U.S. Pat. No. 10,112,117

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

1. Embodiment

1-1. Configuration

FIG. 1is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of game device1according to an embodiment. Game device1is an example of an information-processing device, which is, specifically, a portable computer game device. Game device1includes control unit11, storage unit12, display unit13, operation input unit14, and communication unit15, as shown inFIG. 1.

Control unit11includes a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, and a volatile memory. Control unit11executes a program stored in storage unit12to perform image processing to generate images to be displayed by display unit13. Storage unit12is a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, which stores programs to be executed by control unit11. It is of note that storage unit12may be an external storage medium in another embodiment. Display unit13includes upper display unit131and lower display unit132, each of which is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electro-luminescence display. Operation input unit14includes a touch sensor placed on top of lower display unit132, an arrow key, an analog stick, or any other operation buttons. Communication unit15includes network communication unit151and local communication unit152. Network communication unit151is a communication module for communicating with one or more other game devices1through a network such as a wireless LAN or the Internet. Local communication unit152is a communication module for performing a wireless or infrared communication with one or more other game devices1.

FIG. 2is a diagram showing an example of a storage area of storage unit12. Storage unit12includes program storage area121and data storage area122.

Program storage area121stores game program1211for enabling a player to play a game, which is, specifically, a board game, and more specifically a dice board game. In the game, characters are moved on a map consisting of cells displayed on display unit13, and a winner is determined based on a comparison of numbers of predetermined items collected by the characters after a predetermined number of mini-games have been executed in the game. The predetermined items are, for example, stars. The cells are areas constituting the map, which represent units of movement of a character. The cells may be any shape. The characters appearing in the game may consist of two or more player characters operated by human players, or of one or more player characters operated by human players and one or more non-player characters controlled by control unit11according to game program1211. The human players are, specifically, players of game devices1that perform communications using communication unit15. Each game device1according to the present embodiment is a portable game device, which causes display unit13to display game images for a player operating the game device. For example, the game images are generated by image processing, whereby a virtual camera is controlled so that at least a player character operated by the player is shown in the game images. When a game is played on a single game device1using a player character operated by a player and one or more non-player characters, control unit11of the game device performs game processing on actions of the player character based on input operations performed by the player, while performing game processing on actions of non-player characters according to a preset program, and causes display unit13to display game images based on the results of both the game processing on actions of the player character and the game processing on actions of non-player characters. When a game is played by human players, the game is executed on each of game devices1. The game devices cause display unit13to display different game images for each player; however, the game devices share developments of the game. For example, when game device1, which is a parent device, obtains, using communication unit15, data indicative of input operations or results of input operations performed by players of other game devices1, the game device may perform game processing based on its own input operation data and the obtained data, and thereafter send data indicative of a result of the game processing to other game devices, while causing display unit13to display game images showing the same result. In that case, the other game devices, on receipt of the data sent from the parent game device, perform image processing based on the received data to cause display unit13to display game images for its player.

The above mini-game is a game included in the game provided by execution of game program1211. During execution of the mini-game particular scenarios and scenes are provided, and the mini-game is played according to rules different from those of the board game, which is the main game. The mini-game is, in other words, a sub-game. The mini-game ends in a shorter time than the main game. All characters join the mini-game. When the mini-game is played, a character that has reached a predetermined mini-game cell joins first, and the other characters that have failed to reach the mini-game cell join later. In particular, the other characters join the mini-game after a delay determined according to a distance from the character's current cell to the mini-game cell.

The mini-game is a game that provides an advantage to a character that joins the game earlier. In particular, in the mini-game, a character that has accumulated a higher value during a period from the start of the game until a predetermined end condition for the mini-game is satisfied, is granted a higher ranking. A ranking is determined for each character after the mini-game has ended. In addition, the mini-game is a game that becomes difficult in proportion to an elapsed time. However, characters that have joined the mini-game late may overtake other characters by playing the game well.

The mini-game is, for example, a game in which characters collect items of fruit scattered on a stage in a basket, while avoiding enemy characters, to compete to collect a high number of items of fruit. In another example, the mini-game is a game in which characters load bombs scattered on a stage into a cannon to shoot at a boss character, while avoiding enemy characters, to compete to hit the boss character with a high number of bombs. In another example, the mini-game is a game in which characters compete to travel a long distance from start to finish of the mini-game. The game is, specifically, a racing game.

