Game programs, game systems, control methods

Abstract

The goal is to provide users with a new way of experiencing game audio, and to help them recognize the game's progress through these changes in sound perception. [Solution] The game progress unit 100 controls the virtual space in which the game progresses according to the user's operations. The sound processing unit 102 outputs the sound within the virtual space obtained by the virtual microphone 32 placed in the virtual space to the speaker 22. A predetermined virtual sound source SS that outputs predetermined sounds related to the game is placed in the virtual space. The game progress unit 100 operates the predetermined virtual sound source SS so that it performs predetermined actions around the virtual microphone 32 in the virtual space, and changes the manner of predetermined actions of the predetermined virtual sound source SS according to the progress of the game.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a game program, a game system, and a control method. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Patent Document 1 discloses a game device that outputs BGM (Back Ground Music) and environmental sounds corresponding to game scenes. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-209604 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 In such games as described above, from the viewpoint of improving the趣味性 of the game, it is conceivable to enable the player to experience a new way of hearing the voices related to the game. Further, from the viewpoint of improving the immersion of the player (the user who plays the game), it is desirable to enable the player to recognize the progress of the game based on the change in the new way of hearing the voices as described above. 【0005】 An object of the present invention is to enable the player to experience a new way of hearing the voices related to the game and to enable the player to recognize the progress of the game based on the change in the new way of hearing. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0006】 The first aspect is a computer system including one or more computers, a game progress unit that controls a virtual space in which a game progresses according to a user's operation, It functions as an audio processing unit that outputs the sound within the virtual space obtained by a virtual microphone placed within the virtual space to a speaker. Within the virtual space, a predetermined virtual sound source is placed that outputs predetermined sounds related to the game. The game progression unit operates the predetermined virtual sound source so that it performs predetermined actions around the virtual microphone within the virtual space, and changes the manner of the predetermined actions of the predetermined virtual sound source according to the progress of the game. This is a game program. 【0007】 In the first embodiment, The predetermined operation may be an operation of rotating around the virtual microphone. 【0008】 In the first embodiment, The game progression unit may change the position of the predetermined virtual sound source in the height direction according to the progress of the game. 【0009】 In the first embodiment, The predetermined mode of operation of the predetermined virtual sound source may include the movement speed of the predetermined virtual sound source in the predetermined operation. 【0010】 In the first embodiment, The progress of the game may include the degree to which the user is at a disadvantage in the game. 【0011】 In the first embodiment, The game may be a game in which a player character controlled by the user defends a base established in the virtual space. The degree of disadvantage to the user in the aforementioned game may include the degree of risk of the base falling. 【0012】 In the first embodiment, The computer system may also function as a display processing unit that displays images in the virtual space on a display. The aforementioned virtual sound source does not necessarily have to be included in the image. 【0013】 The second aspect is, A game progression unit that controls the virtual space in which the game progresses according to the user's actions, It includes an audio processing unit that outputs the sound from the virtual space obtained by a virtual microphone placed in the virtual space to a speaker, Within the virtual space, a predetermined virtual sound source is placed that outputs predetermined sounds related to the game. The game progression unit operates the predetermined virtual sound source so that it performs predetermined actions around the virtual microphone within the virtual space, and changes the manner of the predetermined actions of the predetermined virtual sound source according to the progress of the game. This is the game system. 【0014】 The third aspect is, A control method for controlling the sound of a game that progresses in response to user actions, A game progression step that controls the virtual space in which the game progresses, The system includes an audio processing step that causes the audio within the virtual space, obtained by a virtual microphone placed within the virtual space, to be output to a speaker. Within the virtual space, a predetermined virtual sound source is placed that outputs predetermined sounds related to the game. In the game progression step, the predetermined virtual sound source is operated so that it performs predetermined actions around the virtual microphone within the virtual space, and the manner of the predetermined actions of the predetermined virtual sound source is changed according to the progress of the game. This is a control method. [Effects of the Invention] 【0015】 According to the present invention, by operating a predetermined virtual sound source so that the predetermined virtual sound source performs a predetermined operation around a virtual microphone, it is possible to provide a user with a predetermined voice that sounds as if it is output from a sound source that performs a predetermined operation around the user. Thereby, it is possible to experience a new way of hearing a predetermined voice related to a game. Further, by changing the mode of the predetermined operation of the predetermined virtual sound source according to the progress of the game, it is possible to recognize the progress of the game by the change in the new way of hearing the predetermined voice related to the game. 