KR20040042121A - A method and apparatus for providing on-line game - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A method and a device for offering an online game are provided to make the users belonging to an independent cyber space interchange with each other by each server, and remove a side effect while maximally using a good point of a PvP(Player versus Player) system. CONSTITUTION: The system comprises clients(1a-1n) and an online game server(5). The player connects to the game server through each client and transfers an instruction for controlling a user character to the server. The game server comprises general servers(501a-501n) and connection servers(503a-503n). The general server provides the online game and manages each independent cyber space. The connection server provides the interchange with the general servers. The user interchanges or enjoys a competition game with other users belonging to other server through the connection server.

Description

A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ON-LINE GAME}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an online game device, and more particularly, a plurality of users manipulate their own characters (hereinafter referred to as "user characters") in an online virtual world (hereinafter referred to as a "virtual world"). It relates to an on-line role playing game device that allows the game to proceed.

In a conventional online role playing game, each user manipulates his or her character in a virtual world provided by a game server, so that the character is provided in the virtual world independently of other user characters or the user's operation. By interacting with (NPC: Non-Playing Character), you can play the game. Here, the NPCs include, for example, "monsters" and the like, in which the user character has to face off in order to clear the game. On the other hand, the user can create one or more of his character in the virtual space, and can increase the character's ability according to his or her play in the virtual world. Here, the character's ability refers to the social class (for example, common people, knights, holy spirits, etc.), property (various items such as cyber money, weapons, etc.) of the user character in the virtual world. Depending on the activity ability in the virtual world is determined.

This online game has a continuity unlike a Battle.net game (eg, StarCraft developed and sold by Blizzard) that allows users to meet each other on-line to play a competitive game. In other words, in the game via Battle.net, it is similar to the online game in that several users play the game at the same time online, but it ends in one match game and there is no continuity between the previous game and the current game. In terms of, there is a difference with online games. In other words, unlike battle.net games, in online games, the ability of the user's character in the virtual world is determined by the results of the games played by the user so far. Will have

In a conventional online game, the number of users that can be accommodated in one server is constantly limited according to the server's capability. When the number of users of online games exceeds a certain number, several servers share users to provide Internet games. The virtual world provided by one server is a completely independent world from the virtual world provided by another server, and each virtual world provided by a plurality of servers forms a parallel virtual world. Therefore, in the conventional online game, even if the user who enjoys the same online game, the server has a problem that the different users can not meet each other in the virtual world to enjoy the game. However, the more users, the more they want to see their position in the virtual world (i.e. their ability in the virtual world), especially in the virtual world provided by other servers outside their virtual world. Although there is a strong desire to confirm its position, the conventional online game system has a problem that it cannot satisfy the desire of the user.

However, to solve this problem, it is not possible to provide a server-to-server connection. The virtual world provided by each server is a closed world disconnected from other virtual worlds, and because it has an independent balance of politics, economy, and society, the order between virtual worlds can be destroyed in a moment when the user exchange between servers is allowed. Because it can.

On the other hand, the conventional online game is introducing a system (PvP system: Player vs Player system) to battle or confront the user characters. The PvP system has been functioning as an advantage of inducing the active participation of users by increasing the reality of the game. Recently, however, there has been a problem that the order of the virtual world is disturbed by exploiting the PvP system and intentionally plundering items of user characters of others. In addition, in order to easily improve the ability of the user character, instead of growing his character in the virtual world, the user will have problems such as purchasing items of other user characters in the real world, which should limit the PvP system to some extent. Opinion is being raised. However, limiting the PvP system results in the deprivation of the freedom of the user's character's behavior in the virtual world, which causes the problem that the essence of the Internet game of playing the game under the interaction of the user's characters is undermined. .

The present invention is to solve the problems of the conventional online game described above, it is possible to provide an exchange between users belonging to an independent virtual world by each server, while making the most of the advantages of the PvP system It is an object of the present invention to provide a new method and system for providing online games that can eliminate side effects.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a game device that provides an exchange of users between servers, but does not affect the ability of the user character in the virtual world to which they belong.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a game server system that can classify the ability of a user character belonging to an independent virtual world into a plurality of levels, thereby providing exchange between users of the same level.

