U.S. Pat. No. 11,998,836

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments of the disclosure will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

With reference toFIGS.1to3, a game processing system according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described.FIG.1is a block diagram of a game processing system1according to an embodiment,FIG.2schematically illustrates a head mounted display10(hereinafter referred to as “HMD10”) used in the game processing system1, andFIG.3schematically illustrates the HMD10mounted on a player5.

The game processing system1according to an embodiment realizes various games by executing game processing programs according to an embodiment. Using the game processing system1, the player is able to play various games using a game content(s). Game contents are electronic data that are used in a game and can be acquired, owned, used, managed, exchanged, integrated, reinforced, sold, abandoned, or donated in the game by users. The game contents may be, for example, a card, an item, a virtual currency, a ticket, a character, an avatar, level information, status information, parameter information (health, attack, and the like), and statics information, skills, abilities, magic and jobs, and any other various electronic data usable in the game. However, the game contents usable in the game processing system1and how the game contents are used may not be limited to those described in this specification. For example, the game processing system1can realize a game in which a virtual character and the player interact in a virtual space. The game realized by the game processing system1has a first mode and a second mode. An example of the first mode is a chat mode, and an example of the second mode is a VR mode. The first mode and the second mode will be described later.

The game processing system1includes the HMD10and a server50. The HMD10and the server50are communicably interconnected over a network40.

As shown inFIG.2, the HMD10includes an attachment11that is to be fitted on a human head and an information processing device20attached to the attachment11.

The attachment11includes a goggle-like casing11ahaving an opening11dformed therein, a first belt11band a second belt11cattached to the casing11a, and a cover11e. The cover11eis attached to the casing11asuch that it is openable and closable. An opening11dis formed in a front portion of the casing11a.FIG.2shows the state where the cover11eis open. When the HMD10is used, the cover11eis closed so as to close the opening11d.

The information processing device20is detachably provided on an inner side of the cover11eof the HMD10. The information processing device20includes a display24. The information processing device20is attached to the cover11esuch that the display24faces the inside of the casing11awhen the cover11eis closed. The information processing device20is attached to the attachment11when the HMD10is used. When the HMD10is not used, the information processing device20is detached from the attachment11.

In the illustrated embodiment, the information processing device20is a smartphone. In addition to the smartphone, the information processing device20may be a mobile phone, a tablet, a personal computer, an electronic book reader, a wearable computer, a game console, or any other information processing devices. The information processing device20detached from the HMD10is operated by the player5in the first mode as described later. In addition to games, the information processing device20detached from the HMD10may be used for telephone calls and Internet accesses depending on its originally intended use.

The information processing device20includes the display24as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, when the information processing device20is mounted on the attachment11, the display24serves as an apparatus for displaying an image in the HMD10. Accordingly, when the HMD10is used to play a game, a virtual space and a virtual character(s) of the game, and images related to other games are displayed on the display24.

The shape of the attachment11is not limited to the illustrated goggle type. The attachment11may include a structure of any shape that moves following the movement of the head of the player who wears the HMD and that can place the display24in front of the wearer's eye(s) when worn. For example, the attachment11may have an eyeglasses-like shape, a hat-like shape, or a helmet-like shape. In order to enhance player's sense of immersion, the HMD10may be configured such that the display24covers both eyes of the player when the attachment11is attached to the head of the player.

When the HMD is used, the HMD10is mounted on the head of the player5via the attachment11, as shown inFIG.3. The information processing device20is mounted on the attachment11attached to the head of the player5.

The information processing device20will be further described with referring again toFIG.1. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the information processing device20includes a computer processor21, a memory unit22, a communication I/F23, a display24, a sensor unit25, a sound collector26, and a storage27.

The computer processor21is a computing device which loads various programs realizing an operating system and game logics from the storage27or other storage into the memory unit22and executes instructions included in the loaded programs. The computer processor21is, for example, a CPU, an MPU, a DSP, a GPU, any other computing device, or a combination thereof. The processor21may be realized by means of an integrated circuit such as ASIC, PLD, FPGA, MCU, or the like. Although the computer processor21is illustrated as a single component inFIG.1, the computer processor21may be a collection of a plurality of physically separate computer processors. In this specification, a program or instructions included in the program that are described as being executed by the computer processor21may be executed by a single computer processor or distributed and executed by a plurality of computer processors. Further, a program or instructions included in the program executed by the computer processor21may be executed by a plurality of virtual computer processors.

The memory unit22is used to store instructions that may be executed by the computer processor21and other various data. At least a part of the game processing program in the embodiment is loaded into the memory unit22at appropriate timings in accordance with the progress of the game. The memory unit22is, for example, a main storage device (main memory) that the computer processor21is able to access at high speed. The memory unit22may be, for example, a RAM such as a DRAM or an SRAM.

The communication I/F23may be implemented as hardware, firmware, or communication software such as a TCP/IP driver or a PPP driver, or a combination thereof. The information processing device20is able to transmit and receive data to and from other devices via the communication I/F23.

The display24includes a display panel24aand a touch-screen panel24b. For example, the touch-screen panel24bis laminated on an upper surface or lower surface of the display panel24a. The display panel24ais a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, an inorganic EL panel, or any other display panel capable of displaying an image. The touch-screen panel24bis configured to detect touch interactions (touch operations) performed by the player. The touch-screen panel24bcan detect various touch operations such as tapping, double tapping, and dragging performed by the player. The touch-screen panel24bmay include a capacitive proximity sensor and may be capable of detecting a non-contact operation performed by the player.

The sensor unit25includes one or more sensors. The sensor unit25includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor. The sensor unit25may include an eye tracking sensor that directly detects player's eye movements. The eye tracking sensor is, for example, an eye-gaze tracking sensor that emits a near-infrared light beam into the iris and detects its reflected light. The position and the direction of the head of the player5wearing the HMD10are specified based on detection information obtained by the sensor unit25as described later. At least some of the various sensors included in the sensor unit25may be mounted on the attachment11and/or a member other than the attachment11different from the information processing device20.

The sound collector26is capable of collecting sound and voice. The sound collector26is, for example, a microphone. Sound and voice of the player5is detected based on audio information collected by the sound collector26.

The storage27is an external storage device accessed by the computer processor21. The storage27is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or various other storage device capable of storing data. Various programs such as a game processing program and the like are stored in the storage27. The storage27may also store various data used in a game(s). At least some of the programs and various data that can be stored in the storage27may be stored in a storage that is physically separated from the information processing device20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the storage27stores image data28a, chat data28b, scenario data28c, parameter data28d, suspension condition data28e, game progress data28f, and various other data necessary for progress of the game.

The image data28aincludes data for drawing a background in a virtual space where a game is executed, data for drawing a virtual character, and data for drawing an object other than the virtual character used in the game. The image data28amay include information about the position of an object in the virtual space.

The chat data28bincludes data for drawing an icon of a virtual character, data for drawing an icon of the player5, data for specifying a plurality of messages from a virtual character, data representing options of a response message to the plurality of messages from the virtual character, and any other data used in the chat. The plurality of messages from the virtual character may be defined in a tree structure that includes nodes corresponding to each message and in which the nodes are interconnected by arcs. In the tree structure, for example, more than one arc extends from a start message which is the root node existing at the top, and each arc is connected to a node situated at a lower level. Another arc also extends from the lower node, and the arc is connected to a not at a further lower level. The nodes at the lower levels each correspond to a possible message from a virtual character that may be displayed after the start message. The chat data28bmay include a mode switch condition that is a condition for starting a mode switch from the chat mode to the VR mode. The mode switch condition may include, for example, that the elapsed time since the game was started in the chat mode is equal to or longer than a predetermined length of time, that a chat has progressed to a terminal node in a message having the tree structure, and any other conditions. The chat data28bmay include data indicating a message that is to be displayed when the chat mode is resumed after selection of a switch object is not completed.

The scenario data28cincludes data defining a scenario experienced by the player5in the second mode (eg., the VR mode) of the game. When there are two or more scenarios experienced by the player5in the game, the scenario data28cmay define scenario data for each of the scenarios.

