives when he wins the match.

Thereby, the handicap can be set so that the disparity between the higher ranked player and the lower ranked player is reduced. Also, for higher ranked players, the disparity decreases due to the handicap setting, and as it approaches 0, it becomes more difficult to win, but the reward obtained increases accordingly, so play handicap battles against higher ranked players. This can bring about benefits and revitalize competitive games.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the handicap setting processing section 11 sets the handicap based on the input by the higher ranked player so that the disparity is less than 0 and becomes negative, and the reward setting processing section 15 sets the handicap based on the input by the higher ranked player. The reward obtained when the top player wins the match is set so that the smaller the difference is on the negative side, the better the reward is.

As a result, it is possible to set the handicap so that the disparity between the higher-ranked player and the lower-ranked player is reversed (the higher-ranked player is at a disadvantage due to the increased handicap). In addition, for higher-ranked players, it becomes more difficult to win as the disparity decreases from 0 to the negative side due to handicap settings, but the reward obtained increases accordingly, so It is possible to bring about an additional advantage of playing a handicap match, and it is possible to revitalize the competitive game.

Moreover, for a higher-ranked player, it becomes possible to demonstrate his ability and skill as a player by being able to still win against his opponent even if the disparity with the lower-ranked player is reversed. Therefore, it becomes more interesting to consider strategies to determine how much the gap can be reduced to win, and the strategic nature of the game can be enhanced.

<6. Modified example>
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea thereof.

In the above embodiment, the handicap is set by the higher ranked player, but the handicap may be set by the lower ranked player, for example. FIG. 13 shows an example of a matching screen in this modification. In the example shown in FIG. 13, player C announces a requested handicap to recruit opponents, and the matching screen is displayed on the terminal device 3 of a player other than player C. The matching screen displays a handicap request content presentation section 79, and a "Yes" button 81 and a "No" button 83 for instructing whether or not to accept the presented handicap and compete.

The handicap request content presentation section 79 displays the details of the handicap requested by player C. In the example shown in FIG. 13, it is requested to remove equipment from accessories and to prohibit the use of water-attribute items and water-attribute skills. In other words, in this example, player C has a play style that uses fire-attribute items and skills to compete against each other, and in addition to prohibiting the use of water-attribute items and skills, which fire attributes are weak against, player C also has a strong resistance to fire attributes. By prohibiting equipment such as accessories that improve the game, conditions are set that are disadvantageous to higher-ranked players.

Note that the reward setting processing unit 15 sets the reward that the player who wins the match will receive to change based on the details of the handicap, etc., which is similar to the above-described embodiment.

When the "Yes" button 81 is operated by another player, a match against player C is started based on the presented handicap details. On the other hand, if the "No" button 83 is operated by another player, the match with player C is canceled.

Note that, in addition to the methods described above, the methods according to the above embodiments and each modification may be used in combination as appropriate. In addition, various changes may be made to the above-described embodiment and each modified example without departing from the spirit thereof, although no specific examples are given.

<7. Hardware configuration of server device>
Next, with reference to FIG. 14, an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 5 that implements each processing unit implemented by the program executed by the CPU 501 described above will be described. Note that the terminal device 3 may have a similar hardware configuration.

As shown in FIG. 14, the server device 5 includes, for example, a CPU 501, a ROM 503, a RAM 505, a GPU 506, a dedicated integrated circuit 507 built for a specific purpose such as an ASIC or FPGA, and an input device 513. , an output device 515, a recording device 517, a drive 519, a connection port 521, and a communication device 523. These configurations are connected to each other so as to be able to transmit signals via a bus 509, an input/output interface 511, and the like.

The game program can be recorded in, for example, a ROM 503, a RAM 505, a recording device 517 such as a hard disk, or the like.

Furthermore, the game program may be temporarily or permanently (non-temporarily) recorded on a removable recording medium 525 such as a magnetic disk such as a flexible disk, various CDs, an MO disk, an optical disk such as a DVD, or a semiconductor memory. You can also leave it as is. Such a recording medium 525 can also be provided as so-called package software. In this case, the game programs recorded on these recording media 525 may be read by the drive 519 and recorded on the recording device 517 via the input/output interface 511, the bus 509, or the like.

Further, the game program can also be recorded on, for example, a download site, another computer, another recording device, etc. (not shown). In this case, the game program is transferred via a network NW such as a LAN or the Internet, and the communication device 523 receives this program. The program received by the communication device 523 may be recorded in the recording device 517 via the input/output interface 511, the bus 509, or the like.

Further, the game program can also be recorded in an appropriate external connection device 527, for example. In this case, the game program may be transferred via an appropriate connection port 521 and recorded on the recording device 517 via the input/output interface 511, bus 509, or the like.

