Server system and program

Abstract

To provide a server system and the like capable of activating a match game within each league and enhancing interest of the game while correcting an unequal competition environment between leagues when determining ranking of a whole plurality of players by dividing the plurality of players into leagues and executing matches within each league.SOLUTION: A server device 10 has a configuration which performs matches among players belonging to the same league every league generated, opens each generated league in a common open form, has each match game of each league executed in the common game form, updates parameters for ranking on the basis of adjustment value of each player set based on league information in accordance with a match result of the match game in each player while adjusting the parameters, determines ranking of players anew on the basis of the updated ranking parameter of each player, and generates a league anew when ranking of the players is newly determined.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server system, a program, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a game in which a predetermined number of teams are formed into leagues, and within each league, the teams compete against each other for league rankings by playing a predetermined game within a predetermined period of time.

[0003] In particular, recently, a game and a game system for executing the game have become known in which a league is formed with teams of the same level from among the teams participating in the game, and competitive games are played between the teams, and the team level of each team is changed depending on the league ranking (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5275644 Public Relations Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the game system described in Patent Document 1 above, level differences often occur between leagues, and these differences can become large depending on the situation. Even if the ranking or team level within a league is changed when there is a level difference, it is difficult to coordinate with other leagues or to unify the game competition environment with other leagues, and it is often difficult to determine a unified level among all teams participating in the game, or to determine the ranking of all participating teams.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a server system etc. that, when multiple players are divided into multiple leagues and each player competes in each league, can rectify the unequal competitive environment between leagues while revitalizing the competitive games within each league to increase the entertainment value of the game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides A server system that provides a terminal device with information related to a competitive game played by a plurality of players, management means for managing certain parameters relating to each player; a ranking determination means for executing a ranking determination process for determining rankings of the plurality of players based on the parameters; a league generation means for executing a league generation process for generating a league by grouping the plurality of players into a plurality of groups based on the determined ranking of each player; a game control means for, when the leagues are generated, having players belonging to the same league compete against each other for each of the generated leagues, and holding each of the generated leagues as a league match based on a common holding format, and executing each match game in each of the league matches in the common game format; providing means for providing game information relating to the competitive game to the terminal device; Equipped with The league generation means: The league generation process is configured to group the players into a plurality of groups with an equal number of players based on the determined ranking of each player, to generate each league.

[0008] With this configuration, the present invention can easily standardize the league hosting method by generating leagues with an equal number of players and making the number of matches in each league the same, thereby correcting the unequal competitive environment between leagues, and by assigning multiple players to each league based on ranking, players with differences in ability or level can be avoided, allowing for heated battles to take place.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention can implement league matches that allow accurate evaluation of each player's ranking, etc., without having to compete against all players, and can also revitalize competitive games within each league (i.e., league matches) to increase the entertainment value of the game.

[0010] In addition, the "specific parameters related to the player" may include, for example, (A1) A parameter (hereinafter referred to as a "game result parameter") calculated by tallying up indicators indicating game results when playing against other players in the same league for already completed competitive games; (A2) A parameter that is an index showing the results determined by the game situation during each game and is calculated by totaling the results in games that have already been completed (hereinafter referred to as the "total results parameter"); (A3) Parameters that quantify the flow (progress) and progress of each game (hereinafter, "game progress quantification parameters"), and (A4) the performance values ​​of the game media used by each player in the competitive game; The variable includes one or more parameters (which may be a combination of (A1) to (A4)).

[0011] In addition, "each league is held as a league match based on a common format" means that the format of each league match, such as the league period, the number of players belonging to each league, the number of matches in each league, and the sport type and match format of the matches held in each league, is common.

[0012] Furthermore, "each competitive game in each league is executed in a common game format" means that each competitive game is executed in a common game format not only in the same league but also in different leagues, and for example, the game specifications such as the execution time of the competitive game, such as the match duration, and the rules such as the match format are common.

[0013] In addition to the above, the "league generation process" includes, for example, (B1) grouping the ranked players into groups of equal numbers of players in descending order of ranking; and (B2) From the ranked players, generate a number of groups with a predetermined number of players each, in descending order, and further assign the players in each group to each league by lottery or the like, This involves generating groups of players with an equal number of players in each league, starting from the top.

[0014] Moreover, the "ranking determination process" refers to a process that is repeatedly executed at a predetermined timing and changes the ranking of each player according to parameters.

[0015] In addition, as the "ranking determination process", for example, if it is not possible to generate a league with an equal number of players based on the number of players among multiple players, a CPU player that gives instructions through a computer program may be used.

[0016] (2) The present invention also provides an update processing means for executing an update process for updating the parameters of each of the players, using an adjustment value for adjusting a value of the parameter of each of the players, the adjustment value being set based on league information related to the league to which each of the players belongs, in accordance with a match result of the match game for each of the players; The ranking determination means: executing the ranking determination process for determining new rankings of the plurality of players based on the parameters of each player updated by the update process; The league generation means: When the rankings of the plurality of players are newly determined by the ranking determination process, the league generation process is executed to generate the new league.

[0017] With this configuration, the present invention can adjust parameters when determining rankings based on league information such as the number of leagues and the number of players in each league, so that even when playing a competitive game against players of similar ability or level, a ranking can be accurately determined that matches the ability and level of each player.

[0018] For example, in the present invention, by increasing the value of a specific parameter acquired based on the game results or game performance of competitive games in a league match, the higher the league in which the player belongs, the higher the ranking of the player in the higher league can be achieved even if the game results or game performance of competitive games in the higher league are worse than the game results or game performance of competitive games in the lower league.

[0019] Also, for example, in the present invention, if the parameter value of a player who has overwhelming ability in a lower league is increased, the player can be placed in a higher league in the next league match.

[0020] Therefore, the present invention realizes a competitive game in which extreme differences in ability or level do not occur for each player through league matches, while providing each player with the motivation to improve their ranking and participate in higher leagues, or makes the game enjoyable without the fear of being demoted to a lower league if the player continues to lose matches even if there is no difference in ability, thereby improving the entertainment value of the game.

[0021] In addition, "League Information" includes (C1) Number of leagues, (C2) The number of players in each league; (C3) The ranking of each player within each league; (C4) League level, and (C5) Number of leagues within the league level; However, instead of or in addition to these league information, the league format (including not only round-robin matches within the same league, but also irregular tournament matches, etc.), the type of competitive game (sports games such as baseball and soccer, shooting games, or battle royale games), the duration of the league, the game time of each competitive game, the number of competitive games in the league, and other game specifications may be included.

[0022] (3) The present invention also provides The update processing means: (D1) a game result aggregation parameter calculated by aggregating indicators indicating game results when playing against other players in the same league for already completed competitive games; (D2) a cumulative performance parameter, which is an index showing a performance determined by the game situation during each game and is calculated by totaling the performance in games that have already been completed; (D3) Parameters that quantify the progress of each game, or (D4) A combination of two or more of (D1) to (D3), The present invention has a configuration in which the above-mentioned parameter is used.

[0023] With this configuration, the present invention can accurately reflect differences in ability and level between players in the same league in the parameters.

[0024] In addition, the "game result aggregation parameters" include win rate (or loss rate or draw rate), number of wins (or number of losses or draws), winning points, points gained or lost, points earned, number of consecutive wins, number of consecutive losses, and combinations of two or more of these.

[0025] In particular, in the case of a combination of two or more game result aggregation parameters, it is preferable to use one parameter as the main parameter and the other parameters as point-adding or point-deducting elements, for example, using win rate or winning points as the main parameters and using the number of consecutive wins or losses as point-adding or point-deducting elements, or, when the point difference is large, adding a bonus to the winning player and deducting points to the losing player.

[0026] Furthermore, for example, "career performance parameters" include team stats and individual stats in sports games (baseball stats such as points scored, runs allowed, earned run average, batting average, number of home runs, number of hits, fielding percentage, error rate, number of fine plays, etc., soccer and basketball stats such as ball possession rate and number of shots, tennis stats such as total games won and number of winners, or stats related to various sports matches such as set rate and close losses, etc.), unique results defined for each type of competitive game (number of enemy characters defeated, number of items and in-game currency acquired, or time to complete a task, etc.), or a combination of two or more of these.

[0027] In particular, in the case of a combination of two or more cumulative performance parameters, it is preferable to use one parameter as the main parameter and the other parameters as point-adding or point-deducting elements, similarly to the game result aggregation parameters.

[0028] Furthermore, for example, the "quantified parameters of game progress content" include parameters that quantify exciting aspects of a game, such as a seesaw game, a comeback or tie in the final stages of the game, a large number of runs, a walk-off game, overtime, a pitcher's duel, a penalty shootout, or a decision in a final set, as well as combinations of two or more of these.

[0029] (4) The present invention also provides The update processing means: The adjustment value is set according to the number of leagues generated by the league generation process or the number of players belonging to each league, and the update process is executed using the set adjustment value.

[0030] With this configuration, the present invention can easily cause ranking changes with players at the next higher or lower level when redetermining the ranking of each player, thereby revitalizing the league matches and providing each player with the motivation to improve their ranking and participate in a higher league. It is possible.

[0031] (5) The present invention also provides The update processing means: The higher the ranking of a player in each league, the more advantageous adjustment values ​​are set for that player, and the update process is executed using the set adjustment values.

[0032] With this configuration, the present invention can adjust the adjustment value so that the higher a player's ranking in the league is, the more the ranking change is made.

[0033] Therefore, when redetermining the ranking of each player, the present invention can increase the fluctuation in ranking among players of the same level, thereby making the league competition more lively and providing each player with the motivation to improve their ranking and participate in higher leagues.

[0034] (6) The present invention also provides The league generation means: executing the league generation process for generating each of the leagues while setting a level to which each of the leagues belongs from among a plurality of different levels that are set in advance based on the determined rankings of each of the players; The update processing means: The adjustment value is set according to the level to which each league belongs, and the update process is executed using the set adjustment value.

[0035] With this configuration, the present invention can accurately re-determine the ranking of each player, for example by decreasing the adjustment value when the level is high and increasing the adjustment value when the level is low, and can accurately re-determine the ranking of players according to their level.

[0036] (7) The present invention also provides The league generation means: executing the league generation process for generating each of the leagues while setting a level to which each of the leagues belongs from among a plurality of different levels that are set in advance based on the determined rankings of each of the players; The update processing means: The adjustment value is set according to the number of leagues belonging to the same level, and the update process is executed using the set adjustment value.

[0037] With this configuration, the present invention can adjust the adjustment value so that the ranking changes more at a level with a greater number of leagues, for example by increasing the adjustment value for lower leagues when the number of leagues at the level to which the higher ranked leagues belong is reduced and the number of leagues at the level to which each league belongs is increased as one goes lower.

[0038] Therefore, when redetermining the ranking of each player, the present invention can increase the fluctuation in ranking among players of the same level, thereby making the league competition more lively and providing each player with the motivation to improve their ranking and participate in higher leagues.

