U.S. Pat. No. 8,708,827

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Hereafter, a description will be given of an embodiment of the invention, with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network game system according to the embodiment. As shown in the figure, the network game system is configured of a plurality (in this case, only four are shown) of video game apparatuses100, and a game server apparatus200. Each video game apparatus100is connected to the game server apparatus200via a network151.

In a game applied in the network game system, each player who uses the video game apparatus100implements the game by moving an own player character on a field formed in a hypothetical three-dimensional space (a game space) common to all the players. Each player can breed a breeding character which exists separately to the player character, and cause the relevant breeding character to compete in a race with breeding characters of other players.

A breeding of the breeding character can be carried out in accordance with a breeding plan selected based on a number of days elapsing from a final logging out to a latest logging in. The breeding plan is such that, when the player character speaks to the breeding character in accordance with an operation of the player, in the event that breeding details carried out based on the breeding plan thus far are not reflected in parameters of the breeding character, the breeding details are reflected in the parameters of the breeding character at that point. In the event that the breeding plan based on the number of days elapsing from the final logging out to the latest logging in has not been selected when the player character speaks to the breeding character (since reflecting the breeding details before the final logging out in the parameters), the breeding plan is selected at that point. The selection of the breeding plan, and an execution of the breeding of the breeding character, will be described in detail hereafter.

In the embodiment, an online condition refers to a period from the player using the video game apparatus100being authenticated by means of a logging in process until the player using the video game apparatus100withdraws from the game by means of a logging out process. In a period other than this, even though some information is transmitted and received between the video game apparatus100and the game server apparatus200, it is taken to be in an offline condition. Also, in the embodiment, in order to simplify the description, it is taken that a communication between the video game apparatus100and the game server apparatus200is not cut off without going through the logging out process.

FIG. 2is a block diagram showing a configuration of the video game apparatus100ofFIG. 1. As shown in the figure, the video game apparatus100is constructed centered on an apparatus main body101. The apparatus main body101includes a control unit103, an RAM (Random Access Memory)105, a hard disc drive (HDD)107, a sound processor109, a graphic processor111, a DVD/CD-ROM drive113, a communication interface115and an interface unit117, connected to an internal bus119thereof.

The sound processor109of the apparatus main body101is connected to a sound emission device125, which is a speaker, and the graphic processor111to a display device121, which has a display screen122. A recording medium (in the embodiment, a DVD-ROM or a CD-ROM)131can be loaded in the DVD/CD-ROM drive113. The communication interface115is connected to the network151. An input unit (a controller)161and a memory card162are connected to the interface unit117.

The control unit103, including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ROM (Read Only Memory) and the like, executes a program stored on the HDD107and recording medium131, and carries out a control of the apparatus main body101. The control unit103is equipped with an internal timer which keeps a current time. The RAM105is a work area of the control unit103. The HDD107is a storage area for saving the program and data. The sound processor109, in the event that the program being executed by the control unit103instructs a carrying out of a sound emission, interprets the instruction, and transmits a sound signal to the sound emission device125.

The graphic processor111, in accordance with a drawing command transmitted from the control unit103, provides an image to a frame memory (a frame buffer)112(depicted on an outside of the graphic processor111in the figure, but provided inside the RAM which is included in a chip configuring the graphic processor111), and transmits a video signal which displays the image on the display screen122of the display device121. A one frame time of the image included in the video signal transmitted from the graphic processor111is, for example, one thirtieth of a second.

Naturally, as visible range information indicating objects, among objects existing in the game space, included in a visible range which is to be a display subject of the image is only transmitted from the game server apparatus200every one fifteenth of a second, the graphic processor111draws one image every two frames (that is, every one fifteenth of a second). Naturally, in the event that the visible range information cannot be received one fifteenth of a second after a reception of previous visible range information, an image drawn based on the previously received visible range information continues to be displayed. When offline, the graphic processor111can draw one image every frame (that is, every one thirtieth of a second).

The DVD/CD-ROM drive113carries out a reading of the program and data from the recording medium131. The communication interface115, being connected to the network151, carries out a communication with another computer. The input unit161, being equipped with a direction key and a plurality of operation buttons, moves the player character, to be described hereafter, by means of an operation of the direction key, and causes a carrying out of prescribed processes, such as speaking to the breeding character, by means of operations of the operation buttons. The direction key is also used for a movement of a cursor and the like, while the operation buttons are used for inputting prescribed instructions.

The interface unit117transmits the input data from the input unit161to the RAM105, and the control unit103interprets it and implements a calculation process. The interface unit117also, based on an instruction from the control unit103, saves data indicating a progress condition of the game stored in the RAM105in the memory card162, reads data of the game when interrupted saved in the memory card162, and forwards it to the RAM105.

The program for carrying out the game with the video game apparatus100, and the data, are first stored in, for example, the recording medium131. As the data stored in the recording medium131, graphic data for configuring the objects existing in the game space (the field formed in the game space, the player characters of one's self and other people, and the breeding characters of one's self and the other people) are all included. Consequently, as long as it is possible to receive the visible range, a position of each object included in the relevant visible range and, with regard to objects having a selective aspect (the player character and the breeding character), information which can specify the aspect, it is possible to draw the image displayed on the display screen122even without receiving the graphic data from the game server apparatus200.

The program and the data stored in the recording medium131are read by the DVD/CD-ROM drive113at a time of execution, and loaded in the RAM105. The control unit103processes the program and the data loaded in the RAM105, transmits the drawing command to the graphic processor111, and transmits the sound emission instruction to the sound processor109. Intermediate data are stored in the RAM105while the control unit103is carrying out the processes.

FIG. 3is a block diagram showing a configuration of the game server apparatus200ofFIG. 1. As shown in the figure, the game server apparatus200is constructed centered on a game server main body201. The game server main body201includes a control unit203, an RAM205, a hard disc drive (HDD)207, a DVD/CD-ROM drive213and a communication interface215, connected to an internal bus219thereof. A recording medium (a DVD-ROM or a CD-ROM)231can be loaded in the DVD/CD-ROM drive213.

The control unit203, including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ROM (Read Only Memory) and the like, executes a program stored on the HDD207and recording medium231, and carries out a control of the game server apparatus200. The control unit203is equipped with an internal timer which keeps the current time. The RAM205is a work area of the control unit203. The HDD207is a storage area for saving the program and data. The communication interface215, being connected to the network151, carries out the communication with each video game apparatus100.

The program for carrying out a network game with the game server apparatus200, and the data, are first stored in, for example, the recording medium231, and then installed in the HDD207. Then, the program and the data are read from the HDD207at a time of execution, and loaded in the RAM205. The control unit203processes the program and the data loaded in the RAM205, and implements the network game based on messages and the like sent from each video game apparatus100. The intermediate data are stored in the RAM205while the control unit203is carrying out the processes.

Next, a description will be given of the breeding character bred by each player in the network game system according to the embodiment.FIGS. 4A to 4Dshow the breeding character. The breeding character, being a character in a bird form, grows in an order of an egg300shown inFIG. 4A, a chick310shown inFIG. 4B, young birds320and320′ shown inFIG. 4C, and grown birds330and330′ shown inFIG. 4D, in accordance with a number of days elapsing since a start of the breeding (updated at 4 a.m.). Although a different color is allotted to each breeding character, it does not happen that the color changes with a growth process. A number of breeding days of each breeding character is updated every time 4 a.m. comes around.

The egg300shown inFIG. 4Ais an aspect when the number of breeding days is zero, from the player starting the breeding of the breeding character until 4 a.m. first comes around. When the start of breeding of the breeding character is instructed by a player fulfilling a condition allowing the start of breeding of the breeding character, the egg300is laid at that point. Although the color of the breeding character is determined from a stage of the egg300, it is acceptable either that the color is determined by a selection of the player, or that the color is determined by being allotted in the game server apparatus200based on a prescribed method.