【Brief Description of Drawings】 【0016】 [Figure 1] It is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a predetermined virtual sound source and a base point in a virtual space. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram illustrating a change in the position of a predetermined virtual sound source in the height direction. 【Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention】 【0017】 Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated. Further, in the following description, the game device (specifically, the control unit) is an example of a computer system including one or more computers. 【0018】 (Explanation of Terms) First, the terms used in the following description will be explained. Hereinafter, terms such as games and objects are used. 【0019】 A "game" refers to a game (video game) that takes place in a virtual space. This virtual space is a three-dimensional game space, displayed as an image on a screen. An example of such a game is an action game in which a player character, controlled by the player (the user playing the game), fights against enemy characters. Enemy characters are an example of non-player characters controlled by the computer. 【0020】 An "object" is a virtual object placed within a virtual space. Examples of objects include player characters, non-player characters, and vehicles. 【0021】 Furthermore, objects include sound source objects, which act as virtual sound sources within the virtual space. Examples of sound source objects include objects that operate within the virtual space and objects that only output sound within the virtual space. Player characters and non-player characters can be sound source objects. In addition to the sounds output from sound source objects, the sounds played in the game (sounds within the virtual space) also include background music (BGM), ambient sounds, and sound effects. 【0022】 For the sake of explanation, the following will use the example of a game where "player characters and allied characters fight against enemy characters while defending a base (specifically, a base character placed at the base) from enemy characters." Allied characters are an example of non-player characters. 【0023】 In the game described below, the user loses if defeat conditions are met, such as when the base falls (specifically, when the base character is defeated by an enemy character) or when the player character is defeated. Conversely, the user wins if victory conditions are met, such as when all enemy characters are defeated or when the base is defended for a set amount of time. Such a game can be described as an action game that includes elements of a tower defense game. 【0024】 (Game device) Figure 1 illustrates the configuration of a game device 1 according to an embodiment. The game device 1 executes a game in response to user input. The game progresses based on the installed game program and game data. The game devices 1 can communicate with each other using a communication network (not shown) or a short-range wireless communication device (not shown). The game device 1 is an example of a game system. 【0025】 Examples of game devices 1 include game consoles, smartphones, tablets, and personal computers, all of which have a display, speakers, and controllers that are either externally connected or built-in. In the following example, game device 1 is described as a "game console with a display, speakers, and controllers that are either externally connected or built-in." Game device 1 comprises a game console 10, a display 21, speakers 22, and a controller 23. 【0026】 [Game console hardware configuration] The game console 10 includes a network interface 11, a graphics processing unit 12, an audio processing unit 13, an operation processing unit 14, a storage unit 15, and a control unit 16. The network interface 11, the graphics processing unit 12, the audio processing unit 13, the operation processing unit 14, and the storage unit 15 are electrically connected to the control unit 16 via a bus 17. 【0027】 The network interface 11 is connected to other information processing devices via a communication network (not shown) in order to send and receive various information and data with other game devices 1 or other information processing devices such as external server devices (not shown). 【0028】 A display 21 is connected to the graphics processing unit 12. The graphics processing unit 12 displays various images (moving images rendered in video format) on the display 21 according to the various image information output from the control unit 16. The display 21 is a display used by the user and is an example of a display device that shows images to the user. 