GAME DEVICE, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING GAME DEVICE, PROGRAM AND INFORMATION MEMORY MEDIUM

Abstract

To provide a game device capable of resuming outputting of speech-line data which has been suspended, while reducing an uncomfortable feeling experienced by a user. Second output control means (52b) suspends, in a case where a first game event has occurred during outputting of first speech-line data, the outputting of the first speech-line data, and outputs second speech-line data. Determination means (52c) determines whether or not a combination of the first speech-line data and the first game event or a second game event satisfies a predetermined combination condition, the second game event occurring while the outputting of the first speech-line data is suspended. Resumption control means (52d) resumes the outputting of the first speech-line data based on a result of determination by the determination means.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a game device, a method for controlling a game device, a program, and an information storage medium.

BACKGROUND ART

There is known a game device which outputs speech-line data. For example, there is known a soccer game device which outputs speech-line data of a play-by-play announcer or a commentator. With such a game device, in a case where a game event has occurred during outputting of given speech-line data, the outputting of the given speech-line data is suspended. For example, with the soccer game device, in a case where a shooting event has occurred during outputting of a speech line of the commentator, the outputting of the speech line of the commentator is suspended, and then, the play-by-play announcer's speech line indicating that a shot has been made is output.

Patent Document 1: JP 2003-024627 A

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

With such a game device as described above, in the case where the outputting of the speech-line data is suspended, if the outputting of the speech-line data is not resumed, a user may feel that something is wrong. On the other hand, however, there may also be a case where the user still feels something is wrong if the outputting of the speech-line data is resumed.

For example, with the soccer game device, in a case where a shooting event of a second team has occurred during outputting of the commentator's speech line rating a defensive ability of a first team highly, the outputting of the commentator's speech line is suspended, and then, the play-by-play announcer's speech line indicating that a shot has been made by the second team is output. In such a case, if the outputting of the commentator's speech line which has been suspended is not resumed after the outputting of the play-by-play announcer's speech line is finished, the user may feel something is wrong. However, in a case where a scoring event of the second team has occurred as a result of the shooting event, that is, in a case where the first team has conceded a goal, if the outputting of the commentator's speech line rating the defensive ability of the first team highly is resumed, the user may still feel something is wrong.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problem, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a game device, a method for controlling a game device, a program, and an information storage medium capable of resuming outputting of speech-line data which has been suspended, while reducing an uncomfortable feeling experienced by a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a game device according to the present invention is a game device including: first output control means for outputting first speech-line data; second output control means for suspending, in a case where a first game event has occurred during the outputting of the first speech-line data, the outputting of the first speech-line data, and outputting second speech-line data; determination means for determining whether or not a combination of the first speech-line data and the first game event or a second game event satisfies a predetermined combination condition, the second game event occurring while the outputting of the first speech-line data is being suspended; and resumption control means for resuming the outputting of the first speech-line data based on a result of the determination by the determination means.

Further, a method for controlling a game device according to the present invention is a method for controlling a game device, the method including: a first output control step of outputting first speech-line data; a second output control step of suspending, in a case where a first game event has occurred during the outputting of the first speech-line data, the outputting of the first speech-line data, and outputting second speech-line data; a determination step of determining whether or not a combination of the first speech-line data and the first game event or a second game event satisfies a predetermined combination condition, the second game event occurring while the outputting of the first speech-line data is suspended; and a resumption control step of resuming the outputting of the first speech-line data based on a result of the determination by the determination step.

Further, a program according to the present invention is a program for causing a computer, such as a consumer game machine (stationary game machine), a portable game machine, an arcade game machine, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal computer, or a server computer, to function as a game device. The program further causes the computer to function as: first output control means for outputting first speech-line data; second output control means for suspending, in a case where a first game event has occurred during the outputting of the first speech-line data, the outputting of the first speech-line data, and outputting second speech-line data; determination means for determining whether or not a combination of the first speech-line data and the first game event or a second game event satisfies a predetermined combination condition, the second game event occurring while the outputting of the first speech-line data is suspended; and resumption control means for resuming the outputting of the first speech-line data based on a result of the determination by the determination means.

Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium storing the above-mentioned program.

