Program and game device

Abstract

To provide a game preventing amusement from diminishing.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: A program allows a computer to execute a game. The program allows the computer to function as: game element registration means for registering a game element allowed to appear in a game from multiple kinds of game elements possessed by a player; notification means for performing control so as to be capable of reporting a type of the registered game element on condition that all of the game elements registered by the game element registration means are specific types; and game execution means for executing a match using the registered game element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and a game device. [Background technology]

[0002] There are games in which players play against each other by loading game cards owned by the players into game devices (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The game cards used in such games are the embodiment of characters, and these characters often come in multiple types. Players can gain an advantage in the game by being mindful of the character's type when using them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5622184 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, due to a player's misunderstanding or carelessness, the player may proceed through the game without using the appropriate type of character, which may cause the player to suffer a disadvantage, and as a result, the player may lose interest in the game. Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a program and a game device that provide a game that does not lose its interest. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute a game, the program causing the computer to function as: first game element registration means for registering first game elements to be included in the game from multiple types of first game elements possessed by a player; notification means for controlling the types of registered first game elements so that they can be notified, provided that all of the first game elements registered by the first game element registration means are first game elements of the same type; and game execution means for executing a match using the registered first game elements.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a game device comprising: a first game element registration means for registering a first game element to be included in a game from multiple types of first game elements owned by a player; a notification means for controlling the type of the registered first game element so that it can be notified, provided that all of the first game elements registered by the first game element registration means are first game elements of the same type; and a game execution means for executing a match using the registered first game elements. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game that does not lose its interest. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a game system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a game card P1 in which the first game element is a pilot and the type of character has attack type character information. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a game card M1 in which the second game element is a ship and the type of the ship is defense type character information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game field in the battle game of this embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a front external view of the game device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the game device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the game element database 190. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the player database 211. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the game device 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the game element registration screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows an example of the type notification screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the operation of the unit configuration section 112 in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the inappropriate unit screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of the game device 1 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a competitive game. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. First Embodiment <Overall structure>

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a game system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system is configured to include one or more game devices 1 and a server 2. The one or more game devices 1 and the server 2 can be connected to a communication line N and can communicate with each other. The communication line N refers to a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, the communication line N includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a telephone communication network, a cable network, the Internet, and other communication networks, and the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

[0012] The game device 1 is a computer capable of executing a game program, and is connected to a communication line N via a wireless communication base station or the like, and is capable of performing data communication with the server 2. The game device 1 is, for example, an arcade game device, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a portable game device, a home-use game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a controller for a home-use game device, or the like. There are basically multiple game devices 1, and each is operated by a player.

[0013] The server 2 is a server system including one or more server devices, storage devices, etc. The server 2 provides various services for operating the game of this embodiment, and can manage data necessary for operating the game and distribute game programs and data necessary for executing the game on the game device 1. As will be described in detail later, when a player is identified when using the game device 1, i.e., when a competitive game service is provided after the player has been identified, the server 2 updates the information managed about each player based on the usage details (game play history).

[0014] In this embodiment, such a system configuration allows a competitive game between players using multiple game devices 1 via the server 2 and communication line N, but the game is not limited to a competitive game between players (vs. a human), and also includes a case where one of the players is a non-player character provided by the server 2. Furthermore, the game in which a play experience is provided on the game device 1 is not limited to a competitive game between players, and may include a game configured for single player use.

[0015] In the following embodiments, the present invention is applied to an example of a game device that executes a competitive game in which a screen on which game elements are arranged on a game field is displayed, but the present invention can be applied to any device that can execute a game in which a screen on which game elements are arranged on a game field is displayed.

[0016] <Game elements and overview of the fighting game> To facilitate understanding of the configuration of the present embodiment, the following will describe game elements used in the fighting game according to the present embodiment and an overview of the fighting game.

[0017] The fighting game according to this embodiment features multiple types of game elements. The game elements are characters (characters, mounts, items, etc.) and are represented by embodied images, virtual or physical objects, etc. Images include still images and moving images. An example of a virtual or physical object is a game card, which is an object with physical volume (a real object). Note that the object is not limited to a game card, but may be any object configured to identify a game element associated with the object. The object may also be a shaped object such as a figurine having the appearance of a game element, for example.

[0018] In this embodiment, the multiple types of items are all tangible game cards, and each type is described as being associated with one game element that appears in a competitive game that provides a play experience on the game device 1. The game element to which a game card is associated can be identified by a game element reading unit (described later) acquiring identification information (element ID) for identifying the game element attached to the game card. The identification information (element ID) may be added to the game card by, for example, printing a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional code obtained by converting the identification information for identifying the game element onto the game card, or by recording the identification information on a near field communication (NFC) tag or IC chip included in the game card, or by other methods.

[0019] In a competitive game, each player can use multiple game elements, and by obtaining information from a game card prior to the start of the game (before the sequence in which the game elements are actually operated to progress begins), the game elements associated with that game card can be registered as game elements to appear in the game (to be used by the player).

[0020] In this embodiment, there are multiple game elements that the player can use in the game, but there are mainly two types: first game elements and second game elements. The first game elements are pilots, and the second game elements are aircraft operated by the pilots. Furthermore, each of the first game elements and second game elements is divided into multiple types.

[0021] The types of pilots, which are the first game elements, include, for example, an attack type (first type) and a defense type (second type). The attack type is a type whose main purpose is to attack the opposing player's game elements, and attacks the opposing player's game elements without protecting the player's other game elements. The defense type is a type whose main purpose is to defend the player's other game elements, and attacks the opposing player's game elements in order to protect the player's other game elements. Note that the types and numbers are merely examples, and are not limited to these types and numbers. For example, there may be multiple attack types depending on the types of the opposing player's game elements, such as an attack type that can only attack X type of game elements of the opposing player and an attack type that can only attack Y type of game elements of the opposing player.