With reference toFIG.4, scenario data used in the game processing system according to an embodiment will be described.FIG.4schematically shows the scenario data28cused in the game processing system1. The scenario data28cis a data set for defining a scenario to be executed in the VR mode. In the illustrated embodiment, the scenario data28cincludes first scenario data28c1to fifth scenario data28c5corresponding to a first scenario to a fifth scenario, respectively. There may be six or more scenarios or may be four or less scenarios in the VR mode. Data structure of the first scenario data28c1corresponding to the first scenario will be now described. The description on the first scenario data28c1below also applies to the second scenario data28c2to the fifth scenario data28c5.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first scenario data28c1includes opening scene data A1, basic scene data B1to B3, additional scene data C1to C3, and ending scene data D1to D2. In one embodiment, the opening scene data A1, the basic scene data B1to B3, the additional scene data C1to C3, and the ending scene data D1to D2may each include data concerning actions of a virtual character in a corresponding scene, data concerning moving images used in the scene, data concerning actions that the player can perform toward the virtual character in the scene, and any other data necessary for executing the scene.

In the illustrated embodiment, the opening scene data A1includes data concerning an action of the virtual character in an opening scene executed after the first scenario has started, data concerning a moving image used in the opening scene, data concerning actions that the player can perform toward the virtual character in the opening scene, and any other data necessary for executing the opening scene.

The basic scene data B1to B3include data concerning actions of the virtual character in a basic scene executed after the opening scene, data concerning a moving image used in the basic scene, data concerning actions that the player can perform toward the virtual character in the opening scene, and any other data necessary for executing the basic scene. The basic scene data B1to B3may each include information indicating conditions for switching to an additional scene to determine whether switching to the additional scene is possible or not. The condition for switching to the additional scene may be determined for each basic scene. The condition for switching to the addition scene is, for example, that the player gazes at a predetermined object for a predetermined period of time or longer, the player does not look fixedly at a predetermined direction, and the player does a prescribed action. Other than the above-mentioned ones, the conditions for switching to the addition scene can be appropriately determined depending on the story of a scenario, a type of an object appearing in the virtual space, and other factors.

The additional scene data C1to C3include data concerning actions of the virtual character in an additional scene, data concerning a moving image used in the additional scene, data concerning actions that the player can perform toward the virtual character in the opening scene, and any other data necessary for executing the additional scene. It is determined whether the condition for switching to the additional scene is satisfied during or after the basic scene is executed, and then the additional scene is executed in accordance with the determination result.

The ending scene data D1to D2may include data necessary for executing an ending scene before the second mode is terminated. The ending scene data D1to D2include data concerning actions of the virtual character in the ending scene, data concerning a moving image used in the ending scene, data concerning actions that the player can perform toward the virtual character in the opening scene, and any other data necessary for executing the ending scene.

The parameter data28dincludes a game parameter relating to a game realized in the game processing system1. The game parameter may be a parameter relating to a player character. The parameter relating to the player character may include a parameter representing a virtual character's favorability rating for a user character. Here, the virtual character is a non-player character. The game parameter may be updated as the game progresses. The parameter relating to the player character is not limited to the parameter representing the virtual character's favorability rating for the user character. The parameter relating to the player character is appropriately determined according to a type, the nature, the worldview of the game, or other elements.

The suspension condition data28eis data defining an suspension condition which is a condition for suspending the game being executed in the VR mode or suspending an action being executed in the game. The suspension condition includes, for example, that a prohibited area set in the virtual space has been watched by the player, that the player5repeats the same action toward a virtual character for a predetermined number of times or more, the player5performs an action toward a predetermined body part of the virtual character at a predetermined number of times or more, the player performs a banned action, a given parameter included in the parameter data28dis equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, and any other conditions defined for suspending the execution of the game in the VR mode. The suspension condition data28emay include data concerning the coordinates indicating the prohibited area and data specifying the banned actions. Points may be added each time the player5does the same action, and the suspension condition may be that the accumulated points reach to or more than predetermined points. Moreover, some points may be initially given to the player5, and predetermined points may be subtracted from the initially given points to calculate the points that the player5currently holds each time the player5do the same action. In this case, the suspension condition may be that the points that the player5holds reduces to or less than a predetermined value. The accumulated points and the points that the player5holds may be reset during the game.

The game progress data28fincludes data used for managing the progress of the game. The game progress data28fmay be updated as the game progresses. The game progress data28fmay include, for example, data concerning points acquired by the player in the game, data indicating an action performed by the player5toward the virtual character, and any other various types of data that may vary depending on the progress of the game. The data indicating the action performed by the player5toward the virtual character may include data indicating a body part (for example, a head, a shoulder, an arm, or a part other than these) of the virtual character onto which the action is performed.

The components and functions of the information processing device20shown inFIG.1are examples. The information processing device20applicable to the invention may include various constituent elements that are not shown. For example, the information processing device20may be provided with a speaker for outputting effect sound of the game and sound and voice of the virtual character.

Next, functions of the HMD10will be described. In the illustrated embodiment, various functions of the HMD10are realized by executing computer readable instructions using the computer processor21of the information processing device20. The instructions executed using the computer processor21include instructions included in the game processing program according to an embodiment.

By executing the game processing program according to the embodiment using the computer processor21, the game having the first mode and the second mode different from the first mode is realized in the game processing system1. The game realized in the game processing system1may further have a mode other than the first mode and the second mode.

In the first mode of the game realized in the game processing system1, processing relating to the game is performed based on first detection information obtained by the information processing device20when the HMD10is not mounted on the player5, that is, when the information processing device20is detached from the attachment11. The first detection information includes information concerning a touch operation of the player5detected via the touch-screen panel24bof the information processing device20, information concerning voice of the player detected by the sound collector26, and any other detection information that can be detected in the information processing device20when the HMD10is not attached to the player5. In the first mode, the player5is able to perform operations relating to the game using the information processing device20that is removed from the attachment11. Since the first mode is designed to play the game when the HMD10is not mounted on the player5, it is possible to display a non-stereoscopic image on the display24.

In the second mode of the game realized in the game processing system1, the game is played and progresses using second detection information obtained by the HMD10attached to the head of the player5. The second detection information is, for example, detection information obtained by the sensor unit25. Based on the second detection information, head tracking information for determining the orientation of the head of the player5is calculated. The head tracking information may be information indicating the position of the head of the player5in addition to the orientation of the head of the player5. A process for advancing the game in the second mode may be performed based on, for example, the head tracking information calculated based on the second detection information. The process for advancing the game in the second mode may be performed using any other information in addition to the head tracking information. In preparation for playing the game in the second mode, the player5attaches the information processing device20to the attachment11, and places the attachment11with the information processing device20on his/her head. As described above, the second mode is designed such that the game is played while the HMD10is worn by the player5, so in one embodiment, a stereoscopic image that is stereoscopically viewed by the player5is displayed on the display24in the second mode. The stereoscopic image is displayed on the display24by, for example, a parallax barrier method. In the parallax barrier method, a left eye image and a right eye image are displayed on the display24. The stereoscopic image is a set of images including the left eye image and the right eye image configured to be stereoscopically viewed when displayed on the display utilizing the parallax of the left and right eyes.

The first mode is, for example, a chat mode. The chat mode is an example of the first mode. The chat mode provides a function that allows the player to chat with a virtual character via a text message. In the first mode, the player can experience interaction with a virtual character by chatting with the virtual character. Processes performed in the chat mode will be described later in detail. Here, the interaction means, in a broad sense, that the virtual character reacts to an action performed by the player. The interaction with the virtual character includes an interaction performed as communication with the virtual character such as conversation with the virtual character. In this specification, an interaction performed as communication with a virtual character may also referred to as a communicative interaction. In addition to the communicative interaction, the interaction with a virtual character may include a battle against the virtual character, a cooperative play to play the game in cooperation with the virtual character, and interaction with other virtual characters. In this specification, an interaction performed as a battle against a virtual character may be referred to as a battle interaction. In the specification, an interaction performed as a cooperative play with a virtual character may be referred to as a cooperative interaction.

