U.S. Pat. No. 12,121,822

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First, several terms included in this application are described.

Virtual environment: a virtual environment displayed (or provided) by an application when run on a terminal. The virtual environment may be a simulated environment of a real world, or may be a semi-simulated semi-fictional three-dimensional (3D) environment, or may be an entirely fictional 3D environment. The virtual environment may be any one of a two-dimensional virtual environment, a 2.5-dimensional virtual environment, or a three-dimensional virtual environment. In some embodiments, the virtual environment is further used for a virtual environment battle between at least two virtual characters, and there are virtual resources available to the at least two virtual characters in the virtual environment. In some embodiments, the virtual environment includes a square map. The square map includes a lower left corner region and an upper right corner region that are symmetrical. Virtual characters on two opposing camps occupy the regions respectively, and the objective of each side is to destroy a target building deep in the opponent's region to win victory.

Virtual character (also referred to as hero) refers to a movable object in the virtual environment. The movable object may be at least one of a virtual person, a virtual animal, or a cartoon figure. In some embodiments, when a virtual world is a three-dimensional virtual world, the virtual characters may be three-dimensional models. Each virtual character has a shape and a volume in the three-dimensional virtual world, and occupies some space in the three-dimensional virtual world. In some embodiments, the virtual character is a three-dimensional character constructed based on three-dimensional human skeleton technology. The virtual character wears different skins to implement different appearances. In some implementations, the virtual character may be alternatively implemented by using a 2.5-dimensional model or a two-dimensional model. This is not limited in the embodiments of this application. In some embodiments of this application, the virtual characters are virtual characters that can be controlled by users in the virtual environment, and virtual characters (such as creeps, monsters, and non-player characters (NPCs)) that cannot be controlled by the users may be referred to as assisting virtual characters.

MOBA refers to an arena in which different virtual teams on at least two opposing camps occupy respective map regions in a map provided by a virtual environment, and compete against each other using a specific victory condition as a goal. The victory condition includes, but is not limited to, at least one of occupying a fort or destroying a fort of the opposing side, killing virtual characters on the opposing side, ensuring own survival in a specified scene and time, seizing a specific resource, or outscoring the opponent within a specified time. The battle arena game may take place in rounds. The same map or different maps may be used in different rounds of the battle arena game. Each virtual team includes one or more virtual characters, for example, 1 virtual character, 3 virtual characters, or 5 virtual characters.

MOBA game is a game in which several forts are provided in a virtual world, and users on different camps control virtual characters to battle in the virtual world, occupy forts or destroy forts of the opposing camp. For example, in the MOBA game, the users may be divided into two opposing camps. The virtual characters controlled by the users are scattered in the virtual world to compete against each other, and the victory condition is to destroy or occupy all enemy forts. The MOBA game takes place in rounds. A duration of a round of the MOBA game is from a time point at which the game starts to a time point at which the victory condition is met. It is noted that the present application is not limited to MOBA game. Instead, it applies to many different types of multiplayer games.

Virtual environment screen: a screen obtained by observing a 3D virtual environment from a third-person top-down perspective. In some embodiments, a top-down perspective is a 45-degree angle. A virtual camera is usually set in a game scene, and game scene content captured by the virtual camera is a virtual environment screen presented by a user interface. In a 3D game with a third-person perspective, the virtual camera may capture game scene content including a virtual character, and display the virtual character on a virtual environment screen. In another example, in some games without a virtual character, the movement and rotation of the virtual camera may alternatively be directly controlled to update a game screen presented by the user interface.

Skill: A character capability possessed by a virtual character in a 3D virtual environment, which can produce an effect on a virtual character of another camp. This skill can be an offensive skill, a defensive skill, a skill with a specific target, a group attack skill, a skill that produces a Launch Attack effect on the virtual character of the another camp, or a skill that produces a deceleration effect on the virtual character of the another camp, which is not limited in this application.

Summoner skill: a skill that can be acquired by all virtual characters, for example, Sprint, Heal, or Blink. The higher the level of a game account, the more summoner skills available to the virtual character in the game.

Hero skill: Different from the summoner skill that can be obtained by all virtual characters, hero skills are unique skills for different virtual characters.

Ultimate Move: Ultimate Move is one of the hero skills corresponding to each virtual character. Usually, Ultimate Move is a skill with the largest output damage in various hero skills corresponding to the virtual character or is a skill with the longest cooldown time.

Field of view: information, including building information, virtual character information, or the like, in a virtual environment screen obtained by a virtual character. In a typical MOBA game, the entire team shares a field of view. That is, when a virtual character A sees an enemy virtual character B, the entire team of the virtual character A can see the enemy virtual character B. The terrain does not obscure the field of view, but when the virtual character enters a specific region such as grass, the field of view is obscured.

In a typical MOBA game, an intra-game communication system between different users can be completed by a built-in voice system of the system, that is, a voice call channel is formed between a plurality of users, and the users need to start microphones to speak. Alternatively, intra-game communication is completed by using a chat typing system. A text chatting channel is formed between a plurality of users, and the users need to type on terminals for communication.

Many MOBA games are mobile phone games (mobile games for short). When running a MOBA game by using a mobile phone, a user may be in a place inappropriate to speak, such as a bedroom, a classroom, a carriage. In addition, there are cases that some users are unwilling to have a voice call with strangers. Therefore, the voice communication channel not only fails to provide effective communication, but also may cause network freezing. However, for mobile phones, typing on a touchscreen on which an interface of a MOBA game has been run not only may delay combat operations in the game, but may cause low efficiency of human-computer interaction due to a large quantity of steps.

The embodiments of this application provide a method for transmitting a message in a multiplayer online battle program, a warning transmitting control is displayed on a user interface when a warning condition is triggered, and a user may quickly transmit a message by clicking/tapping the warning transmitting control, so that the user completes the transmitting of warning information with the lowest human-computer interaction operation costs without starting a voice call or typing, thereby providing an efficient manner for transmitting a message in a multiplayer online battle program, and improving the efficiency of human-computer interaction.

FIG.1is a diagram of an interface of a method for transmitting a message in a multiplayer online battle program according to an exemplary embodiment of this application.

Exemplarily, a virtual character A controlled by a first account and an enemy virtual character B are located in a same branch. A first time threshold for a disappearance time of an enemy virtual character within the first 4 minutes of a game in a warning condition is preset to 3 seconds. Within the first 4 minutes of the game, if the virtual character B appears in the field of view of the virtual character A, and then disappears from the field of view of the virtual character A, and a disappearance time reaches 3 seconds, the warning condition is triggered, and a warning transmitting control84is displayed on a user interface80of the first account. As shown in the figure, the warning transmitting control84is in a shape of a question mark, and an icon in a shape of a question mark is used to indicate a warning message representing that the enemy disappears. By clicking/tapping the warning transmitting control84, the first account transmits a warning message indicating that the enemy disappears to a friend account.

After the warning message is transmitted, the warning message is displayed on the user interface of the first account that controls the virtual character A and a user interface of a second account. As indicated by the warning message86displayed on a user interface82, the content of the warning message includes: an avatar of an account that transmits the warning message (that is, an avatar of the first account), an icon of a type to which a warning condition belongs (that is, the question mark icon), and a text corresponding to the warning condition (that is, “Enemy disappears”).