【0029】 The audio processing unit 13 is connected to the speaker 22. The audio processing unit 13 outputs various sounds to the speaker 22 according to the various audio information output from the control unit 16. The speaker 22 is a speaker used by the user and is an example of an audio device that outputs sound towards the user. 【0030】 The controller 23 is connected to the operation processing unit 14. The operation processing unit 14 sends and receives data related to operation input to and from the controller 23. The operation processing unit 14 then transmits operation information indicating the operation input to the controller 23 to the control unit 16. The controller 23 is a controller used by the user and is an example of an operation unit operated by the user. 【0031】 For example, the user inputs an operation signal to the game device 1 by operating the controller 23. That is, when the controller 23 receives an operation from the user, it transmits an operation signal corresponding to the user's operation to the operation processing unit 14. The operation processing unit 14 generates operation information based on the operation signal and transmits that operation information to the control unit 16. 【0032】 The memory unit 15 stores various information and data. The memory unit 15 is composed of an HDD, SSD, RAM, ROM, etc. In this example, the memory unit 15 stores a game program and game data for running the game. The game data includes image data for generating various images to be displayed on the display 21, audio data for generating various sounds to be output from the speaker 22, and control data (such as setting values ​​such as thresholds) used to control processing by the game device 1. 【0033】 The control unit 16 controls the operation of the game device 1. The control unit 16 sends and receives various information and data, and processes various information and data. The control unit 16 has a CPU (microcomputer) and memory. The memory stores programs for operating the CPU, etc. In this example, the control unit 16 controls the display 21 and speaker 22 by controlling the graphics processing unit 12 and the audio processing unit 13. 【0034】 [Functional configuration of the control unit in a game device] The control unit 16 includes a game progress unit 100, a display processing unit 101, and an audio processing unit 102. Specifically, the control unit 16 functions as the display processing unit 101 and the audio processing unit 102 by having its CPU execute various programs. This program is an example of a game program. 【0035】 <Game Management Team> The game progress unit 100 controls and advances the game. The game progress unit 100 also controls the virtual space (the virtual space in which the game progresses) in response to user input. The game progress unit 100 is an example of a virtual space control unit that controls the movement of objects placed within the virtual space. 【0036】 In this example, the game progress unit 100 moves the player character in the virtual space in response to user inputs on the controller 23. The game progress unit 100 also moves other objects, such as non-player characters, in the virtual space. For example, the game progress unit 100 controls the movement of non-player characters and other objects using AI (artificial intelligence). In this way, the game progress unit 100 advances the game by moving various objects placed in the virtual space. 【0037】 Specifically, the game progression unit 100 controls (progresses) the game played in the virtual space by controlling (generating or updating) three-dimensional data representing the virtual space, which includes various objects, so that various objects can operate within the virtual space. The three-dimensional data representing the virtual space includes well-known data for constructing the virtual space, such as data relating to the world coordinate system, which is the coordinate system that represents the field in the virtual space and serves as the reference coordinate system for direction within the virtual space; data relating to the local coordinate system, which is the coordinate system of objects placed in the virtual space; and data relating to the shape of the objects. 【0038】 <Display Processing Section> The display processing unit 101 displays images from the virtual space controlled by the game progress unit 100 on the display 21. In this example, the display processing unit 101 generates image data representing the images in the virtual space and supplies this image data to the graphics processing unit 12. As a result, the images in the virtual space indicated by the image data are displayed on the display 21. 【0039】 As shown in Figure 2, a virtual camera 31 is placed in the virtual space. The virtual camera 31 is placed near the player character C1. The virtual camera 31 is a virtual viewer (viewpoint) and is a reference point for reproducing either the "viewpoint of player character C1 (first-person view)" or the "viewpoint of player character C1 viewed from behind, etc. (third-person view)". In the example in Figure 2, the virtual camera 31 is the reference point for the third-person view. 【0040】 The display processing unit 101 moves the virtual camera 31 in the virtual space to follow the movement of the player character C1. Furthermore, if the virtual camera 31 is the reference point for a first-person perspective, the display processing unit 101 changes the orientation of the virtual camera 31 in the virtual space to follow the orientation of the player character C1. Finally, the display processing unit 101 displays the image of the virtual space obtained by the virtual camera 31 on the display 21. 