1 is a view schematically showing the configuration of an online game providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a client in FIG.

3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process of updating a game program by an update client.

4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a connection server in FIG.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing an online game according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a diagram illustrating a channel selection process in FIG. 5 in more detail.

7 is a view showing the operation in the waiting room in FIG.

An online game providing apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object is an apparatus for providing an online game by interlocking a plurality of online game providing servers that each provide an independent virtual space, a. Means for allowing a connection from a user; b. Means for receiving information about the user character from a server that stores information about the user character of the user allowed to access; c. Means for repeating steps a and b for a plurality of users; d. Means for providing an online game between user characters of the plurality of users.

In addition, the online game providing method according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a method for providing an online game by interlocking a plurality of online game providing server providing each independent virtual space, a. Allowing access from a user; b. Receiving information about the user character from a server that stores information about the user character of the user allowed to access; c. Repeating steps a and b for a plurality of users; d. Providing an online game between user characters of the plurality of users.

In addition, the recording medium according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a computer-readable recording medium for providing an online game by interlocking a plurality of online game providing servers that each provide an independent virtual space, a . Allowing access from a user; b. Receiving information about the user character from a server that stores information about the user character of the user allowed to access; c. Repeating steps a and b for a plurality of users; d. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing an online game between user characters of the plurality of users on a computer.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a basic online game provided by each of the servers providing an independent virtual world, and to connect the independent servers to provide an online game between users belonging to each independent server. . The online game between users belonging to an independent server is based on team confrontation, but it is a form of team-to-team game or each team playing an NPC. In order to balance the power of the teams in the confrontation, a plurality of game channels are provided, which are divided according to the player character's ability, and a certain penalty may be imposed. Therefore, according to the configuration of the present invention, users belonging to the independent server can enjoy the online game, it is possible to check the position of their character in the virtual world. In addition, since the result of the online game according to the present invention does not affect the ability of the character in each individual server to which the user character belongs, the beauty of the PvP game without the burden of losing the ability or item of the character that the user has cherished is important. It is possible to enjoy the various problems caused by PvP in each independent virtual space can be solved. As described above, the technical configuration of the present invention, which connects independent servers to provide a new type of online game, may be applied to, for example, "Lineage" manufactured and operated by NC Soft. The person skilled in the art can also easily apply to the online game.

Hereinafter, a method and a device for operating an online game according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of an online game providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 is largely comprised of a plurality of clients 1 _a to 1 _n used for online game access by game users, and an online game server unit 5 which provides a pivotal role of the online game. Here, the plurality of clients 1 _a to 1 _n and the online game server unit 5 form a network that can support a protocol used in a game, for example, the Internet, a LAN, a wireless network, a telephone network, and the like. Connected via

Each client corresponds to, for example, a game client installed in a personal computer. The game player connects to the game server 5 through each of the clients 1 _a to 1 _n , and transmits a command for manipulating a user character to the server 5 side. The plurality of clients 1 _a to 1 _n are connected to the game server unit 5 via the network 3, and the game server unit 5 is a general server 501 _a to 501 _n and a connection server 503 _a. 503 _n ). The general servers 501 _a to 501 _n are servers for providing general online games, and manage independent virtual worlds. Each normal server can typically provide simultaneous access for thousands of users, providing the same virtual world for the connected users. Users can only see the virtual world provided by their server, but can't experience the virtual world provided by other servers.

The connection server 503 _a to 503 _n is a server that provides exchange with general servers 501 _a to 501 _n providing independent virtual worlds, and through the connection server, users connect with users belonging to other servers. You can interact with them or play a match game.

Hereinafter, the configurations of the clients 1 _a to 1 _n and the server unit 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the clients 1 _a to 1 _{n in} FIG. 1. Clients 1 _a to 1 _n are generated by installing an online game program, for example, on a user's personal computer. As shown in FIG. 2, the clients 1 _a to 1 _n are responsible for updating the game client 210, the user's game program, which processes commands from the user and the server 5 in connection with the progress of the game. And a communication module 230 that exchanges data with the server unit 5 through the update client 220 and the network 3.

