Game system and program

Abstract

To provide a game system capable of increasing fun of a game by incorporating new game specifications regarding plural pieces of play in a game based on operation input timing of a rhythm music game or the like in which plural players participate in a game together.SOLUTION: A game system S is configured to allow each player to execute a music game that takes in a sensational performance by plural players, and is based on operation input timing while rotating a special part, such as a solo part, as main parts from among plural synchronized parts, and also allows other players to execute the music game as a different game simultaneously in parallel with the respective main parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, timing input games have become known as a type of game genre in which input operations are performed in time with the rhythm of output music.

[0003] Among such timing input games, not only pure music games in which the player executes operational inputs based on music data, but also games in which the game progresses based on the accuracy of presented operational inputs, including the timing of the operational inputs, are known.

[0004] In particular, recently, games in which the game progresses based on the accuracy of such operational inputs include those in which the game progresses in a session-like manner in which multiple players play cooperatively (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4219526 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2010-531159 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the game described in Patent Document 1 above or the game system that provides it, the game is basically progressed by multiple players cooperating, and the interest lies in the cooperative play itself. In games that evaluate operational input, such as music games, the interest lies in the game progress by multiple players, and the appearance of attractive games is anticipated.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its object is to provide a game system etc. that can increase the entertainment value of a game by incorporating new game specifications related to multiple play in a game based on the timing of operation inputs, such as a rhythmic music game in which multiple players participate in the game together. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides A game system for controlling a given game in which operation inputs input by a plurality of players are evaluated, comprising: an allocation control means for executing a process of allocating to each player either a first part or a second part which is different from the first part and configured in parallel with the first part, and an allocation part change process for changing the part allocated to the player to another part at a given change timing during execution of the game; a reception processing means for executing a reception process for receiving an operation input from each of the players; an operation timing instruction control means for executing, for each of the parts, an operation timing instruction control process for instructing an input of an operation timing of a player to which the corresponding part is assigned; an evaluation processing means for executing, for each of the players, an individual evaluation process for evaluating an operation input result of each of the players based on an operation input timing at which the operation input of the player based on the operation timing instruction control process is accepted; a game evaluation index determination means for executing a game evaluation index determination process for determining an evaluation index for determining a result of the game, based on the operation input results in the first part of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation process; a correction processing means for executing either one of the following correction processes: (a1) a first correction processing for correcting an operation input result in the first part of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation processing, based on an operation input result in the second part of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation processing; or (b1) a second correction processing for correcting an evaluation index determined by the game evaluation index determination processing, based on an operation input result in the second part of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation processing, when the game evaluation index determination processing is executed; Equipped with The game evaluation index determination means: The evaluation index is determined based on the game evaluation index determination process and either the first correction process or the second correction process.

[0009] With this configuration, the present invention allows, for example, in a game such as a rhythm music game that is played by multiple players (i.e., in a session), to have each player perform a special part such as a solo part in rotation as a first part, while simultaneously allowing other players to enjoy the game such as the rhythm music game at the same time as each first part.

[0010] In particular, the present invention evaluates the entire game based on the game results of the first part of each player, while also allowing the operation input results of the second part to affect the game results, thereby not only allowing multiple players to participate (have a session) in a musical performance in a music game, but also allowing the game results of all parts to be reflected in the overall game evaluation.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention can be realized as a session-type music game for multiple players having a main part while maintaining the entertainment value of the game.

[0012] As a result, the present invention can provide new game specifications relating to multiple play in games such as music games that are based on the timing of operational inputs, thereby making the game more interesting for players.

[0013] It is preferable that the "given game" is, for example, a game in which the player performs operations in time with sounds and rhythms, such as a music game (a so-called rhythm game), and the accuracy of the timing of the operation input by the player is evaluated. However, the present invention is not limited to these games, and can be applied to any game in which the timing of the operation of the player is evaluated.

[0014] "Multiple parts executed in parallel" refers to multiple parts that proceed simultaneously at the same timing or during the same period, and are executed in parallel in time series (i.e., simultaneously), and refers to multiple parts with different operation input contents such as difficulty (e.g., different number of operation inputs) (e.g., the difficulty of the first part is more difficult than the second part), multiple parts with different operation input timing, or multiple parts that differ in both of these. However, the game of the present invention may have a period during which multiple players all play the same game, for example.

[0015] Furthermore, a "given change timing" refers to a timing during the execution of the game (in the case of a music game, during the playback of music data), and in the case of a music game, for example, refers to the timing of a bar division, or a division determined in the course of the game, such as the A-melody, B-melody or chorus.

[0016] In particular, the "given change timing" may occur only once during the game, or may occur multiple times.

[0017] Furthermore, the "operation timing instruction control process" includes, for example, controlling the display of objects for instructing the player's operation input and the operation content.

[0018] In addition to the above, the "operation input result" indicates, for example, the accuracy of the input timing based on the operation input contents of the specified player, and whether or not the operation contents match.

[0019] An "evaluation index that determines the game outcome" is an index that is output as a game result, and includes, for example, a score such as points, a ranking determined by comparing with the game results of other players (including other teams), or the level or rank of a player (including a team) for the game.

[0020] In addition, the "first correction process" refers to correcting each operation input result of the player performing the first part, or the entire result, in a direction that is advantageous or disadvantageous to the player, based on, for example, the accuracy of the input timing of each operation input by the player performing the second part and whether or not there is a match in the operation content.

[0021] Furthermore, the "second correction process" refers to correcting the evaluation index as a game result in a direction that is advantageous or disadvantageous to the entire player (i.e., a team performing a session, etc., consisting of multiple players) based on, for example, the accuracy of the input timing of each operation input by the player performing the second part and whether or not the operation content matches.

[0022] In particular, "a direction advantageous to the player" or "a direction disadvantageous to the player" refers to, for example, adding or subtracting points to the score when the evaluation index that determines the evaluation of each operation input result or the game result is a score, or changing to a higher or lower rank when the evaluation index that determines the evaluation of each operation input result or the game result is an evaluation value indicating a rank.

[0023] (2) The present invention also provides a first game control means for controlling the first game based on a result of an operation input by the player inputted in accordance with an operation timing instruction in an operation timing instruction control process for the first part, the first game control means being a game control process for the first part; a second game control means for controlling a second game different from the first game, based on a result of an operation input by the player input in accordance with an operation timing instruction in an operation timing instruction control process for the second part, in a game control process for the second part; The present invention has a configuration further comprising:

[0024] With this configuration, the present invention can, for example, rotate a first game as a first part game to entertain multiple players, while also allowing a second part game other than the first part to be played that is different from the first part game, so that the second part game other than the first part can also be offered to players as a different game.

[0025] Therefore, the present invention can provide each player with an enjoyable game experience in a game based on the timing of operational inputs, such as a rhythmic music game in which multiple players participate together.

[0026] In addition, a "second game different from the first game" refers to a game that uses the same music or other similar content. Assuming that it is executed by game elements, (A1) Games with different operation input instruction timing, such as only operation instruction timing, (A2) Games with different controls, such as different musical notes, (A3) Games with different input methods in the first place (A4) A game in which the evaluation method based on the operation input results is different, or (A5) A game that combines two or more of (A1) to (A4), Shows.

[0027] (3) The present invention also provides a first determination processing means for executing a first part determination process for determining whether or not an operation input result in each first part execution player or an evaluation result of an individual evaluation process based on the operation input result satisfies a given first condition, The operation timing instruction control means The content of the operation timing instruction in the operation timing instruction control process for the second part is changed based on a determination result of the first part determination process.

[0028] With this configuration, the present invention can reflect the game situation of the first part in the game of the second part, thereby creating a sense of unity between the player performing the first part and the player performing the second part and increasing the interest of the game as a multi-player game.

[0029] It should be noted that the "given first condition" refers to a condition regarding the accuracy of the input timing of the operation input by the player performing the first part, and whether or not the operation content matches, and indicates, for example, a condition regarding the number of successes (the number of successes for each degree of timing matching) or failures of a specified operation input, or the number of consecutive successes (the so-called combo number).

[0030] In addition, "changing the content of the operation timing instructions based on the judgment result of the first part judgment process" means changing the number, timing, or content of the operation timing input instructions based on the judgment result of the first part judgment process, and indicates that by changing these (such as increasing or decreasing the number of instructions, or instructions for performing continuous operations), the difficulty of the operation input for the player performing the second part is changed.

[0031] (4) The present invention also provides a first determination processing means for executing a first part determination process for determining whether or not an operation input result in each first part execution player or an evaluation result of an individual evaluation process based on the operation input result satisfies a given first condition, The evaluation processing means The first correction process is executed based on a determination result of the first part determination process.

[0032] With this configuration, the present invention can reflect the game situation of the first part in the game of the second part, thereby creating a sense of unity between the player performing the first part and the player performing the second part and increasing the interest of the game as a multi-player game.

[0033] (5) The present invention also provides a second judgment processing means for executing a second part judgment process for judging whether or not an operation input result in each second part execution player or an evaluation result of an individual evaluation process based on the operation input result satisfies a given second condition, The correction processing means The correction content of the first correction process or the second correction process is changed based on a determination result of the second part determination process.

[0034] With this configuration, the present invention can reflect the game situation of the second part in the game of the first part, so that even the players performing the second part can create a sense of unity in the game play (i.e., a sense of unity through the session), and can increase the interest of the game as a multi-player game.

[0035] The "given second condition" refers to a condition regarding the accuracy of the input timing of the operation input by the player performing the second part, and whether or not the operation content matches, and indicates, for example, a condition regarding the number of successes (the number of successes for each degree of timing matching) or failures of a specified operation input, or the number of consecutive successes (the so-called combo number).

[0036] (6) The present invention also provides The correction processing means The configuration is such that, when the operation input result of the second part executing player satisfies a given second condition, the correction content of the first correction process or the second correction process is changed to content that is advantageous to the player.

[0037] With this configuration, the present invention can improve the evaluation index (i.e., game result) in the game evaluation index determination process when the evaluation of the operation input result of the player performing the second part is good, for example, when the operation input timing is executed according to the operation instructions. Therefore, for example, mistakes of the player performing the first part can be recovered, or the player performing the first part can be supported by other players to improve the game result.

[0038] Therefore, the present invention can create a sense of unity among a plurality of players and can improve the entertainment value of the game for multiple players.

[0039] In addition, "correction contents that are advantageous to the player" refers to, for example, when a mistake is made in an operation input that improves the evaluation, such as a correction that cancels out a mistake when the player performing the first part makes a mistake in consecutive successful operation inputs, or when a mistake is made in an operation input that is important to the game, and the evaluation index drops in the player performing the first part, the correction contents are changed to suppress the decrease in evaluation use or to maintain the evaluation index.

[0040] (7) The present invention also provides a second judgment processing means for executing a second part judgment process for judging whether or not an operation input result in each second part execution player or an evaluation result of an individual evaluation process based on the operation input result satisfies a given second condition, The operation timing instruction control means The content of the operation timing instruction in the operation timing instruction control process for the first part is changed based on a determination result of the second part determination process.

[0041] With this configuration, the present invention can reflect the game situation of the second part in the game of the first part, thereby creating a sense of unity among each player and increasing the interest of the game as a multi-player game.

[0042] In addition, "based on the judgment result of the second part judgment process, the content of the operation timing instruction is changed" means that the operation timing input instruction is changed based on the judgment result of the second part judgment process. This refers to changing the number, timing, or content of instructions, and by changing these (such as increasing or decreasing the number of instructions, or instructions for performing continuous operations), the difficulty of the operation input for the player performing the first part is changed.

[0043] (8) The present invention also provides The allocation control means: The assigned part change process has a configuration in which, before the change timing arrives, a player who will perform the first part from the change timing onwards is assigned from among the multiple players who have been assigned to the second part up to the change timing.

[0044] With this configuration, the present invention allows the next player to perform the first part to be determined, for example, by a computer or by a player such as the first player, so that the game can be played while rotating the first and second parts among multiple players.

[0045] Therefore, the present invention can create a sense of unity between the first and second parts, and can increase the entertainment value of the game as a multi-player game.

[0046] The "allocation part change process" is, for example, (B1) By random or lottery (e.g., selection by roulette), (B2) By the player currently performing the first part, (B3) By the will of multiple players (consensus of all players, the will of a representative (including a candidate), etc.), or (B4) Depending on the situation regarding the operation input result in the corresponding second part of each second part execution player (e.g., depending on the evaluation situation such as a high score or a large number of combos, or depending on the progress of the game in the case where the game for the second part is progressed depending on the operation input result), This indicates that a player who will execute the first part starting from the next change timing is assigned.

[0047] In particular, when the allocation is made by random or lottery as in (B1), certain rules may be established, such as not assigning a player currently performing the first part to the first part consecutively.

[0048] The "evaluation status" also includes, for example, each player's game history, such as past history and scores, and each player's performance up until the change timing.

[0049] In the case of (B3) where the decision is made by the player's will, it is preferable that the decision is made by an operational input in response to a specific operational instruction.

[0050] Furthermore, "after the change timing" includes, for example, not only the change timing but also any timing thereafter.