【0041】 Specifically, the display processing unit 101 generates image data that indicates the image according to the shooting conditions of the virtual camera 31 in the virtual space, so that the image displayed on the display 21 includes the "image obtained by the virtual camera 31". The shooting conditions of the virtual camera 31 include the orientation of the virtual camera 31, the orientation of objects placed in the virtual space, and the distance between the virtual camera 31 and the objects. 【0042】 The images obtained by the virtual camera 31 are images of the virtual space according to the shooting conditions of the virtual camera 31, and are images generated from three-dimensional data representing the virtual space controlled by the game progress unit 100. The process of generating such images of the virtual space (two-dimensional data) from three-dimensional data is a well-known process such as projection transformation. 【0043】 Then, by displaying the image shown in the generated image data on the display 21, it is possible to display an image on the display 21 that appears as if it were taken by a virtual camera 31 in a virtual space. 【0044】 <Speech Processing Section> The audio processing unit 102 outputs sounds from the virtual space controlled by the game progress unit 100 to the speaker 22. In this example, the audio processing unit 102 generates audio data representing the sounds in the virtual space and supplies this audio data to the audio processing unit 13. As a result, the sounds from the virtual space indicated by the audio data are output from the speaker 22. 【0045】 As shown in Figure 2, a virtual microphone 32 is placed in the virtual space. The virtual microphone 32, along with the virtual camera 31, is placed near the player character C1. The virtual microphone 32 is a virtual listener (sound collection point) and a reference point for sound localization. 【0046】 The audio processing unit 102 moves the virtual microphone 32 within the virtual space to follow the movement of the player character C1 and the virtual camera 31. The audio processing unit 102 also changes the orientation of the virtual microphone 32 to follow the orientation of the virtual camera 31. Finally, the audio processing unit 102 outputs the sound obtained from the virtual microphone 32 within the virtual space to the speaker 22. 【0047】 Specifically, the audio processing unit 102 generates audio data that indicates the sound according to the sound pickup status of the virtual microphone 32 in the virtual space, so that the sound output from the speaker 22 includes the sound obtained by the virtual microphone 32. The sound pickup status of the virtual microphone 32 includes the orientation of the virtual microphone 32, the volume of the sound output from the object placed in the virtual space, the direction from which the sound is output from the object, and the distance between the virtual microphone 32 and the object. 【0048】 Furthermore, the sound output from an object placed in the virtual space is the sound associated with that object (a pre-prepared sound). The sound obtained by the virtual microphone 32 is the sound within the virtual space according to the sound pickup conditions of the virtual microphone 32, and is generated based on the sound associated with the object placed in that virtual space. The process of generating the above-mentioned sound within the virtual space from the sound associated with an object is a well-known process such as speech synthesis. 【0049】 Then, by outputting the audio data generated as described above to the speaker 22, it is possible to output audio to the speaker 22 as if it were being collected by the virtual microphone 32 in the virtual space. 【0050】 [Specified virtual sound source] A designated virtual sound source (SS) is placed within the virtual space. This virtual sound source (SS) outputs designated sounds related to the game. These designated sounds are intended to make the player (the user playing the game) aware of the game's progress. The relationship between these designated sounds and the game's progress will be explained in detail later. 【0051】 In this example, the designated audio is an audio that is played repeatedly. Specifically, the designated audio is an audio that gives the user a negative impression, for example, an audio that increases the user's sense of anxiety (a concrete example being the groans of a monster that is an enemy character). 【0052】 The predetermined virtual sound source SS is a virtual sound source (sound source object) that performs predetermined actions around the virtual microphone 32. Through the predetermined actions of this predetermined virtual sound source SS, predetermined sound is output from the speaker 22, sounding as if it were output from a sound source performing predetermined actions around the player. The predetermined actions will be explained in detail later. 【0053】 As shown in Figure 2, the predetermined virtual sound source SS is not included in the image P1 displayed on the display 21. The predetermined virtual sound source SS is an object that is not displayed on the display 21 (a hidden object). 【0054】 [Processing by the control unit (virtual sound source processing)] The control unit 16 performs various processes, including virtual sound source processing. Virtual sound source processing is a process for controlling the operation of a predetermined virtual sound source SS. 【0055】 In virtual sound source processing, the game progress unit 100 operates a predetermined virtual sound source SS so that it performs predetermined actions around the virtual microphone 32 within the virtual space. Furthermore, in virtual sound source processing, the game progress unit 100 changes the manner of predetermined actions of the predetermined virtual sound source SS according to the progress of the game. 