The game client 210 performs various functions (including a function of receiving necessary information from a server, reconfiguring a user screen, receiving a user input, and transmitting the same to a server) in order to proceed with a game. For the part.

The update client 220 receives the update information of the game from the server 5 and plays a role of updating the game client 210. For example, new virtual worlds, new characters, and new items that did not exist at the time of purchase of the game can be added. When receiving information about the display of these characters and the virtual worlds from the server 5, the update client 220 ) Updates the game client 210 so that the game client 210 can interpret this new information.

3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a process of updating a game program by an update server 310 (not shown in the server unit 5 of FIG. 1) and an update client 220 that are responsible for updating a program. When the user starts the game, the update client 220 is first activated and connected to the update server 310 before the game client 210 is activated and connected to the server 5. The update client 220 sends a time stamp of the last file received from the server 5 to the update server 310. The update server 310 uses this time stamp to determine which game files to send to the client side, and sends them. In other words, the newly upgraded file is transmitted from the server to the client side since the game program on the user side was last updated. The update client 220 receives all necessary files and installs them on the user's computer, so that the game client 210 can recognize the new files. When the update process is completed, the game client 210 can interpret the command from the server 5 regarding the new virtual world or character, and perform an appropriate operation.

The communication module 230 is a part for communicating through the Internet, and all communication with the server is made through this communication module 230. That is, all of the user's input from the user side to the server side or the information from the server side to the game client is made through this communication module 230. In one embodiment of the present invention, the communication module supports TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) protocol.

4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of general servers 501 _a to 501 _n and connection servers 503 _a to 503 _n according to the present invention. The general server 501 _a to 501 _n and the connection server 503 _a to 503 _n are all composed of a game operation main module, an NPC module, an NPC DB, a game operation DB, an authentication module, and a user DB. However, in the general server 501 and the connection server 503, the information stored in each DB and the function of each module are completely different. Hereinafter, the components of the general servers 501 _a to 501 _n will be described, and then the components of the connection servers 503 _a to 503 _n will be described.

The NPC module 430 is responsible for generating, controlling, and managing the NPC according to a predetermined rule, and the NPC DB 435 stores various information about the NPC. For example, general information about the NPC, such as the role of each NPC, possible attack patterns, related items, and shapes, and information about the number, types, and locations of active NPCs. In one embodiment of the present invention, in order to speed up the progress of the game, it is configured to store information on the currently active NPC in the memory of the server, not the file or DB.

The game operation DB 445 includes various data related to the progress of the game (for example, information about the environment in the game, the character of the user, the current position of the user character in the game environment, and the score of each character). (Capabilities) and owned items) are stored. When the game is finished, the game operation DB 445 of the general servers 501 _a to 501 _n is stored in the virtual world changed according to the result of the game, so that the player can play the game in the virtual world having continuity.

The user DB 455 stores various information of users belonging to the server, and the authentication module 460 receives an ID and password from the user when the user accesses the server, and determines whether the connected user is a legally registered user. It is used to confirm. Since the general servers 501 _a to 501 _n each provide independent virtual worlds, only the personal information of the users they manage is stored and managed in the user DB 455.

The game operation main module 420 interworks with the client 1 and plays a role of operating the entire game. Since the general servers 501 _a to 501 _n are independent of each other, each game operation main module 420 is only involved in game operation in the server to which it belongs.

Next, the configuration of the connection servers 503 _a to 503 _n will be described. Since the connection server 503 provides a virtual world in which user characters belonging to different servers can meet each other and play an online game, the general server 501 _a in the information stored in the database and the operation method of the game operation main module. 501 _n ). However, the NPC module 430 and the NPC DB 435 perform almost the same functions as the general server 503. The NPCs provided through the connection server 503 may be completely different from those of the general server 501, but may be used as the NPC of the general server in conjunction with the NPC module and the NPC DB of the general server.

The communication module 410 also provides communication with the clients 1 _a through 1 _n and the general servers 501 _a through 501 _n through a network.

