Video Game Program, Video Game Device, And Video Game Control Method

Abstract

The video game character role giving section gives predetermined roles to avoid overlapping the roles. The team member determining section determines a team, as "Team A" to which a "manager character", a "catcher character" and a "pitcher character" that are operated by first, second and third players respectively. The video game character operating section allows the first, second and third players to operate the "manager character", the "catcher character" and the "pitcher character" so that "Team A" to which the "manager character", the "catcher character" and the "pitcher character" belong can play a game against "Team B" that is operated and controlled by a CPU.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-094253. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-094253 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a video game program, and in particular to a video game program that makes a computer to realize a video game capable of providing communication through network. In addition, the present invention relates to a video game device and a video game control method that are realized by this video game program.

[0004] 2. Background Information

[0005] In recent years, the proliferation of the Internet and improvement of data transfer rate in the Internet facilitate players to play network video games. In a network video game, a plurality of terminal devices, and a server device that are connected via the Internet are used. A plurality of players use the terminal devices to play the network video game. Examples of the network video games are provided by one-on-one cooperative communication video games such as a baseball video game, a football video game, and a combat sport video game that can be played by a plurality of players via a server device. Japanese Patent No. 3412693 and Jikkyo Pawafuru Puro-Yakyu 13 Official Guide Complete Edition (Konami Computer Entertainment Studio, 31 Aug. 2006, Japan) disclose such network video game as an example.

[0006] In this type of cooperative communication network video games, first and second terminal devices that are used by first and second players respectively are connected to a server device via the Internet. Also, network video games that directly exchange data between first and second terminal devices using so-called P2P (Peer to Peer) are known. In the network video games using P2P, since a server device is not connected between the first and second terminal devices, a number of players do not concentrate on a server device. For this reason, the first and the second terminal devices can smoothly communicate with each other.

[0007] The first and second terminal devices that are used in the network video game using P2P are personal computers or home video game devices that are located in the first and second player's homes, for example. The first and second terminal devices include a display portion, an operation portion, and a communication portion. The display portion can display characters in a video game. The operation portion is operated by the player to control the characters that are displayed on the display portion. The communication portion is connected to the Internet to transmit/receive video game data to/from the outside. Also, each of the first and second terminal devices includes a video game program that performs video game control in accordance with the operation of the operation portion, display control that controls the display portion to display the characters in the video game, communication control that communicates and exchanges video game data with others, and the like. In this case, the communication portions of the first and second terminal devices communicate and exchange video game data with each other via the Internet. Also, a first team that is selected by the first player can play against a second team that is selected by the second player on a cooperative communication video game.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Problems Solved by the Invention

[0008] In the aforementioned known network video game, the first team that is selected by the first player plays a game against the second team that is selected by the second player on a cooperative communication video game. In particular, in a team vs. team network game such as a baseball game, it is conceivable that the first and second players select first and second athlete characters respectively, that belong to the same team so that the first and second players play a game in cooperation against a CPU-side team. However, in the known network video game, players are limited to play the video game so that the first team that is selected by the first player plays a game against the second team that is selected by the second player on a cooperative communication video game. It is very difficult to provide an interesting video game in which the first and second players play a game in cooperation against a CPU-side team.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a network video game program that realizes a more interesting video game.

Means to Solve the Problems

[0010] A video game program according to a first aspect of the present invention makes a computer to realize a video game. The computer is disposed in a first terminal device that is used by a first player, and can communicate via a network with second to n-th terminal devices that are used by second to n-th players respectively. The video game operates a first video game character that is displayed on a first display portion in accordance with operation of a first operation portion, and operates second to n-th video game characters that are displayed on the first display portion, and second to n-th display portions in accordance with operation of second to n-th operation portions by means of a first control portion. The first display portion is disposed in the first terminal device. The first operation portion is disposed in the first terminal device. The second to n-th display portions are disposed in the second to n-th terminal devices respectively. The second to n-th operation portions are disposed in the second to n-th terminal devices respectively. The first control portion is disposed in the first terminal device. The video game program makes the computer to realize the following function:

[0011] (1) a video game character role giving function that gives the first video game character that is operated by the first player a first predetermined role related to characteristics of video game character ability, and gives the second to n-th characters that are operated by the second to n-th players second to n-th predetermined roles related to characteristics of video game character ability respectively, to avoid overlapping the first to n-th predetermined roles by means of the first control portion;

[0012] (2) a team member determining function that determines a first team that includes the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters that are given the first predetermined role and the second to n-th predetermined roles respectively, by the video game character role giving function by means of the first control portion; and

[0013] (3) a video game character operating function that operates the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters in accordance with operation of the first operation portion and the second to n-th operation portions by the first player and the second to n-th players respectively, to control a game between the first team that is determined by the team member determining function and a second team that is operated by the first control portion by means of the first control portion.

[0014] According to the video game that is realized by this program, in the video game character role giving function, the first control portion gives the first video game character that is operated by the first player a first predetermined role related to characteristics of video game character ability, and gives the second to n-th characters that are operated by the second to n-th players second to n-th predetermined roles related to characteristics of video game character ability, respectively, to avoid overlapping the first to n-th predetermined roles. In the team member determining function, the first control portion determines a first team that includes the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters that are given the first predetermined role and the second to n-th predetermined roles respectively, by the video game character role giving function. In the video game character operating function, the first control portion operates the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters in accordance with operation of the first operation portion and the second to n-th operation portions by the first player and the second to n-th players respectively, to control a game between the first team that is determined by the team member determining function and a second team that is operated by the first control portion.

[0015] For example, it can be contemplated to realize a video game that operates athlete characters.

[0016] In this case, the video game character role giving function gives the first video game character that is operated by the first player a first predetermined role related to characteristics of video game character ability, and gives the second to n-th characters that are operated by the second to n-th players second to n-th predetermined roles related to characteristics of video game character ability respectively, to avoid overlapping the first to n-th predetermined roles by means of the first control portion. In the video game character role giving function, the first control portion gives the first video game character the first predetermined role related to characteristics of video game character ability, and gives the second to n-th characters second to n-th predetermined roles related to characteristics of video game character ability respectively, to avoid overlapping the first to n-th predetermined roles. The first video game character is operated by the first player. The second to n-th characters are operated by the second to n-th players respectively. In this case, examples of the predetermined roles related to characteristics of video game character ability are provided by the positions of video game characters in the video game such as a "manager", a "catcher", and a "pitcher" in a baseball video game. Specifically, the "manager", the "catcher", and the "pitcher" can be allotted to the first, second and third predetermined roles of the first, second and third video game characters that are operated by the first, second and third players respectively. In this case, the "manager", the "catcher", and the "pitcher" are allotted to the first, second and third predetermined roles respectively, not to overlap each other. Although these roles related to characteristics of video game character ability in the terminal devices can be determined by the players according to their own will, the roles do not overlap each other since one baseball team does not include video game characters that have the same role. In this case, the video game character role giving function allots the "manager", the "catcher", and the "pitcher" to the first, second and third predetermined roles of the first, second and third video game characters that are operated by the first, second and third players respectively. Therefore, the first to third predetermined roles do not overlap each other.