[0051] (9) The present invention also provides The allocation control means: As the assigned part change process, from among the plurality of second part execution players assigned to the second part until the change timing arrives, one player is assigned to the first part from the change timing onward based on a situation regarding an operation input result in the corresponding second part of each second part execution player. It has a configuration to allocate.

[0052] With this configuration, the present invention allows the game to be played by rotating the first and second parts among multiple players, thereby creating a sense of unity between the player performing the first part and the player performing the second part and increasing the interest of the game as a multi-player game.

[0053] In addition, the "status related to the operation input results in the corresponding second part for each second part executing player" includes, for example, the score determined based on the operation input results in the corresponding second part for the second part executing player, or the evaluation status such as the number of combos, or the progress status of the game for the second part when the game is progressed based on the operation input results.

[0054] (10) The present invention also provides The configuration further includes an event control means that executes an activation control process for activating an advantageous or disadvantageous event for at least one of the first part execution player and the second part execution player based on the operation input result of at least one of the first part execution player and the second part execution player assigned to the second part executed in parallel with the first part executed by the first part execution player.

[0055] With this configuration, the present invention can increase the interest of the game in the first part or the second part for the player performing the first part, the player performing the second part, or both players, thereby increasing the interest of the game in each of the first part and the second part.

[0056] Therefore, the present invention can improve each player's satisfaction with the game as a whole.

[0057] In addition, "advantageous events" include, for example, events in which the main or sub-part performances, such as those related to operation timing instruction control processing, are executed with more decorations than usual, with lively (flashy) decorations, or with luxurious decorations, or events in which the object that provides input instructions for operation timing is controlled by a rare gimmick.

[0058] Furthermore, the "disadvantageous event" includes, for example, a production event that prevents the display of an object that provides an input instruction for the operation timing in the corresponding part, or an event that delays the input instruction.

[0059] In particular, it is preferable that advantageous and disadvantageous events are triggered for the sub-part executing player.

[0060] (11) The present invention also provides A performance control means for controlling the performance effect in the first part and the performance effect in the second part; a provision information management means for managing provision of game information regarding the game for executing the first part and the second part in parallel to the first part executing player and the second part executing player, the game information including the performance effect information regarding the performance effect; Equipped with The provision information management means The first part is provided to both the first part execution player and the second part execution player. A first part of the performance information providing control process provides performance effect information related to the performance, and a second part performance information provision control process for providing performance effect information relating to the second part to at least the first part execution player; The present invention has a configuration for performing the above steps.

[0061] With this configuration, the present invention can provide the first part executing player with game images and sounds related to not only the first part but also the second part.

[0062] Therefore, in the present invention, the first part performing player can grasp the overall situation of the game himself and can feel the excitement of the game, etc., thereby making the game more entertaining.

[0063] In addition, "production effects" include game images such as images (such as musical notes in the case of rhythmic music games) that instruct each player to input operation timing, and sounds that are output in accordance with the operation input timing (such as musical performance sounds in the case of rhythmic music games).

[0064] (12) The present invention also provides The provision information management means A process of providing each of the plurality of second part execution players with performance effect information related to the second part executed by that player, and prohibiting the provision of performance effect information related to the second part executed by other players different from the player, or a process of prohibiting provision of performance effect information related to the second part to the second part execution player; The second part performance information providing process is configured to execute any one of the processes above as the second part performance information providing process.

[0065] With this configuration, in the present invention, in a game in which a second part is performed, such as a music game, the second part performing player can concentrate on his / her own performance without being disturbed by the performances of other second part performing players.

[0066] (13) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides A program for controlling a given game that evaluates operation inputs input by each of a plurality of players, comprising: an allocation control means for executing a process of allocating to each player either a first part or a second part which is different from the first part and configured in parallel with the first part, and an allocation part change process for changing the part allocated to the player to another part at a given change timing during execution of the game; a reception processing means for executing a reception process for receiving an operation input from each of the players; an operation timing instruction control means for executing, for each of the parts, an operation timing instruction control process for instructing an input of an operation timing of a player to which the corresponding part is assigned; an evaluation processing means for executing, for each of the players, an individual evaluation process for evaluating an operation input result of each of the players based on an operation input timing at which the operation input of the player based on the operation timing instruction control process is accepted; a game evaluation index determination means for executing a game evaluation index determination process for determining an evaluation index for determining a result of the game, based on the operation input results in the first part of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation process; and (a1) a first correction process for correcting an operation input result in the first part of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation process based on an operation input result in the second part of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation process; or (b1) a second correction process for correcting the evaluation index determined by the game evaluation index determination process based on the operation input results in the second part of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation process when the target determination process is executed; The computer functions as The game evaluation index determination means: The evaluation index is determined based on the game evaluation index determination process and either the first correction process or the second correction process.

[0067] With this configuration, the present invention allows, for example, in a game such as a rhythm music game that is played by multiple players (i.e., in a session), to have each player perform a special part such as a solo part in rotation as a first part, while still allowing other players to enjoy the game such as the rhythm music game at the same time as each first part.

[0068] Therefore, the present invention can be realized as a session-type music game for multiple players having a main part while maintaining the entertainment value of the game.

[0069] As a result, the present invention can provide new game specifications relating to multiple play in games such as music games that are based on the timing of operational inputs, thereby making the game more interesting for players. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0070] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of a game system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a game device main unit according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] 13 is a diagram for explaining a game control process of a rhythm music game in which a plurality of players rotate main parts to realize a pseudo-performance in a session-like manner according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining an operation timing instruction control process according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the evaluation process of the present embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the evaluation process of the present embodiment of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram (part 3) for explaining the evaluation process of the present embodiment of the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram (part 4) for explaining the evaluation process of the present embodiment of the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is a diagram for explaining a game control process of a sub-part based on an evaluation of a main part in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the performance information provision control process in one embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the performance information provision control process in one embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is an external configuration diagram of an example in which a game system according to an embodiment is applied to a store-based game system. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration when a game system according to an embodiment is applied to a server system using a network. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of an execution process of a rhythm music game executed by the game system of an embodiment. [Figure 15] 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of a game control process in each part executed by the game system of one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0071] The present embodiment will be described below. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0072] [1] Overview of the game system First, the outline and schematic configuration of the game system S of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of the game system S of this embodiment.

[0073] The game system S of this embodiment is configured as a game system that controls a music game (hereinafter also referred to as a "rhythm music game") in which multiple parts are executed simultaneously in parallel (in a session), each of which is composed of a main part (hereinafter also referred to as a "main part") assigned to each of multiple players, and in which the main part is rotated between each player, the operation timing of each player is evaluated, and the overall evaluation is used as the game result.

[0074] In particular, the game system S of this embodiment has a configuration that realizes a main part by simultaneously controlling a part assigned to one player, such as a solo part, and multiple parts that assist the main part, as sub-parts.

[0075] Specifically, the game system S of this embodiment includes a plurality of controllers 30 operated by each player, a game device main body 10 that performs game processing, and a display 40 that displays game images.

[0076] The game system S is configured to execute the music game based on a game program or game data read from a memory, which is an information storage medium, or on operation signals input from the controller 30, so that each player can enjoy the music game while viewing the game screen displayed on the display 40.

[0077] For example, when the game system S receives operational input based on the joystick 32, cross key 33, and various buttons formed on the controller 30 operated by the player, it starts the game, executes various game settings, and evaluates each player based on the timing of the operational input received during game execution, and is configured to perform cooperative play (i.e., a session-like pseudo-performance) with other players (players who perform operational input to other controllers 30B connected to the game system S, players or CPUs operating other game systems S connected via the network N).

[0078] In this embodiment, the controller 30 and the game device main body 10 transmit and receive information via wireless communication. However, for example, the controller 30 and the game device main body 10 may be connected by a communication cable, and information may be transmitted and received via the communication cable.

[0079] The game device main body 10 executes game processing based on operational inputs by the player (or multiple players if multiple controllers 30 are connected) via the controller 30, and based on the results of that processing, causes the display 40 to display various game images and causes the speaker (not shown) to output various sounds such as background music during the game.

[0080] The controller 30 is provided on the front surface with a joystick 32, a cross key 33, and a plurality of buttons 34, 36, 37, and 38 formed on the entire surface.

[0081] In addition, the controller 30 is configured to be able to recognize as a special operation input when a player operation is input simultaneously using multiple buttons, or when a player operation is input by a combination of a button and the direction in which the cross key 33 is pressed (including diagonal directions and neutral).

[0082] In addition to the above, the controller 30 has a plurality of buttons (not shown) on the side surface, etc.

[0083] In addition to the above, the controller 30 may also be configured with a steering wheel, a percussion controller (for example, reference numeral 30C in FIG. 1), a microphone, a touch panel display, an acceleration sensor, and the like.

[0084] [2] Game console Next, the configuration of the game device main body 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block diagram of the game device main body 10 of this embodiment. However, the game device main body 10 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (parts) of Fig. 2 are omitted.

[0085] The card read / write unit 162 reads and writes data from and to the game card under the control of the processing unit 100 .

[0086] The storage unit 170 stores predefined programs and data, and serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, etc., and temporarily stores the results of calculations executed by the processing unit 100 in accordance with various programs, input data input from the controller 30, etc. This function can be realized by a RAM (VRAM) or the like.

[0087] In particular, the storage unit 170 includes a main memory unit 172 , an image buffer 174 , a music data storage unit 176 , and a player information storage unit 178 .

[0088] The main memory unit 172 stores various data including a system program for implementing various functions that allow the processing unit 100 to comprehensively control the game system S, a game program required to execute a composite cooperative game, and image data such as characters and musical scores.

[0089] The music data storage unit 176 stores music data that are challenge songs for the rhythm music game, and corresponding score data that specifies the timing and operation contents for each player to execute operation input in accordance with each piece of music data.

[0090] In addition to the audio data, the song data includes bibliographic information such as the singer, composer and lyricist, the difficulty level or level, and information indicating the divisions of the bars, A-melody, B-melody, chorus and so on.

[0091] The music data may also include information indicating the timing (hereinafter referred to as "allocation change timing") for rotating the main part and assigning it to one player (hereinafter referred to as "main part execution player" or "main part execution player") for each set of bars or each division such as A melody, B melody, chorus, etc., and for assigning another player (hereinafter referred to as "sub-part execution player" or "second player execution player") to the sub-part. .

[0092] The music score data includes note information indicating the timing for the player to input operations in accordance with the music data, and the type of input (operation contents for the instrument) (for example, if the instrument is a drum, face strikes, edge strikes, and repeated face strikes, etc.).

[0093] In particular, the music score data of this embodiment includes: (A1) Main part score data and (A2) Music score data for a sub-part that is used simultaneously with the music score data for the main part (configured in parallel), and which is one or more pieces of music score data for a sub-part for allowing a sub-part execution player to input operations; Includes:

[0094] The score data is extracted from the notes in the actual score of the corresponding music piece, taking into account the content of the notes that correspond to the characteristic sounds of the music piece, and the note objects are pre-formed as operation timing objects at the positions of the extracted notes in the score.

[0095] Also, the score data for the subparts may be score data having common note information used by multiple subpart performing players, or may be composed of data for multiple parts (hereinafter referred to as "part data") having at least some note information different from each other (i.e., the type and position of the note). However, when the score data for the subparts is composed of multiple parts, it may be used for two or more subpart performing players.

[0096] The player information storage unit 148 stores, for each player, information on the player's rank and level in the rhythm music game, each player's attributes (age, generation, gender, etc.), and a list of songs played in the past (i.e., performance history), in association with each player's ID.

[0097] Information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or a memory (ROM), etc.

[0098] The information storage medium 180 can store a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment (a program for causing a computer to execute the processing of each unit).

[0099] In addition, the information storage medium 180 may store, similarly to the memory unit 170, in place of the memory unit 170, or together with the memory unit 170, various data such as a system program for realizing various functions for the processing unit 100 to comprehensively control the game system S, a game program required for executing a composite cooperative game, and music data that will be the challenge songs in a rhythm music game.

[0100] The display unit 190 outputs the image generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, an LCD, a touch panel display, an HMD (head mounted display), etc. The display 40 in FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

[0101] The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by this embodiment, and the function thereof can be realized by a speaker, a headphone, or the like.

[0102] The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, other game systems S, terminal devices such as communication end terminal devices such as smartphones, and server device 1 via the network N), and its functions can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc.

[0103] Note that the programs and data for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment, which are stored in an information storage medium or storage unit of the server device 1, may be received via a network, and the received programs and data may be stored in the information storage medium 180 or storage unit 170. The case where a terminal is caused to function by receiving the programs and data in this manner is also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0104] On the other hand, the communication unit 196 executes various controls for communicating with one or more controllers 30 (for example, short-distance wireless communication).

[0105] Specifically, the communication unit 196 includes an antenna and a wireless module, and transmits and receives data to and from one or more controllers 30 using, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology.