The game operation DB 445 of the connection server 503 _a to 503 _n stores various information about the game progress and the game result. The game operation DB 445 in progress of the game operates almost the same as that of the general server. However, unlike the general servers 501 _a to 501 _n , the connection servers 503 _a to 503 _n do not provide a virtual world with continuity, and users belonging to each general server 501 _a to 501 _n are mutually own. Since the main purpose is to provide a meeting place that can compete with the ability of the character of the game, the information stored in the game management DB (445) is deleted at the end of the game, only the information of each user's total, the degree of victory or loss It is stored and managed continuously.

Since the user DB 455 and the authentication module 460 of the connection server 503 _a to 503 _n must allow all users registered in the general server 501 to provide a game between these users. Manage information about all users. The connection server 503 _a to 503 _n may store and manage all user information registered in the general server 501 _a to 501 _n in its user DB 455, but the general server 501 _a to 501 _n User information can also be managed through linkage with individual user DBs. That is, when the ID and password are input from the user, it may be determined whether the authentication module 460 is a legitimate user using the information stored in the user DB 455, but the user information may be stored in the general server 501 _a to 501 _n. By transmitting to) may be confirmed whether the user is a legitimate user through the authentication module 460 of the general server (501 _a ~ 501 _n ).

Connection Server (503 _a ~ 503 _n) operating the game state module 420 is in it serves to operate the game in the entire connection server (503 _a ~ 503 _n). However, unlike the general server 501, since the game operation main module 420 of the connection server (503 _a ~ 503 _n ) must provide a connection between the general server (501 _a ~ 501 _n ), the client (1 _a ~ 1 _n ) as well as interoperating with the general server (501 _a ~ 501 _n ) through the network. When the game through the connection server 503 _a to 503 _n is started, the game operation main module 420 of the connection server 503 _a to 503 _n interworks with the game operation main module of the general servers 501 _a to 501 _n . Thus, the transfer of character information of users participating in the game is required. In response to such a request, the game operation main module of the general servers 501 _a to 501 _n retrieves its own game operation DB and returns the user's character information to the game operation main module 420 of the connection server 503 _a to 503 _n . The game operation main module 420 of the connection server 503 _a to 503 _n stores the user character information in its game operation DB 445. In addition, when the user character information is transmitted from the general servers 501 _a to 501 _n , the function of determining the level of the game that each user can participate in according to the capability of the user character is also performed. .

Figure 5 is a flow chart for explaining the progress of the game according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the user executes a game program on his computer, for example, the clients 1 _a to 1 _n connect to the connection servers 503 _a to 503 _n (S10). When _a connection is made between the clients 1 _a to 1 _n and the connection server 503 _a to 503 _n , the update client 220 first accesses the update server 310 to receive the updated program elements (S15). . When the update process is completed, the connection between the game client 210 and the connection server (503 _a ~ 503 _n ) is made, the connection server (503 _a ~ 503 _n ) requests the user's authentication (S20). When a user inputs an ID and a password in a user authentication request, the authentication module 460 searches the user DB 455 to check whether the user is legitimately registered. If found to be a legitimate user, the user is allowed access to the game. The user connected to the connection server 503 _a to 503 _n selects the general server 501 _a to 501 _n in which his user character is stored and the character to be used (S25). If there is a user's choice, the game operation main module 420 of the connection server 503 _a to 503 _n is linked with the game operation main module 420 of the selected general servers 501 _a to 501 _n , and the corresponding user character information. Receive The received character information is stored in the game operation DB 445 of the connection server 503 _a to 503 _n . At this time, the game operation main module 420 evaluates the capabilities of the received user character, and stores them together. This user character's ability is used to adjust the game's equity at the user's channel selection stage.

After the user character selection is finished, the user selects a channel of the virtual world to which he or she enters (S30). 6 is a diagram illustrating the process of channel selection in more detail. Since the channels are regularly divided according to the user's character's ability, the user can enjoy the game in a virtual world tailored to his character's ability. Since the connection servers 503 _a to 503 _n establish a meeting place between user characters grown in each general server 501 _a to 501 _n having a completely independent virtual world, the connection servers 503 _a to 503 n The ability of the characters of the users to access _n ) is neither known to each other nor balanced and varied. However, by providing separate channels according to the ability of the character, the user can enjoy the game in a new virtual world that is tailored to the ability of his user character. If you select a channel that is higher than your user character's ability, the user is more likely to play a game with characters that are more capable than you. Conversely, if you select a channel that is lower than your user character's ability, you're more likely to play games with characters that are less capable than you, so you're given a certain penalty (for example, Slowing down user character movements, etc.).