[0017] The team member determining function then determines the first team that includes the first game character and the second to n-th game characters that are given the first predetermined role and the second to n-th predetermined roles respectively, by the video game character role giving function by means of the first control portion. In the team member determining function, the first control portion determines the first team that includes the first game character and the second to n-th game characters that are given the first predetermined role and the second to n-th predetermined roles respectively, by the video game character role giving function. Specifically, a "manager character", a "catcher character" and a "pitcher character" that serve as the "manager", the "catcher" and the "pitcher" respectively, are allotted to the first, second and third predetermined roles of the first, second and third video game characters that are operated by the first, second and third players respectively, and the "manager character", the "catcher character" and the "pitcher character" belong to one team. For example, a team that includes the "manager character", the "catcher character" and the "pitcher" is determined as "Team A". In this case, the team member determining function determines a team as "Team A" to which the "manager character", the "catcher character" and the "pitcher character" that are operated by the first, second and third players respectively, belong.

[0018] The video game character operating function then operates the first game character and the second to n-th game characters in accordance with operation of the first operation portion and the second to n-th operation portions by the first player and the second to n-th players respectively, to control a game between the first team that is determined by the team member determining function and a second team that is operated by the first control portion by means of the first control portion. In the video game character operating function, the first control portion operates the first game character and the second to n-th game characters in accordance with operation of the first operation portion and the second to n-th operation portions by the first player and the second to n-th players respectively, to control a game between the first team that is determined by the team member determining function and a second team that is operated by the first control portion. In this case, the "manager character", the "catcher character" and the "pitcher character" are operated by the first, second and third players in accordance with operation of the first, second and third operation portions of the first, second and third players respectively, so that "Team A" to which the "manager character", the "catcher character" and the "pitcher character" belong can play a game against "Team B" that is operated and controlled by a CPU.

[0019] In the video game program, the video game character role giving function gives the first video game character that is operated by the first player a first predetermined role related to characteristics of video game character ability, and gives the second to n-th characters that are operated by the second to n-th players second to n-th predetermined roles related to characteristics of video game character ability respectively, to avoid overlapping the first to n-th predetermined roles by means of the first control portion, and the team member determining function determines a first team that includes the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters that are given the first predetermined role and the second to n-th predetermined roles respectively, by the video game character role giving function by means of the first control portion, and additionally the video game character operating function operates the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters in accordance with operation of the first operation portion and the second to n-th operation portions by the first player and the second to n-th players respectively, to control a game between the first team that is determined by the team member determining function and a second team that is operated by the first control portion by means of the first control portion. Specifically, the video game character role giving function allots the "manager", the "catcher", and the "pitcher" to the first, second and third predetermined roles of the first, second and third video game characters that are operated by the first, second and third players respectively, so that the first to third predetermined roles do not overlap each other, and the team member determining function determines a team as "Team A" to which the "manager character", the "catcher character" and the "pitcher character" that are operated by the first, second and third players, respectively, and additionally the video game character operating function operates the "manager character", the "catcher character" and the "pitcher character" in accordance with operation of the first, second and third operation portions by the first, second and third players respectively, so that "Team A" to which the "manager character", the "catcher character" and the "pitcher character" belong can play a game against "Team B" that is operated and controlled by a CPU.

[0020] In this case the first, second and third players can select the "manager character", the "catcher character" and the "pitcher character" to avoid overlapping their roles (positions), and the "manager character", the "catcher character" and the "pitcher" belong to one team as "Team A". Thus, the first, second and third players can play a network video game in cooperation with each other to play a game against "Team B" of a CPU. Therefore, it is possible to realize a more interesting video game as compared with conventional cooperative video games.

[0021] In a video game program according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the game program according to the first aspect of the present invention, the video game program makes the computer to further realize the following function:

[0022] (4) a video game character operation directing function that allows the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters that are operated by the first player and the second to n-th players, respectively, to direct the operation of one(s) of the other characters of the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters; and

[0023] (5) a video game character operation direction displaying function that displays the information of the operation that is directed by the video game character operation directing function on one(s) of the first display portion and the second to n-th display portions that is/are disposed in one(s) of the first terminal device and the second to n-th terminal devices that operate(s) the one(s) of the other characters of the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters that is/are given the operation directions.

[0024] In this configuration, the video game character operation directing function allows the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters that are operated by the first player and the second to n-th players respectively, to direct the operation of one(s) of the other characters of the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters, and the video game character operation direction displaying function displays the information of the operation that is directed by the video game character operation directing function on one(s) of the first display portion and the second to n-th display portions that is/are disposed in one(s) of the first terminal device and the second to n-th terminal devices that operate(s) the one(s) of the other characters of the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters that is/are given the operation directions. In this case, the video game character operation directing function directs the operation of the one(s) of the other characters of the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters, and the video game character operation direction displaying function displays the information of the operation that is directed by the video game character operation directing function on one(s) of the first display portion and the second to n-th display portions of one(s) of the first terminal device and the second to n-th terminal devices that operate(s) the one(s) of the other characters of the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters that is/are given the operation directions. Specifically, the video game character operation directing function allows a "manager character" that is operated by a first player to change a "catcher character" that is operated by a second player or a "pitcher character" that is operated by a third player to another "catcher character" or another "pitcher character", or allows the "catcher character" that is operated by the second player to give the "pitcher character" that is operated by the third player directions about types of pitches and pitching location by the "pitcher character". Also, when the "catcher character" that is operated by the second player or the "pitcher character" that is operated by the third player is operated as a "batter character", the "manager character" that is operated by the first player can give the "batter character" directions of time-out, a bunt play, base stealing, a squeeze play, a hit and run, and the like. In this case, when the "catcher character" that is operated by the second player gives the "pitcher character" that is operated by the third player directions about types of pitches and pitching location, e.g., directions of a "fastball", by using the video game character operation directing function, the video game character operation direction displaying function displays the information of the operation directions "Sign: Fastball" on the third display portion of the third terminal device that operates the "pitcher character" that is given operation directions. Also, when the "manager character" that is operated by the first player gives the "batter character" that is operated by the second player directions of a "hit and run" by using the video game character operation directing function, the information of the operation directions "Hit and run is directed" is displayed on the second display portion of the second terminal device that operates the "batter character" that is given operation directions. In this case, since the video game character operation directing function directs the operation of the one(s) of the other characters of the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters, and the video game character operation direction displaying function displays the information of the operation that is directed by the video game character operation directing function on one(s) of the first display portion and the second to n-th display portions of one(s) of the first terminal device and the second to n-th terminal devices that operate(s) the one(s) of the other characters of the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters that is/are given the operation directions. Therefore, it is possible to realize a more interesting video game.

[0025] In a video game program according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the game program according to the second aspect of the present invention, the video game character operation directing function allows one(s) of the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters to change one(s) of the other characters of the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters to other character(s). The video game character operation direction displaying function displays the information of the change that is directed by the video game character operation directing function on one(s) of the first display portion and the second to n-th display portions that is/are disposed in one(s) of the first terminal device and the second to n-th terminal devices that operate(s) the one(s) of the other the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters that is/are given change directions. Specifically, the video game character operation directing function allows a "manager character" that is operated by a first player to change a "catcher character" that is operated by a second player or a "pitcher character" that is operated by a third player to another "catcher character" or another "pitcher character", and the video game character operation direction displaying function displays the information that is directed by the video game character operation directing function "Catcher (pitcher) change is directed" on the second or third display portion of the second or third terminal device that operates the "catcher character" or the "pitcher character" that is given change directions. In this case, since the first player who serves as the "manager" in authority can change the "catcher" and the "pitcher" that are operated by the second and the players irrespective of the second and third players' intent as in a real baseball game, it is possible to provide a baseball video game with reality.