The chick310shown inFIG. 4Bis an aspect when the number of breeding days of the breeding character is one to five. Although legs311, a beak312and tail feathers313are included in the chick310as appendages thereof, it does not happen that a thickness of the legs311, a length of the beak312, and a size of the tail feathers313differ due to a difference in parameters set in the breeding character which is the chick310. Consequently, in a condition of the chick310, although the color varies depending on the breeding character, a form is exactly the same.

The young birds320and320′ shown inFIG. 4Care aspects when the number of breeding days of the breeding character is six to fifteen. Legs321, a beak322and tail feathers323are included in the young bird320as appendages thereof. Legs321′, a beak322′ and tail feathers323′ are included in the young bird320′ as appendages thereof. The legs321′ of the young bird320′ are thicker than the legs321of the young bird320(a length is the same), the beak322′ of the young bird320′ is longer than the beak322of the young bird320(a thickness of a base is the same), and the tail feathers323′ of the young bird320′ are bigger than the tail feathers323of the young bird320(a thickness of a base is the same).

These kinds of difference in the thicknesses of the legs321and321′, the lengths of the beaks322and322′, and the sizes of the tail feathers323and323′ arise from differences in parameters of strength, stamina and judgment (all to be described hereafter) which are individually set in the breeding character. Meanwhile, a form apart from the appendages is exactly the same in the young birds320and320′, except for the difference in the color. The differences in the thicknesses of the legs321and321′, the lengths of the beaks322and322′, and the sizes of the tail feathers323and323′ can be optionally combined according to their parameters, as in a young bird of which the legs are thick, the beak is short and the tail feathers are small.

The grown birds330and330′ shown inFIG. 4Dare aspects when the number of breeding days of the breeding character is sixteen to sixty. Legs331, a beak332and tail feathers333are included in the grown bird330as appendages thereof. Legs331′, a beak332′ and tail feathers333′ are included in the grown bird330′ as appendages thereof. That the differences in the thicknesses of the legs331and331′, the lengths of the beaks332and332′, and the sizes of the tail feathers333and333′ arise from the differences in the parameters, and that the form apart from the appendages is the same except for the difference in the color, is the same as in the case of the young birds320and320′.

As the breeding character can exist until the number of breeding days reaches sixty, when exceeding sixty days since the start of breeding, it reaches its allotted lifespan and ceases to exist. Also, it is only the breeding characters in the conditions of the grown birds330and330′ which can participate in the race. Each player, in the event that the breeding characters in breeding are only ones in the conditions of the grown birds330and330′, can start a breeding of a new breeding character. That is, it is possible for one player to breed up to a maximum of four breeding characters simultaneously.

Next, a description will be given of the game space of the game provided by the network game system according to the embodiment, and of the range (the visible range) of the relevant game space displayed on the display screen122of each player's video game apparatus100. The game space, being the game space common to all the players participating in the game, is the hypothetical three-dimensional space in which is configured the field on which each player's player character and other characters (including the breeding characters) can move. An image, which has been perspective transformed from a first person point of view of the relevant player's player character, is displayed on the display screen122of the video game apparatus100.

FIG. 5Ashows the game space of the game provided by the network game system according to the embodiment. The player character of each player of the video game apparatuses100which are in the online condition exists in the game space (indicated in the figure by ●). Also, regardless of whether the video game apparatus100is in the online condition or the offline condition, all of the breeding characters being bred by the players exist (indicated in the figure by ∘). InFIG. 5A, as there is only one video game apparatus100which is in the online condition, there is also only one player character existing.

A position and a direction of the player character in the game space are managed in the game server apparatus200, as will be described hereafter. Also, a position and a direction of each breeding character in the game space are also managed in the game server apparatus200, as will be described hereafter. As the image displayed on the display screen122in the video game apparatus100is perspective transformed from a first person point of view of the player character, the visible range which is to be the subject displayed on the display screen122is known based on the position and direction of the player character managed in the game server apparatus200. A range of a trapezoid shown inFIG. 5Aindicates a visible range perspective transformed from a forward clip surface to a rear clip surface.

In the case ofFIG. 5A, five breeding characters A to E are included in the visible range of the player character in the game space. It is taken that the number of breeding days of the breeding characters A to E is fifteen, zero, one, forty-eight and twenty respectively. The visible range information including the position and direction, the number of breeding days, and various parameters (at least the strength, stamina and judgment which effect the form of the breeding characters A to E), to be described hereafter, of the breeding characters A to E included in the visible range, and a handle name of the player breeding the breeding character, is transmitted every one fifteenth of a second to the video game apparatuses100which are in the online condition (but which are not in the middle of a special event).

FIG. 5Bshows an image displayed on the display screen122in the video game apparatuses100which have received the visible range information in the case ofFIG. 5A. As the breeding character A with fifteen breeding days, the breeding character B with zero days, the breeding character C with one day, the breeding character D with forty-eight days, and the breeding character E with twenty days have been included in the visible range shown inFIG. 5A, the breeding characters A to E are displayed on the display screen122in the conditions of the young bird, the egg, the chick, the grown bird and the grown bird respectively.

Although, when carrying out the perspective transformation in the video game apparatus100in order to generate the image, it is necessary to determine the range thereof, as the position and direction of the relevant player's player character are managed in the video game apparatus100too, it is possible to carry out the perspective transformation of the image with a range which is the same as the visible range specified by the game server apparatus200from the first person point of view of the player character as a display subject range.

Although not shown inFIG. 5B, in order to be able to identify which player the breeding character belongs to, the handle name of the player breeding the breeding character is also displayed in the position of the breeding character. Also, the breeding character which the player is breeding by him or herself, in the event that it has not undergone a breeding event, to be described hereafter, is displayed on the display screen122in an aspect corresponding to the number of breeding days when a breeding plan in which the breeding event has not been undergone is selected, regardless of an actual number of days elapsing since the start of the breeding.

Next, a description will be given of data necessary for each player to implement the game, and breed the breeding characters, in the network game system according to the embodiment. The data shown inFIGS. 6 to 8being only data regarding the breeding of the breeding character which especially need to be managed in the game server apparatus200, a description of other necessary data will be added as appropriate.

FIG. 6shows a player table provided in the RAM205inside the game server apparatus200. As shown in the figure, a player ID (P-ID)401, a password (PW)402, a handle name (HN)403, a player character aspect (PC aspect)404, a position of the player character in the game space (PC position)405, an orientation of the player character (PC orientation)406, a final logging out date and time407, a latest logging in date and time408, and an event in progress flag409are registered for each player in the player table400.

The player ID401is identification information which uniquely identifies each player. The password402being used for carrying out a user authentication for a player who has made a logging in request, in the event that a combination of a player ID and a password which have been transmitted along with the logging in request match a combination of the player ID401and the password402registered in the player table400, the player is authenticated as a user, and can participate in the game. The handle name403being a name which each player uses in a game world, it does not happen that an identical handle name403is registered for differing players.

The player character aspect404indicates a player character aspect which the relevant player uses when playing the game. In the case of the player character aspect404, a hairstyle, clothing and the like which the player decides when first participating in the game are registered. The player character position405indicates the position of the player character in the game space by coordinates set in the game space. The player character orientation406indicates the direction in which the player character is facing in a range of 0 to 359 degrees with, for example, a prescribed direction in the game space as a reference direction (a direction of 0 degrees).

The final logging out date and time407indicates a date and time at which the relevant player has last logged out. Although the final logging out date and time407is not deleted on a player's new logging in, it is deleted on the player selecting the breeding character's breeding plan. The latest logging in date and time408indicates a latest date and time at which the relevant player has logged in. The latest logging in date and time408is not registered for the player who is in the offline condition.

