Information processing program, game system, game device, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a mechanism that can start and end a multiplayer play normally when a game program is executed with an emulator to realize the multiplayer play by communication.SOLUTION: A processor of a game device, in a case where there is a participation request to a multiplayer play of another player on the basis of the communication from another information processing device, when a game program is being executed, continues such a state that another player does not participate in the multiplayer play, when a state shifts to a scene where execution of the game program with an emulator is started, allows another player to participate in the multiplayer play, executes the multiplayer play of the game program with the emulator on the basis of the communication between the information processing devices of the players participating in the multiplayer play, and when a termination instruction of the game is performed or there is a termination request of the game from another player on the basis of the communication during the multiplayer play in the multiplayer play, temporarily suspends the game.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing program, a game system, a game device, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional portable game machines, when multiple people play, the portable game machines are sometimes connected to each other with a wired communication cable. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-71137 (Patent Document 1) discloses a communication game system consisting of four game machines and a communication cable.

[0003] In such a communication game system, the operation of physically connecting game machines via a communication cable has almost the same meaning as a player's participation in the game. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-71137 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Since game programs executed on conventional portable game consoles such as those described above are assumed to be created with the assumption that they will be connected via a wired communication cable, unexpected behavior may occur if such game programs are executed on current devices using an emulator and multiplayer play is attempted over a network. For example, the common practice of players joining and leaving current games is equivalent to plugging and unplugging a communication cable from the perspective of the game program. If a player joins or leaves at any time during the game, unexpected behavior such as a forced termination may occur depending on the game program's specifications. For example, if a forced termination occurs in a game that allows saving, data that should have been saved may not be saved.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a mechanism for successfully starting and ending multiplayer play when a game program is executed on an emulator to realize multiplayer play via communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (Configuration 1) An information processing program according to one embodiment causes a computer of an information processing device to execute a game program capable of multiplayer play using an emulator, and when a request for other players to join the multiplayer play is received from another information processing device based on communication, while the game program is being executed, the other players continue to be in a state where they are not participating in the multiplayer play, and when a transition is made to a scene where the game program starts to be executed by the emulator, the other players are allowed to join the multiplayer play, and based on communication between the information processing devices of the players participating in the multiplayer play, the multiplayer play of the game program is executed by the emulator, and when an instruction to end the game is given during multiplayer play or when a request to end the game is received from another player based on communication, the game is temporarily suspended, and further when an instruction to end the game is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play, the game program is terminated.

[0008] According to configuration 1, even when an emulator is used to run a (past) game program that was not designed to be connected / disconnected to other information processing devices during multiplayer play, the game program itself can be left unchanged and multiplayer play can be started and ended normally.

[0009] (Configuration 2) In configuration 1, the game program that can be played by multiple people is one of multiple game programs that can be played by multiple people, and the scene where execution of the game program by the emulator is started is the scene where one of the multiple game programs to start is selected.

[0010] According to configuration 2, the emulator can be started when selecting a game program to be played in multiplayer mode, so that the processing required for multiplayer mode can be executed in advance.

[0011] (Configuration 3) In configuration 1 or 2, the information processing program further causes the computer to transition to a scene where the player can select which of multiple game programs to start when an end instruction is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play and the game program is ended.

[0012] According to configuration 3, even after a game program has ended due to multiplayer play, if the same players wish to play multiplayer again, they can select a game program for multiplayer play with a few operations.

[0013] (Configuration 4) In any of configurations 1 to 3, the information processing program further causes the computer to transition to a scene where the players participating in the multiplayer play can select which of multiple game programs to start, while maintaining their participation, when an end instruction is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play and the game program is ended.

[0014] According to configuration 4, even after a game program has ended due to multiplayer play, the same players can immediately start multiplayer play.

[0015] (Configuration 5) In any of configurations 1 to 4, the information processing program further causes the computer to receive and display the game screen of the player who has instructed screen sharing while multiplayer play is being executed using an emulator, and, if screen sharing is instructed, to transmit the game screen to other information processing devices.

[0016] According to configuration 5, for example, even when a game program that is based on the premise that the player plays while viewing the other player's game screen on a conventional portable game machine, or a game program that is more fun when players show each other their game screens, is executed by an emulator, the player can play the game in the same way as on a conventional portable game machine.

[0017] Furthermore, according to configuration 5, screen sharing can be instructed for each player, so that a play style that the player considers appropriate can be freely determined without modifying the game program.

[0018] (Configuration 6) A game system according to another embodiment includes a plurality of information processing devices, each including a processor. Each processor of the plurality of information processing devices executes a game program capable of multiplayer play using an emulator. When a request for another player to join the multiplayer play is received from another information processing device via communication, the processor continues a state in which the other player is not participating in the multiplayer play while the game program is running. When a transition is made to a scene in which execution of the game program by the emulator begins, the processor allows the other player to join the multiplayer play. The processor executes multiplayer play of the game program using the emulator based on communication between the information processing devices of the players participating in the multiplayer play. When an instruction to end the game is given during multiplayer play or when a request to end the game is received from another player via communication, the processor temporarily suspends the game. Furthermore, when an instruction to end the game is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play, the processor terminates the game program. Configuration 6 provides the same effects as Configuration 1.