[0026] In a video game program according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the game program according to any of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the video game program makes the computer to further realize the following function:

[0027] (6) a common role video game character operating function that allows the first player and the second to n-th players to operate another video game character as a common role video game character that is given a common role in turn.

[0028] In this configuration, the common role video game character operating function allows the first player and the second to n-th players to operate another video game character as a common role video game character that is given a common role in turn. For example, first, second and third player can operate a "manager character", a "catcher character" and a "pitcher character" as different roles in fielding, and can operate a "batter character" as a common role in turn in batting. Thus, operation of a video game character that has both an individual role and a common role can realize a punching-up video game.

[0029] In a video game program according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the game program according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the video game program makes the computer to further realize the following function:

[0030] (7) a common role video game character operator display function that displays operator(s) who operate(s) the common role video game character that can be operated in the common role video game character operating function.

[0031] In this configuration, the common role video game character operator display function displays operator(s) who operate(s) the common role video game character that can be operated in the common role video game character operating function, for example, first, second and third display portions of terminal devices of first, second and third players can display an icon or the like that represents an operator who currently operates a "batter character". Accordingly, the players can smoothly play the video game.

[0032] A video game device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention can realize a video game. The video game device includes a video game character role giving section, a team member determining section, and a video game character operating section. In the video game character role giving section, the first control portion gives the first game character that is operated by the first player a first predetermined role related to characteristics of video game character ability, and gives the second to n-th characters that are operated by the second to n-th players second to n-th predetermined roles related to characteristics of video game character ability respectively, to avoid overlapping the first to n-th predetermined roles. In the team member determining section, the first control portion determines a first team that includes the first game character and the second to n-th game characters that are given the first predetermined role and the second to n-th predetermined roles respectively, by the video game character role giving section. In the video game character operating section, the first control portion operates the first game character and the second to n-th game characters in accordance with operation of the first operation portion and the second to n-th operation portions by the first player and the second to n-th players respectively, to control a game between the first team that is determined by the team member determining section and a second team that is operated by the first control portion.

[0033] A video game control method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention controls a video game by means of a computer. The video game control method includes a video game character role giving step, a team member determining step, and a video game character operating step. In the video game character role giving step, the first control portion gives the first game character that is operated by the first player a first predetermined role related to characteristics of video game character ability, and gives the second to n-th characters that are operated by the second to n-th players second to n-th predetermined roles related to characteristics of video game character ability respectively, to avoid overlapping the first to n-th predetermined roles. In the team member determining step, the first control portion determines a first team that includes the first game character and the second to n-th game characters that are given the first predetermined role and the second to n-th predetermined roles respectively, by the video game character role giving step. In the video game character operating step, the first control portion operates the first game character and the second to n-th game characters in accordance with operation of the first operation portion and the second to n-th operation portions by the first player and the second to n-th players respectively, to control a game between the first team that is determined by the team member determining step and a second team that is operated by the first control portion.

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0034] According to the present invention, in a video game program, the video game character role giving function allots "manager", "catcher", and "pitcher" to the first, second and third predetermined roles of the first, second and third video game characters that are operated by the first, second and third players respectively. Therefore, the first to third predetermined roles do not overlap each other, and the team member determining function determines a team as "Team A" to which the "manager character", the "catcher character" and the "pitcher character" that are operated by the first, second and third players respectively. Additionally the video game character operating function operates the "manager character", the "catcher character" and the "pitcher character" in accordance with operation of the first, second and third operation portions by the first, second and third players respectively. Therefore "Team A" to which the "manager character", the "catcher character" and the "pitcher character" belong can play a game against "Team B" that is operated and controlled by a CPU.

[0035] In this case the first, second and third players can select the "manager character", the "catcher character" and the "pitcher character" to avoid overlapping their roles (positions), and the "manager character", the "catcher character" and the "pitcher" belong to one team as "Team A". Thus, the first, second and third players can play a network video game in cooperation with each other to play a game against "Team B" of a CPU. Therefore, it is possible to realize a more interesting video game as compared with conventional cooperative video game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

[0037] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a network video game system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a player-side terminal device of the network video game system.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the function of the player-side terminal device.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of first and second control portions when a "manager character" of a first player gives operation directions in batting to a "batter character" of a second player.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the second control portion and a third control portions when a "catcher character" of the second player gives operation directions in fielding to a "pitcher character" of the third player.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a view showing a first cooperative display screen for the first player when the "manager character" of the first player gives operation direction in batting to the "batter character" of the second player.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a view showing a second cooperative display screen for the second player when the "manager character" of the first player gives operation directions in batting to the "batter character" of the second player.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a view showing a third cooperative display screen for the third player when the "manager character" of the first player gives operation direction in batting to the "batter character" of the second player.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a view showing the first cooperative display screen for the first player when the "catcher character" of the second player gives directions about types of pitching to the "pitcher character" of the third player.

[0046] FIG. 10 is a view showing the second cooperative display screen for the second player when the "catcher character" of the second player gives directions about types of pitching to the "pitcher character" of the third player.

[0047] FIG. 11 is a view showing the third cooperative display screen for the third player when the "catcher character" of the second player gives Direction about types of pitching to the "pitcher character" of the third player.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Configuration of Network Video Game System

[0048] Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a network video game system that includes first, second and third terminal devices 101, 102 and 103, and an authentication server 104 that are connected to each other. The first terminal device 101 is an exemplary computer to which a video game program according to the present invention can be adopted. The second and third terminal devices 102 and 103 can communicate via the Internet 100. The authentication server 104 authenticates connection among the first, second and third terminal devices 101, 102 and 103 via the Internet 100. Also, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an exemplary first terminal device 101 structure.

[0050] The network video game system shown in FIG. 1 includes the first, second and third terminal devices 101, 102 and 103, and the authentication server 104. The first, second and third terminal devices 101, 102 and 103, and the authentication server 104 are connected to be able to communicate with each other via the Internet 100.

[0051] The first, second and third terminal devices 101, 102 and 103 are a terminal device that is used by a members as a player. The first, second and third terminal devices 101, 102 and 103 can be a personal computer that is placed in each home and can execute a baseball video game as a network video game, for example. The authentication server 104 is a server device that performs member registration validation and player authentication for billing purposes and the like to provide a baseball video game in video game space to members as players by using the first, second and third terminal devices 101, 102 and 103. The first, second and third terminal devices 101, 102 and 103 store the video game program that realizes the network video game, and provide the network video game using so-called P2P (Peer to Peer) that directly exchanges data among the first, second and third terminal devices 101, 102 and 103. For this reason, the authentication server 104 does not store a video game program that realizes the network video game, but mainly stores only an authentication program that performs player authentication. Also, in addition to the first, second and third terminal devices 101, 102 and 103, other terminal devices (not shown) that are used by other players are connected to the Internet 100, and the authentication server 104 determines pairs of terminal devices for cooperative video game players.

[0052] The first, second and third terminal devices 101, 102 and 103, and the authentication server 104 transmit/receive various types of information and the like to/from each other via the Internet based on TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), for example. In particular, the first, second and third terminal devices 101, 102 and 103 that are connected to each other by using P2P transmit/receive various types of information and the like based on UDP (User Datagram Protocol) that is a transport protocol in the TCP/IP. Since UDP does not provide mechanisms for error detection and error correction between the source device and the destination device, that is, UDP transmits data from the source device to the destination device without error detection and error correction, UDP has a feature in that data reliability is low, but data transfer rate is high. For this reason, many cooperative network video games that transmit/receive a large amount of data use UDP. Although, when the Internet 100 is used, the first, second and third terminal devices 101, 102 and 103 are usually connected to predetermined provider servers via modems and are then connected to the Internet 100 via the provider servers, the illustration and description of the provider servers are omitted for ease of explanation.