[0039] (8) The present invention also provides The league generation means: Based on the determined ranking of each player, a plurality of different levels are set in advance. execute the league generation process for generating each league while setting a level to which each league belongs from among the leagues; The update processing means: When a given condition is met for each player, the adjustment value is set to rank the parameters of the player who meets the condition higher than the parameters of players who belong to a league at a higher level than the league to which the player belongs, and the update process is executed using the set adjustment value.

[0040] With this configuration, the present invention can, for example, determine whether or not a change in ranking will occur between a player at the level immediately above or below, and if it is determined that such a change in ranking will not occur, set an adjustment value to cause a change in ranking between the lowest player at the level immediately above and the top player at that level.

[0041] Therefore, when redetermining the ranking of each player, the present invention makes it easier for ranking changes to occur between players at the level immediately above or below, thereby making the league competition more active and providing each player with the motivation to improve their ranking and participate in higher leagues.

[0042] Note that "when a level is set for each league" may mean, for example, a case where the same level is set for multiple leagues, or a case where a different level is set for each league.

[0043] In addition, "given conditions" include conditions for determining whether or not a player belonging to a higher level will be swapped in league or rank, such as the player being at a certain rank in the league (above a certain rank such as the top rank or above the middle rank, etc.), or the player's parameters are not higher than those of a player at a certain rank (lowest rank or below the middle rank, etc.) in the immediately higher league at the time of the update process.

[0044] (9) The present invention also provides The management means: managing, as the parameters, performance values ​​of game media used by each of the players in the competitive game; The ranking determination means: executing the ranking determination process for determining new rankings of the plurality of players based on a performance value of the game medium of each of the players; The league generation means: When the rankings of the plurality of players are newly determined by the ranking determination process, the league generation process is executed to generate the new league.

[0045] With this configuration, the present invention can be realized as a competitive game using game media such as game cards.

[0046] The term "game media" refers to, for example, a player character or item that is the object of operation or instruction by the player, or a card (i.e., an electronically provided game card) used in a game that specifies the abilities (performance) of the character or item. However, it may also refer to the player character, item, or ability (performance) itself.

[0047] And, "performance value" includes, for example, a level specified in the game medium, parameters that specify various abilities such as attack power, defense power, agility, hit points, etc., or parameters that define the progress of the game, such as experience points.

[0048] (10) The present invention also provides an update processing means for executing an update process for updating a performance value of the game medium of each of the players in accordance with a result of the competitive game of each of the players; The ranking determination means: The ranking determination process is executed to newly determine the rankings of the multiple players based on the performance values ​​of the game media of each player updated by the update process.

[0049] With this configuration, the present invention can use parameter variations as a highly compatible game element, for example, by developing game cards in a competitive game, a player can step up to a higher rank, thereby making the game more entertaining even in games that use game cards.

[0050] (11) The present invention also provides The ranking determination means: The ranking determination process is configured to execute, each time each league is generated and a league match in the league is completed, a new ranking of the plurality of players is determined based on the parameters.

[0051] With this configuration, the present invention can obtain match results that fairly reflect the abilities of each player only after all competitive games within the same league, which are predefined as league matches in each league, have been completed, making it possible to accurately determine the ranking of each player among all players, even while using league matches in which players compete against specific players.

[0052] (12) The present invention also provides a reception processing means for receiving an operation instruction of a manual operation player manually executed via the terminal device; an automatic operation control means for controlling an automatic operation player which automatically issues operation instructions based on a predetermined program; Further comprising: The league generation means: If it is determined that it is not possible to generate a plurality of equal leagues based on the number of manually operated players, the league generation process is executed to add one or more of the automatically operated players to generate a plurality of leagues with an equal number of players.

[0053] With this configuration, even if it is not possible to generate multiple equal leagues due to the number of manually operated players participating in the competitive game, the present invention can generate multiple equal leagues by adding automatically operated players such as CPU players, so that league matches for each league can be held in a common format.

[0054] (13) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides A program for providing a terminal device with information regarding a competitive game played by a plurality of players, management means for managing certain parameters relating to each player; a ranking determination means for executing a ranking determination process for determining rankings of the plurality of players based on the parameters; a league generation means for executing a league generation process for generating a league by grouping the plurality of players into a plurality of groups based on the determined ranking of each player; When the leagues are generated, for each of the generated leagues, players belonging to the same league are a game control means for holding each of the generated leagues as a league match based on a common game format, and executing each match game in each of the league matches in the common game format; providing means for providing game information relating to the competitive game to the terminal device; The computer functions as The league generation means: The league generation process is configured to group the players into a plurality of groups with an equal number of players based on the determined ranking of each player, to generate each league.

[0055] With this configuration, the present invention can easily standardize the league hosting method by generating leagues with an equal number of players and making the number of matches in each league the same, thereby correcting the unequal competitive environment between leagues, and by assigning multiple players to each league based on ranking, players with differences in ability or level can be avoided, allowing for heated battles to take place. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0056] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of a game system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates functional blocks of a server device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining game control processing of a competitive game using league matches in which players are replaced in one embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the game control process of a competitive game using league matches in which players are replaced in one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the league generation process according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the league generation process according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a diagram (part 3) for explaining the league generation process according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram (part 4) for explaining the league generation process according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing operations related to a league generation process including a ranking determination process and a ranking parameter update process that are repeatedly executed at predetermined timing by a server device of an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0057] The present embodiment will be described below. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0058] [1] Game system First, the outline and general configuration of a game system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of the game system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that a server device 10 that provides a game service and terminal devices 20 (for example, terminal devices 20A, 20B, 20C) are connectable to the Internet (an example of a network).

[0060] By accessing the server device 10 from the terminal device 20, the user can play a game transmitted from the server device 10 via the Internet. Furthermore, by accessing the server device 10 from the terminal device 20, the user can play a game with other users. It is now possible to communicate between them.

[0061] The server device 10 is an information processing device capable of providing a service that allows a user to play a game using a terminal device 20 connected for communication via the Internet. The server device 10 may also function as an SNS server that provides a communication-type service. Here, the SNS server may be an information processing device that provides a service that allows communication between multiple users.

[0062] In addition, when the server device 10 functions as an SNS server, for example, it is capable of providing a game called a social game that is executed using the operating environment (API (Application Programming Interface), platform, etc.) of the SNS it provides.

[0063] In particular, the server device 10 is capable of providing games that are provided on the web browser of the terminal device 20, such as browser games (games that can be launched simply by opening the installation site in the web browser) created in various languages, such as HTML, FLASH, CGI, PHP, shockwave, Java (registered trademark) applet, and JavaScript (registered trademark).

[0064] Social games, unlike existing online games, do not require dedicated client software and include games that can be used with only a web browser and an SNS account. The server device 10 is configured to provide an online game that can be connected to other users' terminals (smartphones, personal computers, game consoles, etc.) via a network and share the same game progress online at the same time.

[0065] On the other hand, the server device 10 may be configured with one (device, processor) or multiple (devices, processors).

[0066] Furthermore, information such as billing information, game information, etc. stored in the memory area of ​​the server device 10 (memory unit 140 described later) may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (intranet or the Internet), and when functioning as an SNS server, information such as player information storage unit 146 stored in the memory area may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (intranet or the Internet).

[0067] Specifically, the server device 10 of this embodiment receives input information based on the operation of the user of the terminal device 20 (i.e., the player who executes the game), and performs game processing based on the received input information. The server device 10 then transmits game processing results to the terminal device 20, and the terminal device 20 performs various processes to provide the game processing results received from the server device 10 to the terminal device 20 so that the user can view them.

[0068] The terminal device 20 is an information processing device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS, a computer, a game device, a PDA, a portable game machine, an image generating device, etc., and is a device that can be connected to the server device 10 via a network such as the Internet (WAN) or a LAN. The communication line between the terminal device 20 and the server device 10 may be wired or wireless.

[0069] The terminal device 20 also includes a web browser capable of browsing web pages (data in HTML format). That is, the terminal device 20 has a communication control function for communicating with the server device 10, and performs display control using data received from the server device 10 (web data, data created in HTML format, etc.), and transmits data of user operations to the server device 10. The terminal device 20 has a web browser function for transmitting game information to the server device 10 and executes various processes for providing a game screen to the user, thereby allowing the user to play the game. However, the terminal device 20 may also acquire game control information provided by the server device 10, execute a predetermined game process, and play a game based on the game process.

[0070] Specifically, when the terminal device 20 makes a request to the server device 10 to play a predetermined game, the terminal device 20 is connected to the game site of the server device 10 and the game starts. In particular, the terminal device 20 has a configuration that causes the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server to perform a predetermined process by using an API as necessary, or causes the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server to acquire the player information storage unit 146 managed by the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server, and executes the game.

[0071] [2] Server equipment Next, the server device 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the server device 10 of the present embodiment. The server device 10 of the present embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (units) of Fig. 2 are omitted.

[0072] The server device 10 includes an input unit 120 for use in administrator and other input, a display unit 130 for performing specified displays, an information storage medium 180 in which specified information is stored, a communication unit 196 for communicating with terminal devices 20 and others, a processing unit 100 for executing processes mainly related to the game to be provided, and a memory unit 140 for storing various data mainly used in the game.

[0073] The input unit 120 is used by a system administrator or the like to input game-related settings and other necessary settings and data. For example, the input unit 120 in this embodiment is configured with a mouse, a keyboard, and the like.

[0074] The display unit 130 displays an operation screen for a system administrator. For example, the display unit 130 in this embodiment is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0075] Information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions are realized by an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or a memory (ROM), etc.

[0076] The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (e.g., terminals, other servers, or other network systems), and its functions are configured by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc.

[0077] The storage unit 140 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, etc., and its functions are realized by a RAM (VRAM), etc. The information stored in the storage unit 140 may be managed by a database.

[0078] In addition to the main memory unit 142, the memory unit 140 of this embodiment also has a game data memory unit 144 in which game information indicating information related to the game is stored, and a player information memory unit 146 in which player information indicating information about each player and information related to the player's game (hereinafter referred to as "player-related information") are stored.

[0079] The game data storage unit 144 stores information on the game field on which the game is played, condition information used for various judgments, information on the map that constitutes the game field, the format of the league match, the game format of the match game, information on objects formed on the game field, the specifications of each object, various table information, and playing data owned by each player. Information about the character and the like is stored.