When the channel is selected, the game moves to the waiting room to select a game method (S35). 7 is a diagram illustrating an operation in the waiting room. In the waiting room, a room for communicating with other users connected to the connection servers 503 _a to 503 _n may be established, or a room may be joined. In consultation with other users, when a team is formed and the game system is determined, the users move to the game stage (S40), and the game is progressed (S45). In the present invention, various types of game methods are provided, which will be described later in detail.

While the game is in progress, the game client 210 receives the user's input and transmits it to the server 5 through the communication module 230, and the server 5 interprets the input so that appropriate processing corresponding to the user's input is performed. To be performed, _a predetermined command is transmitted to all clients 1 _a to 1 _n connected to the server, and the clients 1 _a to 1 _n update the game screen according to the command. For example, when a user clicks on a mouse that is another user character or an NPC monster acting as an enemy in the virtual world, the game client 210 interprets the information and transmits the information to the server 5, and the server 5. The game operation main module 420 detects that the user has clicked on another user character or monster that is an enemy, and transmits a command to the game client 210 to allow the user character to take an attack action. The game client 210 interprets the command from the game operation main module 420 of the server 5 to display an operation of attacking another user character or monster whose user character is an enemy on the computer screen of the client. At the same time, the game operation main module 420 of the server 5 notifies all the clients 1 _a to 1 _n belonging to the user character targeted for the attack, so that the same screen can be displayed.

The display of the screen related to the NPC is performed by the NPC module 430 and the NPC DB 435. The NPC module 430 generates an NPC according to a command or a predetermined rule from the game operation main module 420, and according to an action specific to the NPC module (eg, kicking, swinging an arm, etc.). Controls the NPC, and controls the user characters to earn points or items when the NPC is destroyed. When the NPC module informs the game operation main module 420 of the information about the operation of a specific NPC, the main module 420 is connected to the operation of the NPC to all game clients 210 having the user character in the coordinates where the NPC can be viewed. The game client 210 interprets the command from the server 5 and displays the operation of the NPC on the screen. To this end, the main module 420 manages information about where each user character and NPCs are located in the virtual world.

In the above, an example of game progression by interworking between the clients 1 _a to 1 _n and the server 5 has been described. In this embodiment of the game, the roles of the clients 1 _a to 1 _n and the server unit 5 are shared. It can have a variety of forms depending on. In the example of the game described above, the server 5 performs most of the decisions related to the progress of the game, and the clients 1 _a to 1 _n play a role of updating the user screen according to the command of the server 5. Perform. In this configuration, after storing various graphic data and programs necessary for the display of the game screen on the user's computer or the like, the clients 1 _a to 1 _n use the stored information according to the command of the server 5 to display the game screen. Is displayed. Therefore, only the degree of command defining the coordinates and the motion of the user character is transmitted and received through the network connecting the actual clients 1 _a to 1 _n and the server 5.

For example, if the virtual world includes forests, bridges, caves, and the like, graphic information about the surrounding environment and the like is stored in the user's computer, and the clients 1 _a to 1 _n receive instructions from the server 5. The game proceeds by reading and displaying the graphic information necessary for the location and movement of the user character. Indeed, the gamer's command (e.g., a mouse click on a user character) is transmitted to the server 5 via the game client 210, interpreted by the server 5, and then passed back to the game client 210. Character display by the command of the child is made, but the user input transmission, interpretation and command delivery process is performed in a short time through the network (3), the user does not feel unnatural in the operation of the user character .

As such, in order to share the roles between the clients 1 _a to 1 _n and the server 5, the server 5 and the clients 1 _a to 1 _n should have information on the same virtual game environment. Then, the coordinates in the virtual world of all the user character is also continually updated by the client (1 _a ~ 1 _n) and the server (5) according to the type of client (1 _a ~ 1 _n). In addition, since the server side has information on the location and appearance of all the user's characters and monsters, the server side determines what information should be displayed on the user's screen (i.e., the user's field of view). Notify the game client. In this way, since the server 5 commands the display of the clients 1 _a to 1 _n with all the information input by the users in relation to the game and all the information about the game operation, all of the servers 5 connected to the server 5 Users can play games in the same virtual world.