Then, the CPU 501 executes various processes according to the programs recorded in the recording device 517, thereby realizing the processes by the handicap setting processing section 11, the match execution processing section 13, the reward setting processing section 15, etc. . At this time, the CPU 501 may, for example, directly read the program from the recording device 517 and execute it, or may once load the program into the RAM 505 and then execute it. Furthermore, when the CPU 501 receives a program via the communication device 523, drive 519, or connection port 521, for example, the CPU 501 may directly execute the received program without recording it on the recording device 517.

In addition to signals input from each terminal device 3 via the network NW, the CPU 501 also performs various types of processing based on signals and information input from an input device 513 such as a mouse, keyboard, microphone, etc., as necessary. Processing may be performed.

The GPU 506 performs processing for image display, such as rendering processing, in response to instructions from the CPU 501.

Then, the CPU 501 and the GPU 506 output the results of executing the above processing to each terminal device 3 via the network NW, and also output an audio output unit (not shown) such as a speaker or headphones as necessary. output from the output device 515. Further, the CPU 501 and the GPU 506 may transmit the processing results via the communication device 523 or the connection port 521, or may record them on the recording device 517 or the recording medium 525, if necessary.

3 Terminal device 5 Server device (information processing device)
9 Status database 11 Handicap setting processing section 13 Match execution processing section 15 Reward setting processing section 17 Information acquisition processing section 19 Rank judgment processing section 21 Handicap reception processing section 23 Acceptance judgment processing section 25 Disparity presentation processing section

Claims (8)

information processing equipment,
a handicap setting processing unit that sets a handicap in a match between the plurality of players based on an input by at least one player among the plurality of players;
a competition execution processing unit that executes a competition between the plurality of players based on the handicap;
a reward setting processing unit that sets a reward to be obtained by a player who wins the battle so as to vary based on the content of the handicap;
function as
The information processing device,
an information acquisition processing unit that acquires status information of each of the plurality of players;
a class determination processing unit that determines the rank of the plurality of players based on the acquired status information;
a handicap acceptance processing unit that presents the handicap input screen to a player whose rank is determined to be higher than at least one player among the plurality of players, and receives the handicap input;
further function as
The handicap setting processing section
setting the handicap based on input by the higher ranked player;
game program. The remuneration setting processing section
The reward is set to increase as the content of the handicap is more disadvantageous to the player who won the match.
The game program according to claim 1. The information processing device,
Whether or not the handicap inputted by the higher-ranked player is presented to at least one lower-ranked player who is determined to be lower in rank than the higher-ranked player, and is accepted by the at least one lower-ranked player. a consent determination processing unit that determines whether
further function as
The handicap setting processing section
setting the handicap based on input by the higher ranked player if consent is given by the at least one lower ranked player;
The game program according to claim 1 or 2 . The case determination processing unit is
In addition to the upper and lower ranks, determining the disparity between the higher-rank player and at least one lower-rank player whose rank is determined to be lower than the higher-rank player;
The information processing device,
a disparity presentation processing unit that presents the disparity;
further function as
The game program according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The handicap setting processing section
setting the handicap so that the disparity is smaller than before the handicap was set and approaches 0 based on input by the higher-ranked player;
The remuneration setting processing section
The reward obtained when the superior player wins the match is set so that the closer the disparity is to 0, the higher the reward is.
The game program according to claim 4 . The handicap setting processing section
setting the handicap so that the disparity is less than 0 and becomes negative based on input by the higher-ranked player;
The remuneration setting processing section
The reward that the superior player obtains when winning the match is set so that the smaller the disparity is on the negative side, the higher the reward is.
The game program according to claim 5 . A game processing method executed by an information processing device, the method comprising:
setting a handicap in a match between the plurality of players based on an input by at least one player among the plurality of players;
executing a competition between the plurality of players based on the handicap;
a step of setting a reward obtained by a player who wins the battle so as to vary based on the content of the handicap;
has
The game processing method includes:
obtaining status information of each of the plurality of players;
determining the rank of the plurality of players based on the acquired status information;
presenting the handicap input screen to a player whose rank is determined to be higher than at least one player among the plurality of players, and accepting the handicap input;
It further has
The step of setting the handicap includes:
setting the handicap based on input by the higher ranked player ;
Game processing method. a handicap setting processing unit that sets a handicap in a match between the plurality of players based on an input by at least one player among the plurality of players;
a competition execution processing unit that executes a competition between the plurality of players based on the handicap;
a reward setting processing unit that sets a reward obtained by a player who wins the battle so as to vary based on the content of the handicap;
has
an information acquisition processing unit that acquires status information of each of the plurality of players;
a class determination processing unit that determines the rank of the plurality of players based on the acquired status information;
a handicap acceptance processing unit that presents the handicap input screen to a player whose rank is determined to be higher than at least one player among the plurality of players, and receives the handicap input; ,
It further has
The handicap setting processing section
setting the handicap based on input by the higher ranked player ;
Information processing device.

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