According to the present invention, it is possible to resume the outputting of the speech-line data which has been suspended while reducing an uncomfortable feeling experienced by the user.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the game device may further include reference combination storage means for storing reference combination data indicating a reference combination of speech-line data and a game event. The determination means may determine whether or not a combination of the first speech-line data and the first game event or the second game event is the reference combination indicated by the reference combination data.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the game device may further include reference combination storage means for storing reference combination data indicating a reference combination of game events. The first speech-line data may include speech-line data corresponding to a game event. The determination means may determine whether or not a combination of the game event corresponding to the first speech-line data and the first game event or the second game event is the reference combination indicated by the reference combination data.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the game device may further include reference combination storage means for storing reference combination data indicating a reference combination of speech-line data. The second output control means may output, in a case where the first game event or the second game event has occurred, speech-line data corresponding to that game event which has occurred. The determination means may determine whether or not a combination of the first speech-line data and the speech-line data corresponding to the first game event or the second game event is the reference combination indicated by the reference combination data.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the game device may further include reference combination storage means for storing reference combination data indicating a reference combination of speech-line data and a game event. The first speech-line data may include speech-line data corresponding to a game event. The second output control means may output, in a case where the first game event or the second game event has occurred, speech-line data corresponding to that game event which has occurred. The determination means may determine whether or not a combination of the game event corresponding to the first speech-line data and the speech-line data corresponding to the first game event or the second game event is the reference combination indicated by the reference combination data.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the resumption control means may resume the outputting of the first speech-line data based on an output status of the first speech-line data and the result of the determination by the determination means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen of a soccer game;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the game device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a speech-line group table.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a speech-line table.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of reference combination data.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating processing to be executed by the game device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of the reference combination data.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a further example of the reference combination data.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a still further example of the reference combination data.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, detailed description is given of an example of an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. A game device according to the embodiment of the present invention is realized by, for example, a consumer game machine (stationary game machine), a portable game machine, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal computer, and a server computer. In this specification, description is given of a case in which the game device according to the embodiment of the present invention is realized by a consumer game machine.

1. CONFIGURATION OF GAME DEVICE

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a game device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game device 10 includes a consumer game machine 11, a monitor 32, a speaker 34, and an optical disk 36 (information storage medium). The monitor 32 and the speaker 34 are connected to the consumer game machine 11. For example, a home-use television set is used as the monitor 32, and a speaker built into a home-use television set is used as the speaker 34.

The consumer game machine 11 is a computer game system. The consumer game machine 11 includes a bus 12, a microprocessor 14, a main memory 16, an image processing unit 18, an input/output processing unit 20, an audio processing unit 22, an optical disk reading unit 24, a hard disk 26, a communication interface 28, and a controller 30.

The microprocessor 14 controls each component of the consumer game machine 11, based on an operating system stored in a ROM (not shown), or a program read from the optical disk 36. The main memory 16 includes, for example, a RAM. The program and data read from the optical disk 36 are written into the main memory 16 as necessary. The main memory 16 is also used as a working memory for the microprocessor 14. The bus 12 is used for exchanging addresses and data among the components of the consumer game machine 11.

The image processing unit 18 includes a VRAM, and renders a game screen in the VRAM based on image data supplied from the microprocessor 14. Then, the game screen rendered in the VRAM is converted into video signals, and is output to the monitor 32 at a predetermined time.

The input/output processing unit 20 is an interface for the microprocessor 14 to access the audio processing unit 22, the optical disk reading unit 24, the hard disk 26, the communication interface 28, and the controller 30. The audio processing unit 22 includes a sound buffer, and outputs, from the speaker 34, various types of audio data (for example, game music, game sound effects, messages, etc.) that have been read from the optical disk 36 into the sound buffer. The communication interface 28 is an interface for connecting the consumer game machine 11 to a communication network in a wired or wireless manner.

The optical disk reading unit 24 reads a program or data recorded on the optical disk 36. In the described configuration, the optical disk 36 is used for supplying the program or the data to the consumer game machine 11. Alternatively, another information storage medium, such as a memory card, may also be used. Still alternatively, the program or the data may be supplied to the consumer game machine 11 from a remote place via a communication network such as the Internet, for example. The hard disk 26 is a commonly-used hard disk device (auxiliary storage device). It should be noted that the program or the data, which is supposed to be stored in the optical disk 36 in the following description, may be stored in the hard disk 26.