[0019] (Configuration 7) In configuration 6, the game program that can be played by multiple people is one of multiple game programs that can be played by multiple people, and the scene where execution of the game program by the emulator is started is the scene where one of the multiple game programs to start is selected. Configuration 7 provides the same effects as configuration 2.

[0020] (Configuration 8) In configuration 7, when an end instruction is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play and the game program is ended, the processor further transitions to a scene where the player can select which of the multiple game programs to start. Configuration 8 provides the same effect as configuration 3.

[0021] (Configuration 9) In configuration 8, when an end instruction is given from the information processing device of all players participating in the multiplayer play and the game program is ended, the processor further transitions to a scene where the players participating in the multiplayer play can select which of the multiple game programs to start, while maintaining their participation. Configuration 9 provides the same effect as configuration 4.

[0022] (Configuration 10) In any of configurations 6 to 9, the processor further receives and displays the game screen of the player who has instructed screen sharing while the multiplayer game is being executed by the emulator, and transmits the game screen to other information processing devices when screen sharing is instructed. Configuration 10 provides the same effect as configuration 5.

[0023] (Configuration 11) According to another embodiment, a game device including a processor is provided. The processor of the game device executes a game program capable of multiplayer play using an emulator. When another information processing device requests, via communication, that another player join the multiplayer play, the processor continues a state in which the other players are not participating in the multiplayer play while the game program is running. When a transition is made to a scene in which execution of the game program by the emulator begins, the processor allows the other players to join the multiplayer play. The processor executes multiplayer play of the game program using the emulator based on communication between the information processing devices of the players participating in the multiplayer play. When an instruction to end the game is given during multiplayer play or when a request to end the game is made by another player via communication, the processor temporarily suspends the game. Furthermore, when an instruction to end the game is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play, the processor terminates the game program. Configuration 11 provides the same effect as configuration 1.

[0024] (Configuration 12) In configuration 11, the game program that can be played by multiple people is one of multiple game programs that can be played by multiple people, and the scene where execution of the game program by the emulator is started is the scene where one of the multiple game programs to be started is selected. According to configuration 12, the same effect as configuration 2 can be obtained.

[0025] (Configuration 13) In configuration 12, when an end instruction is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play and the game program is ended, the processor further transitions to a scene where the player can select which of the multiple game programs to start. According to configuration 13, the same effect as in configuration 3 can be obtained.

[0026] (Configuration 14) In configuration 13, when an end instruction is given from the information processing device of all players participating in the multiplayer play and the game program is ended, the processor further transitions to a scene where the players participating in the multiplayer play can select which of the multiple game programs to start, while maintaining their participation. Configuration 14 provides the same effect as configuration 4.

[0027] (Configuration 15) In any of configurations 11 to 14, the processor further receives and displays a game screen of a player who has instructed screen sharing while a multiplayer game is being executed by an emulator, and transmits the game screen to other information processing devices when screen sharing is instructed. Configuration 15 provides the same effect as configuration 5.

[0028] (Configuration 16) In an information processing method according to another embodiment, a processor of a game device executes a game program capable of multiplayer play using an emulator, and when a request for another player to join the multiplayer play is received from another information processing device via communication, the processor continues a state in which the other player is not participating in the multiplayer play while the game program is running, and when a transition is made to a scene in which execution of the game program by the emulator begins, allows the other player to join the multiplayer play, and the processor executes multiplayer play of the game program using the emulator based on communication between the information processing devices of the players participating in the multiplayer play, and when an instruction to end the game is given during multiplayer play or when a request to end the game is received from another player via communication, the processor temporarily suspends the game, and further when an instruction to end the game is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play, ends the game program. Configuration 16 can achieve the same effect as configuration 1.

[0029] (Configuration 17) In configuration 16, the game program that can be played by multiple people is one of multiple game programs that can be played by multiple people, and the scene where execution of the game program by the emulator is started is the scene where one of the multiple game programs to be started is selected. According to configuration 17, the same effect as configuration 2 can be obtained.

[0030] (Configuration 18) In configuration 17, when an end instruction is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play and the game program is ended, the processor further transitions to a scene where the player can select which of the multiple game programs to start. According to configuration 18, the same effect as in configuration 3 can be obtained.

[0031] (Configuration 19) In configuration 18, when an end instruction is given from the information processing device of all players participating in the multiplayer play and the game program is ended, the processor further transitions to a scene where the players participating in the multiplayer play can select which of the multiple game programs to start, while maintaining their participation. Configuration 19 provides the same effect as configuration 4.