[0053] The players who use the first, second and third terminal devices 101, 102 and 103 are members who are registered to have certain service by a company that manages the network video game. The first player who uses the first terminal device 101 operates a manager character 73 (not shown, and corresponding to a manager role in a real baseball game) in the video game space. The second player who uses the second terminal device 102 operates a catcher character 71 (not shown, and corresponding to a catcher role in a real baseball game) in the video game space. The third player who uses the third terminal device 103 operates a pitcher character 70 (not shown, and corresponding to a pitcher role in a real baseball game) in the video game space. Thus, the first, second and third players as characters in one team, "Team A", play a game against computer-side "Team B" in the video game.

Configuration of Network Video Game Device

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first terminal device 101 includes a first control portion 1a, a first storage portion 2a, a first display portion 3a, a first sound producing portion 4a, a first operation portion 5a, and a first communication portion 6a that are connected to each other via a bus 30a. The bus 30a includes an address bus line, a data bus line, a control bus line, and the like. In this embodiment, the first control portion 1a, the first storage portion 2a, the first sound producing portion 4a, the first operation portion 5a, and the first communication portion 6a are disposed in the personal computer. The first display portion 3a is disposed in an external display monitor that is connected to the personal computer.

[0055] The first control portion 1 mainly controls processing of the video game as a whole based on the video game program. As shown in FIG. 2, the first control portion 1a includes a CPU 7a (Central Processing Unit), a signal processor 8a, and an image processor 9a, for example. The CPU 7a, the signal processor 8a, and the image processor 9a are connected to each other via the bus 30a.

[0056] The CPU 7a interprets commands in the video game program, and realizes various types of data processing and control. For example, the CPU 7a instructs the signal processor 8a to provide image data to the image processor. The signal processor 8a mainly executes calculation in three-dimensional space, position conversion calculation from three-dimensional space to the pseudo three-dimensional space, light source calculation processing, and image-and-sound generation/conversion processing. The image processor 9a mainly executes write processing of image data to be displayed into a RAM 12a based on the calculation and processing results by the signal processor 8a.

[0057] The first storage portion 2a is provided mainly to store program data, various types of data to be used in the program data, and the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the first storage portion 2a includes a storage medium 10a, an interface circuit 11a, and the RAM 12a (Random Access Memory), for example. The interface circuit 11a is connected to the storage medium 10a. Also, the interface circuit 11a and the RAM 12a are connected to each other via the bus 30a.

[0058] The storage medium 10a stores the program data of the operation system, the video game data that are composed of image data, sound data and various types of program data, and the like. This storage medium 10a can be a hard disk drive installed in the personal computer, for example, and stores program data of the operating system, video game data, and the like. In addition, a CD-ROM is also included as the storage medium 10a which can be read by a reading device that is installed in the personal computer. The CD-ROM can store an initial program that serves to install program data of the operating system or video game data into the personal computer. Also, the hard disk drive is used to store various types of video game parameters related to a particular player at leaving-off time when the video game leaves off.

[0059] The RAM 12a is used to temporarily store various types of data that are read from the storage medium 10a and to temporarily store the processing by the first control portion la. The RAM 12a stores various types of data together with address data that indicate memory locations of the various types of data. When a certain address is given to the RAM 12a, data can be read/written from/to the RAM 12a.

[0060] The first display portion 3a mainly provides image data that are written in the RAM 12a by the image processor 9a, image data that are read from the storage medium 10a and the like as images. As shown in FIG. 2, the first display portion 3a includes a liquid crystal display 21a, an interface circuit 22a, and a D/A converter 23 a (Digital-To-Analog converter), for example. The D/A converter 23a is connected to the liquid crystal display 21a. The interface circuit 22a is connected to the D/A converter 23a. Also, the bus 30a is connected to the interface circuit 22a. In this embodiment, the image data are provided to the D/A converter 22 via the interface circuit 22a, and are converted into analog image signals. The analog image signal is then provided to the liquid crystal display 21 a as an image. Note that an image can be provided on the liquid crystal display 21a directly based on the digital image signal without the D/A converter 23a. Also, a CRT (cathode-ray tube) display can provide an image instead of the liquid crystal display.

[0061] In this embodiment, for example, the image data include polygonal data, texture data, and the like. The polygonal data are the coordinate data of vertices that define polygonal shapes. The texture data specify texture patterns of the polygonal shapes, and include texture setting data and texture color data. The texture setting data give correspondence between the polygonal shapes and the texture patters. The texture color data specify the colors of the texture patterns. In this embodiment, the polygonal data and the texture data are associated with polygon address data and texture address data respectively. The polygon address data and texture address data indicate memory locations of the polygonal data and the texture data respectively. In this type of image data, the signal processor 8a executes coordinate transformation and perspective projection conversion of the polygonal data in three-dimensional space (three-dimensional polygonal data) that is indicated by the polygon address data based on the movement amount data and the rotation amount data of the screen (viewpoint). Thus, the polygonal data in three-dimensional space are converted into polygonal data in two-dimensional space (two-dimensional polygonal data). Thus, two-dimensional polygonal data give the outlines of a plurality of polygonal shapes, and texture patterns of the texture data that are indicated by the texture address data fill the interiors of the polygonal shapes. As a result, it is possible to create objects that are composed of the polygonal shapes that are filled the texture patterns, that is, various types of characters.

[0062] The sound producing portion 4a is included mainly to produce game sound of the sound data that are read from the storage medium 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the sound producing portion 4a includes a speaker 13a, an amplification circuit 14a, a D/A converter 15a, and an interface circuit 16a, for example. The amplification circuit 14a is connected to the speaker 13a. The D/A converter 15a is connected to the amplification circuit 14a. The interface circuit 16a is connected to the D/A converter 15a. Also, the bus 30a is connected to the interface circuit 16a. In this embodiment, the sound data are provided to the D/A converter 15a via the interface circuit 16a, and are converted into analog sound signals. The amplification circuit 14a amplifies the analog sound signals. Game sound is produced based on the amplified analog sound signals by the speaker 13a.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 2, the first operation portion 5a mainly includes a keyboard 17a, a mouse 18a, an operation information interface circuit 19a, and an interface circuit 20a. The operation information interface circuit 19a is connected to the keyboard 17a and the mouse 18a. The interface circuit 19a is connected to the operation information interface circuit 20a. Also, the bus 30a is connected to the interface circuit 20a.

[0064] A player uses the keyboard 17a and the mouse 18a as operating devices to input various types of operating instructions. The keyboard 17a and the mouse 18a provide operation signals to the CPU 7a in accordance with the operation by the player. The operation of the keyboard 17a can be made by operation of up/down/left/right keys to provide the CPU 7a with commands that move a character and a cursor upward/downward/leftward/rightward on the screen of the liquid crystal display 21a. Also, the operation of the S key in the keyboard 17a can provide the CPU 7a with commands that makes a pitcher character to pitch or makes a batter character to bat on the screen of the liquid crystal display 21a, for example. Also, operation of the SPACE key can provide the CPU 7a with a command that temporarily suspends a baseball video game, for example. Also, operation of the ESC key can provide the CPU 7a with a command that ends the baseball video game, for example. Note that the operation of the keyboard 17a can be substituted with operation of the mouse 18a (clicking and moving operation). For example, operation of the F11 key can provide the CPU 7a with a command that switches operation of the keyboard 17a to operation of the mouse 18a.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 2, the first communication portion 6a mainly includes a communication information interface circuit 24a, an interface circuit 25a, and a modem 26a. The communication information interface circuit 24a is connected to the modem 26a. The interface circuit 25a is connected to the communication information interface circuit 24a. Also, the bus 30a is connected to the interface circuit 25a.