[0080] The player information storage unit 146 stores the following information for each player: (A1) The player’s nickname, player ID, and if the player belongs to a team, the name of the team and its ID (hereinafter referred to as “affiliation information”), (A2) Parameters for determining the ranking of each player, such as parameters related to the results of a competitive game, parameters related to the performance of a competitive game, or parameters that quantify the progress of the game (hereinafter referred to as "ranking parameters"); (A3) (A2) Parameters other than the ranking parameters, such as points, experience points, energy parameter values ​​(life energy values, stamina values, and power values), rewards acquired, and information regarding individual and team performance such as game time (hereinafter also referred to as "performance information"); (A4) Information on the characteristics and attributes of the player characters possessed by each player (if the player has multiple player characters, information on the characteristics and attributes of each of the player characters); (A5) Information regarding billing, such as billing history and billing amounts, and (A6) Information on items acquired by the player character (hereinafter referred to as "item information"); is stored.

[0081] The processing unit 100 performs various processes using a main memory unit 142 in the memory unit 140 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs.

[0082] The processing unit 100 performs various processes of this embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores programs for making a computer function as each unit of this embodiment (programs for making a computer execute the processes of each unit).

[0083] For example, the processing unit 100 (processor) controls the entire server device 10 based on a program stored in an information storage medium, and performs various processes such as controlling the transfer of data between the various units. Furthermore, the processing unit 100 performs processes for providing various services in response to requests from the terminal device 20.

[0084] Specifically, the processing unit 100 of this embodiment has at least a communication control unit 101, a Web processing unit 102, a game management unit 103, a player management unit 104, a parameter management unit 105, a league management unit 106, a ranking management unit 107, a CPU player control unit 108, a timer management unit 110, and an information provision unit 111.

[0085] For example, the communication control unit 101 of this embodiment constitutes the reception processing means of the present invention, and the game management unit 103 constitutes the game control means of the present invention. Also, for example, the parameter management unit 105 constitutes the management means and update processing means of the present invention, the league management unit 106 constitutes the league generation means of the present invention, and the ranking management unit 107 constitutes the ranking determination means of the present invention. Furthermore, for example, the CPU player control unit 108 of this embodiment constitutes the automatic operation control means of the present invention, and the information provision unit 111 constitutes the provision means of the present invention.

[0086] The communication control unit 101 performs processing for transmitting and receiving data via a network with the terminal device 20. That is, the server device 10 performs various processing based on information received by the communication control unit 101 from the terminal device 20 and the like.

[0087] In particular, the communication control unit 101 of this embodiment performs the following operations based on a request from the player's terminal device 20: Then, the game screen is transmitted to the terminal device 20 of the player.

[0088] The communication control unit 101 also executes various processes for accepting operation instructions inputted to the terminal device 20 by the player.

[0089] The Web processing unit 102 functions as a Web server. For example, the Web processing unit 102 performs a process of transmitting data in response to a request from a Web browser 211 installed in the terminal device 20, and a process of receiving data transmitted by the Web browser 211 of the terminal device 20, through a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

[0090] In this embodiment, the server device 10 is described as having a function as an SNS server, but the server device 10 may be formed as a server for the game and a server for the SNS separately. In addition, the game processing of this embodiment may be performed in part or in whole by the server device 10, or in part by the terminal device 20.

[0091] The game management unit 103 works in conjunction with the terminal device 20, and executes various game processes related to various types of multiplayer-based competitive games, such as sports games in which multiple players compete against each other, shooting games, action games, RPGs, sound games, or battle games in which combat or hand-to-hand combat takes place (including game elements of other categories such as shooting game elements and RPG elements), based on player operations input via the terminal device 20 in a game space serving as a virtual space.

[0092] Furthermore, the game management unit 103 executes various game processes based on the player's operational instructions transmitted from the terminal device 20.

[0093] In particular, the game management unit 103 manages matches in each league (that is, league matches) in which a plurality of players are grouped into a plurality of groups.

[0094] Specifically, the game management unit 103 accepts operation instructions input to the terminal device 20 for a player manually executed by each player (hereinafter also referred to as a "manually operated player"), or operation instructions as a CPU player (hereinafter also referred to as an "automatically operated player") that is automatically generated based on a predetermined program.

[0095] Then, in response to these received operational inputs, the game management unit 103 executes various game processes, including the actions of various characters (including player characters and NPCs) and various objects, to make players (including CPU players) belonging to the same league compete against each other.

[0096] Furthermore, the game management unit 103 holds each league as a league match based on a common format, and executes each competitive game in each league match in the common game format.

[0097] It should be noted that the game management unit 103 may execute various game processes for a single player character based on operational instructions from one player, or may execute various game processes for a team made up of multiple player characters.

[0098] On the other hand, in a battle game, action game, shooting game, or other competitive game, the game management unit 103 controls the player character to move around the world or space in the game from a third-person perspective, and to fight using weapons or bare hands. In a TPS (third-person shooter) game, The player can move around the world or space of the game at will using the points, and may play FPS (First Person Shooter) games in which the player fights using weapons or bare hands.

[0099] The player management unit 104 manages the operation control of each player, and also manages player information including information on the player character operated by each player.

[0100] In particular, the player management unit 104 also executes control over the player character set by the player during the game, the deck (team) to which the player character is set, or both.

[0101] The parameter management unit 105 manages ranking parameters for determining the rankings of a plurality of players participating in a competitive game.

[0102] The league management unit 106 groups the ranked players into a plurality of groups to generate a plurality of leagues, and manages each of the generated leagues.

[0103] The ranking management unit 107 executes a ranking determination process for determining the rankings of the leading players based on the ranking parameters at each predetermined timing, such as the end of a league match.

[0104] When the number of players participating in the competitive game is not equal in each league, the CPU player control unit 108 automatically issues operational instructions for controlling the NPCs based on a predetermined program.

[0105] The timer management unit 110 has a timer function and is used to manage the progress of the game. In particular, the timer management unit 110 works in conjunction with the game management unit 103 and outputs the current time and a preset time to each unit. The timer management unit 110 is also used to synchronize with each terminal device.

[0106] The information providing unit 111 generates various kinds of game information (including information on the game field after the field configuration change processing) for causing the terminal device 20 to process the game, and provides the information to the corresponding terminal device 20.

[0107] In particular, the information providing unit 111 provides, at a given timing, information for displaying information relating to a mission on the relevant terminal device 20 as game information to the terminal device 20.

[0108] [3] Terminal device Next, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the terminal device 20 of this embodiment. The terminal device 20 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (units) of Fig. 2 are omitted.

[0109] The input unit 260 is a device for inputting input information from the player, and outputs the player's input information to the processing unit 200. The input unit 260 of this embodiment includes a detection unit 262 that detects the player's input information (input signal). The input unit 260 may be, for example, a lever, a button, a steering wheel, a microphone, a touch panel display, a keyboard, or a mouse.

[0110] The storage unit 270 serves as a work area for the processing unit 200, the communication unit 296, etc., and its functions can be realized by a RAM (VRAM) or the like. The storage unit 270 of this embodiment includes a main memory unit 271 used as a work area, and an image buffer 272 in which the final display image, etc. are stored. Note that a configuration in which some of these components are omitted may also be used.

[0111] Information storage medium 280 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or a memory (ROM), etc.

[0112] The processing unit 200 performs various processes of this embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 280. The information storage medium 280 can store programs for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment (programs for causing a computer to execute the processing of each unit).

[0113] In this embodiment, the programs and game data for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment, which are stored in the information storage medium 180 and the memory unit 140 of the server device 10, are received via a network, and the received programs and data are stored in the information storage medium 280. The programs and data received from the server device 10 may also be stored in the memory unit 270. The case where a network system is operated by receiving programs and data in this manner is also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0114] The display unit 290 outputs the image generated by this embodiment, and the function thereof can be realized by a CRT, an LCD, a touch panel display, an HMD (head mounted display), etc. The sound output unit 292 outputs the sound generated by this embodiment, and the function thereof can be realized by a speaker, a headphone, etc.

[0115] The communication unit 296 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, other terminals, servers), and the functions thereof can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, and the like.

[0116] The processing unit 200 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, display control, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on information about the game acquired from the server device 10 via the communication unit 296, input information acquired from the input unit 260, or programs, etc.

[0117] The processing unit 200 performs various processes using a main memory unit 271 in a memory unit 270 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 200 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs.

[0118] The processing unit 200 includes a communication control unit 210, a web browser 211, a game processing unit 212, a display control unit 213, an input reception processing unit 214, a drawing unit 220, and a sound processing unit 230. Note that some of these may be omitted.

[0119] The communication control unit 210 performs processing for transmitting and receiving data to and from each server device 10. In addition, the communication control unit 210 performs processing for storing data received from the server device 10 in the storage unit 270, processing for analyzing the received data, and other control processing related to the transmission and reception of data.

[0120] The communication control unit 210 may store and manage destination information (IP address, port number) of the server in the information storage medium 280. The communication control unit 210 may communicate with the server device 10 when receiving input information for starting communication from the player.

[0121] In particular, the communication control unit 210 transmits the player's identification information and operation information to the server device 10. Then, the server device 10 performs a process of receiving information related to the game (player information, game card information, the player's Web page, the game screen, and the like) from the server device 10.

[0122] The communication control unit 210 may transmit and receive data to and from the server device 10 at a predetermined cycle, or may transmit and receive data to and from the server device 10 when input information is received from the input unit 260. In particular, the communication control unit 210 of this embodiment performs a process of receiving a game screen from the server device 10.

[0123] The Web browser 211 is an application program for viewing Web pages (game screens), downloading HTML files, image files, and the like from the Web server (server device 10), analyzing the layout, and controlling the display. The Web browser 211 also transmits data to the Web server (server device 10) using input forms (links, buttons, text boxes, and the like).

[0124] The Web browser 211 of this embodiment can realize a browser game. For example, the Web browser 211 may execute a program written in JavaScript (registered trademark), FLASH, Java (registered trademark), or the like, received from a Web server (server device 10).

[0125] The terminal device 20 can display information from a Web server specified by a URL via the Internet using the Web browser 211. For example, the terminal device 20 can display a game screen (data such as HTML) received from the server device 10 using the Web browser 211.

[0126] The game processing unit 212 performs various game calculation processes, such as a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for progressing the game, and a process for ending the game when a game end condition is satisfied.

[0127] The game processing unit 212 may then perform processing to place and set various objects (objects composed of primitives such as polygons, free-form surfaces, or subdivision surfaces) representing display items such as player characters, buildings, stadiums, cars, trees, pillars, walls, and maps (terrain) in the object space.

[0128] Here, the object space is a virtual space, including both two-dimensional space and three-dimensional space. The two-dimensional space is a space in which an object is arranged, for example, in two-dimensional coordinates (X, Y), and the three-dimensional space is a space in which an object is arranged, for example, in three-dimensional coordinates (X, Y, Z).

[0129] In addition to setting the game cards as deck data, the game processing unit 212 also performs game processing including controlling the sending and receiving of various information at login, executing game processing based on the player's operation when executing a game in real time in conjunction with the server device 10, and playing received automatic calculation data when executing a game by automatic calculation.

[0130] Furthermore, the display control unit 213 performs processing for displaying on the display unit 290. For example, the display control unit 213 may use the Web browser 211 for display.

