JP7579080B2 - PROGRAM AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, games are known that display an image in which a virtual character representing a player participates as an audience member at a performance venue or a show venue.

In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a performance is executed on a player's terminal device, and a virtual character is made to perform actions such as clapping hands or waving a penlight based on the operation of one player.

JP 2011-206267 A

The technology of Patent Document 1 does not assume that multiple players will participate in the same venue at approximately the same time, and therefore does not require communication with a server device. However, if the actions of each virtual character are to be displayed to multiple players participating in the same venue, an environment is required in which the terminal devices of the multiple players can communicate with the server device. In such an environment, if there are a large number of players participating in the same venue, the amount of communication between the terminal devices of the multiple players and the server device increases, generating a communication load. On the other hand, if there are only a few players participating in the same venue, the excitement of the venue as a whole will be lacking.

The present invention was made in consideration of these problems, and its purpose is to provide a program and information processing device that can reduce communication load and liven up the entire venue when multiple players participate in the same venue at approximately the same time.

In order to solve the above problem, the program according to the first aspect of the present invention causes a computer capable of communicating with terminal devices of multiple players to function as: matching means for matching two or more of the multiple players with one of multiple venues where the same performance or show is performed substantially simultaneously; display control means for displaying and controlling the one venue matched by the matching means on the terminal devices of the two or more players, and displaying and controlling multiple virtual characters corresponding to the two or more players in the one venue, and capable of performing multiple actions in response to operations on the terminal devices of the two or more players; and reflection means for issuing a reflection instruction to reflect some of the actions of the virtual characters displayed and controlled in the one venue in another venue among the multiple venues while the performance or show is being performed in the multiple venues, and for reflecting some of the actions of the virtual characters displayed and controlled in the other venue in the one venue when a reflection instruction is received from the other venue.

In addition, the program according to the second aspect of the present invention causes the computer to function as a selection means for each of the plurality of venues, which selects some actions from a history of actions performed by the virtual character whose display is controlled in that venue, and the reflection means reflects, in the one venue, the action selected by the selection means for the other venue.

In addition, in the program according to the third aspect of the present invention, the selection probability of an action involving payment of a fee or game content among the plurality of actions is set high in the selection process of the selection means.

In addition, the program according to the fourth aspect of the present invention causes the computer to function as a payment processing means that makes an item available to the player based on the player's payment for a fee or game content, and the certain action includes the use of the item, and in the drawing by the drawing means, the probability of winning is set higher for the use of an item with a higher payment amount.

In addition, in the program according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the part of the actions includes posting a message.

In addition, in the program according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when the virtual character is a first virtual character, the display control means controls the display of a second virtual character different from the first virtual character in the one venue, and the reflection means reflects a part of the action of each of the first virtual characters whose display is controlled in the other venues by having the second virtual character displayed in the one venue execute the part of the action.

In addition, the program according to the seventh aspect of the present invention causes the computer to function as an execution means for causing the second virtual character to execute a predetermined action at a predetermined timing for each performance or show.

In addition, in the program according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the types of the predetermined actions are different from the types of some of the actions reflected by the reflecting means.

In addition, the program according to the ninth aspect of the present invention causes the computer to function as a granting means that changes parameters based on the actions of a virtual character operated by the player and grants a reward to the player based on the parameters.

In addition, in the program according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the display control means controls the display of the virtual performer character performing the performance or the show in the venue, and the reflection means changes the behavior of the virtual performer character based on the parameters.

An information processing device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is an information processing device capable of communicating with terminal devices of multiple players, and includes: a matching means for matching two or more of the multiple players with one of multiple venues where the same performance or show is performed substantially simultaneously; a display control means for displaying and controlling the one venue matched by the matching means on the terminal devices of the two or more players, and displaying and controlling multiple virtual characters corresponding to the two or more players in the one venue, and capable of performing multiple actions in response to operations on the terminal devices of the two or more players; and a reflection means for issuing a reflection instruction to reflect some of the actions of the virtual characters displayed and controlled in the one venue in another venue among the multiple venues while the performance or show is being performed in the multiple venues, and for reflecting some of the actions of the virtual characters displayed and controlled in the other venue in the one venue when a reflection instruction is received from the other performance venue.

According to the present invention, when multiple players participate at approximately the same time in the same venue, it is possible to reduce communication load and liven up the entire venue.

1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server device illustrated in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server device. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of game processing in the game system according to the present embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of virtual live processing shown in step SP34 of FIG. 4. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an overall overview of a live music venue. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual live screen that can be viewed from the field of view of a player operating the virtual character C1 shown in FIG. 6.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the attached drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components and steps in each drawing are denoted with the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

<Overall composition>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system 1 according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes a server device 10 and a plurality of terminal devices 12. The server device 10 and the terminal devices 12 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network NT such as the Internet, an intranet, or a telephone line.

The server device 10 is an information processing device that provides the game execution results obtained by executing the game program 14, or the game program 14 itself, to the users of each terminal device 12 via the communication network NT. In this embodiment, the server device 10 provides the game program 14 itself to the users of the terminal devices 12.