When the game ends, the score and rank of the character is calculated according to the result of the game (S50). This information is stored in the game operation DB 445 by the game operation main module 420 and managed with continuity even after the end of the game. When the game ends, the game moves to the screen of the waiting room (S50), where users can form a team again, purchase items, etc., prepare for the next game or participate in another game, and if the game is no longer desired, To exit completely.

Depending on the result of the game, your user character may lose his or her ability, such as death or items that he or she has cherished, but the result of the game in the virtual world provided by the connection server 503 _a to 503 _n is originally It has no effect on the user's ability on individual servers 501 _a to 501 _n to which the user character belongs.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the game method selection step S35 of FIG. 5, the user may select various game methods such as Death Match, Honor Match, or Quest Battle. Can be.

(i) Deathmatch is the most common game style, in which a fight is played until the opposing team is wiped out. Deathmatch is basically divided into two teams. When the game starts, a mark is displayed on the user's character to distinguish between the enemy and allies. If the character dies, the user cannot take any action until the end of the current game, only viewing the game in progress.

(Ii) Honor match is a game system in which both team's symbols, such as flags or sentences, are captured. Honor match is divided into two teams, and the team that destroys or takes away the other side's emblem of honor first wins. The symbol of honor that is the target of attack and defense has a certain amount of energy, and the game ends when the energy of the symbol is zeroed by the opposing team's attack. The victory condition of the Honor Match is the destruction of the symbol, so even if the character falls down during the game, it can be revived and re-joined after a certain time.

(V) Quest battles are not confrontation between user characters, but take the form of fighting against monsters. The game is also divided into two teams, and each team passes through the same path with the same monsters or different paths with similar difficulty, and the team that passes the path first wins.

Since all three types of games form a team, the powers of both teams may not be balanced even if the teams are formed by users who enter the game through the same channel. Thus, in order to balance the objective power of both teams, it is possible to impose a certain penalty on the team with excellent power. For example, in the case of a quest battle, depending on the team power, the ability of the monsters arranged in the path that each team must pass may be set differently or the path length may be different. In the case of the honor match, the energy initially assigned to the symbol can be varied, and in the case of the death match, the speed of each user character of the team in which the objective power is dominant can be slowed by a predetermined amount. There are many other ways to balance the power of both teams.

In addition, the three game types may have a form of 1: 1 match or 1: team match, not team match.

Users who participate in the game are ranked. Once the gamers accessing the connection server 503 are automatically given basic scores, they are given scores that are added or subtracted according to the game results, and users are ranked based on these scores. The ranking of users is posted on the user bulletin board, so that all users participating in the game can search the ranking.

The ranking can be determined in various forms. Based on the character information, the character's ability is "same level ranking", which is a rank among users with the same ability, and "same level ranking," which is a rank among users belonging to the same server (normal server). "Same server ranking", "same channel ranking", which is a ranking among users who enter through the same channel, and the like.

These rankings may be updated continuously in real time, or may be updated at regular intervals.

Although the present invention has been described based on the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention within the scope of the following claims. Do. Specifically, the present invention may include various embodiments as follows.

(1) In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the game via the connection server 503 _a to 503 _n does not provide a continuous game, but in other embodiments, after the end of the game, the continuity is achieved by storing information on the user character. You can also provide a game. In this case, the user can select not only the general servers 501 _a to 501 _n but also user characters stored in the connection servers 503 _a to 503 _n . To this end, the connection server (503 _a ~ 503 _n) is the update information of the game user characters such as item acquired the user character in the provided is stored in the game operating DB (445) of the connection server (503 _a ~ 503 _n) .