[0106] For example, the communication unit 196 transmits sound data such as confirmation sounds and sound effects, and vibration signals to the controller 30, and receives information (such as acceleration vector values) detected by an acceleration sensor or operational input at the controller 30 at alternating intervals of 4 msec and 6 msec.

[0107] The processing unit 100 (processor) performs processes such as game processing, image generation processing, and sound generation processing based on input data from the controller 30 and the card read / write unit 162, programs, and the like.

[0108] In particular, the processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main memory unit 172 in the memory unit 170 as a work area. The processing unit 100 is realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASIC (gate array, etc.), and by programs, and executes various functions.

[0109] The processing unit 100 has a configuration for implementing various processes of this embodiment or various functions for the rhythm music game based on programs (data) stored in the storage unit 170 or the information storage medium 180.

[0110] Specifically, the processing unit 100 includes a communication control unit 110, a game management unit 112, an operation input reception processing unit 113, a first game control unit 114, an evaluation processing unit 115, a second game control unit 116, a music playback unit 117, a display control unit 118, a performance control unit 119, a drawing unit 120, and a sound processing unit 130. Note that a configuration in which some of these units are omitted may also be used.

[0111] For example, the game management unit 112 of this embodiment constitutes the allocation control means, event control means, and provided information management means of the present invention, and the operation input reception processing unit 113 constitutes the reception processing means of the present invention. Also, the first game control unit 114 of this embodiment constitutes the operation timing instruction control means of the present invention, and the evaluation processing unit 115 constitutes the overall evaluation processing means, correction processing means, first judgment processing means, second judgment processing means, and second evaluation processing means of the present invention. Furthermore, the second game control unit 116 of this embodiment constitutes the second game control means of the present invention, and the performance control unit 119 constitutes the first performance control means and second performance control means of the present invention.

[0112] The communication control unit 110 is a device for controlling a network with the server device 1 and terminal devices such as other game systems. It processes data transmission and reception via the network.

[0113] In particular, when playing a rhythm music game based on information received from the server device 1, or when playing cooperatively with other players via a network, the communication control unit 110 performs processes for receiving various information transmitted from the server device 1 or other game systems S, and for transmitting the information to the server device 1 or other game systems S.

[0114] In addition, in the game system S of this embodiment, network information required for communication control may be obtained from a server and management processing may be performed.

[0115] For example, the game system S may perform a process of acquiring and managing identification information for terminal devices (IDs individually assigned to each game system S to identify terminals that can participate in online games) and destination information (such as an IP address) that specifies the destination of packets associated with the identification information of each game system S.

[0116] Specifically, the communication control unit 110 performs processes such as generating packets to be sent to other terminal devices or server device 1, specifying the IP address and port number of the terminal device or server device 1 to which the packets are to be sent, storing data contained in received packets in the memory unit 170, analyzing received packets, and other control processes related to the sending and receiving of packets.

[0117] In addition, the communication control unit 110 performs processing to transmit and receive data to and from multiple other game systems S or the server device 1 at a predetermined cycle (for example, at one-second cycles) from the time a communication connection is established until the communication connection is disconnected.

[0118] Furthermore, in the case of a network system constituted by multiple terminal devices such as a game system S, the communication control unit 110 may perform communication control using a peer-to-peer (so-called P2P) method in which an online game is played while transmitting and receiving data between multiple terminal devices, or may perform communication control using a client-server method in which each terminal device transmits and receives data (information) via the server device 1 to play an online game.

[0119] In the network system of this embodiment, data may be transmitted and received not only by wired communication but also by wireless communication.

[0120] On the other hand, the communication control unit 110 performs a process of acquiring input information from the controller 30. For example, the communication control unit 110 receives an operation input from the player based on the operation input timing.

[0121] The game management unit 112 executes a process for starting a game when a game start condition is met, a process for ending a game when a game end condition is met, and various processes related to the settings of each game.

[0122] In particular, the game management unit 112 executes an assignment process for assigning one of a plurality of players participating in the rhythm music game to each part as a main part or a sub part, and an assignment part change process for changing the players assigned to the main part and the sub part at a predetermined assignment change timing.

[0123] Furthermore, the game management section 112 controls various events in the rhythm music game (events that are advantageous or disadvantageous to the player).

[0124] Furthermore, the game management unit 112 manages the provision of game information regarding the rhythm music game for executing the main part and the sub part in parallel to the main part executing player and the sub part executing player, including performance effect information regarding performance effects during the game.

[0125] The operation input reception processing unit 113 performs a recognition process to recognize the operation content and the timing thereof based on the input information input to the controller 30 by the player.

[0126] Specifically, the operation input reception processing unit 113 of this embodiment recognizes the operation instruction command input by the player based on the type of button input by the input unit 260, the number of times it is pressed, the lever instruction direction, the timing of pressing the button and the timing of the lever instruction, and a combination of these.

[0127] On the other hand, when a player's operation is input simultaneously using multiple buttons, or when a player's operation is input using a combination of the tilt angle of the camera or joystick 32 and each button, the operation input reception processing unit 113 recognizes it as a special operation input.

[0128] The first game control unit 114 executes processing related to the progress of the main part in the rhythm music game.

[0129] In particular, when a rhythm music game is played by multiple players, the first game control unit 114 executes an operation input timing determination marker object used to determine the operation input timing of the player performing the main part, an operation timing object that indicates the operation input timing of each player, or an operation timing instruction control process (hereinafter referred to as "main part operation timing instruction control process") that controls the movement of both objects in accordance with the music data played by the music playback unit 117.

[0130] Specifically, the first game control unit 114 moves the display positions of the operation input timing determination marker object and the operation timing object so that they match at a predetermined reference timing in accordance with the music data based on the music score data for the main part.

[0131] The evaluation processing unit 115 executes an evaluation process (hereinafter referred to as "overall evaluation process") to evaluate a team consisting of multiple players in the entire song data based on each operation input timing of the player performing the main part and a given relationship between each operation input timing determination marker object for the main part and each operation timing object.

[0132] In addition, the evaluation processing unit 115 executes an evaluation process (hereinafter referred to as "subpart evaluation process") for each subpart, which evaluates each subpart executing player based on each operation input timing of the corresponding subpart executing player and a given relationship between the operation input timing determination sign object and the operation timing object for the corresponding subpart.

[0133] Furthermore, the evaluation processing unit 115 executes either a first correction process for correcting the operation input result of the player performing the main part in the overall evaluation process based on the evaluation result of the subpart evaluation process, or a second correction process for correcting the evaluation index of the game for all of the multiple players.

[0134] The second game control unit 116 executes processing related to the progress of the sub-part in the rhythm music game, similar to the processing related to the progress of the main part by the first game control unit 114.

[0135] In particular, the second game control unit 116 controls the rhythm music game to be played by multiple players. When performing the subpart, in accordance with the music data played by the music playback unit 117, an operation input timing determination marker object used to determine the operation input timing of the subpart executing player, an operation timing object that indicates the operation input timing of each subpart executing player, or an operation timing instruction control process that controls the movement of both objects (hereinafter referred to as "operation timing instruction control process for subparts") is executed.

[0136] Specifically, the second game control unit 116 moves the display positions of the operation input timing determination marker object and the operation timing object so that they coincide with each other at a predetermined reference timing in accordance with the music data based on the music score data for the main part.

[0137] The music playback unit 117 plays back music data that has been read into the music data storage unit 176 , and outputs a waveform of continuous music sounds to the sound output unit 192 .

[0138] The function of the music playback unit 117 can be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit (sound source IC) that generates a waveform of music sound based on music data, a program, and the like.

[0139] The display control unit 118 controls the display of objects that are output and displayed on the display unit 190.

[0140] Specifically, the display control unit 118 performs display control such as generating display objects (game characters, backgrounds, buildings, the ground, etc.), instructing the display positions of the display objects, and erasing the display objects.

[0141] That is, the display control unit 118 performs display control such as registering an object that has appeared in an object list, transferring the object list to the drawing unit 120, and deleting an object that has disappeared from the object list.

[0142] In particular, under the instructions of the game management unit 112, the display control unit 118 works in conjunction with the performance control unit 119 to generate images relating to the game of the main part, one or more sub-parts, or the main part and one or more sub-parts, depending on the game situation, and performs display control to display and output the generated images on the display unit 190.

[0143] Specifically, the display control unit 118 executes display control for simultaneously displaying on the display unit 190 images relating to a rhythmic music game as a first game and images relating to cooperative play by multiple players (i.e., a session-like simulated performance).

[0144] Then, in the case of a rhythm music game, the display control unit 118 causes the drawing unit 108 to draw an operation input timing determination marker object, an operation timing object, or both objects, which are moved and controlled in accordance with the music data played by the music playback unit 104 for each player and move within the displayed operation object formation area.

[0145] The performance control unit 119 executes performance control processing to control images and sounds related to the game in the main part (ie, the first game) and the game in the sub-part (ie, the second game).

[0146] The drawing unit 120 executes a process of drawing (generating) an image based on various processes (game processes) performed by the processing unit 100, and outputs the drawn image to the display unit 190. The function of the drawing unit 120 can be realized by hardware such as a graphics processor (GPU) or a program. The drawing unit 108 draws a so-called two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image. do.

[0147] Specifically, the drawing unit 120 reads out display objects corresponding to the display object list transferred by the display control unit 118 from the main memory unit 172 or the like, and draws the objects in an image buffer 174 (a buffer such as a frame buffer or intermediate buffer; VRAM) that can store image information on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

[0148] Then, the drawing unit 120 updates the image information every frame (for example, every 1 / 30 seconds) to cause the display unit 190 to display a moving image.

[0149] In particular, the drawing unit 120 reads out from the main storage unit 172 a score image corresponding to the music data played by the music playback unit 104 in accordance with the playback of the music data, and draws the score image in the image buffer 174 .

[0150] The sound processing unit 130 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100 , generates game sounds such as background music, sound effects, or voices, and outputs them to the sound output unit 192 .

[0151] [3] Method of the present embodiment [3.1] Overview Next, a method of game control processing of the rhythm music game in this embodiment for realizing a pseudo performance in a session while rotating the main parts among a plurality of players will be described with reference to FIG.

[0152] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the game control process of the rhythm music game of this embodiment in which a plurality of players rotate the main parts to realize a pseudo performance in a session-like manner.

[0153] The game system S of this embodiment is a system for controlling a music game (i.e., a rhythm music game) in which multiple players are assigned to a main part and sub-parts that are configured in parallel (i.e., simultaneously) with the main part, and the players of each part execute operational inputs in accordance with a given piece of music, and the evaluation of the inputs is used as the game result.

[0154] In particular, the game system S of this embodiment is a music game that incorporates a session-style performance by multiple players, and has a configuration in which a special part, such as a solo part, among multiple synchronized parts is rotated as the main part, and each player plays a music game based on the timing of operation input, while simultaneously and in parallel with each main part, other players also play the music game as a different game.

[0155] Specifically, the game system S of this embodiment includes, for example, as shown in FIG. (A1) a process of assigning either a main part or a sub part to each player, and an assigned part change process of changing the part assigned to the player to another part at a given change timing during playback of music data; (A2) A reception process for receiving operation inputs from each player; (A3) an operation timing instruction control process for instructing input of operation timing of a player to which a corresponding part is assigned, for each part; (A4) An individual evaluation process (an individual operation timing evaluation process to be described later) for evaluating an operation input result of each player based on the operation input timing at which the operation input of the player based on the operation timing instruction control process is received, for each player; (A5) a game evaluation index determination process for determining an evaluation index for determining a game result based on the operation input results in the main part of each player evaluated by the player evaluation process; (A6) A correction process, which is either a first correction process that corrects an operation input result in the main part of each player evaluated by an individual evaluation process based on an operation input result in the sub-part of each player evaluated by an individual evaluation process, or a second correction process that corrects an evaluation index determined by the game evaluation index determination process based on an operation input result in the sub-part of each player evaluated by an individual operation timing evaluation process when the game evaluation index determination process is executed; The present invention has a configuration for executing the above.

[0156] The game system S of this embodiment has a configuration for determining an evaluation index determined based on a game evaluation index determination process and one of the correction processes (i.e., the first correction process or the second correction process) as the game result of multiple players (i.e., the evaluation of a session by multiple players), as shown in FIG.

[0157] In FIG. 3, a rhythm music game based on a piece of music is played by four players A, B, C, and D, and the piece of music is composed of a main part 1 and a sub-part 3. (B1) Before the start of a song, each player is assigned to an initial main part and sub part, and the main part is rotated at the first change timing T1 to the fourth change timing T4, and the assignment of the sub parts is changed accordingly. (B2) An operation timing instruction control process is executed for each main part having a high level of difficulty and a plurality of sub-parts in which the same operation input instruction corresponding to each main part is executed; (B3) for each main part, points are awarded based on the result of the operation input of the main part executing player, and a score indicating an evaluation index of the entire game is determined; (B4) Correcting the operation input result of the corresponding main part execution player or correcting the score indicating the evaluation index of the entire game based on the operation input result of the sub-part execution player in the sub-part; FIG.