[0022] The types of the ship used as the second game element include, for example, an attack type (first type) and a defense type (second type). The attack type is a type whose main purpose is to attack the opposing player's game elements and attacks the opposing player's game elements without protecting the player's other game elements. The defense type is a type whose main purpose is to defend the player's other game elements and attacks the opposing player's game elements in order to protect the player's other game elements. As a further type, a range type (third type) according to the range of the weapon that can be used by the ship may be provided. For example, if the weapon that can be used is a long-range weapon, it is a long-range type, and if the weapon that can be used is a close-range weapon, it is a close-range type. Note that the types and numbers are merely examples and are not limited to these types and numbers.

[0023] These types do not necessarily correspond one-to-one to each game element, but may correspond one-to-many. For example, a ship, which is a second game element, may have two types: a defensive type and a long-range type. Ships of such types can attack game elements located far away from the opposing player using long-range weapons in order to protect the player's other game elements.

[0024] Furthermore, the first game element and the second game element have various parameters (level, hit points, attack power, defense power, terrain suitability, weapon used, etc.) appropriate for that type in addition to character information of the type or type of the first game element or the second game element. For example, an attack type has parameters specialized for attack. These various parameters may be changed as the battle game progresses.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a game card P1 in which the first game element is a pilot and the character information for the pilot is of an attack type. The game device 1 can obtain the character information of the game card P1 by having the game element reading unit read the identification information and the like written on the game card P1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a game card M1 in which the second game element is a piloted aircraft and the character information for the pilot is of a defense type. The game device 1 can obtain the character information of the game card M1 by having the game element reading unit read the identification information and the like written on the game card M1.

[0026] Furthermore, in the battle game of this embodiment, a game element called a unit (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a squadron) appears. This unit is composed of a combination of a pilot, which is a first game element, and a mech, which is a second game element. In other words, a player can associate and register a pilot as an element that operates the mech in the battle game. This allows a player to have a unit, which is a pair of a mech and a pilot, appear in the battle game.

[0027] The capabilities of a unit can be, for example, the sum of the character information (various parameters) of the pilot, which is the first game element constituting the unit, and the character information (various parameters) of the pilot's mecha, which is the second game element. Furthermore, the unit has behavioral characteristics that define (or restrict) what actions the unit can take in a battle in a fighting game. The behavioral characteristics of the unit are subordinate (dependent) to at least one of the constituent elements, the pilot's type (classification), which is the first game element, or the pilot's type (classification), which is the second game element.

[0028] If the behavioral characteristics of a unit are made dependent only on the type (type) of the pilot, which is the first game element, the type (type) of the aircraft they pilot is not reflected, and the behavioral characteristics reflect the type of the pilot. For example, if the type of pilot that makes up the unit is a defensive type and the type of aircraft that makes up the unit is an offensive type, the type of aircraft is not reflected, and the unit's behavioral characteristics are primarily intended to protect the player's game elements, with attacks on the opposing player's game elements being limited to protecting the player's other game elements. Furthermore, if the behavioral characteristics of a unit are made dependent only on the type (type) of the aircraft they pilot, which is the second game element, the type (type) of the pilot is not reflected, and the behavioral characteristics reflect the type of aircraft they pilot.

[0029] In this way, when a unit's behavioral characteristics are subordinated to only one type of game element, the player must consider the types of the pilot and the mech that make up the unit when selecting the pilot and mech that make up the unit. This is because the unit's capabilities are, for example, the sum of the character information of the constituent game elements (pilot and mech), and if the wrong type is selected, the unit's capabilities will not be fully utilized. On the other hand, if the types of the constituent game elements (pilot and mech) are selected appropriately, for example, if the pilot type and the mech type are the same defensive type, the unit will be able to demonstrate capabilities that match its behavioral characteristics.

[0030] On the other hand, making the unit's behavioral characteristics dependent on both the pilot type (type), which is the first game element, and the mech type (type), which is the second game element, is effective when the pilot type (type), which is the first game element, and the mech type (type), which is the second game element, are completely different. For example, the first game element may include an attack type and a defense type for the pilot type, and the second game element may include a range type for the mech type. In such a case, the behavioral characteristics of a unit combining a defense type pilot with a long-range type mech will be such that the unit uses a long-range weapon to attack the opposing player's game elements at a distance in order to defend the player's other game elements. This makes it possible to provide players with a game with a high level of strategy.

[0031] Next, an outline of the competitive game will be explained. The battle game of this embodiment progresses by deploying (placing) units (troops) registered for each player on a game field of a specified size, and performing movement and attack actions (the execution of these actions is accepted by the operation input unit described below).

[0032] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game field in a battle game of this embodiment. In one aspect shown below, the game field includes a deployment unit area 30, a first area 31, and a second area 32. Units that can be deployed (appear) are placed in the deployment unit area 30. The first area 31 is the player's area, and bases (game elements) such as the player's base are placed therein. The second area 32 is the opposing player's area, and bases (game elements) such as the opposing player's base are placed therein. Other game elements include bases such as battleships that can move between areas. The player who destroys the opposing player's base (reduces its durability value to 0) as a result of an attack action by any of his or her units is declared the winner of the battle game.

[0033] Therefore, when an opposing player's unit attempts to attack the base associated with the player, each player must place units to intercept (defense) the attack, or control the attack of the units to destroy the opposing player's base faster than the opposing player's units.

[0034] Here, it is important to note that the areas in which a unit can move differ depending on its type. For example, if a unit is of defensive type, that unit is a unit for defending a base such as a player's base, and the player's base such as a base is located in the first area 31, and as a result, a defensive-type unit can only move within the first area 31. On the other hand, if a unit is of attack type, that unit is a unit for attacking an opposing player's base or a base such as an opposing player's battleship that is attacking the base of the opposing player's base, and the base of the opposing player's base is located in the second area 32, and the opposing player's battleship or other base can enter (be located in) the first area 31, and as a result, an attack-type unit can move within both the first area 31 and the second area 32.