FIG.2is a diagram of an interface of a method for transmitting a message in a multiplayer online battle program according to another exemplary embodiment of this application.

Exemplarily, a virtual character A (or a friend virtual character of A) controlled by a first account finds for the first time that an enemy virtual character B reaches a level 4, and A is a virtual character closest to the enemy virtual character B in the current team. Because a warning condition is triggered at a moment at which the virtual character A finds the enemy virtual character B, a warning transmitting control94is displayed on a user interface90of the first account. As shown in the figure, the warning transmitting control94is an icon of a combination of a number 4 and an upward arrow. The icon is used for indicating a warning message that it is found that the first enemy virtual character reaches the level 4. By clicking/tapping the warning transmitting control94, the first account transmits, to an account controlling a virtual character on the side of A, a warning message indicating that it is found that the first enemy virtual character reaches the level4.

After the warning message is transmitted, the warning message is displayed on the user interface of the first account and a user interface of a second account. The second account is used for controlling a virtual character on the right of the virtual character A. As indicated by the warning message96displayed on a user interface92, the content of the warning message includes: an avatar of an account that transmits the warning message (that is, an avatar of the first account), an icon of a type to which a warning condition belongs (that is, an icon of a combination of a number 4 and an upward arrow), and a text corresponding to the warning condition (that is, “Reach level4”).

FIG.3is a structural block diagram of a computer system according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. The computer system100includes: a first terminal110, a server cluster120, and a second terminal130.

A client111supporting a virtual environment is installed and run on the first terminal110, and the client111may be a multiplayer online battle program. When the first terminal runs the client111, a UI of the client111is displayed on a screen of the first terminal110. The client may be any one of a military simulation program, a MOBA game, an escape shooting game, or a simulation game (SLG). In this embodiment, an example in which a client is a MOBA game is used for description. The first terminal110is a terminal used by a first user101. The first user101uses the first terminal110to control a first virtual character located in the virtual environment to perform activities, and the first virtual character may be referred to as a master virtual character of the first user101. The activities of the first virtual character include, but are not limited to: at least one of adjusting body postures, crawling, walking, running, riding, flying, jumping, driving, picking, shooting, attacking, or throwing. For example, the first virtual character is a first virtual person, for example, a simulated person character or a cartoon person character.

A client131supporting a virtual environment is installed and run on the second terminal130, and the client131may be a multiplayer online battle program. When the second terminal130runs the client131, a UI of the client131is displayed on a screen of the second terminal130. The client may be any one of a military simulation program, a MOBA game, an escape shooting game, or an SLG game. In this embodiment, an example in which a client is a MOBA game is used for description. The second terminal130is a terminal used by a second user102. The second user102uses the second terminal130to control a second virtual character located in the virtual environment to perform activities, and the second virtual character may be referred to as a master virtual character of the second user102. Schematically, the second virtual character is a second virtual person, for example, a simulated person character or a cartoon person character.

In some embodiments, the first virtual person and the second virtual person are located in the same virtual environment. In some embodiments, the first virtual character and the second virtual character may belong to the same camp, the same team, or the same organization, have a friend relationship, or have a temporary communication permission. In some embodiments, the first virtual person and the second virtual person may belong to different sides, different teams or different organizations or may be enemies of each other.

In some embodiments, the client installed on the first terminal110is the same as the client installed on the second terminal130, or the clients installed on the two terminals are the same type of clients of different operating system platforms (Android system or iOS system). The first terminal110may generally refer to one of a plurality of terminals, and the second terminal130may generally refer to another one of a plurality of terminals. In this embodiment, only the first terminal110and the second terminal130are used as an example for description. The first terminal110and the second terminal130are of the same or different device types. The device type includes at least one of a smartphone, a tablet computer, an e-book reader, an MP3 player, an MP4 player, a laptop computer, or a desktop computer.

FIG.3shows only two terminals. However, a plurality of other terminals140may access the server cluster120in different embodiments. In some embodiments, one or more terminals140are terminals corresponding to a developer. A developing and editing platform for the client of a virtual environment is installed on the terminal140. The developer may edit and update the client on the terminal140and transmit an updated client installation package to the server cluster120by using a wired or wireless network. The first terminal110and the second terminal130may download the client installation package from the server cluster120to update the client.

The first terminal110, the second terminal130, and the another terminal140are connected to the server cluster120by a wireless network or a wired network.

The server cluster120includes at least one of one server, a plurality of servers, a cloud computing platform, or a virtualization center. The server120is configured to provide a background service for a client supporting a virtual environment. In some embodiments, the server cluster120is responsible for primary computing work, and the terminal is responsible for secondary computing work; or the server cluster120is responsible for secondary computing work, and the terminal is responsible for primary computing work; or the server cluster120and the terminals (the first terminal110and the second terminal130) perform collaborative computing by using a distributed computing architecture among each other.

In a schematic example, the server cluster120includes a server121and a server126. The server121includes a processor122, a user account database123, a battle service module124, and a user-oriented input/output (I/O) interface125. The processor122is configured to load instructions stored in the server123, and process data in the user account database121and the battle service module124. The user account database123is configured to store data of user accounts used by the first terminal110, the second terminal130, and the another terminal140, for example, avatars of the user accounts, nicknames of the user accounts, battle effectiveness indexes of the user accounts, and service zones of the user accounts. The battle service module124is configured to provide a plurality of battle rooms for the users to battle, for example, a 1V1 battle room, a 3V3 battle room, a 5V5 battle room, and the like. The user-oriented I/O interface125is configured to establish communication between the first terminal110and/or the second terminal130by using a wireless network or a wired network for data exchange. In some embodiments, a smart message module127is disposed in the server126, and the smart message module127participates in implementing the method for transmitting a message in a multiplayer online battle program provided in the following embodiment.

FIG.4is a schematic diagram of a multiplayer online battle system according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. Execution entities in the implementation architecture include: a first client220, a second client240, and a server260.

The first client220and the second client240may be run on any terminal inFIG.3. A client is divided into a logic layer and a presentation layer according to function. The logic layer222is configured to determine game logic and is written in C++. The presentation layer226is configured to implement a human-computer interaction function and implement a function of communication between a client and a server, and is written in C#.

Using the first client220as an example for description, the first client220may be divided into a logic layer222and a presentation layer226. As can be seen from the figure, the logic layer222includes a variety of pieces of game logic that may be involved in the game. The game logic represents a mechanism or information in the game, for example, a mechanism that a virtual character casts a skill, a mechanism that a virtual character obtains a prop, time information of the game system, or the like.

A blueprint in the logic layer222provides an intuitive, node-based interface. A blueprint event execution flow is established in the blueprint. The blueprint event execution flow includes an event node, a logic node, and a presentation node. The event node is configured to monitor a game event in the game and serve as a trigger starting point of the blueprint event execution flow. The logic node is configured to determine game logic. The presentation node is configured to transmit a message to the presentation layer.

The presentation layer226is configured to implement a human-computer interaction function and implement a function of communication between a client and a server. A secondary screening module in the presentation layer226is configured to implement the human-computer interaction function with the user, and upload a service request determined after the human-computer interaction to the server. The interface presentation module in the presentation layer226is configured to perform communication and broadcast presentation on the user interface after a server notification presentation message sent by the server is received.