(2) In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, most of the control related to game progress is performed by the game operation module 420 of the server, but it is also possible to transfer most of the functions to the client. In this case, each connection server 503 _a to 503 _n only serves to connect users on the network, and various information related to game progress is generated by each client and broadcasted to all other clients participating in the game. do. For example, in the case where the user A character attacks the user B character, as in the preferred embodiment, another user who is generated by the user A client and participates in the game without generating a command related to the display of this action on the server 5 side. Broadcast to Each client that receives these commands interprets the commands and performs the appropriate display. In this modified embodiment, the connection server 503 _a to 503 _n connects the users at the start of the game and performs only a function of recording the game results of the users after the end of the game.

(3) The connection servers 503 _a to 503 _n and the general servers 501 _a to 501 _n may be implemented as one server. In the case of the client program, the general server 501 _a to 501 _n and the connection server 503 _a to 503 _n may be produced as a single program, or may be separately produced as a separate program.

(4) In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the user selects a server to which his character belongs, but the user does not select the character, and the user information connected to the connection server from the connection servers 503 _a to 503 _n is selected. Based on the user information, it can find out the server storing the user character and read the user character automatically. When a user owns a plurality of characters in a plurality of servers, all the characters of the user are loaded into the connection servers 503 _a to 503 _n , and then one is selected.

According to the present invention, through the virtual world provided by the connection server, it is possible for the user characters existing in the independent virtual world to exchange and progress the game. Thus, users can enjoy playing games with users in more diverse environments. In addition, since the results of the game through the connection server does not affect the ability of the user character on the individual server at all, users can play the game without any burden on the characters that have grown for a long time. Can be. Therefore, the user-to-user confrontation can be enjoyed casually, and by providing a venue for the confrontation between the users, side effects of the PvP game appearing in each individual server can be alleviated.

Claims (14)

As a method of providing an online game by interlocking a plurality of online game providing servers that provide independent virtual spaces, a. Allowing access from a user, b. Receiving information about the user character from a server that stores information about the user character of the user allowed to access; c. Repeating steps a and b for a plurality of users; d. Providing an online game between user characters of the plurality of users Online game providing method comprising a. The method of claim 1, wherein step b is Receiving a selection of a server including a user character of the plurality of servers from the user; Receiving information about a user character from the selected server Online game providing method comprising a. The method of claim 1, wherein step b is Interpreting the user information of the user who is allowed to access; Interpreting a server storing a character of a user allowed to access based on the read user information; Receiving user information from the interpreted server Online game providing method comprising a. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Wherein step d comprises the step of receiving one of the plurality of game channels classified according to the ability of the user character from the plurality of users. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: imposing a predetermined penalty on the user character when there is a user input of selecting a channel lower than that of the user character. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, And the step d includes selecting one of a plurality of games from the plurality of users. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein step d further comprises forming a team between the plurality of users. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein step d further comprises: applying a predetermined penalty to the team where the average power of the user character prevails in order to balance power among the teams. An apparatus for providing an online game by interlocking a plurality of online game providing servers that provide independent virtual spaces, a. Means for allowing access from a user, b. Means for receiving information about the user character from a server that stores information about the user character of the user allowed to access; c. Means for repeating steps a and b for a plurality of users; d. Means for providing an online game between user characters of the plurality of users Online game providing device comprising a. The method of claim 9, wherein the means b, Means for receiving a selection of a server including a user character of the plurality of servers from the user; Means for receiving information about a user character from the selected server Online game providing device comprising a. The method according to any one of claims 9 and 10, And the means d further comprises means for receiving one of a plurality of game channels classified according to a user character's ability from the plurality of users. A computer-readable recording medium for providing an online game by interlocking a plurality of online game providing servers that provide independent virtual spaces. a. Allowing access from a user, b. Receiving information about the user character from a server that stores information about the user character of the user allowed to access; c. Repeating steps a and b for a plurality of users; d. Providing an online game between user characters of the plurality of users A computer-readable recording medium that records a program for executing the program on a computer. The method of claim 12, wherein step b, Receiving a selection of a server including a user character of the plurality of servers from the user; Receiving information about a user character from the selected server A computer-readable recording medium that records a program. The method according to any one of claims 12 and 13, The step d is a computer-readable recording medium recording a program comprising the step of receiving one of the plurality of game channels classified according to the user character's ability from the plurality of users.