[0032] (Configuration 20) In any of configurations 16 to 19, the processor receives and displays the game screen of the player who has instructed screen sharing while the multiplayer game is being executed by the emulator, and transmits the game screen to other information processing devices when screen sharing is instructed. Configuration 20 provides the same effect as configuration 5. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the present disclosure, when a game program is executed on an emulator to realize multiplayer play via communication, a mechanism can be provided that enables the multiplayer play to be started and ended normally. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example configuration of the game system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a game device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a connection between game devices according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure when a game device constituting the system according to the present embodiment executes a game program. [Figure 7]10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure when a game device constituting the system according to the present embodiment executes a game program. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface screen for the game device according to the present embodiment to accept a mode selection. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface screen for the game device according to the present embodiment to accept selection of a game program to be executed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface screen for notifying the game device according to the present embodiment that a game program is being executed in the selected host. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface screen for receiving consent from a player to mid-termination of a game program being executed by the game device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface screen provided by the game device according to the present embodiment in a screen sharing mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0036] [A. Example of game system configuration] First, an example of the configuration of a game system according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0037] The game system includes one or more information processing devices. The information processing device may have any hardware configuration as long as it can execute a game program using an emulator. The information processing device may be, for example, a game device, a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile phone, a personal computer, or the like. Below, a configuration example will be described in which a game device 100, which is a computer, is used as an example of an information processing device.

[0038] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 1 shows an example of a configuration in which four game devices 100-1 to 100-4 (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "game devices 100") are connected by local communication as an example of a network.

[0039] Each game device 100 can communicate with one or more other game devices 100. In the game system 1 shown in Fig. 1, any communication method (wired or wireless) may be adopted as long as data can be exchanged between the game devices 100. Furthermore, the game devices 100 may communicate directly with each other (for example, in ad-hoc mode of a wireless LAN), or may communicate via a relay device (for example, in infrastructure mode of a wireless LAN).

[0040] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the configuration of game system 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 shows an example of a configuration in which four game devices 100-1 to 100-4 are connected by online connection via network 10, which is another example of a network. Game devices 100 exchange data with each other via network 10.

[0041] In the game system 1 shown in FIG. 2, the communication method by which each of the game devices 100 connects to the network 10 may be a wired method or a wireless method.

[0042] 1 and 2, each of the game devices 100 can use an emulator to execute a game program 118. The game program 118 may be a previously sold application.

[0043] For example, if the game program 118 is playable by multiple players, each of the game devices 100 executes the multiplayer play of the game program 118 using an emulator based on communication between the game devices 100 of the players participating in the multiplayer play.

[0044] As used herein, "multiplayer play" means that multiple players (users) play the same game program simultaneously. Alternatively, "multiplayer play" means that multiple players (users) participate in the same player group. Furthermore, "multiplayer play" means that each game device 100 executes a game program 118 based not only on information about the player's operations on that device, but also on information from other game devices 100.

[0045] Note that all game devices 100 may store the game program 118 in advance by any method. If there is a game device 100 that does not store the game program 118, the game program 118 may be downloaded from a game device 100 that stores the game program 118. Alternatively, some or all of the game devices 100 may download the game program 118 as needed from a server (not shown) or the like.

[0046] [B. Hardware configuration example] Next, an example of a hardware configuration of game device 100 constituting game system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0047] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of game device 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to Fig. 3, game device 100 is, by way of example, a computer, and includes one or more processors 102, memory 104, storage 110, display 106, operation unit 108, and communication unit 120. These components are connected to each other via bus 122 so as to be able to communicate data with each other.

[0048] The processor 102 is a processing entity that executes the processes provided by the game device 100. The processor 102 sequentially loads necessary portions of the programs stored in the storage 110 into the memory 104 and executes them.

[0049] The memory 104 is a volatile storage device (storage medium) accessible by the processor 102, and may be, for example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM).

[0050] Storage 110 is a non-volatile storage device (storage medium) accessible by processor 102, and may be, for example, a hard disk or a solid state drive (SSD). Storage 110 may also be, for example, a storage medium that is detachable from game device 100, such as an optical disk or a cartridge.

[0051] The storage 110 stores a system program 112, an execution management program 114, and an emulator program 116.

[0052] The system program 112 contains computer-readable instructions that cause the processor 102 to perform the basic operations necessary for the gaming device 100 to function.

[0053] The execution manager 114 includes computer-readable instructions for causing the processor 102 to execute the game program 118 with the emulator.

[0054] The emulator program 116 includes computer-readable instructions that cause the processor 102 to virtually configure an environment for executing the game program 118 .

[0055] The "information processing program" according to this embodiment includes at least an execution management program 114. The "information processing program" may also include a system program 112 and / or an emulator program 116. How the program is implemented is a design matter and can be determined appropriately depending on the required performance and constraints.

[0056] One or more game programs 118 may be stored in storage 110, or may be downloaded from a server or the like as needed in response to a request from a player. In this case, the game programs 118 may be deployed in memory 104 only during execution, but may not necessarily be stored in storage 110.

[0057] As an example, game program 118 is a program created to be executed on a game device other than game device 100 (for example, a game device developed before game device 100). However, even when executed on game device 100, game program 118 may remain in its original form. In other words, game program 118 does not need to be modified in order to be executed by an emulator of game device 100.

[0058] The storage 110 may store application data 130 generated by the execution of the game program 118 .

[0059] Display 106 displays an image generated as a result of information processing executed by processor 102. There may be multiple displays 106. Furthermore, game device 100 may be configured to use one or multiple external displays.