Exemplarily, using transmitting a warning message “No Ultimate Move” in a MOBA game as an example, a specific implementation process of the blueprint event execution flow and a cooperation process of the logic layer222and the presentation layer226are presented. After a game starts, the first account controls the first virtual character A on the first client220to play the game, and an event node in a blueprint of the first client220monitors events that occur in the game. When the event node detects occurrence of the event “The enemy virtual character B of the first virtual character A uses Ultimate Move”. The event is one of the preset trigger events of the blueprint event execution flow. In this case, the blueprint event execution flow of the warning message “No Ultimate Move” is triggered. The logic node determines acquired game logic in the current game, and determines whether a condition of the warning message “No Ultimate Move” is satisfied. When the logic node determines that the game logic satisfies the condition of the warning message “No Ultimate Move”, the presentation node sends a protocol packet224to the presentation layer. The protocol packet224is used for instructing the presentation layer to present the warning message “No Ultimate Move”.

In some embodiments, the logic node determines whether a single piece of game logic satisfies a condition of a blueprint event. Alternatively, the logic node combines different game logic, and determines whether the combined game logic satisfies a condition of a blueprint event.

In some embodiments, the protocol package224may include a first account ID, a second account ID using the second client240, a message ID used for indicating warning message content, a skill ID used by the enemy virtual character B, economic information of the first virtual character A, and so on.

In some embodiments, the protocol packet224is used for instructing the presentation layer to display the warning transmitting control on the user interface of the first client220.

After receiving the protocol packet224, the presentation layer226of the first client220obtains the warning message “No Ultimate Move” that needs to be presented and that is obtained by the logic layer222after the logical determining. The presentation layer226displays, on the user interface of the first client220through the communication module, the warning transmitting control used for indicating the warning message “No Ultimate Move”, and after the warning transmitting control is triggered, uploads a service request to the server260. The service request is used for transmitting a warning condition of “No Ultimate Move” to the second client. After receiving the service request uploaded from the first client220, the server260transmits a server notification presentation message to the first client220and the second client240. The server notification presentation message is used for instructing the first client220and the second client240to display the warning message “No Ultimate Move” on the user interfaces.

For a logic layer242and a presentation layer246of the second client240, reference may be made to the descriptions of the logic layer222and the presentation layer226of the first client, and details are not described herein again.

FIG.5is a schematic diagram of a map200provided for a virtual environment of a MOBA game according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. The map200is in a shape of a square. The map200is divided diagonally into a lower left triangle region220and an upper right triangle region240. There are three lanes from a lower left corner of the lower left triangle region220to an upper right corner of the upper right triangle region240: a top lane21, a middle lane22, and a bottom lane23. In a typical battle, 10 virtual characters are required and divided into two camps to battle. 5 virtual characters in a first camp occupy the lower left triangle region220, and 5 virtual characters in a second camp occupy the upper right triangle region240. The first camp requires the destruction or occupation of all forts of the second camp as a victory condition, and the second camp requires the destruction or occupation of all forts of the first camp as a victory condition.

For example, the forts of the first camp include 9 turrets24and a first base26. Among the 9 turrets24, there are respectively 3 turrets on the top lane21, the middle lane22, and the bottom lane23. The first base26is located at the lower left corner of the lower left triangle region220.

For example, the forts of the second camp include 9 turrets24and a second base27. Among the 9 turrets24, there are respectively 3 turrets on the top lane21, the middle lane22, and the bottom lane23. The second base27is located at the upper right corner of the upper right triangle region240.

A location of a dotted line inFIG.5may be referred to as a riverway region. The riverway region is a common region of the first camp and the second camp, and is also a border region of the lower left triangle region220and the upper right triangle region240.

The MOBA game requires the virtual characters to obtain resources in the map200to improve combat capabilities of the virtual characters. The resources include:

1. Creeps that periodically appear on the top lane21, the middle lane22, and the bottom lane23, and when the creeps are killed, nearby virtual characters obtain experience values and gold coins.

2. The map may be divided into 4 triangle regions A, B, C, and D by using the middle lane (a diagonal line from the lower left corner to the upper right corner) and the riverway region (a diagonal line from an upper left corner to a lower right corner) as cutting lines. Monsters are periodically refreshed in the 4 triangle regions A, B, C, and D, and when the monsters are killed, nearby virtual characters obtain experience values, gold coins, and BUFF effects.

3. A big dragon28and a small dragon29are periodically refreshed in two symmetric positions in the riverway region. When the big dragon28and the small dragon29are killed, each virtual character in a killer camp obtains experience values, gold coins, and BUFF effects. The big dragon28may be referred to as a “dominator”, a “Caesar”, or another name, and the small dragon29may be referred to as a “tyrant”, a “magic dragon”, or another name.

In an example, the top lane and the bottom lane of the riverway each have a gold coin monster, which appears at the 30th second of the game. After the gold coin monsters are killed, nearby virtual characters obtain gold coins, and the gold coin monsters are refreshed after 70 seconds.

Region A: There is a red BUFF, two normal monsters (a pig and a bird), and a tyrant (a small dragon). The red BUFF and the monsters appear at the 30thsecond of the game, the normal monsters are refreshed every 70 seconds upon being killed, and the red BUFF is refreshed every 90 seconds upon being killed.

The tyrant appears at the 2ndminute of the game, and is refreshed 3 minutes upon being killed. All teammates of the killer obtain gold coins and experience values after the tyrant is killed. The tyrant falls into darkness at the 9thminute and 55thsecond, and a dark tyrant appears at the 10thminute. A revenge BUFF of the tyrant is obtained by a virtual character who kills the dark tyrant.

Region B: There is a blue BUFF and two normal monsters (a wolf and a bird). The blue BUFF also appears at the 30thsecond and is refreshed every 90 seconds upon being killed.

Region C: The region C is the same as the region B, and there is a blue BUFF and two normal monsters (a wolf and a bird). Similarly, the blue BUFF also appears at the 30thsecond and is refreshed every 90 seconds upon being killed.

Region D: The region D is similar to the region A, and there is a red BUFF and two normal monsters (a pig and a bird). The red BUFF is also used for output increase and deceleration. There is also a dominator (a big dragon). The dominator appears at the 8thminute of the game and is refreshed 5 minutes upon being killed. A dominator BUFF, a fetter BUFF, and dominant pioneers (or sky dragons that are manually summoned) on the lanes may be obtained after the dominator is killed.

In an exemplary example, the BUFFs are explained in detail:

The red BUFF lasts for 70 seconds and carries continuous burning injuries and deceleration with an attack.

The blue BUFF lasts for 70 seconds and may shorten a cooldown (CD) and restore additional mana per second.

The dark tyrant BUFF and the fetter BUFF are obtained after the dark tyrant is killed.

The dark tyrant BUFF increases physical attacks (80+5% of a current attack) for the whole team and increase magic attacks (120+5% of a current magic attack) for the entire team for 90 seconds.

The fetter BUFF reduces an output for the dominator by 50%, and the fetter BUFF does not disappear when the virtual character is killed and lasts for 90 seconds.

The dominator BUFF and the fetter BUFF can be obtained by killing the dominator.

The dominator may improve life recover and mana recover for the whole team by 1.5% per second and last for 90 seconds. The dominator BUFF disappears when the virtual character is killed.

The fetter BUFF reduces an output for the dark tyrant by 50%, and the fetter BUFF does not disappear when the virtual character is killed and lasts for 90 seconds.