Each terminal device 12 is an information processing device operated by each user, and provides a game to each user by, for example, installing a game program 14 received from the server device 10 and then executing the program. These terminal devices 12 include various devices such as video game machines, arcade game machines, mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, and personal computers. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which each terminal device 12 is a smartphone equipped with a gyro sensor (angular velocity sensor) capable of measuring angular velocity.

<Hardware Configuration>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server device 10 illustrated in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the server device 10 includes a control device 20, a communication device 26, and a storage device 28. The control device 20 is mainly configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22 and a memory 24.

In the control device 20, the CPU 22 executes a predetermined program stored in the memory 24 or the storage device 28, etc., to function as various functional configurations. Details of these functional configurations will be described later.

The communication device 26 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device. The communication device 26 transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal device 12, for example.

The storage device 28 is composed of a hard disk or the like. This storage device 28 stores various programs and information necessary for executing processing in the control device 20, including the game program 14, as well as information on the processing results.

The server device 10 can be realized using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. The server device 10 may be composed of a single information processing device, or may be composed of multiple information processing devices distributed over a communication network NT. FIG. 2 shows only a part of the main hardware configuration of the server device 10, and the server device 10 may have other configurations that are generally included in a server. The configuration of the terminal device 12 is the same as that of the server device 10, except that it is equipped with an operation means and a display means. The display means may be a head-mounted display equipped with a position detection means such as a gyro sensor (angular velocity sensor) and an attitude detection means.

＜Game Overview＞
Games according to this embodiment are not particularly limited to music games, role-playing games, shooting games, action games, and the like. In the following, a case will be described in which the game is, for example, a rhythm game among music games in which the player enjoys operations in accordance with a musical performance or a performance. In such a game, in this embodiment, a musical performance or a performance is executed at a predetermined timing during the game. In the venue (music venue or performance venue) of this musical performance or performance, a first virtual character capable of performing a plurality of actions according to the operations of a plurality of players is displayed, so that a plurality of players can participate in the same venue at approximately the same time. In the following, only musical performance will be described, but this embodiment can also be applied to a performance.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the server device 10. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the server device 10 includes, as its functional configuration, a storage means 50, a progress means 52, a payment processing means 54, a matching means 56, a display control means 58, an execution means 60, a storage control means 62, a lottery means 64, a reflection means 66, and an awarding means 68. The storage means 50 is realized by the storage device 28. The other functional configurations are realized by the control device 20 executing a program corresponding to the game program 14. Also, part of the functional configurations may be provided in the terminal device 12. For example, the progress means 52, the lottery means 64, the execution means 60, etc. may be provided in the terminal device 12 instead of the server device 10.

The storage means 50 has a function of storing, for example, play data 50A, performance venue data 50B, performance schedule 50C, performance data 50D, probability table 50E, and action history 50F. Note that a part of the data stored in the storage means 50 may be stored in the terminal device 12. For example, the performance data 50D or the action history 50F may be stored in the terminal device 12.
The play data 50A is provided for each of a plurality of players. In the play data 50A, the progress of the game, the player character that the player can use in the main game, the status of the player character, the first virtual character that can be operated at the performance venue, items, in-game currency (coins), free crystals, paid crystals, support points, etc. are described. The paid crystals are a type of item that the player can acquire by a purchase procedure (payment of cash or electronic money, credit card payment, etc.). Such paid crystals are sometimes called paid stones, for example. The free crystals are a type of item that the player can acquire by playing the game (execution of various games). For example, the free crystals can be acquired as a reward for logging in, clearing a quest, completing a mission, interacting with friends, etc. The free crystals are sometimes called free stones, for example. The support points are points that indicate how much the player has supported the performance.
The performance venue data 50B is display data for displaying the performance venue where the virtual performer character performs and the waiting area. Note that this performance includes not only playing an instrument but also singing. In this embodiment, the performance is a virtual live performance in which the virtual performer character sings.
The performance schedule 50C describes the date and time when the performance will be performed.
The performance data 50D includes data for outputting performance sounds, data of the virtual performer character performing the performance, and the like.
In the probability table 50E, the selection probability or selection weighting is described for each of a plurality of actions of the first virtual character. In this embodiment, the selection probability and weighting are set higher for actions among the plurality of actions that involve payment of a fee or game content. In addition, the selection probability weighting is set higher for the use of an item that requires a higher payment of a fee or game content. Examples of game content include paid crystals, free crystals, coins, etc.
The action history 50F describes the history of actions taken by a plurality of first virtual characters in the same performance venue.

Has a progression means 52 and the function of progressing through the game.

The payment processing means 54 has the function of making certain items available to the player based on the player's payment for charges or game content.

The matching means 56 has a function of matching two or more of the multiple players with one of the multiple performance venues where the same performance is performed simultaneously.

The display control means 58 has a function of displaying and controlling one performance venue matched by the matching means 56 for the terminal devices 12 of two or more players. The display control means 58 also has a function of displaying and controlling a plurality of first virtual characters corresponding to two or more players at one performance venue, the first virtual characters being capable of performing a plurality of actions in response to operations on the terminal devices 12 of the two or more players. These plurality of actions include, for example, moving the first virtual character, jumping the first virtual character, waving a penlight, changing the color of the penlight, pressing (displaying) a stamp, using an item or placing it on the stage of the performance venue, dancing, and the like. The display control means 58 may also display and control a second virtual character different from the first virtual character at one performance venue. The display control means 58 may also display and control a virtual performer character performing at the performance venue.