[0158] With this configuration, in this embodiment, main parts such as solo parts are performed by each player in rotation, while other players are also made to enjoy the rhythm music game at the same time as each main part is performed.The game as a whole is evaluated based on the game results of the main parts, while the evaluation of the sub-parts can also affect the game results.

[0159] Furthermore, in this embodiment, not only are multiple players allowed to participate in a performance in a music game (have them participate in a session), but the game results in all parts can be reflected in the evaluation of the game as a whole, so that the game can also be made to function as a session-style music game for multiple players having a main part while maintaining its interest as a game.

[0160] Therefore, in this embodiment, new game specifications for multiple play in music games (i.e., rhythm music games) can be provided, thereby making it possible to increase the interest in games based on the timing of operational inputs, such as music games.

[0161] In this embodiment, the player performs operations in accordance with the sound and rhythm. The following description will be given using a music game (i.e., a rhythm music game) that evaluates the accuracy of the timing of the player's operation input, but the present invention is not limited to these games and can be applied to any game that evaluates the timing of the player's operation.

[0162] In addition, in this embodiment, a main part and a sub part are used as multiple parts executed in parallel, but three or more different types of parts may be formed, and during a certain period, a part (common part) may be incorporated that allows common operational inputs to be performed by all players participating in the rhythm music game without the assignment of a main part and a sub part.

[0163] Furthermore, the game system S of this embodiment may run a rhythm music game (i.e., a session) based on multiple players by itself, or may run the rhythm music game in conjunction with another game system S either via the server device 1 or directly.

[0164] [3.2] Game control process based on main part and subpart Next, a game control process based on a main part and a sub part in this embodiment will be described.

[0165] The first game control unit 114 performs game control processing for the main part, and controls the rhythm music game of the main part based on the operation input result of the main part executing player input in accordance with the operation timing instruction for the main part.

[0166] In particular, the first game control unit 114 executes game control processing for the main part based on the operation timing instructions controlled by the operation timing instruction control processing for the main part.

[0167] Further, the second game control unit 116 executes game control processing for a sub-part that is different from the main part, based on the operation input result assigned to the sub-part executing player input in accordance with the operation timing instruction for the sub-part.

[0168] That is, the first game control unit 114 and the second game control unit 116 execute various game control processes for executing the sub-parts simultaneously in parallel with the main part of the game while rotating the main part of the game to entertain multiple players.

[0169] In particular, the second game control unit 116 executes game control processing to execute a game in which the operation instruction content and its timing differ depending on the type of part, including operation timing instruction control processing, for example, by setting the difficulty level (operation input content and timing) of the operation input instructed to the player for the main part higher than that for the sub-part.

[0170] In addition, the second game control unit 116 performs the above steps on the premise that the same music data is reproduced as a game different from the main part. (A1) Games where only the timing of operational input instructions, such as timing of operational instructions, differs. (A2) Games where the only difference is the operation content, such as different musical notes, (A3) Games with different input methods in the first place (A4) A game in which the evaluation method based on the operation input results is different, or (A5) A game that combines two or more of (A1) to (A4), The game control process is executed.

[0171] Furthermore, when the allocation of the main part is changed, the first game control unit 114 The target is switched to the changed main part execution player, and game control relating to the main part is executed for the switched main part execution player.

[0172] Then, when the allocation of the sub-part is changed due to a change in the allocation of the main part, the second game control unit 116 switches the target to the changed main part performing player and executes game control related to the main part for the switched main part performing player.

[0173] [3.3] Allocation process and allocation part change process Next, the allocation process and the allocation part change process of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0174] (Allocation process) Before playing back the music data, the game management section 112 executes an assignment process to assign one player to the main part and assign other players (specifically, players participating in other rhythm music games) to sub-parts.

[0175] In particular, as shown in FIG. 3, the game management unit 112 assigns the main part and the sub part to the relevant player from among the players, for example, by random or lottery, based on the result of the mini-game, and based on attributes such as the game level, score, and ranking of each player before the start of the game.

[0176] FIG. 3 shows that in a group consisting of players A, B, C, and D, player A is randomly assigned to the first main part in chronological order, and the other players B, C, and D are similarly assigned to the first sub-parts in chronological order.

[0177] In addition, the rhythm music game of this embodiment is preferably played by a fixed number of players (for example, four people), and if the fixed number of players cannot participate, it is preferably played by a CPU player according to the fixed number of players.

[0178] (Allocation part change processing) When playback of music data has started and during playback of the music data (i.e., during execution of the rhythm music game), the game management unit 112 executes an assignment part change process that assigns a player assigned to a main part to a sub part at one or more predetermined assignment change timings, and assigns one of the players assigned to the sub parts to the main part.

[0179] In other words, in order to execute the game while rotating the main part and sub part among the players participating in the game, the game management unit 112 performs an assigned part change process by assigning a main part execution player from each change timing onwards (specifically, each change timing) from among a plurality of sub part execution players who have been assigned to sub parts up until each change timing.

[0180] In particular, the game management unit 112 executes the assigned part change process at a change timing indicating a breakpoint determined in the game progress, such as a bar break, or an A melody, a B melody, or a chorus.

[0181] In this embodiment, the game management unit 112 uses the change timing already set in the music data, but every time the music data is played, the game management unit 112 changes the timing by the same number as the number of participating players. Alternatively, more than one change timing may be set and the assigned part change process may be executed at the set change timing. In this case, however, it is preferable that the game management unit 112 sets each change timing based on the number of players participating in the rhythm music game before starting playback of the music data.

[0182] On the other hand, the game management unit 112 performs an assigned part change process, for example, (A1) By random or lottery (e.g., selection by roulette), (A2) By the main part execution player who is currently executing the main part, (A3) By the will of multiple players participating in the game (i.e., session) (the consensus of all players, the will of a representative (including a candidate), etc.), or (A4) Depending on the situation regarding the operation input result in the corresponding subpart of each subpart execution player (e.g., depending on the evaluation situation such as a high score or a large number of combos, or depending on the progress of the game in the case where the game for the subpart is progressed depending on the operation input result), A main part executing player (hereinafter referred to as the "next main part executing player") that executes the main part starting from the next change timing is assigned.

[0183] In particular, as the assigned part change process of (A4), the game management unit 112 assigns one player to the main part from among the multiple sub-part executing players assigned to the sub-parts up until the next change timing based on the status of the operation input results of each sub-part executing player in the corresponding sub-part from the change timing onwards (specifically, from the change timing) until the next change timing arrives.

[0184] Specifically, the game management unit 112 uses, as the status related to the operation input results in a sub-part, the aggregated values ​​(e.g., scores or number of evaluation values) of each evaluation (e.g., evaluation values ​​such as points or excellent / fair, specifically, values ​​obtained by an individual operation timing evaluation process (individual evaluation process) for each player described later) for each player's individual operation input results, which are aggregated during the allocation of the sub-part.

[0185] When the game management unit 112 assigns the players randomly or by lottery as in (A1), the game management unit 112 may execute the assignment using certain rules, such as not assigning a player who is currently executing a main part to a main part consecutively.

[0186] Furthermore, when the game management unit 112 determines the next player to execute the main part based on the player's intention in (A3), the game management unit 112 may execute processing in conjunction with the operation timing instruction control processing to reflect the intention of the player who made the operation input when the timing is executed, in response to an operation input to an object (hereinafter referred to as an "intention expression object") which moves within the operation object area and indicates an operation input instruction for each player to express his / her intention.

[0187] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, assume that four players, players A, B, C, and D, participate in a game (specifically, a session), there are four change timings T1, T2, T3, and T4, and the player performing the main part is randomly assigned.

[0188] In this case, first, the game management unit 112 executes an allocation process to allocate the main part to player A and allocate the sub-parts to the other players B, C, and D based on the current rankings, as shown in FIG.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 3, when the first change timing arrives, the game management unit 112 performs the main part for all players other than the player A who is currently performing the main part. An assigned part change process is executed to assign players A, B and D other than the player assigned to the main part to the sub-part, while assigning the sub-part to player C who has the highest evaluation result in the individual operation timing evaluation process of the players assigned to the sub-part before the change timing.

[0190] Then, as shown in FIG. 3, when the second change timing arrives, the game management unit 112 executes an assigned part change process to assign the main part to player D who has the highest evaluation result in the individual operation timing evaluation process of players who were assigned to the sub-part before the change timing arrives, excluding player C who is the current main part executing player and player A who was the previous main part executing player, while assigning players A, B, and C other than the player assigned to the main part to the sub-part.

[0191] Finally, as shown in FIG. 3, when the third change timing arrives, the game management unit 112 executes an assigned part change process to assign the main part to player D who has not yet been assigned to the main part, while assigning players A, B, and C other than the players assigned to the main part to the sub parts.

[0192] [3.4] Operation timing instruction control processing Next, the operation timing instruction control process of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation timing instruction control process of this embodiment.

[0193] (Outline of operation timing instruction control process) The first game control unit 114 and the second game control unit 116 execute an operation timing instruction control process for instructing the input of operation timing of the player to whom the corresponding part is assigned, for each player, either the main part or the sub-part, during playback of specific music data selected by specification by the player or the like.

[0194] In particular, the first game control unit 114 executes an operation timing instruction control process for the main part for a player assigned to the main part, and the second game control unit 116 executes an operation timing instruction control process for a sub-part for a player assigned to the sub-part.

[0195] Then, when the player assignment is switched from the sub-part to the main part at the change timing, the first game control unit 114 executes an operation timing instruction control process for the main part to the player who has been switched to the main part, and when the player assigned to the main part is switched to the sub-part, the first game control unit 114 stops the operation timing instruction control process for the in-part.

[0196] In addition, when a player's assignment is switched from a sub-part to a main part at the change timing, the first game control unit 114 executes an operation timing instruction control process for the main part for the player who has switched to the main part, and when a player assigned to the main part switches to a sub-part, the first game control unit 114 stops the operation timing instruction control process for the main part for the player who has switched to the sub-part.

[0197] In this embodiment, a large number of operation inputs are set, and high-speed operation inputs such as rapid tapping are required. The main part has more complicated operation inputs than the sub-parts (i.e., the difficulty level is higher).

[0198] That is, the first game control unit 114 executes an operation timing instruction control process for requesting an operation input with a higher degree of difficulty than the operation timing instruction control process for the sub-part. .

[0199] (Operation timing instruction control processing in the main part) The first game control unit 114 forms an operation object formation area for the main part, and controls the movement of an operation input timing determination marker object and an operation timing object that are formed within the operation object formation area.

[0200] That is, the first game control unit 114 provides an area for forming each operation object for the main part in a predetermined area of ​​the display unit 190 during execution of the game, and controls the movement of the operation input timing determination marker object and the operation timing object for the main part executing player based on the music score data for the main part while matching it with the music data.

[0201] In particular, the first game control unit 114 executes movement control of an operation timing object which is an object for determining the operation timing of the main part performing player, and which indicates the operation content input by the main part performing player, together with the operation input timing determination sign object, based on a fixedly placed position of the operation input timing determination sign object which serves as a reference for the operation input timing, and which, when overlapping with the operation input timing determination sign object, executes movement control of an operation timing object which is an object for determining the operation timing of the main part performing player, and which indicates the operation content input by the main part performing player.

[0202] Specifically, the first game control unit 114 forms an operation object forming area in the game space (the display area displayed on the display unit 190) extending from one end to the opposite end, and places a circular operation input timing determination marker object on one end side (e.g., the left side) of each operation object forming area.

[0203] Then, when playback of the music begins, the first game control unit 114 moves a plurality of operation input timing objects having different operation types (i.e., different contents of operation input) in the operation object formation area at a constant speed from the other end side to the one end side in a first direction (i.e., toward the operation input timing determination marker object) along the operation object formation area in accordance with the music data and based on the music score data for the main part.

[0204] For example, the first game control unit 114 works in conjunction with the display control unit 118 and the performance control unit 119 to form a horizontally long score image SP (an image of the operation object formation area OBAR formed including the display range and non-display range) formed from score data for the main part, based on a marker object for determining the timing of operation input (the position of the reference timing BL in the figure) at the time of initial setting (i.e., before playback starts when no music data is being played), as shown in Figure 4(A).

[0205] Then, the first game control unit 114 works in conjunction with the display control unit 118 and the performance control unit 119, and when playback of music data is started by the music playback unit 117, while fixing the position of the operation input timing determination marker object in the display range DA (i.e., the position of the reference timing BL), as time T passes, as shown in Figures 4(A), (B) and (C), the sheet music image SP moves at a constant speed from the right side to the left in the figures for a plurality of first operation timing objects IM1-1 to IM1-n (n is a natural number) and a plurality of second operation timing objects IM2-1 to IM2-n on the operation object formation area OBAR.

[0206] In particular, the first game control unit 114, for example, when the reference timing KT1 corresponding to the first operation timing object IM1-1 arrives, The operation timing objects IM1 are controlled to move in the first direction so that the operation timing objects IM1 move to the position of the operation input timing determination marker object.

[0207] In addition, in Figures 4 (A), (B), and (C), the range displayed on the display unit 190 is shown as the display range DA, and in the above example, the display control unit 118 causes the display unit 190 to display a part of the range as the display range DA based on the marker object for determining the operation input timing.

