Game server device, server control method, and server control program

• US 10,376,782 B2
• Filed: 10/26/2012
• Issued: 08/13/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 10/28/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GREE Inc.
• Original Assignee: GREE Inc.
• Inventors: Umehara, Kensuke
• Primary Examiner(s): Abedin, Normin
• Application Number:
  US14/353,456
• Publication Number:
  US 20140289324A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,482 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/35 Details of game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/795 for finding other players; for building a team; for providing a buddy list
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/847 Cooperative playing, e.g. requiring coordinated actions from several players to achieve a common goal
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/87 Communicating with other players during game play, e.g. by e-mail or chat
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/556 Player lists, e.g. online players, buddy list, black list
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/00 Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications user-to-user messaging H04L51/00; network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communications networks H04L65/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/01 Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/1051 Group master selection mechanisms

Abstract

The server device according to the invention includes: a storage unit that associates and stores multiple first characteristic data sets for each user and associates and stores second characteristic data for each group to which the multiple first characteristic data sets belong; a different-user-selecting unit that selects a different user when a predetermined event occurs while a game is being played; a group formation-assessing unit that determines whether or not all of the first characteristic data sets belonging to a group are included in the first characteristic data sets associated with the user and the different user; and an action-executing unit that executes predetermined actions using, in addition to the first characteristic data sets associated with the user and the different user, the second characteristic data associated with the group for which it has been determined that all of the pertinent first characteristic data sets are included.

Claims

1. A server device for carrying out a game in response to a request from a terminal device, the server device comprising:

a memory circuit configured to

store, in association with each user, a first characteristic data set usable by said each user among a plurality of types of first characteristic data sets that correspond to data including a parameter indicating an ability to execute a predetermined action,

store a plurality of predetermined combinations of types of first characteristic data sets, each of the plurality of predetermined combinations including first characteristic data sets of at least two types of the plurality of types of first characteristic data sets, and

store a second characteristic data set in association with said each of the plurality of predetermined combinations, the second characteristic data set corresponding to data including a parameter indicating an ability to execute the predetermined action; and

circuitry configured to

randomly select a different user who cooperates with a user of the terminal device, when a predetermined even occurs during the game, the predetermined event requiring execution of the predetermined action,

extract the first characteristic data sets associated with the user and first characteristic data sets associated with the different user from the memory circuit,

determine a combination for which all of said at least two types of the first characteristic data sets belonging to any one of the plurality of predetermined combinations are included in the extracted first characteristic data sets, extract the second characteristic data set associated with the combination for which all of said at least two types of the first characteristic data sets belonging to the combination are included, and

execute the predetermined action by using the second characteristic data set in addition to the first characteristic data sets associated with the user and the different user.

2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein one or a plurality of the first characteristic data sets can be possessed or selected by each user.

3. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the first characteristic data sets are managed separately from data related to each user.

4. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the first characteristic data sets are game items.

5. The server device according to claim 4, wherein the second characteristic data set is a type of an act for bringing about an advantage in executing the predetermined action, or a game item different from the game items of the first characteristic data sets.

6. The server device according to claim 1, wherein upon determining the combination, the circuitry is configured to determine a combination for which all of said at least two types of the first characteristic data sets belonging to any one of the plurality of predetermined combinations are including in both of the extracted first characteristic data sets associated with the user and the extracted first characteristic data sets associated with the different user.

7. A server control method for controlling a server device which carries out a game in response to a request from a terminal device, the server device including:

a memory circuit configured to

store, in association with each user, a first characteristic data set usable by said each user among a plurality of types of first characteristic data sets that correspond to data including a parameter indicating an ability to execute a predetermined action,

store a plurality of predetermined combinations of types of first characteristic data sets, each of the plurality of predetermined combinations including first characteristic data sets of at least two types of the plurality of types of first characteristic data sets, and

store a second characteristic data set in association with said each of the plurality of predetermined combinations, the second characteristic data set corresponding to data including a parameter indicating an ability to execute the predetermined action,

the server control method comprising;

randomly selecting, by circuitry of the server device a different user who cooperates with a user of the terminal device, when a predetermined event occurs during the game, the predetermined event requiring execution of the predetermined action;

extracting, by the circuitry of the server device, the first characteristic data sets associated with the user and first characteristic data sets associated with the different user from the memory circuit;

determining, by the circuitry of the server device, a combination for which all of said at least two types of the first characteristic data sets belonging to any one of the plurality of predetermined combinations are included in the extracted first characteristic data sets;

extracting, by the circuitry of the server device, the second characteristic data set associated with the combination for which all of said at least two types of the first characteristic data sets belonging to the combination are included; and

executing, by the circuitry of the server device, the predetermined action by using the second characteristic data set in addition to the first characteristic data sets associated with the user and the different user.