[0131] The input reception processing unit 214 performs recognition processing of input information input by the player via the input unit 260. Specifically, the input reception processing unit 214 of this embodiment receives operation instructions for the player character, instructions regarding various settings, and the like.

[0132] The drawing unit 220 performs drawing processing based on various processes (e.g., game processing) performed by the processing unit 200, thereby generating an image, which is output to the display unit 290 by the display control unit 213. The image generated by the drawing unit 220 may be a so-called two-dimensional image or a so-called three-dimensional image.

[0133] The sound processing unit 230 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 200 , generates game sounds such as background music, sound effects, or voices, and outputs them to the sound output unit 292 .

[0134] [4] Method of the present embodiment [4.1] Overview Next, an overview of the method of this embodiment (game control process for a competitive game using league matches in which players are replaced) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0135] 4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining the game control process of a competitive game using league matches in which players are replaced in this embodiment.

[0136] The server device 10 of this embodiment is configured to work in conjunction with the terminal devices 20 and provide game information such as the player character, other characters, the game space or parts of it, game parameters, background music, and the game scenario to the terminal devices 20 for each player, and to execute competitive games such as battle games such as combat games and fighting games, action games, RPGs, sound games, or sports games based on the operations of each player input via the terminal devices 20.

[0137] The server device 10 is connected to the terminal device 20 via a network and constitutes a server system that performs game control for executing a given game on the terminal device 20 operated by a player.

[0138] For example, the server device 10 is configured to execute a competitive game (e.g., a competitive game in a sport such as baseball, soccer, or basketball) using each player's player character in a league in which a number of ranked players are grouped into a number of groups.

[0139] In addition, for example, the server device 10 has a configuration in which players belonging to the same league compete against each other in league matches, and each league match is held based on a common format, while each competitive game in each league match is executed in a common game format.

[0140] In particular, the server device 10 has a configuration for performing league generation processing to generate each league by grouping a plurality of players into a plurality of groups with an equal number of players based on the ranking of each player.

[0141] Then, the server device 10 (A1) To rectify the unequal competitive environment between leagues by easily standardizing the league hosting method, such as by generating leagues with an equal number of players and making the number of games in each league the same; (A2) To revitalize the competitive games (i.e., league games) within each league by allocating multiple players to each league based on rankings, thereby avoiding players with differences in ability or level, and allowing heated matches to take place; and (A3) By correcting the unequal competitive environment between leagues, it is possible to accurately evaluate the rankings of each player without having to play against all players in league matches. The above configuration is possible.

[0142] Specifically, the server device 10 of this embodiment is configured to execute a ranking determination process that determines the rankings of multiple players based on specific parameters (i.e., ranking parameters) related to each player, such as parameters indicating the results of a competitive game, and execute a league generation process that groups the multiple players into multiple groups with an equal number of players based on the determined rankings of each player, to generate each league.

[0143] Then, the server device 10 generates a plurality of leagues based on the rankings of the players through the league generation process as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. (B1) for each of the generated leagues, players belonging to the same league are made to compete against each other, and while holding each of the generated leagues as a league match based on a common holding format, each match game in each of the league matches is executed in a common game format; (B2) performing an update process for updating the ranking parameters of each player using an adjustment value for adjusting the ranking parameters of each player, the adjustment value being set based on league information related to the league to which each player belongs, according to the results of the competitive game played by each player; (B3) providing game information regarding the competitive game, including information regarding the determined ranking and information regarding the generated league, to the terminal device 20; It has a configuration.

[0144] For example, the server device 10 is configured such that the higher the league a player belongs to, the higher the ranking parameter value acquired based on the game results and game performance of the competitive games in the league match is set to, so that the player can be ranked higher even if the game results and game performance of the competitive games in the higher league are worse than those of the competitive games in the lower league.

[0145] Also, for example, the server device 10 has a configuration that allows a player who has overwhelming ability in a lower league to belong to a higher league in the next league match by increasing the parameter value of the player.

[0146] The server device 10 is configured to re-execute a ranking determination process to determine new rankings of multiple players based on the ranking parameters of each player updated by the update process, and when the new rankings of the multiple players are determined by the ranking determination process, execute a league generation process to generate a new league.

[0147] In addition, FIG. 4 shows an example of league generation processing such as TOP League, BN1 League, BN2 League and BN3 League, in which league matches (TOP League combinations) for each league are performed according to rankings based on ranking parameters (victory points) for players A to S, and an update process after the end of the league (a method for calculating ranking parameters for player A) is shown.

[0148] FIG. 5 also shows an example of a ranking determination process in which new rankings for each player are determined based on ranking parameters updated based on the example of FIG. 4, and a league generation process that is executed based on the newly determined rankings for each player.

[0149] With this configuration, in this embodiment, each league can be generated with an equal number of players, and the league format can be easily standardized, such as by making the number of matches in each league the same. This makes it possible to correct the unequal competitive environment between leagues and to allow players with differences in ability or level to avoid each other, allowing for heated matches to take place.

[0150] In this embodiment, it is possible to carry out league matches that allow accurate evaluation of each player's ranking, etc., without having to compete against all players, and it is also possible to liven up the competitive games within each league (i.e., league matches) and increase the entertainment value of the game.

[0151] In particular, in this embodiment, the parameters for determining rankings can be adjusted based on league information such as the number of leagues and the number of players in each league, so that even when playing a competitive game against players of similar ability or level, a ranking can be accurately determined that matches the ability or level of each player.

[0152] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the league matches allow each player to play a competitive game in which extreme differences in ability or level do not occur, while providing each player with the motivation to improve their ranking and participate in higher leagues, or making the game more enjoyable without the fear of being demoted to a lower league if they continue to lose matches even if there is no difference in ability, thereby improving the entertainment value of the game.

[0153] In this embodiment, a description will be given using a sports match, such as a baseball match, in which the competitive game is played by controlling player characters.

[0154] [4.2] Ranking process Next, the ranking determination process of this embodiment will be described.

[0155] The ranking management unit 107 executes a ranking determination process for determining the rankings of a plurality of players based on ranking parameters managed for each player.

[0156] Then, the ranking management unit 107 executes a ranking determination process for determining new rankings of a plurality of players based on the ranking parameters each time a league is generated and a league match in the league is completed.

[0157] That is, the ranking management unit 107 obtains match results that fairly reflect the abilities of each player only after all competitive games within the same league, which are predefined as league matches in each league, have been completed, and determines a new ranking for each player based on the ranking parameters managed for each player at the above-mentioned timing in order to determine an accurate ranking for each player.

[0158] In particular, the ranking management unit 107 uses the following as ranking parameters: (A1) A parameter (hereinafter referred to as a "game result parameter") calculated by tallying up indicators indicating game results when playing against other players in the same league for already completed competitive games; (A2) A parameter that indicates the results determined by the game situation during each game and is calculated by adding up the results in games that have already been completed (hereinafter referred to as the "total results parameter"); or (A3) Parameters that quantify the flow (progress) and progress of each game (hereinafter, "game progress quantification parameters"); is used.

[0159] For example, the ranking management unit 107 may use, as game result aggregation parameters, win rate (or loss rate or draw rate), number of wins (or number of losses or draws), winning points, points gained or lost, points earned, number of consecutive wins, number of consecutive losses, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0160] In particular, when using a combination of two or more game result aggregation parameters, it is preferable that the ranking management unit 107 uses, for example, win rate and winning points as the main parameters, and uses the number of consecutive wins or losses as points adding or subtracting factors, or adds a bonus to the winning player and subtracts points from the losing player when the point difference is large, so as to use one parameter as the main parameter and the other parameters as points adding or subtracting factors.

[0161] Also, for example, the ranking management unit 107 may use, as the overall performance parameters, team stats or individual stats in a sports game (baseball-related stats such as points scored, runs allowed, earned run average, batting average, number of home runs, number of hits, fielding percentage, error rate, number of fine plays, etc., soccer or basketball-related stats such as ball possession rate and number of shots, tennis-related stats such as total number of games won and number of winners, or stats related to various sports matches such as set rate and close loss rate), specific results defined for each type of competitive game (number of enemy characters defeated, number of items or in-game currency acquired, or time to complete a task, etc.), or a combination of two or more of these.

[0162] In particular, in the case of a combination of two or more cumulative performance parameters, for example, it is preferable that the ranking management unit 107 mainly uses one parameter and uses the other parameters as point-adding or point-deducting elements, similar to the game result aggregation parameters.

[0163] Furthermore, for example, the ranking management unit 107 may use, as a game progress content numerical parameter, parameters that numerically represent exciting aspects of a match, such as a seesaw game, a comeback or a tie in the final stages of the match, a large number of runs, a farewell match, overtime, a pitcher's duel, a penalty shootout, or a decision in a final set, as well as a combination of two or more of these.

[0164] The ranking management unit 107 may use a combination of two or more of the above (A1) to (A3) as a ranking parameter.

[0165] On the other hand, when the ranking parameters are updated by an update process including the adjustment values ​​described below each time the league matches of each league are completed, the ranking management unit 107 determines the ranking of each player based on the updated ranking parameters.

[0166] That is, the ranking management unit 107 is executed repeatedly at a predetermined timing, and changes the ranking of each player according to the parameters.

[0167] In this embodiment, the ranking parameters may be used to award in-game benefits in addition to ranking players.

[0168] [4.3] League generation process Next, the league generation process of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 9. Fig. 6 to Fig. 9 are diagrams for explaining the league generation process of this embodiment.

[0169] (Basic principle) The league management unit 106 executes a league generation process for generating leagues in which a plurality of players are grouped into a plurality of groups, based on the rankings of each player determined by the ranking determination process as described above.

[0170] In particular, in order to easily standardize the league holding method, such as making the number of games in each league the same, the league management unit 106 performs the league generation process by setting the number of games in each league to the same number. Based on the ranking of each player, the players participating in the competitive game are grouped into a plurality of groups with an equal number of players to generate each league.

[0171] Specifically, the league management unit 106 generates each league by grouping the ranked players into a plurality of groups with an equal number of players, starting from the top.

[0172] For example, in a competitive game that realizes a baseball match in which 30 players participate (hereinafter referred to as a "baseball game"), when generating leagues of the top six players (i.e., six teams), the league management unit 106 groups the players ranked from 1st to 30th (up to 19th place is shown in FIG. 4) into groups of six players each, from the TOP league to the BN4 league (similarly, up to the BN3 league is shown in FIG. 4), as shown in FIG. 4 above, and generates five leagues.

[0173] That is, in this case, the league management unit 106 generates a TOP league with players ranked 1st to 6th, a BN1 league with players ranked 7th to 12th, a BN2 league with players ranked 13th to 18th, a BN3 league with players ranked 19th to 24th, and a BN4 league with players ranked 25th to 30th.