[0208] In addition, in FIG. 4, the display range DA moves over time from left to right in the figure, but in an actual game, as described above, the music score image SP moves from right to left in the figure.

[0209] (Operation timing instruction control processing in subparts) The second game control unit 116, like the first game control unit 114, forms an operation object forming area for a sub-part, and controls the movement of an operation input timing determination marker object and an operation timing object formed in the operation object forming area. However, the second game control unit 116 differs in that it controls the movement of an operation input timing determination marker object and an operation timing object for a sub-part, and forms each operation object forming area for a sub-part in a predetermined area of ​​the display unit 190 during execution of the game.

[0210] In addition, when each operation object formation area of ​​both the main part and the sub part is displayed on the display unit 190, or when the operation object formation areas of two or more sub parts are displayed on the display unit 190, the first game control unit 114 and the second game control unit 116, or the second game control unit 116, work in conjunction with the display control unit 118 and the performance control unit 119 to execute processing for forming an operation object formation area in the corresponding area.

[0211] Furthermore, the above explanation using Figure 4 is, for example, an example of operation timing instruction control processing in the main part, and when the main part and sub-part, or two or more sub-parts are displayed simultaneously, operation timing instruction control processing is executed for each part (i.e., player) as in the above example.

[0212] (Another example of operation timing instruction control process) On the other hand, the first game control unit 114 and the second game control unit 116 may move the marker object for determining operation input timing from one end side to the other end side in a second direction opposite to the first direction (i.e., toward the operation input timing object) at a constant speed.

[0213] In this case, the first game control unit 114 and the second game control unit 116 fix and arrange each operation timing object within the operation object forming area.

[0214] In addition, the first game control unit 114 and the second game control unit 116 may move the operation timing object in a first direction at a constant speed, while moving the operation input timing determination marker object from one end side to the other end side in a second direction opposite to the first direction (i.e., toward the operation input timing object) at a constant speed.

[0215] [3.5] Evaluation process [3.5.1] Fundamental principles of the evaluation process Next, the basic principle of the evaluation process of this embodiment will be described.

[0216] The evaluation processing unit 115 evaluates the operation of the corresponding player in the corresponding part for each player. An evaluation process (hereinafter referred to as "individual operation timing evaluation process" or "individual evaluation process") is executed to evaluate the operation input result of each player based on the operation input timing when the input is accepted and a given relationship between the operation input timing determination marker object and the operation timing object at the operation input timing of the corresponding player.

[0217] That is, the evaluation processing unit 115 evaluates the accuracy of the input timing and whether or not the operation contents match, based on the operation input contents of the player instructed by the operation timing instruction control process.

[0218] Specifically, the evaluation processing unit 115 executes, for each player, evaluation processing at each individual evaluation timing as individual operation timing evaluation processing based on the timing at which each movement-controlled operation timing object reaches the position of the operation input timing determination marker object (hereinafter referred to as the "individual evaluation timing").

[0219] On the other hand, in the individual operation evaluation processing of a player assigned to the main part, the evaluation processing unit 115 executes a game evaluation index determination process that determines an evaluation index that determines the game result (i.e., the evaluation of the session among multiple players) based on each evaluation result in the individual operation timing evaluation processing (i.e., the evaluated operation input result).

[0220] In particular, when executing the game evaluation index determination process, the evaluation processing unit 115 determines, based on the operation input results in the sub-parts of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation process, (A1) a first correction process for correcting the operation input results in the main part of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation process; or (A2) a second correction process for correcting the evaluation index determined by the game evaluation index determination process. Then, the evaluation processing unit 115 determines an evaluation index based on the game evaluation index determination process and the correction process, either the first correction process or the second correction process.

[0221] [3.5.2] Individual operation timing evaluation process Next, the individual operation timing evaluation process of the evaluation process of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 8. Fig. 5 to Fig. 8 are diagrams for explaining the individual operation evaluation process of this embodiment.

[0222] As the individual operation timing evaluation process, the evaluation processing unit 115 determines, for each player, whether or not the operation result of the player at the individual operation timing satisfies given conditions (hereinafter referred to as "evaluation conditions") as an evaluation result, and uses the result as the result of the evaluation process.

[0223] In particular, the evaluation processing unit 115 executes such individual operation timing evaluation processing for either the main part or the sub-part.

[0224] Specifically, for each player, the evaluation processing unit 115 compares the operation input timing when the player's operation input is received with the timing at which the operation timing object arrives at the operation input timing determination marker object at that operation input timing within the operation object formation area (i.e., the timing determined by the music data), and executes evaluation processing based on the comparison result.

[0225] In addition, the evaluation processing unit 115 considers the following as given evaluation conditions: (A1) That the input of the operation content indicated by the operation timing object has been successful, (A2) That the timing of the operation input by the player and the operation input at the operation input timing A given relationship between the timing determination marker object and the operation timing object satisfies a given success condition, or (A3) Both (A1) and (A2) are satisfied; is used.

[0226] In particular, the evaluation processing unit 115 may use a plurality of evaluation conditions selected from any of (A1) to (A3). In this case, it is preferable to assign a degree of difficulty in fulfilling each evaluation condition (e.g., easy to fulfill, difficult to fulfill, etc.) and to assign evaluation values ​​such as points in stages according to the degree of difficulty.

[0227] That is, in this case, when the evaluation conditions include (A3) and multiple conditions that assign graded evaluation values ​​are used, the evaluation processing unit 115 assigns a first point (a relatively high point, for example, 5 points) if a first condition that is a strict condition to be met is met, and assigns a second point (a relatively low point, for example, 1 point) that is lower than the first point if a second condition that is lenient than the first condition is met when the first condition is not met.

[0228] For example, as an individual operation timing evaluation process, as shown in FIG. 5(A), when the reference timing KT (e.g., 5 seconds after the start of music playback) at which the first operation timing object IM1-1 arrives (includes) at the position of the operation input timing determination marker object (e.g., the position of the reference timing BL when the display range control process is not executed) matches the operation input timing on the controller 30 of the corresponding player, and when the operation content indicated by the first operation timing object IM1 (an operation instruction to input a "don" sound to strike the center of the drum) matches the operation content on the controller 30 of the corresponding player, the evaluation processing unit 115 awards a relatively high point (i.e., 5 points).

[0229] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5(B), even if the reference timing KT and the operation input timing do not strictly match (are not completely identical), when the first operation timing object IM1 arrives during a reference period BT (e.g., 0.5 seconds before and after the reference timing), which is a period during which the first operation timing object IM1 passes through the operation input timing determination marker object BMC1 at a timing other than the reference timing KT, the evaluation processing unit 115 awards a relatively low point (i.e., 1 point).

[0230] In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, if the evaluation processing unit 115 determines that the reference period BT for the first operation timing object IM1 does not include the operation timing executed by the player using the controller 30, or that the operation input to the controller 30 is different from the operation content, then no points will be awarded.

[0231] Then, the evaluation processing unit 115 executes an evaluation process to calculate the points awarded at each individual timing as the score for the corresponding player, and also adds up the individual operation timing evaluation processes for each player and provides the result of the evaluation process for the team to the second game control unit 116.

[0232] Moreover, the evaluation processing unit 115 may use evaluation indices such as excellent, good, or fair as the evaluation value instead of points.

[0233] On the other hand, in the evaluation process, the evaluation processing unit 115 of this embodiment uses, in place of evaluation processing based on the operation input timing and the arrival timing of the operation object in the operation object forming area, an operation input timing judgment target at the operation input timing for each player. Alternatively, the above processing may be performed according to the positional relationship between the identification object and the operation timing object and between the two objects in the operation object formation area.

[0234] In this case, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the evaluation processing unit 115 performs a hit check (contact within the operation object formation area) between the operation input timing determination marker object and the operation timing object at the operation input timing when the player's operation input is accepted, for each player.

[0235] Then, the evaluation processing unit 115 determines whether or not there is a hit and the situation thereof (i.e., whether the objects overlap within the operation object formation area, and, if so, the area or number of overlapping pixels), and determines the overlapping situation as the evaluation result.

[0236] For example, as shown in FIG. 7(A), the evaluation processing unit 115 determines that the operation input timing determination marker object BMC1 (strictly speaking, the character's face) and the operation timing object IM1 are in hit at the operation timing CT, and if the objects completely overlap within the operation object formation area, a relatively high point (i.e., 5 points) is awarded.

[0237] For example, as shown in FIG. 7(B), the evaluation processing unit 115 determines that the operation input timing determination marker object BMC1 (strictly speaking, the character's face) and the operation timing object IM1 are in contact at the operation timing CT, and if the objects do not overlap partially within the operation object formation area, a relatively low point (i.e., 1 point) is awarded.

[0238] In addition, if the evaluation processing unit 115 determines that the operation input timing determination marker object BMC1 (strictly speaking, the character's face part) at the operation timing CT does not hit the operation timing object IM1, as shown in Figure 8, then the evaluation processing unit 115 does not award points.

[0239] Then, the evaluation processing unit 115 executes an evaluation process to calculate the points awarded at each timing as the score of the corresponding player, in the same manner as in the case where timing is used.

[0240] On the other hand, the evaluation processing unit 115 of this embodiment uses, as the given evaluation conditions, that the input of the operation content indicated by the operation timing object is successful (hereinafter also referred to as the "first evaluation condition"), and that the timing of the player's operation input and the given relationship between the operation input timing determination marker object and the operation timing object at that operation input timing satisfy a predetermined success condition (hereinafter also referred to as the "second evaluation condition"). However, instead of or in addition to these, the evaluation condition may also include that pre-set parameters such as the player's score or the number of items acquired satisfy a predetermined condition (hereinafter also referred to as the "third evaluation condition") (for example, the score has reached a predetermined value).

[0241] For example, the evaluation processing unit 115 of this embodiment may award relatively high points if the first evaluation condition, the second evaluation condition, and the third evaluation condition are met, and may award relatively low points if only the first evaluation condition and the second evaluation condition are met.

[0242] Furthermore, the evaluation processing unit 115 may execute the evaluation process based on whether or not only the first evaluation condition, only the second evaluation condition, or only the third evaluation condition is met.

[0243] [3.6] Game evaluation index determination process [3.6.1] Principle of game evaluation index determination process Next, the game evaluation index determination process in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0244] The evaluation processing unit 115 executes a game evaluation index determination process to determine an evaluation index (i.e., an index output as a game result) that determines the outcome of a game (i.e., a session performed by multiple players) based on the operation input results in the main part of each player evaluated by the individual operation timing evaluation process (individual evaluation process).

[0245] In particular, the evaluation processing unit 115 determines evaluation indices for determining the game results, such as parameters such as points scored (hereinafter also referred to as "evaluation index parameters"), or rankings determined by comparing with the game results of other players (including other teams), or evaluation values ​​such as the level or rank of a player (including a team) for the game.

[0246] Specifically, the evaluation processing unit 115 determines, as an evaluation index for determining the outcome of the game, a value (e.g., the score or number of evaluation values ​​for each main part) obtained by the individual operation timing evaluation processing in each main part (i.e., evaluation values ​​such as points and excellent / fair for the individual operation input results of each player assigned to the main part), as shown in FIG. 3, for example.

[0247] On the other hand, the evaluation processing unit 115 of this embodiment, when determining an evaluation index that determines the game outcome through the game evaluation index determination process, executes either a first correction process that corrects the operation input results of each player in the main part based on the operation input results of each player in the sub-part (specifically, the evaluation values ​​of the individual operation timing evaluation process and their aggregated values), or a second correction process that corrects the evaluation index when determining the evaluation index that determines the game outcome.

[0248] In particular, the evaluation processing unit 115 of this embodiment executes the first correction processing for each individual operation timing, for each part, for each predetermined period (a section such as a bar or an A-melody that is different from the period between the change timings that define the parts), or when the game evaluation index determination processing is executed.

[0249] [3.6.2] First correction process Next, the first correction process that is executed when the game evaluation index determination process in this embodiment is executed will be described.

[0250] (Basic principle of the first correction process) The evaluation processing unit 115 executes a first correction process to correct the operation input result of each player in the main part evaluated by the individual operation timing evaluation process, based on the operation input result of each player in the sub-part evaluated by the individual operation timing evaluation process.

[0251] That is, as a first correction process, the evaluation processing unit 115 corrects each operation input result of the main part executing player and its evaluation value in a direction advantageous or disadvantageous to the player, for example, based on the accuracy of the input timing of each operation input of the sub-part executing player and whether or not there is a match in the operation content.

[0252] In particular, as described above, the evaluation processing unit 115 performs the following as the first correction processing: (A1) For each individual operation timing, (A2) Part by part, or (A3) When a game evaluation index determination process is executed, The operation input results of each player in the main part are corrected based on the operation input results or the evaluation value of the sub-part execution player.

[0253] In addition, the direction advantageous to the player or the direction disadvantageous to the player is, for example, (B1) When the evaluation of each operation input result is a score, adding or subtracting points, and when the evaluation of each operation input result is an evaluation value indicating a rank, changing the rank to a higher or lower rank, and (B2) In the case of the second correction process, if the evaluation index determining the game result is a score, points are added or subtracted, and if the evaluation index is an evaluation value indicating a rank, it indicates that the rank is changed to a higher or lower rank.