The following benefits may be obtained after the dominator is killed.

1. All the teammates obtain 100 gold coins, and regardless of whether a master virtual character has participated in fighting against the dominator or not, the master virtual character obtains the benefits, including a master virtual character that is in a resurrection CD.

2. From a moment at which the dominator is killed, next three waves (three lanes) of creeps of the killer party are replaced with the dominant pioneers (flying dragons). The dominant pioneers are very strong and attack in the three lanes at the same time, which brings a large creep line pressure on the opposing team. The opposing team needs to defense in three lanes. An alarm for the dominant pioneers is shown in the map, and during the alarm, there will be a hint of the quantity of waves of the coming dominant pioneers (usually three waves).

The combat capabilities of the 10 virtual characters include two parts: a level (also referred to as a character level or a hero level) and equipment. The level is obtained by using accumulated experience values, and the equipment is purchased by using accumulated gold coins. The 10 virtual characters may be obtained by matching 10 user accounts online by a server. For example, the server matches 2, 6, or 10 user accounts online for competition in the same virtual world. The 2, 6, or 10 virtual characters are on two opposing camps. Quantities of virtual characters corresponding to the two camps are the same. For example, there are 5 virtual characters on each camp. Types of the 5 virtual characters may be a warrior character, an assassin character, a mage character, a support (or meat shield) character, and an archer character respectively.

The battle may take place in rounds. The same map or different maps may be used in different rounds of battle. Each camp includes one or more virtual characters, for example, 1 virtual character, 3 virtual characters, or 5 virtual characters.

FIG.6is a flowchart of a method for transmitting a message in a multiplayer online battle program according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method may be performed by any terminal inFIG.3, for example, be performed by the first terminal. The first terminal logs into a multiplayer online battle program (that is, the first client) using the first account. The method includes:

Step420: Display a first user interface of a multiplayer online battle program.

The first user interface is a user interface (UI) displayed by the first client. The user interface displays an operation screen of the multiplayer online battle program. The multiplayer online battle program provides a virtual environment in which at least two teams of virtual characters conduct an online battle. The virtual environment is a battle situation environment used for at least two teams of virtual characters to battle. The multiplayer online battle program may be any one of a military simulation program, a MOBA game, an escape shooting game, or an SLG. In this embodiment, an example in which the first client is a MOBA game is used for description.

Exemplarily, the user interface30of the multiplayer online battle program includes a virtual environment screen32and an interaction panel region34, as shown inFIG.7. In some embodiments, the interaction panel region34is superimposed on an upper layer of the virtual environment screen32.

The virtual environment screen32is a screen generated by observing the virtual environment from a perspective corresponding to the first virtual character36. The first virtual character is a virtual character controlled by a user using the first client in the virtual environment. The perspective corresponding to the first virtual character may be any one of a first-person perspective, a 45° oblique top-down perspective, a third-person perspective, or an over-shoulder perspective of the first virtual character. The 45° oblique top-down perspective is used as an example for description in this embodiment.

When the first virtual character36moves or rotates, the virtual environment screen changes at any time. The first virtual character36may appear in the virtual environment screen or may not appear in the virtual environment screen.

The interaction panel region34is a user interface element superimposed on the virtual environment screen32. The interaction panel region34is divided into two types: information display elements used for displaying information and control function elements used for man-computer interaction. The interaction panel region34is also referred to as a head up display (HUD) region.

For example, as shown inFIG.8, the HUD region34includes: a minimap region01, a friend information region02, a scoreboard03, a device information region and master virtual character score region04, a menu region05, a minimap region extension button06, a button control07, a chatting control08, a skill button09of the master virtual character, an attack skill button10of the master virtual character, a summoner skill11, a restore skill12, a recall skill13, a moving control14, a gold coin region15, and recommended equipment16.

The friend information region02, the scoreboard03, and the device information region and master virtual character score region04are the information display elements, and the other elements are the control function elements. The interaction panel region34may include other elements, such as a death panel, a turret-attacking button, and a creep-attacking button. This is not limited in this embodiment.

After a user starts a round of battle, the first user interface of the multiplayer online battle program is displayed.

Step440: Display a warning transmitting control in a predetermined region on the first user interface in response to that an event associated with a virtual character in the virtual environment satisfies a warning condition.

The warning transmitting control is configured to transmit a warning message corresponding to the event satisfying the warning condition. In some embodiments, warning messages corresponding to at least two events are different. That is, the warning transmitting control may be configured to transmit two different warning messages.

In some embodiments, the warning condition be divided into an enemy warning condition and a friend warning condition. The enemy warning condition is used for indicating dynamic information of the enemy virtual character. The friend warning condition is used for reporting dynamic information of the first virtual character to the friend.

The enemy warning condition includes at least one of the following conditions: a disappearance time of the enemy virtual character in a specified time period reaches a first time threshold; an appearance time of the enemy virtual character in a specified map region reaches a second time threshold; a character level of the enemy virtual character reaches a level threshold; the enemy virtual character casts a specified skill, and there is a friend virtual character in a damage threshold range of the specified skill; or a hidden location of the enemy virtual character is found.

In some embodiments, the enemy warning condition further includes at least one of the following conditions: the first virtual character and the enemy virtual character are located in a same branch; the first virtual character is nearest to the enemy virtual character distance; the first virtual character is a virtual character with the highest economic value in friend virtual characters; or the first virtual character finds the hidden location of the enemy virtual character.

In some embodiments, the enemy warning condition may further include: more than one enemy virtual character simultaneously attacks the first virtual character, more than one enemy virtual character simultaneously attacks an ally turret, and so on.

The friend warning condition includes at least one of the following conditions: a combat power of the first virtual character is lower than a combat power threshold; or hit points of the first virtual character are lower than a hit point threshold. In addition, the friend warning condition may further include: the first virtual character does not have Ultimate Move, the mana of the first virtual character is lower than a mana threshold, and the like.

Exemplarily, the following warning conditions are set in a MOBA game: Within the first 4 minutes of the game, a disappearance time of the enemy virtual character located in a same branch as the first virtual character reaches a first time threshold of 3 seconds. After the first 10 minutes of the game, the disappearance time of the enemy virtual character reaches the first time threshold of 10 seconds, and the first virtual character is an ally virtual character with the highest economic value. The appearance time of the enemy virtual character on the map reaches a second time threshold of 3 seconds, and the first virtual character is an ally virtual character nearest to the enemy virtual character. A character level of the enemy virtual character reaches a level threshold of a level 4, and the first virtual character is an ally virtual character nearest to the enemy virtual character that reaches the level 4. The enemy virtual character casts a summoner skill, there is a friend virtual character within a damage threshold range of 2000 mm of the summoner skill, and the first virtual character is an ally virtual character nearest to the enemy virtual character that casts the summoner skill. The summoner skill includes at least one of the following: Blink, Weak, Cleanse, Stun, Heal, Sprint, Rage, Execute, Retribution, or Interference. The enemy virtual character casts an Ultimate Move skill, there is a friend virtual character within a damage threshold range of 2000 mm of the Ultimate Move skill, and the first virtual character is an ally virtual character nearest to the enemy virtual character that casts the Ultimate Move skill. A hidden location of the enemy virtual character is hit by casting a skill. A combat power of the first virtual character is lower than a combat power threshold of 10%. Hit points of the first virtual character are lower than a hit point threshold of 10%. All threshold, specified map regions, and specified time periods in the warning conditions can be set according to an actual situation. The threshold, specified map regions, and specified time periods involved in the warning conditions are not limited in this application.

