JP7500510B2 - Programs, information processing systems - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a program and an information processing system .

Patent Document 1 discloses a game system configured to allow a second user to watch video that corresponds to the gameplay of a first user. The game system notifies the first user of where the viewpoint of the second user's virtual camera is located. As a result, the first user can easily understand where to look to perform an action.

JP 2020-162990 A

In conventional game systems, the viewpoint position of the virtual camera of the second user is notified in response to a specific operation by the second user. However, the specific operation is, for example, tapping on a line-of-sight icon displayed on the monitor. In other words, the specific operation is a different act from watching a video corresponding to the gameplay of the first user. For this reason, there is a risk that a situation will arise in which it will be difficult for the viewer to focus on the video corresponding to the gameplay of the first user.

A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as an execution means for executing a game in a virtual space in which objects are placed so that a first user can play the game, a distribution means for distributing distribution information corresponding to the play of the first user in the virtual space to a second user, and a reward granting means for granting a reward to the second user in accordance with an aiming state at a specific object based on an aiming operation by the second user .

This disclosure makes it possible to prevent situations in which it becomes difficult for viewers to focus on a video.

1 is a diagram showing an overview of a game system in a first embodiment. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a module configuration of a terminal included in the game system of FIG. 1 . 2 is a diagram showing an example of a module configuration of a server included in the game system of FIG. 1 . 3A to 3C are diagrams showing an example of a screen transition in the terminal of FIG. 2 . 4 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a distribution process and a viewing process in the first embodiment. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of matching processing and game processing in the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of an aiming process in the first embodiment. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual sphere for specifying the position and orientation of a virtual camera in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual space in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen on the general terminal or distribution terminal of FIG. 2 . FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a matching screen on the general terminal or distribution terminal of FIG. 2 . 3 is a diagram showing an example of a battle screen on the general terminal or distribution terminal of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing screen on the viewing terminal of FIG. 2 . FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing screen on the viewing terminal of FIG. 2 . FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing screen on the viewing terminal of FIG. 2 . FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing screen on the viewing terminal of FIG. 2 . FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a result screen on the terminal of FIG. 2 . FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a result screen on the viewing terminal of FIG. 2 . FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a specified time in the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a specified time in the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of bonus points in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of an aiming process in a modified example.

The game system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
[Game System Overview]
As shown in Fig. 1, the game system 10 includes a network 90, a plurality of terminals 100, and one or more servers 200. The game system 10 is provided as a system for home use or a system for business use. The plurality of terminals 100 are configured to communicate with the server 200 via the network 90. As an example, the game system 10 provides a multiplayer game. In the following description, when simply referring to a "game", it means a game provided by the game system 10. The plurality of terminals 100 are an example of a computer. The one or more servers 200 are an example of a computer.

[network]
As an example, the network 90 is configured with the Internet and a mobile communication system including a wireless base station. As an example, the mobile communication system can be realized as a 3G, 4G, or 5G mobile communication system, LTE (Long Term Evolution), or a wireless network that can be connected to the Internet via an access point.

[Device hardware configuration]
A plurality of terminals 100 may be used as game terminals for playing games. The terminals 100 used as game terminals provide users with game functions for playing games provided by the game system 10. Some of the terminals 100 may be used as general terminals 100A. The general terminals 100A may be used as game terminals. The general terminals 100A are used by general users other than broadcasting users and viewing users.

Some terminals 100 may be used as a distribution terminal 100B. The distribution terminal 100B provides the user with a distribution function for distributing viewing content. The viewing content includes video corresponding to game play by the distribution user. The distribution terminal 100B is used by the distribution user. The distribution user is a game player. In other words, the distribution terminal 100B is also a game terminal. Some terminals 100 may be used as a viewing terminal 100C. The viewing terminal 100C provides the user with a viewing function for viewing viewing content distributed by the distribution user. The viewing terminal 100C is used by a viewing user who is a viewer. The distribution user is an example of a first user. The viewing user is an example of a second user. When one viewing user is used as a reference, the user who distributes the viewing content that the viewing user is viewing is the distribution user to be viewed.

As an example, the terminal 100 is a smartphone. The terminal 100 may be a mobile terminal device such as a feature phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a tablet computer. The terminal 100 may be a fixed terminal device such as a personal computer (PC) or a workstation. For example, the terminal 100 includes a processor 110, a memory 120, and a storage 130. The terminal 100 may further include a communication interface (IF) 140 and an input/output IF 150. The terminal 100 may further include a microphone 160, a speaker 162, and a touch screen 164. Each of the multiple components included in the terminal 100 is connected to a communication bus 180.

The processor 110 executes a series of instructions contained in a program stored in the memory 120 or the storage 130 in response to a signal provided to the terminal 100 or in response to the satisfaction of a predetermined condition. For example, the processor 110 is realized as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other computing device.

The memory 120 temporarily stores programs and data. As an example, the programs are read from the storage 130. The data may include data transmitted to the terminal 100 and data generated by the processor 110. For example, the memory 120 is realized as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory.

Storage 130 permanently stores programs and data. For example, storage 130 is realized as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk drive, flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device. Storage 130 may also be realized as a removable storage device, such as a memory card.

The programs stored in storage 130 include game programs, distribution programs, viewing programs, and communication programs. The game programs provide a virtual space and realize game functions that provide game play in the virtual space. As an example, the game play includes manipulating an object placed in the virtual space. As an example, the object operated using terminal 100 is a character corresponding to the user using terminal 100. This character is an avatar of the user using terminal 100.

The distribution program realizes a distribution function of distributing viewing content including videos (hereinafter referred to as gameplay videos) according to the game play status in the virtual space. While this distribution function is realized, the terminal 100 becomes a distribution terminal 100B. The viewing program realizes a viewing function of providing a virtual space and viewing of viewing content via the virtual space. While this viewing function is realized, the terminal 100 becomes a viewing terminal 100C. As an example, viewing of viewing content includes viewing gameplay videos. The communication program realizes a function of communicating with other computers (e.g., the server 200). Programs stored in the storage 130 may include an operating system, a simulation program, a user authentication program, and other programs.

For example, the data stored in storage 130 includes definition data for a virtual space, and object data that defines various objects to be placed in the virtual space. In terminals 100A to 100C, one or more objects are placed in the virtual space using the same object data. In other words, terminals 100A to 100C may share one virtual space. The virtual space is not limited to a space expressed in three dimensions. For example, the virtual space may be a space expressed in two dimensions, or a space expressed by still images. For example, the virtual space may be a space expressed by input data such as sound, voice, or text data.

The communication IF 140 is connected to the network 90. The communication IF 140 communicates with other computers (e.g., the server 200) connected to the network 90. For example, the communication IF 140 is realized as a LAN (Local Area Network) or other wired communication IF. For example, the communication IF 140 is realized as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or other wireless communication IF. The communication IF 140 is not limited to the above.

The input/output IF 150 communicates with an external input/output device 190. For example, the input/output IF 150 is realized as a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a Digital Visual Interface (DVI), a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI (registered trademark)), or other wired communication IF. For example, the input/output IF 150 is realized as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other wireless communication IF.

As an example, the input/output device 190 is a controller. For example, the input/output IF 150 transmits an instruction output from the processor 110 to the controller. This instruction instructs the controller to vibrate, output sound, or emit light. When the controller receives the instruction, it executes vibration, sound output, or light emission in response to the instruction. The controller has one or more operation parts. For example, the one or more operation parts include a button, a key, a switch, a handle, a bar, a touch pad, or a stick. The controller transmits an output value based on a user's operation on the operation part to the terminal 100. As an example, the controller may include a motion sensor such as an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor. The controller may be configured to transmit an output value of the motion sensor to the terminal 100. The controller may be attached to and detached from the terminal 100.

