JP2000024321A - Game system, and information recorded medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make an entry possible to a game space at the time of a game content which is desired by a self by a method wherein the entries of a plurality of players are made acceptable at any time, and the time in the actual world and the time in the game space are made to meet, and the game content is gradually changed accompanying the time passing in the game space. SOLUTION: The time of the actual world is measured by a timer 108 of a host device 100, and the present time is known by a processing unit 110 based on the output of the timer 108. Also, by a receiving unit 112 of the processing unit 110, a processing to accept the entry of a player to a game space at any time is performed, and the entry of a following player to the game space wherein the entry of a preceding player has been accepted is made possible at any time. Then, at a game advancing unit 114, the time of the actual world which is measured by the timer 108, is made to meet the time of the game space, and the game is advanced while gradually changing the game content accompanying the time passing in the game space, and by a notification unit 118, the time when the game content changes is notified to players.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a game system and an information storage medium that allow a plurality of players to play in a common game space.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a multi-player type game system in which a plurality of players can play in a common game space has been developed and put into practical use. Taking a game system that can enjoy a racing game as an example, a player enjoys the game by operating his own racing car and competing with a racing car operated by another player.

In a conventional multi-player game system, a late player cannot enter a game space in which a preceding player has entered. That is, in order for a plurality of players to play in a common game space, a plurality of players who want to play together have to enter the game space at the same time. Then, once the game started, the later player could not enter the started game. As a result, the number of players who can play simultaneously is limited as a result, and it is not possible to realize the original fun of a multi-player game in which an unspecified number of players play in a common game space.

In particular, in a game system in which remote communication is performed between a plurality of communication nodes, it is practically difficult for a player of one communication node and a player of another communication node to simultaneously enter. there were.

[0005] In order to solve such a problem, the inventor of the present invention has proposed a method in which a late player enters a game space in which a preceding player has entered, and can play in a game space common to the preceding player. We are developing a game system that accepts player entries to the game space at any time (hereinafter referred to as an all-time entry system).

It has been found that such an all-time entry game system has the following problems.

That is, in the all-time entry method,
Players can enter the game space at any time.
Therefore, the degree of freedom of the player with respect to the entry time to the game space can be increased as compared with the conventional multi-player type game in which the player cannot play in the common game space unless the player simultaneously enters the game space. Therefore, it is desirable to provide the player with effective motivation to enter the game space. By giving such motivation, the number of players entering the game space can be effectively increased, and the original fun of the multi-player game can be exhibited.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above technical problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game system capable of giving a player effective motivation for entry into a game space. And an information storage medium.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is directed to a game system in which a plurality of players can play in a common game space, and a late player enters a game space in which a preceding player has entered. Means for accepting a player's entry into the game space at any time so that the later player can enter and play in the same game space as the preceding player, a timer for measuring the time in the real world, and the real time measured by the timer Means for causing the time of the world to coincide with the time of the game space, and progressing the game while gradually changing the game content as the time elapses in the game space.

According to the present invention, a system is adopted in which the game progresses while the game content gradually changes as the time in the game space coincides with the time in the real world, and a player's entry is accepted at any time. . Therefore, the player can enter the game space at the time of the desired game content, and can enjoy the desired game content. That is, the player can be effectively motivated to enter the game space. As a result, the number of players who enter the game space can be effectively increased, and the original fun of the multi-player game can be realized.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that it includes means for notifying the player of the time when the game content changes. In this way, the player can know in advance the time at which the game content changes (hereinafter, referred to as a game content change time). Then, the player can determine when to enter the game space by comparing and confirming the real world time that can be known by a clock or the like with the notified game content change time. As a result, the desired game content can be reliably played.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that it includes means for an operator to set the time at which the game content changes. In this way, the game content change time can be set as desired by the operator. This makes it possible to set the game content change time so as to be optimal for each store, for example.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that events corresponding to each time are sequentially generated as time elapses in the game space. In this way, the player can be made to enter the game space, motivated by the occurrence of the event. In addition, a real event corresponding to the real world can be generated.

[0014] In this case, it is desirable to include means for notifying the player of the occurrence time of the event. Further, it is desirable to include means for an operator to set the occurrence time of the event.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that a series of games having different contents are sequentially executed as time elapses in the game space. In this way, the player can be made to enter the game space with motivation to execute a game having different contents. In addition, it becomes possible to execute an optimal game for each time zone, thereby improving the profit of the game system.