A warning transmitting control is displayed in a predetermined region on the first user interface in response to that an event associated with an enemy virtual character in the virtual environment satisfies a warning condition; and/or the warning transmitting control is displayed in the predetermined region on the first user interface in response to that an event associated with the first virtual character in the virtual environment satisfies a friend warning condition.

In some embodiments, a warning transmitting control corresponding to an event that satisfies an enemy warning condition and a warning transmitting control corresponding to an event that satisfies a friend warning condition are the same warning transmitting control or two different warning transmitting controls.

An icon corresponding to the enemy warning condition or the friend warning condition is displayed on the warning transmitting control. Correspondences between warning conditions and icons displayed on the warning transmitting control are shown byFIGS.9A through9Cdepict three tables showing respective correspondences between warning information of an enemy virtual character, a specific warning condition associated with the enemy virtual character, a display occasion of a warning transmitting control, a presentation form (e.g., an icon) of the warning transmitting control, and a presentation form (e.g., an icon) of a warning message in a method for transmitting a message in a multiplayer online battle program according to an embodiment of this application. The fourth column from the left inFIGS.9A,9B and9Clists various presentation forms of the warning transmitting control.

A region in which the warning transmitting control is displayed is a preset fixed region, that is, a predetermined region. Exemplarily, the predetermined region is based on the principle of not affecting the field of view and operations of a user while being relatively notable. For example, as shown inFIG.1andFIG.2, the warning transmitting control is displayed in the upper right corner of the user interface, which neither obscure the main screen content in the user interface nor affects the operations of the user while having a location that is relatively notable and convenient to click/tap.

In some embodiments, a quantity of warning transmitting controls displayed in the predetermined region on the first user interface may be only one, two, or any quantity. The quantity of the displayed warning transmitting controls is not limited in this application. Generally, only one warning transmitting control is displayed in the predetermined region on the first user interface, to avoid a plurality of warning transmitting controls appearing on the user interface simultaneously or a plurality of warning messages appearing simultaneously after the plurality of warning transmitting controls are triggered from affecting the field of view of the user or affecting normal operations of the user in the game, resulting in a poor user experience.

Exemplarily, when events generated by the virtual character in the virtual environment in a short time satisfies a plurality of warning conditions, a plurality of warning transmitting controls are simultaneously displayed in the predetermined region on the first user interface, and the warning transmitting controls and the events that satisfies the warning conditions have one-to-one correspondences. Alternatively, only one warning transmitting control is displayed in the predetermined region on the first user interface, and the warning transmitting control corresponds to the latest event that satisfies the warning condition. Alternatively, two warning transmitting controls may be displayed simultaneously in the predetermined region on the first user interface. For example, a warning transmitting control is configured to transmit a warning message corresponding to the latest event that satisfies the enemy warning condition, and the other warning transmitting control is configured to transmit a warning message corresponding to the latest event that satisfies the friend warning condition.

Step460: Transmit the warning message to a second terminal in response to a transmitting operation triggered on the warning transmitting control.

When a user using the first account chooses to transmit a warning message, the warning message is transmitted to the second terminal. The second terminal logs into the multiplayer online battle program (that is, the second client) using the second account. The first virtual character controlled by the first account and the second virtual character controlled by the second account have a teammate relationship.

After the second client receives the warning message, the warning message is displayed on a second user interface.

In some embodiments, message content of the warning message includes at least one of the following: an avatar of the first account, an icon corresponding to a type to which a warning condition belongs, or a text corresponding to the warning condition.

Exemplarily, the warning message transmitted by the first client is used for indicating that an enemy virtual character located in a same branch disappears, and a warning condition is that within the first 4 minutes of the game, a time during which the enemy virtual character located in the same branch as the first virtual character disappears from the field of view of an ally exceeds 3 seconds. The icon corresponding to the type to which the warning condition belongs is set to a question mark, and the text corresponding to the warning condition is “Enemy disappears”. A form of the warning message finally presented on the user interface is the avatar of the first account, the question mark icon, and the text “Enemy disappears”. For details of presentation forms of different warning messages, reference may be made to the rightmost column ofFIGS.9A-through9C, and details are not described herein again.

In some embodiments, after the first client transmits the warning message, the warning message is also displayed on the first user interface.

Exemplarily, after the first client transmits the warning message to the second client, a warning message the same as that on the second user interface is displayed on the first user interface. The warning message includes at least one of the following: an avatar of the first account, an icon corresponding to a type to which a warning condition belongs, or a text corresponding to the warning condition.

In some embodiments, displaying the warning transmitting control on the first user interface is canceled when a display duration of the warning transmitting control reaches a third time threshold, and no trigger operation on the warning transmitting control is received.

Exemplarily, the third time threshold is preset to 3 seconds. The warning transmitting control automatically disappears from the first user interface when a time during which the warning transmitting control is displayed on the first user interface reaches 3 seconds, and no trigger operation on the warning transmitting control is received. A specific value of the third time threshold may be set to, for example, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, or 5 seconds, by oneself according to an actual situation. The value of the third time threshold is not limited in this application.

Exemplarily, the first client transmits a frame synchronization signal to the server, the frame synchronization signal carrying the warning message. The server transmits the frame synchronization signal to the second client corresponding to the second virtual character (optionally including the first virtual character). The second client displays or plays the warning message according to the frame synchronization signal.

In conclusion, in the method provided by this embodiment, when an event associated with a virtual character satisfies a warning condition, a warning transmitting control is automatically generated on a first user interface, a user can transmit a warning message related to an enemy virtual character or a virtual character controlled by the user by only selecting the warning transmitting control, so that a friend can quickly learn of warning information. An efficient method for transmitting a message in a multiplayer online battle program is provided, thereby saving the time spent by the user in performing click/tap operations and typing operations many times and improving the efficiency of human-machine interaction.

FIG.10is a flowchart of a method for transmitting a message in a multiplayer online battle program according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method may be performed by any terminal inFIG.3, for example, be performed by the first terminal. The first terminal logs into a multiplayer online battle program (that is, the first client) using the first account. The method includes:

Step520: Display a first user interface of a multiplayer online battle program.

For step520, reference may be made to step420, and details are not described herein.

Step542a: Obtain character information of an enemy virtual character in a virtual environment.

The first terminal obtains character information of an enemy virtual character in a virtual environment, the character information including at least one of time information, space information, behavior information, or character attribute information.

The time information includes a game starting time, a skill cooldown time of the virtual character, and a resurrection time of the virtual character. The space information is used for indicating a location at which a virtual character is located in a virtual world. The behavior information includes skill casting information equipment purchase information, and the like of a virtual character. The character attribute information includes hit point information, combat power information, and the like of a virtual character.

In some embodiments, the first terminal simultaneously obtains character information of a first virtual character and a friend virtual character thereof in a virtual environment, the character information including at least one of time information, space information, behavior information, or character attribute information.

In some embodiments, step542amay be performed by the event node in the logic layer222of the first client220inFIG.4.

Step544a: Determine whether there is at least one piece of character information of the enemy virtual character in the virtual environment satisfies an enemy warning condition.

