Program and system

Abstract

Improve the usability of the service. The program causes the computer to make different transitions in multiplayer for a new player who is starting a game (S12: multiplayer → S19) and an existing player who has already started the game (S15: multiplayer → S16).

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Services (games) that provide content that multiple players can play together (for example, cooperative content, battle content) have been known (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5808824 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, a new player who starts a game must complete a tutorial or download additional programs before playing multiplayer games. As a result, there is a problem that the operations required for new players to play multiplayer games are complicated.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to improve the operability of a service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a program for a computer that, in a game in which solo play and multiplayer play can be selected from the same screen, allows a new player who has not yet played the solo play to Without playing the multiplayer, If you select solo play, you can play the tutorial. executionand then executing the solo play content, and if the new player does not play the solo play but selects the multiplay, skipping the tutorial and executing the multiplay content. and when the new player selects the solo play after playing the multiplay, the new player is allowed to select whether or not to execute the tutorial. . Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the operability of the service is improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a game server. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a user terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a stack structure of a terminal program. [Diagram 5] 13 is a data example of a player database. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart of a game control process. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart of a pre-processing 1. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart of pre-processing 2. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart of a title screen display process. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 shows variations of the title screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The system 1 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment of the present invention described below is an example of how the present invention is embodied, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiment. Therefore, the present invention can be implemented by making various changes to the embodiment.

[0010] [System 1 Overview] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 mainly includes a game server 10 and user terminals 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "user terminals 20"). Although four user terminals 20 are illustrated in FIG. 1, examples of the user terminals 20 included in the system 1 are not limited to these. The game server 10 and the user terminals 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network 2. Specific examples of the communication network 2 are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication system (e.g., 4G, 5G, etc.), a wireless network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or a combination of these.

[0011] The system 1 is a game system that realizes a game (an example of a service) on a user terminal 20. The game realized by the system 1 is, for example, an online game realized on each of the multiple user terminals 20 by mutual communication between a game server 10 and the multiple user terminals 20. However, the game may also include offline content that is completed on one user terminal 20. Hereinafter, a user who plays a game by operating a user terminal 20 will be referred to as a "player."

[0012] Moreover, a game includes a plurality of contents. The contents refer to, for example, mini-games having goals to be achieved (e.g., raising an avatar, clearing a puzzle, destroying enemy characters, winning a sporting event), and may be called "missions," "quests," "tasks," and the like. The contents include solo contents played by a single player, and multi-contents played by multiple players in cooperation. The solo contents include contents played by a single player in cooperation with an NPC (Non Player Character). The multi-contents include contents in which multiple players cooperate or compete with each other, as well as contents in which multiple players share (e.g., obtain by adding up) the results of contents played by each player independently (e.g., acquired scores, acquired items, acquired experience points, and the like). Hereinafter, playing solo contents by a player may be referred to as "playing solo," and playing multi-contents by a player may be referred to as "playing multi-play."

[0013] As an example, a game realized by the system 1 is a so-called "sandbox game" in which the objective is to place objects (e.g., houses, shops, fields, ranches, etc.) in a predetermined area and grow the placed objects. Sandbox games include content (e.g., puzzles, quizzes, dress-up) whose goal is to obtain resources (game media) required to build the objects. This content may be played as solo content or as multi-content. Furthermore, when this content is played as multi-content, the results that can be obtained may be increased compared to when it is played as solo content.

[0014] As another example, a game realized by the system 1 is a so-called "development game" in which an avatar grows by defeating enemy characters. The development game includes content (e.g., defeating an enemy character, moving to a destination) whose goal is to obtain equipment (game media) such as weapons and armor to be equipped to the avatar, items (game media) that strengthen the equipment, and items (game media) that improve the status of the avatar. This content may be played as solo content or as multi-content. Furthermore, when this content is played as multi-content, multiple players can cooperate to play it.

[0015] As yet another example, a game realized by the system 1 is a so-called "sports game" in which an avatar plays a sport (e.g., golf, tennis). A sports game includes content (e.g., playing a sport) in which the goal is to obtain tools (game media) such as clubs and rackets to be equipped to an avatar, and items (game media) to enhance the tools. This content may be played as solo content or as multi-player content. Furthermore, when this content is played as multi-player content, multiple players can compete against each other.

[0016] Note that specific examples of games realized by the system 1 are not limited to the above examples, and may be puzzle games, board games, quiz games, simulation games, role-playing games, and the like. Also, examples of game media acquired by content are not limited to the above examples. Other examples may include game media (e.g., costumes, accessories) that change the appearance of an avatar, and game media (e.g., furniture) that decorates a home. An avatar is, for example, a 3D object with a three-dimensional shape having three-dimensional coordinates. An avatar is an example of a character that is an alter ego of a player who operates within a field (virtual space) in a game. However, specific examples of characters are not limited to avatars in the form of humans, and may be animals, monsters, robots, and the like.