[0066] The modem 26a is connected through NIC (Network Interface Card) that is mounted inside or outside the personal computer to provide connection to the Internet 100 via the predetermined provider server. The modem 26a can obtain a global IP address as a unique address in the Internet 100 that is given when connected to the predetermined provider server. Thus, the player can be identified, and the personal computer becomes accessible from the Internet 100 side. Note that when communication is performed by using UDP through the modem 26a, a particular port (e.g., No. 12079) in a router or the like is required to be enabled to perform the communication. In this case, the personal computer is connected to the Internet 100 through the modem 26a, and can be connected to a modem 26b on the second terminal device 102 side (discussed later) by using P2P.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 1, the second terminal device 102 has the same configuration as the first terminal device 101, and includes a second control portion 1b, a second storage portion 2b, a second display portion 3b, a second sound producing portion 4b, a second operation portion 5b, and a second communication portion 6b. The second control portion 1b, the second storage portion 2b, the second display portion 3b, the second sound producing portion 4b, the second operation portion 5b, and the second communication portion 6b have the same configuration as the first control portion 1a, the first storage portion 2a, the first display portion 3a, the first sound producing portion 4a, the first operation portion 5a, and the first communication portion 6a discussed above respectively, and their description is omitted. Note that components that are indicated by reference numerals attached with b in the second terminal device 102 correspond to components that are indicated by the same reference numerals attached with a in the first terminal device 101. For example, the second terminal device 102 includes the modem 26b (not shown) corresponding to the modem 26a of the first terminal device 101. In this case, a personal computer is connected to the Internet 100 through the modem 26b, and can be connected to the modem 26a on the first terminal device 101 side by using P2P.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 1, the third terminal device 103 has the same configuration as the first terminal device 101, and includes a third control portion 1c, a third storage portion 2c, a third display portion 3c, a third sound producing portion 4c, a third operation portion 5c, and a third communication portion 6b. The third control portion 1c, the third storage portion 2c, the third display portion 3c, the third sound producing portion 4c, the third operation portion 5c, and the third communication portion 6b have the same configuration as the first control portion 1a. the first storage portion 2a, the first display portion 3a, the first sound producing portion 4a, the first operation portion 5a, and the first communication portion 6a discussed above respectively, and their description is omitted. Note that components that are indicated by reference numerals attached with c in the third terminal device 103 correspond to components that are indicated by the same reference numerals attached with a in the first terminal device 101. For example, the third terminal device 103 includes the modem 26c (not shown) corresponding to the modem 26a of the first terminal device 101. In this case, a personal computer is connected to the Internet 100 through the modem 26c, and can be connected to the modem 26a on the first terminal device 101 side by using P2P.

[0069] The general operation of the thus-configured network game device is now described.

[0070] When a network video game application is started in the first terminal device 101 that is used by the first player, the CPU 7a reads the image data, the sound data and the program data from the storage medium 10a based on the operating system that is stored in the storage medium 10a. The read image data, sound data and program data are partially or entirely stored in the RAM 12a. Also, the RAM 12a stores the operation information by the keyboard 17a and mouse 18a, and various types of information on the second terminal device 102 that is obtained through the modem 26a. Also, the CPU 7a issues commands to the image data and sound data that are stored in the RAM 12a based on the program data that are stored in the RAM 12a.

[0071] As for the image data, the signal processor 8a first executes position calculation, light source calculation and the like of a character in three-dimensional space based on the commands from the CPU 7a. The image processor 9a then executes write processing and the like of image data to be displayed into the RAM 12a based on the calculation result by the signal processor 8a. The image data that are written into the RAM 12a is then provided to the D/A converter 23a via the interface circuit 22a. The image data are then converted into analog image signals by the D/A converter 23. Thus, the image data are provided to, and are displayed on the liquid crystal display 21a.

[0072] As for the sound data, the signal processor 8a first executes sound data generation and conversion processing based on the commands from the CPU 7a. In this case, the sound data are subjected to processing such as pitch conversion, noise addition, envelope setting, level setting and reverb addition, for example. The sound data are then provided from the signal processor 8a to the D/A converter 15a via the interface circuit 16a. The sound data are converted into analog signals in the D/A converter 15a. Thus, the sound data are produced as sound by the speaker 13a via the amplification circuit 14a.

[0073] Note that the operation of the second and third terminal devices 102 and 103 that are operated by the second and third players is the same operation as first terminal device 101 used by the first player. Accordingly, Their description is omitted.

Outlines of Various Types of Processing in Network Video Game Device

[0074] In the network video game executed in the first, second and third terminal devices 101, 102 and 103, according to this embodiment, as discussed above, the first player who uses the first terminal device 101 operates the manager character 73 (not shown, and corresponding to a manager role in a real baseball game) in the video game space, and the second player who uses the second terminal device 102 operates the catcher character 71 (not shown, and corresponding to a catcher role in a real baseball game) in the video game space, and additionally the third player who uses the third terminal device 103 operates the pitcher character 70 (not shown, and corresponding to a pitcher role in a real baseball game) in the video game space. Thus, the first, second and third players as characters in one team, "Team A", play a game against computer-side "Team B" in the network video game. The first terminal device 101 can realize the video game that operates the character that is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21a in accordance with operation of the first operation portion 5a by the first player. The second terminal device 102 can realize the video game that operates the character that is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21b in accordance with operation of the second operation portion 5b by the second player. The third terminal device 103 can realize the video game that operates the character that is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21c in accordance with operation of the third operation portion 5c by the third player. FIG. 3 is a function block diagram illustrating various types of functions that play principal roles in the present invention.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 3, the first control portion la of the first terminal device 101 mainly includes a video game character role giving section 50, a team member determining section 51, a video game character operation direction determining section 52, a video game character operation direction receiving section 53, a video game character operation direction displaying section 54, a video game character operating section 55, a common role video game character operating section 56, and a common role video game character operator displaying section 57.

[0076] The video game character role giving section 50 serves to give a first game character that is operated by a first player a first predetermined role related to characteristics of video game character ability, and gives second to n-th characters that are operated by second to n-th players second to n-th predetermined roles related to characteristics of video game character ability respectively, to avoid overlapping the first to n-th predetermined roles by means of the first control portion 1a. In the video game character role giving section 50, the first control portion 1a gives the first game character the first predetermined role related to characteristics of video game character ability, and gives the second to n-th characters the second to n-th predetermined roles related to characteristics of video game character ability respectively, to avoid overlapping the first to n-th predetermined roles. The first game character is operated by the first player. The second to n-th characters that are operated by the second to n-th players respectively. In this case, examples of the predetermined roles related to characteristics of video game character ability are provided by the positions of video game characters in the video game such as a "manager", a "catcher", and a "pitcher" in the case of baseball video game. Specifically, the "manager", the "catcher", and the "pitcher" can be allotted to the first, second and third predetermined roles of the first, second and third video game characters that are operated by the first, second and third players respectively. In this case, the "manager", the "catcher" and the "pitcher" are allotted to the first, second and third predetermined roles respectively, not to overlap each other. Although these roles related to characteristics of video game character ability in the terminal devices can be determined by the players according to their own will, the roles do not overlap each other, since one baseball team does not include video game characters that have the same role. In this case, the video game character role giving function allots the "manager", the "catcher", and the "pitcher" to the first, second and third predetermined roles of the first, second and third video game characters that are operated by the first, second and third players respectively, so that the first to third predetermined roles do not overlap each other. The first communication portion 6a communicates in synchronization with the second and third communication portions 6b and 6c via the Internet 100 to share information on determination by the video game character role giving section 50 that allots the "manager", the "catcher" and the "pitcher" to the predetermined first, second and third roles of the first, second and third video game characters that are operated by the first, second and third players respectively. Thus, the respective first, second and third storage portions 2a, 2b and 2c of the first, second and third terminal devices 101, 102 and 103 store the information on determination.