[0174] On the other hand, instead of the above, the league management unit 106 may generate multiple groups with a predetermined number of players each, starting from the top, from the ranked players, and further assign each player in each group evenly as a player that constitutes each league, thereby generating groups with an equal (same) number of players belonging to each league, starting from the top player.

[0175] For example, in a baseball game in which 36 players participate as a competitive game, groups AF are generated with the top six players (i.e., six teams) and one player from each group is assigned to one of six leagues (TOP League and BN1 League to BN5 League) by lottery or according to predetermined rules.

[0176] In this case, the league management unit 106 generates six leagues by allocating each of the players in group A to the TOP league and the BN1 league to BN5 league by lottery or the like, as shown in FIG.

[0177] (League generation process with added CPU players) If the league management unit 106 is unable to generate a league with an equal number of players based on the number of players participating in the competitive game, the league management unit 106 may execute the league generation process using a computer as a player (i.e., a CPU player).

[0178] In other words, the league management unit 106 has a configuration that allows it to generate multiple leagues with an equal number of players by adding CPU players, even if it is not possible to generate multiple equal leagues due to the number of players who perform actual operations (i.e., manual operation players) participating in the competitive game.

[0179] Specifically, when the league management unit 106 determines that it is not possible to generate multiple equal leagues based on the number of manually operated players, it executes a league generation process that adds one or more CPU players (automatically operated players) to generate multiple equal leagues.

[0180] For example, in the case of a baseball game in which 14 players participate as a competitive game, as shown in FIG. 7, even if leagues are generated with the top three players (i.e., three teams) or the top four players (i.e., four teams), it is not possible to generate leagues with an equal number of players.

[0181] Therefore, in this embodiment, the league management unit 106 executes a league generation process to add two CPU players and generate four leagues with an equal number of players, each league having four players, as shown in FIG.

[0182] In addition, Figure 7 shows an example in which CPU player 1 and CPU player 2 are added to 15th and 16th place with appropriate ranking parameters assigned, generating four leagues including the TOP league.

[0183] At this time, the game management unit 103 also accepts operation instructions from a manual operation player manually executed via the terminal device 20, and controls a CPU player that automatically issues operation instructions based on a predetermined program.

[0184] (League generation process based on league level) In the league generation process, the league management unit 106 may generate each league while setting the level to which each league belongs (hereinafter referred to as the "league level") from among a number of different levels previously set based on the determined rankings of each player.

[0185] Particularly in this case, in order to appropriately set the adjustment value used to determine the accurate ranking of each player in the league matches, the league management unit 106 sets each league using the league level.

[0186] Specifically, when generating groups in which the number of players belonging to each league is equal (the same number) in order from the top player, the league management unit 106 sets the league levels in order from the group to which the top player belongs.

[0187] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the league management unit 106 groups players from the first ranked player to the 30th ranked player into groups of six players each into the TOP league through the BN4 league, and generates five leagues. In this case, the league management unit 106 sets the TOP league to league level 5, the BN1 league to league level 4, the BN2 league to league level 3, the BN3 league to league level 2, and the BN4 league to league level 1.

[0188] On the other hand, when a competitive game is first provided or when there are many beginner-level players, such as light players, participating, as one method of accurately determining player rankings, the league management unit 106 may generate each league so that, instead of setting league levels as described above, the number of leagues at the league level to which a higher-ranked league belongs is reduced, and the number of leagues at the league level to which each league belongs is increased as the ranking of the lower leagues progresses, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0189] In addition, FIG. 9 shows a case where the top two leagues are set to league level 5 or 4, the third BN2 league and the fourth BN3 league are set to league level 3, and the fifth BN4 league to the seventh BN6 league and the eighth BN7 league to the tenth BN9 league are set to league level 2 or league level 1.

[0190] On the other hand, when many high-level players are participating, the league management unit 106 may use the league level as described above as one method for determining the proper ranking of players. Instead of setting a rule, each league may be generated so that the number of leagues of the league level to which a lower-ranked league belongs is reduced, and the number of leagues of the league level to which each league belongs is increased as the league goes higher.

[0191] In addition, in cases where a wide range of players from advanced level to beginner level are participating, for example, as one method of determining accurate player rankings, instead of setting league levels as described above, the league management unit 106 may generate each league so that the number of leagues at the league level to which the leagues with the highest and lowest rankings belong is reduced, and the number of leagues at the league level to which each league belongs is increased as the ranking becomes more central, so that the number of leagues at the league level to which the player with the middle ranking belongs is the largest.

[0192] [4.4] Competitive games (league games) Next, a competitive game (league match) of this embodiment will be described. Note that the competitive game of this embodiment will be described using a league match of a baseball game.

[0193] When each league is generated, the game management unit 103 makes players belonging to the same league compete against each other for each generated league, and while holding each generated league as a league match based on a common holding format, causes each competitive game in each league match to be executed in a common game format.

[0194] Specifically, the game management unit 103 executes each league match with a common format, such as the league duration, the number of players belonging to each league, the number of matches in each league, and the sport type and match format of the matches played in each league.

[0195] In particular, the game management unit 103 executes each competitive game according to a common game format, not only for the same league but also for different leagues, and executes each competitive game according to common rules, such as the execution time of the competitive game, such as the match time, and the match format.

[0196] For example, when a baseball game (sport type) is played as a competitive game, assuming that the number of players (number of teams) belonging to each league is six (six teams), the game management unit 103 will play a total of five round-robin matches (competitive format) in all leagues during the league period in January, with six players (i.e., six teams) from each league.

[0197] The baseball game in this embodiment is similar to a conventional game format, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0198] [4.5] Parameter update process Next, the parameter update process for the ranking parameters in this embodiment will be described.

[0199] (Basic principles of parameter update processing) The parameter management unit 105 executes an update process for updating the ranking parameters of each player, using adjustment values ​​set based on league information relating to the league to which each player belongs, according to the results of the competitive game for each player.

[0200] In particular, the parameter management unit 105 sets an adjustment value for adjusting the value of each player's ranking parameter based on league information relating to the league to which each player belongs, depending on the results of the competitive game for each player, and adds the set adjustment value to the ranking parameter at that time for each player to update the ranking parameter for each player.

[0201] Specifically, the parameter management unit 105 stores, as league information, (A1) Number of leagues, (A2) The number of players in each league; (A3) the ranking of each player within each league; (A4) League level, or (A5) Number of leagues within a league level; The adjustment value is set using the above.

[0202] In addition, instead of or in addition to the above league information, the parameter management unit 105 may set adjustment values ​​for each player using the league format (including not only round-robin matches within the same league, but also tournament matches including irregular matches), the type of competitive game (sports games such as baseball and soccer, shooting games, or battle royale games), the duration of the league, the game time of each competitive game, the number of competitive games in the league, and other game specifications.

[0203] Also, in this embodiment, instead of the parameter management unit 105 setting the adjustment value based on the league information, for example, a value calculated by the terminal device 20 or another server device not shown in the figure based on the league information may be obtained and used for the update process.

[0204] (Setting adjustments based on number of leagues or players) The parameter management unit 105 sets an adjustment value as league information according to the number of leagues generated by the league generation process, and executes the update process using the set adjustment value.

[0205] For example, when the number of players participating in a competitive game is small, if the adjustment value is large, there will be little change in ranking, and therefore, even for advanced and beginner players, motivation to improve or maintain a high ranking will decrease, resulting in a lack of activity in the game.

[0206] Therefore, the parameter management unit 105 of this embodiment has a configuration for setting an adjustment value according to the number of leagues, for example, the more the number of leagues, the larger the adjustment value is set, in order to prevent a decrease in motivation to play the game and to invigorate the game, regardless of whether the player is an advanced player or a beginner.

[0207] Specifically, in the case where victory points that are awarded for each victory in a competitive game are used as the game result aggregation parameter of the ranking parameter, the parameter management unit 105 (B1) If there are 10 leagues, set the adjustment value given to a player for each victory over another player in each league match to "500 points"; (B2) If the number of leagues is 5, set the adjustment value given to a player for each victory over another player in each league match to "200 points"; (B3) If the number of leagues is 3, the adjustment value given to a player each time he or she wins against another player in each league match is set to "100 points."

[0208] Then, when each match in each league ends, the parameter management unit 105 awards the winning points to the winning player as an adjustment value and adds them to the ranking parameters of each player to update the values.

[0209] For example, in the above case, when the number of league matches is 10 out of a total of 5 matches, the parameter management unit 105 gives 1000 points as victory points at the end of the league match to a player who has won two matches, and when the number of league matches is 3, gives 1000 points as victory points to a player who has won three matches. For each player, 300 victory points will be awarded.

[0210] Furthermore, when the league matches of each league end, the ranking management unit 107 determines the ranking from the top of the points based on the winning points of each player as a ranking parameter including the adjustment value.

[0211] On the other hand, when the number of hits counted in a competitive game is used as the cumulative performance parameter of the ranking parameter, the parameter management unit 105 (C1) If there are 10 leagues, set "10" as an adjustment value to be added to the number of hits counted in the actual match for each match in each league. (C2) If there are 5 leagues, set "5" as the adjustment value to be added to the number of hits counted in the actual game for each match in each league. (C3) If the number of leagues is three, an adjustment value of "2" is set to be added to the number of hits counted in the actual game in each match of each league game.

[0212] Then, when each match in each league is completed, the parameter management unit 105 updates the value by adding the above-mentioned adjustment value to the number of hits actually counted in the match and adding the result to the ranking parameter of each player.

[0213] For example, in the above case, the parameter management unit 105 may select, for example, the following for all five league matches: (D1) If there are ten leagues, then for each player, at the end of each league match, an adjustment of ten shall be added to the total number of hits actually counted in each match. (D2) If there are five leagues, then for each player, at the end of each league match, an adjustment of five shall be added to the total number of hits actually counted in each match. (D3) If the number of leagues is three, then for each player, at the end of each league match, an adjustment value of two (2) shall be added to the total number of hits actually counted in each match.

[0214] In addition, when each league match ends, the ranking management unit 107 determines the ranking of players based on the number of hits, which is a ranking parameter given to and added to each player who won a match against another player in each league match.

[0215] Furthermore, when the league matches of each league end, the ranking management unit 107 determines the ranking of each player from the top of points based on the number of hits, including adjustments, as a ranking parameter.

[0216] For the same reasons as in the case of the number of leagues, the parameter management unit 105 may set an adjustment value according to the number of players belonging to each league generated by the league generation process, instead of the number of leagues, and perform the update process using the set adjustment value.

[0217] In this case, the parameter management unit 105 may set an adjustment value for the victory points awarded each time a player wins a league match against another player, or may set an adjustment value to be added to the number of hits counted in a competitive game, depending on the number of players.

[0218] Then, when each match in each league is completed, the parameter management unit 105 updates the value by adding the above-mentioned adjustment value to the number of hits actually counted in the match and adding the result to the ranking parameter of each player.