8. The server control method according to claim 7, wherein one or a plurality of the first characteristic data sets can be possessed or selected by each user.

9. The server control method according to claim 7, wherein the first characteristic date sets are managed separately from data related to each other.

10. The server control method according to claim 7, wherein the first characteristic data sets are game items.

11. The server control method according to claim 10, wherein the second characteristic data set is a type of an act for bringing about an advantage in executing the predetermined action, or a game item different from the game items of the first characteristic data sets.

12. The server control method according to claim 7, wherein upon determining the combination, by the circuitry of the server device, determining a combination for which all of said at least two types of the first characteristic data sets belonging to any one of the plurality of predetermined combinations are included in both of the extracted first characteristic data sets associated with the user and the extracted first characteristic data sets associated with the different user.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a server control program for controlling a server device which carries out a game in response to a request from a terminal device, the server device including:

a memory circuit configured to

store, in association with each user, a first characteristic data set usable by said each user among a plurality of types of first characteristic data sets that correspond to data including a parameter indicating an ability to execute a predetermined action,

store a plurality of predetermined combinations of types of first characteristic data sets, each of the plurality of predetermined combinations including first characteristic data sets of at least two types of the plurality of types of first characteristic data sets, and

store a second characteristic data set in association with said each of the plurality of predetermined combinations, the second characteristic data set corresponding to data including a parameter indicating an ability to execute the predetermined action,

the server control program causing the server device to execute a process comprising;

randomly selecting a different user who cooperates with a user of the terminal device, when a predetermined event occurs during the game, the predetermined event requiring execution of the predetermined action;

extracting the first characteristic data sets associated with the user and first characteristic data sets associated with the different user from the memory circuit;

determining a combination for which all of said at least two types of the first characteristic data sets belonging to any one of the plurality of predetermined combinations are included in the extracted first characteristic data sets;

extracting the second characteristic data set associated with the group for which all of said at least two types of the first characteristic data sets belonging to the combination are included; and

executing the predetermined action by using the second characteristic data set in addition to the first characteristic data sets associated with the user and the different user.

14. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 13, wherein one or a plurality of the first characteristic data sets can be possessed or selected by each user.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 13, wherein the first characteristic data sets are managed separately from data related to each user.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable recoding medium according to claim 13, wherein the first characteristic data sets are game items.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 16, wherein the second characteristic data set is a type of an act for bringing about an advantage in executing the predetermined action, or a game item different from the game items of the first characteristic data sets.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 13, wherein upon determining the combination, the server control program causing the server device to execute the process further comprises:

determining a combination for which all of said at least two types of the first characteristic data sets belonging to any one of the plurality of predetermined combinations are included in both of the extracted first characteristic data sets associated with the user and the extracted first characteristic data sets associated with the different user.

19. A terminal device for carrying out a game in response to operation of a user, the terminal device comprising:

a memory circuit configured to store, in association with each user, a first characteristic data set usable by said each user among a plurality of types of first characteristic data sets that correspond to data including a parameter indicating an ability to execute a predetermined action,

store a plurality of predetermined combinations of types of first characteristic data sets, each of the plurality of predetermined combinations including first characteristic data sets of at least two types of the plurality of types of first characteristic data sets, and

store a second characteristic data set in association with said each of the plurality of predetermined combinations, the second characteristic data set corresponding to data including a parameter indicating and ability to execute the predetermined action; and

circuitry configured to

randomly select a different user who cooperates with a user of the terminal device, when a predetermined event occurs during the game, the predetermined event requiring execution of the predetermined action,

extract the first characteristic data sets associated with the user and first characteristic data sets associated with the different user from the memory circuit,

determine a combination for which all of said at least two types of the first characteristic data sets belonging to any one of the plurality of predetermined combinations are included in the extracted first characteristic data sets,

extract the second characteristic data set associated with the combination for which all of said at least two types of the first characteristic data sets belonging to the combination are included, and

execute the predetermined action by using the second characteristic data set in addition to the first characteristic data sets associated with the user and the different user.

20. The terminal device according to claim 19, wherein one or a plurality of the first characteristic data sets can be possessed or selected by each user.

21. The terminal device according to claim 19, wherein the first characteristic data sets are managed separately from data related to each user.

22. The terminal device according to claim 19, wherein the first characteristic data sets are game items.

23. The terminal device according to claim 22, wherein the second characteristic data set is a type of an act for bringing about an advantage in executing the predetermined action, or a game item different from the game items of the first characteristic data sets.