[0017] [Game Server 10 Configuration] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the game server 10. The game server 10 realizes an online game by synchronizing game data of each of a plurality of user terminals 20. In addition, the game server 10 stores an additional program (hereinafter, referred to as "additional PG") described later. Furthermore, in response to a request from a user terminal 20, the game server 10 transmits the additional PG to the user terminal 20 through the communication network 2. The game server 10 is realized by, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. As shown in FIG. 2, the game server 10 mainly includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, an input / output interface 14, and a communication interface 15. Each component of the game server 10 is connected to a communication bus 19.

[0018] The processor 11 realizes processes described below by executing a series of instructions included in a server program 13P stored in the memory 12 or the storage 13. The processor 11 is realized as, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other devices.

[0019] The memory 12 temporarily holds a server program 13P and data. The server program 13P is loaded from, for example, the storage 13. The data includes data input to the game server 10 and data generated by the processor 11. For example, the memory 12 is realized as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory.

[0020] The storage 13 permanently holds the server program 13P and data. The storage 13 is realized, for example, as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device. The storage 13 may also be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. As yet another example, the storage 13 may be connected to the game server 10 as an external storage device instead of being built into the game server 10. With this configuration, for example, in a scene where a plurality of user terminals 20 are used, such as an amusement facility, it becomes possible to collectively update the server program 13P and data.

[0021] The input / output interface 14 is an interface for connecting external devices such as a monitor, an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a pointing device), an external storage device, a speaker, a camera, a microphone, a sensor, etc. to the game server 10. The processor 11 communicates with the external devices through the input / output interface 14. The input / output interface 14 is realized using, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a Digital Visual Interface (DVI), a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI (registered trademark)), or other terminals.

[0022] The communication interface 15 communicates with other devices (e.g., user terminal 20) connected to the communication network 2. The communication interface 15 is realized as, for example, a wired communication interface such as a Local Area Network (LAN) or a wireless communication interface such as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Near Field Communication (NFC).

[0023] [Configuration of user terminal 20] The user terminal 20 is realized, for example, as an HMD (Head Mounted Display) set, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a feature phone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, etc. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an example of the user terminal 20 as a tablet terminal will be described.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the user terminal 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the user terminal 20 mainly includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, a communication interface 25, a monitor 31, cameras 33 and 34, a microphone 35, a speaker 36, a motion sensor 41, and an operation device 42 (operation unit). Each component of the user terminal 20 is connected to a communication bus 29.

[0025] The processor 21, memory 22, storage 23, and communication IF 25 have the same configuration as the processor 11, memory 12, storage 13, and communication IF 15 of the game server 10. The storage 23 also stores a terminal program 23P.

[0026] The monitor 31 is provided on the surface of a flat housing, as shown in Fig. 1 for example. The monitor 31 is a display device (display unit) that displays images or videos. The camera 33 is a so-called in-camera that is attached to the surface of the flat housing and captures an image of the face of a user viewing the monitor 31. The camera 34 is a so-called out-camera that is attached to the back surface of the flat housing (the surface opposite to the monitor 31) and captures an image of the surroundings.

[0027] The microphone 35 converts the user's speech into an audio signal (electrical signal) and outputs it. The speaker 36 converts the audio signal into voice and outputs it to the user. Note that the user terminal 20 may include an earphone instead of the speaker 36.

[0028] The motion sensor 41 detects the motion of the housing (for example, rotation around three mutually orthogonal axes). The motion sensor 41 may be realized by, for example, an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or an acceleration sensor.

[0029] The operation device 42 accepts input (operation) of commands by the user to the user terminal 20. The operation device 42 is, for example, a touch panel that is superimposed on the monitor 31 and accepts various touch operations by the user. That is, the monitor 31 according to this embodiment is a touch panel type display unit. As another example, the user terminal 20 may include, as the operation device 42, a controller equipped with buttons, an operation stick, and the like.

[0030] [Structure of terminal program 23P] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a stack structure of the terminal program 23P. The terminal program 23P is a program that causes the user terminal 20 to execute a game realized by the system 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the terminal program 23P configures a program stack with a basic program (hereinafter referred to as "basic PG") and multiple additional PG1 to PG4. Note that the number of additional PGs is not limited to four, and may be one or more, or there may be no additional PG.

[0031] The basic PG is a program in which the basic functions for starting a game are implemented. The basic PG is also a program in which the functions for executing the initial processing (S32, S42) described below are implemented. Furthermore, the basic PG is the first program to be installed in the user terminal 20 among the programs for implementing a game (basic PG, additional PGs 1 to 4). The basic PG is stored, for example, in a program server operated by the OS provider of the user terminal 20. The user of the user terminal 20 then searches for and downloads the basic PG of the desired game from a list of programs stored in the program server, and installs it in the user terminal 20. This makes it possible to start the game.

[0032] An additional PG is a program that adds new functions to a basic PG. More specifically, an additional PG is a program that corrects defects in a basic PG, or a program that implements new content that is not implemented in the basic PG. Additional PGs are created one after another by the game operator and stored in the game server 10. When the basic PG is started up on a user terminal 20, additional PGs that are not installed on the user terminal 20 are downloaded from the game server and installed in the user terminal 20.

[0033] The multi-content executed in steps S16 and S19 in Figure 7 may be implemented in the basic PG as shown in Figure 4(A), or in the additional PG 2 as shown in Figure 4(B), or in other additional PGs 1, 3, and 4, or may be implemented across multiple programs (for example, basic PG 1 + additional PG 2).