The controller 30 is a general-purpose operation input means for a user to input various types of game operations. A plurality of the controllers 30 may be connected to the consumer game machine 11. The input/output processing unit 20 scans an operation state of the controller 30 at fixed intervals (for example, every 1/60^th of a second), and sends an operation signal indicating a result of the scanning to the microprocessor 14 via the bus 12. The microprocessor 14 determines the user's game operation based on the operation signal. It should be noted that the controller 30 may be connected to the consumer game machine 11 in a wired or wireless manner.

2. GAME EXECUTED BY THE GAME DEVICE

On the game device 10, for example, a soccer game is executed which simulates a soccer match played between an operation subject team operated by the user and an opponent team. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a game screen of the soccer game. In a game screen 40 illustrated in FIG. 2, a goal 42, player characters 44, and a ball 46 are displayed.

In this soccer game, a play-by-play commentary by a play-by-play announcer and a comment by a commentator are output. Hereinbelow, description is given of a technology for preventing a user from feeling something wrong with the outputting of the play-by-play commentary or the comment.

3. FUNCTIONAL BLOCKS

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram mainly illustrating, among functions realized on the game device 10, functions relevant to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the game device 10 includes a game data storage section 50 and a speech-line output control section 52. The game data storage section 50 is mainly realized by, for example, the optical disk 36 or the hard disk 26. The speech-line output control section 52 is mainly realized by, for example, the microprocessor 14.

3-1. Game Data Storage Section

The game data storage section 50 stores game data necessary for executing the soccer game. The game data storage section 50 includes a speech-line data storage section 50a and a reference combination storage section 50b.

3-2. Speech-Line Data Storage Section

The speech-line data storage section 50a stores speech-line data for outputting a speech line of the play-by-play announcer or the commentator. In the case of this embodiment, the speech-line data is audio data for the speech line of the play-by-play announcer or the commentator. Note that the speech-line data may be character string data (text data) for the speech line of the play-by-play announcer or the commentator. Further, the speech-line data storage section 50a stores a table for managing the speech-line data. Hereinbelow, description is given of the table for managing the speech-line data.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a speech-line group table stored in the speech-line data storage section 50a. The speech-line group table is a table for associating a game event with a speech-line group. The speech-line group table contains fields of “game event ID”, “speech-line group ID”, and “priority”.

The “game event ID” is identification information for uniquely identifying a game event. Regarding the types of game events, for example, there are a comment event, a shooting event of the operation subject team or the opponent team, and a scoring event of the operation subject team or the opponent team.

A game event having a “game event ID” of “E010”, “E011”, “E012”, or “E013” is a comment event. A comment event is a game event in which the commentator makes a comment on an offensive ability or a defensive ability of the operation subject team. Regarding the types of comment events, for example, there are four types of comment events as follows:

• (1) comment event rating an offensive ability of the operation subject team highly (E010);
• (2) comment event rating the offensive ability of the operation subject team as low (E011);
• (3) comment event rating a defensive ability of the operation subject team highly (E012); and
• (4) comment event rating the defensive ability of the operation subject team as low (E013).

A comment event occurs at predetermined times during the game. For example, in the first half and the second half, respectively, a time at which 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or 30 minutes elapses is defined in advance as an occurrence time of a comment event. Note that which one of the above-mentioned four types of comment events is to occur is determined based on a situation of the operation subject team or the opponent team at that time. For example, as a condition for occurrence of each of the above-mentioned four types of comment event, a condition is set regarding the situation of the operation subject team or the opponent team. Specifically, the above-mentioned condition is set such that, in a case where the number of shots made by the opponent team is smaller than a reference number at the time of occurrence of the comment event, the comment event rating the defensive ability of the operation subject team highly occurs.

A game event having a “game event ID” of “E100” or “E102” is the shooting event. A game event having a “game event ID” of “E101” or “E103” is a scoring event. A shooting event is a game event corresponding to a shot action of the player character 44. For example, the phrase “A shooting event of the opponent team has occurred” means that a player character 44 belonging to the opponent team has performed the shot action. A scoring event is a game event corresponding to scoring. In a case where the ball 46 has moved into the goal 42 associated with one team, a scoring event of the other team occurs.

The “speech-line group ID” is identification information for uniquely identifying a speech-line group. For example, a speech-line group having a “speech-line group ID” of “G012” is a group to which a speech line used in a case where the commentator praises the operation subject team for its defense belongs. Further, for example, a speech-line group having a “speech-line group ID” of “G103” is a group to which a speech line used in a case where the play-by-play announcer announces that the opponent team has scored belongs.

