Server system, terminal device and providing method

Abstract

To provide a new technique capable of suppressing inconvenience caused by a difference in game play specifications between terminal devices in executing an online game.SOLUTION: A server system 1100 provides an online game where users enjoy operating characters arranged in a common game space. The server system 1100 manages position information in the common game space of characters operated by the respective users of a plurality of terminal devices including a first type terminal device and a second type terminal device different in game play specifications being one of communication processing capacity, operation processing capacity, and communication speed with the server system. An event execution control part 247 performs control of a given event in which only a user of a terminal device that satisfies a given specifications condition based on the game play specifications can participate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server system for providing online games. [Background technology]

[0002] As a technique for suppressing problems caused by differences in communication environments when playing an online game in which multiple users participate, a technique for setting a game mode for each game device depending on its communication quality is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). With the technique in Patent Document 1, a game device with good communication quality displays an image of the game space on the screen and runs the game in an action mode in which the user controls characters within the game space. On the other hand, a game device with poor communication quality runs the game in a text mode in which the situation in the game space is simply displayed using text or the like and characters are AI-controlled in response to operations such as selecting a strategy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-73266 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, all that is displayed on a text-mode game device is text indicating the current game situation. As a result, the user's gaming experience when playing in text mode is so poor that it is questionable whether they can even enjoy participating in an online game, resulting in a lack of interest.

[0005] Furthermore, while the above-described conventional technology proposes one solution to the problem of differences in communication environments, particularly communication speed, there may be various differences in the playing environment of users participating in online games other than communication speed. For example, there may be differences in the communication processing capabilities and computing capabilities of terminal devices. In this specification, the performance and specifications related to the game playing environment are referred to as "game play specifications."

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a new technology that can suppress problems that arise when playing an online game due to differences in game play specifications between terminal devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first invention for solving the above problem is a server system (e.g., server system 1100 in FIG. 1) that provides an online game in which each user enjoys controlling their own character placed in a shared game space, the server system comprising: a character position information management means (e.g., character control data 567 in FIG. 13) that manages position information within the shared game space of characters controlled by each user of a plurality of terminal devices (e.g., terminal devices 1500 in FIG. 1) including first-type terminal devices and second-type terminal devices with different game play specifications; and an event execution control means (e.g., event execution control unit 247 in FIG. 12) that controls the execution of a given event in which only users of the terminal devices that satisfy given specification conditions based on the game play specifications can participate.

[0008] According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to control the execution of an event by restricting the gameplay specifications of terminal devices that can participate in the event. The gameplay specifications can be, for example, any of communication processing power, computing processing power, the type of OS (Operating System), and communication speed with the server system. This allows users of each terminal device to enjoy multiplayer by controlling and moving characters in a shared game space, but they can only participate in events that match the gameplay specifications of their own device, thereby preventing problems caused by differences in gameplay specifications between terminal devices.

[0009] A second invention is a server system of the first invention, wherein the specification conditions are conditions that are satisfied only by the first type terminal device, and the event execution control means controls the event so that only users of the first type terminal device can participate.

[0010] According to the second invention, it is possible to hold an event in which only users of first type terminal devices can participate.

[0011] A third invention is a server system according to the second invention, wherein the event execution control means controls the execution of the event based on the distribution of positions in the shared game space of characters operated by users of the first type terminal devices.

[0012] According to the third aspect of the present invention, an event in which only users of first type terminal devices can participate can be executed based on the distribution of positions within the shared game space of characters operated by users of first type terminal devices.

[0013] A fourth invention is a server system of the first invention, wherein the specification conditions include first type specification conditions that are satisfied only by the first type terminal device and second type specification conditions that are satisfied only by the second type terminal device, and the event execution control means has a first type event execution control means that controls the execution of a first type event in which only users of the first type terminal device can participate, and a second type event execution control means that controls the execution of a second type event in which only users of the second type terminal device can participate.

[0014] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to execute a first type event in which only first type terminal devices can participate, and to execute a second type event in which only second type terminal devices can participate.

[0015] A fifth invention is a server system according to the fourth invention, wherein the first type event execution control means executes the first type event based on a given execution timing set for a user of the first type terminal device, and the second type event execution control means executes the second type event based on a given execution timing set for a user of the second type terminal device.

[0016] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a first type event can be executed at an execution timing set for a user of a first type terminal device, and a second type event can be executed at an execution timing set for a user of a second type terminal device.

[0017] Further, a sixth invention is a server system of any of the first to third inventions, which includes an acquisition means (e.g., the terminal type determination unit 231 of FIG. 12) that acquires the game play specifications from the terminal device, and the event execution control means controls the event so that only users of the terminal device whose game play specifications acquired by the acquisition means satisfy the specification conditions can participate.

[0018] According to the sixth aspect, the execution of an event can be controlled by acquiring and using game play specifications from the terminal device.

[0019] A seventh invention is a server system according to the sixth invention, wherein the game play specifications include a communication speed, and further comprising a terminal type determination means (for example, the terminal type determination unit 231 in FIG. 12) that dynamically determines whether the terminal device is the first type terminal device or the second type terminal device based on the communication speed.

[0020] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to change whether a terminal device is a first-type terminal device or a second-type terminal device at any time based on the communication speed with the server system while playing an online game.

[0021] In addition, an eighth invention is a server system of the seventh invention, wherein the event execution control means controls the event so that only users of the first type terminal device can participate, and further includes a benefit granting process control means (e.g., event execution control unit 247 of Figure 12) that controls the execution of a benefit granting process to grant a given benefit to users of a terminal device that was determined to be the second type terminal device by the terminal type determination means at a first timing, and then determined to be the first type terminal device by the terminal type determination means at a second timing, and therefore was unable to participate in the event at the first timing but becomes able to participate in the event at the second timing.

[0022] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, a benefit can be granted to a user who was unable to participate in an event because his / her terminal device was determined to be a second-type terminal device during a game and until it was subsequently determined to be a first-type terminal device.

[0023] A ninth invention is a server system according to any one of the first to eighth inventions, further comprising a determination means (for example, the initial position determination unit 233 in FIG. 12) for variably determining the initial position of a character operated by a mid-joining user who joins the online game mid-way, or a restarting user who restarts by satisfying a given restart condition during game play (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "starting user"), depending on whether the terminal device of the starting user is the first type terminal device or the second type terminal device.

[0024] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when a user joins or restarts an online game midway through, the character controlled by the user can be placed in the shared game space with an initial position determined based on whether the user's terminal device is a first-type terminal device or a second-type terminal device.

[0025] In addition, a tenth invention is a server system of the ninth invention, in which the determination means has a first type initial position determination means (e.g., the initial position determination unit 233 of Figure 12) that determines the initial position based on the position in the shared game space where a character operated by a user of another first type terminal device is located, when the terminal device of the starting user is the first type terminal device.

[0026] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when a user joins mid-game or restarts, if the user's terminal device is a first-type terminal device, the character operated by that user can be placed at an initial position determined according to the positions of characters operated by users of other first-type terminal devices.

[0027] An eleventh invention is a server system according to the tenth invention, wherein the first type initial position determination means determines the initial position when the terminal device of the starting user is the first type terminal device to be closer to a position in the shared game space where a character operated by a user of another first type terminal device is located, compared to the initial position when the terminal device of the starting user is the second type terminal device.

[0028] According to the eleventh invention, when a user joins mid-game or restarts, if the user's terminal device is a first-type terminal device, the character operated by that user can be positioned at an initial position close to the position of a character operated by a user of another first-type terminal device.

[0029] A twelfth invention is a server system according to the ninth invention, wherein the event execution control means sets an activation area for the event within the shared game space and controls the execution of the event, and the determination means determines the initial position by changing the distance of the initial position from the activation area depending on whether the terminal device of the starting user is the first type terminal device or the second type terminal device.

[0030] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, when a user joins midway or restarts, depending on whether the user's terminal device is a first-type terminal device or a second-type terminal device, it becomes possible to place the initial position of the character operated by the user close to the event activation area, or conversely, far from the event activation area.

[0031] Further, a thirteenth invention is a server system of any one of the first to twelfth inventions, wherein the game play specifications of the second type terminal device are inferior to those of the first type terminal device, the game images displayed and controlled in the first type terminal device are images from a first-person perspective or a third-person perspective, and the game images displayed and controlled in the second type terminal device are images from a bird's-eye view.

[0032] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to display images from a first-person or third-person perspective as game images on a first-type terminal device, and to display images from a bird's-eye view as game images on a second-type terminal device whose game play specifications are inferior to those of the first-type terminal device.

[0033] In addition, a 14th invention is a server system of any of the 1st to 13th inventions, further comprising an execution timing control means for controlling the execution timing of the event based on the ratio of the number of users of the first type terminal device to the number of users of the second type terminal device among users logged in to the online game.

[0034] According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, an event can be executed at an execution timing according to the ratio between the number of users of the first type terminal devices and the number of users of the second type terminal devices.

[0035] A fifteenth invention is a server system of any of the first to fourteenth inventions, wherein the online game is a game in which players are divided into multiple teams and compete against each other, and the event execution control means has an event execution control means for when the player is at a disadvantage that controls the execution of the event so that only users of terminal devices belonging to a losing team can participate, among the terminal devices that meet the specification conditions.

[0036] According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, an event can be held in which only users on a weaker team can participate.

[0037] Further, a 16th invention is a terminal device in a game system configured by a server system that provides an online game in which each user enjoys operating each character placed in a shared game space on their own terminal device, and the terminal device being communicatively connected to the server system, wherein the server system comprises: a character position information management means that manages position information within the shared game space of characters operated by each user of a plurality of terminal devices, including a first type terminal device and a second type terminal device, each having different game play specifications; and an event execution control means that controls the execution of a given event in which only users of the terminal devices that satisfy given specification conditions based on the game play specifications can participate, and the terminal device controls participation in the event when the event execution control means of the server system makes it possible for users to participate in the event.

[0038] According to the sixteenth aspect, the terminal device can control participation in an event in which the user of the terminal device can participate, in accordance with the execution control of the event by the server system.

[0039] In addition, a seventeenth invention is a method for providing an online game in which a computer system provides an online game in which each user enjoys controlling a character placed in a shared game space, the method including: a character position information management step for managing position information within the shared game space of characters controlled by each user of a plurality of terminal devices, including a first type terminal device and a second type terminal device, each having different game play specifications; and an event execution control step for controlling the execution of a given event in which only users of the terminal devices that satisfy given specification conditions based on the game play specifications can participate.