[0034] [Example of player database data] 5 is an example of data in the player database. The player database is a database that manages information about players of the game realized by the system 1. The player database is stored, for example, in the storage 13 of the game server 10. However, some of the items in the player database (for example, program version, first time flag, tutorial flag, multiplay flag) may be stored in the storage 23 of the user terminal 20.

[0035] The player database has one or more player records corresponding to players of a game. That is, a new player record is added to the player database every time a new player joins a game (for example, a basic PG is installed in the user terminal 20). As shown in FIG. 5, the player record includes, for example, a player ID, a player name, a level, a program version, a first-time flag, a tutorial flag, and a multiplay flag. Note that the information registered in the player record is not limited to the above-mentioned examples. As another example, the player record may register various player-specific information related to the game, such as the progress of the game and game media owned (equipped) by the player.

[0036] The player ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies a player in the game. A player ID is uniquely assigned by the game server 10 each time a new player joins the game. The player name is the name given to the player (or avatar) in the game, and is arbitrarily set by the player in the initial processing (S32, S42), for example. The level is a value that indicates the degree of proficiency in the game, and may also be called a rank, grade, or rank. The level gradually increases according to the results of the game played by the player. Furthermore, as the level increases, the player's status (for example, vitality, combat power, skill) improves.

[0037] The program version is a value indicating the version of the terminal program 23P installed in the user terminal 20. In this embodiment, the names of the programs already installed in the program stack shown in FIG. 4 are listed, but are generally expressed as numbers (for example, "1.1", "2.4", etc.). The program version is updated every time a new additional PG is installed in the user terminal 20.

[0038] The first-time flag is a flag indicating whether or not the player indicated by the program record has executed the first-time process. The first-time flag is set to either a first value "Yes" indicating that the first-time process has not yet been executed, or a second value "No" indicating that the first-time process has already been executed. The initial value of the first-time flag when the basic PG is installed in the user terminal 20 is the first value "Yes". Then, when the first-time process is executed in steps S32 and S42, the second value "No" is set to the first-time flag.

[0039] The tutorial flag is a flag indicating whether or not the tutorial (S37) described below has been played. The tutorial flag is set to either a third value "No" indicating that the tutorial has not yet been played, or a fourth value "Yes" indicating that the tutorial has already been played. The initial value of the tutorial flag when the basic PG is installed in the user terminal 20 is the third value "No". Then, when the tutorial is played in step S37, the tutorial flag is set to the fourth value "Yes".

[0040] The multiplay flag is a flag indicating whether or not multiplay has been performed before solo play (in other words, before playing the tutorial). The multiplay flag is set to either a fifth value "No" indicating that multiplay has not been performed, or a sixth value "Yes" indicating that multiplay has been performed. The initial value of the multiplay flag when the basic PG is installed in the user terminal 20 is the fifth value "No". Then, when a new player performs multiplay in step S19, the sixth value "Yes" is set to the multiplay flag.

[0041] A new player refers to a player who starts a new game. In other words, a new player refers to a player who has never played any content included in the game (more specifically, solo content). An existing player refers to a player who has already started a game. In other words, an existing player refers to a player who has already played any content included in the game (more specifically, solo content).

[0042] Hereinafter, player ID "001" corresponds to player A of user terminal 20A, player ID "002" corresponds to player B of user terminal 20B, player ID "003" corresponds to player C of user terminal 20C, and player ID "004" corresponds to player D of user terminal 20D. In other words, players A, B, and C are "existing players," and player D is a "new player."

[0043] [Game control processing] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the game control process. The terminal program 23P realizes a game on the user terminal 20 by causing the user terminal 20 to execute the game control process shown in Fig. 6. More specifically, the terminal program 23P executes the game control process by utilizing the hardware of the user terminal 20.

[0044] First, the terminal program 23P causes the user terminal 20 to execute a title screen display process (S11). The title screen display process is a process for displaying the title screen shown in Fig. 10 on the monitor 31. Variations of the title screen display process will be described later with reference to Figs. 9 and 10, but here the following process will be described assuming that the title screen shown in Fig. 10(A) is displayed on the monitor 31.

[0045] The title screen shown in Fig. 10(A) includes the game title "Ox△ Game", a [Solo] icon, and a [Multi] icon. The [Solo] icon is an icon that accepts a player's operation to select solo content included in the game. The [Multi] icon is an icon that accepts a player's operation to select multi content included in the game. Then, the terminal program 23P accepts the player's operation on the title screen through the operation device 42 (S12).

[0046] Next, when the terminal program 23P receives the player's operation of selecting the [Solo] icon through the operation device 42 (i.e., the player selects solo play) (S12: Solo), it executes pre-processing 1 (S13). Pre-processing 1 is a process that should be executed before allowing the player to play solo. Details of pre-processing 1 will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0047] Next, the terminal program 23P executes the solo content (S14). More specifically, the terminal program 23P displays a game screen of the solo content on the monitor 31, and receives operations of the player who progresses the game through the operation device 42 (S15). Then, the terminal program 23P progresses the game according to the operations of the player through the operation device 42, and updates the game screen on the monitor 31 according to the progress of the game (S15: Others -> S14).