The execution means 60 has a function of controlling the execution of the same performance at multiple performance venues at approximately the same time. Here, approximately the same time includes a delay of several seconds. The execution means 60 also has a function of causing the second virtual character to execute a predetermined action at a predetermined timing for each performance. Here, the type of the predetermined action may differ from the type of some of the actions reflected by the reflection means 66 to the second virtual character. For example, the predetermined actions include waving a penlight and changing the color of the penlight, and some of the actions include pressing (displaying) a stamp, using an item including an item that allows a message to be posted, or placing it on the stage of the performance venue.

The storage control means 62 has a function of storing the history of actions performed by each first virtual character that is controlled to be displayed in multiple performance venues in the storage means 50 as an action history 50F.

The lottery means 64 has a function of selecting some of the actions from the action history 50F for each of the multiple performance venues. In the lottery by the lottery means 64, the probability of selecting an action that involves payment of a fee or game content among the multiple actions in the action history 50F is set to be high. In addition, in the lottery by the lottery means 64, the probability of selecting a paid item that requires a higher amount of payment for a fee or in-game currency is set to be high.

The reflecting means 66 has a function of instructing one of the performance venues to reflect some of the actions of the first virtual character that is controlled to be displayed in the other performance venues among the multiple performance venues while the same performance is being performed at substantially the same time in the multiple performance venues. In addition, the reflecting means 66 has a function of reflecting some of the actions of the first virtual character that is controlled to be displayed in the other performance venue in the one performance venue when a reflecting instruction is given from the other performance venue to the one performance venue. Specifically, when a reflecting instruction is given from the other performance venue to the one performance venue, the reflecting means 66 reflects some of the actions of the first virtual character that is controlled to be displayed in the other performance venue by having the second virtual character displayed in the one performance venue execute the action selected by the selection means 64 for the other performance venue. In addition, the reflecting means 66 may reflect the player's cheering points in the action of the virtual performer character, i.e., change the action of the virtual performer character based on the player's cheering points.

The granting means 68 has a function of changing parameters based on the action of the first virtual character operated by the player, and granting a reward to the player based on the parameters. Specifically, when the first virtual character operated by the player takes an action, the granting means 68 adds a parameter (support point) of a value corresponding to the action to the player, and grants a reward to the player when the support point of the player reaches a threshold value or more. This reward may be coins, free crystals, items, etc. Furthermore, there may be multiple threshold values. In this case, a reward may be granted each time multiple threshold values are reached. Furthermore, the granting means 68 may grant a better reward or a larger amount of reward as the support point is higher. Note that the parameter may be a support percentage degree, a relative value with respect to other players, etc., in addition to the support point. Furthermore, the threshold value may be different for each performance item. Furthermore, a support point threshold value may be set for each part of the performance. However, regarding the use of an item, support points may be added regardless of each threshold value.

<Game Processing>
4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of game processing in the game system 1 according to this embodiment. The following processing is started, for example, when the game program 14 is executed on the terminal device 12. Note that the order or content of the following processing can be changed as appropriate.

(Step SP10)
The terminal device 12 transmits a menu screen request for requesting a menu screen to the server device 10. This menu screen request includes the player ID of the player. Then, the process proceeds to step SP12.

(Step SP12)
The server device 10 receives a menu screen request from the terminal device 12. In response to this, the server device 10 acquires from the storage means 50 the play data 50A corresponding to the player ID included in the menu screen request. Next, the reflection means 66 of the server device 10 reflects the acquired play data 50A in game data such as the menu screen data. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP14. Note that in this step SP12, the server device 10 may perform login authentication.

(Step SP14)
The server device 10 controls the display of the menu screen by transmitting the menu screen data to the requesting terminal device 12. Then, the process proceeds to step SP16.

(Step SP16)
The terminal device 12 receives the menu screen data from the server device 10. In response to this, the terminal device 12 displays a menu screen based on the received menu screen data. Although not shown, this menu screen is provided with, for example, a main game button, a virtual live button, and one or more other buttons. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP18.

(Step SP18)
The terminal device 12 judges whether or not the main game button has been pressed on the menu screen, and if the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP20, whereas if the judgment is negative, the process proceeds to step SP22.

(Step SP20)
The terminal device 12 executes a main game process while communicating with the server device 10. In this embodiment, a rhythm game process is executed as the main game process. When this main game process ends, the terminal device 12 displays a menu screen. Then, the process proceeds to step SP22.

(Step SP22)
The terminal device 12 judges whether or not the virtual live button has been pressed on the menu screen, and if the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP24, whereas if the judgment is negative, the process proceeds to step SP40.

(Step SP24)
The terminal device 12 transmits a request for a list of virtual live shows to the server device 10. Then, the process proceeds to step SP26.