[0040] According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, a providing method that has the same effect as the first aspect of the present invention can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of the processing flow relating to the display of game images. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a shared game space. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of an event table. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of setting a viewpoint and a frame rate to be applied to a first type terminal device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of setting a viewpoint and a frame rate to be applied to a second type terminal device. [Figure 7] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the provision of image processing information and the display of a game image using the image processing information. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a high-resolution game image display. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a low-resolution game image display. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a consent request notification screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a warning screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of in-play data. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in the server system. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of game processing. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of an introduction image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0043] [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game system 1000 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the game system 1000 is a computer system including a server system 1100 and a terminal device 1500 owned by a user of the game according to this embodiment, which are connected via a network 9 so as to be able to communicate data with each other.

[0044] The network 9 refers to a communication path that allows data communication. That is, the network 9 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) using Ethernet (registered trademark), etc., as well as a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, or the Internet, and the communication method may be either wired or wireless.

[0045] The server system 1100 is a computer system including a main device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and storage 1140. The main device 1101 incorporates a control board 1150 on which electronic components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, various microprocessors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as a VRAM, RAM and ROM, and a communication device 1153 are mounted. Note that part or all of the control board 1150 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or an SoC (System on a Chip).

[0046] The server system 1100 performs computations based on predetermined programs and data using the CPU 1151 and other components, thereby realizing a user management function related to user registration and a game management function that provides data necessary for playing the game on the terminal device 1500 and manages game execution control on the terminal device 1500. In other words, the game in this embodiment is realized as a kind of client-server online game. Users access the server system 1100 with their own terminal device 1500, log in using an issued account (user ID), and enjoy the online game. In the game of this embodiment, users participating in the game each control a character (player character) that appears in the game. When a user encounters a character controlled by another user in the shared game space, they can converse (chat) with that user and move around the shared game space together to enjoy gameplay.

[0047] 1, the server system 1100 may be configured to include multiple blade servers each assigned to one function, connected to each other via an internal bus for data communication. Alternatively, the server system 1100 may be configured to function as a whole as multiple independent servers installed in remote locations communicating data via the network 9.

[0048] The terminal device 1500 is a computer system that functions as a man-machine interface, and is connected to the network 9 via a communication base station or the like, and can perform data communication with the server system 1100. The terminal device 1500 can take various forms, as exemplified in Fig. 1. Specifically, the terminal device 1500 can take the form of, for example, a smartphone, a portable game device, a stationary home game device, a controller for a home game device, an arcade game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, etc.

[0049] The terminal device 1500 stores a game client program and various setting data required for executing the program (hereinafter collectively referred to as "terminal-side data"). The terminal-side data is downloaded from the server system 1100 at an appropriate timing. The terminal-side data may also be read from a separately obtained storage medium such as a memory card. The terminal device 1500 performs calculations based on the terminal-side data to display an image of the shared game space (game image), and accepts game operations, allowing the user to play the game.

[0050] Here, a general process flow of the server system 1100 and the terminal device 1500 related to displaying game images in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 repeatedly executes each process of steps S11 to S19 in Fig. 2 at intervals of X seconds (for example, X = 1 / 60 seconds), which is the interval for controlling the progress of the game.

[0051] That is, the server system 1100 acquires operation input information for game operations from the terminal device 1500 of each user participating in the game (step S11). Next, based on the operation input information of each user, the progress of the game that is being played commonly in the shared game space is controlled (step S13). At that time, if it is time for a battle to be initiated (described later), the execution of a battle event is controlled. Specifically, the server system 1100 controls objects such as characters controlled by users, computer-controlled characters, background objects, and effects, and processes related to hit and damage determination for attacks in character battles, and their reflection. Then, the server system 1100 controls the viewpoint for each user that serves as the base point for generating game images and captures the shared game space (step S15).

[0052] Next, basic data for image generation is generated (step S17) for generating an image of the shared game space reconstructed based on the results of the game progress control, the image being viewed from the viewpoint of each user controlled in step S15, and the basic data is included in image processing information related to the viewpoint and provided to each terminal device 1500 (step S19). The basic data for image generation is data required for each terminal device 1500 to generate, as a game image, an image of the shared game space viewed from the viewpoint of that user, and includes data such as the position coordinates of objects such as characters and background objects, and the vertex coordinates of polygons forming the objects.

[0053] Meanwhile, the terminal device 1500 repeatedly executes each process of steps S21 to S25 at a predetermined frame rate. That is, the terminal device 1500 constructs and updates a shared game space by arranging various objects based on image processing information (basic data for image generation) provided from the server system 1100 at any time (step S21), and generates a game image by rendering an image of the shared game space seen from the viewpoint of the user of the terminal device 1500 (step S23). Then, the terminal device 1500 displays the game image generated in step S23 (step S25).

[0054] Therefore, each terminal device 1500 stores character data, game space setting data for the shared game space, and a game client program as part of its terminal-side data.

[0055] Character data is prepared for each type of character that appears in the game. Character data for one character includes model data for that character, texture data that represents the character's appearance, motion data used to control the character's movements, and parameter data that sets the character's initial ability parameter values, stamina value, etc.

[0056] The game space setting data includes setting data for a coordinate system that defines the shared game space, and also includes position coordinates, orientation, model data, texture data, etc. of objects such as background objects.

[0057] The game client program is a program for generating game images using character data and game space setting data based on basic data for image generation provided as image processing information from the server system 1100. When the terminal device 1500 executes the game client program, the image generation function of the terminal device 1500 is realized.

[0058] [detail] 1, the terminal devices 1500 of the users participating in the game may include a mixture of devices with different gameplay specifications, such as communication processing capabilities, calculation processing capabilities, the type of OS (Operating System) installed, and communication speed with the server system 1100. Therefore, if all terminal devices 1500 are treated the same regardless of the gameplay specifications of each terminal device 1500, problems may occur, such as a terminal device 1500 with low gameplay specifications not completing calculation processing within one frame time, resulting in so-called processing lag.

[0059] For example, if the terminal device 1500 is a home game console or a personal computer that communicates with the server system 1100 via a wired network connection, such as an optical communication cable, and is equipped with a CPU and GPU with relatively high processing power, it can display high-resolution game images at a high frame rate. However, if the terminal device 1500 is a smartphone that communicates with the server system 1100 via a wireless network connection, such as a mobile phone network, and is equipped with a CPU and GPU with relatively low processing power, attempting to display high-resolution game images at a high frame rate is likely to result in processing slowdowns. Furthermore, even if either the communication environment or processing power is good, if the other is insufficient, attempting to display high-resolution game images at a high frame rate is likely to result in processing slowdowns. Furthermore, a similar problem can occur if some kind of failure occurs during a game and communication speed temporarily decreases.

[0060] Therefore, in order to prevent problems caused by differences in game play specifications as described above, the server system 1100 acquires and uses game play specifications from the terminal device 1500 of each user participating in the game, and determines whether the terminal type of each terminal device 1500 is a first-type terminal device or a second-type terminal device whose game play specifications are inferior to those of the first-type terminal device.

[0061] The server system 1100 then sets an area in the shared game space that is accessible to characters (hereinafter also referred to as "first-type characters") operated by users of first-type terminal devices (hereinafter also referred to as "first-type users") but not accessible to characters (hereinafter also referred to as "second-type users") operated by users of second-type terminal devices (hereinafter also referred to as "second-type users"), and performs character movement control processing that controls the movement of each character (first-type characters and second-type characters) in accordance with the setting of that area. In this embodiment, a battle area A11 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, is set as that area.

[0062] The server system 1100 also performs an event execution control process that controls the execution of a given event, allowing only users of terminal devices that satisfy given specification conditions based on game play specifications to participate. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 controls the execution of an event (first type event) in which only first type users can participate, according to first type specification conditions that are satisfied only by first type terminal devices, and also controls the execution of an event (second type event) in which only second type users can participate, according to second type specification conditions that are satisfied only by second type terminal devices.

[0063] In addition, when a new user (joining user) logs in to the game, the server system 1100 performs an initial position determination process that variably determines the initial position of the character operated by that user depending on whether the terminal device 1500 is a first-type terminal device or a second-type terminal device.

[0064] Furthermore, the server system 1100 provides image processing information of contents according to the terminal type to each terminal device 1500. Specifically, for each terminal device 1500, the server system 1100 arranges and controls the viewpoint for the user as a viewpoint set according to the terminal type of the terminal device 1500. Then, the server system 1100 provides the image processing information related to the viewpoint to the terminal device 1500 corresponding to the viewpoint. Furthermore, the frame rate of the second type terminal device is set lower than that of the first type terminal device.

[0065] Each terminal device 1500 stores in advance terminal-side data corresponding to the terminal type (i.e., content corresponding to the viewpoint setting for that user), thereby realizing the display of game images based on image processing information from the server system 1100. At this time, each terminal device 1500 controls the display of game images at a frame rate corresponding to the terminal type.

[0066] 1. Determining device type The server system 1100 performs a terminal type determination process when a game is executed, and determines whether the terminal device 1500 is a first-type terminal device or a second-type terminal device based on the game play specifications. In this embodiment, the determination process is performed before the game starts (pre-game determination process) and during the game (in-game determination process).

[0067] In the pre-game determination process, first, the server system 1100 notifies the terminal device 1500 of a user who is newly logging in to the game and joining the game in progress (joining user) of a transmission request for game play specification information. The terminal device 1500 that receives the transmission request transmits to the server system 1100 information such as the model of its own terminal, the model numbers of its CPU and GPU, and the communication environment of the terminal device 1500, including whether the network connection is wired or wireless, as game play specification information. The server system 1100 then determines the level of the game play specifications of the terminal device 1500 based on the game play specification information thus acquired. For example, this can be achieved by previously setting the model of the terminal device 1500, the model number of the CPU, etc., the communication environment, or a combination thereof, as the terminal type determination criteria 551 (see FIG. 12 ) for each level of game play specification to be determined. When determining whether the level is high or low, it is possible to set a terminal type determination criterion 551 corresponding to a high level and determine whether the level is high or low based on whether the terminal type determination criterion 551 is met.

[0068] Furthermore, in the in-game determination process, the server system 1100 measures the communication speeds of terminal devices 1500 determined to be type 1 terminal devices in the pre-game determination process and terminal devices 1500 determined to be type 2 terminal devices in the pre-game determination process but changed to type 1 terminal devices after receiving a rejection response to an acceptance request notification (described later) at a predetermined measurement interval. If the measurement results show that a terminal device 1500 satisfies a type change condition, the server system 1100 determines to dynamically change the type of the terminal device 1500. If the type change condition is set as a condition for changing from a type 1 terminal device to a type 2 terminal device, for example, the type change condition can be "the communication speed has fallen below a predetermined speed." In this case, if the communication speed of the terminal device 1500 recovers and no longer satisfies the type change condition, the server system 1100 determines to dynamically change the type of the terminal device 1500 to a type 1 terminal device.