The second mode is, for example, the VR mode. The VR mode provides a function that allows the player to perform various interactions with a virtual character, which is a non-player character appearing in the virtual space displayed on the display of the information processing20. Processes performed in the VR mode will be described later in detail. The VR mode is an example of the second mode, and the second mode may include any game mode in which a process for advancing the game using the head tracking information is performed.

In one embodiment, a game having the first mode and the second mode that is realized by the game processing system1, may be a game in which a player performs interactions with a virtual character other than the communicative interaction. In the game realized by the game processing system1, the communicative interaction may not be performed. The game according to one embodiment is played in a two-dimensional space in the first mode and played in a three-dimensional space in the second mode. The game according to one embodiment is played in a three-dimensional space in the first mode. Whereas in the second mode, the game is played in a three-dimensional space displayed in a display mode different from the three-dimensional space of the first mode (or in a three-dimensional space configured in a manner different from the three-dimensional space of the first mode). In one embodiment, the game realized by the game processing system1may use a game content(s) common to the first mode and the second mode. A parameter associated with the game content may be carried over to/from the first mode from/to the second mode. For example, when a value of the parameter of the specific game content is changed during playing the game in the first mode and thereafter the game shifts to the second mode, the specific game content with the changed parameter is used in the second mode. In one embodiment, a value of a parameter of a specific game content may be changed when the game is switched from the first mode to the second mode and/or when the game is switched from the second mode to the first mode. The parameter change of the game content may be a change that is advantageous for the player5to progress in the game or may be a change that is disadvantageous for the player5. In one embodiment, a game play result in the first mode may be reflected in the game played in the second mode, and a play result in the second mode may be reflected in the game played in the first mode. For example, experience points of the player5acquired in the first mode may be carried over to the second mode.

As described above, the first mode and the second mode of the game realized in the game processing system1are distinguished from each other. That is, the first mode is different from the second mode. In one embodiment, when the game implemented in the game processing system1is played in the first mode, the HMD10is not attached to the head of the player5. Whereas when the game is played in the second mode, the HMD10is attached to the head of the head of the player5. In this case, in the first mode, the game is processed based on the first detection information obtained by the information processing device20that is not attached to the head of the player5. Whereas in the second mode, the game is processed based on the second detection information obtained by the HMD10that is attached to the head of the player5.

In one embodiment, a stereoscopic image is displayed on the display24in the second mode, whereas in the first mode, a non-stereoscopic image is displayed on the display24as described above. At least an image of a virtual character among the images used in the game is displayed as a stereoscopic image in the second mode. Whereas in the first mode, the image of the virtual character is displayed as the non-stereoscopic image.

In one embodiment, a process of advancing the game is performed without using the head tracking information calculated based on the second detection information in the first mode. Whereas in the second mode, a process of advancing the game is performed based on the head tracking information.

In one embodiment, the process of advancing the game is performed in accordance with a touch operation detected via the touch-screen panel24bin the first mode. Whereas in the second mode, the process is not performed in accordance with the touch operation on the touch-screen panel24b.

In one embodiment, in the case where an interaction with a virtual character is provided in a game implemented in the game processing system1, the interaction with the virtual character is provided based on the first detection information obtained by the information processing device20that is not attached to the head of the player5in the first mode. In the second mode, the interaction with the virtual character is provided based on the second detection information obtained by the HMD10attached to the head of the player5.

After the game is started, it is possible to switch between the first mode and the second mode which are distinguished as described above. With reference toFIG.5, the outline of the mode switch of the game processed by the game processing system1will be described. As shown inFIG.5, when the game is started in step S1, the chat mode, which is the first mode, is started in step S2. In this chat mode, when a switching process for switching to the VR mode which is the second mode is initiated, the process shifts to step S3and the switching process to the second mode is carried out. When the switching process is completed, the VR mode, which is the second mode, is started in step S4. When the VR mode is terminated or interrupted, a return process to the chat mode is performed.

Functions realized by the computer processor21will be now described more specifically. The computer processor21functions as a chat mode execution unit21a, a switch processing unit21b, a VR mode execution unit21c, and a parameter management unit21dby executing computer readable instructions included in the game processing program. At least some of the functions that can be realized by the computer processor21may be realized by a computer processor other than the computer processor21of the game system1. For example, at least some of the functions realized by the computer processor21may be realized by a computer processor mounted on the server50.

The chat mode execution unit21aperforms processing for providing the game in the chat mode as the first mode by executing a game processing program according to an embodiment. The chat mode executing unit21aimplements a function that allows the player5(or a character of the player5) to chat with a virtual character that is the non-player character. After the player5logs in to the chat mode, the chat mode execution unit21adisplays a message from the virtual character and a message input or selected by the player5on the display24, and enables the player5to chat with the virtual character. The chat mode execution unit21amay display, following the message from the virtual character, several response alternatives for the player5to respond to the message on the display24. One alternative is selected from the response alternatives according to an operation of the player5and a message corresponding to the selected response is displayed on the display24as a message from the player5. The player5can select a desired one of the displayed response alternatives by touching the touch-screen panel24b. The message from the virtual character and the response alternatives for the player to respond to the message can be specified by referring to the chat data28bin accordance with the game processing program. The message from the virtual character may be displayed together with an image of the virtual character, and the message from the player5may be displayed together with an image of the player5. The message from the virtual character may includes a message for prompting the player to switch to the VR mode which is the second mode, a message for allowing the player5to select an option(s) for setting of the VR mode, and any other message associated with the VR mode.

In the chat mode, a switch start object for starting switching to the VR mode as the second mode is displayed in accordance with the progress of the chat. Display of the switch start object is performed in accordance with the game processing program when the mode switch condition is satisfied. The chat mode execution unit21ais capable of detecting that the switch start object is selected based on a detection signal from the touch-screen panel24bor any other user interface. When it is detected that the switch start object has been selected, the process for switching to the VR mode, which is the second mode, is started.

The switch processing unit21bperforms the process for switching from the first mode to the second mode. The switch process includes displaying guidance on the display24to prompt a player to attach the information processing device20to the attachment11, and displaying the switch object on the display24such that it is selectable by the player's gazing. After displaying the switch object, the switch processing unit21breceives a detection signal from the sensor unit25or another sensor and determines whether the switch object has been selected by gazing based on the detection signal. For the determination, the switch processing unit21bcalculates the position and orientation of the HMD10based on the detection signal from the sensor unit25, and specifies the position (point) at which the player5gazes based on the calculated position and orientation of the HMD10. The gazing point can be specified by various known methods. For example, the gazing point may be specified based on the detection signal of the eye tracking sensor. For example, the switch processing unit21bmeasures the duration of time (gazing duration) during which the gazing point is on the switch start object, and when the gazing duration reaches a predetermined length, the switch processing unit21bdetermines that the selection of the switch start object has been completed. After the switch processing unit21bdetermines that the selection of the switch object has been completed, it starts the VR mode which is the second mode.

The VR mode execution unit21cdisplays an image of the virtual character in the virtual space in accordance with the game processing program and realizes interactions between the virtual character and the player5. The VR mode execution unit21cserves as a scene selection unit21c1, a detection unit21c2, an action determination unit21c3, an image generation unit21c4, and a suspension determination unit21c5when the game processing program according to one embodiment is executed by the processor21.

The scene selection unit21c1selects a game scene to be executed based on the scenario data28cand other information as required. After logging in to the VR mode, the scene selection unit21c1selects the opening scene. After the opening scene is executed, the scene selection unit21c1selects a next scene to be executed based on the detection information provided by the HMD10, information stored in the storage27(for example, the parameter data28d), and, any other information as necessary.