The event in progress flag409is a flag set for a player who is carrying out a growth event process, a race process, or a breeding plan selection process, all to be described hereafter. Although the visible range information is sent every one fifteenth of a second from the game server apparatus200to the video game apparatus100of the player who is in the online condition (that is, the player for whom the latest logging in date and time408has been registered), in the event that the event in progress flag409has been set, as an image differing from the image perspective transformed from the first person point of view of the player character is displayed in accordance with the event, the visible range information is not sent to the video game apparatus100of the player for whom the event in progress flag409has been set. Instead, information indicating the image in accordance with the event is sent to the video game apparatus100of the player for whom the event in progress flag409has been set.

FIG. 7shows a breeding character table provided in the RAM205inside the game server apparatus200. As shown in the figure, a breeding character ID (BC-ID)501, a player ID (P-ID)502, a breeding start date and time503, a breeding character color (BC color)504, a number of breeding days505, strength506, stamina507, judgment508, an HP509, a stomach condition510, an affection511, a position of the breeding character in the game space (BC position)512, an orientation of the breeding character (BC orientation)513, and a breeding plan514are registered for each player in a breeding character table500.

The breeding character ID501is identification information which uniquely identifies each breeding character. The player ID502is player identification of the player who is breeding the relevant breeding character. As it is possible for one player to breed up to a maximum of four breeding characters simultaneously, it can happen that the same player identification is registered for differing breeding characters. The breeding start date and time503indicates a date and time at which the breeding of the relevant breeding character has started. The breeding character color504indicates the color set for the relevant breeding character.

The number of breeding days505indicating the number of days elapsing since the breeding of the relevant breeding character has started, the breeding start time is zero days, and one day is added every time 4 a.m. comes around on each day. The number of breeding days505, as heretofore described, fixes the aspect of the breeding character as one of the egg300, the chick310, the young birds320and320′, or the grown birds330and330′. Also, when 4 a.m. next comes around in a condition in which the number of breeding days505is sixty, a whole of the data of the relevant breeding character is deleted from the breeding character table500.

The strength506is a parameter which indicates, when the breeding character which has become the grown bird330or330′ participates in the race, how fast it can run in the race. Also, the strength506is a parameter which fixes the thickness of the legs321and321′ of the breeding character which has become the young bird320or320′, and the thickness of the legs331and331′ of the breeding character which has become the grown bird330or330′. The strength506is updated depending on training carried out for the breeding character in accordance with the breeding plan.

The stamina507is a parameter which indicates, when the breeding character which has become the grown bird330or330′ participates in the race, how far it can run in the race without consuming physical energy (HP). Also, the stamina507is a parameter which fixes the size of the tail feathers323or323′ of the breeding character which has become the young bird320or320′, and the size of the tail feathers333or333′ of the breeding character which has become the grown bird330or330′. The stamina507is also updated depending on the training carried out for the breeding character in accordance with the breeding plan.

The judgment508is a parameter which indicates, when the breeding character which has become the grown bird330or330′ participates in the race, how skillfully it sets a running position in the race. Also, the judgment508is a parameter which fixes the length of the beak322or322′ of the breeding character which has become the young bird320or320′, and the length of the beak332or332′ of the breeding character which has become the grown bird330or330′. The judgment508is also updated depending on the training carried out for the breeding character in accordance with the breeding plan.

The HP509is a parameter which indicates, when the breeding character which has become the grown bird330or330′ participates in the race, the physical energy remaining in the race. The HP509is decreased depending on a speed at which the breeding character which has become the grown bird330or330′ runs in the race, a distance run, and the stamina507. In the event that the HP509becomes equal to or less than a prescribed value, it becomes unable to run at or faster than a certain speed and, in the event that the HP becomes zero, it becomes unable to do anything other than walk. The greater the HP509when participating in the race, the more advantageously the breeding character can implement the race.

The stomach condition510being a parameter which indicates how full a breeding character's stomach is, by giving food to the breeding character as care differing from the training according to the breeding plan, a value of the stomach condition510increases in accordance with an amount of the food given. Also, it can happen that the value of the stomach condition510decreases with the training according to the breeding plan. A value of the HP509increases or decreases, in accordance with the value of the stomach condition510, when the number of breeding days505is updated at 4 a.m. every day. In the event that the value of the stomach condition510is lower than a lower limit value, the HP509is decreased, while in the event that it is equal to or higher than the lower limit value, and lower than an upper limit value, an increase amount of the HP509becomes larger by an amount dependent on the value of the stomach condition510, but in the event that it exceeds the upper limit value, the value of the HP509is not increased.

The affection511being a parameter which indicates affection the player has put into the breeding of the breeding character, by caressing the breeding character as care differing from the training according to the breeding plan, a value of the affection511increases. A probability of a success or failure of the training for increasing the breeding character's strength506, stamina507and judgment508depends on the value of the affection511. Also, after reflecting a result of the training in the strength506, stamina507and judgment508parameters, the value of the affection511decreases. That is, the higher the value of the affection511, the higher a possibility of the training carried out for the breeding character in accordance with the breeding plan being judged to have succeeded, and the easier it is for the strength506, stamina507and judgment508to increase.

The breeding character position512indicates the position of the breeding character in the game space by coordinates set in the game space. The breeding character orientation513indicates the direction in which the breeding character is facing in the range of 0 to 359 degrees with, for example, the prescribed direction in the game space as the reference direction (the direction of 0 degrees).

In the case of the breeding plan514, a number of a breeding plan which the player has selected as the training to be carried out for the relevant breeding character is registered. The breeding plan number is allotted when the player selects the breeding plan. Details of the breeding plan (a daily training plan) are registered in a breeding information table, to be described separately hereafter. The breeding plan514, in the event that the player character speaks to the relevant breeding character after carrying out the training based on the breeding plan, and the growth event process takes place, is deleted after the growth event process is finished along with the breeding information table, to be described hereafter.

FIG. 8shows the breeding information table provided in the RAM205inside the game server apparatus200. The breeding information table600is compiled when the player character speaks to the breeding character, and selects the breeding plan. However, when the breeding information table600according to a breeding plan selected previous to that has been stored, after the breeding event has occurred in accordance with the relevant stored breeding information table600, a new breeding plan is selected, and the breeding information table600is compiled. Also, even though the player character speaks to the breeding character, in the event that the breeding plan from a previous logging out until a current logging in has already been selected, it does not happen that the breeding plan is further selected.

As shown in the figure, a breeding plan number601, a logging out time number of breeding days602, a daily training plan603based on the number of days elapsing from the final logging out date and time to the current logging in date and time, and training details of the daily training plan604are registered in the breeding information table600. The breeding plan number601being a number uniquely allotted when the player selects the breeding plan at a selection time of the breeding plan, a number is registered which is the same as the one registered in the breeding plan514of the breeding character table500.

The logging out time number of breeding days602indicates the number of breeding days of the relevant breeding character at a point of the final logging out previous to the selection of the relevant breeding plan. Regarding the breeding character for which the breeding character table600remains (that is, for which the growth event caused by speaking to the relevant breeding character has not occurred), the breeding character is displayed as one of the aspects among the egg300, the chick310, the young birds320and320′, or the grown birds330and330′ in accordance not with a number of growth days of the breeding character included in the visible range information, but with the number of breeding days registered in the logging out time number of breeding days602.

The daily training plan603indicates the details of the daily training which the player should carry out for the relevant breeding character based on the number of days from the final logging out to the current logging in. It is sufficient that the player administers the training based on the daily training plan603to the breeding character. The training including differing training for an area to be developed among the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508, what training is to be carried out is fixed in the daily training plan603too.

Individual degrees of difficulty being fixed in the daily training plan603, the lower the degree of difficulty of the training, the higher the possibility of it being determined to have succeeded in a success determination, to be described hereafter. To select the breeding plan being to select the daily training plan, selection candidates thereof are extracted in the game server apparatus200, and the player selects the daily training plan from among the extracted selection candidates. Also, the training plan which the player can select as the daily training plan603differs depending on a growth stage (the chick310, the young birds320and320′, or the grown birds330and330′) of the breeding character.