The “priority” indicates a priority of the speech-line group. The priorities of speech-line groups corresponding to the shooting event and the scoring event are higher than the priority of a speech-line group corresponding to the comment event.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a speech-line table stored in the speech-line data storage section 50a. The speech-line table shows speech lines belonging to the respective speech-line groups. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the speech-line table contains fields of “speech-line group ID”, “speech-line ID”, and “speech-line data name”. The “speech-line group ID” is similar to the “speech-line group ID” of the speech-line group table. The “speech-line ID” is identification information for uniquely identifying a speech line. The “speech-line data name” indicates a name of the speech-line data. Here, in FIG. 5, each speech line is relatively short, but an actual speech line is longer than the speech lines illustrated in FIG. 5. In particular, a speech line corresponding to the comment event is long.

3-3. Reference Combination Storage Section

The reference combination storage section 50b stores reference combination data indicating a reference combination of the speech-line data and the game event. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the reference combination data. In the reference combination data illustrated in FIG. 6, a combination of the speech-line group and the game event which have contents contradictory to each other is stored as the reference combination. For example, in the reference combination data illustrated in FIG. 6, a combination of the speech-line group containing a speech line rating the defensive ability of the operation subject team highly (G012) and the scoring event of the opponent team (E103) is stored as the reference combination. Further, for example, in the reference combination data illustrated in FIG. 6, a combination of the speech-line group containing a speech line rating the offensive ability of the operation subject team as low (G011) and the scoring event of the operation subject team (E101) is also stored as the reference combination.

3-4. Speech-Line Output Control Section

The speech-line output control section 52 causes an output unit (audio outputting unit or display unit) to output the speech-line data. In this embodiment, the speech-line data is audio data, and hence the speech-line output control section 52 outputs the speech-line data (audio data) from the speaker 34. Note that in the case where the speech-line data is character string data (text data), the speech-line output control section 52 displays the speech-line data on the monitor 32.

The speech-line output control section 52 includes a first output control section 52a, a second output control section 52b, a determination section 52c, and a resumption control section 52d.

3-5. First Output Control Section

The first output control section 52a outputs the speech-line data. For example, in a case where the occurrence time of the comment event has arrived, the first output control section 52a outputs the speech-line data corresponding to the comment event.

3-6. Second Output Control Section

In a case where a game event Y has occurred during outputting of given speech-line data X, the second output control section 52b suspends the outputting of the speech-line data X, and outputs speech-line data Y corresponding to the game event Y. Further, in a case where another game event Z has occurred while the outputting of the speech-line data X is being suspended, the second output control section 52b outputs speech-line data Z corresponding to the game event Z.

For example, in a case where a shooting event of the opponent team has occurred during the outputting of the speech-line data X which has a content rating the defensive ability of the operation subject team highly, the second output control section 52b suspends the outputting of the speech-line data X, and outputs the speech-line data Y corresponding to the shooting event of the opponent team. Further, in a case where the scoring event of the opponent team has occurred while the outputting of the speech-line data X is being suspended, the second output control section 52b outputs the speech-line data Z corresponding to the scoring event of the opponent team.

3-7. Determination Section

In the case where the game event Y has occurred during the outputting of the given speech-line data X, resulting in suspension of the outputting of the speech-line data X, the determination section 52c determines whether or not a combination of the speech-line data X and the game event Y or the game event Z satisfies a predetermined combination condition, the game event Z occurring while the outputting of the speech-line data X is being suspended. For example, the determination section 52c determines whether or not the combination of the speech-line data X and the game event Y or Z is a reference combination indicated by the reference combination data.

3-8. Resumption Control Section

In the case where the outputting of the given speech-line data X has been suspended, the resumption control section 52d resumes the outputting of the speech-line data X based on a result of the determination by the determination section 52c. In the case of this embodiment, if the determination section 52c determines that the combination of the speech-line data X and the game event Y or Z is not a reference combination, the resumption control section 52d resumes the outputting of the speech-line data X. On the other hand, if the determination section 52c determines that the combination of the speech-line data X and the game event Y or Z is a reference combination, the resumption control section 52d does not resume the outputting of the speech-line data X.