[0035] At the start of the battle game, information about the units registered by the opposing player is not known. Players can deploy each of their registered units onto the game field at any time after the start of the battle game, and the opposing player is notified of the game elements (aircraft and pilot) that make up that unit when the unit is deployed onto the game field. This configuration makes it possible to provide players with the excitement of strategically developing the game while assessing the units and actions of the opposing player.

[0036] <Configuration of Game Device 1> FIG. 5 is a front external view of the game device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] The game device 1 is equipped with a display unit 11 (display 11) that displays information necessary for progressing in the game, such as menus, and the game field, etc., first game element reading units 121 to 125 for registering a first game element (pilot) to appear in the competitive game from game cards held by the player, and second game element reading units 131 to 135 for registering a second game element (shipped aircraft) to appear in the competitive game from game cards held by the player.

[0038] The first game element reading units 121-125 are readers that read character information of pilots, which are first game elements to appear in the game, from game cards. The game device 1 of this embodiment is provided with five first game element reading units 121-125 so that up to (upper limit) five pilots can be registered as usable game elements. A player sets (places) a game card P of a pilot (first game element) to appear in the competitive game from among the game cards he or she owns on one of the first game element reading units 121-125, and the first game element reading units 121-125 can read identification information and the like of the game card of the pilot (first game element).

[0039] The second game element reading units 131-135 are readers that read character information of a boarded unit, which is a second game element to be made to appear in the game, from a game card. The game device 1 of this embodiment is provided with five second game element reading units 131-135 so that up to (upper limit) five boarded units can be registered as game elements to be used. A player sets (places) a game card of a boarded unit (second game element) to be made to appear in the battle game from among the game cards he owns in the second game element reading units 131-135, and the second game element reading units 131-135 can read identification information and the like of the game card of the boarded unit (second game element).

[0040] Players can then start a battle game by organizing up to five units (squads), which are game elements that consist of one registered pilot and one piloted aircraft. In other words, the maximum number of piloted aircraft that can be registered for a unit (squad) is the same as the maximum number of pilots that can be registered (upper limit), which is set to five.

[0041] Note that, for example, if the number of game cards from which information can be acquired is less than the maximum number (upper limit) of aircraft or pilots, such as when the player has just started using the game device 1 or when the player does not carry game cards, each of the game elements constituting a unit (squad) does not necessarily need to be registered based on information acquired from the game cards. In this case, game elements prepared on the game device 1 side may be additionally registered, and the maximum number of aircraft and pilots may be registered, forming a squad of five. Furthermore, in an aspect in which a concept such as cost is introduced into registration, the number of units (squads) to be registered may be set to a number less than the maximum number.

[0042] In addition, in this embodiment, one pilot is associated with one aircraft and registered as one unit, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the game elements that make up one unit may be associated with multiple pilots for one aircraft, or one pilot for multiple aircraft.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the game device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The game device 1 includes a processing unit 10, a display unit 11, first game element reading units 121 to 125, second game element reading units 131 to 135, an operation input unit 14, a price detection unit 15, a user information reading unit 16, a sound output unit 17, a communication unit 18, and a memory unit 19.

[0044] The processing unit 10 comprehensively controls the operation of the game device 1 based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 19, operation input signals from the first game element reading unit 12, the second game element reading unit 13, and the operation input unit 14, etc. The functions of the processing unit 10 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or a GPU, an ASIC, and an IC memory. Specifically, the control unit 10 controls the operation of each unit by reading out the operation program of each unit recorded in the recording unit 19, for example, and expanding and executing the program in memory. The processing unit 10 includes, as main functional units, a game element acquisition unit 110, a type notification unit 111, a unit configuration unit 112, and a game execution unit 113. These units will be described later.

[0045] The display unit 11 displays various game screens based on image signals output from the processing unit 10. The functions of the display unit 11 can be realized by a display device such as a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display, a projector, or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 5, the display unit corresponds to the display 11.

[0046] As described above, the first game element reading units 121 to 125 are five first game element reading units, which are the upper limit of the number of registered first game elements, and are readers that read character information of pilots, which are first game elements to be made to appear in the game, from game cards held by players. Reading of first game elements from game cards is possible, for example, by reading a one-dimensional or multidimensional code obtained by converting the identification information, etc., of the game card, which is printed on the game card. Furthermore, if the identification information, etc. of the game card is recorded on a tag or IC chip for near field communication (NFC) included in the game card, the information is read from the tag or IC chip. The read information is output to the processing unit 10 together with a reading unit ID (e.g., reading unit ID = 121), which is identification information of the device itself.

[0047] As described above, the second game element reading units 131 to 135 are five second game element reading units, which are the upper limit of the number of registered second game elements, and are readers that read character information of the aircraft, which is the second game element to be made to appear in the game, from the game card held by the player. Reading of the second game elements from the game card is possible, for example, by reading a one-dimensional or multidimensional code obtained by converting the identification information, etc. of the game card, which is printed on the game card. Also, if the identification information, etc. of the game card is recorded on a tag or IC chip for near field communication (NFC) included in the game card, the information is read from the tag or IC chip. The read information is output to the processing unit 10 together with a reading unit ID (e.g., reading unit ID = 131), which is the identification information of the device itself.

[0048] A unit is composed of the first game element read by the first game element reading units 121-125 and the second game element read by the second game element reading units 131-135. As described above, one unit is a combination of a pilot, which is one first game element, and a plane, which is one second game element. Therefore, to make it easy for a player to identify the combination of the pilot, which is the first game element, and the plane, which is the second game element, that constitutes a unit, the first game element reading units 121-125 and the second game element reading units 131-135 are arranged so that at least one side of the paired first game element reading units 121-125 and one side of the paired second game element reading units 131-135 are adjacent to each other. For example, the bottom side of the first game element reading unit 121 and the top side of the second game element reading unit 131 are arranged adjacent to each other to form a vertical pair. This allows the player to easily understand that a unit is formed by pairing the pilot of the game card read by the first game element reading unit 121 with the aircraft on the game card read by the second game element reading unit 131. The same applies to the other combinations of the first game element reading units 122 to 125 and the second game element reading units 132 to 135.