In the case of the daily training details604, the details of the training which the player has actually carried out for the breeding character with respect to the daily training plan603are registered. Although the player does not necessarily have to carry out the training for the breeding character as laid out in the daily training plan603, even though carrying out training which is completely different from the training plan, with the exception of a case of a coincidental success, to be described hereafter, it does not happen that the training of the relevant day is determined to have succeeded. In a case in which the training itself is not carried out, the training is always determined to have failed.

Next, a description will be given of an update of the parameters, among the parameters set for each breeding character and registered in the breeding character table500, the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508. When the player character speaks to the relevant breeding character during the implementation of the game, the success determination is made for each day by comparing the daily training plan603and the daily training details604, and the parameters of the breeding character the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508are updated depending on whether the determination result is the success or the failure.

When the player character speaks to the breeding character during the implementation of the game, in the event that details of the relevant breeding character are registered in the breeding information table600, the success or failure is determined by the server game apparatus200for each of the daily training details604, the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508are increased or decreased in accordance with the determination result and the training plan of the relevant day (specified by the breeding plan514), and the parameter affection511is decreased.

The success or failure of the daily training is determined in the following way. First, each one day's worth of the training details are read sequentially from a training of the first day, but in the event that nothing has been registered as the training details, the training of the relevant day is always determined to have been the failure. In the event that some kind of details are registered as the training details, a random number in a range of zero to the value of the affection511is extracted. In the event that a value of the extracted random number is zero, the training of the relevant day is always determined to have been the failure, while in the event that the value of the extracted random number is equal to or greater than a prescribed value, the training of the relevant day is always determined to have been the success. That is, the higher the value of the affection511, the higher a possibility of the random number equal to or greater than the prescribed value being extracted, so the possibility of the training being determined to have succeeded increases.

In the event that the value of the extracted random number is neither zero nor equal to or greater than the prescribed value, an attack value is calculated based on the details of the training of the relevant day, the value of the extracted random number, and the value of the affection511. However, in the event that the details of the training of the relevant day completely fail to match the training plan of the relevant day, zero is calculated as the attack value. Also, the higher the value of the affection511, the higher the value of the calculated attack value, so the possibility of the training being determined to have succeeded increases. Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated attack value is higher than a degree of difficulty fixed in accordance with the training plan of the relevant day. In the event that the calculated attack value is higher than the degree of difficulty of the training plan, the training of the relevant day is determined to have been the success, while in the event that the calculated attack value is equal to or lower than the degree of difficulty of the training plan, the training of the relevant day is determined to have been the failure.

In a case in which the training is determined to have been the success as described heretofore, the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508are caused to be updated by a success pattern fixed for the training plan of the relevant day. Herein, although a value by which each of the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508is increased or decreased in accordance with the training plan differs, when the amounts of increase or decrease of each parameter are added together, they always result in a positive number (it can happen that there is no parameter at all of the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508which is not decreased). Also, the higher the degree of difficulty of the training determined to have succeeded, the higher the amount of increase of the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508as a whole. Also, the affection511is decreased by the value fixed in the relevant success pattern.

Meanwhile, in a case in which the training is determined to have been the failure, the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508are caused to be updated by a failure pattern fixed for the training plan of the relevant day. Herein, although a value by which each of the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508is increased or decreased in accordance with the training plan differs, when the amounts of increase or decrease of each parameter are added together, they always result in a negative number (it can happen that there is no parameter at all of the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508which is not increased). Also, the affection511is decreased by the value fixed in the relevant failure pattern.

In the case in which the success or failure of the training plan is determined every day in this way, and the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508are updated in accordance with the determination result, the growth event occurs which indicates the growth of the breeding character in accordance with the daily update of the parameters, and an appearance of the breeding character growing every day is shown to the player as an image displayed on the display screen122of the video game apparatus100.

To describe more specifically, in the event that the corresponding breeding information table600is registered when the player character speaks to the breeding character, the game server apparatus200, having not yet reflected the daily training details in the parameters, including the values of the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508of the relevant breeding character registered in the breeding character table500, transmits growth event information, which instructs a display of a growth process of the breeding character in accordance with the logging out time number of breeding days602, to the video game apparatus100. The image of the breeding character according to the values of the parameters and the logging out time number of breeding days602is caused to be displayed on the display screen122in the video game apparatus100.

Also, every time the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508of the relevant breeding character are updated in accordance with the daily training details, the game server apparatus200transmits the growth event information which instructs the display of the growth process of the breeding character until the relevant day, including the updated values of the strength506, stamina507and judgment508, and the number of days reflecting the training details (for example, in the event that the parameters have been updated reflecting the first day training details, the logging out time number of breeding days602+one day), to the video game apparatus100. The image of the breeding character according to the values of the parameters, and the logging out time number of breeding days602+the number of days on which the training details have been generated, is caused to be displayed on the display screen122in the video game apparatus100.

Hereafter, a description will be given of processes executed in the network game system according to the embodiment. Herein, the description will be centered on processes executed in the game server apparatus200, and processes executed in the video game apparatuses100which are in the online condition will be described as appropriate in the description of the processes of the game server apparatus200.

FIG. 9is a flowchart showing the processes executed in the game server apparatus200according to the embodiment. Although the processes executed in the game server apparatus200include processes other than steps shown in the flowchart ofFIG. 9, steps executed relating particularly to the invention are shown inFIG. 9.

In the game server apparatus200, the control unit203determines whether or not the internal timer has registered exactly 4 a.m. (step S101). In the event that the internal timer has registered exactly 4 a.m., the control unit203increases the number of breeding days505of each breeding character registered in the breeding character table500by one day each. Data of a breeding character of which the number of breeding days505has reached sixty-one days as a result of the increase are deleted from the breeding character table500. Also, the control unit203increases or decreases the HP509in accordance with the value of the stomach condition510of each breeding character, along with which it initializes the value of the stomach condition510at zero (step S102). Then, the control unit203returns to the process of step S101.

In the event that the internal timer has not registered 4 a.m., the control unit203determines whether or not the internal timer has registered a time every one-fifteenth of a second (step S103). It is taken that the time of exactly 4 a.m. does not coincide with the case in which the internal timer registers the time every one-fifteenth of a second.

In the event that the internal timer has registered the time every one-fifteenth of a second, the control unit203specifies the visible range in accordance with the position405and the orientation406of the player character for each player who is in the online condition (that is, for whom the latest logging in time408has been registered), and for whom the growth event of the breeding character, the race and the like are not being carried out (that is, for whom the event in progress flag409has not been set). The control unit203, referring to the player table400and the breeding character table500, generates the visible range information including as the information the position and orientation of the player characters of the other players included in the visible range (however, only those in the online condition), and the position and orientation of the breeding characters included in the visible range, and transmits it from the communication interface215to the video game apparatus100of the relevant player (step S104). Then, the control unit203returns to the process of step S101.

The visible range information transmitted in step S104is received by the communication interface115of the video game apparatus100. In the video game apparatus100which has received the visible range information, the control unit103perspective transforms the game space from the first person point of view according to the position and direction of the player character. The objects included in the perspective transformed range include not only the field (a landscape and buildings) formed in the game space, but also the player characters of the other players included in the visible range information, and the breeding characters of the player and the other players.

Herein, regarding each breeding character, the breeding character is displayed as the aspect (a distinction between the egg, the chick, the young birds and the grown birds) corresponding to the number of breeding days included in the visible range information and, in the cases of the young birds and the grown birds, by the thickness of the legs, the size of the tail feathers and the length of the beak according to the parameters the strength, the stamina and the judgment. Regarding the player's breeding character, in the event that the breeding information table600is still registered, as the logging out time number of breeding days602registered in the breeding information table600, rather than the number of breeding days505registered in the breeding character table500, is included in the visible range information, the breeding character is displayed as the aspect corresponding to the logging out time number of breeding days602.