[0219] For example, in the above example, the parameter management unit 105 may store the parameters for all five league games. home, (E1) If there are 10 leagues, then for each player, at the end of each league match, an adjustment of 50 shall be added to the total number of hits actually counted in each match. (E2) If there are five leagues, then for each player, at the end of each league match, an adjustment of 25 shall be added to the total number of hits actually counted in each match. (E3) If there are five leagues, then at the end of each league match, each player shall add an adjustment of ten to the total number of hits actually scored in each match.

[0220] Furthermore, when the league matches of each league end, the ranking management unit 107 determines the ranking of each player from the top of points based on the number of hits, including adjustments, as a ranking parameter.

[0221] (Setting adjustment values ​​based on rankings within each league) Alternatively or in addition to the above, the parameter management unit 105 may set an adjustment value that is more advantageous to a player who is ranked higher in each league, and perform the update process using the set adjustment value.

[0222] In other words, when re-determining the ranking of each player, the parameter management unit 105 is configured to adjust the adjustment value so that the higher the ranking of a player in the league, the greater the ranking fluctuation for players of the same level, in order to liven up the league matches and provide each player with motivation to improve their ranking and participate in a higher league.

[0223] Specifically, in the case where victory points are given for each victory in a competitive game as a game result aggregation parameter of the ranking parameter, the parameter management unit 105 gives 300 points for each victory when the number of players belonging to each league is six, and at the end of the league match, (F1) The adjustment value given as bonus points to the first-place player in each league is set to 700 points. (F2) Set the adjustment value given as a bonus point to the second-place player in each league to 500 points, (F3) Set the adjustment value for the bonus points given to the third-place player in each league to 300 points, (F4) Set the adjustment value given as a bonus point to the fourth-place player in each league to 200 points, (F5) Set the bonus point adjustment value for the 5th place player in each league to 100 points, (F6) Set the adjustment value given as bonus points to the 5th place player in each league to 0 points.

[0224] Then, when each match in the league is over, the parameter management unit 105 gives an adjustment value as a bonus point to the winning points of the ranking parameter of the winning player, and updates the value.

[0225] For example, in the above case, the parameter management unit 105 will award 1,900 points, consisting of victory points and bonus points, to a first-place player who wins five games in each league out of a total of five league matches at the end of that league match, and will award 1,400 points, consisting of victory points and bonus points, to a second-place player who wins three games at the end of that league match.

[0226] Furthermore, when the league matches of each league end, the ranking management unit 107 determines the ranking from the top of the points based on the winning points of each player as a ranking parameter including the adjustment value.

[0227] On the other hand, in the case where the number of hits in a competitive game is used as the cumulative performance parameter of the ranking parameter, the parameter management unit 105: (G1) The adjustment value given as bonus points to the first-place player in each league is set to 30. (G2) The bonus points awarded to the second-place player in each league is set to 20 points. (G3) The adjustment value given as a bonus point to the third-place player in each league is set to 10 points. (G4) The bonus points awarded to the 4th-placed player in each league is set to 7 points. (G5) Set the bonus point adjustment value for the 5th-placed player in each league to 5 points, (G6) The adjustment value given as bonus points to the 5th-placed player in each league is set to 0 points.

[0228] Then, when each match in each league is completed, the parameter management unit 105 updates the value by adding the above-mentioned adjustment value to the number of hits actually counted in the match and adding the result to the ranking parameter of each player.

[0229] Furthermore, when each league game ends, the ranking management unit 107 determines the ranking of each player from the top of points based on the number of hits, which is a ranking parameter including an adjustment value, of each player.

[0230] (Setting adjustments based on league level) Alternatively or in addition to the above, the parameter management unit 105 may set an adjustment value for adjusting the value of each player's ranking parameter based on the league level, and execute an update process of each player's ranking parameter using the set adjustment value.

[0231] In particular, in this case, it is assumed that in the league generation process of the league management unit 106, the league level to which each league belongs is set from among a plurality of different levels previously set based on the determined rankings of each player.

[0232] Specifically, the parameter management unit 105 sets an adjustment value to be changed for each league level, which is set in order from the league to which the higher ranking players belong.

[0233] For example, assume that victory points awarded for each victory in a competitive game are used as the game result aggregation parameter for the ranking parameter, and five leagues are generated by grouping the first-place player through the thirtieth-place player into groups of six players each, from the TOP league to the BN4 league, and that the TOP league is set to league level 5, the BN1 league to league level 4, the BN2 league to league level 3, the BN3 league to league level 2, and the BN4 league to league level 1, as shown in Figure 8 above.

[0234] In this case, the parameter management unit 105 (H1) Set the adjustment value to be awarded each time a player wins a league match in the TOP League to "500 points"; (H2) Set the adjustment value given to a player each time he or she wins against another player in the BN1 League to "380 points"; (H3) Set the adjustment value given to a player each time he or she wins against another player in the BN2 League to "270 points"; (H4) Set the adjustment value given to a player each time he or she wins against another player in the BN3 League to "200 points"; (H5) The adjustment value given to a player each time he or she defeats another player in a league match in the BN4 League is set to "100 points."

[0235] Then, when each match in each league ends, the parameter management unit 105 awards the winning points to the winning player as an adjustment value and adds them to the ranking parameters of each player to update the values.

[0236] For example, in the above example, the parameter management unit 105 will award 1,000 victory points to a player who wins two of the five league matches in the TOP league at the end of the league, and will award 300 victory points to a player who wins three matches in the BN4 league.

[0237] When each league game ends, the ranking management unit 107 determines the ranking of the players in each league game in order of points based on the winning points of each player in the league game, which serve as a ranking parameter.

[0238] On the other hand, for example, in the case where the number of hits in a competitive game is used as the cumulative performance parameter of the ranking parameter, and the players ranked from 1st place to 30th place are grouped into groups of 6 players each from the TOP league to the BN4 league, and five leagues are generated, it is assumed that the TOP league is set to league level 5, the BN1 league to league level 4, the BN2 league to league level 3, the BN3 league to league level 2, and the BN4 league to league level 1.

[0239] In this case, the parameter management unit 105 In the (J1) TOP League, an adjustment value of "10" is set to be added to the number of hits actually counted in each match, In the (J2)BN1 League, an adjustment value of "7" is set to be added to the number of hits actually counted in each match, In the (J3)BN2 League, an adjustment value of "5" is set to be added to the number of hits actually counted in each match, (J4) In the BN3 League, an adjustment value of "3" is set to be added to the number of hits actually counted in each match, (J5) In the BN4 League, an adjustment value of "0" will be set to be added to the number of hits actually counted in each match.

[0240] Then, when each match in each league is completed, the parameter management unit 105 updates the value by adding the adjustment value for each league to the number of hits actually counted in the match and adding the result to the ranking parameter of each player.

[0241] For example, in the above example, the parameter management unit 105 may determine, for example, the following for all five league games: (K1) For each player in the TOP League, at the end of the league match, 50 will be added to the number of hits actually counted in the league match. (K2) For each player in the BN1 League, at the end of the league, Add 35 to the number of hits counted at the time of the attack. (K3) For each player in the BN2 league, at the end of the league match, 25 will be added to the number of hits actually counted in the league match. (K4) For each player in the BN3 league, at the end of the league match, 15 will be added to the number of hits actually counted in the league match. (K5) For each player in the BN4 League, at the end of each league match, 0 will be added to the number of hits actually counted in the league match.

[0242] When each league game ends, the ranking management unit 107 uses the number of hits of each player, including the adjustment value, in each league game as a ranking parameter and determines the ranking from the top of the number of hits.

[0243] (Adjustment value according to the number of leagues in the league level) Alternatively or in addition to the above, the parameter management unit 105 may set an adjustment value for adjusting the value of the ranking parameter of each player according to the number of leagues belonging to the same level, and execute an update process of the ranking parameter of each player using the set adjustment value.

[0244] In particular, in this case, similar to the above, it is assumed that in the league generation process of the league management unit 106, the league level to which each league belongs is set from among a plurality of different levels previously set based on the determined ranking of each player.

[0245] Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9 above, when there are a large number of leagues with low league levels (i.e., leagues to which players with low rankings belong), the parameter management unit 105 sets a higher adjustment value for the leagues with lower league levels.

[0246] For example, in the example of FIG. 9, the parameter management unit 105 sets an adjustment value of 100 as a ranking parameter bonus to players belonging to the TOP League to the BN3 League, which have league levels set to 5 to 3, while setting an adjustment value of 300 as a ranking parameter bonus to players belonging to the BN4 League to the BN9 League, which have league levels set to 2 and 1.

[0247] In addition, when there are a large number of leagues in the middle of the league level (i.e., leagues to which players with middle rankings belong), the parameter management unit 105 may set a high adjustment value in the leagues in the middle of the league level, and set lower adjustment values ​​for leagues with higher and lower league levels.

[0248] More specifically, when there are many leagues with high league levels (ie, leagues to which highly ranked players belong), the parameter management unit 105 may set a higher adjustment value for the higher league levels.

[0249] (Other adjustment settings) Instead of or in addition to adjusting the above-mentioned setting values, when leagues having league levels have been generated and each player meets a given condition, the parameter management unit 105 may set an adjustment value for the ranking parameters of a player who meets the condition to rank the player higher than the ranking parameters of players who belong to a league at a higher level than the league to which the player belongs, and perform an update process using the set adjustment value.

[0250] Specifically, in this case, the parameter management unit 105 sets the following as a given condition: (L1) Determine whether or not the player is at a certain rank in the league (above a certain rank, such as the top rank or a middle rank or higher), or (L2) Determine whether the parameters of the player are higher than those of a player who is in a predetermined ranking (a certain ranking such as the lowest ranking or a lower ranking than the middle ranking) in the immediately higher league at the time of the update process. The controller 10 executes a determination process to determine whether or not a player can exchange leagues or ranks with a player belonging to a higher league level.

[0251] Then, if the parameter management unit 105 determines that it is possible to switch leagues or ranks with a player belonging to a higher league level, it executes an update process without setting an adjustment value, and if it determines that the switch is not possible, it sets an adjustment value that allows the switch and executes the update process.

[0252] For example, suppose that victory points awarded for each victory in a competitive game are used as the game result aggregation parameter for the ranking parameters, and the total victory points of the top player in the BN2 league at the end of the league is 1,500 points, and the total victory points of the bottom player in the BN1 league, the league level immediately above the BN2 league, is 1,700 points.

[0253] In this case, the parameter management unit 105 determines, as a judgment process, that there will be no swap in rankings between the top player in the BN2 league and the bottom player in the BN1 league, and sets an adjustment value of 300 points so that the winning points of the top player in the BN2 league are greater than the winning points of the bottom player in the BN1 league, assigns this value to the ranking parameters of the relevant players, and executes the update process.

[0254] When each league game ends, the ranking management unit 107 determines the ranking of the players in each league game in order of points based on the winning points of each player in the league game, which serve as a ranking parameter.