[0069] 2. Character movement control process 3 is a diagram showing an example of a shared game space in the game of this embodiment. The shared game space of this embodiment includes a battle area A11 where characters battle each other, and a non-battle area A13 dotted with shops where items can be purchased, sold, and exchanged, and landmark spots where users can meet up, etc.

[0070] The battle area A11 is an area designed to resemble, for example, an urban area, a dense forest, a mountainous region, etc., and cityscapes and landscapes are reproduced precisely and realistically. Therefore, the battle area A11 comprises a large number of background objects and other objects. Furthermore, each object is defined as a detailed object with a large number of polygons. On the other hand, the non-battle area A13 is an area where, for example, terrain, buildings, etc. are displayed in a simplified form. Therefore, the objects that comprise the non-battle area A13 are defined as simple objects with a small number of polygons. Furthermore, the non-battle area A13 comprises fewer objects than the battle area A11.

[0071] In addition, in the shared game space of this embodiment, activation areas for various events are set. For example, in the battle area A11, a battle stage 10, which is the stage for a battle event in which only first-class users can participate, is arranged as the activation area. For example, in the battle stage 10, in addition to one-on-one battles between characters, battle events of various battle formats such as two-on-two pair battles, one-on-many or many-on-many team battles, and battle royales where players fight until only one player remains are held from time to time. Note that the number of battle stages 10 is not limited to one, and two or more may be set.

[0072] Additionally, as another activation area, the non-battle area A13 is provided with tents 20 where game events that only second-class users can participate in are held. For example, various game events are held from time to time in the tents 20, such as game events in which mini-games such as music games and puzzle games featuring second-class characters are played and rewards are awarded based on the results of the play, and game events in which mini-games are played in a battle format between second-class characters and players compete for the highest score. In addition, the non-battle area A13 can be appropriately set as activation areas for events in which both first-class users and second-class users can participate, or activation areas for events in which only first-class users can participate.

[0073] In the character movement control process of this embodiment, the server system 1100 controls the first type characters to be able to enter the battle area A11 in the shared game space, and controls the second type characters to be unable to enter the battle area A11.

[0074] Therefore, in the game of this embodiment, a first-class user can enter his / her own character (first-class character) into the battle area A11 and play the game in the battle area A11. For example, the user progresses through the game by collecting items in the battle area A11 and battling enemy characters operated by other users that the user encounters. In contrast, a second-class user cannot enter his / her own character (second-class character) into the battle area A11, and therefore cannot play the game in the battle area A11 described above.

[0075] Furthermore, since there is a battle stage 10 within the battle area A11, a first-class user can cause his / her first-class character to enter the battle stage 10. Therefore, a first-class user can participate in an ongoing battle event and, for example, enjoy battling other characters in a battle format related to the battle event. Meanwhile, there is a tent 20 within the non-battle area A13, so a second-class user can cause his / her second-class character to enter the tent 20. Therefore, a second-class user can participate in an ongoing game event and, for example, play a mini-game related to the game event.

[0076] 2. Event execution control processing In the event execution control process of this embodiment, the server system 1100 controls the execution of various events during the game in accordance with a pre-prepared event table 553. At that time, the server system 1100 also controls the execution of a benefit granting process that grants a benefit to the user. Events include the above-mentioned battle events and game events.

[0077] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of event table 553. As shown in Fig. 4, event table 553 is a data table in which execution timing, specification conditions, activation area, event type, and benefit data are set in association with an event ID for identifying an event.

[0078] The execution timing is set to the execution timing of the corresponding event. For example, the execution timing includes the setting of timing stipulated by various conditions, such as a condition related to the number of first-class characters in the shared game space, a condition related to the number of second-class characters, a condition related to the distribution of the positions of the first-class characters (for example, that there are a predetermined number of areas where the number of first-class characters per unit area satisfies a predetermined high-density condition), a condition related to the distribution of the positions of the second-class characters (for example, that there are a predetermined number of areas where the number of second-class characters per unit area satisfies a predetermined high-density condition), and a condition related to the determination of a change in the terminal type of the terminal device 1500 determined to be a first-class terminal device at the time of login.

[0079] The specification conditions include the terminal types of users who can participate in the event (hereinafter also referred to as "participating users"). In this embodiment, the specification conditions include a specification condition setting (e.g., record R11) that is satisfied only by the first type terminal device, a specification condition setting (e.g., record R12) that is satisfied only by the second type terminal device, and a specification condition setting (e.g., record R15) that is satisfied by both the first type terminal device and the second type terminal device.

[0080] The activation area is set to an activation area within the shared game space where the event is activated. In this embodiment, this includes the battle stage 10 and the tent 20 as activation areas.

[0081] The type of event is set as the event type. For example, in the case of a battle event whose corresponding activation area is the battle stage 10, the battle format of the battle to be activated is set (for example, record R11). Also, in the case of a game event whose corresponding activation area is the tent 20, the type of mini-game to be executed is set (for example, record R12). In addition, various types of events are set, such as an event that restores the vitality value of a character, an event that makes a character invincible, an event that grants game objects such as characters and items that can be used in the game, or lottery tickets for gacha.

[0082] The benefit data includes the recipients of the benefit related to the event and the benefit content. The recipients specify the users to whom the benefit of the corresponding benefit content will be granted. In addition to settings that grant the benefit to all users who can participate (e.g., records R13 and R14), settings that grant the benefit to specific users among users who can participate (e.g., records R11, R12, R15, and R16) are included.

[0083] Specifically, in the event table 553, as shown in record R13, the number of first-class users is a predetermined number N 11 The event execution control process includes setting of an event (first type event) that controls so that only users of first type terminal devices (first type users) can participate, with the execution timing set to the timing when the predetermined number N is exceeded. In the event execution control process, the server system 1100 monitors the number of first type users according to the setting of record R13. Then, the server system 1100 11 When the time limit is exceeded, the game object granting event is controlled to be executed as an event that only first-class users can participate in. Also, game objects with corresponding reward contents are granted to all first-class users who are users who are eligible to participate.

[0084] In addition, as shown in record R14, the event table 553 stores a record indicating that the number of second-class users has reached a predetermined number N 21 The event execution control process includes setting of an event (second-type event) that controls so that only users of second-type terminal devices (second-type users) can participate, with the timing of the event execution exceeding the predetermined number N. In the event execution control process, the server system 1100 monitors the number of second-type users according to the setting of record R14. 21 When the time limit is exceeded, the game object granting event is controlled to be executed as an event that only second-class users can participate in. Then, game objects with the corresponding reward content are granted to all second-class users who are users who are allowed to participate.

[0085] According to this, when the number of users playing games using type 1 terminal devices increases, an event in which only type 1 users of type 1 terminal devices can participate can be held. Also, when the number of users playing games using type 2 terminal devices increases, an event in which only users of type 2 terminal devices can participate can be held. For example, when there is a tendency that the number of logins by users using smartphones increases during the morning and evening commuting hours, and the number of type 2 terminal devices increases, while at night, there is a tendency that the number of logins by users using home game consoles increases, and the number of type 1 terminal devices increases, it becomes possible to hold an event for type 2 users during the former commuting hours and an event for type 1 users during the latter nighttime hours.

[0086] If the number of first-class users decreases, an event that only first-class users can participate in can be held. For example, if the number of first-class users reaches a predetermined number N 13 (N 13 ≦N 11 This can be realized by including in the event table 553 a setting for an event that controls so that only first-class users can participate, with the timing of the event being set to when the number of second-class users falls below a predetermined number N. Similarly, when the number of second-class users decreases, an event that only second-class users can participate in can also be executed. For example, when the number of second-class users falls below a predetermined number N 23 (N 23 ≦N 21 This can be realized by including in the event table 553 an event setting that controls the event so that only second-class users can participate, with the timing of the event being the timing when the user's device count falls below 100%.

[0087] The event table 553 also includes settings for an event (first-type event) in which a predetermined date and time is set as the execution timing, the battle stage 10 in the shared game space is set as the activation area, and only users of first-type terminal devices (first-type users) are allowed to participate, as shown in record R11. In the event execution control process, the server system 1100 controls the execution of the battle event by initiating a battle with first-type characters that have entered the battle stage 10 in accordance with the settings of record R11. For example, as the execution timing approaches, the server system 1100 invites first-type users to participate in a one-on-one battle, which is the battle format of the event. If there is a first-type user who wishes to participate, the server system 1100 controls the execution of the battle event there by initiating a battle in the corresponding battle format by causing the first-type character of the first-type user to enter the battle stage 10. When the battle is over, a game object with a corresponding reward content is awarded to the first-type user who is the winner among the participants.

[0088] The event table 553 also includes settings for an event (second-type event) that is held during a predetermined period, that uses a tent 20 in the shared game space as an activation area, and that controls so that only users of second-type terminal devices (second-type users) can participate, as shown in record R12. In the event execution control process, the server system 1100 controls the execution of the corresponding game event, such as executing a mini-game for second-type characters that enter the tent 20, in accordance with the settings of record R12. Once the mini-game is completed, a game object with a corresponding reward content is granted to the participating second-type users.

[0089] Furthermore, as shown in record R15, the event table 553 includes a setting for an event (first-type event) that temporarily puts a character in an invincible state for a user (first-type user) of a first-type terminal device that is determined to be a first-type terminal device at a second timing after a first timing at which the terminal type is determined to be a second-type terminal device by the in-game determination process. In the event execution control process, the server system 1100 monitors, in accordance with the setting of record R15, the timing at which a current terminal type 579 (see FIG. 13) described later changes from a "first-type terminal device" to a "second-type terminal device" for each user whose registered terminal type 577 (see FIG. 13) described later is "first-type terminal device." If there is a user who has reached the first timing, the server system 1100 monitors, as a second timing, the timing at which the current terminal type 579 subsequently changes from a "second-type terminal device" to a "first-type terminal device." Then, if there is a user who has reached the second timing, the second timing is set as the execution timing, and a benefit is granted to that user (first-class user) that makes the character (first-class character) operated by that first-class user invincible for a predetermined time. The content of the benefit is not particularly limited, but it is advisable to set a benefit that allows the first-class user to progress through the game advantageously, such as temporarily strengthening the character or restoring stamina.