For example, assume a case where, during the outputting of the speech-line data X which has a content rating the defensive ability of the operation subject team highly, the shooting event of the opponent team (E102) occurs but the scoring event of the opponent team (E103) does not occur. The combination of the speech-line group to which the speech-line data X belongs (G012) and the shooting event of the opponent team (E102) is not stored as a reference combination in the reference combination data, and hence, in this case, the outputting of the speech-line data X is resumed.

On the other hand, assume a case where during the outputting of the speech-line data X which has the content rating the defensive ability of the operation subject team highly, the shooting event of the opponent team (E102) occurs and the scoring event of the opponent team (E103) occurs as well. The combination of the speech-line group to which the speech-line data X belongs (G012) and the scoring event of the opponent team (E103) is stored as a reference combination in the reference combination data, and hence, in this case, the outputting of the speech-line data X is not resumed. If the outputting of the speech line rating the defensive ability of the operation subject team highly is resumed regardless of the fact that the opponent team has scored, the user may experience an uncomfortable feeling due to the outputting of the speech line having a contradictory content. In this regard, the game device 10 is configured so that the user does not experience such an uncomfortable feeling.

Note that in the reference combination data illustrated in FIG. 6, the combination of the speech-line group of a speech line rating the offensive ability of the operation subject team as low (G011) and the scoring event of the operation subject team (E101) is also stored as a reference combination. Here, assume a case where the shooting event of the operation subject team (E100) occurs during the outputting of the speech-line data X which has a content rating the offensive ability of the operation subject team as low, the outputting of the speech-line data X is suspended, and the scoring event of the operation subject team (E101) occurs. If the outputting of the speech line rating the offensive ability of the operation subject team as low is resumed regardless of the fact that the operation subject team has scored, the user may experience an uncomfortable feeling due to the outputting of the speech line having a contradictory content. In this regard, with the game device 10, the outputting of the speech line rating the offensive ability of the operation subject team as low is not resumed in the above-mentioned case. In other words, it is possible to try to prevent the user from experiencing the above-mentioned uncomfortable feeling.

4. PROCESSING TO BE EXECUTED BY GAME DEVICE

Description is given of processing to be executed by the game device 10. FIG. 7 is a flow chart mainly illustrating, of processing to be executed during the outputting of the given speech-line data X, processing relevant to the present invention. The microprocessor 14 executes the processing illustrated in FIG. 7 according to the program stored in the optical disk 36. The speech-line output control section 52 is realized as a result of the execution of the processing illustrated in FIG. 7.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, first, the microprocessor 14 determines whether or not a game event has occurred (S101). If it is determined that a game event (hereinafter, referred to as “game event Y”) has occurred, the microprocessor 14 determines whether or not the priority of a speech-line group (hereinafter, referred to as “speech-line group Y”) corresponding to the game event Y is higher than the priority of a speech-line group (hereinafter, referred to as “speech-line group X”) to which the speech-line data X belongs (S102). For example, if the speech-line data X belongs to the speech-line group (G010, G011, G012, or G013) corresponding to the comment event and the speech-line group Y is the speech-line group (G102) corresponding to the shooting event of the opponent team (E102), it is determined that the priority of the speech-line group Y is higher than the priority of the speech-line group X (see FIG. 4).

If it is determined that the priority of the speech-line group Y is higher than the priority of the speech-line group X, the microprocessor 14 (second output control section 52b) suspends the outputting of the speech-line data X (S103). Then, the microprocessor 14 (second output control section 52b) starts outputting anyone piece (hereinafter, referred to as “speech-line data Y”) of speech-line data belonging to the speech-line group Y (S104).

Further, the microprocessor 14 determines whether or not another game event (hereinafter, referred to as “game event Z”) has occurred (S105). For example, it is determined whether or not the game event Z has occurred due to the game event Y. For example, in a case where the game event Y is the shooting event of the opponent team, it is determined whether or not the scoring event of the opponent team (game event Z) has occurred. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the opponent team has scored. If it is determined that the game event Z has occurred, the microprocessor 14 (second output control section 52b) starts outputting any one piece (hereinafter, referred to as “speech-line data Z”) of the speech-line data belonging to the speech-line group (hereinafter, referred to as “speech-line group Z”) corresponding to the game event Z (S106). Note that the outputting of the speech-line data Z is started after the outputting of the speech-line data Y is finished.