[0060] The operation unit 108 receives operation inputs from a player of the game device 100. The operation unit 108 includes, for example, push buttons, an operation lever, a touch panel, a mouse, etc. The operation unit 108 may be a game controller that is separate from the game device 100 and is connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0061] The communication unit 120 communicates with other game devices 100. The communication unit 120 may have hardware necessary for wired communication and / or hardware necessary for wireless communication. Note that all or part of the processing of the communication unit 120 may be implemented by the processor 102.

[0062] 3, game device 100 is depicted as a single device, but it may be implemented as a collection of multiple devices. That is, one game device 100 may be implemented as a combination of multiple independent devices. For example, a separate configuration may be adopted, consisting of a main body unit having hardware corresponding to processor 102, memory 104, and storage 110, and a display / operation unit having hardware corresponding to display 106 and operation unit 108.

[0063] Furthermore, at least a part of the processing executed by game device 100 may be executed in a distributed manner by one or more other devices distributed over a network.

[0064] The processing performed by game device 100 may be realized by processor 102 executing a program, or some or all of the processing may be realized by a hardwired circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Therefore, in this specification, the term "processor" not only refers to a processing circuit that executes processing according to computer-readable instructions written in a program, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but also encompasses hardwired circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs. Hardwired circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs have pre-configured circuits corresponding to the processing to be executed. Furthermore, in this specification, "processor" also encompasses a circuit that integrates multiple functions, such as an SoC (System on Chip).

[0065] [C. Functional configuration example] Next, an example of a functional configuration of game device 100 constituting game system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0066] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of game device 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to Fig. 4, game device 100 includes, as its main functional components, an execution management module 124 and an emulator 126. Execution management module 124 is an instance generated when processor 102 of game device 100 executes execution management program 114 (Fig. 3), and emulator 126 is an instance generated when processor 102 of game device 100 executes emulator program 116 (Fig. 3). Note that multiple emulators 126 may be generated in one game device 100.

[0067] The execution management module 124 performs processes such as selecting the game program 118 to be executed by the emulator 126, managing the execution of the selected game program 118 by the emulator 126, exchanging player operation information, and outputting the game screen.

[0068] The execution management module 124 acquires the details of the player's operation of the operation unit 108 of his / her own device (player operation information 150) and provides it to the emulator 126. The execution management module 124 also outputs a game screen obtained by executing the game program 118 on the emulator 126 to the display 106. The execution management module 124 may also output the sound obtained by executing the game program 118 on the emulator 126 from a speaker (not shown) or the like.

[0069] The emulator 126 is a virtual environment for executing the game program 118, receives player operation information 150, and outputs game screens and sounds as the execution results. The emulator 126 exchanges shared data 142 with other emulators 126. The shared data 142 corresponds to the data that conventional portable game consoles exchanged via wired communication cables. The shared data 142 is defined as data to be sent and received during multiplayer play of the game program 118. The shared data 142 includes information necessary for realizing multiplayer play, such as character coordinates and action instructions.

[0070] The emulator 126 has a virtual save area 128 in which the game program 118 saves data. From the perspective of the game program 118, the virtual save area 128 behaves like a real save area. The virtual save area 128 itself may be implemented on the memory 104, but the saved data (application data) may be stored in the storage 110 (for example, application data 130 in FIG. 3). The emulator 126 can be realized using known technology.

[0071] In game system 1 according to the present embodiment, emulators 126 can form a connection simulating a wired communication cable.

[0072] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a connection between game devices 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 5 shows an example of a configuration in which, for example, multiple people play game program 118 on game devices 100-1 to 100-4. Emulators 126 of game devices 100 form connection 140 simulating a communication cable via execution management module 124. Connection 140 is a virtual or logical data transmission path.

[0073] The emulator 126 exchanges shared data 142, which conventional portable game machines exchanged via wired communication cables, with other emulators 126 via a connection 140. By configuring the connection 140, it is possible to provide an environment similar to that of multiple portable game machines connected via wired communication cables from the perspective of the game program 118.

[0074] For ease of explanation, Fig. 5 shows an example in which connections 140 are established between adjacent game devices 100, but connections 140 may be established for all pairs of emulators 126. Also, Fig. 5 shows an example configuration consisting of four game devices 100, but any number of game devices 100 may be used.

[0075] [D. Example of processing procedure when executing a game program] Next, an example of a processing procedure when game device 100 constituting game system 1 according to the present embodiment executes game program 118 will be described.

[0076] For a game program 118 that allows multiple players to play simultaneously, the game device 100 is, for example, capable of selecting between two modes: a "host" mode that invites players to join in a multiplayer game, and a "guest" mode that joins in response to the "host" invitation.

[0077] 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of a processing procedure when game device 100 constituting a system according to the present embodiment executes game program 118. Each step shown in Fig. 6 may be realized, for example, by processor 102 of game device 100 executing at least execution management program 114 (Fig. 3).

[0078] Referring to FIG. 6, game device 100 determines in which mode the player has instructed it to operate (step S100).