【0056】 Furthermore, the "game progress," which serves as an indicator for changing the predetermined behavior of the predetermined virtual sound source SS, includes the degree of disadvantage the user is at in the game. In this example, the game is one in which a player character C1, controlled by the user, defends a base (specifically, a base character C2 placed at the base) in a virtual space from an enemy character C5. The "degree of disadvantage the user is at in the game," which serves as an indicator for changing the predetermined behavior of the predetermined virtual sound source SS, includes the risk of the base falling. The higher the risk of the base falling, the greater the degree of disadvantage the user is at in the game. 【0057】 Examples of indicators showing the risk of a base falling include the number of enemy characters C5 located near the base (specifically, within a predetermined range centered on the location of base character C2), the strength of enemy characters C5 located near the base (for example, their level in the game), the number of times enemy characters C5 have attacked base character C2, and the number of times base character C2 has taken damage. The higher these values ​​are, the greater the risk of the base falling. 【0058】 Other indicators that show the risk of a base falling include the remaining health of the base character C2 and the number of allied characters defending the base. The lower these values ​​are, the higher the risk of the base falling. 【0059】 In this example, the predetermined action performed by the predetermined virtual sound source SS is the action of the predetermined virtual sound source SS rotating around the virtual microphone 32. Specifically, the predetermined action is a rotational movement of the predetermined virtual sound source SS around the position of the virtual camera 31. The plane of rotation in the rotational movement (rotation of the predetermined virtual sound source SS) is the horizontal plane (a plane that extends horizontally in the virtual space), and the axis that serves as the center of rotation of the predetermined virtual sound source SS extends in the height direction in the virtual space. The center of the rotational movement may be the position of the virtual microphone 32, or it may be the position of the player character C1. 【0060】 In this example, the "predetermined behavior of the predetermined virtual sound source SS," which changes according to the progress of the game, includes the movement speed of the predetermined virtual sound source SS during the predetermined behavior. Specifically, the higher the risk of the base falling (the degree of disadvantage to the user in the game), the higher the movement speed of the predetermined virtual sound source SS during the predetermined behavior. 【0061】 Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the position of the predetermined virtual sound source SS in the height direction can change. The predetermined virtual sound source SS can change its position in the height direction while performing predetermined operations. In this example, by changing the position of the predetermined virtual sound source SS in the height direction, which rotates around the virtual microphone 32, the predetermined virtual sound source SS rotates spirally around the virtual microphone 32 (spiral with the height direction as the axis). 【0062】 In this example, during virtual sound source processing, the game progress unit 100 changes the position of a predetermined virtual sound source SS in the height direction according to the progress of the game. Specifically, when the risk of base fall (the degree of disadvantage to the user in the game) is below a predetermined level, the position of the predetermined virtual sound source SS in the height direction is maintained at a predetermined position. When the risk level rises above the predetermined level, the position of the predetermined virtual sound source SS in the height direction begins to change, and when the risk level falls below the predetermined level, the position of the predetermined virtual sound source SS in the height direction ends. 【0063】 The virtual sound source processing is an example of a control method for controlling the sound of a game that progresses according to user operations. The processing by the game progression unit 100 is an example of a game progression step that controls the virtual space in which the game progresses. The processing by the display processing unit 101 is an example of a display processing step that displays images in the virtual space on the display 21. The processing by the sound processing unit 102 is an example of an sound processing step that outputs the sound from the virtual space obtained by the virtual microphone 32 placed in the virtual space to the speaker 22. 【0064】 [Summary of Embodiments] In summary, the game program of this embodiment causes a computer system (control unit 16) consisting of one or more computers to function as a game progress unit 100 that controls a virtual space in which the game progresses according to user operations, and as an audio processing unit 102 that outputs sounds from within the virtual space obtained by a virtual microphone 32 placed within the virtual space to a speaker 22. A predetermined virtual sound source SS that outputs predetermined sounds related to the game is placed within the virtual space. The game progress unit 100 operates the predetermined virtual sound source SS so that it performs predetermined operations around the virtual microphone 32 within the virtual space, and changes the predetermined operation of the predetermined virtual sound source SS according to the progress of the game. 