[0090] If a terminal device 1500 that was initially determined to be a first-type terminal device upon logging in to the game is subsequently determined to be a second-type terminal device due to a decrease in communication speed (first timing), the user of the terminal device 1500 cannot play the game as a first-type user until the communication speed recovers and the terminal device is subsequently determined to be a first-type terminal device (second timing). If the controlled character is in the battle area A11, it is forcibly moved to the non-battle area A13, and the user is also unable to participate in events that only first-type users can participate in. In the event of record R15, a user who becomes able to play the game as a first-type user at the second timing is granted a benefit that allows the user to advance in the game with an advantage, for example. This makes it possible to grant a benefit to the first-type user that compensates for the delay in game play while the terminal device was determined to be a second-type terminal device.

[0091] Furthermore, as shown in record R16, the event table 553 includes settings for an event (first-type event) to be executed for users of first-type terminal devices (first-type users) when a dense area of ​​first-type characters occurs. In the event execution control process, the server system 1100 monitors the occurrence of dense areas in the shared game space in accordance with the settings of record R16, for example, by defining an area that satisfies a predetermined high-density condition because there are a predetermined number or more of first-type characters within a predetermined range as a dense area. Then, the timing when the dense area occurs is set as the execution timing, and a benefit is granted to the grantee first-type user by fully recovering the vitality values ​​of the first-type characters that make up the dense area.

[0092] In addition, the event may include: 1) an event (type 2 event) in which the timing when a dense area of ​​type 2 characters occurs is set as the execution timing, and type 2 users operating each type 2 character in the dense area are the recipients of a special benefit. Also, the event may include: 2) an event (type 1 event) in which the timing when a sparse area of ​​type 1 characters occurs is set as the execution timing, and type 1 users operating each type 1 character in the sparse area are the recipients of a special benefit; or 3) an event (type 2 event) in which the timing when a sparse area of ​​type 2 characters occurs is set as the execution timing, and type 2 users operating each type 2 character in the sparse area are the recipients of a special benefit. For example, this can be achieved by defining an area that satisfies a predetermined low-density condition because the number of type 1 characters or type 2 characters falls below a predetermined number as a sparse area, and monitoring the occurrence of the sparse area.

[0093] 4. Initial position determination process In the initial position determination process of this embodiment, when a new user (joining user) logs in, the server system 1100 randomly selects and executes the first determination process or the second determination process to determine the initial position of the character controlled by that user.

[0094] 4-1. First decision process In the first determination process, when the terminal device 1500 of the late joining user is a first-type terminal device, the server system 1100 determines the initial position of the character (first-type character) operated by the late joining user based on the positions in the shared game space of characters (first-type characters) operated by users of other first-type terminal devices. For example, when the terminal device 1500 of the late joining user is a first-type terminal device, the server system 1100 determines the initial position as a position closer to a first-type character already in the shared game space compared to the initial position when the terminal device 1500 is a second-type terminal device. There are no particular limitations on which first-type character the position is closer to, and this can be achieved, for example, by randomly selecting one first-type character.

[0095] On the other hand, if the terminal device 1500 of the mid-game joining user is a second-type terminal device, the server system 1100 determines the initial position of the character (second-type character) operated by the mid-game joining user by setting the initial position to a location within the non-combat area A13 where there are no first-type characters nearby.

[0096] This allows first-class characters to be positioned near other first-class characters as their initial positions, making it easier for first-class characters to encounter each other. If an encounter triggers a battle between the first-class characters, players can log in and the battle can begin immediately.

[0097] In addition, the initial position of the first type character of the mid-game joining user is not limited to being determined as a position close to the first type character already in the shared game space, but may also be determined as a position away from the first type character in the shared game space.

[0098] 4-2. Second decision process In the second determination process, when determining the initial position of the character of the mid-joining user, the server system 1100 changes the distance of the initial position from the activation area depending on whether the terminal device 1500 of the mid-joining user is a first-type terminal device or a second-type terminal device.

[0099] For example, if the terminal device 1500 of the mid-game joining user is a first-type terminal device, the mid-game joining user is a first-type user. Therefore, based on the set position in the shared game space of the battle stage 10, which is the activation area of ​​the battle event in which only first-type users can participate, a position near the battle stage 10 within a predetermined distance range from the battle stage 10 is determined as the initial position of the character (first-type character) of the mid-game joining user. This allows first-type users to start gameplay from a position near the battle stage 10, making it easier for them to participate in the battle event. Furthermore, because first-type characters tend to gather around the battle stage 10, encounters between first-type characters also become more likely.

[0100] On the other hand, if the terminal device 1500 of the late joining user is a second-type terminal device, the late joining user is a second-type user. Therefore, based on the set position in the shared game space of the tent 20, which is the activation area of ​​the game event in which only second-type users can participate, a position near the tent 20 within a predetermined distance from the tent 20 is determined as the initial position of the character (second-type character) of the late joining user. This allows the second-type user to start playing the game from a position near the tent 20, making it easier for them to participate in the game event.

[0101] According to the second determination process here, the initial position of the first type character is determined to be a position close to the battle stage 10 and far from the tent 20. On the other hand, the initial position of the second type character is determined to be a position close to the tent 20 and far from the battle stage 10.

[0102] 5. Setting the viewpoint, etc. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of setting the viewpoint and frame rate when the terminal device 1500 is a first-type terminal device, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of setting the viewpoint and frame rate when the terminal device 1500 is a second-type terminal device. As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the viewpoint for a user (first-type user) of a first-type terminal device is configured to switch depending on whether the position of a character (first-type character) operated by the first-type user is within the battle area A11. For example, when the user is within the battle area A11, the viewpoint is a third-person viewpoint that follows the first-type character and has a high-resolution shooting resolution (hereinafter also referred to as a "high-resolution viewpoint"). On the other hand, when the user is outside the battle area A11 (within the non-battle area A13), the viewpoint is a bird's-eye viewpoint that looks down on the first-type character from above and has a low-resolution shooting resolution (hereinafter also referred to as a "low-resolution viewpoint"). That is, the viewpoint for the first type user is switched to a high-resolution viewpoint when the first type character of the first type user is in the battle area A11, and to a low-resolution viewpoint when the first type character is in the non-battle area A13. The frame rate of the first type terminal device is set to an interval of N seconds, which is equal to or greater than X seconds, which is the interval for controlling the progress of the game in the server system 1100. For example, it can be set to an interval of 1 / 60 seconds, which is the same as the interval for controlling the progress.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 6, the viewpoint for a user (second-type user) of a second-type terminal device is a bird's-eye view in which a character (second-type character) operated by the second-type user is photographed from above, and the photographing resolution is set to a low-resolution viewpoint (low-resolution viewpoint). Since the second-type character does not enter the battle area A11, the viewpoint for the second-type user is always a low-resolution viewpoint. The frame rate of the second-type terminal device is set to an interval of M seconds, which is equal to or greater than N seconds. For example, it can be set to an interval of 1 / 30 seconds.

[0104] 6. Provision of image processing information Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating the provision of image processing information and the display of a game image using the image processing information. Fig. 8 shows a display example of a game image based on a high-resolution viewpoint (hereinafter also referred to as a "high-resolution game image"), and Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a game image based on a low-resolution viewpoint (hereinafter also referred to as a "low-resolution game image").

[0105] 6-1. Provision for Type 1 terminal devices In this embodiment, when providing image processing information to each user's terminal device 1500, the server system 1100 switches between a first providing process for a first type terminal device, in which basic data for generating an image based on a high-resolution viewpoint is provided as image processing information relating to a high-resolution viewpoint (image processing information for a high-resolution viewpoint), and a second providing process for which basic data for generating an image based on a low-resolution viewpoint is provided as image processing information relating to a low-resolution viewpoint (image processing information for a low-resolution viewpoint).

[0106] 2, the server system 1100 sets the viewpoint for the first type user to a high-resolution viewpoint if the first type character of the first type user is in the battle area A11, and controls the high-resolution viewpoint for the first type user. If the first type character is in the non-battle area A13, the viewpoint for the first type user to a low-resolution viewpoint, and controls the low-resolution viewpoint for the first type user.

[0107] In the case of a high-resolution viewpoint, the server system 1100 generates basic data for generating an image based on a high-resolution viewpoint for the first-type user in step S17, and performs a first provision process by providing the basic data for generating an image for the first-type user to the corresponding terminal device 1500 (first-type terminal device) in step S19 as image processing information for a high-resolution viewpoint.

[0108] In addition, in the case of a low-resolution viewpoint, the server system 1100 generates basic data for generating an image based on the low-resolution viewpoint for the first-type user in step S17, and performs a second provision process by providing the basic data for generating an image for the first-type user to the corresponding terminal device 1500 (first-type terminal device) in step S19 as image processing information for the low-resolution viewpoint.

[0109] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the first type terminal device stores first type terminal data 520A as terminal side data 600 (see FIG. 14). The first type terminal data 520A is data for displaying game images by receiving high resolution viewpoint image processing information and low resolution viewpoint image processing information from the server system 1100. Specifically, the first type terminal data 520A stores a first type game client program 521A and first type game setting data 530A including high image quality first type character data 531 and low image quality second type character data 533 as character data. The first type character data 531 can be composed of, for example, model data with a large number of polygons, high image quality texture data, motion data defining delicate and smooth movements, etc. The second type character data 533 can be composed of, for example, rough model data with a small number of polygons, low resolution texture data, motion data defining rough movements, etc.

[0110] When the server system 1100 provides the type 1 terminal device with image processing information for a high-resolution viewpoint, the type 1 terminal device generates a high-resolution game image based on the high-resolution viewpoint in step S23 of Fig. 2 and displays the high-resolution game image in step S25. As a result, if the terminal device 1500 is a type 1 terminal device, when the type 1 character of the type 1 user is in the battle area A11, a high-resolution image of the shared game space taken from a high-resolution viewpoint, which is a third-person viewpoint following the character from behind, is displayed on the type 1 terminal device as a high-resolution game image, as exemplified in Fig. 8. The high-resolution game image displays in high resolution the state of the shared game space, including the user's character 31 and characters 331 controlled by other users.

[0111] Furthermore, when the server system 1100 provides the type 1 terminal device with image processing information for a low-resolution viewpoint, the type 1 terminal device generates a low-resolution game image based on the low-resolution viewpoint in step S23 of Fig. 2 and displays the low-resolution game image in step S25. As a result, when the type 1 character is in the non-battle area A13, a low-resolution image captured of the shared game space from the low-resolution viewpoint, which is a bird's-eye view, is displayed on the type 1 terminal device as a low-resolution game image, as exemplified in Fig. 9. The user's character 31 and other characters 333, etc., are displayed in the form of simple characters such as symbols or icons in the low-resolution game image.