The input/output device 190 is not limited to the above. For example, the input/output device 190 may be a camera. The camera may be configured to transmit an image of the user to the terminal 100. For example, the input/output device 190 may be a distance measurement sensor. The distance measurement sensor may be configured to transmit an output value based on detection of the user's hand, a marker, or the like to the terminal 100.

The microphone 160 converts the user's speech into an audio signal (electrical signal) and transmits it to the processor 110. The speaker 162 converts the audio signal into sound and outputs it to the user. In addition to or instead of the speaker 162, each terminal 100 may be provided with an earphone or an earphone jack to which an earphone can be connected.

The touch screen 164 may include a monitor 166 and a touch sensor 167. The monitor 166 may be realized as a transmissive or non-transmissive display device. For example, the monitor 166 may be realized as a liquid crystal monitor, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor, or other display device. The monitor 166 displays various images. The images displayed on the monitor 166 include various objects such as backgrounds, user avatars, other characters, obstacles, windows, buttons, menus, lists, and icons. The monitor 166 is not limited to the above. For example, the monitor 166 may be a 3D monitor including a sub-monitor that displays an image for the left eye and a sub-monitor that displays an image for the right eye.

The touch sensor 167 transmits an output value based on the user's operation on the monitor 166 to the processor 110. As an example, the touch sensor 167 is realized as a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor (pressure-sensitive touch sensor), an ultrasonic touch sensor, or other touch sensors. As an example, the input surface of the touch sensor 167 is a part or the whole of the display surface of the monitor 166. The touch sensor 167 can be used as an operation unit configured to accept a user's input operation. For example, when the operation unit is the touch sensor 167, the processor 110 accepts the user's physical contact operation on the input surface of the touch sensor 167 as the user's input operation. For example, the user's input operation on the touch sensor 167 can include a touch operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, a tap operation, a drag operation, and operations in other modes.

The operation unit is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. For example, when the operation unit is the communication IF 140, the processor 110 accepts a signal transmitted from an operation device (not shown) connected via the network 90 as a user's input operation. For example, when the operation unit is the input/output IF 150, the processor 110 accepts a signal transmitted from an external input/output device 190 as a user's input operation. For example, when the input/output device 190 is a camera and a distance measuring sensor, when the processor 110 detects a user's hand from a received captured image, the processor 110 accepts a gesture (a series of movements of the user's hand) detected based on the captured image and the output value as a user's input operation. For example, when the input/output device 190 is a controller, the processor 110 accepts an output value transmitted from the controller as a user's input operation.

[Server hardware configuration]
The server 200 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a PC. The server 200 includes a processor 210, a memory 220, a storage 230, a communication IF 240, and an input/output IF 250. Each of the components included in the server 200 is connected to a communication bus 280.

The processor 210 executes a series of instructions contained in a program stored in the memory 220 or the storage 230 in response to a signal provided to the server 200 or in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition. For example, the processor 210 is realized as a CPU, a GPU, an MPU, an FPGA, or other computing device.

The memory 220 temporarily stores programs and data. As an example, the programs are read from the storage 230. The data may include data sent to the server 200 and data generated by the processor 210. For example, the memory 220 is realized as a RAM or other volatile memory.

Storage 230 permanently holds programs and data. For example, storage 230 is realized as a ROM, a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device. Storage 230 may also be realized as a removable storage device, such as a memory card. Server 200 may use programs stored in an external storage device instead of storage 230. For example, in situations where multiple game systems 10 are used, such as an amusement facility, programs and data can be updated all at once.

The programs stored in storage 230 include a game program, a distribution program, and a communication program. The game program provides a function of providing a virtual space in the game system 10 and a game in which multiple users share the virtual space. The distribution program provides a function of distributing viewing content, including gameplay videos of the distribution user, to the viewing terminal 100C. The communication program provides a function of communicating with other computers (e.g., terminals 100A to 100C). The programs stored in storage 230 may include an operating system, a simulation program, a user authentication program, and other programs. For example, the data stored in storage 130 may include data that defines the virtual space, and object data that defines various objects to be placed in the virtual space.

The communication IF 240 is connected to the network 90. The communication IF 240 communicates with other computers (e.g., terminals 100A to 100C) connected to the network 90. For example, the communication IF 240 is realized as a LAN or other wired communication IF. For example, the communication IF 240 is realized as a Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, or other wireless communication IF. The communication IF 240 is not limited to the above.

The input/output IF 250 communicates with an external input/output device. For example, the input/output IF 250 is realized as a USB, DVI, HDMI, or other wired communication IF. For example, the input/output IF 250 is realized as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other wireless communication IF.

The server 200 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. For example, the server 200 may include a game server 200A for providing a game in a virtual space and a distribution server 200B for distributing viewing content. The game program is stored in the storage 230 of the game server 200A. The game program is executed by the processor 210 of the game server 200A. The distribution program is stored in the storage 230 of the distribution server 200B. The distribution program is executed by the processor 210 of the distribution server 200B. The game server 200A transmits and receives various information and various requests to and from the distribution server 200B via the communication IF 240. The game server 200A transmits and receives various information and various requests to and from the terminals 100A and 100B via the communication IF 240. The distribution server 200B transmits and receives various information and various requests to and from the viewing terminal 100C via the communication IF 240.

[Device module configuration]
2, the terminal 100 includes a control module 101, a rendering module 104, a memory module 105, a communication module 106, and an input/output module 107. The control module 101 includes a game module 101A, a distribution module 101B, and a viewing module 101C.

The game module 101A, the distribution module 101B, the viewing module 101C, and the rendering module 104 are realized by the processor 110. The memory module 105 is realized by the memory 120 and the storage 130. The communication module 106 is realized by the communication IF 140. The input/output module 107 is realized by the processor 110, the touch sensor 167, and the input/output IF 150.

The input/output module 107 detects and accepts a user's input operation on the touch sensor 167, and a user's input operation on an external operating device via the input/output IF 150. As an example, when the input/output module 107 accepts a user's input operation on the touch sensor 167, it detects the coordinates of the input position to identify the type of the input operation. For example, the types of input operations that the input/output module 107 can identify may include a touch operation, a slide operation, a swipe operation, a tap operation, a drag operation, and operations in other modes. When a continuous input operation that has been detected is interrupted, the input/output module 107 detects that the contact input from the touch sensor 167 has been released.

The communication module 106 receives various information and various requests from one or more servers 200. As an example, the information that the communication module 106 receives from the server 200 may include progress information, distribution information, and user information. As an example, the progress information and distribution information indicate the progress of the game. As an example, the progress information and distribution information may include type information of one or more avatars placed in the virtual space, avatar coordinate information, avatar action information, and other information. The avatar is an object that the user operates in the virtual space. The avatar is a character that is the user's alter ego. As an example, the avatar coordinate information indicates a position in the virtual space. As an example, the action information indicates the action content of the avatar. As an example, the avatar action may include the avatar's posture, use of an item, use of a skill, attack, defense, evasion, or jump. The progress information and distribution information may include setting information regarding the avatar settings. As an example, the avatar settings may be changed by the user in the virtual space or before moving to the virtual space. As an example, the avatar settings may include the type of avatar, the equipment of the avatar, or the appearance of the avatar. As an example, the user information may include the username, account ID, gender, age, and address.

The game module 101A performs processing to progress the game. The game module 101A reads definition data of the virtual space from the memory module 105. The game module 101A defines the virtual space according to the read definition data. The game module 101A reads object data from the memory module 105. The game module 101A places objects in the virtual space according to the read object data. The game module 101A identifies the user's instructions according to the coordinates of the input position accepted by the input/output module 107, the type of input operation, and progress information (game progress status).

The game progress may include type information, coordinate information, and action information of the player's own avatar in the virtual space. The game progress may include type information, coordinate information, and action information of other users' avatars in the virtual space. The game progress may include setting information of the player's own avatar. The game progress may include setting information of other users' avatars.