【0065】 The game system 1 of this embodiment comprises the game progression unit 100 described above and the sound processing unit 102 described above. 【0066】 The control method of this embodiment is a control method for controlling the sound of a game that progresses in response to user operations, and comprises a game progression step for controlling a virtual space in which the game progresses, and an audio processing step for outputting the sound in the virtual space obtained by a virtual microphone 32 placed in the virtual space to a speaker 22. A predetermined virtual sound source SS that outputs predetermined sounds related to the game is placed in the virtual space. In the game progression step, the predetermined virtual sound source SS is operated so that it performs predetermined operations around the virtual microphone 32 in the virtual space, and the manner of predetermined operations of the predetermined virtual sound source SS is changed according to the progress of the game. 【0067】 [Effects of the Embodiment] As described above, in this embodiment, the game progress unit 100 operates the predetermined virtual sound source SS so that it performs predetermined operations around the virtual microphone 32 in the virtual space, and changes the manner of predetermined operations of the predetermined virtual sound source SS according to the progress of the game. 【0068】 In the above configuration, by operating the predetermined virtual sound source SS so that it performs predetermined actions around the virtual microphone 32 in the virtual space, the player can be provided with predetermined sounds that sound as if they were output from a sound source performing predetermined actions around the player. This allows the player to experience a new way of hearing predetermined sounds related to the game, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game. 【0069】 Furthermore, by changing the behavior of a predetermined virtual sound source SS according to the game's progress, the way predetermined game-related sounds are heard can be altered. This allows the player to recognize the game's progress through changes in how predetermined sounds are heard. As a result, the player no longer needs to visually check the game's progress, thus improving their immersion. 【0070】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the predetermined operation performed by the predetermined virtual sound source SS is the operation in which the predetermined virtual sound source SS rotates around the virtual microphone 32. 【0071】 In the above configuration, a predetermined sound can be provided to the player that sounds as if it were being emitted from a sound source rotating around the player. This allows the player to experience a new way of hearing the predetermined sound. 【0072】 In this embodiment, the game progression unit 100 changes the position of a predetermined virtual sound source SS in the height direction according to the progress of the game. 【0073】 In the above configuration, by changing the position of a predetermined virtual sound source SS (a predetermined virtual sound source SS that performs a predetermined operation) in the height direction, the player can be provided with a predetermined sound that sounds as if it were output from a sound source that moves in the height direction while performing a predetermined operation around the player. This allows the player to experience a new way of hearing the predetermined sound. 【0074】 Furthermore, by changing the position of the designated virtual sound source SS in the height direction from "a state where the position of the designated virtual sound source SS in the height direction does not change" according to the progress of the game, the player can be made aware of the game's progress through the change in how the designated sound is heard. 【0075】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the "predetermined mode of operation of the predetermined virtual sound source SS" which changes according to the progress of the game includes the movement speed of the predetermined virtual sound source SS in the predetermined operation. 【0076】 In the above configuration, by changing the movement speed of a predetermined virtual sound source SS in a predetermined action according to the progress of the game, the player can recognize the progress of the game by the change in how the predetermined sound is heard. 【0077】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the "game progress," which serves as an indicator for changing the predetermined operation of a predetermined virtual sound source SS, includes the degree to which the user is at a disadvantage in the game. 【0078】 In the above configuration, by changing the predetermined behavior of a predetermined virtual sound source SS according to the degree of disadvantage the user is at in the game, the player can be made aware of the degree of disadvantage the user is at in the game by the change in how the predetermined sound is heard. 【0079】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game is one in which a player character controlled by the user defends a base established in a virtual space. The "degree of disadvantage to the user in the game," which serves as an indicator for changing the predetermined operation mode of a predetermined virtual sound source SS, includes the degree of risk of the base falling. 