[0255] On the other hand, the parameter management unit 105 may execute an update process to set adjustment values ​​for each player and update the values ​​of the ranking parameters using, instead of or in addition to the above league information, the league format (including not only round-robin matches within the same league, but also irregular tournament matches, etc.), the type of competitive game (sports games such as baseball and soccer, shooting games, or battle royale games), the league period, the match time of each competitive game, the number of competitive games in the league, and other game specifications.

[0256] For example, in the case of a league system in which rankings within each league are determined by a tournament system, the parameter management unit 105 may award victory points to each player in the league matches, and set an adjustment value based on whether or not a player won, or the type of stage at which they lost, depending on the number of matches until they won.

[0257] In this case, the parameter management unit 105 may set an adjustment value of 1000 points as a bonus to be awarded in addition to the winning points when a player wins, and execute an update process to update the value of the ranking parameter of the relevant player.

[0258] Also, for example, the parameter management unit 105 may increase the adjustment value in competitive games such as tennis and baseball, where the match time is variable, as opposed to competitive games such as soccer and rugby, where the match time is fixed, since the longer the match time, the more exciting the game is.

[0259] On the other hand, the parameter management unit 105 may use a game progress content numerical parameter as a parameter for ranking each player in each league match, instead of or in addition to the above league information.

[0260] Specifically, the parameter management unit 105 may perform variable control (addition, subtraction, etc.) of ranking parameters by quantifying exciting aspects of each match in each league game, such as a seesaw game, a comeback or tie in the final stages of the match, a large number of runs, a walk-off game, overtime, a pitcher's duel, a penalty shootout, or a decision in a final set, as well as a combination of two or more of these.

[0261] For example, in this case, when the parameter management unit 105 extracts a scene at the time when the match becomes exciting using a conventional detection method, it controls a parameter of a predetermined excitement value in the scene and provides the parameter to the parameter ranking determination process.

[0262] [4.6] Variations [4.6.1] Variation 1 (League generation process and its execution control when a player joins in mid-game) Next, a first modified example of this embodiment (league generation processing and execution control thereof when a player joins in mid-game) will be described.

[0263] The league management unit 106 may additionally generate a new league if it receives a player wishing to newly participate in the competitive game between the start of the league and the end of the league (hereinafter also referred to as the "league period").

[0264] In this case, when the league management unit 106 receives a player who wishes to join a league match midway during the league match period, it determines whether or not the number of players who wish to join is the same as the number of players in the league currently being played, and if the number of players who wish to join midway is the same as the number of players in the league currently being played, it generates a new league for the players who wish to join midway.

[0265] In addition, if a player who wishes to join a league match midway is accepted, but the number of players wishing to join within a certain period of time does not become the same as the number of players in the league currently being played, the league management unit 106 may add a new league by adding a CPU player so that the number of players wishing to join is the same as the number of players in the league currently being played.

[0266] On the other hand, when a new league is generated in the middle of a league match by a player who wishes to join in the middle of a league match, the game management unit 103 allows competitive games in the new league to be played until the end of the league match period in which the player has participated, in the same manner as for other leagues.

[0267] In such a case, when the league game ends, the parameter management unit 105 performs parameter update processing on the players in the new league in the same way as for the players in the other leagues. However, during the update processing, the parameter management unit 105 may use an adjustment value different from that of the other leagues, such as using an adjustment value that is half the adjustment value in the other leagues, or may not use an adjustment value at all and may not perform adjustment using the adjustment value.

[0268] Then, the ranking management unit 107 executes a ranking determination process based on the results of the league, similar to the players in the other leagues, and the league management unit 106 generates each league in the new league match based on the results of the ranking determination process.

[0269] [4.6.2] Variation 2 (League generation process based on cards) Next, a first modified example of this embodiment (a league generation process based on cards) will be described.

[0270] (Overview of the card-based league generation process) The server device 10 of the present embodiment may execute a competitive game in which players compete against other players in a league match using game cards given to each player as game media.

[0271] Particularly in this case, the server device 10 has a configuration for carrying out ranking determination processing and league generation processing based on the performance values ​​of the game cards used in the competitive game.

[0272] In this modified example, the game medium will be described as a card used in the game (i.e., an electronically provided game card), but it may also be a player character, an item, or the ability (performance) itself.

[0273] In addition, in this modified example, the performance values ​​include, for example, parameters that specify various abilities such as a level specified in the game medium, attack power, defense power, agility, and hit points, or parameters that define the progress of the game, such as experience points.

[0274] (Game Card) For example, the game cards include (A1) For example, a player character that is the object of operation or instruction by the player, (A2) Items such as weapons and tools equipped to the player character, and (A3) Abilities and characteristics added to the player character, It is an electronically provided game card for use in a game specified in the present invention.

[0275] Each player is provided with a game card as an initial setting, and during the game, (B1) When you win a game against another player, (B2) When a predetermined game stage is cleared, when the player's game level is increased, or when a predetermined game task is completed (including cases where there are or are not other conditions such as within a predetermined period of time), (B3) If you win a lottery event such as gacha, (B4) If the item is a gift from another player who is registered as a friend, or (B5) When a payment is made using in-game currency, points, items, or other costs such as charges, or when such costs exceed a certain amount, It is now possible to obtain it.

[0276] When a game card is acquired, the player management unit 104 registers information about the acquired game card in the player information storage unit 146 in association with the relevant player as a game card that can be used in the game for each player.

[0277] In particular, the game card is registered as game card information in the player information storage unit 146 so that it can be used in the game by the corresponding terminal device 20, for example, and can be used in the game by the player.

[0278] In addition, each player sets one or more game cards to be used in the next league match from among the registered game cards in their deck before the start of the league match (or, if the previous league match has been played, after the end of the previous league match and before the start of the next league match).

[0279] In principle, the game cards set in the deck cannot be changed during league matches, but if special permission is given through payment or a lottery, they can be changed to other game cards.

[0280] On the other hand, each game card is associated with a card ID. (C1) Card type information indicating the type of game card (hereinafter referred to as "card type"), such as the type of player character; (C2) Attribute information such as the rarity of the game card and its characteristics determined in the game, such as "red" or "water," or (C3) Performance values ​​such as the level, attack power, defense power, agility, hit points, and other parameters that define various abilities, or parameters that define the progress of the game, such as experience points, specified on the game card; is prescribed.

[0281] (Basic principles of league generation based on game cards) The game management unit 103 of this embodiment may execute a competitive game in which a player competes against other players in a league match using a game card that defines a player character, items and abilities possessed by the player character, as the game medium.

[0282] In this case, the player management unit 104 sets one or more game cards from among the game cards already registered in the player information storage unit 146 for each player in the deck of each player based on the operation instructions of each player transmitted from each terminal device 20 before the start of the league match.

[0283] The parameter management unit 105 manages the performance values ​​of the game cards set in the deck for each player.

[0284] In particular, when one or more game cards are set by a player before a league match, the parameter management unit 105 calculates the performance value of the set game card (in the case of multiple game cards, the total value).

[0285] Then, the ranking management unit 107 executes a ranking determination process to determine the ranking of players based on the performance values ​​of the set game cards (the total value in the case of multiple game cards), and the league management unit 106 generates multiple leagues for playing league matches based on the player rankings determined by the ranking determination process.

[0286] On the other hand, the parameter management unit 105 may vary the performance values ​​of the game cards used by each player in each match during or at the end of the league match, depending on the situation of the league match, the results of each match, the results of the league match, or a combination of these.

[0287] Furthermore, the player management unit 104 may, based on instructions from the player, execute replacement of game cards set in the deck between the end of a league match and the start of the next league match.

[0288] In this case, the ranking management unit 107 executes a ranking determination process to determine new rankings of multiple players based on the performance values ​​(or total values) of each player's game card, and once the new rankings of the multiple players have been determined by the ranking determination process, the league management unit 106 executes a league generation process to generate a new league.

[0289] [5] Operation of this embodiment Next, referring to FIG. 10, the server device 10 of this embodiment performs An operation related to the league generation process, including the repeatedly executed ranking determination process and ranking parameter update process, will be described.

[0290] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing operations related to a league generation process including a ranking determination process and a ranking parameter update process that are repeatedly executed at a predetermined timing by the server device 10 of this embodiment.

[0291] In this operation, it is assumed that a plurality of players are participating in a competitive game, various information about each player is registered in the player information storage unit 146, and the competitive game is already being executed.

[0292] In addition, in this operation, it is assumed that ranking parameters for each participating player are appropriately stored in the player information storage unit 146 and are updated as the game progresses.

[0293] Furthermore, this operation is assumed to be an operation that is always being executed in the server device 10 and will continue to operate until an instruction to stop the operation is given by an administrator or the like, and during operation, various types of game information are appropriately provided to the corresponding terminal devices 20 by the information providing unit 111.

[0294] First, when the ranking management unit 107 detects a timing for determining the ranking of a player, such as the end of an ongoing league match (step S101), it reads out the ranking parameters of each player stored in the player information storage unit 146, and executes a ranking determination process for determining the ranking of each player based on the ranking parameters of each player that have been read out (step S102).

[0295] Next, the league management unit 106 executes a league generation process to group the participating players into multiple groups with equal numbers of players based on the determined rankings of each player and the number of players participating in the competitive game, thereby generating multiple leagues (step S103).

[0296] At this time, if the league management unit 106 cannot generate multiple leagues with an equal number of players only from the players participating in the competitive game, it adds a CPU player so that the leagues have an equal number of players, and generates multiple leagues including the added CPU player.

[0297] Next, the information providing unit 111 provides the generated information about the league to the corresponding terminal device 20 (step S104).

[0298] Next, when the game management unit 103 detects a predetermined timing (hereinafter referred to as "league start timing") for starting a league match, such as a preset date and time (0:00 AM on the 1st of each month) in conjunction with the timer management unit 110 (step S105), it starts various game controls for executing the league matches in each league (step S106).

[0299] It should be noted that the game management unit 103 updates the ranking parameters of each player stored in the player information storage unit 146 as necessary.

[0300] Next, when the game management unit 103 detects a predetermined timing for ending the league game (hereinafter, referred to as "league end timing"), such as a preset date and time (step S107), it adjusts the league, the player, or both based on the league information. The value is set, and an update process is executed to update the ranking parameters (step S108), and the process returns to step S101 to repeat this operation.

[0301] [6] Other In this embodiment, each game may be provided to the terminal device 20 by one server device 10, or a server system may be constructed by linking a plurality of server devices 10, and each game may be provided to the terminal device.

[0302] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game provided by the server device 10 is executed by the terminal device 20, but with the exception of operational input, each function of the processing unit 200 of the terminal device 20 and the execution of the game program may be executed by the server device 10, and the terminal device 20 may realize the above game by executing operational input and image display by streaming.