The game module 101A makes various judgments regarding the progress of the game. The game module 101A performs various lotteries regarding the progress of the game. The game module 101A generates various requests and play information in response to the user's instructions, various judgment results, and various lottery results. The various requests and play information generated by the game module 101A are transmitted to the server 200 by the communication module 106.

The distribution module 101B performs processing for distributing viewing content (play video). The distribution module 101B identifies the user's instructions according to the coordinates of the input position accepted by the input/output module 107, the type of input operation, and the progress of the game. The distribution module 101B can generate a request to start distributing viewing content and a request to end distribution according to the user's instructions. The distribution module 101B can generate a request to change the distribution content of the viewing content according to the user's instructions. The various requests generated by the distribution module 101B are transmitted by the communication module 106.

The viewing module 101C performs processing for viewing viewing content (play video) distributed by a distribution user. The viewing module 101C reads definition data of a virtual space from the memory module 105. The viewing module 101C defines a virtual space according to the read definition data. The viewing module 101C reads object data from the memory module 105. The viewing module 101C arranges objects in the virtual space according to the read object data. The viewing module 101C identifies the user's instructions according to the coordinates of the input position accepted by the input/output module 107, the type of input operation, and the distribution information (game progress status). The viewing module 101C generates a request to start viewing the viewing content and a request to end viewing the viewing content according to the user's instructions. The viewing module 101C generates a request to change the distribution content of the viewing content according to the user's instructions. Various requests generated by the viewing module 101C are transmitted by the communication module 106.

The rendering module 104 creates a predetermined screen image. The rendering module 104 creates a predetermined screen image in response to the progress information, distribution information, and various requests received by the communication module 106. The rendering module 104 creates a predetermined screen image in response to the play information generated by the game module 101A, and various requests. The rendering module 104 creates a predetermined screen image in response to the information generated by the viewing module 101C, and various requests.

The rendering module 104 displays the created screen image on the monitor 166. The rendering module 104 may be configured to display the screen image on an external display device via the input/output IF 150. The rendering module 104 may be configured to display the screen image on an external display device via the communication IF 140. The screen image is an image in which 2D or 3D objects are controlled and drawn. As described above, objects drawn as the screen image may include avatars (characters), backgrounds, obstacles, etc.

The rendering module 104 may control and draw 2D or 3D game objects (UI objects) for constructing a UI (User Interface). The rendering module 104 creates a screen image including UI objects necessary for user input operations, such as icons, buttons, lists, windows, and menus. The UI objects assist the user in performing input operations necessary to progress through the game. The UI objects also assist the user in performing input operations necessary to obtain information generated during the progress of the game from the terminal 100. Each of the various UI objects shown in this disclosure is merely an example, and is not limited to these aspects.

The various processes in the terminal 100 are realized by hardware and software executed by the processor 110. Such software may be pre-stored in the memory module 105, such as a hard disk. The software may be stored in a non-volatile data recording medium that can be read by a computer, such as a CD-ROM, and distributed as a program product. This software may be provided as a downloadable program product by a data provider connected to a network such as the Internet. Such software is read from the data recording medium by a data reading device such as an optical disk drive, or downloaded from another computer such as the server 200 via the communication module 106, and then temporarily stored in the memory module. The software is read from the memory module by the processor 110 and stored in the RAM or the like in the form of an executable program. The processor 110 executes the program.

[Server module configuration]
3, the server 200 includes a control module 201, a memory module 205, a communication module 206, and an input/output module 207. The control module 201 includes a game module 201A and a distribution module 201B. The game module 201A and the distribution module 201B are realized by a processor 210. The memory module 205 is realized by a memory 220 and a storage 230. The communication module 206 is realized by a communication IF 240. The input/output module 207 is realized by the processor 210 and an input/output IF 250.

The communication module 206 receives various information and various requests from each terminal 100. As an example, the information that the communication module 206 receives from each terminal 100 may include play information and user information. The communication module 206 transmits various information and various requests to each terminal 100. As an example, the information that the communication module 206 transmits to each terminal 100 may include progress information and user information. The input/output module 107 detects and accepts user input operations on an external operating device via the input/output IF 250.

The game module 201A performs processing to provide an environment in which one virtual space is shared directly or indirectly by multiple users. The game module 201A reads definition data for the virtual space from the memory module 205. The game module 201A defines the virtual space according to the read definition data. The game module 201A reads object data from the memory module 205. The game module 201A places various objects, excluding avatars of users participating in the game, in the virtual space according to the read object data.

The game module 201A places avatars corresponding to each of the multiple users in the virtual space according to coordinate information included in the play information received by the communication module 206 from the multiple terminals 100. The game module 201A determines interactions between avatars according to action information included in the play information received by the communication module 206 from the multiple terminals 100 and avatar setting information. An interaction is the effect that an action performed by one avatar has on another avatar. The game module 201A generates progress information according to the results of these processes. The communication module 206 transmits the progress information to one or more terminals 100. The game module 201A transmits the generated progress information to the distribution module 201B.

The distribution module 201B generates distribution information in response to the progress information generated by the game module 201A. The communication module 206 transmits the distribution information to one or more terminals 100. As an example, the distribution information may include the progress information. As an example, the distribution information may be the progress information itself. The distribution module 201B transmits various requests to the game module 201A in response to various requests received by the communication module 206 from the viewing terminal 100C. The distribution module 201B transmits various information to the game module 201A in response to various information received by the communication module 206 from the terminal 100.

The server 200 is not limited to the module configuration described above. For example, the game module 201A may be provided in the game server 200A. For example, the distribution module 201B may be provided in the distribution server 200B. The game module 201A transmits and receives various information and various requests to and from the distribution module 201B via the communication module 206.

The processing in the server 200 is realized by hardware and software executed by the processor 210. Such software may be stored in advance in the memory module 205, such as a hard disk. The software may be stored in a non-volatile data recording medium that can be read by a computer, such as a CD-ROM, and distributed as a program product. The software may be provided as a downloadable program product by a data provider connected to a network such as the Internet. Such software is read from the data recording medium by a data reading device such as an optical disk drive, or downloaded from another computer, such as an external storage device, via the communication module 206, and then temporarily stored in the memory module. The software is read from the memory module by the processor 210 and stored in a memory, such as a RAM, in the form of an executable program. The processor 210 executes the program.

[Game Overview]
As an example, a game according to the present disclosure includes multiple parts having different characteristics. As an example, the multiple parts include a first part and a second part. In the first part, a broadcasting user and a general user may prepare for the second part. In the first part, a viewing user may view viewing content broadcast by a broadcasting user. The viewing content may include gameplay videos of the game in each part.

As an example, the second part may be a part where multiple camps decide who wins and who loses based on some criteria. Each of the multiple camps may include multiple users. The multiple users may belong to a camp, but may also be a party, group, team, or pair. As an example, the second part may be a part where multiple parties decide who wins and who loses based on some criteria. As an example, the second part may be a part where multiple users decide who wins and who loses based on some criteria.

In the second part, each of the broadcasting user and the general user can participate in a first game that includes moving their own avatar in a virtual space. The viewing user can participate in a second game that is associated with the first game. The second game includes establishing an aiming state for a specific object placed in the virtual space. In the second game, the viewing user's avatar is not placed in the virtual space. In other words, the second game does not include moving their own avatar.

As an example, the multiple camps include a first camp and a second camp. Each camp is made up of one or both of one or more broadcast users participating in the first game and one or more general users participating in the first game. Belonging to the first camp is an example of a first attribute. Belonging to the second camp is an example of a second attribute. Without being limited to this, attributes may be whether or not friends are registered, whether or not multiple users can belong to the same guild, or whether or not multiple parties can belong to the same union, etc.