[0254] (First correction process for each individual operation timing) As a first correction process for each individual operation timing, the evaluation processing unit 115 corrects the operation input result of the main part executing player of the main part or the evaluation value obtained by the operation input result based on the operation input result of the sub-part executing player at the same timing as the operation input result of the main part executing player of the main part or the evaluation value obtained by the operation input result (i.e., the evaluation value obtained by the individual operation timing evaluation process).

[0255] For example, when correcting the operation input result of the main part executing player, if the operation input of the main part executing player fails and the operation input result cannot be detected, but the operation input result of the sub-part executing player is successful or the operation input of a predetermined number of sub-part executing players is successful, the evaluation processing unit 115 corrects the operation input result of the main part executing player to be successful.

[0256] Also, for example, the evaluation processing unit 115 corrects the evaluation value (for example, a graded evaluation value such as points or excellent / fair) in the individual operation timing evaluation process based on the operation input result of the main part execution player, using the evaluation value in the individual operation timing evaluation process based on the operation input result of the sub-part execution player at the same timing.

[0257] In particular, when using a calculable evaluation value such as points, the evaluation processing unit 115 performs the following as the first correction process for each individual operation timing evaluation process: (B1) Add up the evaluation values ​​of the main part execution player and the sub-part execution player at the same timing, (B2) Add a predetermined value obtained based on the evaluation value of the sub-part execution player at the same timing to the evaluation value of the main part execution player, or (B3) Calculating the average evaluation value of the main part execution player and the evaluation value of the sub-part execution player at the same timing; The value obtained by a given calculation such as above is used as a corrected evaluation value (i.e., a correction value).

[0258] Then, when there are multiple sub-part execution players, the evaluation processing unit 115 uses the evaluation values ​​in the individual operation timing evaluation processing based on the operation input results of all the sub-part execution players or some of those players (for example, the player with the highest evaluation value, the top two players with that evaluation value, or the player with the highest level) for the first correction processing.

[0259] On the other hand, when the evaluation processing unit 115 uses a graded evaluation value such as excellent, good, or acceptable, the first correction As a process, the evaluation value at each individual operation timing of the main part performing player is changed based on the evaluation value at each individual operation timing of the corresponding sub-part performing player at the same timing.

[0260] For example, if the evaluation value of each individual operation timing of the corresponding sub-part executing player at the same timing is the highest level evaluation value such as "excellent," the evaluation processing unit 115 makes a correction to increase the level of the evaluation value of each individual operation timing of the main part executing player by one (for example, a correction from "fair" to "good").

[0261] (First correction process for each part) As the first correction process for each part, the evaluation processing unit 115 corrects the evaluation of the entire main part for each main part based on the evaluation values ​​of the sub-parts that are configured simultaneously and in parallel with the main part.

[0262] That is, the evaluation processing unit 115 specifies an overall evaluation value for each main part (hereinafter referred to as a "main part evaluation value") based on the evaluation value of each individual operation timing for each main part.

[0263] Furthermore, the evaluation processing unit 115 determines an overall evaluation value for each subpart (hereinafter referred to as a "subpart evaluation value") based on the evaluation value of each individual operation timing for each subpart.

[0264] Then, the evaluation processing unit 115 corrects the main part evaluation value of each main part based on the subpart evaluation value of each subpart (if there are multiple subparts, the subpart evaluation values ​​of one or more subparts) that are configured in parallel with each main part (i.e., executed simultaneously in parallel).

[0265] In particular, when using a calculable evaluation value such as a point, the evaluation processing unit 115 performs the following as the first correction process for each main part: (B1) Add up the evaluation values ​​of the relevant main part execution player and the sub-part execution player at the same timing, (B2) Add a predetermined value obtained based on the evaluation value of the sub-part execution player at the same timing to the evaluation value of the corresponding main part execution player, or (B3) Calculating the average evaluation value of the corresponding main part execution player and the evaluation value of the sub-part execution player at the same timing; The value obtained by a given calculation such as above is used as a corrected evaluation value (i.e., a correction value).

[0266] Then, when there are multiple sub-part executing players, the evaluation processing unit 115 uses the evaluation values ​​for the corresponding sub-part of all sub-part executing players or some of those players (for example, the player with the highest evaluation value, the top two players with that evaluation value, or the player with the highest level) for the first correction process.

[0267] On the other hand, when using graded evaluation values ​​such as excellent, good, fair, etc., the evaluation processing unit 115 varies the evaluation value of the main part performing player based on the evaluation value of the corresponding sub-part performing player as the first correction process.

[0268] For example, if the evaluation value of the corresponding sub-part is the highest level evaluation value such as "Level 10," the evaluation processing unit 115 makes a correction to raise the level of the evaluation value of the main part by one (for example, changing an evaluation of "Level 6" to "Level 7").

[0269] The evaluation processing unit 115 may correct the evaluation for each period indicating a division such as a measure, A-melody, B-melody, chorus, etc., instead of for each main part, based on the evaluation values ​​of each main part and the sub-parts that are constructed simultaneously and in parallel with each main part.

[0270] [3.6.3] Second correction process Next, the second correction process that is executed when the game evaluation index determination process in this embodiment is executed will be described.

[0271] Instead of the above-mentioned first correction process, the evaluation processing unit 115 may execute a second correction process to correct the evaluation index determined by the game evaluation index determination process based on the operation input results in the sub-parts of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation process.

[0272] That is, in this case, the evaluation processing unit 115 corrects the evaluation index as a game result in a direction that is advantageous or disadvantageous to the player as a whole (i.e., a team performing a session, etc., consisting of multiple players) based on the accuracy of the input timing of each operation input by the sub-part executing player and whether or not the operation content matches.

[0273] In particular, as the second correction process, the evaluation processing unit 115 corrects the evaluation index for determining the game result calculated by the game evaluation index determination process as described above, based on the subpart evaluation value of each subpart.

[0274] Specifically, as described above, the evaluation processing unit 115 determines a subpart evaluation value for each subpart based on the evaluation value of each individual operation timing for each subpart, and also determines a subpart evaluation value for the entire subpart (hereinafter referred to as the "total subpart evaluation value").

[0275] Then, the evaluation processing unit 115 corrects the evaluation index for determining the game result calculated in the game evaluation index determination process, based on all the subpart evaluation values.

[0276] In particular, when using a calculable evaluation value such as points, the evaluation processing unit 115 performs the following as the first correction process: (B1) The evaluation index that determines the outcome of the game and the sum of all subpart evaluation values, (B2) adding a predetermined value obtained based on all subpart evaluation values ​​to the evaluation index that determines the result of the game, or (B3) Calculate the evaluation index that determines the outcome of the game and the average of all subpart evaluation values; The value obtained by a given calculation such as above is used as the corrected evaluation index.

[0277] In addition, when a graded evaluation value such as excellent, good, or fair is used, the evaluation processing unit 115 varies the evaluation index that determines the game result calculated by the game evaluation index determination process as a first correction process, based on the evaluation value of the corresponding sub-part executing player.

[0278] For example, when the evaluation index that determines the game result is level "10", the evaluation processing unit 115 makes a correction to increase the level of the evaluation value in the main part by one (for example, changing an evaluation of "level 6" to "level 7").

[0279] [3.7] Various processes based on evaluation of other types of parts [3.7.1] Game control processing of subparts based on evaluation of the main part Next, referring to FIG. 9, the game control of the sub-part based on the evaluation of the main part of this embodiment will be described. 9 is a diagram for explaining the game control process of the sub-part based on the evaluation of the main part in the embodiment.

[0280] The second game control unit 116 may change the content of the operation timing instruction in the operation timing instruction control process in the sub-part based on the operation input result in the main part or the evaluation result of the individual operation timing evaluation process based on the operation input result.

[0281] Specifically, the evaluation processing unit 115 executes a main part judgment process for each main part to judge whether or not the operation input result in each main part executing player, or the evaluation result of the individual operation timing evaluation process based on the operation input result, satisfies a given first condition.

[0282] Then, the second game control unit 116 changes the content of the operation timing instruction in the operation timing instruction control process for the sub-part, based on the determination result of the main part determination process.

[0283] In particular, the second game control unit 116 may change the content of the operation timing instruction for a sub-part that is executed simultaneously and in parallel with the target main part in the main part determination process, or may change the content of the operation timing instruction for a new sub-part when the target main part is switched to the next main part.

[0284] More specifically, the evaluation processing unit 115 uses, as a given first condition, conditions related to the accuracy of the input timing of the operation input of the main part executing player and whether or not there is a match in the operation content, such as the number of successes (number of successes for each degree of timing consistency) or number of failures of a specified operation input, or the number of consecutive successes (so-called combo number), in the main part judgment process.

[0285] Then, when the main part judgment process judges that the first condition is met, the second game control unit 116 controls the operation timing instruction control process in each sub-part or a specific sub-part, and changes the operation content at a specified timing, deletes the operation content, or increases the operation content.

[0286] For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the main part judgment process judges that a predetermined number of consecutive operation input errors have occurred in the main part as a first condition, the second game control unit 116 controls the operation timing instruction control process of the sub-part that is assigned at the same time as the main part, and stops the generation and movement of the operation timing object in order to delete the operation content for a predetermined period after the timing at which the main part judgment process is executed.

[0287] [3.7.2] Game control process of the main part based on the evaluation of the subpart Next, the game control process of the main part based on the evaluation of the sub part in this embodiment will be described.

[0288] The first game control unit 111 may change the content of the operation timing instruction in the operation timing instruction control process in the main part based on the operation input result in the sub part or the evaluation result of the individual operation timing evaluation process based on the operation input result.

[0289] Specifically, the evaluation processing unit 115 executes a subpart judgment process for each subpart to judge whether or not the operation input result in each subpart executing player, or the evaluation result of the individual operation timing evaluation process based on the operation input result, satisfies a given second condition.

[0290] Then, the first game control unit 114 changes the content of the operation timing instruction in the operation timing instruction control process for the main part based on the determination result of the sub part determination process.

[0291] In particular, the first game control unit 114 may change the content of the operation timing instruction in a main part that is executed simultaneously and in parallel with the sub-part that is the target of the sub-part determination process, or may change the content of the operation timing instruction in a new main part when switching to the main part next to the main part in question.

[0292] More specifically, the evaluation processing unit 115 uses, as a given second condition for the subpart determination process, conditions related to the accuracy of the input timing in the operation input of the subpart executing player and whether or not there is a match in the operation content, such as a condition related to the number of successes (number of successes for each degree of timing consistency) or number of failures of a specified operation input, or the number of consecutive successes (so-called combo number).

[0293] Then, when the sub-part judgment process judges that the second condition is met, the first game control unit 114 controls the operation timing instruction control process in the main part to change the operation content at a specified timing, delete the operation content, or increase the operation content.

[0294] For example, when the sub-part judgment process judges that a predetermined number of consecutive operation input errors have occurred in a sub-part as the second condition, the first game control unit 114 controls the operation timing instruction control process of the main part that is assigned at the same time as the sub-part, and stops the generation and movement of the operation timing object in order to delete the operation content for a predetermined period after the timing at which the sub-part judgment process is executed.

[0295] In addition, the second game control unit 116 may change the content of the operation timing instruction in the operation timing instruction control process in another sub-part based on the operation input result in the sub-part or the evaluation result of the individual operation timing evaluation process based on the operation input result.

[0296] [3.7.3] First correction process for a subpart based on the evaluation of the main part Next, the first correction process for the sub-parts based on the evaluation of the main part in this embodiment will be described.

[0297] The evaluation processing unit 115 may execute a first correction process for the corresponding sub-part based on the operation input result in the main part or the evaluation result of the individual operation timing evaluation process based on the operation input result.

[0298] Specifically, similar to the sub-part operation timing instruction control process based on the evaluation of the main part, the evaluation processing unit 115 executes a main part judgment process for each main part to judge whether or not the operation input result in each main part executing player, or the evaluation result of the individual evaluation process based on the operation input result, satisfies a given first condition.

[0299] The evaluation processing unit 115 may then perform a first correction process on a sub-part that is executed simultaneously and in parallel with the main part that is the target of the main part determination process, or may perform a first correction process on a new sub-part when the target main part is switched to the next main part. The first correction process used here has already been described above. The explanation in this section will be omitted.

[0300] [3.7.4] First correction process for the main part based on the evaluation of the subpart Next, the first correction process for the main part based on the evaluation of the subparts in this embodiment will be described.

[0301] The evaluation processing unit 115 may execute the first correction processing or the second correction processing based on the operation input result in the subpart or the evaluation result of the individual operation timing evaluation processing based on the operation input result.

[0302] Specifically, similar to the operation timing instruction control process for the main part based on the evaluation of the sub-part, the evaluation processing unit 115 executes a sub-part judgment process for each main part to judge whether or not the operation input result in each main part executing player, or the evaluation result of the individual evaluation process based on the operation input result, satisfies a given second condition.