24. The terminal device according to claim 19, wherein upon determining the combination, the circuitry is configured to determine a combination for which all of said at least two types of the first characteristic data sets belonging to any one of the plurality of predetermined combinations are included in both of the extracted first characteristic data sets associated with the user and the extracted first characteristic data sets associated with the different user.

25. A terminal control method for controlling a terminal device which carries out a game in response to operation of a user, the terminal device including:

a memory circuit configured to

store, in association with each user, a first characteristic data set usable by said each user among a plurality of types of first characteristic data sets that correspond to data including a parameter indicating an ability to execute a predetermined action,

store a plurality of predetermined combinations of types of first characteristic data sets, each of the plurality of predetermined combinations including first characteristic data sets of at least two types of the plurality of types of first characteristic data sets, and

store a second characteristic data set in association with said each of the plurality of predetermined combinations, the second characteristic data set corresponding to data including a parameter indicating an ability to execute the predetermined action,

the terminal control method comprising;

randomly selecting, by circuitry of the terminal device, a different user who cooperates with a user of the terminal device, when a predetermined event occurs during the game, the predetermined event requiring execution of the predetermined action;

extracting the first characteristic data sets associated with the user and first characteristic data sets associated with the different user, by the circuitry of the terminal device and from the memory circuit;

determining, by the circuitry of the terminal device, a combination for which all of said at least two types of the first characteristic data sets belonging to any one of the plurality of predetermined combinations are included in the extracted first characteristic data sets;

extracting, by the circuitry of the terminal device, the second characteristic data set associated with the combination for which all of said at least two types of the first characteristic data sets belonging to the combination are included; and

executing the predetermined action by using the second characteristic data set in addition to the first characteristic data sets associated with the user and the different user.

26. The terminal control method according to claim 25, wherein one or a plurality of the first characteristic data sets can be possessed or selected by each user.

27. The terminal control method according to claim 25, wherein the first characteristic data sets are managed separately from data related to each user.

28. The terminal control method according to claim 25, wherein the first characteristic data sets are game items.

29. The terminal control method according to claim 28, wherein the second characteristic data set is a type of an act for bringing about an advantage in executing the predetermined action, or a game item different from the game items of the first characteristic data sets.

30. The terminal control method according to claim 25, wherein upon determining the combination, by the circuitry of the server device, determining a combination for which all of said at least two types of the first characteristic data sets belonging to any one of the plurality of predetermined combinations are included in both of the extracted first characteristic data sets associated with the user and the extracted first characteristic data sets associated with the different user.

31. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a terminal control program for controlling a terminal device which carries out a game in response to operation of a user, the terminal device including

a memory circuit configured to

store, in association with each user, a first characteristic data set usable by said each user among a plurality of types of first characteristic data sets that correspond to data including a parameter indicating an ability to execute a predetermined action,

store a plurality of predetermined combinations of types of first characteristic data sets, each of the plurality of predetermined combinations including first characteristic data sets of at least two types of the plurality of types of first characteristic data sets, and

store a second characteristic data set in association with said each of the plurality of predetermined combinations, the second characteristic data set corresponding to data including a parameter indicating an ability to execute the predetermined action,

the terminal control program causing the terminal device to execute a process comprising:

randomly selecting a different user who cooperates with a user of the terminal device, when a predetermined event occurs during the game, the predetermined event requiring execution of the predetermined action;

extracting the first characteristic data sets associated with the user and first characteristic data sets associated with the different user from the memory circuit;

determining a combination for which all of said at least two types of the first characteristic data sets belonging to any one of the plurality of predetermined combinations are included in the extracted first characteristic data sets;

extracting the second characteristic data set associated with the group for which all of said at least two types of the first characteristic data sets belonging to the combination are included; and

executing the predetermined action by using the second characteristic data set in addition to the first characteristic data sets associated with the user and the different user.

32. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 31, wherein one or a plurality of the first characteristic data sets can be possessed or selected by each user.

33. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 31, wherein the first characteristic data sets are managed separately from data related to each user.

34. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 31, wherein the first characteristic data sets are game items.

35. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 34, wherein the second characteristic data set is a type of an act for bringing about an advantage in executing the predetermined action, or a game item different from the game items of the first characteristic data sets.

36. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 31, wherein upon determining the combination, the terminal control program causing the terminal device to execute the process further comprises:

determining a combination for which all of said at least two types of the first characteristic data sets belonging to any one of the plurality of predetermined combinations are included in both of the extracted first characteristic data sets associated with the user and the extracted first characteristic data sets associated with the different user.