[0079] 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface screen 200 for game device 100 according to the present embodiment to accept a mode selection. Referring to FIG. 8, user interface screen 200 includes a button 202 for instructing the player to wait for participation from other players as the host, and a button 204 for instructing the player to participate as a guest in a game held by the host. The player selects button 202 or button 204.

[0080] Referring again to FIG. 6, when the player instructs the game device 100 to act as a host ("host" in step S100), the game device 100 displays a list screen of executable game programs 118 on the display 106 (step S102).

[0081] The processing of steps S102 to S116 corresponds to the scene of selecting a game program 118 that can be played by multiple people. Only game programs 118 that can be played by multiple people may be displayed on the display 106, or game programs 118 that do not support multiplayer play may also be displayed. In the latter case, the programs may be displayed in different ways so that the player can distinguish whether or not they can be played by multiple people.

[0082] The game device 100 generates the emulator 126 when selecting a multiplayer game program 118 (step S104). That is, the execution of the game program 118 by the emulator 126 may be started when selecting which of the multiple game programs 118 to start.

[0083] After step S104 is executed, the game device 100 operates as a host and is therefore in a state of waiting for a participation request from another player. For example, when a request for participation of another player (operating that other game device 100) in a multiplayer play is made through communication from that other game device 100, the game device 100 allows the other player to participate in the multiplayer play if the game program 118 has not yet started to be executed, such as immediately after step S104 is executed.

[0084] More specifically, when a participation request is received from another player (YES in step S106), the game device 100 shares a screen listing executable game programs 118 with the other game device 100 that sent the participation request (step S108). In addition, the game device 100 establishes a connection 140 simulating a communication cable between the emulator 126 that it has generated and the emulator 126 of the game device 100 that sent the participation request (step S110).

[0085] Although not shown in FIG. 8, when a withdrawal request is received from another player, the game device 100 releases the connection 140 between the game device 100 and the emulator 126 of the game device 100 that sent the withdrawal request.

[0086] The game devices 100 that share the list screen of executable game programs 118 are the game devices 100 that participate in the multiplayer play. The list screen may be shared by transmitting the screen data itself from the host to the guests, or by receiving selection information of the game programs 118 from the host and each game device 100 functioning as a guest generating the list screen.

[0087] 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface screen 210 for game device 100 according to the present embodiment to accept the selection of a game program to be executed. Referring to FIG. 9, user interface screen 210 includes a participating player display 212 showing currently participating players and a list display 214 of game programs 118.

[0088] The host player can select the game program 118 to be executed by performing a selection operation on the user interface screen 210. An object 216 indicating that the selected game program 118 has been superimposed on it.

[0089] Referring again to FIG. 6, if there is no participation request from another player (NO in step S106), the processes of steps S108 and S110 are skipped.

[0090] The game device 100 also waits for the player operating the device to select a game program 118. When the player selects one of the game programs 118 (YES in step S112), the game device 100 displays an object for identifying the selected game program 118 (step S114). In this way, the game device 100 operating as the host selects one of the multiple multiplayer game programs 118 in response to the player's operation. In other words, the multiplayer game program 118 to be executed may be any one of the multiple multiplayer game programs 118.

[0091] If the player has not selected any of the game programs 118 (NO in step S112), the process of step S114 is skipped.

[0092] Next, the game device 100 determines whether or not an instruction to start execution of the game program 118 has been issued (step S116). If an instruction to start execution of the game program 118 has not been issued (NO in step S116), the processing from step S106 onwards is repeated.

[0093] When an instruction to start execution of the game program 118 is given (YES in step S116), the game device 100 starts execution of the selected game program 118 with the generated emulator 126 (step S118). In step S118, the game device 100 executes the multiplayer play of the game program 118 with the emulator 126 based on communication between the game devices 100 of the players participating in the multiplayer play.

[0094] In step S118, each of the game devices 100 executes the game program 118 by the emulator 126 in accordance with the instruction to start execution, and the multiplayer play progresses through communication between the game devices 100 operated by the players participating in the multiplayer play.

[0095] On the other hand, when instructed by a player to act as a guest ("Guest" in step S100), the game device 100 displays a list of other game devices 100 acting as hosts and their corresponding players on the display 106 (step S120). The game device 100 then waits for the player operating the game device to select one of the other game devices 100 (or the corresponding player).

[0096] When the player selects any other game device 100 (or a corresponding player) (YES in step S122), the game device 100 determines whether or not the game program 118 is being executed on the selected game device 100 (step S124).

[0097] If the game program 118 is currently being executed in the selected game device 100 (YES in step S124), a message is displayed to the effect that the game program 118 is currently being executed (step S126), and the processes from step S124 onwards are then repeated.

[0098] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface screen 230 for notifying game device 100 according to the present embodiment that game program 118 is currently being executed on the selected host. Referring to FIG. 10, user interface screen 230 includes a message 222 indicating that game program 118 is currently being executed on the selected host.