[0077] The team member determining section 51 serves to determine a first team that includes the first game character and the second to n-th game characters that are given the first predetermined role and the second to n-th predetermined roles respectively, by the video game character role giving section 50 by means of the first control portion 1a. In the team member determining section 51, the first control portion 1a determines the first team that includes the first game character and the second to n-th game characters. The first game character and the second to n-th game characters are given the first predetermined role and the second to n-th predetermined roles respectively, by the video game character role giving section 50. In the team member determining section 51, specifically, the "manager character 73", the "catcher character 71" and the "pitcher character 70" that serve as the "manager", the "catcher" and the "pitcher" respectively, are allotted to the first, second and third predetermined roles of the first, second and third video game characters that are operated by the first, second and third players respectively, and the "manager character 73", the "catcher character 71" and the "pitcher character 70" belong to one team. For example, a team that includes the "manager character 73", the "catcher character 71" and the "pitcher 70" determined as "Team A". In this case, the team member determining section 51 determines a team as "Team A" to which the "manager character 73", the "catcher character 71" and the "pitcher character 70" that are operated by the first, second and third players respectively.

[0078] The video game character operation direction determining section 52 serves to allow one(s) of the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters that is/are operated by the first player and the second to n-th players respectively, to direct the operation of one(s) of the other characters of the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters. In the video game character operation direction determining section 52, one(s) of the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters direct(s) the operation of one(s) of the other characters of the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters. The first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters are operated by the first player and the second to n-th players respectively. In this case, the video game character operation direction determining section 52 allows one(s) player to direct the operation of video game character(s) that is/are operated by one(s) of the other players. Specifically, the video game character operation direction determining section 52 allows the "manager character 73" that is operated by the first player to change the "catcher character 71" that is operated by the second player or the "pitcher character 70" that is operated by the third player to another "catcher character 71" or another "pitcher character 70", or allows the "catcher character 71" that is operated by the second player to give the "pitcher character 70" that is operated by the third player directions about types of pitches and pitching location by the "pitcher character 70". Also, when the "catcher character 71" that is operated by the second player or the "pitcher character 70" that is operated by the third player is operated as a "batter character 72", the "manager character 73" that is operated by the first player can give the "batter character 72" directions of time-out, a bunt play, base stealing, a squeeze play, a hit and run, and the like.

[0079] In this case, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9 to 11, the "catcher character 71" that is operated by the second player can give the "pitcher character 70" that is operated by the third player directions about types of pitches and pitching location, e.g., directions of "fastball", by using the video game character operation direction determining section 52. Also, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 to 8, the "manager character 73" that is operated by the first player can give the "batter character 72" that is operated by the second player directions of a "hit and run" by using the video game character operation direction determining section 52, for example. The information of the operation directions that are determined by the video game character operation direction determining section 52 is transmitted to the terminal device that is given the operation direction.

[0080] The video game character operation direction receiving section 53 performs processing that receives the information of the operation that is directed by the video game character operation direction determining section 52 by means of the first, second and third control portions 1a, 1b and 1c that are disposed in the first, second and third terminal devices 101, 102 and 103 that operate the first, second and third video game characters that are given operation directions. When the "catcher character 71" that is operated by the second player gives the "pitcher character 70" that is operated by the third player directions about types of pitches and pitching location, e.g., directions of "fastball", by using the video game character operation direction determining section 52, the third control portion 1c of the third terminal device 103 receives the information of the operation directions from the second control portion 1b of the second terminal device 102. Also, when the "manager character 73" that is operated by the first player gives the "batter character 72" that is operated by the second player directions of a "hit and run" by using the video game character operation direction determining section 52, the second control portion 1b of the second terminal device 102 receives the information of the operation directions from the first control portion 1a of the first terminal device 101. The information of the operation directions that are received by the video game character operation direction receiving section 53 is stored in the terminal device that is given the operation directions.

[0081] The video game character operation direction displaying section 54 serves to display the information of the operation directions that are received by the video game character operation direction receiving section 53 on one(s) of the first, second and third display portions 3a, 3b and 3c that is/are disposed in one(s) of the first, second and third terminal devices that operate(s) one(s) of the first, second and third video game characters that is/are given the operation directions. In the video game character operation direction displaying section 54, the information of the operation directions that are received by the video game character operation direction receiving section 53 is displayed on one(s) of the first, second and third display portions 3a, 3b and 3c that is/are disposed in the first, second and third terminal devices that operate(s) one(s) of the first, second and third video game characters that is/are given the operation directions.

[0082] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 from FIG. 5 and FIG. 9, when the "catcher character 71" that is operated by the second player gives the "pitcher character 70" that is operated by the third player directions about types of pitches and pitching location, e.g., directions of "fastball", by using the video game character operation direction determining section 52, the video game character operation direction displaying section 54 displays the information of the operation directions "Sign: Fastball" on the third display portion 3c of the third terminal device 103 that operates the "pitcher character 70" that is given the operation directions (see FIG. 11).

[0083] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the second and third control portions 1b and 1c when the "catcher character 71" of the second player gives the "pitcher character 70" of the third player directions about types of pitches in fielding. FIG. 9 shows the first cooperative display screen 40 on the first display portion 3a that is viewed by the first player when the "catcher character 71" of the second player gives the "pitcher character 70" of the third player directions about types of pitches in fielding. FIG. 10 shows the second cooperative display screen 41 on the second display portion 3b that is viewed by the second player when the "catcher character 71" of the second player gives the "pitcher character 70" of the third player directions about types of pitches in fielding. FIG. 11 shows the third cooperative display screen 42 on the third display portion 3a that is viewed by the third player when the "catcher character 71" of the second player gives the "pitcher character 70" of the third player directions about types of pitches in fielding.

[0084] First, in Step S31 shown in FIG. 5, the second display portion 3b in the second terminal device 102 displays the second cooperative display screen 41 shown in FIG. 10. Then, in Step S32 shown in FIG. 5, the "catcher character 71" of the second player determines to give the "pitcher character 70" of the third player "fastball" as pitching directions about types of pitches. As shown in FIG. 10, the second cooperative display screen 41 includes a previous at-bat pitching location area 85 that is displayed on the right side of the screen, and a pitch display area 86 at the middle of the screen. The previous at-bat pitching location area 85 shows the previous at-bat pitching location against the batter character 72. The pitch display area 86 shows types of pitches and pitching location that can be thrown by the pitcher character 70. The second player determines to give the "pitcher character 70" of the third player pitching directions about types of pitches in consideration of the previous at-bat pitching location and the types of pitches and pitching location that can be thrown by the pitcher character 70. The second cooperative display screen 41 shown in FIG. 10 includes a pitching directions information display area 87 under the pitch display area 86. When the "catcher character 71" of the second player determines to give the "pitcher character 70" of the third player "fastball" as pitching directions about types of pitches, the procedure goes to Step S33 in FIG. 5, and "Sign: Fastball" is displayed on the pitching directions information display area 87 in the second cooperative display screen 41 shown in FIG. 10. When the "catcher character 71" of the second player determines to give the "pitcher character 70" of the third player "fastball" as pitching directions about types of pitches, the second communication portion 6b of the second terminal device 102 transmits the information that gives "fastball" as pitching directions to the third communication portion 6c of the third terminal device 103 via the Internet, and the third communication portion 6c of the third terminal device 103 receives the information (Step S34 in FIG. 5, and Step S42 in FIG. 5).