The detection unit21c2calculates the head tracking information for determining at least one of the orientation or the position of the HMD10based on the detection signal from the sensor unit25of the HMD10. The head tracking information is information indicating at least one of the orientation or the position of the HMD10. The head tracking information is determined based on the detection information from the sensor unit25. More specifically, the head tracking information is obtained such that the position and orientation of the HMD10mounted on the head are calculated as the position in the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system and the angle around each axis. The three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system is, for example, an orthogonal coordinate system composed of a roll axis along the front-rear direction, a yaw axis along the vertical direction, and a pitch axis along the left-right direction. The detection unit21c2generates a virtual space depending on at least one of the determined position or orientation of the HMD10and outputs image information for depicting the virtual space to the display24. For example, the detection unit21c2can calculate the gazing direction or the gazing point based on at least one of the position or the orientation of the HMD10.

The action determination unit21c3determines an action of the player5using the HMD10based on the head tracking information. Moreover, the action determination unit21c3may specify an action (reaction) of the virtual character in the virtual space according to the determined action of the player5. The actions of the player5wearing the HMD10include nodding, shaking his/her head, any other motions of the head, and eye movements. The action of the player5that causes the virtual character to make a reaction may include the player's eye movement. Such eye movement can be detected by the eye tracking sensor included in the sensor unit25.

The image generation unit21c4generates image information for a depicting area in the virtual space. The depicting area is determined by an angle of view or the like around the gazing point or gazing direction determined by the detection unit21c2. Based on the image information generated in this way, the image for the depicting area of the virtual space is displayed on the display24. For the generation of the image information, for example, the image data28a, the scenario data28c, the parameter data28d, the game progress data28f, and other data stored in the storage27may be used. When a virtual character appears in the depicting area, the image generation unit21c4generates image information of the virtual space including the virtual character performing the action specified by the action determination unit21c3, and the image generated in this manner is rendered on the display24as a stereoscopic image. In this way, an image of the virtual space including the image of the virtual character performing the action specified in response to the action of the player5is displayed on the display24. The image generation unit21c4may generate audio information corresponding to the action of the virtual character and the depicting area of the virtual space. The audio information is output to the speaker of the HMD10.

Based on the suspension condition data28e, the suspension determination unit21c5determines whether the suspension condition is satisfied. For example, in a case where the suspension condition is that the prohibited area set in the virtual space is gazed, the suspension determination unit21c5determines the gazing point of the player5in the virtual space based on the detection information obtained by the HMD10and determines whether this gazing point is within the prohibited area. When the gazing point of the player5is within the prohibited area, it is determined that the suspension condition is satisfied.

In a case where the suspension condition is that the player5performs the same action three or more times toward the virtual character, the suspension determination unit21c5refers to the game progress data28fto retrieve the previous two actions that the player5performed toward the virtual character, and determines whether the previous two actions are the same or different. When the previous two actions are the same, the suspension determination unit21c5determines whether the last action determined in the action determination unit21c3is same as the previous two actions. If the last action is the same as the previous two actions, it is determined that the suspension condition is established.

In a case where the suspension condition is that the player5performs an action on the head of the virtual character three times or more, the suspension determination unit21c5refers to the game progress data28fto determine whether the number of the actions performed on the head of the virtual character has reached three times with the last action. When the last action on the head of the virtual character is counted as the third time, it is determined that the suspension condition is satisfied.

In a case where the suspension condition is that the banned action has been performed by the player, the suspension determination unit21c5determines whether the last action falls under the banned action. The banned action may include the player's moving his/her head with an acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit value. In a case where the banned action is moving the head with an acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the suspension determination unit21c5determines whether the acceleration detected by the sensor unit25is equal to or more than the upper limit value. When the detected acceleration is equal to or more than the upper limit value, it is determined that the suspension condition is satisfied. Whereas when the acceleration is less than the upper limit value, it is determined that the suspension condition is not satisfied.

In a case where the suspension condition is that a parameter included in the parameter data28dis equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value or smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the suspension determination unit21c5refers to the parameter data28dand determines whether the suspension condition is satisfied. In a case where the parameter is a parameter representing the favorability of the virtual character with respect to the user character and the suspension condition is that the parameter indicating the favorability is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, the suspension determination unit21c5retrieves the parameter indicating the favorability from the storage27and determines whether the parameter indicating the favorability is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value. When the parameter indicating the favorability is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the suspension condition is satisfied, whereas when it is larger than the predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the suspension condition is not satisfied.

The suspension determination unit21c5is able to determine whether the suspension condition is satisfied at any point in time while the game is being executed. In one embodiment, the suspension determination unit21c5may determine whether the suspension condition is satisfied when the player5performs an action toward the virtual character.

As described above, a motion image in which a virtual character moves in the virtual space is displayed on the display24by the VR mode execution unit21c, and voice and sound corresponding to the movement of the virtual character is output from the speaker. For example, when the virtual character speaks to the player5, a motion image in which the head and mouth of the virtual character move is displayed on the display24, and voice corresponding to words which the virtual character speaks is output from the speaker. In one embodiment, the virtual character interacting with the player5in each of the VR mode and the chat mode are the same virtual character. For example, a virtual character appearing in the VR mode has the same name as a virtual character appearing in the chat mode, and they have common appearance such that it can be recognized as the same character. It should be noted that the image of the virtual character is displayed as a stereoscopic image in the VR mode whereas the image of the virtual character is displayed as a non-stereoscopic image in the chat mode, so that the images of the virtual character are different between the VR mode and the chat mode. However, such difference in representation format does not affect the identity of virtual characters.

The parameter management unit21dupdates the parameter data28das the game is progressed. When the game is provided in the first mode, the parameter management unit21dupdates the parameter data28daccording to the progress of the game in the first mode, and when the game is provided in the second mode, the parameter management unit21dupdates the parameter data28daccording to the progress of the game in the second mode.

In a case where the parameter data28dincludes a parameter indicating the favorability which the virtual character has with respect to the user character, the parameter management unit21dmay increase or decrease the value of the parameter depending on an action of the player5in the first mode and the second mode. When the first mode is the chat mode, the amount (for example, increase amount or decrease amount) or rate (increase rate or decrease rate) of change of favorability for each option of the message presented to the player5in the chat mode may be defined. In this case, the parameter management unit21dspecifies the change amount or change rate of the favorability depending on the message option selected by the player5, and updates the parameter data28dbased on the specified change amount or change rate of the favorability. In the VR mode, the amount of change or the change rate of the favorability may be determined for each type of action that the player5makes. The parameter management unit21dspecifies the change amount or change rate of the favorability depending on the action of the player5and updates the parameter data28dbased on the specified change amount or change rate of the favorability.

When the second mode is the VR mode, a banned action may be defined for the actions that the player5performs in the VR mode. The banned actions may include player's moving his/her head with an acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value, glancing at the prohibited area in the virtual space, and repeating the same action for more than a predetermined number of times. In this specification, among actions that the player5does, actions other than the banned actions may also be referred to as normal actions. When the banned action is performed by the player5, the parameter managing unit21dupdates the parameter data28dso as to decrease the favorability. Whereas when the normal action is made by the player5, the parameter management unit21dupdates the parameter data28dso as to increases or decreases the favorability depending on the normal action.

When the game is being processed in the VR mode, the VR mode may be incidentally terminated abnormally without going through the ending scene prepared in the VR mode. For example, when the power supply to the HMD10is lost or when a function of the system program force-quits the game processing program, the VR mode may be terminated abnormally. When the VR mode is abnormally terminated, the parameter management unit21dupdates the parameter data28dso as to decrease the favorability.

When a termination condition is satisfied, the VR mode execution unit21cperforms a termination process to terminate the VR mode. The termination condition may include, for example, that a predetermined duration of time (for example, one minute) has elapsed from the start of the VR mode, that an operation that is subjected to cause the termination has been detected, that the last event included in the scenario being executed in the VR mode has ended, and any other conditions. The termination process performed when the termination condition is satisfied may include, displaying, on the display24, guidance for prompting the player to remove the information processing device20from the attachment11, and displaying a login screen to log in to the chat mode which is the first mode.