[0303] Then, the evaluation processing unit 115 may execute the first correction process on a main part executed simultaneously in parallel with a sub-part of the sub-part determination process, or may execute the first correction process on a main part next to the main part.

[0304] Furthermore, when the operation input result of the sub-part executing player satisfies a given second condition, the evaluation processing unit 115 may change the correction content of the second correction process to a content advantageous to the player.

[0305] In addition, the evaluation processing unit 115 may change the correction content to content that is advantageous to the player, such as a correction to cancel out a mistake when the main part executing player makes a mistake in consecutive successful operation inputs, or when the main part executing player makes a mistake in an operation input that would improve the evaluation, such as a mistake in an operation input that is important to the game, causing a drop in the evaluation index, by changing the correction content to a correction content that suppresses the drop in the evaluation index or maintains the evaluation index.

[0306] Moreover, since the first correction process used here has already been described above, a description of the first correction process will be omitted.

[0307] [3.7.5] Secondary correction process based on evaluation of subparts Next, the second correction process based on the evaluation of the subparts in this embodiment will be described.

[0308] The evaluation processing unit 115 may execute the first correction processing or the second correction processing based on the operation input result in the subpart or the evaluation result of the individual operation timing evaluation processing based on the operation input result.

[0309] Specifically, similar to the operation timing instruction control process for the main part based on the evaluation of the sub-part, the evaluation processing unit 115 executes a sub-part judgment process for each main part to judge whether or not the operation input result in each main part executing player, or the evaluation result of the individual evaluation process based on the operation input result, satisfies a given second condition.

[0310] Then, the evaluation processing unit 115 may execute the first correction process on a main part executed simultaneously in parallel with a sub-part of the sub-part determination process, or may execute the first correction process on a main part next to the main part.

[0311] The evaluation processing unit 115 also evaluates the sub-players of each player by the individual evaluation process. A second correction process may be executed to correct the evaluation index determined by the game evaluation index determination process, based on the result of an operation input in the game.

[0312] It should be noted that the first correction process and the second correction process used here have already been described above, and therefore a description of the second correction process will be omitted.

[0313] [3.8] Event and production processing [3.8.1] Event triggering control process Next, the event generation control process in this embodiment will be described.

[0314] The game management unit 112 may execute an activation control process to activate an advantageous or disadvantageous event for at least one of the main part executing player and the sub-part executing player based on the operation input result of at least one of the main part executing player and the sub-part executing player assigned to the sub-part executed in parallel with the main part executed by the main part executing player, or based on an evaluation based on the operation input result.

[0315] In particular, the game management unit 112 may execute an activation control process that activates an advantageous or disadvantageous event for the main part execution player, the sub-part execution player, or both, based on the operation input result of the main part execution player or an evaluation based on the operation input result.

[0316] In addition, the game management unit 112 may execute an activation control process to activate an advantageous or disadvantageous event against the main part executing player, the sub-part executing player (including other sub-part executing players), or both, based on the operation input result of the sub-part executing player or an evaluation based on the operation input result.

[0317] The game management unit 112 activates advantageous events such as events in which the performance of the main part or sub part, such as the performance related to the operation timing instruction control processing, is executed with more decoration than usual, with lively (flashy) decoration, or with luxurious decoration, or events in which the object that inputs instructions for operation timing is controlled by a rare gimmick.

[0318] Furthermore, as an unfavorable event, the game management unit 112 may trigger, for example, a production event that prevents the display of an object that provides an input instruction for the operation timing in the corresponding part, or an event that delays the input instruction.

[0319] It is preferable that the game management unit 112 activates advantageous events and disadvantageous events against the sub-part executing player.

[0320] [3.8.2] Performance information provision control processing Next, the rendering information provision control process in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are diagrams for explaining the rendering information provision control process in this embodiment.

[0321] The game management unit 112 works in conjunction with a performance control unit 119 that controls the performance effects in the main part and the sub-part, and manages the provision of game information regarding the game for executing the main part and the sub-part in parallel, including performance effect information regarding each of the performance effects, to the main part executing player and the sub 2 part executing player.

[0322] In particular, the game management unit 112, for example, as shown in FIG. (A1) a main part performance information provision control process for providing performance effect information related to the main part to both a main part execution player and a sub-part execution player; and (A2) a sub-part performance information provision control process for providing performance effect information related to the sub-part to at least a main part execution player; Execute.

[0323] In particular, the game management unit 112 cooperates with the display control unit 118, the performance control unit 119, and the sound processing unit 130 to execute main part performance information provision control processing and sub-part performance information provision control processing.

[0324] Furthermore, the performance control unit 119 works in conjunction with the display control unit 118 to execute control for displaying, as a performance effect, game images such as images instructing each player to input operation timing (such as musical notes in the case of a rhythmic music game) on the display unit 190.

[0325] Furthermore, the performance control unit 119 works in conjunction with the sound processing unit 130 to output, as a performance effect, sounds (such as musical performance sounds in the case of a rhythmic music game) that are output in accordance with the timing of operation input.

[0326] Note that Figure 10 shows an example of a game image provided to and displayed by player D (specifically, the display unit 190 providing game images to player D), in which both image information as main-part presentation effect information for player D, which is the main part, and image information as sub-part presentation effect information for other players A, B, and C, which are sub-parts, are displayed.

[0327] On the other hand, the game management unit 112 executes a sub-part performance information provision control process, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, to provide each sub-part executing player with performance effect information for his / her own sub-part (hereinafter, also referred to as "sub-part performance information provision control process for the sub-part individual player").

[0328] That is, the game management unit 112 provides each of the sub-part executing players with the performance effect information related to the sub-part executed by that player.

[0329] At this time, the game management unit 112 may prohibit the provision of dramatic effect information related to sub-parts performed by players other than the player himself.

[0330] Note that Figure 11 shows an example of a game image provided to and displayed by player A (specifically, the display unit 190 providing the game image to player D), in which both image information as sub-part presentation effect information for player A, which is the sub-part, and image information as main part presentation effect information for other player D, which is the main part, are displayed.

[0331] Also, if the purpose is simply to support the main part, the game management unit 112 does not need to execute the process of controlling the provision of effect information for the sub-part player. In other words, the game management unit 112 may provide only image information as the effect information for the main part of the other player D who is the main part to the sub-part player.

[0332] [3.8.3] Game control processing for normal performance parts Next, the game control process for the normal performance part in this embodiment will be described.

[0333] The first game control unit 114 causes all of the main part executing players and sub-part executing players to execute the same operation timing instruction control process as a normal performance control process during a specific period, such as immediately after playback of the music data starts, during a predetermined period until the main part switches to another main part, or during a predetermined period at the end of the music data.

[0334] Then, the evaluation processing unit 115 executes individual operation timing evaluation processing based on the same operation timing instruction control processing (i.e., processing for prompting operation input of the same operation content at the same timing) for all parts as described above.

[0335] In addition, during the normal performance part, the first game control unit 114 may execute control processing in which the operation content and operation input instruction timing (i.e., the type of operation timing object and the associated operation input instruction timing) differ for each player, or may execute control processing in which some of the operation content and operation input instruction timing differ, or may execute control processing using different tones (e.g., musical instruments).

[0336] [3.9] Variations Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0337] FIG. 12 is an external configuration diagram of an example in which the game system of this embodiment is applied to a store-based game system, and FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration in which the game system of this embodiment is applied to a server system using a network.

[0338] (Part assignment change processing based on song difficulty, etc.) In this embodiment, the part assignment change process assigns each player to each part randomly or the like, but the parts assigned to each player may also be controlled based on at least one of difficulty information indicating the difficulty of the song and type information indicating the type of song (including genre), as well as player information such as the player's level (which may be a rank such as beginner or advanced) and performance history.

[0339] Specifically, before starting a rhythm music game, the game management unit 112 obtains information on the difficulty level and type of the song to be played from the music data storage unit 176, and obtains information on each player's level and rank, as well as information on their performance history, from the player information storage unit 178.

[0340] Then, when executing the assigned part change process, the game management unit 112 assigns the next player to perform the main part and the next player to perform the sub-part to the relevant player based on the acquired information.

[0341] For example, in this case, the game management unit 112 executes an assigned part change process to assign the player who has most recently played songs of the same type as the song being played to the chorus or a part that includes a chorus, or to assign the player with the highest level of skill to a part that requires a high level of playing technique (a part with the greatest number of operation timing objects within the part (i.e., the number of beats if the instrument is a drum)).

[0342] It should be noted that, instead of or in addition to controlling the parts assigned to each player based on at least one of the difficulty information and type information of the song and the player information, the game management unit 112 may control the duration of each part based on at least one of the difficulty information and type information of the song and the player information.

[0343] For example, the game management unit 112 may extend the part of the highest level player for a predetermined period of time. It is also possible to set a certain number of times and execute control such as shortening the part of the player with the lowest level by a certain amount.

[0344] (Store-based gaming system) The game system S of this embodiment can be applied to a home game system, and can also be realized as a store-based game system set up in a store (amusement park), for example, as shown in FIG.

[0345] For example, as shown in FIG. 12, such a game system S has a housing 12 that houses a processing unit (computer) 100 that performs game processing, etc., and on the front of the housing 12, there are provided two drum-shaped (an example of a musical instrument) operation input units 14, a display unit 190 that displays images, a sound output unit 192 that outputs sound, and a fee acceptance slot 20 that accepts game fees, and runs a music game.

[0346] In particular, the operation input unit 14 has a shape of a drum, and the player performs operation input by hitting it with a stick or with his / her hand.

[0347] Although not shown, a sensor is provided inside the circular skin surface 22 of the operation input unit 14 to detect that the player has hit the circular skin surface 22, and a sensor is provided inside the periphery 24 of the skin surface 22 to detect that the player has hit the periphery 24 of the skin surface 22. Therefore, the game system S is capable of determining whether the player has hit the skin surface 22 or the periphery 24 of the skin surface 22.

[0348] The game system S has a built-in system board 1000 on which a CPU, an image generation IC, a sound generation IC, etc. are mounted, and is configured to execute a rhythm music game based on a game program or game data read from a memory, which is an information storage medium, on the system board 1000, or on operation signals input from the operation input unit 14.

[0349] The game system S of this embodiment has two operation input units 14, allowing two players to play the music game simultaneously.

[0350] (Cooperative play via network) The game system S of the present embodiment described above has multiple controllers 30, and the rhythm music game is established by having each player operate each controller 30, but by connecting multiple game systems S via a network, the various processes of the rhythm music game executed (session) by multiple players can be linked to execute each of the above configurations and controls.

[0351] (Server system) In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a server system 300 may be constructed using one server device 310 and the above game may be provided to one or more terminal devices 320 via a network N, or a server system 300 may be constructed by linking multiple server devices 310 and the game may be provided from the server system 300 to one or more terminal devices 320.

[0352] In particular, a plurality of terminal devices 320 are connected to the server system 300 via a network N by wire or wirelessly, and the server system 300 functions as the above-mentioned game system.

[0353] The server system 300 also receives the operation input from the player and determines the operation timing. It is also possible to realize a game system by providing the corresponding terminal device 320 with game data (including only image data) for executing a rhythm music game including an instruction control process, an individual evaluation process, a game evaluation index determination process, a first correction process, and a second correction process.

[0354] That is, in this case, the server system 300 (A1) a process of assigning either a main part or a sub part to each player, and an assigned part change process of changing the part assigned to the player to another part at a given change timing during playback of music data; (A2) A reception process for receiving operation inputs from each player; (A3) an operation timing instruction control process for instructing input of operation timing of a player to which a corresponding part is assigned, for each part; (A4) an individual evaluation process (individual operation timing evaluation process) for evaluating an operation input result of each player based on an operation input timing at which the operation input of the player is received and a given relationship between the operation input timing determination marker object and the operation timing object at the operation input timing; (A5) a game evaluation index determination process for determining an evaluation index for determining a game result based on the operation input results in the main part of each player evaluated by the player evaluation process; (A6) A first correction process that corrects an operation input result in the main part of each player evaluated by the individual operation timing evaluation process based on an operation input result in the sub-part of each player evaluated by the individual operation timing evaluation process, or a second correction process that corrects an evaluation index determined by the game evaluation index determination process based on an operation input result in the sub-part of each player evaluated by the individual operation timing evaluation process when the game evaluation index determination process is executed; The present invention has a configuration for executing the above.

[0355] In this embodiment, the game system of the present invention is applied to a server system 300 that operates in conjunction with a terminal device 320 via a network, but the game system of the present invention may also be applied to a tablet-type information terminal device or a personal computer.

[0356] [4] Operation of this embodiment [4.1] Rhythm music game (session) execution process (main process) Next, the operation of the execution process of the rhythm music game executed by the game system S of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0357] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the execution process of the rhythm music game executed by the game system S of this embodiment.

[0358] This operation is an execution process of a rhythm music game that is executed in a session format by a plurality of players.