A character ranked highest as a result of the mini-game is awarded a star. The number of obtained stars is used to determine a winner of the main game. The main game may end according to any end condition. For example, the main game may end on condition that a predetermined number of mini-games have been executed.

Data storage area122includes object data area1221, possessed-star data area1222, possessed-coin data area1223, possessed-item data area1224, character-position data area1225, and mini-game-frequency data area1226. Object data area1221stores data necessary to execute the board game, such as map data or character data. Possessed-star data area1222stores data indicative of the number of stars for each character. Possessed-coin data area1223stores data indicative of the number of coins for each character. A predetermined number of coins may be converted to a star. Possessed-item data area1224stores, for each character, data on items that are virtual game-elements useful in playing the board game. Character-position data area1225stores data indicative of a position on a map of the board game for each character. Mini-game-frequency data area1226stores data indicative of the number of mini-games executed in the board game.

Control unit11, by executing game program1211, provides functions of movement amount identifying unit111, movement processing unit112, mini-game executing unit113, delay time determining unit114, and winner judging unit115.

Movement amount identifying unit111identifies, for each of characters, a movement amount for which a character is to travel on a map, which movement amount is randomly determined. Specifically, movement amount identifying unit111identifies a movement amount by generating a random number. The movement amount herein, specifically, refers to the number of cells. When identifying a movement amount, movement amount identifying unit111causes display unit13to display an animation of a die being cast. Movement amount identifying unit111repeatedly identifies a movement amount until an end condition for the game is satisfied. Even after a mini-game is concluded, movement amount identifying unit111repeats the processing until the end condition is satisfied.

Movement processing unit112, after a movement amount is identified by movement amount identifying unit111, for each of characters, moves a character on a map according to a movement amount identified by the movement amount identifying unit for the character. Movement processing unit112carries out this process for all the characters simultaneously. Specifically, movement processing unit112concurrently accepts selections and determinations of migration routes performed by players using operation input unit14. Also, when movement processing unit112moves a player character, the unit moves the player character based on an input operation performed by a player using operation input unit14. Specifically, the movement processing unit moves the player character along a route selected by the player using the operation input unit. Also, movement processing unit112, on detecting that one of the characters has reached a predetermined item cell, causes the character to obtain an item. Specifically, the movement processing unit stores data on the item in possessed-item data area1224in association with the character.

Available items are divided into three types; an item useful in playing a mini-game; an item useful in moving on a map; and an item that directly affects winning and losing of the main game in a positive way.

An item useful in playing a mini-game is, specifically, an item that helps to raise a ranking of a subject character, which ranking is determined among characters after execution of a mini-game. The item may include, for example, an item that enables a non-player character for supporting a subject character to appear in a mini-game, together with the subject character, an item that enables hindering of another player playing a mini-game by narrowing a display area of the other player's mini-game execution screen, and an item that enables hindering of another player playing a mini-game by temporarily stunning the other player's character.

An item useful in moving on a map is, specifically, an item that, when movement amount identifying unit111identifies a movement amount for each character after the item is obtained, enables a movement amount identified for a subject character to be increased as compared to a case in which the item is not used, or that enables a movement amount for another character to be decreased as compared to a case in which the item is not used. The item may include, for example, an item that enables addition of a numerical value to a number on a die cast by a subject character, an item that enables limitation of numbers on a die to be used by a subject character to favorable numbers, and an item that enables the number of dice to be used by a subject character to be increased. Also, the item may include an item that enables a number on a die cast by another character to be decreased, and an item that enables limitation of numbers on a die to be used by another character to unfavorable numbers. Further, the item may include an item that enables a number on a die to be restricted to a particular number.

An item that directly affects winning and losing of the main game in a positive way is, specifically, an item that enables a value to be increased, which decides winning and losing of the main game. For example, the item may include an item that enables the number of stars or coins possessed by a subject character to be increased.

Mini-game executing unit113executes a mini-game on detecting that any one of characters has reached a predetermined mini-game cell on a map. When doing so, mini-game executing unit113starts the mini-game, the character joining the mini-game from the start of the game, which character has reached the mini-game cell. Also, mini-game executing unit113causes the other characters that have failed to reach the mini-game cell as of the start of the mini-game to join the mini-game later than the character that has reached the mini-game cell.