[0049] The operation input unit 14 is used by the player to input various operations related to the game, and outputs an operation input signal corresponding to the operation input to the processing unit 10. The function of the operation input unit 14 can be realized by, for example, elements that are directly operated by the player's fingers, such as a touch panel, touch operation pad, home button, button switch, joystick, or trackball, as well as elements that detect movement or posture, such as an acceleration sensor, angular velocity sensor, tilt sensor, or geomagnetic sensor. In this embodiment, this corresponds to a touch operation panel attached to the display unit 11.

[0050] The price detection unit 15 detects that a price has been paid in the game device 1. The payment of the price may be determined, for example, by detecting that a predetermined amount of coins or an equivalent coin has been inserted into an insertion slot (not shown) of the game device 1, or by detecting the completion of a settlement process based on communication with a chip related to a predetermined electronic money. The game device 1 of this embodiment will be described as starting to provide a service, including the provision of a series of game play experiences, based on the payment of a price for starting the provision of the service. The payment of the price can also be detected after the provision of the service has started.

[0051] The user information reading unit 16 acquires information from an item on which a player ID (player identification information) is recorded in order to identify a player who uses the game device 1. In this embodiment, the item on which the player ID is recorded is a player card configured in the form of a card. The sound output unit 17 is a speaker or the like for outputting sound effects and the like related to the game based on the sound signal output from the processing unit 10.

[0052] The communication unit 18 is a communication interface with an external device. The communication unit 18 can connect to the external device via a communication line N (whether wired or wireless) and enable transmission and reception of data. The communication unit 18 converts, for example, information input as a transmission target into data in a predetermined format and transmits the data to an external device such as the server 2 via the communication line N. The communication unit 18 also receives information from the external device via, for example, the communication line N.

[0053] The recording medium 19 is a recording device capable of holding data, such as a non-volatile memory, a HDD, etc. The recording medium 19 stores operation programs for each unit of the game device 1, as well as information on parameters required for the operation of each unit and various graphics data used in the fighting game executed by the game device 1.

[0054] The recording medium 19 also stores a game element database 190 (game element DB190). The game element DB190 is a database that manages information (element information) about each game element that appears in a game. In the game device 1 of this embodiment, a player places a game card on the first game element reading units 121-125 and the second game element reading units 132-135 during game play and causes information to be acquired, thereby causing the game element associated with the game card to appear in the game. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, the element information managed for one game element includes type information 192 that indicates a type in the game assigned to the game element, associated with an element ID (identification information) 191 that uniquely identifies the game element, drawing information 193 including graphics data and the like used to generate a screen when the game element appears in the game, and parameter information (character information) 194 that describes the name, attributes, etc. of the game element, as well as parameters defined for each element level of the game element and effects activated by using the game element. The parameter information 194 is information that is referenced in a game in which the game element appears, and is involved in controlling the progress of the game.

[0055] In this embodiment, the game element DB 190 stores graphics data, parameter information, etc., and the element information includes these pieces of data, but the present invention is not limited to this. The element information may also include information indicating the storage location of each piece of information.

[0056] Next, the main functional units of the processing unit 10, that is, the game element acquisition unit 110, the type notification unit 111, the unit configuration unit 112, and the game execution unit 113, will be described.

[0057] The game element acquisition unit 110 acquires the element ID 191 of the game card read by the first game element reading units 121-125 and the second game element reading units 131-135. At this time, it also acquires reading unit IDs that identify the first game element reading units 121-125 and the second game element reading units 131-135 that read the element ID 191 of the game card (hereinafter, the reading unit IDs of the first game element reading units 121-125 will be referred to as 121-125, and the reading unit IDs of the second game element reading units 131-135 will be referred to as 131-135). The game element acquisition unit 110 acquires, from the game element DB 190, type information 192, drawing information 193, and parameter information 194 that are associated with the element ID 191 of the acquired game card. Then, game element acquisition unit 110 associates the reading unit ID, element ID 191, type information 192, drawing information 193, and parameter information 194, and outputs them to type notification unit 111 and unit configuration unit 112. Note that first game element reading units 121-125 and game element acquisition unit 110 function as first game element registration means. Also, second game element reading units 131-135 and game element acquisition unit 110 function as second game element registration means.

[0058] Type notification unit 111 receives reading unit ID, element ID 191, type information 192, drawing information 193, and parameter information 194 from game element acquisition unit 110. If the types of the registered identical game elements are all the same type, type notification unit 111 notifies that effect. If the types of the registered identical game elements are all the same type, the following cases occur. (1) When the pilot types (classifications), which are the first game element, are all the same type (classification).

[0059] In this example, the game element type information 192 associated with the reading unit IDs 121 to 125 of the first game element reading units 121 to 125, which are the received reading unit IDs, is the same. For example, the game cards of the pilots placed in the first game element reading units 121 to 125 are all of the attack type or the defense type.

[0060] As described above, the behavioral characteristics of a unit, which is a combination of a first game element and a second game element, depend on either the type of the first game element or the type of the second game element. When the behavioral characteristics of a unit depend on the type of pilot, which is the first game element, if all the types of pilots, which is the first game element, are attack or defense, all units appearing in the game will be attack or defense types, and will be able to only attack the opposing player's base or only defend the player's base. Therefore, if all of the pilot game cards set (arranged) in the first game element reading units 121-125 are of the same type (classification), the types of pilots to appear in the battle game are notified to the player, and the player is notified that all of the types are the same.

[0061] Furthermore, regardless of the types (classifications) of the pilot's game cards set (placed) in the first game element reading units 121-125, the player may be notified if the types (classifications) are all the same, or only a specific type (hereinafter referred to as a specific class) may be notified.