[0112] 6-2. Provision for Type 2 terminal devices Next, for the second type terminal device, the server system 1100 performs a second providing process of providing basic data for generating an image based on a low-resolution viewpoint as image processing information related to the low-resolution viewpoint (image processing information for a low-resolution viewpoint).

[0113] Specifically, the server system 1100 sets the viewpoint for the second-type user to a low-resolution viewpoint and controls the low-resolution viewpoint for the second-type user in step S15 of Fig. 2. Then, the server system 1100 generates basic data for generating an image based on the low-resolution viewpoint for the second-type user in step S17, and performs a second providing process by providing the basic data for generating an image for the second-type user to the corresponding terminal device 1500 (second-type terminal device) in step S19 as image processing information for the low-resolution viewpoint.

[0114] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 7, second type terminal device stores second type terminal data 520B as terminal side data 600 (see Fig. 14). The second type terminal data 520B is data for displaying game images after receiving low resolution viewpoint image processing information from the server system 1100. Specifically, the second type terminal data 520B stores a second type game client program 521B and second type game setting data 530B including low image quality second type character data 533 as character data.

[0115] The second type terminal device receives the low-resolution viewpoint image processing information from the server system 1100, generates a low-resolution game image based on the low-resolution viewpoint in step S23 of Fig. 2, and displays the low-resolution game image in step S25. As a result, when the terminal device 1500 is a second type terminal device, a low-resolution image captured of the shared game space from a low-resolution viewpoint, which is a bird's-eye view, is displayed on the second type terminal device as a low-resolution game image, as exemplified in Fig. 9. As described above, the player's character 31, other characters 333, etc. are displayed in a simplified form in the low-resolution game image.

[0116] 7. Consent Requests In this embodiment, second-type characters are generally not allowed to enter the battle area A11. Unlike first-type users, second-type users do not allow their characters to enter the battle area A11 to battle other characters. This places a constraint on the user's gameplay. Therefore, the server system 1100 performs control to notify the user of the terminal device 1500 determined to be a second-type terminal device in the pre-game determination process of a request for consent to the effect that the user is not allowed to enter the battle area A11 during game play.

[0117] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an acceptance request notification screen W1 displayed on the terminal device 1500 that has received the notification. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the acceptance request notification screen W1 displays a message indicating that entry into the battle area A11 is not permitted. The acceptance request notification screen W1 may also notify the user that they will not be battling other characters and that the game image will be a low-resolution image of the controlled character taken from the air. An acceptance response button B11 and a rejection response button B13 are provided on the acceptance request notification screen W1. The user selects the acceptance response button B11 if they accept the notification, or the rejection response button B13 if they reject the notification, to respond to the acceptance request.

[0118] If the terminal device 1500 rejects the acceptance request, that is, if the server system 1100 detects that the rejection button B13 on the acceptance request notification screen W1 has been selected, the server system 1100 performs control to notify the user of the terminal device 1500 that a malfunction may occur in game play. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a warning screen W2 displayed on the terminal device 1500 that has received the notification. As shown in FIG. 11, the warning screen W2 displays a message warning of the occurrence of a malfunction. The server system 1100 then changes the terminal type of the terminal device 1500 to a first-type terminal device based on the notification control. This process enables the user of the terminal device 1500 to battle other characters in the battle area A11 during game play.

[0119] [Function Configuration] 1. Server system Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server system 1100. As shown in Fig. 12, the server system 1100 of this embodiment includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, an image display unit 390s, a sound output unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

[0120] The operation input unit 100s is used to input various operations for system management, maintenance, etc., and can be realized by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the keyboard 1106 and the touch panel 1108.

[0121] The server processing unit 200s can be realized by electronic components such as a processor, which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, or an IC memory, and controls the input and output of data between the operation input unit 100s and each unit of the device, including the server storage unit 500s. The server processing unit 200s performs various arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, data received from the terminal device 1500, etc., and controls the overall operation of the server system 1100. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the control board 1150 and its CPU 1151.

[0122] The server processing unit 200s includes a user management unit 210, a game management unit 230, a timing unit 280s, an image generation unit 290s, a sound generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s.

[0123] The user management unit 210 performs processes related to user registration and manages data of each registered user linked to a user ID (account). For example, it can execute processes such as assigning a unique user ID to a registered user, registering and managing personal information for each user ID, and managing usage history such as login and logout history. Of course, it can also appropriately include management processes for other data linked to user IDs.

[0124] The game management unit 230 performs various processes related to game execution management. Since the game of this embodiment is a client-server online game, the game management unit 230 controls the provision of data necessary for game play while communicating with the terminal device 1500.

[0125] This game management unit 230 includes a terminal type determination unit 231, an initial position determination unit 233, a game progress control unit 240, a first providing unit 253, a second providing unit 255, an acceptance request control unit 257, and a rejection response time control unit 259.

[0126] The terminal type determination unit 231 is a functional unit that performs pre-game determination processing and in-game determination processing as terminal type determination processing, and determines whether the terminal type of the terminal device 1500 is a first-type terminal device or a second-type terminal device based on the game play specifications of the terminal device 1500. In the pre-game determination processing, the terminal type determination unit 231 acquires and uses game play specification information from the terminal device 1500 of a user who has newly logged in to the game to determine the terminal type. Then, the terminal device 1500 determined to be a first-type terminal device is set as a "first-type terminal device," and the terminal device 1500 determined to be a second-type terminal device is set as a "second-type terminal device," and the registered terminal type 577 (see FIG. 13) of the corresponding user is set. Furthermore, the current terminal type 579 (see FIG. 13) is initially set to the same terminal type as the set terminal type.

[0127] Meanwhile, in the in-game determination process, the terminal type determination unit 231 monitors the communication speed with the server system 1100 for each terminal device 1500. If there is a terminal device 1500 whose registered terminal type 577 is "first type terminal device" and whose communication speed satisfies the type change condition from first type terminal device to second type terminal device, it dynamically determines the terminal device 1500 as a second type terminal device and changes the setting of the current terminal type 579 of the terminal device 1500 to "second type terminal device." If the communication speed of the terminal device 1500 subsequently recovers and no longer satisfies the type change condition, the terminal type determination unit 231 returns the setting of the current terminal type 579 of the corresponding user to "first type terminal device."

[0128] The initial position determination unit 233 is a functional unit that performs initial position determination processing, and when a new user logs in to the game, it randomly selects and executes the first determination processing or the second determination processing to determine the initial position of the character operated by the user.

[0129] The game progress control unit 240 acquires operation input information for game operations from each terminal device 1500 and controls the progress of the game at predetermined progress control intervals (X second intervals). This game progress control unit 240 includes a character movement control unit 245, a viewpoint control unit 246, and an event execution control unit 247.

[0130] The character movement control unit 245 is a functional unit that performs character movement control processing, and controls a character (first type character) operated by a user (first type user) of a terminal device 1500 whose terminal type is a first type terminal device so as to be able to enter the battle area A11. In addition, the character movement control unit 245 controls a character (second type character) operated by a user (second type user) of a terminal device 1500 whose terminal type is a second type terminal device so as not to be able to enter the battle area A11.

[0131] The viewpoint control unit 246 arranges and controls, for each terminal device 1500, the viewpoint for the user of that terminal device 1500 as a viewpoint set according to the terminal type of that terminal device 1500. Specifically, for a viewpoint for a first-type user whose terminal type is a first-type terminal device, the viewpoint control unit 246 arranges and controls the viewpoint as a high-resolution viewpoint when the first-type character of that first-type user is in the battle area A11, and as a low-resolution viewpoint when the first-type character is in the non-battle area A13. When switching the viewpoint, the setting of the current viewpoint type 580 (see FIG. 13) of the corresponding user is rewritten as a "high-resolution viewpoint" or a "low-resolution viewpoint." Furthermore, the viewpoint control unit 246 arranges and controls the viewpoint for a second-type user whose terminal type is a second-type terminal device as a low-resolution viewpoint. The setting of the current viewpoint type 580 of the corresponding user is set to "low-resolution viewpoint."

[0132] The event execution control unit 247 is a functional unit that performs event execution control processing, and controls the execution of various events during the game according to the event table 553.

[0133] The first providing unit 253 is a functional unit that performs the first providing process, and provides image processing information for a high-resolution viewpoint related to a high-resolution viewpoint to a terminal device 1500 whose current terminal type 579 is set to "first type terminal device" and whose current viewpoint type 580 is set to "high-resolution viewpoint."

[0134] The second providing unit 255 is a functional unit that performs the second providing process, and provides image processing information for low-resolution viewpoints related to low-resolution viewpoints to a terminal device 1500 whose current terminal type 579 is set to "first type terminal device" and whose current viewpoint type 580 is set to "low-resolution viewpoint", or to a terminal device 1500 whose current terminal type 579 is set to "second type terminal device".

[0135] The consent request control unit 257 performs control to notify a consent request to the user of the terminal device 1500 whose terminal type has been determined to be a second-type terminal device as a result of the pre-game determination process, and receives a consent response or a refusal response.

[0136] When the terminal device 1500 makes a rejection response to the acceptance request notified by the acceptance request control unit 257, the rejection response control unit 259 controls a notification to the user of the terminal device 1500 that a problem may occur in game play. Then, the rejection response control unit 259 causes the first providing unit 253 to provide high-resolution viewpoint image processing information to the terminal device 1500, instead of providing low-resolution viewpoint image processing information to the terminal device 1500 by the second providing unit 255. This can be realized by changing the registered terminal type 577 of the terminal device 1500 to "Type 1 terminal device."

[0137] The timekeeping unit 280s uses a system clock to keep track of the current date and time, the time limit, and the like.

[0138] The image generating unit 290s generates images relating to system management of the server system 1100 and outputs them to the image display unit 390s.

[0139] The sound generation unit 292s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates or decodes audio data, and generates or decodes audio data such as operation sounds and background music related to system management and video distribution of the server system 1100. Audio signals related to system management are output to the sound output unit 392s.

[0140] The communication control unit 294s performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with an external device (for example, the terminal device 1500) via the communication unit 394s, and realizes data exchange with the external device.

[0141] The image display unit 390s displays various screens for system management and the like based on the image signals input from the image generation unit 290s. For example, this can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a projector, or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the touch panel 1108.

[0142] The sound output unit 392s outputs the audio signal input from the sound generation unit 292s. In Fig. 1, this corresponds to a speaker (not shown) provided in the main device 1101 or the touch panel 1108.

[0143] The communication unit 394s connects to the network 9 and realizes communication. For example, it can be realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the communication device 1153.