In this case, it is desirable to include means for notifying the player of the execution time of each of the games having different contents. Further, it is desirable to include means for the operator to set the execution time of each of the games having different contents.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that at least one of the attack target and the game field is gradually moved as time elapses in the game space. By doing so, the capture method and the terrain of the game field change with the passage of time, and a game full of variety can be realized.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that even if no player has entered the game space, the game proceeds with the lapse of time in the game space. In this way, even when the player enters the game space at any time, it is possible to smoothly change the game content and progress the game without reconstructing the game space.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that it includes means for performing remote location communication between a plurality of communication nodes. In this way, by enabling the player to enter the game space as needed and by performing remote communication, it is possible to significantly increase the number of players who enter the game space. Also, the player can play with a player in a remote place that cannot normally be played together. Therefore, the motivation of the player to enter the game space can be enhanced, and the original fun of the multi-player game can be exhibited.

[0020]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1. 1. Configuration of the Present Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, the host device 100 and the game machine 2
, 200-N are connected to each other via a transmission line 102. This makes it possible to realize a multi-player game system in which a plurality of players can play in a common game space.

As shown in FIG. 1, each game machine 200-1,
200-2... 200-N (hereinafter simply referred to as game machine 200)
), An operation unit 250 (lever, button), a display unit 260, a sound output unit 270 (speaker), a photographing unit 28
0 (CCD camera) and the like are provided. The player sees the game image displayed on the display unit 260,
While listening to the game sound output from the sound output unit 270,
The operation unit 250 is operated. Then, the player enjoys the game by moving the moving object (car, tank, airplane, spacecraft, ship, boat, ski, surfboard, robot, character, etc.) projected on the display section 260 as desired.

In a game system capable of realizing a racing game, the game machine 200 includes, as an operation unit 250, a seat, a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a shift lever, etc. Is provided. In a game system capable of realizing a shooting game, the operation unit 25
As 0, a shooting device or the like formed by imitating an actual gun or the like is provided.

Also, as the game machine 200, a home game machine can be used. In this case, the operation unit 250 becomes a game controller, and the display unit 260 and the sound output unit 270 become a television.

The transmission line 102 may be a wire such as a copper wire or an optical fiber cable, or may be a wireless such as a radio wave or an infrared ray. Further, it may be a transmission path inside a computer such as a system bus.

Further, each game machine 200 may be configured so as to be able to play a single player type game independently.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment.

The host device 100 includes a timer 108, a processing unit 110, a work memory 120, an information storage medium 130,
It includes an image generation unit 140, a sound generation unit 150, and a communication unit 160.

Here, the timer 108 is for measuring the time in the real world and has a clock function. Based on the output of the timer 108, the processing unit 110 can know the current time (time or date). The function of the timer 108 can be realized by hardware such as an oscillator and a counter. The time adjustment of the timer 108 is performed by registering the processing unit 11
0 can be realized by setting time alignment data.

The processing unit 110 performs a game calculation (setting of a game mode, progress of a game, determination of a position and a direction of a moving body, determination of a viewpoint position and a line of sight direction) based on operation data from a player, a given program, and the like. Determination, placement of objects in the object space, etc.), control of the entire host device,
It performs various processes such as instruction of instructions to each block in the host device. The function of this processing unit 110 is a CPU (CI
It can be realized by hardware such as SC type, RISC type and ASIC (gate array etc.) and a given program (game program).

The processing unit 110 includes a reception unit 112, a game progression unit 114, a mobile unit calculation unit 116, a notification unit 118,
A setting unit 119 is included.

Here, the accepting unit 112 performs a process for accepting a player's entry to the game space as needed. As a result, the later player enters the game space in which the preceding player has entered at any time, and the later player can play in the same game space as the preceding player. That is, an all-time entry system becomes possible.

The game progression unit 114 includes a timer 108
Is performed so that the game time progresses while gradually changing the game content as the time in the game space elapses.

More specifically, as time elapses in the game space that coincides with the time in the real world, a process of sequentially generating events corresponding to each time is performed. Alternatively, as the time elapses in the game space, a series of games having different contents are sequentially executed, or a process of gradually moving the attack target or the game field is performed.