The enemy warning condition includes at least one of the following conditions: a disappearance time of the enemy virtual character in a specified time period reaches a first time threshold; an appearance time of the enemy virtual character in a specified map region reaches a second time threshold; a character level of the enemy virtual character reaches a level threshold; the enemy virtual character casts a specified skill, and there is a friend virtual character in a damage threshold range of the specified skill; or a hidden location of the enemy virtual character is found.

The enemy warning condition further includes at least one of the following conditions: the first virtual character and the enemy virtual character are located in a same branch; the first virtual character is nearest to the enemy virtual character distance; the first virtual character is a virtual character with the highest economic value in friend virtual characters; or the first virtual character finds the hidden location of the enemy virtual character.

In addition, the enemy warning condition may also include: more than one enemy virtual character simultaneously attacks the first virtual character, more than one enemy virtual character simultaneously attacks, and so on.

Exemplarily, the enemy warning condition may be any one of the foregoing enemy warning conditions. Alternatively, the enemy warning condition is a combined condition of the foregoing enemy warning conditions. The setting of the enemy warning condition is not limited in this application.

The first terminal determines whether there is at least one piece of character information of the enemy virtual character in the virtual environment satisfies an enemy warning condition. Exemplarily, when at least one piece of character information in the obtained character information of the enemy virtual character satisfies an enemy warning condition, it is considered that a determining condition is satisfied, and step546is performed. Alternatively, when a combination of a plurality of pieces of character information in the obtained character information of the enemy virtual character satisfies an enemy warning condition, it is considered that the determining condition is satisfied, and step546is performed. Alternatively, when a combination of at least one piece in the obtained character information of the enemy virtual character and at least one in the character information of the first virtual character and the friend virtual character thereof satisfies an enemy warning condition, it is considered that the determining condition is satisfied, and step546is performed.

In some embodiments, step544amay be performed by the logic node in the logic layer222of the first client220inFIG.4.

In some embodiments, when in step544a, the logic node determines that the enemy warning condition is satisfied, the presentation node in the logic layer222of the first client220inFIG.4transmits a protocol packet224to the presentation layer226. The protocol packet224is used for instructing the presentation layer226to present the satisfied warning condition.

Step542b: Obtain character information of the first virtual character in the virtual environment.

Character information of the first virtual character in the virtual environment is obtained, the character information including at least one of time information, space information, behavior information, or character attribute information.

In some embodiments, step542bmay be performed by the event node in the logic layer222of the first client220inFIG.4.

Step544b: Determine whether there is at least one piece of character information of the first virtual character in the virtual environment satisfies a friend warning condition.

The friend warning condition includes at least one of the following conditions: a combat power of the first virtual character is lower than a combat power threshold; or hit points of the first virtual character are lower than a hit point threshold. In addition, the friend warning condition may further include: the first virtual character does not have Ultimate Move, the mana of the first virtual character is lower than a mana threshold, and the like.

The first terminal determines whether there is at least one piece of character information of the first virtual character in the virtual environment satisfies a friend warning condition. When at least one piece of character information of the first virtual character in the virtual environment satisfies a friend warning condition, it is considered that a determining condition is satisfied, and step546is performed.

In some embodiments, step544bmay be performed by the logic node in the logic layer222of the first client220inFIG.4.

In some embodiments, when in step544b, the logic node determines that the friend warning condition is satisfied, the presentation node in the logic layer222of the first client220inFIG.4transmits a protocol packet224to the presentation layer226. The protocol packet224is used for instructing the presentation layer226to present the satisfied warning condition.

Step542aand step544ahave a sequential relationship. Step542ais performed first, and then step544ais performed. Step542band step544bhave a sequential relationship. Step542bis performed first, and then step544bis performed. However, the sequential relationship between steps542aand544aand steps542band544bis not limited in this application. Steps542aand544amay be performed first, and then, steps542band544bare performed. Alternatively, steps542band544bare performed first, and then, steps542aand step544aare performed. Alternatively, steps542aand544aand steps542band544bare performed simultaneously.

Step546: Display a warning transmitting control in a predetermined region on the first user interface.

A warning transmitting control is displayed in a predetermined region on the first user interface in response to that an event associated with an enemy virtual character in the virtual environment satisfies a warning condition; and/or the warning transmitting control is displayed in the predetermined region on the first user interface in response to that an event associated with the first virtual character in the virtual environment satisfies a friend warning condition.

An icon corresponding to the enemy warning condition or the friend warning condition is displayed on the warning transmitting control. Correspondences between warning conditions and icons displayed on the warning transmitting control are shown byFIG.7. The fourth column from the left inFIG.7lists various presentation forms of the warning transmitting control.

In some embodiments, a quantity of warning transmitting controls displayed in the predetermined region on the first user interface may be only one, two, or any quantity. The quantity of the displayed warning transmitting controls is not limited in this application.

Exemplarily, when events generated by the virtual character in the virtual environment in a short time satisfies a plurality of warning conditions, a plurality of warning transmitting controls are simultaneously displayed in the predetermined region on the first user interface, and the warning transmitting controls and the events that satisfies the warning conditions have one-to-one correspondences. Alternatively, only one warning transmitting control is displayed in the predetermined region on the first user interface, and the warning transmitting control corresponds to the latest event that satisfies the warning condition. Alternatively, two warning transmitting controls may be displayed simultaneously in the predetermined region on the first user interface. A warning transmitting control is configured to transmit a warning message corresponding to the latest event that satisfies the enemy warning condition, and the other warning transmitting control is configured to transmit a warning message corresponding to the latest event that satisfies the friend warning condition.

Step562: Detect whether a transmitting operation is triggered on the warning transmitting control.

Exemplarily, the user using the first account performs a transmitting operation by tapping a warning transmitting control displayed on a touchscreen of the first terminal. Alternatively, the user using the first account moves a mouse to a display location of the warning transmitting control on the first user interface, and click the left button of a mouse to perform a transmitting operation on the warning message. A manner in which the user using the first account perform a transmitting operation on the warning message is not limited in this application.

When the first terminal or the first client detects that a transmitting operation is triggered on the warning transmitting control, step564ais performed. When a display time of the warning transmitting control on the first user interface reaches a third time threshold, and no trigger operation on the warning transmitting control is received, step564bis performed.

A specific value of the third time threshold may be set by oneself according to an actual situation, for example, to 2 seconds, 3 seconds, or 5 seconds. The value of the third time threshold is not limited in this application.

Step564a: Transmit a warning message to a second terminal.

When a user using the first account chooses to transmit a warning message, the warning message is sent to the second terminal. The first virtual character controlled by the first account and the second virtual character controlled by the second account have a teammate relationship. That is, the second virtual character is a friend virtual character of the first virtual character, and there may be one or more second virtual characters. In some embodiments, when a user using the first account chooses to transmit a warning message, the warning message is transmitted to a team channel of a current team. The team channel includes the second terminal.

After the second terminal, the second client, or the second account receives the warning message, the warning message is displayed on a second user interface.

In some embodiments, message content of the warning message includes at least one of the following: an avatar of the first account, an icon corresponding to a type to which a warning condition belongs, or a text corresponding to the warning condition.