[0048] Moreover, in the process of repeating steps S14-S15, the terminal program 23P receives game data necessary for executing the solo content from the game server 10 via the communication IF 25. Furthermore, in the process of repeating steps S14-S15, the terminal program 23P transmits game data indicating the game results (e.g., level increase, acquired or consumed game media) to the game server 10 via the communication IF 25. By repeating these processes, the game progresses on the user terminal 20, and the game results are reflected in the player record.

[0049] The game screen of the solo content also includes a [Multi] icon and an [End] icon. The [Multi] icon is an icon that accepts the operation of a player who selects multi-content to be included in the game. The [End] icon is an icon that accepts the operation of a player who selects the end of the game (game control process).

[0050] Then, when the terminal program 23P receives the operation of the player selecting the [Multi] icon through the operation device 42 (i.e., the player selects multiplay) (S15: Multi), it executes the multi-content (S16). Any known method can be used to execute the multi-content, and the following method is an example. Below, a case where players A and B of user terminals 20A and 20B both play multiplay will be described.

[0051] First, the terminal program 23P of each of the user terminals 20A and 20B displays a [Keyword generation] icon and a text box for inputting a keyword on the monitor 31. Next, when the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20A receives an operation of the player A selecting the [Keyword generation] icon through the operation device 42, the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20A displays a keyword generated by the game server 10 on the monitor 31 of the user terminal 20A. Next, the player B inputs the keyword displayed on the user terminal 20A into the text box through the operation device 42 of the user terminal 20B. The terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20B transmits the keyword input by the player B through the operation device 42 to the game server 10 through the communication IF 25.

[0052] As a result, the game server 10 recognizes that players A and B are playing together in a multi-play. After that, the process of executing the multi-content in the user terminals 20A and 20B is the same as that of the solo content. Meanwhile, the game server 10 transmits game data received from one of the user terminals 20A and 20B to the other of the user terminals 20A and 20B. As a result, the multi-content is executed synchronously in the user terminals 20A and 20B. That is, players A and B can play together the multi-content realized in each of the user terminals 20A and 20B.

[0053] Furthermore, when the multi-content ends, the terminal program 23P causes a result screen showing the result of the multi-play to be displayed on the monitor 31. The result screen includes a [Solo] icon, a [Multi] icon, and an [End] icon (S17). Then, when the terminal program 23P receives an operation of the player selecting the [Multi] icon via the operation device 42 (i.e., the player selects multi-play) (S17: Multi), it executes the multi-content again.

[0054] Furthermore, when the terminal program 23P receives an operation of the player selecting the [Solo] icon through the operation device 42 (S17: Solo), it ends the multi-content and returns to the solo content. At this time, the results of the multiplay (e.g., level increase, acquired or consumed game media) are reflected in the player record and are carried over to the solo content executed thereafter. That is, players A and B can play solo at the level increased in the multiplay, and can use the game media acquired in the multiplay in the solo content.

[0055] Furthermore, when the terminal program 23P receives the player's operation of selecting the [End] icon through the operation device 42 in steps S15 and S17 (S15: End / S17: End), it ends the game control process.

[0056] On the other hand, when the terminal program 23P receives an operation of the player selecting the [Multiplayer] icon displayed on the title screen through the operation device 42 (S12: Multiplayer), it executes pre-processing 2 (S18). Pre-processing 2 is a process that should be executed before allowing the players to play multiplayer. Details of pre-processing 2 will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0057] Next, the terminal program 23P executes the multi-content and sets the sixth value "Yes" to the multi-play flag (S19). A specific method of executing the multi-content is the same as in step S16. Furthermore, when the multi-play ends, the terminal program 23P displays a [MULTI] icon and an icon on a result screen showing the result of the multi-play (S20). Then, when the terminal program 23P receives an operation of the player selecting the [MULTI] icon through the operation device 42 (S20: MULTI), it executes the multi-content again. Furthermore, when the terminal program 23P receives an operation of the player selecting the icon through the operation device 42 (S20: END), it ends the game control process.

[0058] The game control process is executed by each of the user terminals 20A to 20D. As an example, players A and B of the user terminals 20A and 20B, each of which executes step S16, can play together in multiplayer. As another example, player A of the user terminal 20A, which executes step S16, and player D of the user terminal 20D, which executes step S19, can play together in multiplayer. However, the number of players playing together in multiplayer is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

[0059] [Pre-processing 1] 7 is a flowchart of the pre-processing 1. First, the terminal program 23P determines the setting value of the first-time flag (i.e., whether or not the player of the user terminal 20 has executed the first-time process) (S31). In the example of FIG. 4, it is determined that players A, B, and C have executed the first-time process, and player D has not executed the first-time process.

[0060] Next, the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D determines that the first-time flag of player D is set to the first value "Yes" (S31: Yes), executes the first-time process, and sets the first-time flag of player D to the second value "No" (S32). On the other hand, the terminal program 23P of the user terminals 20A, 20B, 20C determines that the second value "No" is set to the first-time flag of players A, B, C (S31: No), and skips the process of step S32.