Further, the moving body operation section 116 is based on operation data input by the player or a given program.
The calculation for moving the moving body operated by the player or the moving body operated by the given control program (computer) is performed. More specifically, a calculation is performed to determine the position and direction of the moving object, for example, every frame (1/60 second).

For example, the position of the moving body in the (k-1) frame is PMk-1, the speed is VMk-1, the acceleration is AMk-1, and the time of one frame is Δt. Then, the position PMk and the speed VMk of the moving body in the k frame are, for example, the following expressions (1) and (2)
Is required.

PMk = PMk−1 + VMk−1 × Δt (1) VMk = VMk−1 + AMk−1 × Δt (2) Note that the moving object operated by the control program (computer) is allocated to the late player. In this case, the moving body calculation unit 116 performs a calculation for moving the moving body assigned to the subsequent player based on the operation data from the subsequent player.

The notifying section 118 performs a process for notifying the player of the time at which the game content changes. More specifically, when events are sequentially generated as time elapses in the game space, a process is performed to notify the player of the times at which these events have occurred. Further, when a series of games having different contents are sequentially executed with the lapse of time in the game space, a process for notifying the player of the execution time of each of these games is performed.

The notification to the player can be made using the display unit 260, but is not limited to this.
For example, the notification may be made by a display unit provided separately from the display unit 260 (for example, a display unit for relaying a game).

The setting unit 119 performs processing for setting the time at which the game content changes, for example, by an operator (manager) of the game facility. More specifically, a process is performed for the operator to set the execution time of a series of games having different event occurrence times and contents. In this case, the event to be generated and the content of the game to be executed may be set by the operator.

The work memory 120 serves as a work area for the processing unit 110, the image generation unit 140, the sound generation unit 150, and the communication unit 160, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as a RAM and a hard disk.

The information storage medium 130 stores information such as programs and data, and functions as an optical disk (CDROM, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, semiconductor tape, or the like. It can be realized by hardware such as a memory. The information storage medium 130 stores various information for realizing the processing of the present embodiment (the processing of the reception unit 112, the game progression unit 114, the mobile unit calculation unit 116, the notification unit 118, the setting unit 119, and the like). Have been. Then, the processing unit 110, the image generation unit 140, the sound generation unit 150, and the communication unit 160 perform various processes of the present embodiment based on the information stored in the information storage medium 130.

A part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 130 is transmitted to the work memory 120 when the power of the host device 100 is turned on.

The image generation unit 140 generates various images in accordance with instructions from the processing unit 110 and the like, and its functions include an image generation ASIC, a CPU, and a DSP.
And a given program (image generation program).

The sound generation unit 150 generates various sounds in accordance with instructions from the processing unit 110 and the like, and its functions include hardware such as a sound generation ASIC, CPU, and DSP, and a given program. (Sound generation program).

The communication section 160 performs various kinds of processing for communication.
It can be realized by hardware such as U or a given program (communication program). More specifically, the communication unit 16
0 performs processing of compressing image data and sound data generated by the image generation unit 140 and the sound generation unit 150 and transmitting the compressed data to the game machine 200. In addition, image generation / sound generation timing in the host device 100 and image display /
A process of transmitting a synchronization signal, synchronization data, and the like for synchronizing the sound output timing to each game machine is performed.

The game machine 200 includes a processing unit 210, a work memory 220, an information storage medium 230, a communication unit 240, an operation unit 250, a display unit 260, a sound output unit 270, and a photographing unit 280.

The processing section 210 receives operation data from the operation section 250, controls output of images and sounds on the display section 260 and the sound output section 270, captures a player identification image shot by the shooting section 280, It performs various processes such as controlling the entire machine and giving instructions to each block in the game machine. The function of the processing unit 210 can be realized by hardware such as a CPU and an ASIC or a given program.

The work memory 220 serves as a work area for the processing section 210 and the communication section 240, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a RAM and a hard disk.

The information storage medium 230 stores various information such as programs and data for realizing the processing of the present embodiment. Its functions are, for example, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic disk, a hard disk,
It can be realized by hardware such as a game cassette, an IC card, a magnetic tape, and a semiconductor memory. Processing unit 21
0, the communication unit 240 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on the information stored in the information storage medium 230.