[0099] In this way, when another game device 100 (acting as a guest) requests another player to join the multiplayer play via communication, the game device 100 operating as the host allows the other player to continue not participating in the multiplayer play while the game program 118 is running. Furthermore, when the game device 100 operating as a guest transmits a request to join the multiplayer play to the other game device 100 (acting as the host), it displays a message (user interface screen 230) to prompt the player to wait to play until the other game device 100 allows the player to join the multiplayer play. By displaying such a message, it is possible to prevent the player from losing motivation to participate in the multiplayer play.

[0100] 6 again, if the game program 118 is not being executed on the selected game device 100 (NO in step S124), the game device 100 shares a list screen of executable game programs 118 with the selected game device 100 (step S128). In addition, the game device 100 generates an emulator 126 (step S130) and establishes a connection 140 simulating a communication cable with the emulator 126 of a game device 100 already participating in the multiplayer play (step S132).

[0101] In this way, when there is a request for another player to join the multiplayer play from another game device 100 (acting as a guest) via communication, the game device 100 operating as the host allows the other player to join the multiplayer play when the scene transitions to when execution of the game program 118 by the emulator 126 begins (NO in step S124). Note that in the processing of step S124, communication between the game device 100 operating as the host and the game device 100 operating as a guest is maintained.

[0102] Next, the game device 100 determines whether or not an instruction to start execution of the game program 118 has been issued (step S134). If an instruction to start execution of the game program 118 has not been issued (NO in step S134), the processing from step S134 onwards is repeated.

[0103] When an instruction to start execution of the game program 118 is given (YES in step S134), the processing from step S118 onwards is executed.

[0104] Following step S118, the game device 100 determines whether or not a command to share a screen has been issued by any of the game devices 100 participating in the multiplayer play (step S136).

[0105] When a screen sharing instruction is issued on any of the game devices 100 (YES in step S136), the game device 100 displays on its own device the game screen displayed on the game device 100 that was instructed to share the screen (step S138). Details of the processing related to screen sharing will be described later. If screen sharing is not instructed (NO in step S136), the processing of step S138 is skipped.

[0106] The game device 100 determines whether or not an instruction to end the game program 118 has been given on any of the game devices 100 participating in the multiplayer play (step S140). More specifically, each game device 100 determines whether or not an instruction to end the game program 118 has been given on its own device, and whether or not a request to end the game program 118 has been received from another player via communication.

[0107] If an instruction to end the game program 118 is not given (NO in step S140), the game device 100 determines whether or not the execution of the game program 118 has been completed (step S142). If the execution of the game program 118 has not been completed (NO in step S142), the execution of the game program 118 continues, and the processing from step S136 onwards is repeated.

[0108] When the execution of the game program 118 is completed (YES in step S142), the process returns to step S106.

[0109] When an instruction to end the game program 118 is given (NO in step S140), the processes of steps S144 and S146 are executed.

[0110] More specifically, the game device 100 temporarily suspends the execution of the game program 118 by the emulator 126 (step S144), and displays a screen for obtaining consent for terminating the game program 118 (step S146). This puts the game device 100 into a state of waiting for operation input from each player participating in the multiplayer play.

[0111] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface screen 230 for receiving consent from a player to terminate a game program being executed by game device 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11, user interface screen 230 includes player displays 231 to 234 that show the status of all players participating in the multiplayer play. The number of player displays is the same as the number of all players participating in the multiplayer play.

[0112] 11 shows an example in which player BBB (2P) has instructed to terminate the game program 118. Therefore, the player display 232 for player BBB (2P) shows a status display 236 indicating that consent has already been given. However, after instructing to terminate, the player may be allowed to choose again whether or not to agree to the termination.

[0113] 11 shows an example displayed on the game device 100 operated by player AAA (1P). Therefore, the player-specific display 231 for player AAA (1P) has a status display 235 that allows the player to select whether or not to agree.

[0114] The player-specific displays 233, 234 for the other players CCC (3P) and DDD (4P) have status displays 237, 238 that show which option each player has selected.

[0115] 7, if all players participating in the multiplayer play agree to terminate the execution of game program 118 (YES in step S148), game device 100 saves data required for game program 118 being executed (step S150). Then, the process returns to step S106.

[0116] In this way, when an instruction to end the game is given (by the player of the game device) during multiplayer play, or when a request to end the game is received from another player via communication, the game device 100 temporarily suspends the game, and when an instruction to end the game is given from the game devices 100 of all players participating in the multiplayer play, the game device 100 terminates the game program 118.

[0117] Then, the game device 100 transitions to a scene for selecting a game program 118 that can be played by multiple players. That is, when an end instruction is given from the game devices 100 of all players participating in the multiplayer play and the game program 118 is ended, the game device 100 transitions to a scene for selecting which of the multiple game programs 118 to start.

[0118] Note that, because the emulator 126 and the connection 140 are maintained in each of the game devices 100, even after the transition to the scene for selecting a game program 118 that can be played by multiple players, the players who were participating in the multiplayer play of the terminated game program 118 remain in a state where they can participate in the multiplayer play. In other words, when an end instruction is given from the game devices 100 of all players participating in the multiplayer play and the game program 118 is terminated, the game device 100 transitions to a scene for selecting which of the multiple game programs 118 to start, while maintaining the state in which the players participating in the multiplayer play are participating.