When a player character is included in the other characters that have failed to reach the mini-game cell, mini-game executing unit113shortens a delay time in response to a predetermined input operation performed by a player to operation input unit14. The predetermined input operation may include, for example, pressing an operation button, rubbing on a surface of a touch sensor, or rotating an analog stick. The delay time is shortened in proportion to the number of the predetermined input operations.

Mini-game executing unit113causes display unit13to display simultaneously an execution screen for the mini-game and a delay time display screen that shows a time that elapses before the characters that have failed to reach the mini-game cell join the mini-game. The execution screen is displayed, for example, on upper display unit131, and the delay time display screen is displayed, for example, on lower display unit132. The delay time display screen shows an animation of icons representing the characters that have failed to reach the mini-game cell, which icons move from cells occupied by the characters as of the start of the mini-game to the mini-game cell. Distances from the icons on display to the mini-game cell indicate times that elapse before the characters that have failed to reach the mini-game cell join the mini-game. Moving speed of the icons may be increased in response to the predetermined input operation performed by a player.

Delay time determining unit114determines a delay time for a character that has failed to reach a mini-game cell, based on a distance from a cell occupied by the character as of the start of a mini-game to the mini-game cell. The delay time is proportional to the distance. Delay time determining unit114determines the delay time by referring to, for example, a correspondence table in which the numbers of cells and delay times are associated with each other.

Winner judging unit115, after mini-game executing unit113executes a predetermined number of mini-games, refers to the numbers of stars possessed by the characters recorded in possessed-star data area1222to rank characters in descending order of the number of possessed stars.

1-2. Operation

Game execution processing executed by control unit11of game device1will be described.FIG. 3is a flowchart showing an example of the game execution processing. It is of note that processing described below is directed to all participant characters; however, in typical cases, processing is executed by control unit11of game device1that enables a game play using a player character and one or more non-player characters, or by control unit11of game device1that is a parent device that enables a game play using player characters together with other game devices1. In another case where plural game devices1are used, a part of processing described below may be executed in other game devices1; in other words, a game system including game devices1may execute the processing. In any case, display unit13of each of game devices1displays images for a player of the device.

When a player of game device1provides an instruction to execute game program1211, using operation input unit14, control unit11initializes data storage area122(step S1).

On completion of the initialization, control unit11generates map screen Sc1and movement amount determining screen Sc2to be displayed on display unit13, based on data stored in data storage area122(step S2).FIG. 4is a diagram showing an example of map screen Sc1and movement amount determining screen Sc2. Map screen Sc1is displayed on, for example, lower display unit132, and movement amount determining screen Sc2is displayed on, for example, upper display unit131. The screens displayed on display unit13are game screens directed to the player of game device1. In a case where the game is played using game devices1, display unit13of each of the game devices displays different game images.

In map screen Sc1, map M is shown, which consists of cells arranged in a grid pattern. Since map M has grid-pattern cells, a character can move back and forth and in left and right directions. Accordingly, the player can select one of multiple routes to a desired cell. The cells constituting map M include one or more mini-game cells Ce1. The cells may also include one or more item cells Ce2and cells in which coin Co is provided. Also, in map screen Sc1, characters Ca1to Ca4are shown on map M, and at the bottom of the screen, a ranking, the number of possessed stars, and the number of possessed coins are shown for each of the characters. In movement amount determining screen Sc2, dice D1to D4are shown for characters Ca1to Ca4. One of characters Ca1to Ca4is a player character to be operated, and the others are player characters operated by other game devices1or non-players.FIG. 4shows an example in which character Ca4is a player character to be operated.

After map screen Sc1and movement amount determining screen Sc2are displayed on display unit13, control unit11executes movement amount determining processing (step S3).FIG. 5is a flowchart showing an example of the movement amount determining processing. The movement amount determining processing is executed for each of characters in parallel.

Control unit11determines whether an item has been used relative to the subject character (step S31). As a result of the determination, when no item has been used (step S31, NO), control unit11generates a random number to determine the number of cells to be traversed (step S32). On the other hand, as a result of the determination, when an item has been used (step S31, YES), control unit11determines the number of cells to be traversed, in view of an effect of the used item (step S33). For example, when an item that enables addition of a numerical value to a number on the cast die has been used for the subject character, control unit11generates a random number and adds the numerical value to the generated number to determine the number of cells to be traversed. Also, control unit11deletes data on the used item from possessed-item data area1224(step S34).