The communication section 240 performs various kinds of processing for communication, and its functions include a communication ASIC and a CP.
It can be realized by hardware such as U or a given program. More specifically, the communication unit 240
The image data and the sound data compressed in 00 are received, and a process of expanding them is performed. In addition, a process of receiving a synchronization signal and synchronization data from the host device 100 is also performed.

The functions of the communication unit 160, the communication unit 240, and the transmission path 102 enable remote communication between a plurality of communication nodes.

The operation section 250 is for the player to input operation data, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and a shooting device.

The display unit 260 and the sound output unit 270
It outputs images and sounds, and its functions are monitor, TV, HMD (Head Mount Display),
It can be realized by hardware such as a speaker.

The photographing section 280 is for photographing an identification image (for example, a face image) of the player, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a CCD camera.

In FIG. 2, the host device 100 generates images and sounds, but the game machine 200 may generate images and sounds. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the game machine 200 includes the image generation unit 140 and the sound generation unit 1.
50 will be included.

Also, in FIG. 2, the host device
However, the game machine 200 may include a timer 108 as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2, the processing unit 110 of the host device 100 includes a reception unit 112, a game progression unit 114, a mobile unit operation unit 116, a notification unit 118, and a setting unit 119, as shown in FIG. May be included in the processing unit 210 of the game machine 200.

Alternatively, the image generator 140 and the sound generator 15
0, accepting unit 112, game progressing unit 114, moving body computing unit 116, notification unit 118, setting unit 119, timer 10
8 may be performed separately by the host device 100 and the game machine 200.

The connection (network) configuration of the host device and the game machine is not limited to those shown in FIGS. For example, as a connection form of a game machine or a host device,
Various connection forms such as a ring type, a tree type, and a star type as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C can be considered. For example, when connecting a game machine or a host device according to the IEEE 1394 or USB standard, a tree-type connection form as shown in FIG. 4B is desirable. Further, a structure without a host device may be employed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4D, a server may be provided between the host device and the game machine, and the host device, the game machine, and the server may perform distributed processing. In this case, it is desirable to provide a server in each store and connect each game machine to this server.

2. Features of the present embodiment The feature of the present embodiment is to adopt an all-time entry method, to match the time of the real world with the time of the game space, and to gradually change the content of the game as time elapses in the game space. The point is to make the game progress.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment,
The time axis of the real world matches the time axis of the game space. Then, as shown in A1 of FIG. 5, when the game start time comes, even if no player is playing,
A game field is set internally, and the game is started internally.

In this embodiment, since the all-time entry method is adopted, the player who inserts the coin can enter the game space at any time. That is, as shown by A2, A3, and A4 in FIG.
C can enter the game space at any time from a desired time. Further, as shown at A5, the player C can make an entry again after the end of the game play.

The player who has entered appears in the game field that has already been started, and plays under the situation of the game being played internally.

Moving objects (characters,
Tanks, cars, etc., remaining durability (remaining health, remaining life,
When the end condition is satisfied such as when the remaining defensive power, remaining power, remaining fuel, etc.) or the remaining play time of the player becomes zero, the game play of the player is terminated at any time. That is, A
As shown in 6, A7 and A8, when the end condition is satisfied, the game play of the players A, B and C is ended at any time.

In this embodiment, as indicated by A9,
Even if the end condition is satisfied, if the player pays a coin (price), continuation play becomes possible. Here, money such as coins is particularly desirable as the form of the price, but it is also possible to use a prepaid card, a postpaid card, electronic money, a credit card, or the like.

In the present embodiment, the game situation that changes every moment is displayed on an attraction screen or the like even in a game machine in which the player is not playing.

As shown in A10, A11, and A12, in this embodiment, events 1, 2, 3,... Are sequentially generated as time elapses in the game space. In this case, the game space time matches the real world time,
Event 1 set to occur at 16:00 in the game space occurs at 16:00 in the real world. Similarly,
Events 2 and 3 set to occur at 20:00 and 22:00 in the game space occur at 20:00 and 22:00 in the real world. Therefore, the player can confirm the occurrence time of each event by looking at his own clock. Therefore, A13, A1
As in the case of the players D and E shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to confirm the time of occurrence of the event 1 with its own clock and to enter the game space before the occurrence of the event 1.
As a result, the players D and E can experience the event 1 that they want to experience.