[0119] On the other hand, if all players participating in the multiplayer play do not agree to terminating the execution of the game program 118 (NO in step S148), the execution of the game program 118 is resumed and continued, and the processing from step S140 onwards is repeated.

[0120] [E. Modification of the processing procedure when executing a game program] 6 and 7, necessary data is saved (step S148) before the execution of game program 118 is terminated. Depending on the specifications of game program 118, saving of data may not be necessary. In such cases, step S146 in FIG. 7 can be omitted.

[0121] Furthermore, if saving of data is not required, the execution of the game program 118 may be terminated midway without obtaining consent from all players. In this case, the processing of step S146 in Fig. 7 may be omitted. That is, when any player instructs the game program 118 to terminate midway, the execution of the game program 118 may be terminated midway. However, to allow other players to understand the situation, each player may be notified of the name of the player who instructed the termination and that the game program 118 was terminated midway due to the instruction to terminate.

[0122] [F.Screen sharing] Next, the process relating to screen sharing (step S138 in FIG. 7) will be described.

[0123] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface screen 240 provided by game device 100 according to the present embodiment in the screen sharing mode.

[0124] The game device 100 may be configured to select a screen sharing mode as shown in Fig. 12 in addition to a normal display mode that displays a game screen generated by executing the game program 118. For example, the normal display mode and the screen sharing mode may be alternately switched in response to the operation of a specific push button.

[0125] FIG. 12(A) shows a state in which screen sharing has been instructed by player AAA (1P), and FIG. 12(B) shows a state in which screen sharing has been instructed by player BBB (2P) in addition to player AAA (1P).

[0126] 12(A), the user interface screen 240 includes display areas 241 to 244 set for each player (game device 100). In the example shown in Fig. 12(A), a command to share the screen has been issued by the player AAA (1P), and therefore a game screen generated by the game device 100 operated by the player AAA (1P) executing the game program 118 is displayed.

[0127] In the example shown in FIG. 12(B), in addition to the game screen shown in FIG. 12(A), since screen sharing has been instructed by player BBB (2P), a game screen generated by the game device 100 operated by player BBB (2P) executing the game program 118 is displayed.

[0128] The screen sharing mode may be realized by each game device 100 transmitting a game screen to the other game devices 100. More specifically, if a screen sharing instruction is given by the player of the game device 100, the game device 100 transmits the game screen of the game device 100 to the other game devices 100 while the game program 118 is being executed by the emulator 126. In this way, while multiplayer play is being executed by the emulator, the game device 100 receives and displays the game screen of the player who has instructed screen sharing, and transmits the game screen to the other game devices 100 when screen sharing is given.

[0129] Furthermore, while each of the game devices 100 is executing the game program 118 using the emulator 126, it receives from the other game devices 100 and displays the game screen of the player who has been instructed to share the screen.

[0130] Unlike conventional systems using wired communication cables, game system 1 according to the present embodiment allows players to participate in multiplayer play even if they are far apart. However, when players in distant locations play a multiplayer game, they cannot show each other their game screens. To address this issue, a screen sharing mode is provided, allowing multiple players participating in a multiplayer game while physically separated to understand the status of the game from one another.

[0131] [G. Advantages] According to this embodiment, by executing (old) game programs that were not designed for multiplayer play via communication using an emulator, a mechanism is provided that allows multiplayer play via communication to be started and ended normally.

[0132] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 1 Game system, 10 Network, 100 Game device, 102 Processor, 104 Memory, 106 Display, 108 Operation unit, 110 Storage, 112 System program, 114 Execution management program, 116 Emulator program, 118 Game program, 120 Communication unit, 122 Bus, 124 Execution management module, 126 Emulator, 128 Virtual save area, 130 Application data, 140 Connection, 142 Shared data, 200, 210, 230, 240 User interface screen, 202, 204 Button, 212 Participating player display, 214 List display, 216 Object, 222 Message, 231, 232, 233, 234 Player-specific display, 235, 236, 237, 238 Status display, 241, 244 Display area.

Claims

1. The computer of the information processing device A multiplayer game program is run using an emulator, When a request for participation of another player in the multiplayer play is received from another information processing device through communication, While the game program is being executed, the other player continues to be in a state where he or she is not participating in the multiplayer play, When the game transitions to a scene where execution of the game program by the emulator is started, the other player is allowed to participate in the multiplayer play; executing the multiplayer play of the game program by an emulator based on communication between information processing devices of players participating in the multiplayer play; An information processing program that temporarily suspends the game when an instruction to end the game is given during the multiplayer play or when a request to end the game is made by another player via communication, and that terminates the game program when an instruction to end the game is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play.

2. The multiplayer game program is any one of a plurality of multiplayer game programs, 2. The information processing program according to claim 1, wherein the execution of the game program by the emulator is started when one of the plurality of game programs to be started is selected.

3. The computer further comprises:

3. The information processing program according to claim 2, wherein when an end instruction is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play and the game program is ended, the program transitions to a scene in which one of the plurality of game programs to start is selected.