(Step SP26)
The server device 10 receives the list request from the terminal device 12. In response to this, the server device 10 acquires today's performance schedule 50C from the storage means 50. Next, the server device 10 generates live performance list data based on the acquired performance schedule 50C and transmits it to the terminal device 12, thereby controlling the display of the live performance list. Then, the process proceeds to step SP28.

(Step SP28)
The terminal device 12 receives the live list data from the server device 10. In response, the terminal device 12 displays a live list of one or more virtual live shows to be held today based on the received live list data. Then, the process proceeds to step SP30. The live list may display the date and time, start time, end time, and reception start time of each virtual live show. Also, selectable virtual live shows and unselectable virtual live shows may be displayed in different forms. For example, a virtual live show that is not yet selectable because the reception start time has not yet arrived may be displayed in a grayed-out form.

(Step SP30)
The terminal device 12 accepts the selection of one virtual live from the list of live shows based on the player's operation. Then, the terminal device 12 transmits a matching request including the live ID and player ID of the selected virtual live show to the server device 10, so as to match the player with one of the multiple live venues where the selected virtual live show will be held substantially simultaneously. Then, the process proceeds to step SP32.

(Step SP32)
The server device 10 receives a matching request from the terminal device 12. In response to this, the matching means 56 of the server device 10 matches the player ID included in the matching request with the live venue ID of one of multiple live venues where the same live performance is being held simultaneously, which corresponds to the live ID included in the matching request. Here, at least two or more players, such as 10 or 20 players, can be matched with each of the multiple live venues. Then, the process proceeds to step SP34.

(Step SP34)
The server device 10 executes a virtual live process for progressing the virtual live while communicating with the terminal device 12. The virtual live process will be described in detail later. Then, the process proceeds to step SP36.

(Step SP36)
The server device 10 controls the display of the menu screen by transmitting the menu screen data to the requesting terminal device 12. Then, the process proceeds to step SP38.

(Step SP38)
The terminal device 12 receives the menu screen data from the server device 10. In response to this, the terminal device 12 displays the menu screen based on the received menu screen data, and the process then proceeds to step SP40.

(Step SP40)
The terminal device 12 judges whether or not another button has been pressed on the menu screen, and if the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP42, whereas if the judgment is negative, the process returns to step SP18.

(Step SP42)
The terminal device 12 executes a corresponding process corresponding to the other buttons while communicating with the server device 10. Examples of the corresponding process include a process for displaying a list of possessed items, a process for displaying a list of possessed characters, a lottery process for game content, etc. Next, when the corresponding process ends, the terminal device 12 displays a menu screen. Then, the process returns to the process of step SP18.

Virtual Live Processing
Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the virtual live processing shown in step SP34 in Fig. 4. This virtual live processing is executed simultaneously for multiple live venues. The order or content of the following processing can be changed as appropriate. To avoid complexity, Fig. 5 omits the description of the processing of the terminal device 12. Furthermore, the server device 10 that executes the following processing may be different for each live venue.

(Step SP60)
The display control means 58 of the server device 10 controls the display of the waiting area of the live venue matched to the player and the first virtual character corresponding to the player, which is capable of performing a plurality of actions according to the operation of the terminal device 12 of the player, on the terminal devices 12 of the two or more matched players, based on the play data 50A and the performance venue data 50B. Since two or more players are matched to one live venue, the first virtual characters corresponding to the two or more players are displayed in the one live venue and the corresponding waiting area. In this waiting area, players can chat with other players, purchase items, costumes, etc., set the color, costume, accessories, penlight, action, etc. of the first virtual character, and view the ranking of the cheering points of each player. In this embodiment, a virtual shop button is provided in the waiting area to purchase items, costumes, etc. In the waiting area, the processing proceeds to the processing of step SP62.

(Step SP62)
The display control means 58 judges whether or not the virtual shop button has been pressed in the waiting area, and if the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP64, whereas if the judgment is negative, the process proceeds to step SP68.

(Step SP64)
The display control means 58 controls the display of a shop screen on the terminal device 12 of the player who pressed the virtual shop button, and then the process proceeds to step SP66.

(Step SP66)
When a costume, accessory, or the like for the first virtual character is selected by the user on the shop screen, the payment processing means 54 of the server device 10 executes a payment process. Specifically, the payment processing means 54 provides the player with the selected item by paying one of three game contents, coins, free crystals, or paid crystals, in the player's play data 50A. Then, the process proceeds to step SP68.

(Step SP68)
The display control means 58 judges whether or not the live venue corresponding to the waiting area is open based on the performance schedule 50C. If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP70, and if the judgment is negative, the process returns to step SP62.

(Step SP70)
The display control means 58 controls the display of the entrance to the live venue corresponding to the waiting area on each terminal device 12. Next, when an entrance is selected by the player, the display control means 58 controls the display of the live venue corresponding to the waiting area on the terminal device 12 instead of the waiting area. The display control means 58 also appropriately controls the display of first virtual characters of two or more players participating in the live venue, second virtual characters not directly operated by the player, virtual performer characters performing, etc. on the terminal device 12. Note that in this step, a case has been described in which the display control means 58 controls the display of the live venue when an entrance is selected by the player, but the display of the live venue may also be controlled automatically.

Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an overall overview of a live music venue.