As described above, by adopting the all-time entry method, by matching the time between the real world and the game space, and sequentially generating events as time elapses, effective motivation for entry into the game space is obtained. Can be given to the player. As a result, the number of players who enter the game space can be effectively increased, and the original fun of the multi-player game can be exhibited.

Further, for example, it is possible to produce a game effect such that a sunset appears in the game space at 17:00 in the real world, and the virtual reality felt by the player can be made more realistic.

Further, for example, it is possible to generate an event having a high customer attracting effect in an unpopular time zone, and thereby it is possible to effectively attract customers in an unpopular time zone.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show examples of game images generated according to the present embodiment. This game is a game in which many players compete on the battlefield. When the game starts, the battlefield is always present and the battle is being performed regardless of the presence or absence of the player. The player participates in the battle at any time, and improves the game results (battle results) as an individual, thereby affecting the battle situation of the entire battlefield.

In FIG. 6A, a character (soldier) 60 is a character (preceding player character) operated by a preceding player who has already entered the game space. Then, when the new player enters the game space and enters the battle, the C character 62 operated by the computer (control program) is
As shown in FIG. 6B, the mode is switched to the later player character 63 operated by the later player. By switching the C character 62 to the later player character 63 in this way, it is possible to prevent an unnatural situation in which the later player character suddenly appears on the battlefield.

6 (A) and 6 (B), the C character 62 near the preceding player character 60 is switched to the later player character 63. By doing so, the probability that the preceding player character 60 and the late player character 63 will fight (have an association) can be increased, and the fun of the game can be enhanced.

Note that various modifications can be made to the method of selecting the C character (C moving body) to be switched to the later player character (later player moving body). For example, the selection may be made based on the position of the C character, or a selection right to select which C character may be given to the player.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B,
When the C character 62 switches to the later player character 63, the marker 64 switches to the marker 65, and the preceding player is notified that the later player has entered.
That is, information notifying that the subsequent player has entered is output to the preceding player. By outputting such information, the competitiveness of the player can be stimulated, and the original fun of the multi-player game can be exhibited.

In FIG. 6B, the identification image 66 of the later player is texture-mapped to the marker 65. This player identification image 66 is shown in FIGS.
This is obtained by photographing the face of the later player by the photographing unit 280 of FIG. 3 (the player's face or the like may be photographed and mapped in real time during the game). By using such a player identification image 66, it is possible to more effectively notify the preceding player that the later player has entered (or that the operating subject has switched from the computer to the later player). In particular, when the later player recognized by the player identification image is a friend, a known person, or a celebrity, the competitiveness, curiosity, and the like of the player are further enhanced by showing the player identification image to the preceding player. be able to.

In this embodiment, the occurrence time of each event is notified to the player. For example, FIG.
In the war games as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, if the reinforcement arrival event occurs at 16:00, a notification screen as shown in FIG. 7A is displayed. Such a notification screen can be displayed, for example, when an attraction (demo) screen is displayed. The notification screen allows the player to know the event occurrence time in advance. In the present embodiment, since the time of the real world matches the time of the game space, the player compares the time of the clock of the player with the time of the notification screen to confirm the event desired by the player. You will surely be able to experience it.

Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, by notifying the player that the enemy headquarters rush event will occur at 10:00 tomorrow the day before, it is effective to bring the customer of that day to the next day. Advertising becomes possible.

Instead of notifying the absolute time of the event occurrence as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the relative time of the event occurrence may be notified (M minutes later). Events occur).

In this embodiment, the event occurrence time can be arbitrarily set by an operator such as a game facility.

That is, when the operator operates a mode setting switch or the like provided in the game machine 200, a setting screen as shown in FIG. 8A is displayed on the display. The operator performs various settings by operating a lever, a button, a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, and the like of the operation unit 250 while viewing the setting screen. For example, FIG.
By selecting the coin setting, game setting, switch setting, and monitor setting of (A), the setting of the game fee,
It allows you to set game content, test switches, adjust monitors, and more. When the user selects the event setting, a setting screen as shown in FIG. 8B is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 8B, in this embodiment, on this setting screen, the operator can set the occurrence time of each event (and the event to occur). For example, in FIG. 8B, at 16:00, 20:00, 22:00, 4
At 10:00 on March 2, events are set to occur in which reinforcements arrive, new weapons are launched, night raids, and enemy headquarters rushes in, respectively.