4. The computer further comprises:

4. The information processing program according to claim 3, wherein, when an end instruction is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play and the game program is ended, the game is transitioned to a scene in which the players participating in the multiplayer play can select which of the plurality of game programs to start, while maintaining their participation.

5. The computer further comprises: While the multiplayer game is being executed by the emulator, 5. The information processing program according to claim 1, wherein the information processing program receives and displays a game screen of a player who has instructed screen sharing, and transmits the game screen to another information processing device when screen sharing is instructed.

6. a plurality of information processing devices including a processor; The processor of each of the plurality of information processing devices A multiplayer game program is run using an emulator, When a request for participation of another player in the multiplayer play is received from another information processing device through communication, While the game program is being executed, the other player continues to be in a state where he or she is not participating in the multiplayer play; When the game transitions to a scene where execution of the game program by the emulator is started, the other player is allowed to participate in the multiplayer play; executing the multiplayer play of the game program by an emulator based on communication between information processing devices of players participating in the multiplayer play; A game system that temporarily suspends the game when an instruction to end the game is given during the multiplayer play, or when a request to end the game is made by another player via communication, and that terminates the game program when an instruction to end the game is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play.

7. The multiplayer game program is any one of a plurality of multiplayer game programs, 7. The game system according to claim 6, wherein the scene where execution of said game program by said emulator is started is a scene where one of said plurality of game programs to be started is selected.

8. The processor further comprises:

8. The game system according to claim 7, wherein when an end instruction is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play and the game program is ended, the system transitions to a scene in which one of the plurality of game programs to start is selected.

9. The processor further comprises:

9. The game system according to claim 8, wherein, when an end instruction is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play and the game program is ended, the game system transitions to a scene in which the players participating in the multiplayer play can select which of the plurality of game programs to start, while maintaining their participation.

10. The processor further comprises: While the multiplayer game is being executed by the emulator, A game system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the game screen of a player who has instructed screen sharing is received and displayed, and when instructing screen sharing, the game screen is transmitted to another information processing device.

11. A gaming device including a processor, The processor of the gaming device A multiplayer game program is run using an emulator, When a request for participation of another player in the multiplayer play is received from another information processing device through communication, While the game program is being executed, the other player continues to be in a state where he or she is not participating in the multiplayer play; When the game transitions to a scene where execution of the game program by the emulator is started, the other player is allowed to participate in the multiplayer play; executing the multiplayer play of the game program by an emulator based on communication between information processing devices of players participating in the multiplayer play; A game device that temporarily suspends the game when an instruction to end the game is given during the multiplayer play, or when a request to end the game is received from another player via communication, and that terminates the game program when an instruction to end the game is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play.

12. The multiplayer game program is any one of a plurality of multiplayer game programs, 12. The game device according to claim 11, wherein the scene where execution of the game program by the emulator is started is a scene where one of the plurality of game programs to be started is selected.

13. The processor further comprises:

13. The game device according to claim 12, wherein, when an end instruction is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play and the game program is ended, the device transitions to a scene in which one of the plurality of game programs to start is selected.

14. The processor further comprises:

14. The game device according to claim 13, wherein, when an end instruction is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play and the game program is ended, the game device transitions to a scene in which the players participating in the multiplayer play can select which of the plurality of game programs to start, while maintaining their participation.

15. The processor further comprises: While the multiplayer game is being executed by the emulator, 15. The game device according to claim 11, wherein the game device receives and displays a game screen of a player who has instructed screen sharing, and transmits the game screen to another information processing device when instructing screen sharing.

16. A processor of the game device executes a multiplayer game program using an emulator, When a request for another player to join the multiplayer play is received from another information processing device through communication, the processor: While the game program is being executed, the other player continues to be in a state where he or she is not participating in the multiplayer play; When the game transitions to a scene where execution of the game program by the emulator is started, the other player is allowed to participate in the multiplayer play; the processor executes the multiplayer play of the game program using an emulator based on communication between information processing devices of players participating in the multiplayer play; An information processing method in which the processor temporarily suspends the game when an instruction to end the game is given during the multiplayer play or when a request to end the game is received from another player via communication, and further when an instruction to end the game is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play, terminates the game program.

17. The multiplayer game program is any one of a plurality of multiplayer game programs, 17. The information processing method according to claim 16, wherein the scene in which execution of the game program by the emulator is started is a scene in which one of the plurality of game programs to be started is selected.

18. The processor further comprises:

18. The information processing method according to claim 17, wherein, when an end instruction is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play and the game program is ended, a transition is made to a scene in which one of the plurality of game programs to start is selected.

19. The processor further comprises:

19. The information processing method according to claim 18, wherein, when an end instruction is given from the information processing devices of all players participating in the multiplayer play and the game program is ended, a transition is made to a scene in which the players participating in the multiplayer play can select which of the plurality of game programs to start, while maintaining their participation.

20. While the multiplayer game is being executed by the emulator, the processor 20. The information processing method according to claim 16, further comprising receiving and displaying a game screen of a player who has instructed screen sharing, and transmitting the game screen to another information processing device when screen sharing has been instructed.

Images