After determining the number of cells to be traversed, control unit11determines whether an item has been used by another character relative to the subject character (step S35). As a result of the determination, when no item has been used (step S35, NO), control unit11concludes the movement amount determining processing. On the other hand, when an item has been used (step S35, YES), control unit11reduces the number of cells to be traversed, in view of an effect of the used item (step S36). For example, when an item that enables subtraction of a numerical value from a number on the cast die has been used for the subject character, control unit11subtracts the numerical value from the determined number of cells to be traversed. After performing step S36, control unit11concludes the movement amount determining processing.

On completion of the movement amount determining processing for all the characters, control unit11executes movement processing (step S4).FIG. 6is a flowchart showing an example of the movement processing. The movement processing is executed for each of the characters in parallel.

Control unit11determines whether a migration route has been determined for the subject character (step S41). As a result of the determination, when a migration route has not yet been determined (step S41, NO), control unit11performs step S41again. On the other hand, when a migration route has been determined (step S41, YES), control unit11moves the subject character along the determined migration route (step S42). Specifically, control unit11updates position data of the subject character stored in character-position data area1225to position data indicative of the position to which the character has moved.

After moving the subject character, control unit11determines whether coins were provided on the migration route (step S43). As a result of the determination, when no coin was provided (step S43, NO), control unit11proceeds to step S45. On the other hand, when coins were provided (step S43, YES), control unit11increases the number of possessed coins for the subject character recorded in possessed-coin data area1223, based on the number of coins that were provided on the migration route (step S44). It is of note that an item other than coins, which can be obtained by reaching an item cell, may be provided on a cell, which item may be obtained by a character that has passed through the cell.

At step S45, control unit11determines whether the cell that the subject character has reached is an item cell. As a result of the determination, when the cell that the subject character has reached is not an item cell (step S45, NO), control unit11concludes the movement processing. On the other hand, when the cell that the subject character has reached is an item cell (step S45, YES), control unit11randomly selects an item to be obtained by the subject character to store data on the selected item in possessed-item data area1224in association with the subject character (step S46). After performing step S46, control unit11concludes the movement processing. It is of note that while the character is moving, control unit11causes display unit13to display an animation of the character on the move or an animation of the character obtaining an item.

On completion of the movement processing for all the characters, control unit11determines whether any one of the characters has reached a mini-game cell (step S5). As a result of the determination, when no character has reached a mini-game cell (step S5, NO), control unit11returns to step S2. On the other hand, as a result of the determination, when any one of the characters has reached a mini-game cell (step S5, YES), control unit11executes delay time determining processing (step S6).FIG. 7is a flowchart showing an example of the delay time determining processing. The delay time determining processing is executed for each of the characters in parallel.

Control unit11identifies a distance from the current cell to the mini-game cell for the subject character (step S61). After identifying the distance, control unit11determines a delay time based on the identified distance (step S62). For example, when the distance from the current cell to the mini-game cell for the subject character is “0 (cells);” in other words, when the subject character has reached the mini-game cell, control unit11determines that a delay time is “0 (seconds).” In another example, when the distance is “2 (cells),” storage unit12determines that a delay time is “5 (seconds).” After determining the delay time, control unit11concludes the delay time determining processing.

On completion of the delay time determining processing for all the characters, control unit11executes mini-game execution processing (step S7).FIG. 8is a flowchart showing an example of the mini-game execution processing.

Control unit11starts a mini-game (step S71). Specifically, control unit11starts a mini-game, and a character whose delay time determined by the delay time determining processing is “0 (seconds),” in other words, a character that has reached the mini-game cell, joins the game from the start. When the character of the player of game device1has reached the mini-game cell, the player plays the mini-game using operation input unit14. Control unit11performs processing for enabling the player to play the mini-game, which processing may include moving the character according to the player's input operations. Also, control unit11causes display unit13to display mini-game execution screen Sc3and delay time display screen Sc4.FIG. 9is a diagram showing an example of mini-game execution screen Sc3and delay time display screen Sc4. Mini-game execution screen Sc3is displayed on, for example, upper display unit131, and delay time display screen Sc4is displayed on, for example, lower display unit132. The example shown inFIG. 9is based on an assumption that characters Ca1and Ca2have reached the mini-game cell, while characters Ca3and Ca4have failed to reach the mini-game cell.