[0062] In the battle game of this embodiment, a unit is composed of a pilot and a mobile unit. In the real world, the behavioral characteristics of a mobile unit reflect the type of pilot piloting it. Therefore, it is natural to make the behavioral characteristics of a unit dependent on the type of pilot, which increases the player's interest in the battle game. However, when making the behavioral characteristics of a unit dependent on the type of pilot, there is something that players must be aware of. Setting all pilots to the defensive type results in all of the unit's behavioral characteristics becoming defensive. That is, if game cards of defensive-type pilots are set (placed) in all of the first game element reading units 121-125, the behavioral characteristics of all units that include that defensive-type pilot as a component will become defensive. In such a case, as described above, all units appearing in the game are only capable of defending the player's base, and there are no units that attack the opposing player's base. As a result, the player is unable to destroy the opposing player's units or base, and therefore is unable to win the battle. This is disadvantageous to the player.

[0063] Therefore, the defense type is set as a specific type, and when all of the pilot types, which are the first game element to appear in the battle game, are defense type, the player is notified of this and alerted. At this time, if the player is also notified that no attack type pilots are registered, it will be easier for the player to understand. (2) When the types (classifications) of the aircraft, which is the second game element, are all the same type (classification).

[0064] In this example, this is the case when the type information 192 of the game elements associated with the reading unit IDs 131 to 135 of the second game element reading units 131 to 135, which are the received reading unit IDs, is the same. For example, this is the case when all of the types of the game cards of the boarded units set (placed) in the second game element reading units 131 to 135 are attack type, defense type, or the same range type.

[0065] In such a case, the types of aircraft that will appear in the battle game are notified to the player, and the player is notified that all of the types are the same. The reason is the same as that described in the first game element.

[0066] Furthermore, regardless of the type of the game cards of the boarded aircraft set (placed) in the second game element reading units 131 to 135, the player may be notified if all of the types are the same, or only a specific type (hereinafter referred to as a specific type) may be notified. The reason for this is the same as that described for the first game element.

[0067] As described above, when the types of first game elements or the types of second game elements that a player wants to appear in the battle game are all the same, the player is notified of this. In addition, the type notification unit 111 may notify the player of the types (types) of the game elements, or after notifying the player of the types (types), to prompt the player to exchange game cards of the pilot, which is the first game element, or the aircraft, which is the second game element. Then, when some of the pilot game cards placed in the first game element reading units 121-125 or some of the aircraft game cards placed in the second game element reading units 131-135 are exchanged and all types (types) are no longer the same, information permitting the formation of a unit is transmitted to the unit formation unit 112. This makes it possible to play the battle game.

[0068] However, a player may wish to perform a battle with all pilots or aircraft of the same type in order to gain experience points for the player's game elements, or for strategic reasons in the battle game. Therefore, along with or after notifying the player of the type, a notification requesting approval for the battle may be sent to the unit configuration unit 112, even if the pilot type (first game element) or the aircraft type (second game element) are all the same. In this case, when the player approves the battle, information permitting the formation of a unit is sent to the unit configuration unit 112, even if the pilot type (first game element) or the aircraft type (second game element) are all the same. This allows the battle game to be performed.

[0069] The unit configuration unit 112 receives the reading unit ID, element ID 191, type information 192, drawing information 193, and parameter information 194 from the game element acquisition unit 110, and configures one unit (squad) from a pair of a pilot, which is a first game element, and a plane, which is a second game element. The unit configuration unit 112 identifies the pair of the first game element and the second game element from the reading unit ID. In this embodiment, combinations of reading unit IDs (reading unit ID: 121, reading unit ID: 131), (reading unit ID: 122, reading unit ID: 132), (reading unit ID: 123, reading unit ID: 133), (reading unit ID: 124, reading unit ID: 134), and (reading unit ID: 125, reading unit ID: 135) correspond to the game elements that configure one unit. The unit configuration unit 112 identifies the first and second game elements to be paired by identifying the element ID 191 associated with each pair of reader IDs. The unit configuration unit 112 then configures a unit using the type information 192, drawing information 193, and parameter information 194 associated with the element ID 191. The unit's capabilities are, for example, the sum of the character information (various parameters) of the pilot, which is the first game element constituting the unit, and the character information (various parameters) of the aircraft, which is the second game element. Furthermore, other information associated with the player ID read from the player card by the user information reading unit 16, such as the player's level and correction parameters for each game element, may be reflected in the unit's capabilities. Furthermore, the unit's behavioral characteristics are made subordinate (dependent) to at least one of the pilot type (type), which is the first game element, or the aircraft type (type), which is the second game element, which are components.

[0070] The game execution unit 113 controls the series of games from the start to the end of the competitive game, and starts the competitive game when the price detection unit 15 detects payment of the price. In the competitive game, units (units) configured by the unit configuration unit 112 are placed on the game field, and the progress of the battle is controlled in accordance with the operation inputs made by the player to the units (units).

[0071] Next, the server 2 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 2 according to this embodiment. The server 2 includes a processing unit 20, a storage unit 21, and a communication unit 22.

[0072] The processing unit 20 is, for example, a CPU, and controls the operation of each block of the server 2. Specifically, the processing unit 20 controls the operation of each block by, for example, reading out the operation program of each block recorded in the recording unit 21, expanding it in memory, and executing it. The processing unit 20 includes, as main functional units, a matching processing unit 201 and a management unit 202.

[0073] The matching processing unit 201 performs matching processing for a competitive game (player-versus-player battle) between players provided in the game system of this embodiment. Through the matching processing, a session is established for, for example, two game devices 1 that have transmitted matching requests at the same time among the game devices 1 connected to the server 2, and the state transitions to one in which information communication related to the competitive game is possible.

[0074] The management unit 202 manages the evaluation of players related to the game based on the play content of the game played on the game device 1. More specifically, the management unit 202 evaluates players based on the play content for each battle game play, and generates or updates evaluation information for player information related to the player, which will be described later.

[0075] The recording unit 21 is a recording device capable of holding data, such as a non-volatile memory or HDD. The recording unit 21 stores information such as parameters required for the operation of each block in addition to the operation program of each block held by the server 2. The recording unit 21 also stores a player database 210 (player DB210).