Next, with reference toFIG.6andFIGS.7ato7d, a chat process in the chat mode will be described.FIG.6is a flowchart showing the flow of the process in the chat mode in one embodiment, andFIGS.7ato7dshow examples of a display image in the chat mode. It is assumed that the HMD10is not mounted on the head of the player5and the information processing device20is detached from the attachment11at the start of the chat mode.

As described above, in the game processing system1, the game is started in the chat mode. In step S11, a login screen for logging in to the chat mode is displayed on the display24of the information processing device20. When the login process is performed by the player5, the chat process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, chatting is performed between the player5and the virtual character such that they exchange messages. More specifically, after logging into the chat mode, a chat display image for displaying a chat performed between the player5and the virtual character is generated, and the chat display image is displayed on the display24.FIG.7ashows a chat display image70which is an example of the chat display image displayed on the display24. The chat display image70has a chat display area71including an icon73corresponding to the player5, an icon74corresponding to the virtual character, a message75afrom the player5, and messages76aand76bfrom the virtual character. In addition, the chat display image70has a menu area72arranged at the top of the chat display area71. The virtual character's messages76aand76bare specified based on the chat data28band other data stored in the storage72in accordance with the game processing program. For example, messages of the virtual character are displayed sequentially from the message in the root node with reference to the chat data28bdefined in the form of the tree structure. At the branch point of the node, a node is selected depending on a branch condition and a message corresponding to the selected node is displayed.

In step S12, a parameter set for the player5may be increased or decreased depending the option selected by the player5. As described above, the increase/decrease amount or change rate of the parameter is determined based on the change amount (for example, increase amount or decrease amount) or the change rate (increase rate or decrease rate) of the parameter determined for each option of the message. When the change amount or the change rate of the parameter is specified, the parameter data28dis updated based on the specified change amount or change rate of the favorability.

The chat display image70inFIG.7aincludes a display showing options77of the message for the player5to select at the lower part of the chat display area71. The player5is able to select one from among the displayed options77. The selection is performed, for example, by touching an area where the option desired to be selected is displayed on the display24with a finger. Once the selection is made, a message75bcorresponding to the selected option is newly displayed in the chat display area71as a message from the player5, as shown inFIG.7b.

In the course of the chat process, messages76cand76dfor prompting the player to select settings in the second mode VR mode may be displayed as messages from the virtual character as shown inFIG.7c. The message76cis a message for prompting selection of a scenario in the VR mode, and the message76dis a message for prompting selection of an item used by the virtual character in the VR mode (for example, clothes worn by the virtual character in the virtual space in the VR mode). In other words, the settings in the second mode include the scenario in the VR mode and the item used by the virtual character in the VR mode. After the message76cprompting the selection of the scenario is displayed, choices of the scenario are displayed on the display24. For example, first to fifth scenarios are displayed as the choices. The player5is able to select one scenario that he/she likes from among these choices. After the message76dprompting selection of the item is displayed, choices of the item are displayed on the display24. The player5can select one item that he/she likes from among the choices. In the course of the chat process, a message for prompting the player to switch to the second mode may be displayed as a message from the virtual character.

In step S13, it is determined whether the mode switch condition from the first mode to the second mode is satisfied or not. As the mode switch condition from the first mode to the second mode, for example, used is a condition that a predetermined duration of time (for example, one minute) has elapsed from the start of the chat mode. The elapsed time from the start of chat mode is measured using, for example, a system clock. The process returns to step S12and the chat process is repeated until it is determined that the mode switch condition is satisfied. When it is determined that the mode switch condition is satisfied, the chat process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the switch start object78is displayed on the display24, and the chat process proceeds to step S15. As shown inFIG.7d, the switch start object78is displayed as, for example, an object having a circular profile in the chat display area71. When it is confirmed that the switch start object78is selected in step S15, the chat process proceeds to step S16. Whereas when the selection of the switch start object78is not confirmed even after a predetermined duration of time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since the switch start object78is displayed, it is determined that the switch start object has not been selected and the chat process is terminated. Alternatively, the process may return to step S12and a process for resuming chatting may be performed when it is determined that the switch start object has not been selected. Whether the switch start object78is selected or not may be determined based on an operation performed on the touch-screen panel24b. For example, when an operation (for example, a tap operation) to touch the touch-screen panel24bat a position overlapping the display area of the switch start object78is detected via a detection signal of the touch-screen panel24b, it is determined that the switch start object78is selected. Alternatively, the selection of the switch start object78may be made by a non-contact operation.

In step S16, a switch process to shift to the VR mode, which is the second mode, is initiated. Once the switch process is started, the chat process is terminated.

The above chat process is executed by, for example, the chat mode execution unit21a. The chat mode execution unit21ais capable of executing the above-described chat process alone or in cooperation with other functions as appropriate. In executing the chat process, in addition to the data stored in the storage27, data stored in another storage, detection information obtained by various sensors, or data other than these may be used as required.

The mode switch process from the chat mode as the first mode to the VR mode as the second mode will be now described with reference toFIG.8andFIGS.9aand9b.FIG.8is a flowchart of the mode switch process according to an embodiment.

When the switch process is started, a guidance that prompts the player to wear the HMD10is displayed on the display24of the information processing device20in step S31. A guidance display image80which is an example of the guidance display image including the guidance is shown inFIG.9a. The guidance display image80includes a guidance prompting the player to attach the information processing device20to the attachment11, a guidance prompting the player to wear the HMD10on the head, and any other various guidance necessary for starting the VR mode. The guidance display image80shown inFIG.9aincludes a guidance81prompting the player to attach the information processing device20to the attachment11. This guidance may include instructions for attaching the information processing device20to the attachment11. When a predetermined time has elapsed after displaying the guidance, the mode switch process proceeds to step S32.

In step S32, the switch object is displayed on the display24. An example of the switch process image including the switch object is shown inFIG.9b. In the switch process image85shown inFIG.9b, a switch object86is included. The switch process image85may be displayed as a stereoscopic image. In one embodiment, the image displayed on the display24is switched from a non-stereoscopic image to a stereoscopic image at the start of the mode switch process or at a predetermined timing after the start of the mode switch process. For example, the image displayed in the chat mode is displayed as a non-stereoscopic image, and the image displayed after the switch process has started is displayed as a stereoscopic image.

Next, in step S33, it is determined whether selection of the switch object86is completed. The switch object86is selected, for example, by the player5by gazing at the object for a predetermined duration of time. Therefore, in order to select the switch object86in this state, the player5is required to wear the HMD10. In one embodiment, whether the selection of the switch object86is completed is determined based on whether the gazing point calculated based on the detection signal from the HMD10is situated on the switch object86for a predetermined amount of time or more. The gazing point may be calculated based on information detected by the sensor unit25provided in the HMD10as described above. The above determination can be made by measuring a duration of time in which the gazing point stays on the switch object86using the system clock and determining whether the measured gazing time has reached the predetermined amount of time. For example, when the gazing time reaches the predetermined amount of time, it is determined that selection of the switch object86is completed, and the mode switch process proceeds to step S34. Whereas when completion of the selection of the switch object86is not detected even after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the switch object86is displayed, it is determined that the selection of the switch object86has not been completed the mode switch process proceeds to step S35.

In step S34, the VR mode, which is the second mode, is initiated. Processes performed in the VR mode will be described later in detail.

Since the switch to the VR mode has not been selected, a process for returning to the chat mode is initiated in step S35. When the returning process to the chat mode is completed, the chat mode is resumed. In the resumed chat mode, a message from the virtual character made based on the fact that the switch to the VR mode was not performed may be displayed.

The mode switch process described above is executed, for example, by the switch processing unit21b. The switch processing unit21bis capable of executing the mode switch process alone or in cooperation with other functions as needed.