As described above, since the operator can set the event occurrence time, an event can be generated at a suitable time for each store to appeal to customers. Further, it is also possible to generate an event having a high customer attracting effect at a time when the number of customers is small in each store. In addition, an event is set to occur in the morning with few customers, and FIG.
It is also possible to use the notification screen as shown in (B) to appeal to the customer from the previous day on the occurrence of the event, and to encourage the customer to visit the store on the next day.

The technique for gradually changing the game content over time is not limited to a technique for sequentially generating events. For example, a series of games having different contents may be sequentially executed as time elapses in the game space. That is, as shown in B1, B2, and B3 in FIG.
Baseball game from 0:00, soccer game from 15:00,
From 20:00, a war game will be implemented. That is,
The images of each of these games are displayed on the game machine 2 over time.
00 are sequentially displayed on the display unit.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show image examples when a baseball game and a soccer game are executed. For example, B in FIG.
The player A entered in 4 operates the character (batter) 70 of FIG. 10A, and the player B entered in B5 operates the character (pitcher) 72 of the enemy team. Before these players enter, each baseball player is operated by a computer (control program).

Also, the player C who has entered at B6 in FIG. 9 operates the character 80 shown in FIG. 10B, and the player D who has entered at B7 operates the character 82.
The character (goal keeper) 84 is operated by a computer.

It is desirable that the player E who has entered just before the end of the baseball game (a given time before the end) as shown in B8 of FIG. 9 plays the next soccer game as shown in B9. In this case, the player may be given a selection right to play a baseball game with a short remaining play time or a next soccer game.

By sequentially switching the games to be executed as shown in FIG. 9, it becomes possible to appropriately execute the game having the highest customer attracting rate in each time zone. For example, a game that is popular during the day can be executed during the day, and a game that is popular at night can be executed during the night. Thereby, the profit of the game system can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the all-time entry system is employed, and the time of the real world is made to coincide with the time of the game space. Therefore, as in the case of the players C and D shown in B6 and B7 in FIG. 9, it is possible to confirm the start time of the soccer game with its own clock and to enter when the soccer game starts. This allows
The players C and D can play a game desired by themselves.

[0093] The series of games to be executed may be at least different from each other. For example, a shooting game in which the number of hits competes and a shooting game in which the hit rate competes may be sequentially executed.

Now, even when a series of games are sequentially executed as shown in FIG. 9, it is desirable to notify the player of the execution time of each game as shown in an example of a notification screen in FIG. By doing so, the player can reliably play the game desired by the player by comparing and checking the time of the clock of the player and the time of the notification screen.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, it is desirable that the execution time of each game can be set by the operator. By doing so, it becomes possible for each operator of each store to execute the game at a time when the customer attracting rate of the game is considered to be the highest. Therefore, each game can be executed in the most efficient time zone for each store, and the profit of the game system can be improved.

As one technique for gradually changing the game content over time, the attack target or the game field can be gradually moved over time.

For example, in FIG. 13A, moving bodies (hereinafter, referred to as player moving bodies) 90, 92 operated by the player.
Is gradually moving from a mountainous area to an urban area as time elapses. This can be said that the game field (for example, the area where the player moving bodies 90 and 92 can move) 88 gradually moves from the mountainous area to the urban area with the passage of time.

In this way, the game field 88
Terrain, a method of capturing the attack target 86, and the like gradually change over time. That is, in a mountainous area, the moving force of the moving body is reduced, so that it is a good strategy to attack the target with an aerial combat or missile.
On the other hand, in urban areas, it is a good strategy to attack the target with land battles, artillery, land mines, etc. By gradually moving the attack target and the game field in this way,
It is possible to realize a game that is hard for a player to get tired of.

In the case of the method shown in FIG.
As shown in (B), it is desirable to notify the player of the time at which the attack target (or the game field) reaches a given place using an attraction screen or the like.

In the present embodiment, even when no player has entered the game space, the game proceeds with the lapse of time in the game space.