In a case where the outputting of the speech-line data Z is finished, the microprocessor 14 (determination section 52c) determines whether or not at least one of the combination of the speech-line data X and the game event Y and the combination of the speech-line data X and the game event Z is a reference combination (S107). Note that if it is determined in S105 that the game event Z has not occurred, the microprocessor 14 (determination section 52c) determines whether or not the combination of the speech-line data X and the game event Y is a reference combination (S108).

If it is determined in S107 that neither of the combinations are a reference combination, or if it is determined in S108 that the above-mentioned combination is not a reference combination, the microprocessor 14 (resumption control section 52d) resumes the outputting of the speech-line data X which has been suspended in S103 (S109). In the case where the outputting of the speech-line data X is resumed, the speech-line data X may be output from the beginning after predetermined speech-line data is output. For example, if the speech-line data X belongs to the speech-line group (G010, G011, G012, or G013) corresponding to the comment event, the outputting of the speech-line data X may be resumed from the beginning after outputting of the play-by-play announcer's speech line “Would you give us your previous comment again from the beginning?”. Note that the outputting of the speech-line data X may be resumed from a midway point.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S107 that at least one of the combinations is a reference combination, or if it is determined in S108 that the above-mentioned combination is a reference combination, the microprocessor 14 (resumption control section 52d) does not resume the outputting of the speech-line data X which has been suspended in S103.

5. SUMMARY

According to the game device 10 described above, it is possible to reduce the uncomfortable feeling experienced by the user with regard to the outputting of the speech line of the play-by-play announcer or the commentator.

For example, in a case where the shooting event of the opponent team has occurred during the outputting of the commentator's speech line rating the defensive ability of the operation subject team highly, the outputting of the commentator's speech line is suspended, and then, the play-by-play announcer's speech line indicating that a shot has been made by the opponent team is output. In such a case, if the outputting of the commentator's speech line which has been suspended is not resumed after the outputting of the play-by-play announcer's speech line is finished, the user may experience an uncomfortable feeling. In this regard, in principle, the game device 10 is configured such that the outputting of the commentator's speech line which has been suspended is resumed. As a result, the uncomfortable feeling experienced by the user is reduced.

Further, for example, assume a case where the shooting event of the opponent team occurs during the outputting of the commentator's speech line rating the defensive ability of the operation subject team highly, the outputting of the commentator's speech line is suspended, and the scoring event of the opponent team occurs. In this case, because the opponent team has scored, in other words, because the operation subject team has conceded a goal, if the outputting of the commentator's speech line rating the defensive ability of the operation subject team highly is resumed, the user may experience an uncomfortable feeling. In this regard, the game device 10 is configured such that the outputting of the commentator's speech line which has been suspended is not resumed in such a case as described above. That is, in the case where the outputting of the given speech-line data X is suspended, if a game event having a content contradictory to the speech-line data X occurs before the suspension of the outputting of the speech-line data X or during the suspension of the outputting of the speech-line data X, the resumption of the outputting of the speech-line data X is restricted. As a result, the uncomfortable feeling experienced by the user is reduced.

6. MODIFICATION EXAMPLES

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.

6-1. First Modification Example

The reference combination data illustrated in FIG. 6 stores, as a reference combination, a combination of the speech-line data and the game event such that the outputting of the speech-line data which has been suspended should not be resumed. However, a combination of the speech-line data and the game event such that the outputting of the speech-line data which has been suspended should be resumed may be stored as a reference combination.

6-2. Second Modification Example

The reference combination storage section 50b may also store reference combination data indicating a reference combination of speech-line data. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the reference combination data according to a second modification example. The reference combination data illustrated in FIG. 8 stores, as a reference combination, a combination of the speech-line group (G012) corresponding to the comment event rating the defensive ability of the operation subject team highly (E012) and the speech-line group (G103) corresponding to the scoring event of the opponent team (E103). Further, a combination of the speech-line group (G011) corresponding to the comment event rating the offensive ability of the operation subject team as low (E011) and the speech-line group (G101) corresponding to the scoring event of the operation subject team (E101) is also stored as a reference combination.

In the second modification example, in S107 or S108 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not a combination of the speech-line group X and the speech-line group Y corresponding to the game event Y is a reference combination. Further, in S107, it is also determined whether or not a combination of the speech-line group X and the speech-line group Z corresponding to the game event Z is a reference combination.