[0085] Subsequently, in the third terminal device 103, when the third communication portion 6c of the third terminal device 103 receives the information that gives "fastball" as pitching directions, in Step S43 of FIG. 5, "Sign: Fastball" is displayed in a pitching directions information display area 89 in the third cooperative display screen 42 shown in FIG. 11. The third cooperative display screen 42 shown in FIG. 11 includes a pitch display area 88 that is located in the upper part of the screen, and the pitching directions information display area 89 that is located under the pitch display area 88. The pitch display area 88 shows types of pitches and pitching location that can be thrown by the pitcher character 70. "Sign: Fastball" is displayed in the pitching directions information display area 89. In Step S43 of FIG. 5, "Sign: Fastball" is displayed in the pitching directions information display area 89 in the third cooperative display screen 42 shown in FIG. 11, then, the third player operates to set a type of pitch to a fastball, for example (Step S44 in FIG. 5). Note that the third player can accept the directions about types of pitches that is given by the "catcher character 71" of the second player and can operate to set a type of pitch to a fastball, or can refuse the directions about types of pitches that is given by the "catcher character 71" of the second player and can operate to set a type of pitch to a "curveball", in this case. When pitching operation is set to a "fastball" in Step S44 in FIG. 5, the third communication portion 6c of the third terminal device 103 transmits the information that pitching operation is set to a "fastball" to the second communication portion 6b of the second terminal device 102 via the Internet, and the second communication portion 6b of the second terminal device 102 receives the information (Step S45 in FIG. 5, and Step S35 in FIG. 5). After pitching operation is set, moving images are displayed on the second cooperative display screen 41 of the second display portion 3b shown in FIG. 10, and the third cooperative display screen 42 of the third display portion 3c shown in FIG. 11 so that the pitcher character 70 throws a fastball, in Step S36 and Step S46 in FIG. 5. Also, in the first terminal device 101, the first cooperative display screen 40 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the first display portion 3a in synchronization with Step S36 and Step S46 in FIG. 5 to show the same moving images as moving images that show that the pitcher character 70 throws a fastball in the second cooperative display screen 41 on the second display portion 3b shown in FIG. 10 and the third cooperative display screen 42 on the third display portion 3c shown in FIG. 11.

[0086] Also, when the "manager character 73" that is operated by the first player gives the "batter character 72" that is operated by the second player directions of a "hit and run" by using the video game character operation direction determining section 52 as shown in FIG. 4 and 6 to FIG. 8, the information of the operation directions "Hit and run is directed" is displayed on the second display portion 3b of the second terminal device 102 that operates the "batter character 72" that is given the operation directions (See FIG. 7).

[0087] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the first and second control portions 1a and 1b when the "manager character 73" that is operated by the first player gives the "batter character 72" of the second player operation directions in batting. FIG. 6 shows the first cooperative display screen 40 on the first display portion 3a that is viewed by the first player when the "manager character 73" that is operated by the first player gives the "batter character 72" that is operated by the second player operation directions in batting. FIG. 7 shows the second cooperative display screen 41 on the second display portion 3b that is viewed by the second player when the "manager character 73" that is operated by the first player gives the "batter character 72" that is operated by the second player operation directions in batting. FIG. 8 shows the third cooperative display screen 42 on the third display portion 3c that is viewed by the third player when the "manager character 73" that is operated by the first player gives the "batter character 72" that is operated by the second player operation directions in batting.

[0088] First, in Step S11 shown in FIG. 4, the first display portion 3a in the first terminal device 101 displays the first cooperative display screen 40 shown in FIG. 6. In Step S12 shown in FIG. 4, the "manager character 73" of the first player then determines to give the "batter character 72" of the second player a "hit and run" as operation directions. As shown in FIG. 6, an operation direction list display area 80 is displayed as available operation direction list on the right side of the screen in the first cooperative display screen 40. "Time-out", a "bunt play", "base stealing", a "squeeze play", and a "hit and run" are listed in the operation direction list display area 80 (Step S13 in FIG. 4). The first player operates the first operation portion 5a to move a selection character of a fat line in a rectangular shape to surround "hit and run" so that the "manager character 73" of the first player determines to give the "batter character 72" of the second player a "hit and run" as operation directions. When the "manager character 73" of the first player determines to give the "batter character 72" of the second player a "hit and run" as operation directions, the first communication portion 6a of the first terminal device 101 transmits the information that gives a "hit and run" as operation directions to the second communication portion 6b of the second terminal device 102 via the Internet, and the second communication portion 6b of the second terminal device 102 receives the information (Step S14 in FIG. 4, and Step S22 in FIG. 4).

[0089] Subsequently, in the second terminal device 102, when the second communication portion 6b of the second terminal device 102 receives the information that gives a "hit and run" as operation directions, in Step S23 in FIG. 4, "Hit and run is directed" is displayed in an operation direction information display area 82 in the second cooperative display screen 41 shown in FIG. 7. The operation direction information display area 82 is displayed in the lower part of the second cooperative display screen 41 shown in FIG. 7. The operation direction information display area 82 shows "Hit and run is directed". After "Hit and run is directed" is displayed in the operation direction information display area 82 in the second cooperative display screen 41 shown in FIG. 7 in Step S23 of FIG. 4, for example, the second player operates so that the batter character 72 hits a ball. Thus, moving images are displayed on the second cooperative display screen 41 so that the batter character 72 hits a ball to execute a hit and run (Step S24 in FIG. 4). After Step S24 in FIG. 4, the second communication portion 6b of the second terminal device 102 transmits information about the batting result to the first communication portion 6a of the first terminal device 101 via the Internet, and the first communication portion 6a of the first terminal device 101 receives the information (Step S25 in FIG. 4, and Step S15 in FIG. 4). Subsequently, the first cooperative display screen 40 shown in FIG. 6 shows moving images of batting operation so that the batter character 72 executes a hit and run in Step S16 in FIG. 4. Also, in the third terminal device 103, the third cooperative display screen 42 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the third display portion 3c in synchronization with Step 16 in FIG. 4 to show the same moving images as moving images in the first cooperative display screen 40 that show that the batter character 72 executes a hit and run. Also, when the "manager character 73" that is operated by the first player gives operation directions to the "batter character 72" that is operated by the second player, various types of operation are invalid in the third terminal device 103. In this case, "Now in time-out" is shown in a time-out display area 83 that is located in the middle of third cooperative display screen 42 shown in FIG. 8 to show that various types of operation are invalid.