As shown in FIG. 6, the live venue 100 is set up with a stage area A1, a first seating area A2, and a second seating area A3. One or more virtual performer characters P are displayed in the stage area A1. In the first seating area A2, first virtual characters C1 that can be operated by two or more participating players are displayed. The first virtual characters C1 are movable within the range of the first seating area A2. When the first virtual character C1 approaches another first virtual character C1 within a certain distance range, the other first virtual character C1 may be hidden. In the second seating area A3, a plurality of second virtual characters C2 are displayed and controlled. It is preferable that the number of second virtual characters C2 is more than the number of first virtual characters C1 displayed in the first seating area A2, such as 100 or 1000 people. This second seating area A3 is an area that is affected by other live venues among multiple live venues where the same live performance is performed approximately simultaneously. Specifically, the second seating area A3 is an area in which some of the actions of the first virtual character, whose display is controlled at other live venues, are reflected. For example, if there are five other live venues where the same live performance is being held at approximately the same time, the second seating area A3 is composed of an area A3(1) affected by the first live venue, an area A3(2) affected by the second live venue, an area A3(3) affected by the third live venue, an area A3(4) affected by the fourth live venue, and an area A3(5) affected by the fifth live venue.

Returning to FIG. 5, processing proceeds to step SP72.

(Step SP72)
The progress means 52 of the server device 10 judges whether or not it is time to start the live performance based on the performance schedule 50C. If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP74, and if the judgment is negative, the process returns to step SP72.

(Step SP74)
The execution means 60 of the server device 10 executes a virtual live performance based on the performance data 50D, and outputs the execution results to the terminal devices 12 of two or more players participating in the live venue 100. If the performance data 50D is installed in the terminal devices 12, the execution means 60 outputs an instruction to execute a virtual live performance to the two or more terminal devices 12 participating in the live venue 100, instead of executing the virtual live performance. This allows the two or more players participating in the live venue 100 to watch, on each terminal device 12, a virtual live performance in which the virtual performer character P sings and dances.

Figure 7 shows an example of a virtual live screen 110 that can be viewed from the field of view 102 of a player who is controlling the virtual character C1 shown in Figure 6.

7, for example, a virtual performer character P and a stage area A1 are displayed on the virtual live screen 110. A display bar 112 is also displayed on the virtual live screen 110. The display bar 112 shows the cheering points of the player watching the virtual live. A penlight 114 held by the first virtual character C1 operated by the player is also displayed on the virtual live screen 110. When a predetermined item is used, the item 116 is displayed on the stage area A1. For example, the item 116 may be a bouquet 116A or a letter 116B. When the letter 116B is used, an action of posting a message can be performed, and the posted message 118 can be viewed by other players. This message may be one input by the player on the terminal device 12 when the letter 116B is used, or may be one that is predetermined. Depending on the field of view 102, it is also possible to view the other first virtual character C1 and second virtual character C2 performing actions. This field of view 102 can be changed, for example, based on the output value of a gyro sensor provided in the terminal device 12 or a tap operation.

Returning to FIG. 5, processing proceeds to step SP76.

(Step SP76)
The progression means 52 determines whether or not it has received operation information transmitted from the terminal device 12 of any one of the two or more players participating in the live venue 100. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP78, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP84.

(Step SP78)
The execution means 60 causes the first virtual character C1 corresponding to the player who transmitted the operation information to execute an action corresponding to the operation information. The content of this action is displayed on each terminal device 12 by the display control means 58. Furthermore, when an action of using a predetermined item is executed as an action, the payment processing means 54 makes the item available to the player based on the player's payment of a charge or game content (in-game currency, crystals, etc.) before the execution. Then, the process proceeds to step SP80. Note that if the item is purchased in the waiting area, payment such as a charge may not be required before using the item.

(Step SP80)
The storage control means 62 of the server device 10 stores the action executed in step SP78 in the action history 50F. Depending on the type of action, the storage control means 62 may not need to store the action executed in step SP78 in the action history 50F. For example, the action of moving, changing the color of a penlight, waving a penlight, etc. are not reflected in other performance venues, so the storage control means 62 may not need to store them in the action history 50F. Then, the process proceeds to step SP82.

(Step SP82)
The granting means 68 grants cheering points to the player who has performed an action according to the action. Specifically, the granting means 68 adds cheering points according to the action to the cheering points recorded in the play data 50A of the player who has performed the action. For example, the granting means 68 adds cheering points "1" when the action performed is an action of waving a penlight, and adds cheering points "3" when the action performed is an action of pressing a stamp. Furthermore, the granting means 68 adds cheering points "2" when the action performed is an action of jumping, and adds cheering points "4" when the action performed is an action of using an item. Furthermore, the granting means 68 may change the cheering points to be added according to the item. For example, if the item is an item that requires payment such as a charge for use, the cheering points to be added may be high, and if the item is an item that does not require payment such as a charge for use, the cheering points to be added may be low. Note that each added value of the cheering points described above is an example, and is not particularly limited. Furthermore, if the cheering point threshold is reached, the granting means 68 does not add cheering points except for the action of using an item. Then, the process proceeds to step SP84.