Exemplarily, the warning message transmitted by the first client is used for indicating that an enemy virtual character located in a same branch disappears, and a warning condition is that within the first 4 minutes of the game, a time during which the enemy virtual character located in the same branch as the first virtual character disappears from the field of view of an ally exceeds 3 seconds. The icon corresponding to the type to which the warning condition belongs is set to a question mark, and the text corresponding to the warning condition is “Enemy disappears”. A form of the warning message finally presented on the user interface is the avatar of the first account, the question mark icon, and the text “Enemy disappears”. For details of presentation forms of different warning messages, reference may be made to the rightmost column ofFIG.7, and details are not described herein again.

In some embodiments, after the first terminal, the first client, or the first account transmits the warning message, the warning message is also displayed on the first user interface.

Exemplarily, after the first terminal (or the first client) transmits the warning message to the second terminal (or the second client), a warning message the same as that on the second user interface is displayed on the first user interface. The warning message includes at least one of the following: an avatar of the first account, an icon corresponding to a type to which a warning condition belongs, or a text corresponding to the warning condition.

Exemplarily, the first client transmits a frame synchronization signal to the server. The frame synchronization signal carries the warning message. The server transmits the frame synchronization signal to the second client corresponding to the second virtual character (optionally including the first virtual character). The second client displays or plays the warning message according to the frame synchronization signal.

Step564b: Cancel displaying the warning transmitting control on the first user interface.

Displaying the warning transmitting control on the first user interface is canceled when a display duration of the warning transmitting control in the predetermined region on the first user interface reaches a third time threshold, and no trigger operation on the warning transmitting control is received.

Exemplarily, the third time threshold is set to 3 seconds. The warning transmitting control automatically disappears from the first user interface when a display time of the warning transmitting control on the first user interface reaches 3 seconds, and the user using the first account does not choose to transmit a warning message. A value of the third time threshold may be set to 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or the like according to an actual situation. The value of the third time threshold is not limited in this application.

In conclusion, in the method provided in this embodiment of this application, whether there is a case of satisfying a warning condition is determined by obtaining virtual character information in a virtual environment. When the virtual character information alone or in combination satisfies a warning condition, the warning transmitting control is displayed on the first user interface. The user can quickly report a warning message to a teammate by choosing to transmit the warning message, so that the teammate can respond quickly. A convenient and efficient method for transmitting a message in a multiplayer online battle program is provided, so that a user can sends a warning message to a teammate using one key in an application program that requires quick responses, thereby improving the efficiency of human-machine interaction.

FIG.11is a flowchart of a method for receiving a message in a multiplayer online battle program according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. The method may be performed by any terminal inFIG.3, for example, be performed by the second terminal. The second terminal logs into a multiplayer online battle program (that is, the second client) using the second account. The method includes:

Step620: Display a second user interface of a multiplayer online battle program.

The second user interface is a user interface displayed by the second client. The user interface displays the multiplayer online battle program.

The method of displaying the second user interface of the multiplayer online battle program is similar to the method of displaying the first user interface of the multiplayer online battle program in step420. The difference is that the first user interface displays a screen generated when the virtual environment is observed from a perspective corresponding to the first virtual character, while the second user interface displays a screen generated when the virtual environment is observed from a perspective corresponding to the second virtual character. Details are not described herein again.

Step640: Receive a warning message transmitted by a first terminal.

The warning message is transmitted when an event associated with a virtual character of a first terminal in the virtual environment satisfies a warning condition and a warning transmitting control corresponding to the event is triggered. The first terminal logs into the multiplayer online battle program using the first account. The first virtual character controlled by the first account and the second virtual character controlled by the second account have a teammate relationship. For a process in which the first account transmits the warning message, reference may be made to the foregoing embodiment.

Exemplarily, the warning message is transmitted when an enemy virtual character of the first account in the virtual environment generates an event satisfying an enemy warning condition. Alternatively, the warning message is transmitted when a first virtual character of the first account in the virtual environment generates an event satisfying a friend warning condition, the first virtual character being a virtual character controlled by the first account.

The enemy warning condition includes at least one of the following conditions: a disappearance time of the enemy virtual character in a specified time period reaches a first time threshold; an appearance time of the enemy virtual character in a specified map region reaches a second time threshold; a character level of the enemy virtual character reaches a level threshold; the enemy virtual character casts a specified skill, and there is a friend virtual character in a damage threshold range of the specified skill; or a hidden location of the enemy virtual character is found.

The enemy warning condition may further include at least one of the following conditions: the first virtual character and the enemy virtual character are located in a same branch; the first virtual character is nearest to the enemy virtual character distance; the first virtual character is a virtual character with the highest economic value in friend virtual characters; or the first virtual character finds the hidden location of the enemy virtual character.

The friend warning condition includes at least one of the following conditions: a combat power of the first virtual character is lower than a combat power threshold; or hit points of the first virtual character are lower than a hit point threshold.

Exemplarily, the first client transmits a frame synchronization signal to the server. The frame synchronization signal carries the warning message. The server transmits the frame synchronization signal to the second client corresponding to the second virtual character (optionally including the first virtual character). The second client receives the frame synchronization signal transmitted by the first client, the frame synchronization signal carrying the warning message.

Step660: Display the warning message on the second user interface.

Message content of the warning message includes at least one of the following: an avatar of the first account, an icon corresponding to a type to which a warning condition belongs, or a text corresponding to the warning condition.

Exemplarily, the warning message received by the second client indicates that an enemy virtual character A casts a summoner skill, Heal, and there is a friend virtual character within a range of 2000 mm when the enemy virtual character A casts the summoner skill, Heal. The icon corresponding to the type to which the warning condition belongs is an avatar of the enemy virtual character A, and the text corresponding to the warning condition is “No Heal”. Therefore, the warning message is disposed on the second user interface. The content of the warning message includes: the avatar of the first account, the avatar of the enemy virtual character A, and the text “No Heal”.

In conclusion, in the method provided in this embodiment, a warning message transmitted when a virtual character of the first account in the virtual environment generates an event satisfying a warning condition is received, and the warning information is displayed on the second user interface, thereby providing an efficient method of receiving a message in a multiplayer online battle program. The warning message can be automatically generated and pushed to the first account according to virtual character information without being selected or entered by the first account manually. The first account can share the warning message with the second account by choosing to transmit the warning message using one key, thereby improving the efficiency of communication in a team in the multiplayer online battle program.

FIG.12is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for transmitting a message in a multiplayer online battle program according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. The apparatus logs into a multiplayer online battle program using a first account. The apparatus includes:

a display module820, configured to display a first user interface of the multiplayer online battle program, the multiplayer online battle program providing a virtual environment for at least two teams of virtual characters to conduct an online battle;

an interaction module840, configured to display a warning transmitting control in a predetermined region on the first user interface in response to that an event associated with a virtual character in the virtual environment satisfies a warning condition, the warning transmitting control being configured to transmit a warning message corresponding to the event; and

a transmitting module860, configured to transmit the warning message to a second terminal in response to a transmitting operation triggered on the warning transmitting control, the second terminal logging into the multiplayer online battle program using a second account, and the first account and the second account having a teammate relationship.

In some embodiments, the interaction module840is configured to display the warning transmitting control in the predetermined region on the first user interface in response to that an enemy virtual character in the virtual environment generates an event satisfying an enemy warning condition; and/or the interaction module840is configured to display the warning transmitting control in the predetermined region on the first user interface in response to that the first virtual character in the virtual environment generates an event satisfying a friend warning condition.