For example, in a racing game as shown in FIG. 14A, player cars 30 and 32 operated by players A and B, C car 34 operated by a computer,
Consider the case where 36, 38, and 40 are competing on the course. Then, the remaining play time of the players A and B becomes zero, and the game play of the players A and B ends.
Consider a situation in which no player has entered. Also in this case, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14B, the race with only the C cars 34 to 40 continues and the game is progressing. Then, when other players C and D enter in this state, as shown in FIG. 14C, the player cars 42 and 4 operated by the players C and D
4 and C cars 34-40 will compete on the course.

As described above, even when there is no player who has entered, the process of gradually changing the game content can be facilitated by causing the game to progress with time. That is, if the game progress is terminated or stopped when no player has entered, the game space must be reconstructed from the time when the player subsequently enters. For example, consider a case where an event is set to occur at 14:00. In this case, go to the game space where no one is playing.
Suppose that the player entered at 3:50. Then, in 10 minutes from 13:50 to 14:00, the game space must be reconstructed and preparations for event generation must be completed. For this reason, a smooth progress of the game cannot be realized, giving an unnatural feeling to the player.

On the other hand, as in the present embodiment, even if no player has entered the game, if the game progresses with the passage of time, no matter at what timing the player enters the game, There is no need to reconstruct the space, and it is possible to realize a smooth game progress without giving the player any unnatural feeling.

In the present embodiment, it is particularly desirable that remote communication be performed between a plurality of communication nodes.

For example, in FIG.
Host device 82 as a communication node and stores 84, 8
5, 86 and 87 are performing remote communication with each other. The remote communication can be realized by using, for example, an ISDN using an optical fiber cable as the transmission line 80.

In FIG. 15, a configuration without the host device 82 may be adopted. When a plurality of game machines in a store are connected to the transmission line 80, a server as shown in FIG. 4D may be provided.

By performing such remote communication, the number of players who enter the game space can be significantly increased as compared with the case where communication is performed only between game machines in the store. Also, the player can enjoy a multi-player type game with players in other regions in Japan or foreign players. Therefore, the motivation of the player to enter the game space can be enhanced, and the original fun of the multi-player game can be remarkably increased.

In particular, in a game system that performs remote location communication, an all-time entry system in which a player can enter a game space at any time is effective. That is, in a game system that performs remote location communication, for example, it is practically difficult for a player in Tokyo and a player in Osaka to simultaneously enter. On the other hand, according to the all-time entry method, the players in Tokyo and the players in Osaka can enter the common game space at any time and enjoy the multiplayer game without having to enter the game space at the same time. .

In a game system for remote communication, it is particularly effective to use a player identification image as shown in FIGS. 6 (A), 6 (B), 10 (A), 10 (B). If such a player identification image is used, for example,
Players in Tokyo will be able to easily recognize that a celebrity in Osaka has entered. Then, the celebrity's entry is motivated, and the entry of the player in Tokyo can be encouraged. As a result, the number of players who enter the game space can be further increased.

3. Processing Example of the Present Embodiment Next, a detailed processing example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the time of the timer 108 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is read, and the time in the real world is made to coincide with the time in the game space (step S1).

Next, the operator sets the event occurrence time TAn on a setting screen as shown in FIG. 8B (step S2). The setting data is stored in a given storage unit of the game system.

Next, the game starts internally as indicated by A1 in FIG. 5 (step S3). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a player entry (step S4).
If there is an entry, the player's entry is accepted as needed (step S5). At this time, for example, an identification image of the player (for example, a face image of the player) is photographed by the photographing unit 280 of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. The photographed image data is stored in a given storage unit in the game system.

In a commercial game machine, the entry of a player can be determined based on whether or not a coin (price) has been inserted into the game machine. In a home-use game machine, the determination can be made based on the result of the player's intention selection on the intention selection screen.

Next, it is determined whether or not the current time is TAn set in step S2 (step S6). If it is TAn, an event is generated (step S7), and TAn is generated.
If not, for example, a process of displaying a notification screen as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B on an attraction screen or the like is performed (step S8). Then, the game proceeds (step S9).

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a process of sequentially executing a series of games having different contents with the passage of time.

First, the time of the timer 108 is read and the time in the real world is made to match the time in the game space (step U
1). Next, on the setting screen as shown in FIG. 12B, the operator sets the execution time TBn of each game (step U2).

Next, the game starts internally (step U3), and it is determined whether or not there is a player's entry (step U4). If so, the player's entry is accepted as needed (step U5).