(Step SP84)
The progression means 52 judges whether or not a first predetermined time has passed since the virtual live performance was performed. If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP86, and if the judgment is negative, the process proceeds to step SP88. Note that this first predetermined time is a time (timing) that is pre-defined for each performance, and there may be one or more first predetermined times. In this step, instead of judging whether or not a first predetermined time has passed since the virtual live performance was performed, the progression means 52 may judge whether or not a predetermined timing has occurred, such as whether or not a predetermined song or a predetermined part has been reached.

(Step SP86)
The execution means 60 causes some or all of the second virtual characters C2 in the live venue 100 to perform a predetermined action, such as waving a penlight or changing the color of the penlight. For example, the execution means 60 causes more than half of the second virtual characters C2, for example 95%, of the second virtual characters C2 to perform the action of changing the color of the penlight to pink. The reason for not using 100% is to prevent unnaturalness, but the numerical value may be adjusted as necessary, including 100%. Depending on the player's field of view 102, the player can watch the second virtual character C2 performing the action. Then, the process proceeds to step SP88.

(Step SP88)
The progression means 52 judges whether or not a second predetermined time has elapsed since the virtual live performance was performed. If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP90, and if the judgment is negative, the process proceeds to step SP96. The second predetermined time is a time (timing) that is predetermined for each performance, and there are a plurality of second predetermined times. From the viewpoint of timing the climax, it is preferable that the interval between the plurality of second predetermined times is in seconds. In addition, in this step, instead of judging whether or not a second predetermined time has elapsed since the virtual live performance was performed, the progression means 52 may judge whether or not a predetermined timing has occurred, such as whether or not a predetermined song or a predetermined part has been reached.

(Step SP90)
The selection means 64 selects, for example, one action from the action history 50F based on the probability or weighting in the probability table 50E. In this selection, the selection probability is set higher for an action that involves payment of a charge or game content among a plurality of actions. Also, the selection probability is set higher for the use of an item that requires a higher payment amount such as a charge. Then, the process proceeds to step SP92. Note that, when selecting the action, the weighting of the immediately preceding action in the action history 50F may be increased.

(Step SP92)
The reflecting means 66 instructs the other live venues 100 to reflect some of the actions of the first virtual character C1 that are under display control at this live venue 100, i.e., one action selected by the selection means 64, in the other live venues 100 where the same virtual live performance is being performed at approximately the same time. Then, the process proceeds to step SP94.

(Step SP94)
The storage control means 62 resets (initializes) the action history 50F, and the process proceeds to step SP96.

(Step SP96)
The reflection means 66 judges whether or not there is a reflection instruction from another live venue 100 to this live venue 100. If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP98, and if the judgment is negative, the process proceeds to step SP100.

(Step SP98)
The reflecting means 66 reflects some of the actions of the first virtual character C1 that are controlled to be displayed in the other live venues 100 in the present live venue 100. Specifically, the reflecting means 66 causes the second virtual character C2 in the areas A3(1) to A3(5) of the second seating area A3 that correspond to the other live venues 100 to execute some of the actions of the first virtual characters C1 that are controlled to be displayed in the other live venues 100. For example, some of the actions of the first virtual characters C1 that are controlled to be displayed in the other live venues 100, particularly the use of the bouquet 116A shown in FIG. 7 and the use of the letter 116B including the message 118, can be seen by players participating in the present live venue 100. Then, the process proceeds to the process of step SP100.

(Step SP100)
The progression means 52 judges whether or not it is a time-less time (a third predetermined time). If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP102, and if the judgment is negative, the process proceeds to step SP104.

(Step SP102)
The execution means 60 causes the virtual performer character P to execute a response (action) to the player (first virtual character). Examples of this response include turning toward the player, waving toward the player, greeting the player, shaking hands with the player, saying the player's name, and giving a present (item) to the player. Here, the reflection means 66 may change the response of the virtual performer character P based on the cheering points of the players. For example, more responses may be executed for players with more cheering points. Furthermore, the selection means 64 may reflect the cheering points in the selection probability and select a player who will respond from among the players participating in the live venue 100. Then, the process proceeds to step SP104.

(Step SP104)
The progression means 52 judges whether or not the virtual live has ended, and if the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP106, whereas if the judgment is negative, the process returns to step SP76.

(Step SP106)
The granting means 68 judges whether or not the cheering points of the player are equal to or greater than a threshold value. In this embodiment, the granting means 68 judges whether or not there is a player whose cheering points are equal to or greater than a threshold value. If the judgment is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP108, and if the judgment is negative, the series of processes shown in FIG. 5 ends.

(Step SP108)
The granting means 68 grants a reward to a player whose cheering points are equal to or greater than a threshold. The granting means 68 may grant a different reward depending on the cheering points. Also, the granting means 68 may grant a different reward to a player whose cheering points are less than the threshold. Then, the series of processes shown in FIG. 5 ends.