Even with this configuration, for example, in the case where during the outputting of the commentator's speech line rating the defensive ability of the operation subject team highly, the shooting event of the opponent team occurs, the outputting of the commentator's speech line is suspended, and the scoring event of the opponent team occurs, that is, in the case where a game event having a content contradictory to the suspended speech line occurs, the resumption of the outputting of the commentator's speech line is restricted. As a result, the uncomfortable feeling experienced by the user is reduced.

6-3. Third Modification Example

The reference combination storage section 50b may also store reference combination data indicating a reference combination of game events. FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the reference combination data according to a third modification example. The reference combination data illustrated in FIG. 9 stores, as a reference combination, a combination of the comment event rating the defensive ability of the operation subject team highly (E012) and the scoring event of the opponent team (E103). Further, a combination of the comment event rating the offensive ability of the operation subject team as low (E011) and the scoring event of the operation subject team (E101) is also stored as a reference combination.

In the third modification example, in S107 or S108 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not a combination of the game event X corresponding to the speech-line data X and the game event Y is a reference combination. Further, in S107, it is also determined whether or not a combination of the game event X and the game event Z is a reference combination.

Even with this configuration, for example, in the case where during the outputting of the commentator's speech line rating the defensive ability of the operation subject team highly, the shooting event of the opponent team occurs, the outputting of the commentator's speech line is suspended, and the scoring event of the opponent team occurs, that is, in the case where a game event having a content contradictory to the suspended speech line occurs, the resumption of the outputting of the commentator's speech line is restricted. As a result, the uncomfortable feeling experienced by the user is reduced.

6-4. Fourth Modification Example

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of reference combination data according to a fourth modification example. The reference combination data illustrated in FIG. 10 stores, as a reference combination, a combination of the comment event rating the defensive ability of the operation subject team highly (E012) and the speech-line group (G103) corresponding to the scoring event of the opponent team (E103). Further, a combination of the comment event rating the offensive ability of the operation subject team as low (E011) and the speech-line group (G101) corresponding to the scoring event of the operation subject team (E101) is also stored as a reference combination.

In the fourth modification example, in S107 or S108 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not the combination of the game event X corresponding to the speech-line data X and the speech-line group Y corresponding to the game event Y is a reference combination. Further, in S107, it is also determined whether or not the combination of the game event X and the speech-line group Z corresponding to the game event Z is a reference combination.

Even with this configuration, for example, in the case where during the outputting of the commentator's speech line rating the defensive ability of the operation subject team highly, the shooting event of the opponent team occurs, the outputting of the commentator's speech line is suspended, and the scoring event of the opponent team occurs, that is, in the case where a game event having a content contradictory to the suspended speech line occurs, the resumption of the outputting of the commentator's speech line is restricted. As a result, the uncomfortable feeling experienced by the user is reduced.

6-5. Fifth Modification Example

Based on an output status of the speech-line data whose outputting has been suspended by the second output control section 52b and a result of determination by the determination section 52c, the resumption control section 52d may resume the outputting of the speech-line data whose outputting has been suspended by the second output control section 52b.

For example, the content of a speech line to be added in a case where the outputting of the speech-line data is resumed in S109 of FIG. 7 may be changed based on the output status of the speech-line data. For example, in a case where a reproduction position is relatively close to the head when the outputting of the speech-line data (audio data) is suspended (in other words, in a case where the outputting of the speech-line data is suspended when an elapsed time period after the start of the outputting of the speech-line data is relatively short), the outputting of the commentator's speech line may be resumed from the beginning after the play-by-play announcer's speech line is output as “Would you give us your comment again from the beginning?”. Further, for example, in a case where the reproduction position is not relatively close to the head when the outputting of the speech-line data (audio data) is suspended (in other words, in a case where the outputting of the speech-line data is suspended when an elapsed time period after the start of the outputting of the speech-line data is relatively long), the outputting of the commentator's speech line may be resumed from a midway point after the play-by-play announcer's speech line is output as “Would you continue with your earlier comment?”.

In this case, the speech-line data storage section 50a stores a condition regarding the output status of the speech-line data in association with speech-line data to be added when the outputting of the speech-line data is resumed (additional speech-line data). Then, before the outputting of the speech-line data is resumed, additional speech-line data corresponding to a condition satisfied by the output status of the speech-line data at the time when the outputting of the speech-line data is suspended is output.