In the event that the internal timer is not registering the time every one-fifteenth of a second in step S103, the control unit203determines whether or not any kind of information is being received from any video game apparatus100(including those not yet logged in) (step S105). In the event that the information is not being received from any video game apparatus100, the control unit203returns directly to the process of step S101.

In the event that some kind of information is being received from any one of the video game apparatuses100, the control unit203determines whether or not the received information is a logging in request (step S106). In the event that the received information is a logging in request, the control unit203compares the player identification and password transmitted along with the relevant logging in request with the player ID401and the password402registered in the player table400, and carries out the user authentication for the player of the relevant video game apparatus100(step S107).

As a result, it is determined whether or not the relevant player has been authenticated as a legitimate player having an entitlement to participate in the game (step S108). In the event that the player identification and password transmitted along with the logging in request are not registered in the player table400, and it is not possible to authenticate the relevant player, the control unit203refuses the logging in of the user from the relevant video game apparatus100, and returns directly to the process of step S101. In the event that the player identification and password transmitted along with the logging in request are registered in the player table400, and it is possible to authenticate the relevant player, the control unit203accepts the logging in of the relevant player, and records the latest logging in date and time408in the player table400(step S109). Then, the control unit203returns to the process of step S101.

In the event that the received information is not the logging in request, the control unit203determines whether or not the received information indicates a movement (including a direction transformation) of the player character in the game space (step S110). In the event that it indicates the movement of the player character, the control unit203, in accordance with the relevant received information, updates the position405and/or the orientation406of the player character registered in the player table400for the player of the video game apparatus100which has transmitted the relevant information (step S111). Then, the control unit203returns to the process of step S101.

In the event that the received information does not indicate the movement of the player character, the control unit203determines whether or not the received information instructs the start of breeding of the breeding character (step S112). In the event that it instructs the start of breeding of the breeding character, the control unit203determines whether or not, in the breeding character table500, the number of breeding days505of the breeding characters corresponding to the player ID502of the player of the video game apparatus100which has transmitted the relevant information are all sixteen days or more, that is, it determines whether or not the breeding characters which the relevant player is breeding are all in the condition of the grown bird330or330′ (step S113).

In the event that the relevant player is breeding the breeding character of which the number of breeding days is fifteen or less, it not being possible at this point to start the breeding of a new breeding character, the control unit203returns directly to the process of step S101. In the event that the relevant player is breeding only the breeding characters of which the number of breeding days is sixteen or more, the control unit203issues anew the breeding character ID501, decides the color504of the breeding character, fixes the position512and the orientation513of the breeding character in accordance with a position in which the player character is currently positioned, registers a record for the new breeding character in the breeding character table500, and starts the breeding of the new breeding character (step S114). Then, the control unit203returns to the process of step S101.

In the event that the received information does not instruct the start of breeding of the breeding character, the control unit203determines whether or not the received information indicates that the player character of the player of the video game apparatus100which has transmitted the relevant information has spoken to its own breeding character (step S115). In the event that it indicates the speaking to the breeding character, the control unit203determines whether or not the breeding plan514for the relevant breeding character has been registered in the breeding character table500(step S116). In the event that the breeding plan514has not been registered, the control unit203proceeds directly to a process of step S118.

In the event that the breeding plan514has been registered, the control unit203, as well as setting the event in progress flag409of the player table400for the relevant player, starts up the growth event process, details of which will be described hereafter (step S117). After the growth event process is completed, the control unit203proceeds to the process of step S118.

In step S118, the control unit203determines whether or not the final logging out date and time408has been registered in the player table400. In the event that the final logging out date and time408has not been registered, as the breeding plan based on a number of days elapsing from the final logging out until a current logging out has already been selected, the control unit203returns directly to the process of step S101.

Meanwhile, in the event that the final logging out date and time408has been registered, the breeding plan based on the number of days elapsing from the final logging out until the current logging out has not yet been selected. In this case, the control unit203, as well as setting the event in progress flag409of the player table400for the relevant player, starts up the breeding plan selection process, details of which will be described hereafter (step S119). After the breeding plan selection process is completed, the control unit203returns to the process of step S101.

In the event that the information received in step S115does not indicate the speaking to the breeding character, the control unit203determines whether or not the received information instructs the training of the breeding character (step S120). In the event that it instructs the training of the breeding character, the control unit203determines whether or not the training plan603not registered with the training details604correlated has been registered in the breeding information table600for the relevant breeding character (step S121). In the event that the training plan603not registered with the training details604correlated has not been registered, the control unit203returns directly to the process of step S101. In the event that the training plan603not registered with the training details604correlated has been registered, the control unit203registers the details of the training carried out as the training details604of the relevant day in the breeding information table604(step S122). Then, the control unit203returns to the process of step S101.

In the event that the received information does not instruct the training of the breeding character, the control unit203determines whether or not the received information instructs the care of the breeding character outside the breeding plan (giving the food to the breeding character, or caressing the breeding character) (step S123). For example, in a condition in which the player character is within a certain range from the breeding character, when the player operates a prescribed button of the input unit161in the video game apparatus100, the giving of food to the breeding character, or the caressing of the breeding character, is instructed. Depending on the instruction, the control unit103transmits information indicating details of the care given from the communication interface115to the video game apparatus100.

In the event that the received information indicates the care of the breeding character transmitted in accordance with the instruction of the player of the video game apparatus100, the control unit203increases the parameters the stomach condition510or the affection511registered in the breeding character table500for the relevant breeding character in accordance with the details of the care indicated by the relevant information (step S124). Then, the control unit203returns to the process of step S101.

In the event that the received information is not the care of the breeding character either, the control unit203determines whether or not the received information is requesting that the breeding character is allowed to participate in the race (step S125). In the event that the received information is requesting to be allowed to participate in the race, the control unit203, as well as setting the event in progress flag409of the player table400for the relevant player, starts up the race process, and allows a designated breeding character to participate in the race (step S126). Then, the control unit203returns to the process of step S101.

In the race process, when a specified number or more of the breeding characters which have requested the participation in the race in the same way gather, the race is started. The breeding characters which participate in the race, when the value of the HP509is sufficient, can run at a speed commensurate with the value of the strength506and, the higher the value of the judgment508, the closer they can run to a course of a shortest distance. Herein, the value of the HP509being decreased in accordance with a distance run and the value of the stamina507, when the HP509becomes lower than a certain value, the running speed becomes slower, and when it becomes zero, the breeding character becomes unable to do anything other than walk. When the race finishes, the event in progress flag409is reset.

In the event that the received information is not requesting that the breeding character is allowed to participate in the race either, the control unit103determines whether or not the received information is a logging out request (step S127). In the event that the received information is the logging out request, the control unit203registers a current date and time as the final logging out date and time407for the player of the video game apparatus100which has transmitted the logging out request, deletes the latest logging in date and time408, and causes the relevant video game apparatus100to log out (step S128). Then, the control unit203returns to the process of step S101. In the event that the received information is not the logging out request either, the control unit203returns directly to the process of step S101.

Next, a detailed description will be given of the growth event process started up by step S117.FIG. 10is a flowchart showing in detail the growth event process started up in step S117. Firstly, the control unit203of the game server apparatus200reads the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508for the relevant breeding character from the breeding character table500, and transmits the growth event information which, as well as including the values of these parameters, instructs the display of the breeding character in the condition of the logging out time number of breeding days602registered in the breeding information table600, to the video game apparatus100which has carried out the speaking to the breeding character (step S201). In order that the screen in the video game apparatus100does not change too rapidly, the control unit203, after transmitting the growth event information, calls a halt until a certain time has elapsed.

In the video game apparatus100, on the communication interface115receiving the growth event information, in accordance with a control of the control unit103, the image of the breeding character according to the values of the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508included in the received growth event information, and the logging out time number of breeding days602, is displayed on the display screen122.