[0144] The server storage unit 500s stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the server system 1100 and implementing various functions of the server system 1100, as well as data used during execution of these programs. For example, this can be implemented by an IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the IC memory 1152 and storage 1140.

[0145] Server storage unit 500s also stores server program 501, distribution terminal side data 510, user management data 540, game setting data 550, and in-play data 560. In addition, other necessary data such as timers, counters, various tables, thresholds, and flags are also stored as appropriate.

[0146] The server program 501 is a program for causing the server processing unit 200s to function as the user management unit 210 and the game management unit 230. Note that the server program 501 may also include programs for causing the server processing unit 200s to function as the image generation unit 290s, the sound generation unit 292s, and the communication control unit 294s, as appropriate.

[0147] The delivery terminal-side data 510 is the original of the terminal-side data 600 (see FIG. 14) downloaded to the terminal device 1500. The delivery terminal-side data 510 includes first-type terminal data 520A and second-type terminal data 520B. In this embodiment, the first-type terminal data 520A is provided (downloaded) to a terminal device 1500 determined to be a first-type terminal device, and is stored in the terminal storage unit 500 of the terminal device 1500 as terminal-side data 600. On the other hand, the second-type terminal data 520B is provided to a terminal device 1500 determined to be a second-type terminal device, and is stored in the terminal storage unit 500 of the terminal device 1500 as terminal-side data 600.

[0148] 7, the first type terminal data 520A includes a first type game client program 521A and first type game setting data 530A including first type character data 531 and second type character data 533. The second type terminal data 520B includes a second type game client program 521B and second type game setting data 530B including second type character data 533.

[0149] The user management data 540 is prepared for each registered user and stores various data for managing the game play of the user in association with the user ID (account), such as the user name, play history such as play date and time, play time, and game save data.

[0150] The game setting data 550 stores various setting data necessary to realize the online game of this embodiment. For example, the game setting data 550 stores 1) setting data related to game progress control, and 2) setting data related to the generation of basic data for generating images for a first-type terminal device and basic data for generating images for a second-type terminal device. The game setting data 550 also stores terminal type determination criteria 551 for each level of game play specifications used to determine whether the terminal device 1500 is a first-type terminal device or a second-type terminal device, and an event table 553 described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0151] The in-play data 560 stores various data describing, for example, the progress of the game being executed, the latest states of various objects in the shared game space related to the game, and the user's participation in the game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13 , the in-play data 560 includes operation input history data 561, game space control data 563, viewpoint control data 565, character control data 567, in-play event data 590, and player user data 570.

[0152] Operation input history data 561 is data on the history of operation input information for each user playing the game. Game space control data 563 is control data for various objects that make up the shared game space, such as background objects. Viewpoint control data 565 is control data for the viewpoint for each user.

[0153] Character control data 567 is prepared for each character operated by each user and stores various data describing the latest status of the character. For example, one piece of character control data 567 stores the character's current position coordinates, posture, ability parameter values, remaining stamina value, etc., in association with a character ID that identifies the character.

[0154] The ongoing event data 590 is prepared for each ongoing event and stores various data describing the execution status of the corresponding event. For example, one ongoing event data 590 stores the event ID of the event, the user IDs of the participants, etc. If the event is a battle event on the battle stage 10, the ongoing event data 590 stores the progress status of the battle. If the event is a game event in the tent 20, the ongoing event data 590 stores the progress status of the mini-game.

[0155] The player user data 570 is prepared for each user playing the game, and stores the user ID 571 of the user, game play specification information 575 of the terminal device 1500 used, registered terminal type 577, current terminal type 579, current viewpoint type 580, controlled character ID 583 of the character controlled by the user, communication speed measurement history 585, etc.

[0156] 2. Terminal Device 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 1500. As shown in FIG. 14, the terminal device 1500 includes an operation input unit 100, a device processing unit 200, an image display unit 390, a sound output unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a terminal storage unit 500.

[0157] The operation input unit 100 is used by the user to input various operations, and can be realized by, for example, a button switch, a joystick, a touchpad, a trackball, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a CCD module, or the like.

[0158] The device processing unit 200 can be realized by a processor, which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, or FPGA, or an electronic component such as an IC memory, and controls input and output of data between the device and each unit including the operation input unit 100 and the device storage unit 500. The device processing unit 200 performs various types of arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, data received from the server system 1100, etc., and controls the operation of the terminal device 1500.

[0159] The terminal processing unit 200 includes a terminal-side game calculation unit 270 , a timing unit 280 , an image generation unit 290 , a sound generation unit 292 , and a communication control unit 294 .

[0160] The terminal-side game calculation unit 270 executes various calculation processes to cause the terminal device 1500 to function as a terminal for the user to play games. For example, the terminal-side game calculation unit 270 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 271 and a game screen display control unit 273.

[0161] The operation signal transmission control unit 271 performs processing for transmitting various data and request information to the server system 1100 in response to an operation input to the operation input unit 100 .

[0162] The game screen display control unit 273 performs control to display game images on the image display unit 390 based on various data received from the server system 1100. If the terminal device 1500 is a first-type terminal device, it executes the first-type game client program 521A of the first-type terminal data 520A shown in FIG. 7 and realizes the image generation function of the terminal device 1500 using the first-type game setting data 530A. That is, when high-resolution viewpoint image processing information is provided from the server system 1100, the game screen display control unit 273 uses the first-type character data 531 as character data and controls various objects based on the provided high-resolution viewpoint image processing information. Then, it constructs a shared game space, generates high-resolution game images, and displays the high-resolution game images at a frame rate (every N seconds) for a first-type terminal device. On the other hand, when low-resolution viewpoint image processing information is provided from the server system 1100, the game screen display control unit 273 uses second-type character data 527 as character data and controls various objects based on the provided low-resolution viewpoint image processing information. The game screen display control unit 273 then constructs a shared game space, generates low-resolution game images, and displays the low-resolution game images at a frame rate (N-second intervals) for a first-type terminal device. If the communication speed with the server system 1100 decreases during the game and the terminal device 1500 changes from a first-type terminal device to a second-type terminal device, the game screen display control unit 273 receives low-resolution viewpoint image processing information from the server system 1100 from the terminal device 1500. In this case, low-resolution game images are still displayed.

[0163] 7 and realizes the image generation function of the terminal device 1500 using the second type game setting data 530B. That is, using the second type character data 527 as character data, the game screen display control unit 273 controls various objects based on low-resolution viewpoint image processing information provided by the server system 1100. The game screen display control unit 273 then constructs a shared game space, generates low-resolution game images, and displays the low-resolution game images at a frame rate (every M seconds) for the second type terminal device.

[0164] The image generation unit 290, in cooperation with the game screen display control unit 273, generates an image signal for displaying one game screen per frame time based on various data received from the server system 1100, and outputs the generated image signal to the image display unit 390. For example, this can be realized by a processor such as a GPU or digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a program such as a video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, etc. Note that one frame time is determined by the frame rate of the terminal device 1500.

[0165] The sound generation unit 292 is realized, for example, by a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec for playing audio files, etc., and generates audio signals for game sound effects, background music, and various operation sounds, and outputs them to the sound output unit 392.

[0166] The communication control unit 294 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with an external device (for example, the server system 1100) via the communication unit 394, and realizes data exchange with the external device.

[0167] The image display unit 390 displays various screens such as game screens based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 290. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a projector, or a head-mounted display.

[0168] The sound output unit 392 emits sound effects, background music, and the like related to the game based on the audio signal input from the sound generation unit 292.

[0169] The communication unit 394 realizes communication by connecting to the network 9. For example, it can be realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA, a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, or the like.

[0170] The terminal storage unit 500 stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the terminal device 1500 and realizing the functions of the terminal device 1500, and data used during execution of these programs. For example, this can be realized by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD.

[0171] Furthermore, the terminal storage unit 500 stores the first type terminal data 520A or the second type terminal data 520B (see FIG. 12) downloaded from the server system 1100 as terminal side data 600. Specifically, in the case of a terminal device 1500 determined to be a first type terminal device at the time of login, the first type terminal data 520A is downloaded and stored as the terminal side data 600. In the case of a terminal device 1500 determined to be a second type terminal device at the time of login, the second type terminal data 520B is downloaded and stored as the terminal side data 600.

[0172] [Processing flow] 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the server system 1100. The processing described here is realized by the server processing unit 200s reading and executing the server program 501.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 15, in the server system 1100, first, the game management unit 230 starts game processing and executes the game (step S101).

[0174] Furthermore, the terminal type determination unit 231 starts in-game determination processing (step S103). In the determination processing started here, the terminal type determination unit 231 monitors the communication speed with the server system 1100 for each of the terminal devices 1500. If there is a first-type terminal device whose communication speed has decreased, it dynamically determines it as a second-type terminal device and rewrites the setting of the current terminal type 579. Furthermore, if the communication speed of the terminal device 1500 recovers, it dynamically determines it as a first-type terminal device and rewrites the setting of the current terminal type 579.

[0175] Then, when a login procedure is performed during execution of the game started in step S103 and a new user logs in to the game (step S105: YES), the terminal type determination unit 231 performs pre-game determination processing to determine whether the terminal device 1500 is a first-type terminal device or a second-type terminal device (step S106). The determined terminal type is set as the registered terminal type 577 for the terminal device 1500 and is initially set as the current terminal type 579.

[0176] Next, if the terminal type determined in step S106 is a second-type terminal device (step S107: YES), the consent request control unit 257 controls the terminal device 1500 to display an consent request notification screen W1 (see FIG. 10) to notify the user of the consent request (step S109). If a rejection response is made in response to this consent request (step S111: YES), the rejection response control unit 259 controls the terminal device 1500 to display a warning screen W2 (see FIG. 11), to notify the user that a problem may occur in game play (step S113). Then, the terminal type determination unit 231 changes the registration of the terminal device 1500 to a first-type terminal device, and rewrites the settings of the registered terminal type 577 and the current terminal type 579 (step S115).

[0177] Thereafter, if the delivery terminal-side data 510 has not yet been downloaded to the terminal device 1500 of the user, the download is performed according to the terminal type of the terminal device 1500. Specifically, if the setting of registered terminal type 577 is a first-type terminal device, the game management unit 230 provides first-type terminal data 520A to the terminal device 1500. On the other hand, if the setting of registered terminal type 577 is a second-type terminal device, the game management unit 230 provides second-type terminal data 520B to the terminal device 1500. The provided data is stored in the terminal storage unit 500 of the terminal device 1500 as terminal-side data 600.