Next, a VR process in the VR mode will be described with reference toFIGS.10to12.FIG.10is a flowchart showing the flow of the VR process in the VR mode in one embodiment,FIG.11shows an example of a display image in the VR mode, andFIG.12schematically illustrates the flow of actions of the virtual character in a scene being executed in the VR mode. As described above, in order to select the switch object86in the mode switch process, the player5wears the HMD10. It is assumed that the HMD10is mounted on the head of the player5at the start of the VR mode. In the following, the VR process will be described on the premise that the first scenario is selected. In the VR process, the parameter data28dis referred to when necessary. In one embodiment, the value of each parameter included in the parameter data28das of the start of the VR process is equal to the value of the corresponding parameter included in the parameter data28das of the end of the chat process. That is, the parameter data28dupdated in the chat process is used without modification in the VR process.

When the VR mode is started, the opening scene is executed in step S41. More specifically, image information of the virtual space corresponding to the opening scene is generated, and an image according to the image information is output to the display24. In the opening scene, a predetermined action of the virtual character may be performed in the virtual space.

FIG.11shows an example of a VR image of the opening scene displayed on the display24. A VR image90shown inFIG.11includes a virtual character image91representing the virtual character, images92ato92crepresenting objects corresponding to the backgrounds, and images of various objects other than these. The VR image90is an image corresponding to a predetermined range of the virtual space for the first scenario. The range of the virtual space corresponding to the VR image90may be specified as a range determined by an angle of view around the gazing point in the virtual space calculated based on the orientation of the HMD10. The image data28ais used to generate the image information. The VR image90and other images displayed in the VR mode are displayed as stereoscopic images.

For example, the virtual character image91is able to perform an action specified by opening scene data A1in the virtual space. For example, the action that the virtual character image91performs may include, talking to the player5(toward the position of the player5in the virtual space), traveling in the virtual space, picking up an object placed in the virtual space, and any other various motions in the virtual space.

A series of actions performed by the virtual character in the opening scene will be described with reference toFIG.12.FIG.12schematically illustrates a flow of the actions performed by the virtual character in a scene executed in the VR mode.FIG.12illustrates the flow of actions in the opening scene. As shown inFIG.12, the virtual character first performs an action corresponding to an action A11in the opening scene. The action A11corresponds to an action that the virtual character can perform in the opening scene.

The action A11is defined as an action that may branch. More specifically, the action A11branches to an action A21, an action A22, and an action A23. For example, in the action A11, a first switch condition for switching to the action A21, a second switch condition for switching to the action A22, and a third switch condition for switching to the action A23are set. When the first switch condition is satisfied, the action of the virtual character is switched to the action A21. When the second switch condition is satisfied, the action of the virtual character is switched to the action A22. When the third switch condition is satisfied, the action of the virtual character is switched to the action A23. At least one of the first, second, and third switch conditions may be that the favorability of the virtual character with respect to the user character is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

Various conditions may be set as the first switch condition, the second switch condition, and the third switch condition. For example, the first switch condition, the second switch condition, and the third switch condition may include that the action prescribed as action A11has ended, that the player5performs a predetermined action (for example, the player5gazes at a predetermined part of the virtual character) toward the virtual character, and that the player5answers a question from the virtual character. The first switch condition, the second switch condition, and the third switch condition are different from each other. The player5can answer the question from the virtual character by nodding, shaking his/her head, or other head motions. More specifically, when a question is made by the virtual character and the player makes action by moving his/her head, the movement of the head is detected by the sensor unit25of the HMD10and the answer of the player5is identified based on the detected movement of the head. For example, when a nodding motion is detected, it may be determined that the player5has made a positive answer. Whereas when a motion of shaking his/her head is detected, it may be determined that the player5has made a negative answer. Further, when a motion of the head of the player5is not detected for a predetermined duration of time after the question is made by the virtual character, it may be determined that the player5does not answer the question from the virtual character. The action of the player5may be determined by a function of the action determination unit21c3.

The action A21further branches to an action A31and an action A32. When a predetermined switch condition is satisfied in the action A21, switching from the action A21to the action A31or the action A32is performed depending on the established switch condition. Only the action A33is associated with the action A22in the lower layer. That is, the action A22is not branched. In this case, when the action A22ends, the action A33is started. No more action is defined below the action A23. The structure of the actions shown inFIG.12is an example, and the types and the number of actions included in each scene and the structure of the actions may be set appropriately according to a story to be realized in the scene.

The actions A11, A21to A23, and A31to A33may be actions in which the virtual character talks to the player5about a predetermined topic. Actions that the virtual character makes in the actions A11, A21to A23, and A31to A33respectively may be specified based on the opening scene data A1. The opening scene data A1includes data defining actions that the virtual character performs in the actions A11, A21to A23, and A31to A33respectively, and data concerning actions that the player can perform toward the virtual character in the opening scene. For example, in the opening scene data A1, the action A11includes data defining the action of the virtual character in the action A11and data concerning the actions that the player can perform toward the virtual character in the action A11. The action A11is executed based on the data related to the action A11in the start scene data A1.

In a case where the opening scene is executed such that the action A11, the action A21, and the action A31are sequentially performed in the stated order, the virtual character performs an action to make conversation about a topic in the action A11, the virtual character subsequently performs an action to make conversation about another topic in the action A21, and the virtual character performs an action to make conversation about yet another topic in the action A31. The switch from one action to another action may be performed seamlessly so that the player5does not perceive the action switch.

While the actions A11, A21to A23, and A31to A33are executed, the player5can perform actions toward the virtual character by gazing at a predetermined part of the virtual character or any other method. In response to the action of the player5performed toward the virtual character, the virtual character can take a reaction determined based on the start scene data A1. As described above, the actions A11, A21to A23, and A31to A33are executed depending on the actions of the player5and based on the start scene data A1.

In parallel with the execution of the actions A11, A21to A23, and A31to A33, the suspension determination is performed. The suspension condition may be satisfied with an action of the player5during the execution of the action A11, A21to A23, A31to A33. When it is determined that the suspension condition is satisfied during the execution of any of the actions A11, A21to A23, and A31to A33, a suspension process A41for suspending the currently executed action is performed. The determination whether the suspension condition is satisfied is performed, for example, by the suspension determination unit21c5.

The actions A11, A21to A23, and A31to A33each include a main action, an interrupt action, and a return action. In the example shown inFIG.12, the action A21includes a main action A211, an interrupt action A212, and a return action A213. Similarly to the action A21, the other actions may each include the main action, the interrupt action, and the return action. The main action, the interrupt action, and the return action will be described below by taking the action A21as an example.

The main action A211is a series of actions that the virtual character performs and based on which the game is progressed. For example, when the opening scene is a scene in which a conversation is made between the player5and the virtual character, the main action A211is an action in which the virtual character makes a series of conversations to the player5.

The interrupt action A212is an action of the virtual character that is executed in response to a specific action of the player5toward the virtual character during the execution of the main action A211, and the main action A211is suspended for execution of the interrupt action A212. In this specification, an action performed by the player5during execution of the main action may be referred to as a specific action. The interrupt action A212may be a reaction to the specific action of the player5. For example, in a case where the specific action is motion of touching the head of the virtual character, the interrupt action A212may be a motion of the virtual character expressing surprise at the touching motion of the player. When the suspension condition is satisfied by the specific action being performed, the suspension process A41is performed instead of the interrupt action A212.

After the interrupt action A212is executed, the return action A213is performed, and thereafter, the main action A211is resumed. The return action A213is an action for naturally returning to the conversation performed in the main action A211. The execution of the main action A211is temporarily suspended by the interrupt action A212, and it is possible to return to the main action A211more naturally by interposing the return action A213, instead of directly returning from the interrupt action A212to the main action A211. The return action A213is, for example, speaking a conjunction colloquially such that the virtual character says “so” or “well”. By speaking a colloquial conjunction just before returning to the main action A211, it is possible to return naturally to the conversation in the main action A211. The main action A211is resumed from the point of being interrupted by the specific action.