Next, the control unit203, with the breeding plan514of the relevant breeding character registered in the breeding character table500as a key, reads the one day's worth of the training details sequentially from the first day among the daily training details604registered in the breeding information table600(step S202). The control unit203determines whether or not a fact that some kind of training has been carried out has been recorded in the read training details (step S203). In the event that no fact of any kind of training having been carried out has been recorded in the read training details, as the training of the relevant day is always determined to have been the failure, the control unit203proceeds directly to a process of step S210.

In the event that the fact that some kind of training has been carried out has been recorded in the read training details, the control unit203extracts the random number (an integer) in the range of zero to the value of the affection511(step S204). The control unit203determines whether or not a value of the extracted random number is zero (step S205). In the event that the value of the extracted random number is zero, as the training of the relevant day is unconditionally determined to have been the failure, the control unit203proceeds to the process of step S210. In the event that the value of the extracted random number is not zero, the control unit203determines whether or not the value of the extracted random number is equal to or greater than a prescribed value (step S206). In the event that the value of the extracted random number is equal to or greater than the prescribed value, as the training of the relevant day is unconditionally determined to have been the success, the control unit203proceeds to a process of step S209.

In the event that the value of the extracted random number is one or greater, and less than the prescribed value, the control unit203calculates the attack value based on the details of the training of the relevant day, the value of the extracted random number, and the value of the affection511(step S207). The control unit203determines whether or not the calculated attack value is higher than the degree of difficulty fixed corresponding to the training plan of the relevant day (step S208). In the event that the calculated attack value is higher than the degree of difficulty corresponding to the training plan of the relevant day, as the training of the relevant day is determined to have been the success, the control unit203proceeds to the process of step S209. In the event that the calculated attack value is equal to or lower than the degree of difficulty corresponding to the training plan of the relevant day, as the training of the relevant day is determined to have been the failure, the control unit203proceeds to the process of step S210.

In step S209, the control unit203increases or decreases the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508registered in the breeding character table500for the relevant breeding character, with the success pattern applied when the training plan of the relevant day has succeeded. Also, the control unit203decreases the parameter the affection511by the value fixed by the relevant success pattern. Then, the control unit203proceeds to a process of step S211.

Meanwhile, in step S210, the control unit203increases or decreases the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508registered in the breeding character table500for the relevant breeding character, with the failure pattern applied when the training plan of the relevant day has failed. Also, the control unit203decreases the parameter the affection511by the value fixed by the relevant failure pattern. Then, the control unit203proceeds to the process of step S211.

In step S211, the control unit203reads the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508, after the update, from the breeding character table500for the relevant breeding character, and transmits the growth event information, including the values of these parameters and the number of days reflecting the training result, which instructs the display of the breeding character to the video game apparatus100. In order that the screen in the video game apparatus100does not change too rapidly, the control unit203, after transmitting the growth event information, calls the halt until the certain time has elapsed.

In the video game apparatus100, on the communication interface115receiving the growth event information, in accordance with the control of the control unit103, the image of the breeding character according to the values of the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508included in the received growth event information, and the logging out time number of breeding days602+the number of days reflecting the training details, is displayed on the display screen122.

Next, the control unit203determines whether or not all of the daily training details604registered in the breeding information table600have been read (step S212). In the event that there are some among the daily training details604which have not yet been read, the control unit203returns to the process of step S202, and reads training details of a next day. In the event that all of the daily training details604have been read, the control unit203deletes the breeding plan514registered in the breeding character table500for the relevant breeding character, and resets the event in progress flag409registered in the player table400for the relevant player (step S213). Furthermore, the control unit203deletes the relevant breeding information table600itself from the RAM205(step S214). Then, the growth event process is completed.

Next, a detailed description will be given of the training plan selection process started up in step S119.FIG. 11is a flowchart showing in detail the training plan selection process started up in step S119. The control unit203, as well as issuing the new training plan number and registering it as the training plan514of the breeding character table500, generates a number of days elapsing from the final logging out date and time408to the latest logging in date and time409worth of training plans603and training details604, and stores them in the RAM122(step S301).

Next, the control unit203, a plurality of patterns being prepared in accordance with the growth process of the breeding character, extracts the training plan, from among the daily training plans stored in the HDD207, commensurate with the number of days elapsing from the final logging out date and time408to the latest logging in date and time409. For example, with respect to a breeding character for which the logging out time number of breeding days602is five, in a case in which the number of days elapsing from the final logging out date and time408to the latest logging in date and time409is two, a plurality of kinds (even all the kinds) of training plan which can be applied to the breeding character in the condition of the chick is extracted, and a plurality of kinds of training plan which can be applied to the breeding character in the condition of the young bird is extracted (step S302).

The control unit203transmits the extracted daily training plans as the training plan candidates from the communication interface device215to the video game apparatus100which has transmitted the instruction of the speaking to the breeding character (step S303). The training plan candidates transmitted in step S303are received by the communication interface115of the video game apparatus100. In the video game apparatus100which receives these, the control unit103displays a list of the training plan candidates every day and, in accordance with the list display screen, the player selects the daily training plan by operating the input unit161.

The selected daily training plan is transmitted from the communication interface115to the game server apparatus200. Then, on the training plan transmitted from the video game apparatus100being received by the communication interface215(step S304), the control unit203registers it in the breeding information table600as the daily training plan603. On the training plan603being registered, the final logging out date and time408is deleted from the player table400(step S305). Then, the training plan selection process is completed.

As heretofore described, in the network game system according to the embodiment, although the breeding character grows in the order of the egg300→the chick310→the young birds320and320′→the grown birds330and330′, this kind of difference between major aspects occurs only because of a difference in the number of breeding days505. The color504of the breeding character remains the same from the start of the breeding until the end. However, when the breeding character has the aspect of the young bird or the grown bird, the aspects of ancillary portions, which are the thickness of the legs, the size of the tail feathers and the length of the beak, differ in accordance with the values of the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508respectively.

Herein, when the player character speaks to the breeding the character during the implementation of the game, a number of days worth of the training plan candidates corresponding to the number of days elapsing from the final logging out date and time to the latest logging in date and time of the relevant player is extracted, and the training plan is selected from among them by the player. Then, the training for increasing the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508is carried out in accordance with the daily training plan selected at this point. Then, on carrying out the training of the breeding character in accordance with the training plan, the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508of the breeding character are updated.

Also, the game server apparatus200of an online game system according to the embodiment manages the position405and the orientation406of the player character of the player of the video game apparatus100which is in the online condition. As the image of the game space is displayed perspective transformed from the first person point of view of the player character in the video game apparatus100, the range (the visible range) of the game space displayed as an image on the display screen122in each video game apparatus100is recognized in the game server apparatus200.

The game server apparatus200specifies the objects (the player characters and the breeding characters) in the visible range for each video game apparatus100, and transmits the visible range information including this as information to each video game apparatus100which is in the online condition. By this means, the images of not only the breeding characters which the relevant player is breeding, but also the breeding characters which the other players are breeding are displayed on the display screen122in the video game apparatus100.

As the information on the breeding characters which the other players are breeding is included in the visible range information in this way, each player, while comparing each player's own breeding characters with the breeding characters of the other players, can recognize a degree of growth thereof. Naturally, as the differences between the major aspects of each breeding character, which are the egg, the chick, the young bird and the grown bird, are updated only by the number of breeding days505, regardless of the details of the breeding which each player has carried out, the player, with no great change in form occurring in the breeding characters of the other players, does not feel any sense of strangeness in the display of the growth of the breeding characters of the other players.

With respect to this, in the event that the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508differ depending on the details of the breeding which each player has carried out, the difference occurs in the aspects of the ancillary portions, which are the thickness of the legs, the size of the tail feathers and the length of the beak. As the player generally pays attention to even a detailed aspect of the breeding character which he or she is breeding, it is possible to distinguish even this kind of difference in the aspects of the ancillary portions with respect to his or her breeding character.