[0076] In the game system of this embodiment, the player DB 210 is a database that manages information (player information) indicating game usage status associated with each user (player) for a game for which a play experience is provided on the game device 1. The player information is information for managing the usage history of game play functions for each player and various game elements that are available to the player. The player information is sequentially updated according to the results of a game played using a player card on the game device 1, and is provided to the game device 1 when the player card is used again. This makes it possible for the game device 1 to provide game play that reflects the previous game play.

[0077] In this embodiment, the player information may include, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, progress status information 212 indicating the progress of the player's game play, possession information 213 indicating game elements that are available for use in the game for the player, enhancement status information 214 indicating the enhancement status of each of the available game elements, and reward information 215 indicating the reward granted to the player (which may be another type of game element).

[0078] Here, the progress status information 212 may include evaluation information evaluating the player's playing status, in addition to progress information indicating the progress to a predetermined story stage and performance information indicating the player's performance in a competitive game. The possession information 213 is configured by sequentially adding element IDs 191 of game elements associated with game cards used by the player when playing the game, i.e., game elements available to the player. The strengthening status information 214 may be configured to manage element levels, as indicators of parameters that have changed as a result of strengthening, in association with the element IDs 191 of at least game elements that have been strengthened (changed from their initial state). In this embodiment, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the strengthening status information 214 is described as being updated when the results of a game played on the game device 1 are obtained. However, the strengthening status information 214 may be updated, for example, when information on the training results is obtained by using a training function on the game device 1.

[0079] The communication unit 22 is a communication interface with an external device. The communication unit 22 can connect to the external device via a communication line N (whether wired or wireless) and transmit and receive data. The communication unit 22 converts, for example, information input as a transmission target, into data in a predetermined format and transmits the data to an external device such as the game device 1 via the communication line N. The communication unit 22 also receives information from the external device via, for example, the communication line N.

[0080] <Operation of Game Device 1> The operation of the game device 1 will now be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the game device 1. In the following description, the maximum number (upper limit) of cards that can be registered in the battle game is five for both pilot cards (first game element) and aircraft cards (second game element). In addition, the specific type will be described as the defense type of the pilot, which is the first game element.

[0081] To start a competitive game, a player inserts coins of a predetermined amount or an equivalent coin as a fee for the service of the competitive game into an insertion slot of the game device 1. When the fee detection unit 15 detects the fee (Step 100), the game execution unit 113 starts the service of the competitive game (Step 101).

[0082] Next, the player has the user information reading unit 16 read the player card (Step 102). The user information reading unit 16 reads the player ID 211 from the player's player card and transmits the player ID 211 to the server 2, thereby receiving from the server 2 the progress status information 212, possession information 213, strengthening status information 214, reward information 215, etc. associated with the player ID 211. This information is passed to the processing unit 10.

[0083] The game execution unit 113 displays a game element registration screen (Step 102). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the game element registration screen. The game element registration screen of FIG. 11 displays a dialog box informing the player that up to five pilot cards and up to five aircraft mecha cards among the game cards owned by the player XXXX can be set (placed) in the first game element reading units 121-125 and the second game element reading units 131-135, and that the player should press the set completion button when the setting (placement) is complete. The player sets (places) the pilot cards of the pilots he / she wants to have appear in the battle game among the game cards he / she owns in the first game element reading units 121-125, and sets (places) the aircraft mecha cards of the aircraft mecha cards he / she wants to have appear in the battle game in the second game element reading units 131-135. Then, when the player has completed setting (placement) of the game cards, he / she presses the set completion button.

[0084] When the set completion button is pressed (Step 104), the first game element reading units 121-125 and the second game element reading units 131-135 read the element IDs printed on the game cards, and the read element IDs are output to the game element acquisition unit 110 together with the reading unit IDs of the first game element reading units 121-125 and the second game element reading units 131-135 (Step 105).

[0085] The game element acquisition unit 110 acquires the element ID and reader ID of the set (placed) game card. Then, the game element acquisition unit 110 acquires type information 192, drawing information 193, and parameter information 194 associated with the element ID 191 of the acquired game card from the game element DB 190, associates the reader ID, element ID 191, type information 192, drawing information 193, and parameter information 194, and outputs them to the type notification unit 111 and the unit configuration unit 112 (Step 106).

[0086] The type notification unit 111 counts the number of reader IDs of the first game element reader units 121 to 125 among the reader IDs, and determines whether the maximum number (upper limit) of first game elements that can be registered has been reached (Step 107). For example, if the player sets (places) pilot cards in all of the first game element reader units 121 to 125, the number of reader IDs is five, 121 to 125, which has reached the maximum number (upper limit) that can be registered.

[0087] If the number of reader IDs of the first game element readers has reached the maximum number (upper limit) that can be registered, the type notification unit 111 determines the type of the pilot, which is the first game element (Step 108). Specifically, the type notification unit 111 determines the type of each registered first game element, which is the pilot, using type information 192 in which the reader ID is associated with the reader ID of the first game element reader 121-125.

[0088] The type notification unit 111 determines whether all of the identified pilot types are of a specific type (Step 109), and if all of the identified pilot types are of a specific type, displays a type notification screen (Step 110). In this example, the specific type is a defensive type. Therefore, if all of the identified pilot types are of a defensive type, the type notification screen is displayed. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the type notification screen when all of the pilot types, which are registered first game elements, are of a specific type (defensive type). The type notification screen shown in FIG. 12 displays a notification that all of the registered pilot types are defensive types, a notification recommending that at least one pilot game card be replaced with an attack-type pilot game card, a card exchange dialog box for returning to the game element registration screen to exchange the pilot game cards, and a battle approval dialog box for approving the execution of a battle even if all pilot types are defensive types.