[0061] The initial process is a process that the new player must agree to, confirm, and operate before playing solo or multiplayer for the first time. On the other hand, the initial process is not necessary for existing players. The initial process includes, for example, at least a process of having the new player agree to the game's terms of use. The initial process may also include consent to the game's privacy policy, presentation of information regarding tracking of player information, input of a player name, creation of an avatar, and the like. Furthermore, specific examples of the initial process are not limited to the above examples.

[0062] Next, the terminal program 23P compares the program version of the terminal program 23P installed in the user terminal 20 with the program version of the latest added PG stored in the game server 10 (S33). If the latest added PG is "added PG4", then the terminal program 23P in the user terminals 20B and 20C is the latest, but the terminal program 23P in the user terminals 20A and 20D is not the latest.

[0063] Next, the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20A determines that the terminal program 23P is not the latest version (S33: No), and downloads all additional PGs 4 that have not yet been installed from the game server 10 via the communication IF 25, and installs them in the user terminal 20A (S34). The terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D also determines that the terminal program 23P is not the latest version (S33: No), and downloads all additional PGs 1, 2, 3, and 4 that have not yet been installed from the game server 10 via the communication IF 25, and installs them in the user terminal 20D (S34). On the other hand, the terminal programs 23P of the user terminals 20B and 20C determine that the terminal program 23P is the latest version (S33: Yes), and skips the processing of step S34.

[0064] Next, the terminal program 23P determines the setting value of the tutorial flag (i.e., whether or not the player of that user terminal 20 has already played the tutorial) (S35). Then, the terminal program 23P of the user terminals 20A, 20B, 20C determines that the fourth value "Yes" is set in the tutorial flag of players A, B, C (S35: Yes), skips the processing from step S36 onwards, and ends pre-processing 1. On the other hand, the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D determines that the third value "No" is set in the tutorial flag of player D (S35: No), and executes the processing from step S36 onwards.

[0065] The terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D determines the setting value of the multiplay flag of player D (i.e., whether or not player D played multiplay in step S19) (S36). If the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D determines that the fifth value "No" is set in the multiplay flag (S36: No), it executes a tutorial prior to solo play (S16), sets the tutorial flag to a fourth value "Yes" (S37), and ends pre-processing 1.

[0066] The tutorial is a method for encouraging a new player to learn the rules and operation methods of the solo content, and the methods of using and collecting game media, by having the new player actually operate the game so that the new player can smoothly play the game (more specifically, the solo content). That is, in principle, other operations (for example, operations to start multi-content) are restricted when executing the tutorial. In other words, the new player cannot play multi-play in step S16 of FIG. 6 unless he or she finishes the tutorial.

[0067] On the other hand, when the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D determines that the sixth value "Yes" is set in the multiplay flag (S36: Yes), the terminal program 23P displays a tutorial selection screen on the monitor 31. The tutorial selection screen is a screen that allows the new player D to select whether or not to play the tutorial. The tutorial selection screen includes, for example, a [PLAY] icon for selecting to play the tutorial and a [SKIP] icon for selecting to skip the tutorial. Then, the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D accepts the operation of the player D on the tutorial selection screen through the operation device 42 (S38).

[0068] Then, when the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D receives an operation of the player D selecting the [PLAY] icon through the operation device 42 (S38: Yes), it executes the processing of step S37 and ends pre-processing 1. On the other hand, when the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D receives an operation of the player D selecting the [SKIP] icon through the operation device 42 (S38: No), it skips the tutorial, sets the tutorial flag to a fourth value "Yes", and ends pre-processing 1.

[0069] [Pre-processing 2] 8 is a flowchart of pre-processing 2. Note that a detailed description of the points in common with pre-processing 1 will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the points of difference.

[0070] First, the terminal program 23P determines the setting value of the first flag (S41). Next, the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D determines that the first flag of player D is set to a first value "Yes" (S41: Yes), executes the first process, and sets the first flag of player D to a second value "No" (S42). On the other hand, the terminal programs 23P of the user terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C determine that the first flag of players A, B, and C is set to a second value "No" (S41: No), and skips the process of step S42.

[0071] Next, the terminal program 23P determines whether or not a program (hereinafter, referred to as an "additional PG") required for executing the multi-content has already been installed in the user terminal 20 from the program stack shown in Fig. 4 (S43). If the terminal program 23P determines that the necessary PG has not yet been installed (S43: No), it selectively downloads only the necessary PG from the game server 10 among the additional PGs not yet installed in the user terminal 20, installs it in the user terminal 20 (S44), and ends pre-processing 2. On the other hand, if the terminal program 23P determines that the necessary PG has already been installed (S43: Yes), it skips the processing of step S44 and ends pre-processing 2.

[0072] As an example, if the function for executing multiple contents is implemented in the basic PG (FIG. 4(A)), the terminal program 23P of the user terminals 20A to 20D skips the processing of step S44. As another example, if the function for executing multiple contents is implemented in the additional PG 2 (FIG. 4(B)), the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D selectively installs only the additional PG 2 of the additional PGs 1 to 4 in step S44. On the other hand, the terminal program 23P of the user terminals 20A to 20C skips the processing of step S44.