Even in the event only that the difference is occurring in the aspects of the ancillary portions in this way, the player can also recognize that the parameters of the breeding character have been updated by the breeding details which he or she has carried out from a difference in characteristics of an appearance configuration thereof. Also, even though the differences in the major aspects, which are the egg, the chick, the young bird and the grown bird, change automatically in accordance with the number of breeding days505, regardless of the details of the breeding which the player has carried out, as the parameters fixing a performance of the breeding character, which are the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508, change, resulting in the aspects of the ancillary portions also changing, the player can appreciate that he or she is breeding the breeding character him or herself, and it is possible to maintain an interest in the breeding of the breeding character.

Contrarily, the player does not generally pay as much attention to the breeding characters which the other players are breeding as to the breeding character which he or she is breeding. For this reason, in the event that there is no difference in the major aspects, which are the egg, the chick, the young bird and the grown bird, for the breeding characters of the other players, the player is not particularly concerned about the differences in the aspects of the ancillary portions, which are the thickness of the legs, the size of the tail feathers, and the length of the beak. For this reason, even though a change has occurred in the aspects of the ancillary portions of the breeding characters of the other players, in accordance with the details of the breeding carried out by the other players, the player does not feel much sense of strangeness in the display.

Also, in order for the player to carry out the training of the breeding character, the player has to select in advance the training plan from among the training plan candidates extracted in accordance with the number of days elapsing from the final logging out date and time to the latest logging in date and time of the relevant player. Then, the success or otherwise of the training, which positively or negatively updates the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508of the breeding character as the whole, is determined by a comparison with the training plan selected in advance. As the details of the training to be carried out for the breeding character are fixed in advance as the training plan in this way, it is possible to further heighten a desire of the player to try to carry out the training of the breeding character.

What is more, as the selection of the training plan is ultimately left up to a judgment of the player, the player actively selects the training plan, so it is possible to further heighten the desire of the player to try to carry out the training of the breeding character. Naturally, as the training plan candidates are extracted in the server apparatus200, it is not that the player is completely free to select the training plan, so it does not happen that the selected training plan, and furthermore the details of the training carried out in accordance with the training plan, become lopsided.

Herein, in the event that the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508of the breeding character are updated in accordance with the daily training plan, it is first determined whether the training has succeeded or not. Herein, in the event that the fact that some kind of training has been carried out is recorded, even though it is different from the training plan indicated in the selected breeding plan, or the training plan itself is one with a high degree of difficulty, there is a possibility of it being deemed a success depending on the value of the extracted random number. Meanwhile, although the higher the degree of difficulty of the training, the lower the possibility of it being determined the success, the amount of increase of the parameters when it is the success is larger.

The training which the player has carried out for the breeding character sometimes being the success and sometimes the failure in this way, and also, as a way in which the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508are updated differs depending on whether the training has succeeded or failed, and furthermore on the details of the selected breeding plan, it is possible to heighten the interest of the player in the breeding of the character.

Also, among the parameters set in the breeding character, the stomach condition510and the affection511are also increased by the player carrying out the care (the feeding and the caressing) of the breeding character, regardless of the training plan. For this reason, it is possible to heighten the interest of the player in the breeding of the breeding character outside of the selected training plan too. The value of the affection511in particular, as it affects the determination of whether the training carried out for the breeding character in accordance with the training plan has succeeded or not, can also heighten the desire of the player to carry out the care of the breeding character outside of the training corresponding to the training plan, and can heighten the interest of the player in the breeding of the breeding character.

Also, each player can carry out both the training and the care of the breeding character only in the online condition. For this reason, as it is necessary for the player to attain the online condition (that is, to attain the condition in which it is possible to participate in the network game) by going through logging in procedures even to just carry out the training and care of the breeding character, it is possible to heighten a desire of the player to try to participate in the network game.

Then, as the training and the care of the breeding character can only be carried out in the online condition, it is possible to centrally manage each parameter set in the breeding character of each player by the server apparatus200, without managing them in the individual video game apparatuses100. For this reason, it is possible to prevent each player from illicitly updating the parameters set in his or her breeding character contrary to the training and care conforming to an original flow of the game.

Incidentally, a number of days worth of training plans of the breeding character commensurate with a time from the player logging out until next logging in, that is, the number of days elapsing when the video game apparatus100has been in the offline condition, are selected. Then, as the training is carried out for the breeding character in accordance with that number of days worth of training plans, and the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508are updated by the training, it is possible to make the player appreciate that the breeding character is growing, even in a period in which it has been in the offline condition.

Herein, in order to update the parameters of the breeding character, it not being sufficient simply to carry out the training for the breeding character with the player's own video game apparatus100, it is necessary for each player to have the player character speak to the breeding character again. As such, when the player character has spoken to the breeding character stored in the breeding information table600, the daily training details604are read one day at a time, and reflected in the parameters thereof in one day units.

The growth of the breeding character in one-day units are transmitted sequentially as the growth event information from the game server apparatus200to the video game apparatus100, and the appearance of the breeding character growing every day is displayed as the image. By this means, the player is able to further appreciate the growth of the breeding character, including the result of the training carried out for the breeding character being reflected in the update of the parameters (in particular, the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508), and the interest in the breeding is further heightened.

Furthermore, it is possible to cause the breeding character bred by the instructions according to the training plan selected by the player, or by instructions separate from the training plan, to participate in the race in the game, and compete with the breeding characters which the other players have bred. For this reason, it is possible to further heighten the interest of the player in breeding the breeding character.

The invention not being limited to the heretofore described embodiment, various modifications and applications are possible. Hereafter, a description will be given of modification aspects of the heretofore described embodiment which are applicable to the invention.

Although, in the heretofore described embodiment, the image displayed on the display screen122of the video game apparatus100is generated perspective transformed from the first person point of view of the player character, not being limited to the image generated perspective transformed from this kind of point of view position, it is also acceptable to set a position of a point of view separate from the position of the player character. In a case in which the point of view and a direction of a visual axis etc. are not unambiguously fixed from the position and the direction of the player character, it is sufficient to further store and manage the position of the point of view, the direction of the visual axis, a width of an angle of view etc. for each player in the game server apparatus200.

In the heretofore described embodiment, in the event that the final logging out date and time408is not registered when the player character speaks to the breeding character, the candidates of the daily training plan are extracted in the game server apparatus200, and the player selects the desired training plan from among the candidates of the training plan in the video game apparatus100.

With respect to this, when the player character speaks to the breeding character, it is also acceptable that the control unit203of the game server apparatus200extracts any one training plan only for each day in accordance with the number of days elapsing from the final logging out date and time408to the latest logging in date and time409, and transmits it to the video game apparatus100. In this case, it is also acceptable that the daily training plan603is registered in the breeding information table600at the point at which the training plan is extracted in the game server apparatus200, and that the game server apparatus200which has received the training plan does not return information other than the control information.

Alternatively, in a case in which data on every pattern of training plan are recorded in the recording medium131, and provided as a portion of the game program, it is acceptable that when the player character has spoken to the breeding character, the control unit203of the game server apparatus200transmits only the number of days elapsing from the final logging out date and time408to the latest logging in date and time409to the video game apparatus100. As such, it is also acceptable that the player selects the received elapsing number of days worth of training plans in the video game apparatus100, transmits the selected daily training plan to the game server apparatus200, and causes it to be registered in the breeding information table600as the training plan603.

In the former case, it is possible to further prevent the selected training plan, and furthermore the details of the breeding carried out for the breeding character in accordance with the training plan, from becoming lopsided depending on the player. Meanwhile, in the latter case, as it is possible for the player to select at will the training plan in accordance with the number of days elapsing from the final logging out date and time408to the latest logging in date and time409, on account of which it is possible to freely carry out the training for the breeding character, it is possible to further heighten the desire of the player to try to carry out the breeding of the breeding character.