＜Effects＞
As described above, in this embodiment, the server device 10 capable of communicating with the terminal devices 12 of the multiple players includes a matching means 56 that matches two or more of the multiple players with one of the multiple live venues 100 where the same performance (live show) is performed substantially simultaneously. The server device 10 also includes a display control means 58 that displays and controls, on the terminal devices 12 of the two or more players, the one live venue matched by the matching means 56, and displays and controls a plurality of first virtual characters C1 corresponding to the two or more players at the one live venue, the first virtual characters C1 being capable of performing a plurality of actions in response to operations on the terminal devices 12 of the two or more players. Furthermore, the server device 10 is provided with a reflection means 66 that issues a reflection instruction to reflect some of the actions of the first virtual character C1 that is display-controlled at one live venue in other live venues among the multiple live venues 100 while a live performance is being performed at the multiple live venues 100, and that, when a reflection instruction is received from the other live venue to the one live venue, reflects some of the actions of the first virtual character C1 that is display-controlled at the other live venue in the one live venue.
According to this configuration, two or more players among the multiple players are matched with any one of the multiple live venues 100 where the same performance (live) is performed substantially simultaneously, so even if there are many players who want to watch the same live performance, they can be assigned to any one of the multiple live venues 100 where the same live performance is performed substantially simultaneously. As a result, the number of players participating in one live venue 100 is reduced, and the amount of communication between the terminal device 12 and the server device 10 for making the first virtual character C1 take actions, etc., can be reduced in the one live venue 100, and the communication load can be suppressed. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, when there is a reflection instruction from another live venue to the one live venue, some of the actions of the first virtual character C1 that are displayed and controlled in the other live venue are reflected in the one live venue, so that the players can be given the feeling that a large number of players greater than the number of matched players are participating in the same live venue, thereby livening up the entire live venue.

In addition, in this embodiment, for each of the multiple live venues 100, a selection means 64 is provided which selects some actions from the action history 50F of actions performed by the first virtual character C1 whose display is controlled at that live venue 100, and a reflection means 66 reflects, in one live venue, the actions selected by the selection means 64 for other live venues.
According to this configuration, it is possible to reflect the actions of the first virtual characters C1 in the other live venues, thereby livening up the entire live venue.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the selection by the selection means 64, the selection probability of an action involving payment of a fee or game content is set high among a plurality of actions.
According to this configuration, an action involving payment of a fee or game content is likely to be reflected not only in one live venue but also in other live venues, so that the player can be honored, and as a result, the player can be encouraged to pay the fee or game content.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a payment processing means 54 is provided which makes items available to the player based on the player's payment for a fee or game content, and some actions include the use of an item, and in the lottery by the lottery means 64, the probability of winning is set higher for items with a higher payment amount.
This configuration can give more honor to the player, which can further encourage the player to pay for the game content or other charges.

In addition, in this embodiment, some actions include posting a message (including the use of an item having the posting function).
According to this configuration, the message can be seen by players participating in other live performance venues, which not only honors the player but also livens up the entire live performance venue.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display control means 58 controls the display of a second virtual character C2 different from the first virtual character C1 at one live venue, and the reflection means 66 reflects, on the second virtual character C2 displayed at one live venue, a portion of the action of each of the first virtual characters C1 whose display is controlled at other live venues, by having the second virtual character C2 displayed at one live venue execute the portion of the action.
According to this configuration, the display of the second virtual character C2, in which some of the actions are reflected, is controlled, thereby giving the player the feeling that a larger number of players than the number of matched players are participating in the same live venue.

In addition, this embodiment includes an execution means 60 that causes the second virtual character C2 to execute a predetermined action at a predetermined timing for each live performance.
According to this configuration, even if the number of actions reflected in the second virtual character C2 is small, the second virtual character C2 is caused to execute predetermined actions, so that a drop in excitement in the entire venue can be prevented.

In addition, in this embodiment, the types of predetermined actions and the types of some of the actions reflected by the reflection means 66 are different.
According to this configuration, when the timing for executing a predetermined action and the timing for reflecting a certain action overlap, both actions can be performed without prioritizing one over the other.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game device includes a granting means 68 that changes the support points as a parameter based on the action of the first virtual character C1 operated by the player, and grants a reward to the player based on the support points.
According to this configuration, the number of actions can be increased in order to receive cheering points, or more precisely, rewards, further livening up the entire venue.

In this embodiment, the display control means 58 controls the display of the virtual performer character P performing live at the live venue, and the reflection means 66 changes the behavior of the virtual performer character P based on the cheering points.
With this configuration, the number of actions increases as the virtual performer character P's behavior changes, further livening up the entire venue.

<Modification>
The present invention is not limited to the above specific examples. In other words, the above specific examples, to which a person skilled in the art has made appropriate design modifications, are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. In addition, the elements of the above-mentioned embodiment and the modified examples described below can be combined to the extent technically possible, and combinations of these are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the characteristics of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the reflection means 66 has been described as changing the behavior of the virtual performer character P based on the cheering points, but the reflection means 66 may also favor a game other than the virtual live performance, such as a main game or a quest, based on the cheering points. For example, if the cheering points are equal to or greater than a threshold, the reflection means 66 may lower the difficulty of the main game, reduce the number of enemy characters, or increase the status of the player, etc. Furthermore, the reflection means 66 may change the lottery probability when drawing a lottery for game content based on the cheering points. For example, the probability of drawing a lottery content with a higher rarity may be increased as the cheering points increase. Furthermore, the reflection means 66 may change the quality of items used at the live venue 100 based on the cheering points. For example, the reflection means 66 may increase the quality of items used at the live venue 100 as the cheering points increase. Conversely, the reflection means 66 may increase the quality of items used at the live venue 100 as the cheering points decrease.