[0073] Comparing pre-processing 1 and 2, in pre-processing 1, all additional PGs are installed, while in pre-processing 2, only required PGs are selectively installed. Also, in pre-processing 1, a tutorial is executed, while in pre-processing 2, the tutorial is omitted. As a result, the time required to execute pre-processing 2 is shorter than that of pre-processing 1.

[0074] [Effects of the embodiment] According to the above embodiment, the existing players A to C can play multiplayer from the game screen of the solo content (S15: multiplayer → S16), whereas the new player D can play multiplayer from the title screen (S12: multiplayer → S19). In this way, by making the transition (screen transition) for multiplayer different between the existing players A to C and the new player D, it is possible to allow the new player D to experience the fun of the game without requiring complicated operations.

[0075] In the above embodiment, existing players A to C can also play multiplayer from the title screen. However, since the initial process is not executed for existing players A to C in pre-processing 2 (S41: No), the transition when starting multiplayer via the title screen is also different for existing players A to C and new player D.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, when the new player D selects solo play (S12: solo), a tutorial is executed (S37) prior to the solo play (S14). In contrast, when the new player D selects multiplayer play (S12: multi), the tutorial is skipped (S18) and the multi-content (S19) is executed. This allows the new player D to experience the fun of the game without the time and complicated operations required for the tutorial.

[0077] Also, it is considered that the new player D who plays multiplayer before playing solo (in other words, before playing the tutorial) has learned how to operate the game to a certain extent. Therefore, in the above embodiment, when the new player D selects solo play after playing multiplayer (S35: No & S36: Yes), the player is allowed to select whether or not to play the tutorial (S37-S39) prior to solo play (S14). This makes it possible to save time and complicated operations required for the tutorial.

[0078] Note that the handling of the tutorial when the new player D plays multiplayer before playing solo is not limited to the above example. As another example, the terminal program 23P may omit steps S36, S38, and S39, and execute the tutorial before playing solo, even if the new player D selects solo play after playing multiplayer. As yet another example, the terminal program 23P may omit step S38, and execute the solo play content without executing the tutorial, when the new player D selects solo play after playing multiplayer.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, initial processing is executed for new player D in both pre-processing 1 and pre-processing 2. That is, new player D can always give the necessary consent, confirmation, and perform the necessary operations before playing the game, regardless of whether new player D plays solo content or multi-content first.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the new player D selects solo play, the terminal program 23P (basic PG) installs all additional PGs in the user terminal 20D (S12: solo → S34). On the other hand, when the new player D selects multiplay, the terminal program 23P (basic PG) selectively installs only the necessary PGs, among the additional PGs 1 to 4, that are necessary for executing the multi-content in the user terminal 20D (S12: multi → S44). This makes it possible to shorten the waiting time until the new player D starts the trial play of the multi-content.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the game contents acquired by each of the players A to D in multiplay can be carried over to the solo play contents. This provides existing players A to C with an incentive to invite new player D to play multiplay together. This becomes even more noticeable when the acquisition rate of game contents in multiplay is set higher than that in solo play.

[0082] [Variation 1] Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the title screen display process. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing variations of the title screen. In step S11 of Fig. 6, an example in which the title screen shown in Fig. 10(A) is always displayed has been described, but the display mode of the title screen (more specifically, the display mode of the [multi] icon) is not limited to this. As another example, the terminal program 23P may execute the title screen display process shown in Fig. 9(A) or Fig. 9(B) in step S11 of Fig. 6.

[0083] As an example of the title screen display process, as shown in Fig. 9(A), the terminal program 23P judges the setting value of the first-time flag (S51). Then, when the terminal program 23P judges that the first-time flag is set to a first value "Yes" (in other words, a new player) (S51: Yes), it displays a [Solo] icon and a [Multiple] icon on the title screen as shown in Fig. 10(A) (S52). On the other hand, when the terminal program 23P judges that the first-time flag is set to a second value "No" (in other words, an existing player) (S51: No), it displays the [Solo] icon on the title screen as shown in Fig. 10(B) and hides the [Multiple] icon (S53).

[0084] According to the example of FIG. 9(A), only new player D is allowed to play multiplayer via the title screen, while existing players A to C can play multiplayer from the game screen of the solo content. That is, the transition to play multiplayer can be clearly different between existing players A to C and new player D. Also, existing players A to C have already completed the initial processing and tutorial, and have already completed the installation of at least some of additional PGs 1 to 4. Therefore, even if existing players A to C are allowed to play multiplayer from the game screen of the solo content, the increase in waiting time and the complexity of operations will not be as great as that of new player D.

[0085] As another example of the title screen display process, as shown in Fig. 9(B), the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D determines whether or not other user terminals 20A-20C are present within a threshold range centered on the user terminal 20D (i.e., whether other players A-C are present near player D) (S55). Any known method can be adopted as a method for the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D to detect the other user terminals 20A-20C, but the following method can be considered, for example.

[0086] As one example, the terminal program 23P may detect user terminals 20A-20C to which the user terminal 20D can be connected via Bluetooth (registered trademark). As another example, the terminal program 23P of each of the user terminals 20A-20D may transmit the position of the user terminal 20A-20D detected by a global positioning system (GPS) to the game server 10 via the communication IF 25. Furthermore, in step S55, the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D may receive information identifying the user terminals 20A-20C that exist within a threshold range centered on the user terminal 20D (for example, the player ID and player name of the player of the user terminal 20) from the game server 10 via the communication IF 25.