As an example, the second part of the game may have the following specifications:
An example of the first game will be described.
The first game is a competitive game in which multiple camps compete for victory or defeat. The first game is a battle game in which a battle is carried out between a user's avatar and an avatar of an opposing user. One or both of the broadcast user and the general user form a party and participate in the battle game. In other words, each of the multiple camps includes one or more parties participating in the battle game. Each of the multiple camps may include multiple parties.

In the first game, the maximum number of users that can belong to one party is set. As an example, the maximum number of users that can belong to one party is six. The maximum number of users that can belong to one party may be two to five, or seven or more. As an example, a party in the first game may include a small group formed in another part, or a small group formed of people who have a relationship such as friends. A party with a maximum of six people may be formed by combining a group of two and a group of three with an individual user, or a party in the second part may include six individual players.

In the second part, the criterion for determining victory is whether one camp satisfies a predetermined victory condition before the opposing camp. The victory condition includes changing the state of all avatars in the opposing camp from a first state to a second state in the first game. The state of the avatars is changed from the first state to the second state when a predetermined change condition is met. As an example, the change condition is that the hit points of the avatars become 0. In this case, the first state is a survival state. The second state is a death state. In other words, the victory condition is to annihilate all avatars in the opposing camp. In the battle game, each user can move their own avatar and attack avatars in the opposing camp. The hit points of the user's avatar are reduced when an attack by an avatar in the opposing camp hits. The hit points of an avatar in the opposing camp are reduced when an attack by an avatar in the friendly camp hits.

The second part ends when a predetermined time limit has elapsed, even if all avatars on the opposing team have not been annihilated. Victory conditions include one team having earned a greater score than the opposing team at the end of the time limit for the second part. Scores can be earned by collecting special objects placed in the virtual space in the first game.

The first game in the second part is not limited to the above-mentioned specifications. For example, the first game may be a sport such as soccer, tennis, table tennis, boxing, or basketball. For example, the first game may be a race such as a car race, a yacht race, a ski race, or an airplane race.

An example of the second game will be described.
The second game is a "witnessing mission game" in which one or more viewing users attempt a mission to witness a specific scene in the first game. As an example, the specific scene may include a scene in which the avatar of the distribution user or the avatar of the general user is performing a specific action. As an example, in the witnessing mission game, a state in which an aiming state (attention state) is established for a specific object is defined as a state in which the viewing user witnesses a specific scene. In the following description, when simply referring to a "target avatar," it is intended to mean an avatar of a distribution user who is distributing a play video to a viewing user different from one viewing user, and an avatar of a general user, when one viewing user is used as a reference. The target avatar is an example of a specific object.

As an example, in a witnessing mission game, the maximum number of viewing users who can participate in the game is not set. In other words, all viewing users who are watching the gameplay video of the battle game can participate in the witnessing mission game that accompanies the battle game. In a witnessing mission game, the maximum number of viewing users who can participate in the game may be set. In this case, the maximum number of viewing users who can participate in the witnessing mission game may be the same as the maximum number of users who can participate in the battle game, or it may be more or less.

The sighting mission game is executed in parallel with the battle game. The sighting mission game is executed using a virtual space shared directly or indirectly with the battle game. Whether or not an aiming state is established in the sighting mission game does not affect the outcome of the battle game. When the establishment of an aiming state for a specific object is identified in the sighting mission game, a reward may be given to the viewing user. As an example, the reward is reward points P that can be consumed in the first part or the second part. The user may be able to acquire an item, weapon, armor, currency, title, or character by consuming the reward points P. Without being limited thereto, the reward may be an item, weapon, armor, currency, title, or character that can be used in the game.

As an example, the first part has the following specifications:
In the first part, the broadcast user and the general user prepare for the battle game included in the second part. The preparation for the battle game includes selecting a character to be used in the battle game as the user's avatar from among the characters owned by the user. The preparation for the battle game includes adding, exchanging, and deleting avatar equipment, avatar skills, and items owned by the avatar. The preparation for the battle game may include changing the appearance of the avatar. For example, the appearance of the avatar includes the race, gender, body shape, hairstyle, or facial expression. The preparation for the battle game is to change the settings of the avatar.

[Overview of screen transitions on devices]
4, as an example, the display screen on each terminal 100 may include a first home screen 40A, a second home screen 40B, a matching screen 45, a first battle screen 50A, and a second battle screen 50B. As an example, the display screen on each terminal 100 may include a first result screen 55, a second result screen 60, a list screen 65, and a viewing screen 70. An overview of screen transitions will be described below. Specific examples of each display screen will be described later.

The first home screen 40A is displayed when the game is in the first part and the terminal 100 is in the initial state. The initial state is a state in which the terminal 100 is neither in the streaming state nor in the viewing state. When in the initial state, the terminal 100 becomes a general terminal 100A. When in the streaming state, the terminal 100 becomes a streaming terminal 100B. When in the viewing state, the terminal 100 becomes a viewing terminal 100C. The second home screen 40B is displayed when the game is in the first part and the terminal 100 is in the streaming state.

The matching screen 45 is displayed when the game transitions from the first part to the second part of the battle game. The first battle screen 50A is displayed when the game is the second part of the battle game and the terminal 100 is in an initial state. The second battle screen 50B is displayed when the game is the second part of the battle game and the terminal 100 is in a broadcasting state. The first result screen 55 is displayed when the game transitions from the second part to the first part. Note that if an operation is performed on the first result screen 55 to instruct the player to continue playing the second part of the game, the matching screen 45 may be displayed without going through the home screens 40A and 40B.

The list screen 65 is displayed when the screen transitions from the first home screen 40A to the viewing screen 70. The list screen 65 includes a list of one or more viewing contents that can be viewed at that time. The user can view any viewing content by selecting that viewing content from the list.

The viewing screen 70 is displayed when the game is in the first part and the terminal 100 is in a viewing state. The viewing content that can be viewed on the viewing screen 70 is the viewing content selected by the user on the list screen 65. The viewing content that can be viewed on the viewing screen 70 may include gameplay video that corresponds to the status of the game on the distribution terminal 100B that distributes the viewing content.

On the viewing screen 70, the viewing user can watch the broadcasting user's gameplay in the first part of the game. On the viewing screen 70, the viewing user can watch the broadcasting user's gameplay in the battle game in the second part. In other words, the viewing screen 70 allows the viewing user to watch a gameplay video of the battle game. The second result screen 60 is displayed when the game played by the broadcasting user transitions from the second part to the first part. After the second result screen 60 is displayed, the viewing user can transition to the viewing screen 70 and watch the broadcasting user's gameplay in the first part.

[Flow of distribution process and viewing process]
An example of the flow of a distribution process for distributing viewing content and a viewing process for viewing the viewing content will be described.

As shown in FIG. 5, in step S100, when the processor 110 of the distribution terminal 100B, which serves as the distribution module 101B, receives an operation to instruct the start of distribution, it sends a distribution start request to the server 200.

In step S102, if the game is in the first part, the processor 110 of the distribution terminal 100B transmits play information to the server 200 as the game module 101A. The play information may include avatar type information, coordinate information, action information, setting information, and other information.

In step S104, the processor 210 of the server 200 receives a distribution start request as the distribution module 201B. In step S106, the processor 210 of the server 200 receives play information as the game module 201A. That is, the server 200 receives play information from the distribution terminal 100 according to the game play performed by the distribution user on the distribution terminal 100B. Without being limited to this, the processor 210 of the server 200 may receive play information as the distribution module 201B.

In step S108, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 201B, generates distribution information. In step S110, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 201B, generates a distribution list. As an example, the distribution list is a list of viewing content that is being distributed. As an example, the distribution list may be a list of distribution users to which viewing content is being distributed.

In step S114, when the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, receives a list display operation instructing the display of the distribution list, it sends a distribution list request to the server 200.