In some embodiments, the interaction module840includes an obtaining sub-module842and an interaction sub-module844. The obtaining sub-module842is configured to obtain character information of the enemy virtual character in the virtual environment, the character information including at least one of time information, space information, behavior information, or character attribute information. The interaction sub-module844is configured to display the warning transmitting control in the predetermined region on the first user interface in response to that at least one piece of character information of the enemy virtual character in the virtual environment satisfies the enemy warning condition.

In some embodiments, the enemy warning condition includes at least one of the following conditions: a disappearance time of the enemy virtual character in a specified time period reaches a first time threshold; an appearance time of the enemy virtual character in a specified map region reaches a second time threshold; a character level of the enemy virtual character reaches a level threshold; the enemy virtual character casts a specified skill, and there is a friend virtual character in a damage threshold range of the specified skill; or a hidden location of the enemy virtual character is found.

In some embodiments, the enemy warning condition further includes at least one of the following conditions: the first virtual character and the enemy virtual character are located in a same branch; the first virtual character is nearest to the enemy virtual character distance; the first virtual character is a virtual character with the highest economic value in friend virtual characters; or the first virtual character finds the hidden location of the enemy virtual character.

In some embodiments, the interaction module840includes an obtaining sub-module842and an interaction sub-module844. The obtaining sub-module842is configured to obtain character information of the first virtual character in the virtual environment, the character information including at least one of time information, space information, behavior information, or character attribute information. The interaction sub-module844is configured to display the warning transmitting control in the predetermined region on the first user interface in response to that at least one piece of character information of the first virtual character in the virtual environment satisfies the friend warning condition.

In some embodiments, the friend warning condition includes at least one of the following conditions: a combat power of the first virtual character is lower than a combat power threshold; or hit points of the first virtual character are lower than a hit point threshold.

In some embodiments, the interaction module840is configured to display an icon corresponding to the enemy warning condition or the friend warning condition on the warning transmitting control.

In some embodiments, the display module820is configured to display the warning message on the first user interface.

In some embodiments, message content of the warning message includes at least one of the following: an avatar of the first account, an icon corresponding a type to which the warning condition belongs, or a text corresponding to the warning condition.

In some embodiments, the interaction module840is configured to cancel displaying the warning transmitting control on the first user interface when a display duration of the warning transmitting control reaches a third time threshold, and no trigger operation on the warning transmitting control is received.

FIG.13is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for receiving a message in a multiplayer online battle program according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. The apparatus logs into a multiplayer online battle program using a second account. The apparatus includes:

a display module920, configured to display a second user interface of the multiplayer online battle program, the multiplayer online battle program providing a virtual environment for at least two teams of virtual characters to conduct an online battle; and a receiving module940, configured to receive a warning message, the warning message being transmitted when a virtual character of a first terminal in the virtual environment generates an event satisfying a warning condition and a warning transmitting control corresponding to the event is triggered, the first terminal logging into the multiplayer online battle program using a first account, and the first account and the second account having a teammate relationship, the display module920being further configured to display the warning message on the second user interface.

In some embodiments, the warning message being transmitted when an enemy virtual character of the first terminal in the virtual environment generates an event satisfying an enemy warning condition and a warning transmitting control corresponding to the event is triggered; and/or the warning message being transmitted when a first virtual character of the first terminal in the virtual environment generates an event satisfying a friend warning condition and a warning transmitting control corresponding to the event is triggered, the first virtual character being a virtual character controlled by the first account.

In some embodiments, the enemy warning condition includes at least one of the following conditions: a disappearance time of the enemy virtual character in a specified time period reaches a first time threshold; an appearance time of the enemy virtual character in a specified map region reaches a second time threshold; a character level of the enemy virtual character reaches a level threshold; the enemy virtual character casts a specified skill, and there is a friend virtual character in a damage threshold range of the specified skill; or a hidden location of the enemy virtual character is found.

In some embodiments, the enemy warning condition further includes at least one of the following conditions: the first virtual character and the enemy virtual character are located in a same branch; the first virtual character is nearest to the enemy virtual character distance; the first virtual character is a virtual character with the highest economic value in friend virtual characters; or the first virtual character finds the hidden location of the enemy virtual character.

In some embodiments, the friend warning condition includes at least one of the following conditions: a combat power of the first virtual character is lower than a combat power threshold; or hit points of the first virtual character are lower than a hit point threshold.

In some embodiments, message content of the warning message includes at least one of the following: an avatar of the first account, an icon corresponding a type to which the warning condition belongs, or a text corresponding to the warning condition.

FIG.14is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal for transmitting a message in a multiplayer online battle program or a terminal for receiving a message in a multiplayer online battle program according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. The terminal1600may be a portable mobile terminal, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a moving screen experts group audio layer III (MP3) player, or a moving screen experts group audio layer IV (MP4) player. The terminal1600may also be referred to as another name such as user equipment or portable terminal.

Generally, the terminal1600includes a processor1601and a memory1602.

The processor1601may include one or more processing cores, for example, a 4-core processor or an 8-core processor. The processor1601may be implemented in at least one hardware form of a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a programmable logic array (PLA). The processor1601may also include a main processor and a coprocessor. The main processor is a processor configured to process data in an awake state, and is also referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). The coprocessor is a low power consumption processor configured to process the data in a standby state. In some embodiments, the processor1601may be integrated with a graphics processing unit (GPU). The GPU is configured to render and draw content that needs to be displayed on a display screen. In some embodiments, the processor1601may further include an artificial intelligence (AI) processor. The AI processor is configured to process computing operations related to machine learning.

The memory1602may include one or more computer-readable storage media. The computer-readable storage medium may be tangible and non-transient. The memory1602may further include a high-speed random access memory and a nonvolatile memory, for example, one or more disk storage devices or flash storage devices. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium in the memory1602is configured to store at least one instruction, and the at least one instruction being configured to be executed by the processor1601to implement the method for transmitting a message in a multiplayer online battle program or the method for receiving a message in a multiplayer online battle program provided in this application.

A person skilled in the art may understand that a structure shown inFIG.14constitutes no limitation on the electronic device1600, and the electronic device may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or some components may be combined, or a different component deployment may be used.

This application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, storing at least one instruction, at least one program, a code set, or an instruction set, the at least one instruction, the at least one program, the code set, or the instruction set being loaded and executed by a processor to implement the method for transmitting a message in a multiplayer online battle program or the method for receiving a message in a multiplayer online battle program provided in the foregoing method embodiments.

This application further provides a computer program product, storing at least one instruction, at least one program, a code set, or an instruction set, the at least one instruction, the at least one program, the code set, or the instruction set being loaded and executed by a processor to implement the method for transmitting a message in a multiplayer online battle program or the method for receiving a message in a multiplayer online battle program provided in the foregoing method embodiments.

In this application, the term “unit” or “module” refers to a computer program or part of the computer program that has a predefined function and works together with other related parts to achieve a predefined goal and may be all or partially implemented by using software, hardware (e.g., processing circuitry and/or memory configured to perform the predefined functions), or a combination thereof. Each unit or module can be implemented using one or more processors (or processors and memory). Likewise, a processor (or processors and memory) can be used to implement one or more modules or units. Moreover, each module or unit can be part of an overall module that includes the functionalities of the module or unit.