In mini-game execution screen Sc3, stage St of the mini-game, characters Ca1and Ca2, and enemy character Ca5are shown. The mini-game shown inFIG. 9is a game in which characters collect fruits F scattered on stage St in basket B, while avoiding enemy character Ca5, to compete to collect the highest number of fruits F. Also, at the bottom of mini-game execution screen Sc3, the number of fruits F collected is shown for each of characters Ca1and Ca2.

In delay time display screen Sc4, map M is shown as a planar view. The cells constituting map M include mini-game cell Ce1. Also, in delay time display screen Sc4, double-circle mark G1indicative of a position of character Ca3as of the start of the mini-game, double-circle mark G2indicative of a position of character Ca4as of the start of the mini-game, icon P1representing character Ca3, and icon P2representing character Ca4are shown. Mark G1indicating a position of character Ca3is connected to mini-game cell Ce1by arrow A1indicating the shortest path therebetween. Mark G2indicating a position of character Ca4is connected to mini-game cell Ce1by arrow A2indicating the shortest path therebetween. Icons P1and P2move toward mini-game cell Ce1as time passes, as shown inFIG. 10. Icon P1representing character Ca3moves along arrow A1so that the icon can reach mini-game cell Ce1at the same time that a delay time for the character elapses. Icon P2representing character Ca4moves along arrow A2so that the icon can reach mini-game cell Ce1at the same time that a delay time for the character has elapses. A delay time for character Ca3or Ca4is shortened in response to a player's pressing of an operation button; as a result, an icon representing the character is caused to move faster.

After starting the mini-game, control unit11determines whether a delay time for any one of characters has elapsed (step S72). As a result of the determination, when a delay time has elapsed for none of characters (step S72, NO), control unit11proceeds to step S74. On the other hand, when a delay time for any one of characters has elapsed (step S72, YES), control unit11causes a character whose delay time has elapsed to join the mini-game (step S73).FIG. 11is a diagram showing an example of mini-game execution screen Sc5and delay time display screen Sc6, which are displayed on display unit13after a delay time has elapsed. Mini-game execution screen Sc5is displayed on, for example, upper display unit131, and delay time display screen Sc6is displayed on, for example, lower display unit132. The example shown inFIG. 11is based on an assumption that characters Ca1and Ca2have already reached the mini-game cell, and delay times for characters Ca3and Ca4have elapsed.

In mini-game execution screen Sc5, stage St of the mini-game, characters Ca1to Ca4, and enemy character Ca5are shown. The mini-game shown inFIG. 11is similar to that shown inFIG. 9, and carries on from that shown inFIG. 9. Also, at the bottom of mini-game execution screen Sc5, the number of fruits F collected is shown for each of characters Ca1to Ca4. The screen shown inFIG. 11is different from that shown inFIG. 9in that characters Ca3and Ca4have joined the mini-game, and in that characters Ca1and Ca2, which have joined the mini-game earlier, have obtained more fruits F.

In delay time display screen Sc6, map M is shown as a planar view. The cells constituting map M include mini-game cell Ce1. Also, in delay time display screen Sc6, double-circle mark G1indicative of a position of character Ca3as of the start of the mini-game, and double-circle mark G2indicative of a position of character Ca4as of the start of the mini-game are shown. Mark G1indicating a position of character Ca3is connected to mini-game cell Ce1by arrow A1indicating the shortest path therebetween. Mark G2indicating a position of character Ca4is connected to mini-game cell Ce1by arrow A2indicating the shortest path therebetween. The screen shown inFIG. 11is different from that shown inFIG. 9in that icon P1representing character Ca3and icon P2representing character Ca4are not shown since delay times for the characters have elapsed.

At step S74, control unit11determines whether any player operating a character, whose delay time has not elapsed, has performed a predetermined input operation, using operation input unit14. For example, control unit11determines whether any player operating such a character has pressed an operation button. The player of game device1, if a delay time for the character has not elapsed, is able to perform the predetermined input operation relative to operation input unit14to shorten the delay time. As a result of the determination of step S74, when the predetermined input operation has not been performed (step S74, NO), control unit11proceeds to step S76. On the other hand, as a result of the determination, when the predetermined input operation has been performed (step S74, YES), control unit11shortens a delay time for a character on which the predetermined input operation has been performed (step S75).