In a case where the outputting of the speech-line data is suspended when a large part of the speech-line data has already been output, if the outputting of the speech-line data is resumed from the beginning, the user may experience an uncomfortable feeling. In this regard, according to the fifth modification example, it is possible to try to prevent the user from experiencing the above-mentioned uncomfortable feeling.

6-6. Other Modification Examples

Further, the game to be executed on the game device 10 may be a sports game other than the soccer game. For example, the present invention is also applicable to a game of basketball or American football which is played using a ball (moving object), or a game of ice hockey which is played using a puck (moving object). Further, the game to be executed on the game device 10 may be a game other than the sports game.

Claims

1. A game device, comprising:

first output control means for outputting first speech-line data;

second output control means for suspending, in a case where a first game event has occurred during the outputting of the first speech-line data, the outputting of the first speech-line data, and outputting second speech-line data;

determination means for determining whether or not a combination of the first speech-line data and the first game event or a second game event satisfies a predetermined combination condition, the second game event occurring while the outputting of the first speech-line data is being suspended; and

resumption control means for resuming the outputting of the first speech-line data based on a result of the determination by the determination means.

2. The game device according to claim 1, further comprising

reference combination storage means for storing reference combination data indicating a reference combination of speech-line data and a game event,

wherein the determination means determines whether or not a combination of the first speech-line data and the first game event or the second game event is the reference combination indicated by the reference combination data.

3. The game device according to claim 1, further comprising

reference combination storage means for storing reference combination data indicating a reference combination of game events, wherein:

the first speech-line data comprises speech-line data corresponding to a game event; and

the determination means determines whether or not a combination of the game event corresponding to the first speech-line data and the first game event or the second game event is the reference combination indicated by the reference combination data.

4. The game device according to claim 1, further comprising

reference combination storage means for storing reference combination data indicating a reference combination of speech-line data, wherein:

the second output control means outputs, in a case where the first game event or the second game event has occurred, speech-line data corresponding to that game event which has occurred; and

the determination means determines whether or not a combination of the first speech-line data and the speech-line data corresponding to the first game event or the second game event is the reference combination indicated by the reference combination data.

5. The game device according to claim 1, further comprising

reference combination storage means for storing reference combination data indicating a reference combination of speech-line data and a game event, wherein:

the first speech-line data comprises speech-line data corresponding to a game event;

the second output control means outputs, in a case where the first game event or the second game event has occurred, speech-line data corresponding to that game event which has occurred; and

the determination means determines whether or not a combination of the game event corresponding to the first speech-line data and the speech-line data corresponding to the first game event or the second game event is the reference combination indicated by the reference combination data.

6. The game device according to claim 1, wherein

the resumption control means resumes the outputting of the first speech-line data based on an output status of the first speech-line data and the result of the determination by the determination means.

7. A method for controlling a game device, the method comprising:

a first output control step of outputting first speech-line data;

a second output control step of suspending, in a case where a first game event has occurred during the outputting of the first speech-line data, the outputting of the first speech-line data, and outputting second speech-line data;

a determination step of determining whether or not a combination of the first speech-line data and the first game event or a second game event satisfies a predetermined combination condition, the second game event occurring while the outputting of the first speech-line data is being suspended; and

a resumption control step of resuming the outputting of the first speech-line data based on a result of the determination at the determination step.

8. A program for causing a computer to function as a game device,

the program further causing the computer to function as:

first output control means for outputting first speech-line data;

second output control means for suspending, in a case where a first game event has occurred during the outputting of the first speech-line data, the outputting of the first speech-line data, and outputting second speech-line data;

determination means for determining whether or not a combination of the first speech-line data and the first game event or a second game event satisfies a predetermined combination condition, the second game event occurring while the outputting of the first speech-line data is being suspended; and

resumption control means for resuming the outputting of the first speech-line data based on a result of the determination by the determination means.

9. A computer-readable information storage medium storing a program, the program causing a computer to function as a game device,

the program further causing the computer to function as:

first output control means for outputting first speech-line data;

second output control means for suspending, in a case where a first game event has occurred during the outputting of the first speech-line data, the outputting of the first speech-line data, and outputting second speech-line data;

determination means for determining whether or not a combination of the first speech-line data and the first game event or a second game event satisfies a predetermined combination condition, the second game event occurring while the outputting of the first speech-line data is being suspended; and

resumption control means for resuming the outputting of the first speech-line data based on a result of the determination the determination means.