In step S116, the processor 210 of the server 200, functioning as the distribution module 201B, receives the distribution list request. In step S118, the processor 210 of the server 200, functioning as the distribution module 201B, transmits the distribution list to the viewing terminal 100C.

In step S120, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, functioning as the viewing module 101C, receives the distribution list. In step S122, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, functioning as the rendering module 104, displays the distribution list on the monitor 166.

In step S124, when the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, receives a distribution start operation indicating the viewing content to be started, it transmits a viewing start request to the server 200. As an example, the viewing start request includes information indicating the viewing content to be requested to be distributed to the viewing terminal 100C.

In step S126, the processor 210 of the server 200 receives a request to start viewing as the distribution module 201B. In step S128, the processor 210 of the server 200 transmits distribution information to the viewing terminal 100C as the distribution module 201B. That is, the server 200 transmits distribution information to one or more viewing terminals 100C according to the received play information. The server 200 enables the viewing user using the viewing terminal 100C to view viewing content including a game play video by the broadcasting user. Step S128 is an example of transmitting distribution information according to the game play of the broadcasting user in the virtual space to the terminal used by the viewing user. Step S128 is an example of enabling a video according to the game play to be viewed using the terminal used by the viewing user.

In step S130, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, functioning as the viewing module 101C, receives the distribution information. In step S132, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, functioning as the rendering module 104, displays the viewing screen 70 including the viewing content on the monitor 166 in accordance with the distribution information.

When the broadcasting terminal 100B is broadcasting the first part of a game, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C displays on the monitor 166 a viewing screen 70 including a gameplay video of the first part of the game. When the broadcasting terminal 100B is broadcasting the first game of the second part, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C displays on the monitor 166 a viewing screen 70 including a gameplay video of the first game of the second part. The viewing screen 70 is an example of viewing content including a gameplay video of the broadcasting user.

When the game in the distribution terminal 100B transitions from the second part to the first part, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C functions as the rendering module 104 to display the second result screen 60 on the monitor 166. In other words, the distribution information may include information indicating the end of the second part. Thereafter, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C functions as the rendering module 104 to display the viewing screen 70 including the game play video of the first part on the monitor 166.

[Matching process and game process flow]
An example of the flow of the matching process and the game process will be described.
In the following description, unless otherwise specified, when referring to a general user or a broadcasting user, it means each user who is participating in the same battle game. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, when referring to a viewing user, it means a user who is viewing viewing content broadcast by the same broadcasting user. A viewing user is also a user who is participating in a witnessing mission game.

As shown in FIG. 6, in step S200, when the game is in the first part, the processor 110 of the terminal 100, as the rendering module 104, displays the first home screen 40A or the second home screen 40B on the monitor 166. When the terminal 100 is in the initial state, the processor 110 displays the first home screen 40A on the monitor 166. When the terminal 100 is in the distribution state, the processor 110 displays the second home screen 40B on the monitor 166.

In step S202, when the processor 110 of the terminal 100 as the game module 101A receives a start operation instructing the start of the second part, the processor 110 transmits a matching start request to the server 200. As an example, the processor 110 receives the start operation when a prescribed number of users belong to the party to which the user of the terminal 100 belongs. In other words, the processor 110 does not receive the start operation when the prescribed number of users does not belong to the party to which the user of the terminal 100 belongs. As an example, the prescribed number may be one person, two or more people, or the maximum number of users that can belong to one party. When the matching start request is transmitted, the processor 110 as the rendering module 104 displays the matching screen 45 on the monitor 166.

In step S204, the processor 210 of the server 200 receives a matching start request as the game module 101A. In step S206, the processor 210 of the server 200 performs matching processing. In the matching processing, the processor 210, as the game module 201A, searches for a party that meets the conditions for playing against a party to which the user using the terminal 100 belongs, from among one or more parties waiting for matching. The matching wait state is a state in which a matching start request has been received, and an opponent party has not been determined.

In step S208, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, determines the parties that meet the conditions as parties in the enemy camp, and then completes the matching. That is, the processor 210 determines multiple parties that will participate in one second part game. These multiple parties may include one or more friendly parties that belong to the friendly camp, and one or more enemy parties that belong to the enemy camp. In the following description, multiple parties that participate in one first game are referred to as "participating parties." The participating parties include one or more first parties that belong to the first camp, and one or more second parties that belong to the second camp.

In step S210, the processor 210 of the server 200 defines a virtual space as the game module 201A. Step S210 is an example of defining a virtual space. In step S212, the processor 210 of the server 200 places one or more objects in the virtual space as the game module 201A. The one or more objects include avatars of users belonging to each of the multiple participating parties. Users belonging to the same camp are friendly users with the same attributes. Users belonging to multiple opposing camps are enemy users with different attributes.

In step S212, an avatar of a single user, avatars of friendly users, and avatars of enemy users are placed in a virtual space as viewed from the perspective of the single user. As an example, the one or more objects may include a field object that constitutes the stage for a battle game. In other words, the virtual space may include a field that allows movement of avatars. As an example, the one or more objects may include an enemy character that is common to multiple camps. As an example, the one or more objects may include an obstacle or a trap that is common to multiple camps. Step S212 is an example of placing one or more objects in a virtual space.

In step S214, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, transmits a second part start request to the terminal 100. The processor 210 transmits the second part start request to all terminals 100A and 100B used by users belonging to the participating party.

In step S216, the processor 110 of the terminal 100, as the game module 101A, receives a request to start the second part. In step S218, the processor 110 of the terminal 100, as the rendering module 104, displays the first battle screen 50A or the second battle screen 50B on the monitor 166. When the processor 110 is in the initial state, it displays the first battle screen 50A on the monitor 166. When the processor 110 is in the broadcasting state, it displays the second battle screen 50B on the monitor 166. That is, in one or more terminals 100 used for the game in the second part, the game transitions from the first part to the second part. Steps S216 and S218 are executed in the general terminal 100A or the broadcasting terminal 100B.

In step S220, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 performs terminal-side game processing as the game module 101A. As an example, when the processor 110 of the terminal 100A or 100B receives an operation to instruct the player to move their own avatar, an operation to instruct an attack on another avatar, or an operation to instruct an attack on a specific object as the game module 101A, the processor 110 transmits play information indicating the content of each operation to the server 200.

As an example, the processor 110 of the general terminal 100A or the broadcasting terminal 100B receives the progress information. The processor 110 of the general terminal 100A, as the rendering module 104, displays the first battle screen 50A on the monitor 166 in accordance with the progress information. The processor 110 of the broadcasting terminal 100B, as the rendering module 104, displays the second battle screen 50B on the monitor 166 in accordance with the progress information.

In step S222, the processor 210 of the server 200 performs server-side game processing as the game module 201A. In step S222, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, can receive play information from one or more general terminals 100A and one or more distribution terminals 100B.

As an example, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, manages the movement operation of the avatar in the virtual space according to the play information. When the avatar is in the second state, the processor 210 does not move the avatar according to the play information. When the avatar is in the first state, the processor 210 moves the avatar according to the play information. Without being limited to this, when the avatar is in the second state, the processor 110 of the general terminal 100A and the broadcasting terminal 100B may be configured not to accept an operation that instructs the avatar to move. When the avatar is in the second state, the processor 110 of the general terminal 100A and the broadcasting terminal 100B may be configured not to transmit play information instructing the avatar to move, even if it accepts an operation that instructs the avatar to move.

As an example, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, manages the attacking action of the avatar in the virtual space according to the play information. When the avatar is in the second state, the processor 210 does not cause the avatar to perform an attacking action according to the play information. When the avatar is in the first state, the processor 210 causes the avatar to perform an attacking action according to the play information. Without being limited to this, when the avatar is in the second state, the processor 110 of the general terminal 100A and the broadcasting terminal 100B may be configured not to accept an operation instructing an attack. When the avatar is in the second state, the processor 110 of the general terminal 100A and the broadcasting terminal 100B may be configured not to transmit play information instructing an attack even if an operation instructing an attack is accepted.