As described above, the suspension determination is performed in parallel with the execution of the actions A11, A21to A23, and A31to A33, and when it is determined that the suspension condition is satisfied during the execution of any of the actions, the suspension process A41for suspending the currently executed action is performed. In the suspension process A41, the main action being executed is suspended. Further, in the suspension process A41, a scene transition screen displayed at the time of switching between scenes may displayed in order to let the player5know that switching to another action, another scene, or another mode is to be performed. The scene transition screen will be described later.

In one embodiment, after the suspension process A41is performed in the action A21, the game may be resumed at the action (eg, the action A31) in the lower level situated below the suspended action. For example, the action A31may be executed after the scene transition screen is displayed in the suspension process A41for suspending the action A21. In this way, the action A21satisfying the suspension condition is skipped after it is determined that the interruption condition is satisfied and the suspension process A41is performed, and then another action (for example, the action A31) in the lower level is started.

In another embodiment, a scene termination process A51may be executed after the suspension process A41is performed in the action A21. That is, in response to the determination that the suspension condition is satisfied, a termination process for terminating the opening scene including the action A21in execution may be performed. In the scene termination process A51, the opening scene in which the action A21is performed is ended, the VR process proceeds to step S42, and a process for executing the basic scene subsequent to the start scene is started in this step S42.

In still another embodiment, a VR termination process A61may be executed after the suspension process A41is performed in the action A21. In the VR termination process A61, the process for terminating the VR mode and shifting to the chat mode is performed. This VR termination process A61is the same process as the ending process in step S48described later.

When the suspension process A41is not performed (that is, when the suspension condition is not satisfied in the opening scene), the opening scene is ended when the action A31, the action A32, the action A33in the terminal layer, or the action A23ends, and the VR process proceeds to step S42.

In step S42, the basic scene to be executed is selected from among a plurality of possible basic scenes. Selection of the basic scene to be executed is performed from among a plurality of possible basic scenes prepared for the first scenario, for example, according to the parameter data28d. In the first scenario, three basic scenes corresponding to the basic scene data B1to B3illustrated inFIG.4are provided. In one embodiment, the basic scene to be executed is selected from among these three basic scenes based on the favorability rated by the virtual character with respect to the player5, the favorability is stored as the parameter data28d. For example, when the favorability is equal to or higher than a first threshold value, the basic scene corresponding to the basic scene data B1is selected. When the favorability is lower than a second threshold value, the basic scene corresponding to the basic scene data B3is selected. When the favorability is equal to or higher than the second threshold value and lower than the first threshold value, the basic scene corresponding to the basic scene data B2is selected. Selection of the basic scene may be performed by any other method other. For example, the basic scene may be randomly selected. The basic scene may be randomly selected after performing weighting of the possible basic scenes so that the probability that some basic scene(s) (for example, the first basic scene corresponding to the basic scene data B1) are selected becomes higher as the favorability is higher. The method of selecting the basic scene is not limited to the method explicitly described in the specification. Once the basic scene is selected, the VR process proceeds to step S43.

In step S43, the basic scene selected in step S42is executed. More specifically, image information of the virtual space corresponding to the basic scene is generated, and an image corresponding to the image information is output to the display24. In the basic scene, the virtual character may perform a prescribed action in the virtual space. As with the opening scene, the action which the virtual character performs in the basic scene may be defined as a series of branchable actions. A series of branchable actions in the basic scene may have a data structure similar to the data structure shown inFIG.12. In the same manner as the opening scene, the suspension determination may be performed in parallel with the execution of the actions in the basic scene. If it is determined that the suspension condition is satisfied in the suspension determination, the suspension process for suspending the action in execution is performed. The suspension process in the basic scene may be performed in the same manner as the suspension process A41in the opening scene. Similarly to the opening scene, after the suspension determination in the basic scene is performed, a process for shifting to an action in the lower layer from the suspended action, the termination process of the basic scene, or the termination process of the VR mode may be performed. The switch condition is set for the basic scene. When the action situated in the bottom layer in the basic scene is completed, the basic scene ends and the VR process proceeds to step S44.

In step S44, it is determined whether the condition for switching to the additional scene set for the basic scene executed in step S43is satisfied. In the determination, the condition for switching to the additional scene included in the basic scene data (for example, the basic scene data B1) corresponding to the basic scene executed in step S43is retrieved from the storage27, and it is determined whether the condition is satisfied in the basic scene executed in step S43. For example, when the switch condition is that the player gazes at an object representing a door in the virtual space for more than three seconds, counted is the duration of time in which the gazing point of the player5in the virtual space is located on the object representing the door, and it is determined that the switch condition is satisfied when the counted time is three seconds or longer. The gazing point of the player5in the virtual space is calculated on the basis of the orientation of the HMD10calculated based on the detection information from the sensor unit25. The condition for switching to the additional scene may or may not be explicitly presented to the player5at the time of execution of the basic scene. For example, in the basic scene, the virtual character may speak to the player5the line corresponding to the condition for switching to the additional scene.

When it is determined that the switch condition is not satisfied, the VR process proceeds to step S45, whereas when it is determined that the switch condition is satisfied, the VR process proceeds to step S46.

In step S45, a first ending scene is executed. More specifically, image information of the virtual space corresponding to the first ending scene is generated, and an image corresponding to the image information is output to the display24.

In step S46, an additional scene is executed. More specifically, image information of the virtual space corresponding to the additional scene is generated, and an image corresponding to the image information is output to the display24. Similarly to the opening scene, the action that the virtual character performs in the additional scene may be defined as a series of branchable actions. A series of branchable actions in the additional scene may have a data structure similar to the data structure shown inFIG.12. When the action situated in the bottom layer in the additional scene is completed, the additional scene ends and the VR process proceeds to step S47.

In step S47, a second ending scene is executed. More specifically, image information of the virtual space corresponding to the second ending scene is generated, and an image corresponding to the image information is output to the display24. The image displayed in the second ending scene may be the same as or different from the image displayed in the first ending scene.

In the same manner as the opening scene and the basic scene, the suspension determination may be performed in parallel with the execution of the actions in the additional scene, the first ending scene, and the second ending scene. If it is determined that the suspension condition is satisfied in the suspension determination, the suspension process for suspending the action in execution is performed. The suspension process in the additional scene, the first ending scene, and the second ending scene may be performed in the same manner as the suspension process A41in the opening scene. Similarly to the opening scene, after the suspension determination in the additional scene, the first ending scene, and the second ending scene is performed, a process for shifting to an action in the lower layer from the suspended action, the termination process of the scene in execution, or the termination process of the VR mode may be performed.

In the above-described VR process, when switching between scenes is performed, a scene transition screen may be generated and the scene transition screen may be displayed on the display24. The scene transition screen is any screen that allows the player5to recognize that the scene is to be switched. For example, the scene transition screen may be a fade-out screen having the entire image is colored in black. This fade-out screen may be displayed at least one timing selected from the group including: at the time of switching from the opening scene to the basic scene (before displaying the VR screen in the basic scene); at the time of switching from the basic scene to the first ending scene (before displaying the VR screen in the first ending scene); at the time of switching from the basic scene to the additional scene (before displaying the VR screen in the additional scene); and at the time of switching from the additional scene to the second ending scene (before displaying the VR screen in the second ending scene).

When movement of the head of the player5is detected by the sensor unit25of the HMD10while the VR image90is displayed on the display24, an action of the player5is specified based on the detected movement of the head. Then, an action (reaction) of the virtual character responsive to the specified action of the player5is determined. Subsequently image information of the virtual character image91that performs the specified action is generated. The image information generated in this way is output to the display24. For example, when a nodding motion of the player5is detected, image information of the virtual character image91taking a reaction to the action of the player5which is the nodding is generated, and the image information is displayed on the display24. In this manner, in the VR mode, interaction between the player5and the virtual character is realized using the stereoscopic image of the virtual character.

In the above-described steps S41, S43, S45to S47, the parameter(s) set for the player5may be increased or decreased according to the action(s) of the player5. As described above, the increase/decrease amount or change rate of the parameter may be determined based on the change amount (for example, increase amount or decrease amount) or the change rate (increase rate or decrease rate) of the parameter determined for each type of the action of the player5. When the change amount or the change rate of the parameter is specified, the parameter data28dis updated based on the specified change amount or change rate of the favorability.