At step S76, control unit11determines whether an end condition for the mini-game has been satisfied. As a result of the determination, when the end condition for the mini-game has not been satisfied (step S76, NO), control unit11returns to step S72. On the other hand, when the end condition for the mini-game has been satisfied (step S76, YES), control unit11performs winner judging processing for the mini-game (step S77). Specifically, control unit11compares values accumulated by the characters during the mini-game to identify a character that has accumulated the highest value. After identifying the character, control unit11increases the number of possessed stars recorded in possessed-star data area1222in association with the character (step S78).

After updating the number of possessed stars, control unit11increments the number of executed mini-games recorded in mini-game-frequency data area1226(step S79). After performing step S79, control unit11concludes the mini-game execution processing.

On completion of the mini-game execution processing, control unit11determines whether an end condition for the board game (the main game) has been satisfied by determining whether a predetermined number of mini-games have been executed (step S8). For example, control unit11determines whether a mini-game has been executed three times. As a result of the determination, when a predetermined number of mini-games have not been executed (step S8, NO), control unit11returns to step S2. At the same time, control unit11sets a new mini-game cell. It is of note that when step S2is performed again, each character may be located at a cell occupied by the character as of the start of the mini-game, not at the mini-game cell. When the characters are deployed in such a way, a character that joined the previous mini-game later may restart the main game from a position near a next mini-game. In view of this, a player, whose character is unlikely to reach a mini-game cell early, may consider an option of not moving toward the mini-game cell to gain an advantage in a next mini-game. Namely, such a deployment makes the main game strategic. As a result of the determination made at step S8, when a predetermined number of mini-games have not been executed (step S8, YES), control unit11executes winner judging processing for the main game (step S9). Specifically, control unit11refers to the numbers of possessed stars for the characters recorded in possessed-star data area1222to rank the characters in descending order of the number of possessed stars, and causes display unit13to display the rankings. On completion of the winner judging processing, control unit11concludes the game execution processing.

In the game execution processing described in the foregoing, characters that have failed to reach a mini-game cell are required to wait before joining a mini-game. In other words, differences in position on a map between characters are reflected in a mini-game. Accordingly, players need to consider their migration routes on a map in view of a mini-game. Namely, this feature makes the game more strategic. Also, a map of the board game consists of cells arranged in a grid pattern so that characters have a lot of options of migration routes, which feature makes the game further more strategic.

2. Modifications

The above embodiment may be modified as described below. It is of note that two or more modifications described below may be combined with each other.

2-1. Modification 1

Game device1may be a stationary game device. Storage unit12, display unit13, and operation input unit14of game device1may be separated from the game device; in other words, game program1211may be executed by an information-processing system. Game program1211may be executed by an information-processing device other than game device1, such as a smartphone, a tablet device, or a wearable device.

2-2. Modification 2

A map of the board game is not required to have a grid pattern; for example, a map may consist of a single route having no fork. In another example, cells constituting a map may be separated from each other, or may be different in shape or size from each other.

2-3. Modification 3

Movement amount identifying unit111, when identifying a movement amount, may cause display unit13to display, instead of an animation of a die being cast, an animation of a roulette wheel being spun or an animation of a card being drawn from a stack of cards on which different numbers are written.

2-4. Modification 4

Delay time determining unit114, instead of determining a delay time based on a distance from a character's position to a mini-game cell, may assign a uniform delay time to all characters that have failed to reach a mini-game cell. In another example, delay time determining unit114may rank characters in ascending order of distance from a character's position to a mini-game cell, and assign a delay time to each character based on its ranking. An incremental value in delay time between the rankings may be constant.

2-5. Modification 5

Either upper display unit131or lower display unit132of display unit13may simultaneously display a mini-game execution screen and a delay time display screen. A delay time display screen may show a display time with a graph or a numerical value, instead of with a distance from a character's position to a mini-game cell. A delay time display screen may show a character itself, instead of an icon representing a character.

2-6. Modification 6

Game program1211may be provided to game device1via a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium, which includes a magnetic storage medium such as a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk, an optical storage medium such as an optical disk, or a magneto-optical storage medium. Alternatively, game program1211may be provided to game device1via a network such as the Internet.