[0303] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the server device 10 may be realized by a single game device having the functions of the server device 10, that is, a device (standalone) that operates independently without relying on other devices such as a server device.

[0304] Furthermore, in this case, the above processes and operations may be performed by multiple players using multiple input terminal devices. In this case, multiple game terminal devices may be connected by wire or wirelessly, and one game device may function as the server device 10, and the multiple game devices may be used to perform the operations.

[0305] In addition, in this embodiment, the game system of the present invention is applied to a server device 10 that operates in conjunction with a terminal device 20 via a network, but it can also be applied to a tablet-type information terminal device, a personal computer, or a game device installed in an amusement park.

[0306] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, a term cited as a broadly defined or synonymous term in the description in the specification or drawings can be replaced with a broadly defined or synonymous term in other descriptions in the specification or drawings.

[0307] In this embodiment, a battle game is used for explanation, but the present invention can also be used in other games such as RPGs or simulation games.

[0308] The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations with the same functions, methods and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effect). The present invention also includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. The present invention also includes configurations that achieve the same effects as the configurations described in the embodiments or that can achieve the same purpose. The present invention also includes configurations in which publicly known technology is added to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0309] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail as above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel features and effects of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0310] 10. Server equipment 20 … Terminal equipment 100 ... Processing section 101 ... Communication control unit 102 ... Web processing unit 103 … Game Management Department 104 … Player Management Section 105 ... Parameter Management Section 106 … League Management Department 107 … Ranking Management Department 108 ... CPU player control unit 110 ... Timer management section 111 … Information provision department 120 … Input section 130...Display section 140 … Storage section 142 … Main memory section 144 ... Game data storage section 146 ... Player information storage unit 180 … Information storage medium 196 … Communications Department 200 ... Processing section 210 ... Communication control section 211 ... Web browser 212 ... Game processing unit 213 ... Display control unit 214 ... Input reception processing unit 220 ... Drawing section 230 ... Sound processing section 260 … Input section 262 ... Detector 270 … Storage section 271 … Main memory section 272 ... Image buffer 280 … Information storage medium 290…Display section 292 ... Sound output section 296 … Communications Department

Claims

1. A server system that provides a terminal device with information related to a competitive game executed by a plurality of players using a game medium, comprising: a management means for managing a performance value of the game medium as a specific parameter related to each player; a ranking determination means for executing a ranking determination process for determining rankings of the plurality of players based on the parameters; a league generation means for executing a league generation process for generating a league by grouping the plurality of players into a plurality of groups based on the determined ranking of each player; a game control means for executing, when the leagues are generated, each competitive game in which players belonging to the same league compete against each other for each of the generated leagues; a game control means for, when the leagues are generated, having players belonging to the same league compete against each other for each of the generated leagues, and holding each of the generated leagues as a league match based on a common holding format, and executing each match game in each of the league matches in the common game format; providing means for providing game information relating to the competitive game to the terminal device; an update processing means for executing an update process for updating a performance value of a game medium as a parameter of each player, while using an adjustment value set based on league information related to the league to which each player belongs; Equipped with The ranking determination means: executing a ranking determination process for determining a ranking of the plurality of players based on the performance value of the game medium of each player updated by the update process; The league generation means: The server system is characterized in that, as the league generation process, the plurality of players are grouped into a plurality of groups with an equal number of players based on the determined ranking of each player to generate each league.

2. A terminal is provided with information regarding a competitive game that is executed by a plurality of players using a game medium. A server system for providing a device, management means for managing certain parameters relating to each player; a ranking determination means for executing a ranking determination process for determining rankings of the plurality of players based on the parameters; a league generation means for executing a league generation process for generating a league by grouping the plurality of players into a plurality of groups based on the determined ranking of each player; a game control means for holding, when the leagues are generated, league matches in the same tournament format for each of the generated leagues, making players belonging to the same league compete against each other for each of the generated leagues, and executing each competitive game in each of the league matches in a common game format; providing means for providing game information relating to the competitive game to the terminal device; an update processing means for executing an update process for updating a parameter of each of the players, using an adjustment value set based on league information related to the league to which each of the players belongs, in accordance with a match result of the match game for each of the players; Equipped with The ranking determination means: executing a ranking determination process for determining new rankings of the plurality of players based on the parameters of each player updated by the update process; The league generation means: When the rankings of the plurality of players are newly determined by the ranking determination process, the league generation process includes grouping the plurality of players into a plurality of groups having an equal number of players based on the determined rankings of each player, and setting a level to which each of the leagues belongs from a plurality of different levels set in advance to generate each of the leagues; The update processing means: A server system characterized in that the adjustment value is set according to the number of leagues belonging to the same level, and the update process is executed while using the set adjustment value.

3. A server system that provides a terminal device with information related to a competitive game executed by a plurality of players using a game medium, comprising: management means for managing certain parameters relating to each player; a ranking determination means for executing a ranking determination process for determining rankings of the plurality of players based on the parameters; a league generation means for executing a league generation process for generating a league by grouping the plurality of players into a plurality of groups based on the determined ranking of each player; a game control means for holding, when the leagues are generated, league matches in the same tournament format for each of the generated leagues, making players belonging to the same league compete against each other for each of the generated leagues, and executing each competitive game in each of the league matches in a common game format; providing means for providing game information relating to the competitive game to the terminal device; an update processing means for executing an update process for updating the parameters of each player by setting an adjustment value based on league information relating to each league at the end of each league match and adding the set adjustment value for each league to the parameters of each player; Equipped with The ranking determination means: executing a ranking determination process for determining new rankings of the plurality of players based on the parameters of each player updated by the update process; The league generation means: When new rankings of a plurality of players are determined by the ranking determination process, the server system executes the league generation process to generate the new league.

4. In the server system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The update processing means: A server system that sets the adjustment value according to the number of leagues generated by the league generation process or the number of players belonging to each league, and executes the update process while using the set adjustment value.

5. In the server system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The update processing means: The server system sets an adjustment value that is more advantageous to a player who is ranked higher in each league, and executes the update process using the set adjustment value.

6. In the server system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The league generation means: executing the league generation process for generating each of the leagues while setting a level to which each of the leagues belongs from among a plurality of different levels that are set in advance based on the determined rankings of each of the players; The update processing means: A server system that sets the adjustment value according to the level to which each league belongs, and executes the update process while using the set adjustment value.

7. In the server system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The league generation means: executing the league generation process for generating each of the leagues while setting a level to which each of the leagues belongs from among a plurality of different levels that are set in advance based on the determined rankings of each of the players; The update processing means: A server system that sets the adjustment value according to the number of leagues belonging to the same level, and executes the update process while using the set adjustment value.

8. In the server system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The league generation means: executing the league generation process for generating each of the leagues while setting a level to which each of the leagues belongs from among a plurality of different levels that are set in advance based on the determined rankings of each of the players; The update processing means: A server system which, when a given condition is met for each player, sets an adjustment value for the parameters of the player who meets the condition to rank the player higher than the parameters of a player who belongs to a league at a higher level than the league to which the player belongs, and executes the update process while using the set adjustment value.

9. In the server system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The ranking determination means: a server system that executes the ranking determination process for determining new rankings of the players based on the parameters each time the leagues are generated and a league match in each league ends.

10. In the server system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a reception processing means for receiving an operation instruction of a manual operation player manually executed via the terminal device; an automatic operation control means for controlling an automatic operation player which automatically issues operation instructions based on a predetermined program; Further comprising: The league generation means: When it is determined that it is not possible to generate a plurality of equal leagues based on the number of manually operated players, the server system executes the league generation process to generate a plurality of leagues with an equal number of players by adding one or more of the automatically operated players.

11. A program for providing a terminal device with information regarding a competitive game executed by a plurality of players using a game medium, A management means for managing the performance value of the game medium as a specific parameter related to each player; a ranking determination means for executing a ranking determination process for determining rankings of the plurality of players based on the parameters; a league generation means for executing a league generation process for generating a league by grouping the plurality of players into a plurality of groups based on the determined ranking of each player; a game control means for executing, when the leagues are generated, each competitive game in which players belonging to the same league compete against each other for each of the generated leagues; providing means for providing game information relating to the competitive game to the terminal device; an update processing means for executing an update process for updating a performance value of the game medium as a parameter of each player, while using an adjustment value set based on league information related to the league to which each player belongs; The computer functions as The ranking determination means: executing a ranking determination process for determining a ranking of the plurality of players based on the performance value of the game medium of each player updated by the update process; The league generation means: The program, as the league generation process, characterized in that the plurality of players are grouped into a plurality of groups with an equal number of players based on the determined ranking of each player to generate each league.

12. A program for providing a terminal device with information regarding a competitive game executed by a plurality of players using a game medium, management means for managing certain parameters relating to each player; a ranking determination means for executing a ranking determination process for determining rankings of the plurality of players based on the parameters; a league generation means for executing a league generation process for generating a league by grouping the plurality of players into a plurality of groups based on the determined ranking of each player; a game control means for holding, when the leagues are generated, league matches in the same tournament format for each of the generated leagues, making players belonging to the same league compete against each other for each of the generated leagues, and executing each competitive game in each of the league matches in a common game format; providing means for providing game information relating to the competitive game to the terminal device; an update processing means for executing an update process for updating a parameter of each of the players while using an adjustment value set based on league information relating to the league to which each of the players belongs, in accordance with a match result of the match game for each of the players; The computer functions as The ranking determination means: executing a ranking determination process for determining new rankings of the plurality of players based on the parameters of each player updated by the update process; The league generation means: When the rankings of the plurality of players are newly determined by the ranking determination process, the league generation process includes grouping the plurality of players into a plurality of groups having an equal number of players based on the determined rankings of each player, and setting a level to which each of the leagues belongs from a plurality of different levels set in advance to generate each of the leagues; The update processing means: A program that sets the adjustment value according to the number of leagues belonging to the same level, and executes the update process while using the set adjustment value.

13. A program for providing a terminal device with information regarding a competitive game executed by a plurality of players using a game medium, management means for managing certain parameters relating to each player; a ranking determination means for executing a ranking determination process for determining rankings of the plurality of players based on the parameters; Based on the determined ranking of each player, the players are grouped into a plurality of groups. providing means for providing game information relating to the competitive game to the terminal device; a league generation means for executing a league generation process for setting an adjustment value based on league information relating to each of the leagues at the end of each of the league matches, and generating a league in which the adjustment value in each of the leagues is para-looped for each of the players; a game control means for holding, when the leagues are generated, league matches in the same tournament format for each of the generated leagues, making players belonging to the same league compete against each other for each of the generated leagues, and executing each competitive game in each of the league matches in a common game format; update processing means for executing an update process for updating the meter by adding to the meter; The computer functions as The ranking determination means: executing a ranking determination process for determining new rankings of the plurality of players based on the parameters of each player updated by the update process; The league generation means: a league generating process for generating a new league when new rankings of a plurality of players are determined by the ranking determination process;

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