[0359] In addition, this operation is an operation specialized for each process associated with these processes, including an allocation process that assigns the main part to each participating player and an allocation part change process that changes the allocation process while rotating the main part, while game control processes in the main part and multiple sub-parts are executed simultaneously in parallel, and determination of evaluation indexes that determine the game results.

[0360] In this operation, it is assumed that a specified piece of music data has already been selected by a player, loaded together with the score data, and prepared for playback, and that the game is ready to be played by a specified number of players (e.g., four).

[0361] First, the game management unit 112 starts a session-style rhythm music game for multiple players based on instructions from the players (step S101), and then performs initial settings such as setting the timing for changing the assigned parts based on the number of participants and the selected music data (step S102).

[0362] Next, the game management unit 112 executes an assignment process for assigning each player to the first main part and the first sub-part executed simultaneously with the main part (step S103), and issues an instruction to start a session (step S104).

[0363] At this time, the music playback unit 117 starts playing the music data that is prepared for playback based on instructions from the game management unit 112, the first game control unit 114 and the second game control unit 116 execute game control processing in each part, and the evaluation processing unit 115 executes individual operation timing evaluation processing in each part.

[0364] In particular, the first game control unit 114 and the second game control unit 116, based on instructions from the game management unit 112, start executing an operation timing instruction control process in the main part or sub-part assigned by the assignment process, in which operation timing objects are made to appear in sequence in accordance with the music data being played and moved toward a sign object for determining the operation input timing in a first direction, and continue executing the operation timing instruction control process until the end of the session is detected.

[0365] In addition, the evaluation processing unit 115 starts execution of an individual operation timing evaluation process (individual evaluation process) in each part based on an instruction from the game management unit 112, and continues execution of the individual operation timing evaluation process until the end of the session is detected.

[0366] Then, when the evaluation processing unit 115 executes the first correction processing during execution of the individual operation timing evaluation processing, the evaluation processing unit 115 executes the first correction processing to correct the operation input result in the main part of each player evaluated by the individual operation timing evaluation processing, based on the operation input result in the sub-part of each player evaluated by the individual operation timing evaluation processing.

[0367] The operation of the game control processing in each part, including the music data playback processing in the music playback unit 117, the game control processing in each part in the first game control unit 114 and the second game control unit 116, and the individual operation timing evaluation processing in the evaluation processing unit 115, will be described later.

[0368] Next, the music playback unit 117 determines whether or not the playback of the music data has ended (step S105).

[0369] At this time, when the music playback unit 117 determines that playback of the music data has ended, the game management unit 112 instructs the first game control unit 114 and the second game control unit 116 to end the operation timing instruction control processing for each part, and also instructs the evaluation processing unit 115 to end the individual operation timing evaluation processing (individual evaluation processing) for each part (i.e., end of the session) (step S106).

[0370] Next, the game management unit 112 causes the evaluation processing unit 115 to execute a game evaluation index determination process that determines an evaluation index that determines the result of the session, while executing a second correction process based on the evaluation results of the individual operation timing evaluation process in the main part of each player (step S107), and then terminates this operation.

[0371] On the other hand, if the music playback unit 117 determines that the playback of the music data has not ended, the game management unit 112 determines whether or not the selection timing for selecting the next main part performing player has arrived (step S108).

[0372] At this time, if the game management unit 112 determines that the selection timing for selecting the next main part performing player has not arrived, it returns to the processing of step S105, and if it determines that the selection timing for selecting the next main part performing player has arrived, it executes an assigned part change processing to assign, to each part, the next main part performing player and a sub-part performing player that is configured simultaneously and in parallel with the next main part (step S109).

[0373] In addition, as an assigned part change process, the game management unit 112 randomly sets a player who has not yet executed the main part as the next player to execute the main part, and sets the other players as the next player to execute the sub-part.

[0374] Next, when the game management unit 112 detects the next change timing (step S110), it sets the next main part execution player as the main part execution player, and sets the next sub-part execution player as the sub-part execution player (player S111).

[0375] Next, the game management unit 112 causes the first game control unit 114, the second game control unit 116, and the evaluation processing unit 115 to start game control processing for the newly set main part execution player and sub part execution player (player S112), and returns to the processing of step S105.

[0376] [4.2] Game control processing in each part Next, the operation of the game control process in each part executed by the game system S of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0377] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the game control process in each part executed by the game system S of this embodiment.

[0378] This operation will be explained in the game control process in the main part, but since the process is almost the same in the sub-part, the explanation will be omitted.

[0379] First, when the first game control unit 114 is instructed by the game management unit 112 to execute game control processing for each part (step S201), the first game control unit 114 starts executing an operation timing instruction control processing for the main part, which causes operation timing objects to appear sequentially in accordance with the music data being played back based on the score data for the player assigned to the main part, and moves them toward the operation input timing determination sign object in the first direction (step S202).

[0380] Next, the first game control unit 114 and the evaluation processing unit 115 determine whether or not an instruction to end the session has been issued by the game management unit 112 (step S203).

[0381] At this time, if the first game control unit 114 and the evaluation processing unit 115 determine that an instruction to end the session has been given, they end this operation, and if they determine that an instruction to hunt the session has not been given, they proceed to processing of step S204.

[0382] Next, the evaluation processing unit 115 determines the operation input timing determination indicator based on the music data. It is determined whether or not it is the individual evaluation timing at which each of the movement-controlled operation timing objects will reach the position of the object (step S204).

[0383] At this time, if the evaluation processing unit 115 determines that it is not the individual evaluation time, the process proceeds to step S203, and if it determines that it is the individual evaluation time, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0384] Next, when it is determined that it is the individual evaluation timing, the evaluation processing unit 115 executes an individual operation process (individual operation timing evaluation process) for evaluating the operation input result (including no operation input) of each player (step S205).

[0385] Next, the evaluation processing unit 115 adds the evaluation result of the individual evaluation timing evaluation process to the evaluation index of the game result (step S206), and returns to the process of step S203.

[0386] [5] Other The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, a term cited as a broadly defined or synonymous term in the description in the specification or drawings can be replaced with a broadly defined or synonymous term in other descriptions in the specification or drawings.

[0387] The game of this embodiment has been described using a game such as a music game (rhythm game) in which the player performs operations in time with sounds and rhythms and the accuracy of the timing of the player's operation inputs is evaluated, but the present invention can be applied to any game in which the timing of the player's operations can be evaluated.

[0388] The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations with the same functions, methods and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effect). The present invention also includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. The present invention also includes configurations that achieve the same effects as the configurations described in the embodiments or that can achieve the same purpose. The present invention also includes configurations in which publicly known technology is added to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0389] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail as above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel features and effects of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0390] 1: Server device 10: Game device 30: Controller 40: Display 100: Processing section 104: Music playback section 108: Drawing section 110: Communication control unit 111: First game control unit 112: Game Management Department 113: Operation input reception processing unit 114: First game control unit 115: Evaluation processing unit 116: Second game control unit 117: Music playback section 118: Display control unit 119: Production Control Department 120: Drawing section 130: Sound processing section 162: Read / write section 170: Storage section 172: Main memory 174: Image buffer 176: Music data storage unit 180: Information storage medium 190:Display section 192: Sound output section 196: Communications Department 260: Input section 300: Server system 310: Server device 320: Terminal equipment 1000: System Board

Claims

1. A game system for controlling a given game in which operation inputs input by a plurality of players are evaluated, comprising: an allocation control means for executing a process of allocating to each player either a first part or a second part which is different from the first part and configured in parallel with the first part, and an allocation part change process for changing the part allocated to the player to another part at a given change timing during execution of the game; a reception processing means for executing a reception process for receiving an operation input from each of the players; an operation timing instruction control means for executing, for each of the parts, an operation timing instruction control process for instructing an input of an operation timing of a player to which the corresponding part is assigned; an evaluation processing means for executing, for each of the players, an individual evaluation process for evaluating an operation input result of each of the players based on an operation input timing at which the operation input of the player based on the operation timing instruction control process is accepted; a game evaluation index determination means for executing a game evaluation index determination process for determining an evaluation index for determining a result of the game, based on the operation input results in the first part of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation process; (a1) a first correction process for correcting an operation input result in the first part of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation process, based on the operation input result in the second part of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation process; or (b1) a second correction process for correcting an evaluation index determined by the game evaluation index determination process, based on the operation input result in the second part of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation process, when the game evaluation index determination process is executed; Equipped with The game evaluation index determination means: The game evaluation index determination process, and either the first correction process or the second correction process A game system comprising: a game player; and a game system for determining the evaluation index based on the correction process.

2. 2. The game system according to claim 1, a first game control means for controlling the first game based on a result of an operation input by the player input in accordance with an operation timing instruction in an operation timing instruction control process for the first part, the first game control means being a game control process for the first part; a second game control means for controlling a second game different from the first game, based on a result of an operation input by the player input in accordance with an operation timing instruction in an operation timing instruction control process for the second part, the second game control means being a game control process for the second part; The game system further comprises:

3. 3. The game system according to claim 1, a first determination processing means for executing a first part determination process for determining whether or not an operation input result in each first part execution player or an evaluation result of an individual evaluation process based on the operation input result satisfies a given first condition, The operation timing instruction control means The game system changes the content of the operation timing instruction in the operation timing instruction control process for the second part based on the determination result of the first part determination process.

4. 3. The game system according to claim 1, a first determination processing means for executing a first part determination process for determining whether or not an operation input result in each first part execution player or an evaluation result of an individual evaluation process based on the operation input result satisfies a given first condition, The evaluation processing means A game system that executes the first correction process based on a determination result of the first part determination process.

5. In the game system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a second judgment processing means for executing a second part judgment process for judging whether or not an operation input result in each second part execution player or an evaluation result of an individual evaluation process based on the operation input result satisfies a given second condition, The correction processing means A game system that changes the correction content of the first correction process or the second correction process based on the judgment result of the second part judgment process.

6. 6. The game system according to claim 5, The correction processing means A game system in which, when the operation input result of the second part executing player satisfies a given second condition, the correction content of the first correction process or the second correction process is changed to content that is advantageous to the player.

7. In the game system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a second judgment processing means for executing a second part judgment process for judging whether or not an operation input result in each second part execution player or an evaluation result of an individual evaluation process based on the operation input result satisfies a given second condition, The operation timing instruction control means The game system changes the content of the operation timing instruction in the operation timing instruction control process for the first part based on the determination result of the second part determination process.

8. In the game system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The allocation control means: As the assigned part change process, a player who will perform the first part from the change timing onwards is assigned from among the multiple players who have been assigned to the second part up until the change timing arrives, in a game system.

9. 9. The game system according to claim 8, The allocation control means: As the assigned part change process, the game system assigns one player from among a plurality of second part execution players who have been assigned to the second part up until the change timing to the first part from the change timing onwards based on the situation regarding the operation input results in the corresponding second part of each second part execution player before the change timing arrives.

10. In the game system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The game system further includes an event control means that executes an activation control process to activate an advantageous or disadvantageous event for at least one of a first part execution player and a second part execution player assigned to the second part executed in parallel with the first part executed by the first part execution player, based on the operation input results of the first part execution player and / or the second part execution player assigned to the second part executed in parallel with the first part executed by the first part execution player.

11. In the game system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A performance control means for controlling a performance effect in the first part and a performance effect in the second part; a provision information management means for managing provision of game information regarding the game for executing the first part and the second part in parallel to a first part executing player and a second part executing player, the game information including performance effect information regarding the performance effect; Equipped with The provision information management means A first part performance information provision control process for providing performance effect information related to the first part to both the first part execution player and the second part execution player; and a second part performance information provision control process for providing performance effect information relating to the second part to at least the first part execution player; A game system that runs

12. The game system according to claim 11, The provision information management means The game system provides each of a plurality of second part performing players with performance effect information relating to the second part performed by that player, and executes a process of prohibiting the provision of performance effect information relating to the second part performed by other players different from the second part performing player as the second part performance information provision control process.

13. A program for controlling a given game that evaluates operation inputs input by each of a plurality of players, comprising: an allocation control means for executing a process of allocating to each player either a first part or a second part which is different from the first part and configured in parallel with the first part, and an assigned part change process for changing the part allocated to the player to another part at a given change timing during execution of the game; a reception processing means for executing a reception process for receiving an operation input from each of the players; an operation timing instruction control means for executing, for each of the parts, an operation timing instruction control process for instructing an input of an operation timing of a player to which the corresponding part is assigned; an evaluation processing means for executing, for each of the players, an individual evaluation process for evaluating an operation input result of each of the players based on an operation input timing at which the operation input of the player based on the operation timing instruction control process is accepted; a game evaluation index determination means for executing a game evaluation index determination process for determining an evaluation index for determining a result of the game, based on the operation input results in the first part of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation process; and (a1) a first correction process for correcting an operation input result in the first part of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation process, based on an operation input result in the second part of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation process; or (b1) a second correction process for correcting an evaluation index determined by the game evaluation index determination process, based on an operation input result in the second part of each player evaluated by the individual evaluation process, when the game evaluation index determination process is executed; The computer functions as The game evaluation index determination means: A program characterized by determining the evaluation index based on the game evaluation index determination process and either the first correction process or the second correction process.

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