【0080】 In the above configuration, by changing the predetermined behavior of a predetermined virtual sound source SS according to the degree of risk of base fall, the player can be made aware of the degree of risk of base fall through changes in how the predetermined sound is heard. 【0081】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the predetermined virtual sound source SS is not included in the image displayed on the display 21. 【0082】 In the above configuration, by preventing the display of a predetermined virtual sound source SS, which is not directly related to the progress of the game, on the display 21, it is possible to avoid a situation where the display of the predetermined virtual sound source SS interferes with gameplay. 【0083】 (Other embodiments) In the above explanation, the following configuration or processing may be used. 【0084】 In virtual sound source processing, the game progress unit 100 may operate a predetermined virtual sound source SS such that it changes its position in the height direction while performing predetermined actions around the virtual microphone 32 in the virtual space. For example, even when the risk of a base falling is below a predetermined level, the predetermined virtual sound source SS may move in the height direction while performing predetermined actions. 【0085】 In virtual sound source processing, the game progress unit 100 may change the movement speed of a predetermined virtual sound source SS in the height direction according to the progress of the game. For example, the movement speed of the predetermined virtual sound source SS in the height direction may increase as the risk of base fall (the degree of disadvantage to the user in the game) increases. 【0086】 In virtual sound source processing, the audio processing unit 102 may control the speaker 22 so that the volume of a predetermined sound output from the speaker 22 changes according to the progress of the game. For example, the volume of the predetermined sound output from the speaker 22 may increase as the risk of base fall (the degree of disadvantage to the user in the game) increases. 【0087】 The predetermined operation is not limited to rotational operation. For example, the predetermined operation may be an operation in which a predetermined virtual sound source SS moves along a predetermined closed path (a path in which the starting point and ending point are the same) around the virtual microphone 32. 【0088】 Examples of indicators that show the degree of disadvantage to the user in a game include, in addition to the example given as "an example of an indicator showing the risk of base fall," the number of enemy characters remaining on the battlefield and the remaining health of enemy characters. The higher these values ​​are, the greater the disadvantage to the user in the game. Note that the remaining health of enemy characters may be the sum of the remaining health of all enemy characters remaining on the field, or it may be the remaining health of a representative enemy character (for example, a boss character) remaining on the field. 【0089】 Other examples of indicators that show the degree of disadvantage to the user in a game include, in addition to the example given as "another example of an indicator showing the risk of base fall," the number of allied characters remaining on the battlefield and the remaining health of the player character. The lower these values ​​are, the greater the disadvantage to the user in the game. 【0090】 The specified audio may be a voice spoken by a character, a piece of music such as background music, an ambient sound, or a sound effect. 【0091】 Furthermore, the predetermined sound may be a sound that gives the user a positive impression. For example, the predetermined sound may be a sound that increases the user's sense of security (for example, the cheers of an ally character). In this case, the "game progress" which serves as an indicator for changing the manner of the predetermined operation of the predetermined virtual sound source SS may be the degree to which the user has an advantage in the game. For example, the higher the degree to which the user has an advantage in the game, the higher the movement speed of the predetermined virtual sound source SS (the predetermined virtual sound source SS that outputs a predetermined sound that increases the user's sense of security) in the predetermined operation may be. 【0092】 The examples of indicators showing the degree of user advantage in a game are the same as the examples of indicators showing the degree of user disadvantage in a game. For example, the more enemy character C5s located near a base, the greater the user's disadvantage in the game and the less advantageous the user's game becomes. 【0093】 Furthermore, the following are other examples of "game progress" that serve as indicators for changing the manner of operation of a predetermined virtual sound source SS. For example, if the above game is "a game whose objective is to reach a predetermined goal," the game progress may be the distance to the goal (remaining distance). Also, if the above game is "a game whose objective is to eliminate all enemy characters," the game progress may be the number of remaining enemy characters. Also, if the above game is "a game whose objective is for the player character to survive without being defeated until a predetermined time has elapsed," the game progress may be the remaining time. As described above, the game progress may include the degree to which the objective in the game has been achieved. 