[0087] If other user terminals 20A, 20B are present within the threshold range centered on the user terminal 20D (S55: Yes), the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D displays a [Solo] icon, an [ABC] icon, and a [KLM] icon on the title screen (S56), as shown in Fig. 10(C). The [ABC] icon is an icon for selecting multiplay with player A of the user terminal 20A present within the threshold range. The [KLM] icon is an icon for selecting multiplay with player B of the user terminal 20B present within the threshold range.

[0088] That is, the terminal program 23P presents players A and B of user terminals 20A and 20B that are present within the threshold range to player D through the title screen. On the other hand, an icon corresponding to player C of user terminal 20C that is not present within the threshold range centered on user terminal 20D is not displayed on the title screen.

[0089] Next, the terminal program 23P accepts an operation of the player D to select one of the [Solo] icon, the [ABC] icon, and the [KLM] icon through the operation device 42. That is, the terminal program 23P enables the player D to select a player to play together in multiplayer from among the players A and B presented on the title screen. Then, for example, when the terminal program 23P accepts an operation to select the [ABC] icon through the operation device 42 (S12: multiplayer), in step S18 after executing step S18, the terminal program 23P plays together with the player A in multiplayer.

[0090] More specifically, the terminal program 23P may transmit a start request for the multi-content including the player ID "001" corresponding to the [ABC] icon selected by the player D to the game server 10 via the communication IF 25. Then, in response to receiving this start request from the user terminal 20D, the game server 10 may synchronize and progress the multi-content in the user terminals 20A and 20D. In this case, the above-mentioned procedures for generating and inputting the keyword may be omitted.

[0091] On the other hand, if there are no other user terminals 20A, 20B, 20C within the threshold range centered on the user terminal 20D (S55: No), the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D displays a [Solo] icon on the title screen and hides the [Multi] icon (S57), as shown in Figure 10 (B).

[0092] According to the example of Fig. 9(B), when multiple players A and B playing a game are nearby, the operation for playing a multiplayer game with a desired player A can be simplified. This further improves the operability of the game.

[0093] Note that the display example of the title screen in step S56 is not limited to Fig. 10(C) and may be Fig. 10(B). That is, the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D may make solo play and multiplay selectable (S56) when any of the other user terminals 20A-20C is present within a threshold range centered on the user terminal (S55: Yes). On the other hand, the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D may make solo play selectable and multiplay unselectable (S57) when no other user terminals 20A-20C are present within a threshold range centered on the user terminal (S55: No).

[0094] [Variation 2] For example, when an existing player A and a new player D play a multi-play together, the terminal program 23P of the user terminals 20A and 20D may change the content of the multi-play in accordance with the parameters (e.g., level, rank, strength) of the existing player A and the new player D. More specifically, the terminal program 23P of the user terminals 20A and 20D may level the difficulty of the multi-play content played by the existing player A and the new player D. Methods for leveling the difficulty include, for example, the following methods.

[0095] As one example, the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D may raise the level of player D to the level of player A during multiplay. As another example, the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20D may allow player A to use the game medium owned by player D during multiplay. As another example, the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20A may lower the level of player A to the level of player D during multiplay. As yet another example, the terminal programs 23P of the user terminals 20A and 20D may change the game characteristics of the multi-content by setting a handicap (e.g., the number of strokes in golf or the difficulty level of a puzzle) between players A and D.

[0096] According to the second modification, the skill gap between the existing player A and the new player D is narrowed, particularly in a competitive multi-content, so that the new player D can experience the fun of the multi-content (game). The process of leveling the difficulty level may be executed on the user terminals 20A, 20D (i.e., the terminal program 23P) via the game server 10, or the result of execution on the game server 10 (i.e., the server program 13P) may be notified to the user terminals 20A, 20D.

[0097] The specific method of changing the content of the multi-play is not limited to changing the difficulty level for each player as described above. As another example, the terminal program 23P may change the design of the content, the arrangement or type of the game contents, and the display mode between the solo play and the multi-play.

[0098] [Variation 3] Note that a limit may be placed on the number of times that a multi-content can be played on the same user terminal 20 (in other words, by the same player). For example, an upper limit may be placed on the number of times that a multi-content can be played per day, and the number of times that the content can be played may return to the upper limit the next day. Furthermore, the game server 10 may raise the upper limit on the number of times that a multi-content can be played by incurring a fee from the player.

[0099] [Other variations] Furthermore, the program according to the present invention is not limited to a single program, but may be a collection of multiple programs. Furthermore, the program according to the present invention is not limited to being executed by a single device, but may be executed by multiple devices in a shared manner. Furthermore, the division of roles between the game server 10 and the user terminal 20 is not limited to the above example. That is, part of the processing of the game server 10 may be executed by the user terminal 20, and part of the processing of the user terminal 20 may be executed by the game server 10.

[0100] Furthermore, a part or all of the means realized by the program can be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit. Furthermore, the program may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium that can be read by a computer. Examples of the recording medium include a hard disk, an SD card, a DVD, and a server on the Internet.