In the above embodiment, the cheering point rankings between players are made visible in the waiting area, but they may be made visible on a menu screen or at the live venue 100. In particular, making the rankings visible in real time while the virtual live performance is taking place at the live venue 100 encourages players to take further action, which can further liven up the entire venue.

In addition, in the above embodiment, no specific examples of matching by the matching means 56 were mentioned, but for example, the matching means 56 may match players based on the past behavior history (number of actions, number of chats, number of item uses, etc.) of each player's first virtual character C1. Specifically, the matching means 56 may match players such that players with a large number of actions are distributed among multiple live venues 100. This can prevent a situation in which only one live venue 100 is excited and the other live venues 100 are depressed.

In the above embodiment, the case was described where each of the areas A3(1) to A3(5) corresponds to a different live venue, but if any of the areas A3(1) to A3(5) is vacant (if the different live venue has not been determined), the actions in the different live venues corresponding to the other areas may also be reflected as the actions of the second virtual character C2 in the vacant area. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which only one area becomes lively while the other areas become depressed.

Although the above embodiment does not mention the number of songs in the virtual live performance, the virtual live performance may be made up of multiple songs. In this case, the probability of winning an action may be adjusted according to the behavioral history in the previous song. For example, by increasing the probability of winning an action of a player who did not win in the previous song, it is possible to increase the player's sense of participation in the live performance, which can further liven up the entire venue.

10: server device (computer, information processing device), 56: matching means, 58: display control means, 66: reflection means

Claims (11)

A computer capable of communicating with terminal devices of a plurality of players,
a matching means for matching identification information of two or more players among the plurality of players with identification information of any one of a plurality of venues where the same performance or show is performed substantially simultaneously;
a display control means for displaying and controlling, on the terminal devices of the two or more players, one venue matched by the matching means, and displaying and controlling, in the one venue, a plurality of virtual characters corresponding to the two or more players, the virtual characters being capable of a plurality of actions in response to operations on the terminal devices of the two or more players;
a reflection means for issuing a reflection instruction to reflect a part of the actions of the virtual character that is display-controlled in one of the venues in another of the plurality of venues while the performance or staging is being performed in the plurality of venues, and for reflecting a part of the actions of the virtual character that is display-controlled in the other venue in the one venue when a reflection instruction is received from the other venue to the one venue;
A program to function as a The computer,
a selection means for selecting, for each of the plurality of venues, a portion of actions from a history of actions performed by a virtual character that is under display control in the venue;
Function as a
The reflecting means reflects, in the one venue, the action selected by the selection means for the other venue.
The program according to claim 1. In the lottery by the lottery means, a lottery probability of an action involving payment of a fee or game content is set high among the plurality of actions.
The program according to claim 2. The computer,
a payment processing means for making items available to the player based on a payment by the player of a charge or game content;
Function as a
the portion of actions includes using the item;
In the lottery by the lottery means, the probability of winning is set higher as the amount of payment for an item increases.
The program according to claim 3. The portion of the actions includes posting a message.
5. The program according to claim 1. When the virtual character is a first virtual character,
The display control means controls the display of a second virtual character different from the first virtual character in the one venue,
The reflecting means reflects a part of an action of each of the first virtual characters that are controlled to be displayed in the other venue by causing the second virtual character that is displayed in the one venue to execute the part of the action of the first virtual character.
6. The program according to claim 1. The computer,
an execution means for causing the second virtual character to execute a predetermined action at a predetermined timing for each of the performances;
The program according to claim 6 for causing the program to function as a program. the predetermined action type and the part of the action types reflected by the reflecting means are different;
The program according to claim 7. The computer,
a rewarding means for changing a parameter based on an action of a virtual character operated by the player and for rewarding the player based on the parameter;
9. The program according to claim 1, which causes the program to function as: The display control means controls the display of a virtual performer character performing the performance or the staging in the venue;
The reflecting means changes the behavior of the virtual actor character based on the parameters.
The program according to claim 9. An information processing device capable of communicating with terminal devices of a plurality of players,
a matching means for matching identification information of two or more players among the plurality of players with identification information of any one of a plurality of venues where the same performance or show is performed substantially simultaneously;
a display control means for displaying and controlling, on the terminal devices of the two or more players, one venue that has been matched by the matching means, and displaying and controlling, in the one venue, a plurality of virtual characters corresponding to the two or more players, the virtual characters being capable of a plurality of actions in response to operations on the terminal devices of the two or more players;
a reflecting means for issuing a reflecting instruction to reflect a part of the actions of the virtual character that is display-controlled in one of the venues in another of the plurality of venues while the performance or staging is being performed in the plurality of venues, and for reflecting a part of the actions of the virtual character that is display-controlled in the other venue in the one venue when a reflecting instruction is received from the other venue to the one venue;
An information processing device comprising:

Images