[0090] The video game character operating section 55 serves to operate the first game character and the second to n-th game characters in accordance with operation of the first operation portion and the second to n-th operation portions by the first player and the second to n-th players respectively, to control a game between the first team that is determined by the team member determining function and a second team that is operated by the first control portion 1a by means of the first control portion 1a. In the video game character operating section 55, the first control portion 1a operates the first game character and the second to n-th game characters in accordance with operation of the first operation portion and the second to n-th operation portions by the first player and the second to n-th players respectively, to control a game between the first team that is determined by the team member determining function and a second team that is operated by the first control portion 1a. In the video game character operating section 55, the "manager character 73", the "catcher character 71" and the "pitcher character 70" are operated by the first, second and third players in accordance with operation of the first, second and third operation portions 5a, 5b and 5c respectively, so that "Team A" to which the "manager character 73", the "catcher character 71" and the "pitcher character 70" belong can play a game against "Team B" that is operated and controlled by the CPU.

[0091] The common role video game character operating section 56 serves to allow the first player and the second to n-th players to operate another video game character as a common role video game character that is given a common role in turn. Since the common role video game character operating section 56 allows the first player and the second to n-th players to operate another video game character as a common role video game character that is given a common role in turn, first, second and third player can operate the "manager character 73", the "catcher character 71" and the "pitcher character 70" as different roles in fielding as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, and the "batter character 72" as a common role can be operated in turn in batting as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, for example.

[0092] The common role video game character operator display section 57 serves to display operator(s) who operate(s) the common role video game character that can be operated in the common role video game character operating section 56. In the common role video game character operator display section 57, operator(s) is/are shown who operates the common role video game character that can be operated in the common role video game character operating section 56. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a common role video game character operator displaying area 81 is located in the lower left part of each of the first cooperative display screen 40 of the first display portion 3a, the second cooperative display screen 41 of the second display portion 3b, and the third cooperative display screen 42 of the third display portion 3c. The common role video game character operator displaying area 81 shows operator textual information characters 81a of "P", "C" and "M" that represent "the pitcher character 70", the "catcher character 71", and the "manager character 73". When the "M" that represents the "manager character 73" is highlighted in different color from others, an operator who currently operates "batter character 72 is the second player of "the catcher character 71". Accordingly, players can easily know that the operator who currently operates "batter character 72 is the second player as "the catcher character 71".

[0093] In the video game program, the video game character role giving section 50 gives the first video game character that is operated by the first player a first predetermined role related to characteristics of video game character ability, and gives the second to n-th characters that are operated by the second and third players second to n-th predetermined roles related to characteristics of video game character ability respectively, to avoid overlapping the first to n-th predetermined roles by means of the first control portion 1a, and the team member determining section 51 determines a first team that includes the first video game character and the second to n-th video game characters that are given the first predetermined role, and the second and third predetermined roles respectively, by the video game character role giving section 50 by means of the first control portion 1a. and additionally the video game character operating section 55 operates the first video game character, and the second and third video game characters in accordance with operation of the first operation portion 5a, the second and third operation portions 5b and 5c by the first player, and the second and third players respectively, to control a game between the first team that is determined by the team member determining section 51 and a second team that is operated by the first control portion 1a by means of the first control portion 1a.

[0094] In this case, the first, second and third players can select the "manager character 73", the "catcher character 71" and the "pitcher character 70" to avoid overlapping their roles (positions), and the "manager character 73", the "catcher character 71" and the "pitcher 70" belong to one team as "Team A". Thus, the first, second and third players can play a network video game in cooperation with each other to play a game against "Team B" of the first control portion 1a. Therefore, it is possible to realize a more interesting video game as compared with conventional cooperative video game.

[0095] Note that the function of the second and third terminal devices 102 and 103 that are operated by the second and third players is the same function as first terminal device 101 that is used by the first player. Accordingly, their description is omitted.

Other Embodiments

[0096] (a)In the foregoing embodiment, although the personal computer is used as an exemplary computer to which the video game program can be applied, the video game device is not limited to the foregoing embodiment. The present invention can be similarly applied to other terminal devices such as a home video game device, a mobile phone, a Personal Digital Assistant.

[0097] (b)In the foregoing embodiment, although the hard disk drive and the CD-ROM are used as an exemplary storage medium, a computer-readable flexible disk, a semiconductor memory, DVD, UMD, a ROM cassette, a cartridge for home video game devices, and the like can be used as a storage medium. Also, a means for providing the program that realizes a video game is not limited to the aforementioned storage media. For example, if the terminal device can download the video game program via the Internet from a homepage or the like that is provided by a company that deals with the network video game, the video game processing program and the like can be directly downloaded from the homepage.

[0098] The terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms should be construed as including a deviation of at least .+-.5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.

[0099] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0100] The term "configured" as used herein to describe a component, section or part of a device includes hardware and/or software that is constructed and/or programmed to carry out the desired function. [0101] Moreover, terms that are expressed as "means-plus function" in the claims should include any structure that can be utilized to carry out the function of that part of the present invention.

Claims

1. A computer readable medium storing a computer program of a computer network game in which a first player controls a first video game character through a first terminal device and a second player controls a second video game character through a second terminal device, the computer program comprising: code for giving a first role to the first video game character on the basis of characteristics of the first video game character and a second role to the second video game character on the basis of characteristics of the second video game character; code for determining a first team including the first video game character and the second video game character; and code for operating the first video game character on the basis of a first command by the first player through a first operation portion being configured on the first terminal and the second video game character on the basis of a second command from the second player through a second operation portion being configured on the second terminal, the first player and the second player simultaneously playing the computer network game.

2. The computer readable medium storing the computer program according to claim 1, the computer program further comprising code for enabling the first player and the second player alternatively control the first video game character and the second video game character when the first role and the second role are identical.

3. The computer readable medium storing the computer program according to claim 1, the computer program further comprising code for directing a third video game character by operating at least one of the first video game character by the first player and by the second video game character by the second player.

4. The computer readable medium storing the computer program according to claim 1, the computer program further comprising code for displaying information of the first game character on the basis of the first command on at least one of a first display portion being configured on the first terminal and a second display portion being configured on the second terminal.

5. The computer readable medium storing the computer program according to claim 4, the computer program further comprising code for enabling the first player to change from controlling the first video game character to controlling at least one of the second video game character and the third video game character, and code for displaying information with regards to changes after the first player changes from controlling the first video game character to controlling at least one of the second video game character and the third video game character on at least one of the first display portion and the second display portion.

6. The computer readable medium storing the computer program according to claim 5, the computer program further comprising code for enabling the first player and the second player alternatively control the first video game character and the second video game character when the first role and the second role are identical.

7. The computer readable medium storing the computer program according to claim 6, the computer program further comprising code for displaying who controls the first video game character, when the first video game character and the second video game character alternatively control the first video game character.

8. A video game device for a computer network game in which a first player controls a first video game character through a first terminal device and a second player controls a second video game character through a second terminal device, the video game device comprising: a video game character role giving section being configured to give a first role to the first video game character on the basis of characteristics of the first video game character and a second role to the second video game character on the basis of characteristics of the second video game character; a team member determining section being configured to determine a first team including the first video game character and the second video game character, and to operate the first video game character on the basis of a first command by the first player through a first operation portion being configured on the first terminal and the second video game character on the basis of a second command from the second player through a second operation portion being configured on the second terminal, the first player and the second player simultaneously playing the computer network game.

9. A control method for controlling a computer network game in which a first player controls a first video game character through a first terminal device and a second player controls a second video game character through a second terminal device, the the method comprising: giving a first role to the first video game character on the basis of characteristics of the first video game character and a second role to the second video game character on the basis of characteristics of the second video game character; determining a first team including the first video game character and the second video game character; and operating the first video game character on the basis of a first command by the first player through a first operation portion being configured on the first terminal and the second video game character on the basis of a second command from the second player through a second operation portion being configured on the second terminal, the first player and the second player simultaneously playing the computer network game.