As an example, processor 210 determines whether an attack has hit an avatar in the enemy camp. If processor 210 determines that an attack has hit an avatar in the enemy camp, it reduces the hit points of that avatar. In other words, processor 210 manages the hit points corresponding to each of the avatar of the single user, the avatar in the friendly camp, and the avatar in the enemy camp, as seen from the perspective of the single user. An attack by the avatar may hit a field object. Also, the effect of the field object may be exerted on the avatar.

In this way, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, identifies interactions between avatars by managing the movement and attack actions of the avatars according to the play information. The processor 210 then generates progress information according to the identification results. The processor 210 transmits the generated progress information to each of the terminals 100A and 100B. The processor 210 of the server 200 uses the progress information generated in step S222 to generate distribution information in step S128.

In step S224, when the end condition of the second part is satisfied, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, transmits a second part end request to all terminals 100 used by the users participating in the same game of the second part. As an example, the end condition of the second part is met when one or more camps satisfy the victory condition before the time limit of the second part has elapsed, or when the time limit of the second part has elapsed. Note that when the end condition of the second part is satisfied, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 201B, may generate distribution information including information indicating the end of the second part in step S128 and transmit the information to the viewing terminal 100C.

In step S226, the processor 110 of the terminal 100, as the game module 101A, receives a request to end the second part. In step S228, the processor 110 of the general terminal 100A, as the rendering module 104, ends the display of the first battle screen 50A and displays the first result screen 55 on the monitor 166. Thereafter, the processor 110 of the general terminal 100A, as the rendering module 104, displays the first home screen 40A on the monitor 166. In step S228, the processor 110 of the distribution terminal 100B, as the rendering module 104, ends the display of the second battle screen 50B and displays the first result screen 55 on the monitor 166. Thereafter, the processor 110 of the distribution terminal 100B, as the rendering module 104, displays the second home screen 40B on the monitor 166. That is, the game transitions from the second part to the first part in the terminals 100A and 100B.

[Aiming Processing]
An example of the flow of the aiming process will now be described. The aiming process is an example of a process for executing a sighting mission game.

As shown in FIG. 7, in step S300, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C executes camera processing as the viewing module 101C. In the camera processing, the processor 110, as the viewing module 101C, acquires placement information of the virtual camera in the virtual space. The placement information of the virtual camera includes information indicating the position of the virtual camera in the virtual space and information indicating the orientation (angle) of the virtual camera. When the processor 110, as the viewing module 101C, accepts camera operation by the viewing user, it updates the placement information of the virtual camera in response to the camera operation. The processor 110, as the rendering module 104, renders the portion of the virtual space that falls within the shooting range 85D1, which is within the viewing angle of the virtual camera 85, based on the placement information of the virtual camera 85, and displays it on the monitor 166.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 8, a virtual sphere 85A is defined in the virtual space 80 to specify the position and orientation of the virtual camera 85. The virtual sphere 85A is defined so that the reference character is located at its center 85C. The position of the virtual sphere 85A relative to the reference character is fixed. When the reference character moves in the virtual space 80, the virtual sphere 85A moves together with the reference character. As an example, the reference character is an avatar of a user selected by the viewing user from among users belonging to the friendly camp or friendly party to which the broadcasting user belongs. Without being limited to this, the reference character may be a field object placed in the virtual space 80, or may be an avatar of a user belonging to the enemy camp or enemy party.

As an example, the position of the virtual camera 85 can be moved in the vertical direction Dv and horizontal direction Dh along the virtual sphere 85A in response to camera operations using the viewing terminal 100C. As an example, the orientation of the virtual camera 85 is always maintained in a direction toward an imaging point 85P defined within the virtual sphere 85A. The imaging point 85P may be defined at a position that overlaps with the center 85C, or may be defined above the center 85C. In other words, the virtual camera 85 is maintained in a direction toward the reference character.

In the viewing terminal 100C, one or more objects included in the shooting range 85D1 of the virtual space 80 are rendered and displayed on the monitor 166 as a play video. The shooting range 85D1 is a cone-shaped space with the virtual camera 85 as the apex. The direction extending from the virtual camera 85 along the intersection of the plane that bisects the shooting range 85D1 in the vertical direction Dv and the plane that bisects the shooting range 85D1 in the horizontal direction Dh is indicated as the line of sight Ds of the virtual camera 85. The line of sight Ds of the virtual camera 85 is a direction along a straight line connecting the virtual camera 85 and the shooting point 85P. When viewed from the virtual camera 85, the length of the shooting range 85D1 in the line of sight Ds is indicated as the first length. As an example, the shooting range 85D1 is a finite range from the virtual camera 85 as a starting point to the first length along the line of sight Ds.

As shown in FIG. 7, in step S302, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, determines whether or not the aim is on a specific object based on the placement information of the virtual camera 85. As an example, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C determines that the aim is on a specific object when the specific object is within a predetermined aim range 85D2. The determination of whether or not the aim is on can be understood as a determination of whether or not the viewing user is paying attention to a specific object (hereinafter referred to as an attention determination). The details of the aim range 85D2 will be described later.

If the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C determines that the specific object is not being aimed at, the process proceeds to step S304. In step S304, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, clears the time during which the specific object is being aimed at (hereinafter referred to as aiming time Ta). As an example, the processor 110 sets the aiming time Ta to zero, which is an example of an initial value. Upon completing step S304, the processor 110 proceeds to step S322.

If in step S302 the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C determines that the aim is aimed at a specific object, the process proceeds to step S306. In step S306, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C measures the aim time Ta. As an example, the processor 110 may measure the aim time Ta by adding a time equivalent to the execution interval of the aim process each time the aim process is executed. As an example, the processor 110 may measure the aim time Ta by executing a measurement process different from the aim process.

Next, in step S308, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, determines whether or not an aiming state has been established. In step S308, the processor 110 makes a positive determination if the aiming time Ta has reached the specified time T. If the aiming time Ta has reached the specified time T, the processor 110 proceeds to step S310. If the aiming time Ta has not reached the specified time T, the processor 110 makes a negative determination. If the aiming time Ta has not reached the specified time T, the processor 110 proceeds to step S322.

In step S310, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, transmits a point-granting request to the server 200. In step S312, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 201B, receives the point-granting request. As an example, the point-granting request includes information indicating the viewing user who is the target for increasing the reward points P. As an example, the point-granting request includes information indicating the amount of increase in the reward points P held by the viewing user.

In step S314, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 201B, increases the reward points P held by the viewing user. As an example, the processor 210 identifies the viewing user whose reward points P will be increased and the amount of increase in reward points P based on the point grant request. The processor 210 increases the reward points P held by the identified viewing user according to the identified amount of increase. Note that the memory 220 of the server 200, as the memory module 205, stores the reward points P separately for each user.

The camera operation received by the viewing terminal 100C is an example of an aiming operation. Step S312 is an example of receiving aiming information transmitted by the viewing terminal 100C when the viewing terminal 100C receives an aiming operation. The point granting request is an example of aiming information. Step S312 is an example of determining the establishment of an aiming state for a specific object in accordance with the aiming information. Step S314 is an example of granting a reward to the viewing user when the establishment of an aiming state for a specific object is determined in accordance with the aiming information. As an example, the establishment of an aiming state for a specific object is determined when a state in which a specific object is in the field of view of the virtual camera is maintained for a specified time T as a specified period.

In step S316, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 201B, transmits a point update request to the viewing terminal 100C. In step S318, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, receives the point update request.

In step S320, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the rendering module 104, displays on the monitor 166 a message indicating that a reward has been acquired by establishing the aiming state (hereinafter, referred to as a reward acquisition display). When step S320 ends, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C proceeds to step S322.