[0089] The player checks the game element registration screen and presses one of the dialog box buttons (the card exchange button or the battle approval button). When the player presses the battle approval button (Step 111), the type notification unit 111 counts the number of reader IDs of the second game element reading units 131 to 135 among the reader IDs, and determines whether the maximum number (upper limit) of second game elements that can be registered has been reached (Step 112). For example, if the player sets (places) boarding unit cards in all of the second game element reading units 131 to 135, the number of reader IDs will be five, 131 to 135, which is the maximum number (upper limit) that can be registered.

[0090] On the other hand, if the player does not press the battle approval button but presses the card exchange button (Step 116), the type notification unit 111 returns to the game element registration screen (Step 103), allowing the player to exchange pilot cards.

[0091] If the player approves the battle, or if at least one of the pilots, which are registered first game elements, is not of a specific type (defense type), the unit configuration unit 112 configures a unit (squad) from a pair of the pilot, which is the first game element, and the aircraft, which is the second game element, using the reader ID, element ID 191, type information 192, drawing information 193, and parameter information 194 acquired from the game element acquisition unit 110 (Step 113). Note that if the number of registered first game elements or second game elements has not reached the maximum number (5 in this example) for registration (Step 107, Step 112), the game execution unit 113 performs processing to supplement game elements in a timely manner according to the player's level, etc. (Step 115), and configures a unit (Step 113). When the unit configuration unit 112 has completed the configuration of the units, the game execution unit 113 starts the battle process (Step 114).

[0092] In this embodiment, the type of the registered first game elements can be notified on the condition that all of the first game elements appearing in the battle game are first game elements of the same type. This notification allows the player to know that all of the registered first game elements are of the same type, and makes it possible to alert the player that a battle that may be disadvantageous to the player may be executed.

[0093] Furthermore, in cases such as the fighting game of this embodiment, where a single unit is made up of multiple game elements and the behavioral characteristics of that unit depend on the type of one of the game elements that make up the unit, by defining a specific type of notification, it is possible to more effectively alert the player, thereby preventing the user from losing interest in the game and providing a highly entertaining game.

[0094] In the above description, the type of the registered first game element can be notified on the condition that all of the first game elements to be included in the competitive game are first game elements of the same type, but the type of the registered second game element can be notified on the condition that all of the second game elements to be included in the competitive game are second game elements of the same type. Furthermore, the above notification may be performed for both the first game element and the second game element.

[0095] Furthermore, the specific type is not limited to a defense type, but may be an attack type or other type.

[0096] In addition, in this embodiment, a battle approval dialog box is displayed on the type notification screen, and if approval for the battle is obtained, the battle can be carried out, but the battle may also be prevented from being carried out if all of the first game elements to appear in the battle game are of the same type.

[0097] <Modification of the first embodiment> In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which a unit (troop) consisting of a first game element and a second game element plays a main role in attack or defense. However, the present invention can also be applied to a game in which the first game element alone plays a main role in attack or defense.

[0098] <Second embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0099] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the identity of the types of a plurality of registered first game elements or the identity of the types of a plurality of registered second game elements is determined. That is, an example has been described in which the identity of the types is determined for each first game element or each second game element.

[0100] In the second embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, or independently, an example is described in which the type of a first game element and the type of a second game element are determined on a unit basis consisting of a pair of a first game element and a second game element.

[0101] As described above in the first embodiment, a unit (squad) is composed of a combination of pilots, which are the first game element, and mechs, which are the second game element. There are multiple types of pilots, which are the first game element, and mechs, which are the second game element, and various types of parameter information appropriate for each type are assigned to the game elements. Furthermore, the capabilities of a unit are influenced by, for example, character information such as the parameters of the game elements that constitute the unit. Therefore, a unit (squad) can perform at its best when the type of the first game element (pilot) and the type of the second game element (mech) that make up the unit are the same.

[0102] Therefore, in the second embodiment, an example of configuring a unit will be described in which the type of the first game element (pilot) and the type of the second game element (boarded aircraft) that make up the unit are the same. Note that in the following explanation, detailed explanations of components similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0103] The difference from the first embodiment is the operation of unit configuration section 112. Fig. 13 is a flowchart of the operation of unit configuration section 112 in the second embodiment.

[0104] The unit configuration unit 112 acquires the element IDs of the game elements that make up a pair (Step 200). In this embodiment, the combinations of reader IDs (reader ID: 121, reader ID: 131), (reader ID: 122, reader ID: 132), (reader ID: 123, reader ID: 133), (reader ID: 124, reader ID: 134), and (reader ID: 125, reader ID: 135) correspond to the game elements that make up one unit. The unit configuration unit 112 acquires the element ID 191 associated with each pair of reader IDs.

[0105] The unit configuration unit 112 acquires type information 192 associated with the acquired element ID 191 (Step 201). This makes it possible to acquire the type of the first game element (pilot) and the type of the second game element (shipboard unit) that configure the unit.

[0106] The unit configuration unit 112 determines whether the type of the first game element (pilot) and the type of the second game element (ship) that configure the unit are the same type (Step 202). Specifically, if the pilot type is an attack type and the ship type is an attack type, they are the same type. Similarly, if the pilot type is a defense type and the ship type is a defense type, they are the same type.

[0107] If the type of the first game element (pilot) and the type of the second game element (aircraft) that make up the unit are the same type (Step 203), the unit construction unit 112 constructs the unit in the same manner as in the first embodiment (Step 204).

[0108] On the other hand, if the type of the first game element (pilot) and the type of the second game element (aircraft) that make up the unit are not the same type (Step 203), the unit configuration unit 112 displays an inappropriate unit screen (Step 205). FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the inappropriate unit screen. The inappropriate unit screen in FIG. 14 displays a notification that the type of pilot and the type of aircraft that make up the unit are different and the unit's capabilities cannot be utilized, a card exchange dialog box for returning to the game element registration screen to exchange game cards, and a battle approval dialog box for approving the execution of a battle even with the current combination.

[0109] The player checks the inappropriate unit screen and presses either the card exchange button or the battle approval button in the dialog box. If the player presses the battle approval button (Step 206), the unit formation unit 112 forms a unit (Step 204).