[0178] Next, the initial position determination unit 233 performs an initial position determination process to determine the initial position of the character operated by the user depending on whether the terminal type of the terminal device 1500 of the user is a first type terminal device or a second type terminal device (step S117). In this embodiment, the initial position determination unit 233 determines the initial position by randomly selecting and executing the first determination process or the second determination process.

[0179] Thereafter, the game management unit 230 generates player user data 570 for the user and starts the user's game play on the terminal device 1500 (step S119). Then, until the game ends (step S121: NO), the process returns to step S105 and waits for a new user to log in.

[0180] Next, the game processing will be described. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the game processing. As shown in Fig. 16, in the game processing, the server system 1100 repeatedly executes the processing of loop A at predetermined time intervals (X second intervals) until the game is ended (step S201 in Fig. 16 to step S237 in Fig. 17). This time interval is preferably set based on the fastest frame rate expected as the frame rate of the terminal device 1500.

[0181] That is, the game progress control unit 240 acquires operation input information for game operations from the terminal device 1500 of each user participating in the game (step S203; corresponding to step S11 in FIG. 2). Then, the game progress control unit 240 controls the progress of the game that is commonly progressed in the shared game space based on the operation input information of each user acquired in step S203 (step S205; corresponding to step S13 in FIG. 2).

[0182] Next, the viewpoint control unit 246 controls the viewpoint for the user of the first type terminal device (first type user) for each first type terminal device, and also controls the viewpoint for the user of the second type terminal device (second type user) for each second type terminal device (step S207; corresponding to step 15 in FIG. 2). The viewpoint for the first type user is positioned and controlled by switching the current viewpoint type 580 as needed, with a high resolution viewpoint if the first type character is within the battle area A11 and a low resolution viewpoint if the first type character is within the non-battle area A13. On the other hand, the viewpoint for the second user is always positioned and controlled as a low resolution viewpoint.

[0183] Next, the event execution control unit 247 performs an event execution control process by referring to the event table 553, and if there is an event whose execution timing has arrived, controls the execution of the event (step S209). Specifically, the event execution control unit 247 sequentially determines whether or not to execute the event, with each event ID set in the event table 553 as the event to be determined. That is, the event execution control unit 247 determines to execute the event if the timing of the determination corresponds to the corresponding execution timing in the event table 553. Then, if it determines to execute the event, the event execution control unit 247 controls the execution of the event of the corresponding event type, with only users of terminal devices 1500 that satisfy the corresponding specification conditions as eligible users. In response to this, the terminal devices 1500 of eligible users control the participation of the users in the event. Furthermore, the event execution control unit 247 controls the execution of a benefit granting process that grants a benefit to eligible users in accordance with the corresponding benefit data.

[0184] Next, the first providing unit 253 performs a first providing process (step S211). That is, for each terminal device 1500 for which the current terminal type 579 is set to "first type terminal device" and the current viewpoint type 580 is set to "high resolution viewpoint," the first providing unit 253 generates basic data for image generation based on the high resolution viewpoint of the terminal device 1500 (corresponding to step S17 in FIG. 2). Then, the first providing unit 253 includes the generated basic data for image generation in high resolution viewpoint image processing information for the high resolution viewpoint, and provides the generated basic data for image generation to the corresponding terminal device 1500 (corresponding to step S19 in FIG. 2). In response to this, the corresponding terminal device 1500 performs control to display high resolution game images at the frame rate of its own terminal device 1500 based on the high resolution viewpoint image processing information.

[0185] Further, the second providing unit 255 performs a second providing process (step S213). That is, for each terminal device 1500 whose current terminal type 579 is set to "first type terminal device" and whose current viewpoint type 580 is set to "low-resolution viewpoint" and each terminal device 1500 whose current terminal type 579 is set to "second type terminal device," the second providing unit 255 generates basic data for image generation based on the low-resolution viewpoint of the terminal device 1500 (corresponding to step S17 in FIG. 2). Then, the second providing unit 255 includes the generated basic data for image generation in low-resolution viewpoint image processing information related to the low-resolution viewpoint, and provides the generated basic data for image generation to the corresponding terminal device 1500 (corresponding to step S19 in FIG. 2). In response to this, the corresponding terminal device 1500 performs control to display low-resolution game images at the frame rate of its own terminal device 1500 based on the low-resolution viewpoint image processing information.

[0186] As described above, according to this embodiment, the server system 1100 can determine whether the terminal device 1500 of each user playing an online game is a first-type terminal device or a second-type terminal device. The server system 1100 can then limit the gameplay specifications of the terminal devices 1500 that can participate during the game, and control the execution of events on each terminal device 1500. For example, it is possible to execute an event in which only users of first-type terminal devices (first-type users) can participate, or an event in which only users of second-type terminal devices (second-type users) can participate. This allows each terminal device 1500 to participate in an event according to its individual gameplay specifications, making it possible to prevent problems caused by differences in gameplay specifications between the terminal devices 1500.

[0187] Furthermore, when a first-type character operated by a first-type user is within the battle area A11, the viewpoint for the first-type user can be controlled as a high-resolution viewpoint, and a high-resolution game image can be displayed on the corresponding terminal device 1500. On the other hand, the viewpoint for the second-type user can be controlled as a low-resolution viewpoint, and a low-resolution game image can be displayed on the corresponding terminal device 1500. This allows images to be displayed in the shared game space according to the game play specifications of the terminal devices 1500. Therefore, problems caused by differences in game play specifications between the terminal devices 1500 can be more effectively prevented.

[0188] The forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and constituent elements can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

[0189] [Variation 1] For example, in the game of the above embodiment, a second-type user cannot enter his / her character (second-type character) into the battle area A11 and cannot play a game involving direct combat where the user faces off against an enemy. This is because the gameplay specifications of the terminal device 1500 used are low. If a terminal device 1500 with high gameplay specifications is obtained, the second-type user can enjoy the game by playing a battle event as a first-type user. Therefore, an introduction image of an image of the shared game space (high-resolution game image) intended for first-type terminal devices may be displayed on the second-type terminal device. For example, in the server system 1100, the game management unit 230 generates an introduction image at a predetermined display timing during the game as introduction image display control means. Then, data of the introduction image is provided to the second-type terminal device and controlled to be displayed. The introduction image is obtained by generating an image of the shared game space (i.e., a high-resolution game image) using the first type game setting data 530A (see Figure 7) of the first type terminal data 520A based on the image processing information for high-resolution viewpoints (basic data for image generation) provided to the first type terminal device.

[0190] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the display of an introduction image on a second-type terminal device. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the display of the introduction image can be realized by displaying a window W3 of the introduction image on a low-resolution game image. For example, the display timing may be set to the start of a battle event, and the window W3 of the introduction image may be kept displayed until the battle event ends, or the window W3 may be closed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the display timing. This is expected to have the effect of encouraging second-type users to become first-type users and enjoy exciting gameplay.

[0191] [Variation 2] In the above embodiment, a third-person viewpoint is exemplified as a high-resolution viewpoint, but a first-person viewpoint may be set. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which a selection operation by a user (first-class user) to select one of a plurality of viewpoints such as a first-person viewpoint, a third-person viewpoint, or a bird's-eye viewpoint is accepted, and a viewpoint for the user can be selected.

[0192] [Variation 3] Furthermore, when applied to a game in which users are divided into multiple teams and compete against each other, a configuration may be adopted in which an event is executed in which only users of the terminal devices 1500 belonging to the losing team can participate. For example, an event is executed when a losing condition is met, and an event is executed to grant a benefit to users belonging to the losing team. This can be realized by including the setting of the event in the event table 553. The content of the benefit can include, for example, a setting of a benefit that allows the game to proceed advantageously, such as temporary strengthening or recovery of a character.

[0193] Specifically, in the event control process of this modified example, the event execution control unit 247 determines the disadvantageous condition, for example, "the score difference with other teams widens to a predetermined difference and the team is at a disadvantage," in accordance with the settings in the event table 553. If a team satisfies the disadvantageous condition, control is performed to grant a benefit to the users of that team. This makes it possible to grant a benefit to the users of the disadvantaged team that enables them to catch up or overtake the team.

[0194] [Variation 4] Furthermore, by aggregating the user's game play history by terminal type, it is possible to determine trends in play duration for each terminal type and execute an event according to the determined trends. For example, the event table 553 may include a setting for an event that can only be participated in by users of terminal devices 1500 of the corresponding terminal type, with the timing of execution set to when the average play duration for each terminal type falls below a predetermined number of days.

[0195] Specifically, in the event control process of this modified example, the event execution control unit 247 refers to the play history in the user management data 540 and calculates, for each user, the play period from when the new user is registered until the user stops playing the game continuously (until the user leaves the game and stops logging in). Next, the event execution control unit 247 averages the play periods for each terminal type to obtain an average play period for each terminal type. Then, in accordance with the settings in the event table 553 described above, the event execution control unit 247 executes an event in which only users of first-type terminal devices (first-type users) can participate when the average play period for a first-type terminal device has decreased and the execution timing has arrived. Similarly, when the average play period for a second-type terminal device has decreased and the execution timing has arrived, the event execution control unit 247 executes an event in which only users of second-type terminal devices (second-type users) can participate.

[0196] According to this, when the number of Type 1 users who quit the game after a short period of time is on the rise, an event can be held for Type 1 users, and when the number of Type 2 users who quit the game is on the rise, an event can be held for Type 2 users, thereby increasing the motivation of users participating in the game to play.

[0197] [Variation 5] Furthermore, the timing of event execution may be controlled based on the execution ratio between the number of events that only users of the first type terminal device (first type users) can participate in and the number of events that only users of the second type terminal device (second type users) can participate in. For example, events may be executed so that the execution ratio reaches a predetermined target ratio (e.g., 2:1).

[0198] In the event execution control process of this modified example, the event execution control unit 247 counts the number of executed events for type 1 users and the number of executed events for type 2 users to monitor the execution ratio. Meanwhile, the event table 553 includes a setting for a timely execution event for type 1 users, whose execution timing is set to timely and whose specification condition is a type 1 terminal device, and a setting for a timely execution event for type 2 users, whose execution timing is set to timely and whose specification condition is a type 2 terminal device. The event execution control unit 247 then adjusts the number of executed events for type 1 users and the number of executed events for type 2 users by controlling the execution timing of the timely execution event so that the execution ratio approaches the target ratio.

[0199] [Variation 6] Furthermore, the execution timing of an event can also be controlled based on the ratio between the number of users of the first type terminal device (first type users) and the number of users of the second type terminal device (second type users).