In step S322, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, determines whether the end condition of the second part has been met. As an example, the end condition of the second part is met when one or more camps meet the victory condition before the time limit of the second part has elapsed, or when the time limit of the second part has elapsed. As an example, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C determines whether the end condition of the second part has been met depending on whether the distribution information received from the server 200 includes information indicating the end of the second part. If the end condition of the second part of the game is not met, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C proceeds to step S300. If the end condition of the second part of the game is met, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C ends the aiming process.

[Example of display screen on terminal and flow of display-related processing]
[Outline of virtual space]
9, the virtual space 80 defined by the server 200 and events in this virtual space 80 can be reproduced simultaneously on all terminals 100A, 100B used by users participating in the same battle game. In other words, the virtual space 80 managed by the server 200 and events in this virtual space 80 are updated according to play information received from each terminal 100A, 100B. The server 200 transmits progress information to each terminal 100A, 100B according to the results of updating the virtual space 80 and the events in the virtual space 80. The virtual space 80 managed by each terminal 100A, 100B and events in this virtual space 80 can be updated each time according to the progress information received from the server 200.

The virtual space 80 defined by the server 200 and the events in this virtual space 80 can be reproduced simultaneously on all viewing terminals 100C used by viewing users who are watching the same battle game play video. The server 200 transmits distribution information to one or more viewing terminals 100C according to the results of updating the virtual space 80 and the events in the virtual space 80. The virtual space 80 managed by one or more viewing terminals 100C and the events in this virtual space 80 can be updated each time according to the distribution information received from the server 200.

In the following description, when simply referring to virtual space 80, this refers to the virtual space 80 shared by server 200 and multiple terminals 100A to 100C.
Various objects that may be placed in the virtual space 80 include a user avatar 81. As an example, the multiple avatars 81 may include avatars 811A and 811B as characters corresponding to one or more users belonging to the first camp. For example, the avatar 811A is a character corresponding to a broadcast user, and the avatar 811B is a character corresponding to a general user. As an example, the multiple avatars 81 may include one or more avatars 812A as characters corresponding to one or more users belonging to the second camp. Various objects that may be placed in the virtual space 80 may include a gravestone object 81D as an example of an object indicating the avatar 81 in the second state.

Various objects that may be placed in the virtual space 80 may include one or more terrain objects 82 for constituting the field 82A. As an example, the terrain object 82 may include an object that affects the movement of the avatar 81. For example, the terrain object 82 may include objects that limit the movement of the avatar 81, such as trees, rocks, rivers, seas, and mountains. For example, the terrain object 82 may include an object that reduces the movement speed of the avatar 81, such as a swamp. For example, the terrain object 82 may include an object that increases the movement speed of the avatar 81, such as an ice sheet. As an example, the terrain object 82 may include an object that affects the parameter value of the avatar 81. For example, the terrain object 82 may include an object that reduces the hit points of the avatar 81, such as a poisonous swamp. For example, the terrain object 82 may include an object that increases the hit points of the avatar 81, such as a recovery spring.

[Home Screen]
As shown in FIG. 10, in the first part of the game, a first home screen 40A is displayed on the monitor 166 of the general terminal 100A. In the first part of the game, a second home screen 40B is displayed on the monitor 166 of the distribution terminal 100B. The home screens 40A and 40B may include various objects. As an example, the home screens 40A and 40B may include an avatar window 401, a battle icon 404, and a character icon 406. The home screens 40A and 40B may include a distribution start icon 407 used when distributing a gameplay video. The second home screen 40B may include a distribution end icon used when ending the distribution of the gameplay video, and a distribution in progress icon indicating that a gameplay video is being distributed.

As an example, the avatar 81 is displayed in the avatar window 401. The appearance of the avatar 81 changes as the settings of the avatar are changed through gameplay of the first part. As an example, a start operation to instruct the start of the second part can be performed by tapping on the portion where the battle icon 404 is displayed. As an example, an operation to instruct the display of a preparation window (not shown) for preparing for the battle game can be performed by tapping on the portion where the character icon 406 is displayed. When the processor 110 of each terminal 100A, 100C accepts an operation on the preparation window (not shown), it changes the settings of the avatar 81 in response to the operation. As described above, the settings of the avatar 81 may include the type of avatar, the equipment of the avatar, or the appearance of the avatar. As an example, an operation to instruct the start of distribution can be performed by tapping on the portion where the distribution start icon 407 is displayed.

[Matching screen]
11 , when the server 200 is executing the matching process (step S206), a matching screen 45 is displayed on the monitor 166 of the general terminal 100A or the distribution terminal 100B. The matching screen 45 may include various objects. The matching screen 45 includes an avatar window 451 that displays the user's avatar 81. As an example, the user's own avatar 81 is displayed in the avatar window 451. The matching screen 45 includes information such as text data indicating that matching is being performed.

[Battle screen]
As shown in FIG. 12, in the battle game of the second part, the first battle screen 50A is displayed on the monitor 166 of the general terminal 100A. In the battle game of the second part, the second battle screen 50B is displayed on the monitor 166 of the distribution terminal 100B. The battle screens 50A and 50B include various objects. As an example, the battle screens 50A and 50B each include an avatar 81 of the user using the terminal 100. As an example, the battle screens 50A and 50B may include a score display field of the camp to which the user belongs, an HP bar 61 indicating the hit points of the user's avatar, and an HP bar 62 indicating the hit points of another person's avatar. The first battle screen 50A may include a distribution start icon (not shown) used when distributing a gameplay video. The second battle screen 50B may include a distribution end icon (not shown) used when ending the distribution of the gameplay video, and a distribution in progress icon (not shown) indicating that a gameplay video is being distributed.

As an example, in step S220, the processor 110 of the general terminal 100A or the broadcasting terminal 100B, as the rendering module 104, displays the avatar 81 of the user using the terminal 100 in the center of the monitor 166. The processor 110 of the general terminal 100A or the broadcasting terminal 100B places a virtual camera 85 above and behind the head of the avatar 81 in the virtual space 80, and displays on the monitor 166 the range that can be captured by the shooting range 85D1 of the virtual camera 85. Without being limited to this, the virtual camera 85 on the battle screens 50A, 50B may be positioned as a first-person viewpoint looking at the field from the head of the avatar 81, or as a bird's-eye viewpoint looking at the field with the avatar 81 at the center.

The processor 110 of the general terminal 100A or the distribution terminal 100B places the avatar 81 of the friendly camp and the avatar 81 of the enemy camp in the virtual space 80 according to the progress information received from the server 200. The processor 110 of the general terminal 100A or the distribution terminal 100B may display the avatar 81 of another user on the monitor 166 when the avatar 81 falls within the shooting range 85D1 of the virtual camera 85. When the avatar 81 is displayed on the monitor 166, the avatar 81 is accompanied by an action according to the action information. In addition, when the processor 110 of the general terminal 100A or the distribution terminal 100B displays the avatar 81 of the enemy camp as the rendering module 104, the processor 110 displays the HP bar 62 indicating the hit points of the avatar on the monitor 166. As an example, the HP bar 62 is placed above the head of the avatar 81 of the enemy camp. The HP bar 62 may be placed above the head of the friendly camp's avatar 81.

[Watching screen]
13, the viewing screen 70 is displayed on the monitor 166 of the viewing terminal 100C. The viewing screen 70 may include various objects. As an example, the viewing screen 70 may include a viewing window 701. As an example, the viewing screen 70 may include member icons 703, a chat window 704, and a back button 705.

As an example, the chat window 704 may display text data transmitted between viewing users. As an example, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C receives text data transmitted from another viewing terminal 100C via the server 200, and displays the received text data in chronological order on the monitor 166. As an example, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C transmits text data designated by an input operation of the viewing user to the other viewing terminal 100C via the server 200.