[0110] On the other hand, if the player does not press the battle approval button but presses the card exchange button (Step 207), the unit configuration unit 112 returns to the game element registration screen (Step 103), allowing the player to exchange pilot cards or aircraft cards.

[0111] In this embodiment, if the type of the first game element (pilot) and the type of the second game element (shipboard unit) that make up a unit are the same, the unit is formed, and if they are not the same, a warning is displayed to the player. With this configuration, the player can be warned about combinations of game elements that do not allow the unit to demonstrate its capabilities, and as a result, a highly entertaining game can be provided without the player losing interest in the game.

[0112] <Third embodiment> A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The game to which this embodiment is applied is a competitive game that uses game elements, and the game elements are embodied in items called game cards. By playing the competitive game, players can obtain game cards embodied with multiple types of game elements.

[0113] Regarding the timing of providing the game cards, considering that the game cards are provided as payment for playing the competitive game, they may be provided at any time after the payment for the competitive game. However, providing the game cards after the match is preferable to providing them before the match, as this gives the player a sense of reward as a result of the match. Therefore, in the third embodiment, an example will be described in which a game card embodying a first game element or a second game element is provided to the player after the match.

[0114] 15 is a functional block diagram of the game device 1 in the third embodiment. The game device 1 in the third embodiment is configured by adding an item provider 40 to the game device 1 in the first embodiment.

[0115] The item providing unit 40 includes a card dispenser configured to be able to provide the game cards stored in the storage unit one by one, and provides one game card after a match of the competitive game that starts after payment of a fee. The end of the match is notified by the game execution unit 113. The game card provided is a game card that embodies a first game element or a second game element.

[0116] Furthermore, a competitive game may include multiple matches, and game cards may be provided after each match. Figure 16 is a diagram for explaining a competitive game. The example of Figure 16 shows that in one competitive game, a series of steps from registering game elements to displaying the results includes multiple matches and the provision of multiple game elements (game cards corresponding to the game elements).

[0117] It should be noted here that, as shown in FIG. 16 , when a single competitive game has multiple matches, if a game card provided (e.g., providing a first game element) after one match (e.g., the first match) is to be made usable in the next match (e.g., the second match), the game element must be registered again. However, re-registering the game element requires reading the game card and exchanging data with the server 2, which lengthens the time that one player occupies the game device 1. Therefore, in a single competitive game that includes multiple matches, it is preferable to allow registration of game elements only at the start of the competitive game and not allow registration of game elements after the start of the match. In other words, the game execution unit 113 displays the game element registration screen only at the start of the competitive game and does not display the game element registration screen at any other time. As a result, game cards provided in one competitive game cannot be registered (used) during that competitive game.

[0118] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to provide game cards to players, while preventing one player from occupying the game device 1 for a long period of time. In this embodiment, the items into which the game elements are embodied are game cards, but the present invention is not limited to this and other items, such as dolls into which the game elements are embodied, may also be used.

[0119] Some or all of the above-described embodiments may also be described as in the following supplementary notes, but are not limited to the following.

[0120] [Appendix 1] A program for causing a computer to execute a game, Computer, a first game element registration means for registering a first game element to be included in the game from among a plurality of types of first game elements possessed by a player; second game element registration means for registering second game elements to be included in the game from among a plurality of types of second game elements possessed by the player; a unit configuration means for configuring a unit to be used in a battle by combining the registered first game element and the registered second game element as components; a game execution means for executing a match in accordance with the behavioral characteristics of the units; It functions as The behavioral characteristics of the unit depend on the types of the first game element and the second game element that are constituent elements. program.

[0121] [Appendix 2] A gaming device, a plurality of first game element registration means for registering first game elements to be made to appear in the game from a plurality of types of items possessed by a player; a plurality of second game element registration means for registering second game elements to be made to appear in the game from a plurality of types of items possessed by a player; a unit configuration means for configuring a unit to be used in a battle by combining the registered first game element and the registered second game element as components; a game execution means for executing a match according to the behavioral characteristics of the units; Equipped with each of the first game element registration means and each of the second game element registration means are arranged so that one side of one of the first game element registration means is adjacent to one side of one of the second game element registration means; the unit configuration means defines a first game element and a second game element registered by a first game element registration means and a second game element registration means, one side of which is adjacent to each other, as components of a unit; The behavioral characteristics of the unit depend on at least one type of a first game element or a second game element of the constituent element of the unit. Game device.

[0122] Although the present invention has been described above by way of preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of its technical concept. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1. Game device 2 Server

Claims

1. A program for causing a computer to execute a game, The computer a game element registration means for registering game elements to be included in the game from among a plurality of types of game elements possessed by a player; a notification means for controlling the types of registered game elements so as to be notifiable, on condition that all of the game elements registered by the game element registration means are of a specific type; a game execution means for executing a match using the registered game elements; A program that functions as a

2. the notification means controls the types of the registered game elements to be notifiable on condition that the game element registration means has registered an upper limit number of game elements that can be registered and all of the registered game elements are of a specific type; The program according to claim 1.

3. the game elements include a first type of game element and a second type of game element; The computer functioning as a unit generating means for generating a unit composed of a registered first type of game element and a registered second type of game element; the notification means controls the type of the registered game elements to be notifiable on condition that all of at least one of the registered first type game elements and the registered second type game elements are of a specific type; The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the game elements include a first type of game element and a second type of game element; The computer functioning as a unit generating means for generating a unit composed of a registered first type of game element and a registered second type of game element; the notification means controls to be able to notify the type of the registered first type of game element and the type of the registered second type of game element, on the condition that the type of the first type of game element constituting the unit and the type of the second type of game element are different; The program according to claim 3.

5. A game device for executing a game, a game element registration means for registering game elements to be included in the game from among a plurality of types of game elements possessed by a player; a notification means for controlling the types of registered game elements to be notifiable on the condition that all of the game elements registered by the game element registration means are of a specific type; a game execution means for executing a match using the registered game elements; A game device comprising:

Images