[0101] [Note] Some of the features of the present invention are summarized below. [assignment] For example, an object of the present invention is to improve the operability of a service. [Solution] (1) A program for causing a computer to make the transition to multiplayer different between a new player who is starting a game and an existing player who has already started the game. (2) In the program according to (1) above, The computer includes: If the new player selects solo play, a tutorial is executed; When the new player selects the multiplay, the program skips the tutorial and executes the multiplay content. (3) In the program according to (2) above, A program that causes the computer to execute the tutorial when the new player selects the solo play after the multiplayer play. (4) In the program according to (2) above, The program causes the computer to execute a process of having the new player select whether or not to play the tutorial, when the new player selects the solo play after the multiplay. (5) In the program according to (2) above, A program that causes the computer to execute a process of having the new player agree to terms of use of the game before the new player engages in the solo play or the multiplayer play. (6) In the program according to (2) above, The computer includes: When another computer is present within a threshold range centered on the computer, the solo play and the multiplay are selectable; A program that makes the solo play selectable and the multiplay unselectable when the other computer does not exist within the threshold range. (7) In the program according to (6) above, presenting players of the other computers that are within the threshold range; A program that causes the computer to execute a process of allowing a player to be selected to play the multiplayer game together from among the presented players. (8) In the program according to (1) above, The program is A basic program having a function for starting the game implemented therein; and one or more additional programs that add functions to the basic program, The computer on which the basic program is installed If the new player selects solo play, installing all of the additional programs; A program that selectively installs the additional program required for executing the multiplay content when the new player selects the multiplay. (9) In the program according to (1) above, A program for changing the content of the multiplay in accordance with parameters of the new player or the existing player when the new player and the existing player both play the multiplay in the computer. (10) In the program according to (1), A program that causes the computer to transfer the game media provided to the player in the multiplay to solo play content. (11) As another example, a program that causes the transition to join a multiplayer game to differ between a user who newly installs a game on a computer and starts the game and a user who has already installed the game and started the game. The solution constituted by the above program may be appropriately diverted to the fields of devices, systems, methods, and media. [Effects] According to the above solution (1), for example, a player who starts a new game can be provided with an environment in which he or she can immediately play multiplayer games. According to the above solution (2), for example, the tutorial can be omitted, and a new player can be provided with an environment in which he or she can immediately start playing multiplayer games. According to the above solution (3), for example, a new player who has played multiplayer can learn the rules of solo play before playing solo. According to the above solution (4), for example, a new player who has learned the rules of the game through multiplayer can be provided with an environment in which he or she can immediately begin solo play. According to the above solution (5), for example, it is possible to reliably obtain consent to the terms of use of the game. According to the above solution (6), for example, players who are close to each other can enjoy multiplayer games. According to the above solution (7), for example, it is possible to simplify the procedure for starting a multiplay with a desired player. According to the above solution (8), for example, when starting a multiplay game, the time required to install an additional program can be reduced. According to the above solution (9), for example, it is possible to provide content suitable for multiplay between new players and existing players. According to the above-mentioned solution (10), for example, it is possible to provide players with an incentive to play multiplayer games. According to the above solution (11), for example, a player who has newly installed a game can be provided with an environment in which he or she can immediately play multiplayer games. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1...system, 2...communication network, 10...game server, 11,21...processor, 12,22...memory, 13,23...storage, 13P...server program, 14...input / output interface, 15,25...communication interface, 19,29...communication bus, 20...user terminal, 23P...terminal program, 31...monitor, 33,34...camera, 35...microphone, 36...speaker, 41...motion sensor, 42...operation device

Claims

1. In a game where the computer allows you to select solo play and multiplayer from the same screen, When a new player who has not yet performed the solo play selects the solo play without playing the multiplay, the solo play content is executed after the tutorial is executed; When the new player does not play the solo play and selects the multiplay, the tutorial is skipped and the multiplay content is executed; When the new player selects the solo play after playing the multiplay, the program allows the new player to select whether or not to execute the tutorial.

2. The program according to claim 1, A program that causes the computer to allow a player who is already performing the solo play to perform the multiplay via progress in the solo play content.

3. The program according to claim 1, A program that causes the computer to execute a process of having the new player agree to terms of use of the game before the new player engages in the solo play or the multiplayer play.

4. The program according to claim 1, The computer includes: When another computer is present within a threshold range centered on the computer, the solo play and the multiplay are selectable; A program that makes the solo play selectable and the multiplay unselectable when the other computer does not exist within the threshold range.

5. The program according to claim 4, presenting players of the other computers that are within the threshold range; A program that causes the computer to execute a process of allowing a player to be selected to play the multiplayer game together from among the presented players.

6. In games where solo play and multiplayer can be selected from the same screen, a first means for executing the solo play content after executing a tutorial when a new player who has not yet executed the solo play selects the solo play without playing the multiplay; a second means for executing the content of the multiplayer mode without playing the tutorial when the new player selects the multiplayer mode without playing the solo mode; and a third means for allowing the new player to select whether or not to execute the tutorial when the new player selects the solo play after playing the multiplay.

Images