In step S48, the termination process of the VR mode is performed. The termination process may include, displaying, on the display24, guidance for prompting the player to remove the information processing device20from the attachment11, and displaying a login screen to log in to the chat mode which is the first mode.

The above VR process is executed by the VR mode execution unit21c. The VR mode execution unit21cis capable of executing the VR process alone or in cooperation with other functions as needed.

The game processing system according to another embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.13.FIG.13is a block diagram illustrating a game processing system101according to another embodiment. The game processing system101includes the information processing device20, and the HMD110. The game processing system101is different from the game processing system1in that the VR mode can be provided without attaching the information processing device20to the HMD110. Hereinafter, the game processing system101will be described focusing on the differences from the game processing system1.

The HMD110, the information processing device20, and the server50are communicably interconnected over the network40. The HMD110and the information processing device20may be connected so as to communicate with each other according to a short-range wireless system such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) without using the network40. The HMD110is different from the HMD10of the game processing system1in that the VR mode can be provided even if the information processing device20is not mounted.

The HMD110includes a computer processor121, a memory unit122, a communication I/F123, a display124, a sensor unit125, a sound collector126, and a storage127. The computer processor121, the memory unit122, the communication I/F123, the display124, the sensor unit125, the sound collector126, and the storage127are configured similarly to the computer processor21the memory22, the communication I/F23, the display24, the sensor unit25, the sound collector26, and the storage27of the information processing device20, respectively. However, the display124may not have a touch-screen panel.

The functions of the chat mode execution unit21a, the switch processing unit21b, and the VR mode execution unit21care distributed between the information processing device20and the HMD110. Specifically, the function of the chat mode execution unit21ais realized in the information processing device20, and the function of the VR mode execution unit21cis realized in the HMD110. A part of the function of the switch processing unit21bis realized by the information processing device20, and the rest is realized in the HMD110. The function of the parameter management unit21dis realized by both the information processing device20and the HMD110.

The image data28a, the chat data28b, the scenario data28c, the parameter data28d, the suspension condition data28e, and the game progress data28fare stored in one or both of the storage27and the storage127. Alternatively these data may be stored in a storage other than the storage27and the storage127.

When starting the game in the game processing system101, the player5uses the information processing device20to start the chat mode. The process for executing the chat mode is performed by the chat mode execution unit21aof the information processing device20.

When the mode switch condition is satisfied in the chat mode and the switch start object is selected, the mode switch process switching to the VR mode is started. The mode switch process is performed by the switch processing unit21b. In the mode switch process, displaying the guidance corresponding to the above-described step S31is performed in the information processing device20. For example, guidance prompting the player to put on the HMD110is displayed on the display24of the information processing device20. Displaying the switch object86corresponding to step S32and subsequent processes are executed in the HMD110.

When the VR mode is started, the processing of the VR mode is performed by the VR mode execution unit21cof the HMD110.

In another embodiment, the game processing system1or the game processing system101processes games other than games that provide interaction with virtual characters, such as role playing games, shooting games and any other games. In the game according to this embodiment, the game scenario is composed of a plurality of game scenes.FIG.14schematically shows a plurality of scenes constituting a game according to the embodiment. As shown inFIG.14, the game in the embodiment includes a plurality of scenes including nine scenes B11, B21to B23, and B31to B35. Each of the plurality of scenes may be branched into two or more scenes. For example, the scene B11is branched into three scenes B21to B23. When the game is executed, a destination scene is selected at each branch point according to selection made by the player5, the values of various parameters, and various other conditions. In each scene, the game progresses in accordance with command sets stored in advance in the storage27, the storage127, or other storage. The command set of each scene includes the actions that the player character is able to perform in the scene, the actions that the non-player character is able to perform in the scene, the data concerning the image and position of the object(s) displayed in the scene, and any other information necessary for execution of the scene. In the embodiment, the suspension condition data28emay include data defining a scene suspension condition that is a condition for suspending the game in execution in the VR mode or a scene executed in the game. The scene suspension condition may be the same as the suspension condition for suspending the action.

Determination whether the scene suspension condition is satisfied may be performed in parallel to the processing of the scenes B11, B21to B23, B31to B35, and other scenes. The determination of the scene suspension condition may be performed by, for example, the suspension determination unit21c5. When it is determined that the scene suspension condition is satisfied in a scene, the suspension process for suspending the processing of the scene is performed. After the suspension process, the game may be resumed from a scene situated in a lower layer below the suspended scene. For example, when the scene B21is suspended, the game may be resumed from the scene B31or the scene B32located downstream thereof. The process for terminating the VR mode may be performed after the suspension process is performed on a scene. Further, in the suspension process of suspending the scene, the scene transition screen may be displayed to let the player5know that switching to another scene or another mode is going to be performed.

According to the above embodiments, the following advantageous effects can be obtained. According to the game processing system1,101described above, when the suspension condition is satisfied during execution of a predetermined action in a predetermined scene (for example, the action A21in the opening scene), the action is suspended. Therefore, there is no need to define the reaction of the virtual character to the action of the player that is to be executed after the suspension condition is satisfied. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress an increase of the data defining the action of the virtual character performed responsive to the action of the player or the data amount of the command set for each scene (for example, the data amount of the scenario data28c).

Further, according to the game processing system1,101, since the scene transition screen is displayed when the action or scene is suspended, it is possible to naturally interrupt the action or the scene.

In addition, an action that is deemed inappropriate in the real world may be defined as the banned action, and the game may be suspended when such an action is performed toward the virtual character. It is difficult to predetermine reactions of the virtual character to the actions considered to be inappropriate in the real world. Whereas if the virtual character performs a normal reaction to the inappropriate action or does not perform any reaction, the normal reaction would be deemed unnatural as a reaction to the inappropriate action in the real world. According to the above-described game processing system1,101, by suspending the execution of the game when an action that is deemed inappropriate in the real world is made, so that it is possible to prevent the virtual character from taking an unnatural reaction (or no reaction). In this way, it is possible to enhance a sense of reality of communication with the virtual character can be increased.

Embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to the above embodiments but various modifications are possible within a spirit of the invention. For example, some or all of the functions executed by the computer processor21and the computer processor121may be realized by a computer processor which is not shown in the above-mentioned embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the game processing system1and the game processing system101may include a game machine that executes at least a part of the game processing program. Some of the functions realized by processing by the computer processor21or the computer processor121may be realized by processing performed by the game machine.

Embodiments of the disclosure may include various devices, devices, and electronic components other than those described above. For example, in addition to the information processing device20and the HMD10,110, the game processing system1and the game processing system101may be provided with a control device for accepting operations of the player5. The game processing system1and the game processing system101may detect operations of the player5via the control device and process the game in accordance with the detected operations. The virtual character in the virtual space may be controlled based on data or commands other than the data concerning actions of the virtual character included in the scenario data28c. For example, the virtual character may be controlled to move in synchronization with movements of a player other than the player5. In one embodiment, the server50may generate an animation of a virtual character based on motion data indicating body movements and/or facial expression movements of the player other than the player5. The server50may cause the display24of the information processing device20to display an image of the virtual space including the virtual character generated as described above. In this way, the player5is able to interact with the virtual character moving in synchronization with the movements of another player. Generation of an animation that moves in synchronization with movements of a player (user) is described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-236152, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, an animation of a virtual character moving in synchronization with movements of the player5in the real space may be generated based on motion data indicating body movements and facial expression movements of the player5, and the virtual space may include the virtual character of the player5. In this way, the player5is able to interact with other player(s) through the virtual character in the virtual space.

The procedures described herein, particularly those described with a flowchart, are susceptible of omission of part of the steps constituting the procedure, adding steps not explicitly included in the steps constituting the procedure, and/or reordering the steps. The procedure subjected to such omission, addition, or reordering is also included in the scope of the present invention unless diverged from the purport of the present disclosure.