【0094】 The game program may be implemented to be executed by multiple cooperating computers. In this case, the processing performed in the control unit 16 of the game device 1 may be handled by one of the multiple computers, or it may be divided among multiple computers. The game system may consist of the control unit of one information processing device (game device 1), or it may consist of the control units of multiple information processing devices. 【0095】 For example, the game program may be an online game program executed by a control unit of a game device 1 and a control unit of a server device (not shown) that communicate via a network. In this case, the processing performed in the control unit 16 of the game device 1 may be performed in the control unit of the server device, or it may be shared between the control unit of the game device 1 and the control unit of the server device. The game device 1 may be a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet. 【0096】 Games are not limited to action games. For example, a game could be a role-playing game, a simulation game, or any other type of game. 【0097】 The virtual space may be a three-dimensional space or a two-dimensional space. 【0098】 The effects and benefits of the present invention will also be achieved when these other embodiments are adopted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine these embodiments with other embodiments, and with other embodiments as appropriate. The above embodiments are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0099】 1. Game device (game system) 10 game consoles 11 Network Interfaces 12 Graphics Processing Unit 13 Audio Processing Unit 14 Operation Processing Unit 15 Storage section 16 Control Unit 21 displays 22 speakers 23 Controllers 31 Virtual Camera 32 Virtual Microphone 100 Game Management Department 101 Display Processing Unit 102 Audio Processing Unit SS designated virtual sound source C1 Player Character C2 Base Character C5 Enemy Character

Claims

[Claim 1] A computer system consisting of one or more computers, A game progression unit that controls the virtual space in which the game progresses according to the user's actions, It functions as an audio processing unit that outputs the sound within the virtual space obtained by a virtual microphone placed within the virtual space to a speaker. Within the virtual space, a predetermined virtual sound source is placed that outputs predetermined sounds related to the game. The game progression unit operates the predetermined virtual sound source so that it performs predetermined actions around the virtual microphone within the virtual space, and changes the manner of the predetermined actions of the predetermined virtual sound source according to the progress of the game. Game program. [Claim 2] In the game program of claim 1, The predetermined operation is the operation of rotating around the virtual microphone. Game program. [Claim 3] In the game program of claim 2, The game progression unit changes the position of the predetermined virtual sound source in the height direction according to the progress of the game. Game program. [Claim 4] In the game program of claim 1, The predetermined mode of operation of the predetermined virtual sound source includes the movement speed of the predetermined virtual sound source in the predetermined operation. Game program. [Claim 5] In the game program of claim 1, The progress of the game includes the degree to which the user is at a disadvantage in the game. Game program. [Claim 6] In the game program of claim 5, The aforementioned game is a game in which a player character controlled by the user defends a base established in the virtual space, The degree of disadvantage to the user in the game includes the degree of risk of the base falling. Game program. [Claim 7] In any one of claims 1 to 6, The aforementioned computer system functions as a display processing unit that displays images in the virtual space on a display. The aforementioned predetermined virtual sound source is not included in the image. Game program. [Claim 8] A game progression unit that controls the virtual space in which the game progresses according to the user's actions, It includes an audio processing unit that outputs the sound from the virtual space obtained by a virtual microphone placed in the virtual space to a speaker, Within the virtual space, a predetermined virtual sound source is placed that outputs predetermined sounds related to the game. The game progression unit operates the predetermined virtual sound source so that it performs predetermined actions around the virtual microphone within the virtual space, and changes the manner of the predetermined actions of the predetermined virtual sound source according to the progress of the game. Game system. [Claim 9] A control method for controlling the sound of a game that progresses in response to user actions, A game progression step that controls the virtual space in which the game progresses, The system includes an audio processing step that causes the audio within the virtual space, obtained by a virtual microphone placed within the virtual space, to be output to a speaker. Within the virtual space, a predetermined virtual sound source is placed that outputs predetermined sounds related to the game. In the game progression step, the predetermined virtual sound source is operated so that it performs predetermined actions around the virtual microphone within the virtual space, and the manner of the predetermined actions of the predetermined virtual sound source is changed according to the progress of the game. Control method.

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