[0200] In the event execution control process of this modified example, the event execution control unit 247, as an execution timing control unit, first counts the number of first-type users and the number of second-type users and monitors the ratio between the two. Furthermore, in the same manner as in the modified example 5, a setting for a timely execution event for first-type users and a setting for a timely execution event for second-type users are included in the event table 553. The event execution control unit 247 then controls the execution timing of each timely execution event by increasing the execution frequency of the timely execution event for first-type users when the number of first-type users is greater than the number of second-type users, and increasing the execution frequency of the timely execution event for second-type users when the ratio of second-type users is high.

[0201] [Variation 7] In the above embodiments, an example has been described in which, when a new user (a mid-game joining user) logs in to a game, the initial position of the character operated by that user is variably determined depending on whether the terminal device 1500 is a first-type terminal device or a second-type terminal device. Here, the present invention can also be applied to games in which a user can restart by satisfying a given restart condition during game play. For example, a game in which the number of remaining lives is set and the game can be restarted until that number reaches zero. When applied to such games, when there is a user who restarts (a restart user), the initial position of the character operated by that user at the time of restart may be variably determined in the same manner as in the above embodiments depending on whether the terminal device 1500 is a first-type terminal device or a second-type terminal device.

[0202] [Variation 8] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if a user logs in during the game, their mid-game participation is accepted, but the present invention can also be applied to games in which a predetermined participation acceptance period is set in advance, and only users who express their intention to participate during the participation acceptance period can participate, and mid-game participation is not accepted.

[0203] [Variation 9] In the above embodiment, the consent request is made, but the consent request may not be made. In this case, the consent request control unit 257 and the rejection response control unit 259 are not required. [Explanation of symbols]

[0204] 1000...Game System 1100...Server system 100s...Operation input section 200s...Server processing section 210...User Management Department 230...Game Management Department 231...Terminal type determination unit 233…Initial position determination unit 240...Game progress control unit 245...Character movement control unit 246...Viewpoint control unit 247...Event execution control unit 253…1st provision part 255…Second provision part 257...Consent request control section 259... Rejection response control section 290s...Image generation section 292s…sound generation section 294s…Communication control unit 390s...Image display section 392s...Sound output section 394s…Communication Department 500s...Server storage section 501...Server program 510...Data on the distribution terminal 520A...Type 1 terminal data 521A...Type 1 Game Client Program 530A...Type 1 game setting data 531...Type 1 character data 533...Type 2 character data 520B...Type 2 terminal data 521B...Type 2 game client program 530B...Type 2 game setting data 540...User management data 550...Game setting data 551...Terminal type determination criteria 553...Event table 560...Current game data 561...Operation input history data 563...Game space control data 565...Viewpoint control data 567...Character control data 590...Current event data 570...Player data 571...User ID 575...Gameplay spec information 577...Registered device type 579...Current device type 580...Current viewpoint type 583...Controlled character ID 585...Communication speed measurement history 1500...Terminal device 100...Operation input section 200...Terminal processing section 270...Terminal side game calculation unit 271...Operation signal transmission control unit 273...Game screen display control unit 290...Image generation unit 292...Sound generation section 294...Communication control unit 390...Image display unit 392...Sound output unit 394…Communications Department 500...Device memory section 600...Terminal data 9. Network

Claims

1. A server system that provides an online game in which each user can enjoy controlling their own character placed in a shared game space, The users include a plurality of users who operate first-type terminal devices and a plurality of users who operate second-type terminal devices whose game play specifications are different from those of the first-type terminal devices, character position information management means for managing position information of each user's character within the shared game space; an event execution control means for controlling the execution of a given event in which only users of terminal devices that satisfy given specification conditions based on the game play specifications can participate; Equipped with the event execution control means controls the execution of the event so that only the users of the first type terminal devices can participate, based on a distribution of positions of characters of the users of the first type terminal devices in the shared game space. Server system.

2. The specification conditions are conditions that only the first type terminal device satisfies. The server system according to claim 1 .

3. A server system that provides an online game in which each user can enjoy controlling their own character placed in a shared game space, The users include a plurality of users who operate first-type terminal devices and a plurality of users who operate second-type terminal devices whose game play specifications are different from those of the first-type terminal devices, character position information management means for managing position information of each user's character within the shared game space; an event execution control means for controlling the execution of a given event in which only users of terminal devices that satisfy given specification conditions based on the game play specifications can participate; Equipped with The specification conditions include a first type specification condition that is satisfied only by the first type terminal device and a second type specification condition that is satisfied only by the second type terminal device, The event execution control means a first-type event execution control means for controlling the execution of a first-type event in which only users of the first-type terminal devices can participate, based on a given execution timing set for the users of the first-type terminal devices; a second-type event execution control means for controlling the execution of a second-type event in which only users of the second-type terminal devices can participate, based on a given execution timing set for the users of the second-type terminal devices; A server system having:

4. an acquisition means for acquiring the game play specifications from the terminal device; Equipped with the event execution control means controls the event so that only users of the terminal devices whose game play specifications acquired by the acquisition means satisfy the specification conditions can participate in the event; 3. The server system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The gameplay specifications include download-based communication speeds, a terminal type determination means for dynamically determining whether the terminal device is the first type terminal device or the second type terminal device based on the communication speed; The server system of claim 4 further comprising:

6. the event execution control means controls the event so that only users of the first type terminal devices can participate; a privilege granting process control means for controlling execution of a privilege granting process for granting a given privilege to a user of a terminal device that was determined to be the second type terminal device by the terminal type determination means at a first timing and then determined to be the first type terminal device by the terminal type determination means at a second timing, and therefore was unable to participate in the event at the first timing but becomes able to participate in the event at the second timing; The server system of claim 5 further comprising:

7. a determination means for variably determining an initial position of a character of a mid-game joining user who joins the online game mid-game, or a restart user who restarts by satisfying a given restart condition during game play (hereinafter collectively referred to as a "start user"), depending on whether the terminal device of the start user is the first type terminal device or the second type terminal device; 7. The server system according to claim 1, comprising:

8. the determination means includes a first type initial position determination means that, when the terminal device of the starting user is the first type terminal device, determines the initial position based on positions within the shared game space where characters of users of other first type terminal devices are present; The server system according to claim 7.

9. the first type initial position determination means determines the initial position when the terminal device of the starting user is the first type terminal device to be closer to a position in the shared game space where characters of users of other first type terminal devices are located, compared to the initial position when the terminal device of the starting user is the second type terminal device; The server system according to claim 8.

10. the event execution control means sets an area in which the event is to be triggered within the shared game space and controls the execution of the event; the determining means determines the initial position by changing the distance of the initial position relative to the activation area depending on whether the terminal device of the starting user is the first type terminal device or the second type terminal device. The server system according to claim 7.

11. the second type terminal device has game play specifications that are inferior to those of the first type terminal device, the game image whose display is controlled on the first type terminal device is an image from a first-person perspective or a third-person perspective, the game image whose display is controlled on the second type terminal device is an image from a bird's-eye view; The server system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. execution timing control means for controlling the execution timing of the event based on the ratio of the number of users of the first type terminal devices to the number of users of the second type terminal devices among users logged in to the online game; The server system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising:

13. The online game is a game in which players are divided into multiple teams and compete against each other, The event execution control means an inferior event execution control means for controlling the execution of the event so that only users of terminal devices belonging to a weaker team among the terminal devices that satisfy the specification conditions can participate; having The server system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A terminal device in a game system configured by a server system that provides an online game in which each user can enjoy playing by controlling each character placed in a shared game space on their own terminal device, and the terminal device being communicatively connected to the server system, The users include a plurality of users who operate first-type terminal devices and a plurality of users who operate second-type terminal devices whose game play specifications are different from those of the first-type terminal devices, The server system includes: character position information management means for managing position information of each user's character within the shared game space; an event execution control means for controlling the execution of a given event in which only users of the terminal devices that satisfy given specification conditions based on the game play specifications can participate, the event execution control means controlling the execution of the event in which only users of the first type terminal devices can participate, based on a distribution of positions of characters of the users of the first type terminal devices in the shared game space; Equipped with a terminal device that controls participation in the event when the event execution control means of the server system makes it possible to participate in the event;

15. A terminal device in a game system configured by a server system that provides an online game in which each user can enjoy playing by controlling each character placed in a shared game space on their own terminal device, and the terminal device being communicatively connected to the server system, The users include a plurality of users who operate first-type terminal devices and a plurality of users who operate second-type terminal devices whose game play specifications are different from those of the first-type terminal devices, The server system includes: character position information management means for managing position information of each user's character within the shared game space; an event execution control means for controlling the execution of a given event in which only users of the terminal devices that satisfy given specification conditions based on the game play specifications can participate; Equipped with The specification conditions include a first type specification condition that is satisfied only by the first type terminal device and a second type specification condition that is satisfied only by the second type terminal device, The event execution control means a first-type event execution control means for controlling the execution of a first-type event in which only users of the first-type terminal devices can participate, based on a given execution timing set for the users of the first-type terminal devices; a second-type event execution control means for controlling the execution of a second-type event in which only users of the second-type terminal devices can participate, based on a given execution timing set for the users of the second-type terminal devices; and a terminal device that controls participation in the event when the event execution control means of the server system makes it possible to participate in the event;

16. A method for providing an online game in which each user controls a character placed in a shared game space and enjoys the game, comprising: The users include a plurality of users who operate first-type terminal devices and a plurality of users who operate second-type terminal devices whose game play specifications are different from those of the first-type terminal devices, a character position information management step for managing position information of each of the users' characters within the shared game space; an event execution control step of controlling execution of a given event in which only users of terminal devices that satisfy given specification conditions based on the game play specifications can participate; Including, the event execution control step is a step of controlling execution of the event so that only the users of the first type terminal devices can participate, based on a distribution of positions of characters of the users of the first type terminal devices in the shared game space. How it is provided.

17. A method for providing an online game in which each user controls a character placed in a shared game space and enjoys the game, comprising: The users include a plurality of users who operate first-type terminal devices and a plurality of users who operate second-type terminal devices whose game play specifications are different from those of the first-type terminal devices, a character position information management step for managing position information of each of the users' characters within the shared game space; an event execution control step of controlling execution of a given event in which only users of terminal devices that satisfy given specification conditions based on the game play specifications can participate; Including, The specification conditions include a first type specification condition that is satisfied only by the first type terminal device and a second type specification condition that is satisfied only by the second type terminal device, The event execution control step includes: a first-type event execution control step of controlling the execution of a first-type event in which only users of the first-type terminal devices can participate, based on a given execution timing set for users of the first-type terminal devices; a second-type event execution control step of controlling the execution of a second-type event in which only users of the second-type terminal devices can participate, based on a given execution timing set for the users of the second-type terminal devices; and a method of providing the same.

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