Also, in either of these case, as the training is carried out for the breeding character in accordance with the number of days worth of training plans commensurate with the time from the player logging out until next logging in, that is, the number of days elapsing when the video game apparatus100has been in the offline condition, the parameters the strength506, the stamina507, the judgment508and the like are updated by the training. For this reason, it is possible to make the player appreciate that the breeding character is growing during the time from the player logging out until next logging in, that is, the number of days elapsing when the video game apparatus100has been in the offline condition.

In the heretofore described embodiment, the training plan of the breeding character is selected in accordance with the number of days elapsing from the final logging out date and time408to the latest logging in date and time409. However, it is also acceptable not to select the training plan of the breeding character in accordance with the number of days elapsing when the video game apparatus100has been in this kind of offline condition, that is, in accordance with a past happening, but to select a training plan which should be carried out in the future. For example, it is sufficient that the player selects a prescribed number of days worth of training plans from an actual day (a following day) by logging out, subsequently logs in accordance with the selected training plans, and carries out the training of the breeding character.

Herein, it can be taken that, in the event that the player has not logged in on the selected day of the training plan, the training of the relevant day has not been done. Alternatively, it can also be taken that even though the player logs in on a day later than the selected day of the training plan, a plurality of days worth of training is carried out for the breeding character in the play on the day of the logging in. In this case, for example, in a case in which, after selecting three days worth of training, the next logging in has been five days later, it is possible to allot a default training plan, or allot a training plan with the same details as the third day, to the training plans of the fourth and fifth days in the game server apparatus200.

In the heretofore described embodiment, in the event that the player character speaks to the breeding character after carrying out the training of the breeding character in accordance with the selected training plan, regardless of whether the player is continuing the game after the relevant training without logging out, or has logged in again after once logging out and is playing the game, the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508are updated in accordance with the training carried out for the breeding character.

With respect to this, with a condition that the player has logged in anew after once logging out, it is also acceptable that the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508are updated in accordance with the training the player has carried out for the breeding character before the final logging out. In this case, without making it a condition that the player character speaks to the breeding character, it is possible to cause the growth event process to be carried out at a time of the new logging in.

In this case, after the player has carried out the training of the breeding character, the details of the relevant training are reflected as the parameters of the breeding character under the condition that the player logs in again after once logging out, so it is possible to increase a desire of the player to log in again after logging out, and try to participate in the network game.

In this case, as the breeding result during the online time is reflected in the parameters of the breeding character immediately on the player logging in anew from the video game apparatus100, only a short time is needed until the details of the breeding carried out in the offline condition are reflected in the parameters of the breeding character. Also, even in a kind of case in which the player does nothing for the breeding character from logging in until logging out again, it is possible to reflect the details of the breeding carried out in the preceding offline condition in the parameters of the breeding character.

In the heretofore described embodiment, it being possible to carry out both the training and the care of the breeding character only in the online condition, it is not possible to carry out any implementation of the game at all in the offline condition. With respect to this, it is also acceptable to arrange that the breeding plan of the breeding character is selected (the player selecting at will in the video game apparatus100, selecting unambiguously in the server apparatus200, and the player ultimately selecting in the video game apparatus100from the selection candidates in the server apparatus200are all possible) in the online condition (for example, at a time of logging out or the like), and the player carries out the breeding of the breeding character in the video game apparatus100in the offline condition, in accordance with the breeding plan selected when it is in the online condition.

In this case, the breeding plan selected in the same way as the heretofore described case is managed in the server apparatus200. Also, the selected breeding plan being stored in the video game apparatus100too before logging out, the player, in accordance with the stored breeding plan, by giving an instruction from the input unit161in the video game apparatus100in the offline condition, carries out the training of the breeding character. Then, the details of the breeding carried out are stored in the RAM105(they can be saved in the memory card162).

Subsequently, when the player has logged in and the video game apparatus100has attained the offline condition, or a further prescribed event has occurred, it is sufficient to transmit the breeding information indicating the details of the breeding carried out in the offline condition, and stored in the RAM105, to the server apparatus200. The server apparatus200, in accordance with the breeding information, can sequentially determine the success or failure of the breeding plans, and update the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508registered in the breeding character table500.

By arranging that the breeding of the breeding character can be carried out in the offline condition in this way, the player, in the event that he or she simply carries out the training of the breeding character, can readily implement the game (in this case, carry out the training of the breeding character) without going through troublesome logging in procedures, including the user authentication.

It is also acceptable that the training of the breeding character can be carried out in either the online condition or the offline condition. In this case, it is also acceptable that training which can be carried out for the breeding character in the online condition, and training which can be carried out for the breeding character in the offline condition, are different.

In the heretofore described embodiment, of the parameters set in the breeding character, the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508are updated in accordance only with the training carried out based on the training plan, while the stomach condition510is also increased by the care carried out regardless of the training plan. With respect to this, the affection511may be increased by both the training according to the training plan and by the care unconnected with the training plan. With respect to this, it is acceptable both that the parameters updated in accordance with the training carried out based on the training plan, and the parameters updated in accordance with the care carried out regardless of the training plan, are exactly the same or having nothing at all in common.

Although, in the heretofore described embodiment, of the parameters set in the breeding character, the parameters the strength506, the stamina507and the judgment508also have an effect on the appearance (the thickness of the legs, the length of the beak, and the size of the tail feathers) as well as fixing the performance of the breeding character, it is also acceptable that the parameters which fix the performance of the breeding character and the parameters which fix the appearance are completely different. It is also acceptable that, among the parameters which fix the performance of the breeding character, there are parameters which fix the appearance and parameters which do not fix the appearance.

In the heretofore described embodiment, the breeding character being the character in the bird form, the major aspects thereof (the distinction between the egg, the chick, the young birds and the grown birds) change in accordance only with the number of breeding days, while the aspects of the ancillary portions (the thickness of the legs, the length of the beak, and the size of the tail feathers), even though the major aspects are the same, differ in accordance with the breeding result. Meanwhile, the color of the breeding character remains unchanged from the start of the breeding. With respect to this, although it is acceptable that the color of the breeding character changes, it is preferable that the color too, in the same way as the major aspects, changes only in accordance with the number of breeding days.

In the heretofore described embodiment, the video game apparatus100, which is a designated game machine, is applied as a terminal device, connected to the game server apparatus200via the network151, which each player uses for implementing the game. With respect to this, as long as it includes components identical to those of the video game apparatus100, and has a function which draws an image, it is also acceptable to apply a general purpose personal computer or the like. It is also acceptable to apply a portable game machine (including a portable telephone having an application execution function) which has a configuration wherein the display device121and the sound emission device125are housed inside a housing identical to that of the apparatus main body101.

It is possible to apply a semiconductor memory card instead of the DVD-ROM and CD-ROM as the recording medium131. It is possible to provide a card slot for inserting the memory card instead of the DVD-ROM/CD-ROM drive113. In the case of the general purpose personal computer, it is acceptable, rather than providing the program and data according to some aspects of the invention stored in the recording medium131, to provide them stored in advance in the HDD107. As the recording medium for storing and providing the program and data according to some aspects of the invention, it is possible to apply an optional one appropriate to a physical aspect and a distribution aspect of hardware.

In the heretofore described embodiment, the program and data of the video game apparatus100are stored in the recording medium131and distributed. With respect to this, it is also acceptable that the program and data are stored in a fixed disc device included in a server device (it can be either the same as or different from the game server apparatus200) existing on the network151, and distributed to the apparatus main body101via the network151. In the video game apparatus100, it is possible that the program and data which the communication interface115has received from the server device are saved in the HDD107, and loaded into the RAM105at the time of execution. Furthermore, it is also acceptable that the program and data used in the game server apparatus200too are stored in a fixed disc device included in another server device existing on the network151, and distributed to the apparatus main body201via the network151.