Next, it is determined whether or not the current time is TBn set in step U2 (step U6). If it is TBn, the type of the game to be executed is changed (step U6).
7) If not TBn, a process of displaying a notification screen as shown in FIG. 11 is performed (step U8). And
The game proceeds (step U9).

The present invention is not limited to those described in the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made.

For example, FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG.
The present invention is not limited to the one described in (D), and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

As a method for gradually changing the game content, the method described with reference to FIGS. 5, 9 and 13A is particularly desirable, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made.

Further, there may be a plurality of game spaces in which a player can enter. For example, the players who have entered may be allocated to each game space based on the player's entry time, the number of players who have entered in each game space, and the like.

When the player makes an entry,
Instead of having the player play immediately, the player may play after some waiting time.

The present invention is not limited to the game described in the present embodiment, but can be applied to various games (competition games, sports games, battle games, role playing games, martial arts games, shooting games, quiz games, etc.).

The present invention can also be applied to a simulator, a large attraction device in which many players participate, a game system using a personal computer or a multimedia terminal, and the like.

[0127]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of the configuration of the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is another example of a block diagram of the embodiment.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are diagrams showing examples of various connection forms of the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of sequentially generating events as time passes.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are examples of a game image generated by the method of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are examples of an event occurrence time notification screen.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are examples of a setting screen for an event occurrence time and the like.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method of sequentially executing different games as time elapses.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are examples of a game image generated by the method of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an example of a notification screen of the execution time of each game.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are examples of setting screens for setting the execution time of each game and the like.

FIG. 13A is a diagram for explaining a method of gradually moving an attack target or a game field over time, and FIG. 13B is an example of a notification screen using this method; It is.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are diagrams for explaining a method of advancing a game even when no player is playing;

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining remote location communication.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing example according to the embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

 30, 32 player car 34, 36, 38, 40 C car 42, 44 player car 60 preceding player character 62 C character 63 late player character 64 marker 65 marker 66 player identification image 70, 72, 80, 82, 84 character 86 attack Target 88 Game field 90, 92 Mobile unit 100 Host device 102 Transmission line 108 Timer 110 Processing unit 112 Receiving unit 114 Game progress unit 116 Mobile unit operation unit 118 Notification unit 119 Setting unit 120 Work memory 130 Information storage medium 140 Image generation unit 150 Sound generation unit 160 Communication unit 200-1 to 200-N Game machine 210 Processing unit 220 Work memory 230 Information storage medium 240 Communication unit 250 Operation unit 260 Display unit 270 Sound output unit 280 Imaging unit

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A game system in which a plurality of players can play in a common game space, wherein a late player can enter a game space in which a preceding player has entered, and a late player can play in a game space common with the preceding player. Means for accepting a player's entry to the game space at any time, a timer for measuring the real world time, and matching the real world time measured by the timer with the game space time, Means for causing the game to progress while gradually changing the game content over time. 2. The game system according to claim 1, further comprising means for notifying a player of a time at which game contents change. 3. The game system according to claim 2, further comprising means for allowing an operator to set the time at which the game content changes. 4. The game system according to claim 1, wherein an event corresponding to each time is sequentially generated as time elapses in the game space. 5. The game system according to claim 4, further comprising means for notifying a player of the time at which the event occurred. 6. The game system according to claim 4, further comprising means for setting an occurrence time of the event by an operator. 7. The game system according to claim 1, wherein a series of games having different contents are sequentially executed as time elapses in the game space. 8. The game system according to claim 7, further comprising means for notifying a player of an execution time of each of the games having different contents. 9. The game system according to claim 7, further comprising means for setting an execution time of each of the games having different contents by an operator. 10. The game system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the attack target and the game field is gradually moved with time in the game space. 11. The game system according to claim 1, wherein even if no player has entered the game space, the game progresses as time passes in the game space. 12. The game system according to claim 1, further comprising means for performing remote communication between a plurality of communication nodes. 13. An information storage medium used in a game system in which a plurality of players can play in a common game space, wherein a late player enters a game space in which a preceding player has entered, and a common game space with the preceding player. Information for accepting a player's entry to the game space at any time, information for measuring real-world time, and the measured real-world time and game space time so that the later player can play. An information storage medium characterized by including information for causing the game to progress while gradually changing the game content as time elapses in the game space.