The viewing window 701 displays a video of the game being played on the distribution terminal 100B. As an example, when the game being viewed is the first part, the viewing window 701 displays the avatar 81 of the distribution user. When the game being viewed is the second part of a battle game, the viewing window 701 displays the state of a battle in the virtual space 80.

The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C places the general user's avatar 81 and the broadcast user's avatar 81 in the virtual space 80 in accordance with the broadcast information received from the server 200 (broadcast module 201B). The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C places a virtual camera 85 in an initial position corresponding to the reference character in the virtual space 80, and displays on the monitor 166 the range that can be captured by the shooting range 85D1 of the virtual camera 85.

As an example, the member icons 703 may indicate each user who belongs to the same camp as the broadcasting user. By tapping the portion where the member icon 703 is displayed, an operation to change the avatar 81 set as the reference character (hereinafter referred to as a character change operation) can be performed. When the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C accepts the character change operation, it sets the avatar 81 of the user specified by the operation as the reference character. The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C places a virtual camera 85 on a virtual sphere 85A corresponding to the changed reference character.

When the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C receives a camera operation, it moves the virtual camera 85 in the vertical direction Dv and horizontal direction Dh along the virtual sphere 85A in accordance with the camera operation. The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C keeps the orientation of the virtual camera 85 toward the shooting point 85P defined within the virtual sphere 85A. As an example, the shooting point 85P is the position where the reference character is placed. Therefore, the reference character is displayed in the center of the viewing window 701.

When one or more avatars 81 fall within the shooting range 85D1 of the virtual camera 85, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C may display the one or more avatars on the monitor 166. When the one or more avatars 81 are displayed on the monitor 166, they are accompanied by an action corresponding to the action information. That is, the viewing window 701 may display a gameplay video of the game played by the broadcasting user. In the game system 10, the part of the virtual space 80 that is within the field of view of the virtual camera 85 placed in the virtual space 80 is displayed on the viewing terminal 100C as a gameplay video.

Aiming range 85D2 is defined in the viewing window 701. Aiming range 85D2 is a part of the viewing window 701. As an example, aiming range 85D2 is a rectangular area. Without being limited to this, aiming range 85D2 may be a circular area or a polygonal area such as a triangle or pentagon. The relative position and range of aiming range 85D2 in the viewing window 701 are fixed. Without being limited to this, the relative position and range of aiming range 85D2 in the viewing window 701 may be changeable in response to an operation by the viewing user.

As an example, the viewing window 701 includes information (hereinafter referred to as aiming information) for visualizing the aiming range 85D2 so that the viewing user can recognize it. As an example, the aiming information is a focus cursor 707 that imitates a gunsight. Without being limited to this, the focus cursor 707 may be in any form as long as the viewing user can recognize the aiming range 85D2. For example, the aiming information may be a color tone of the aiming range 85D2 that is different from the part that is different from the aiming range 85D2, or may be an image such as an arrow pointing to the aiming range 85D2, or may be an image such as a symbol pointing to the center of the aiming range 85D2.

In the attention determination of step S302, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C determines that the aim is aimed at a specific object if the gameplay video displayed in the viewing window 701 includes a specific object and there is an area where the area displaying the specific object overlaps with the aiming range 85D2. Without being limited to this, the processor 110 may determine that the aim is aimed at a specific object if the entire area displaying the specific object is within the aiming range 85D2.

As an example, the attention determination in step S302 may be to determine whether or not a specific object is within a frustum-shaped space that has the attention cursor 707 as the end face on the virtual camera 85 side and that extends along the line of sight Ds. The attention determination in step S302 may be to determine whether or not a specific object is within the attention cursor 707 when the specific object is projected onto a virtual plane that includes the attention cursor 707 from a direction perpendicular to the virtual plane.

As an example, in step S302, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C may determine that the aim is not correct if the distance between the specific object and the virtual camera 85 in the virtual space 80 exceeds the second length. In other words, the establishment of the aiming state does not have to be specified if the specific object is away from the virtual camera 85 by more than the second length. The second length may be longer, shorter, or the same as the first length.

As one example, the target avatar, which is an example of a specific object, may include one or more avatars corresponding to users belonging to the first camp, excluding the avatar selected as the reference character. As one example, the target avatar may include one or more avatars corresponding to users belonging to the second camp. As one example, the specific object may include a gravestone object 81D indicating an avatar that has entered the second state.

As an example, the viewing window 701 includes an aiming time gauge 708. The aiming time gauge 708 is an example of remaining information that allows the viewing user to recognize the remaining time until the aiming time Ta reaches the specified time T. Without being limited to this, the remaining information may be numerical data indicating the remaining time until the aiming time Ta reaches the specified time T. The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, specifies the remaining time based on the aiming time Ta and the specified time T. The processor 110 may display the remaining information corresponding to the specified remaining time on the monitor 166.

For example, FIG. 14 shows a state in which the entirety of avatar 812A, which is an example of a specific object, is not within aiming range 85D2. In other words, the entirety of avatar 812A does not overlap with focus cursor 707. In this case, processor 110 of viewing terminal 100C determines that the attention determination in step S302 is negative. Processor 110 does not measure aiming time Ta. Furthermore, when processor 110 of viewing terminal 100C accepts a camera operation, it changes the position or orientation of virtual camera 85 in response to the camera operation.

Figure 15 shows a state in which a part or all of the avatar 812A is within the aiming range 85D2 in response to a change in the position or orientation of the virtual camera 85. In other words, a part or all of the avatar 812A overlaps with the attention cursor 707. In this case, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C judges the attention judgment in step S302 to be positive. The processor 110 measures the aiming time Ta. The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C displays on the monitor 166 the decrease in the aiming time gauge 708 in conjunction with the decrease in the remaining time until the aiming time Ta reaches the specified time T. Note that if the entire avatar 812A is no longer within the aiming range 85D2, in step S304, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C resets the aiming time Ta to its initial value.

When multiple specific objects are within the aiming range 85D2, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C measures the aiming time Ta for each specific object. The processor 110 of the viewing module 101C displays an aiming time gauge 708 on the monitor 166 for each specific object.

Figure 16 shows a state in which a part or all of avatar 812A is within aiming range 85D2 and aiming time Ta has reached specified time T. When aiming time Ta has reached specified time T, it is determined that an aiming state for a specific object has been established. The viewing user can recognize that an aiming state for a specific object has been established from the situation in which the remaining time shown on the aiming time gauge 708 has reached zero.

In this case, in step S320, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the rendering module 104, displays on the monitor 166 an image of a star 709 popping out from the avatar 812A. The display showing the star 709 popping out is an example of a reward acquisition display. The viewing user can recognize that reward points P have been acquired from the situation in which the reward acquisition display has been made.

The reward acquisition display may be displayed only on the viewing terminal 100C that has established an aiming state for a specific object. The reward acquisition display may be displayed only on multiple viewing terminals 100C that are being used to view the same viewing content. The reward acquisition display may also be displayed on the general terminal 100A or the distribution terminal 100B. The object for displaying the reward acquisition display may be placed in the virtual space 80 defined on the terminal 100 that is to execute the reward acquisition display.

When a broadcasting user is broadcasting a gameplay video, the broadcasting user wants the viewing users to witness scenes in which the broadcasting user is in action. As an example, a scene in which the broadcasting user is in action is a scene in which the broadcasting user's avatar's attack hits an enemy avatar, or a scene in which the broadcasting user's avatar avoids an attack from an enemy avatar.

In order to earn reward points P, the viewing user must establish an aiming state for the specific object. The aiming state is established when the specific object remains in the aiming range 85D2 for a specified time T. In other words, the viewing user must operate the camera so that the specific object continues to be displayed within the attention cursor 707. Inevitably, the viewing user will pay attention to the gameplay video distributed by the broadcasting user. As a result, the viewing user is more likely to witness scenes in which the broadcasting user is in action. In this way, the aiming operation is a change in one or both of the position and angle of the virtual camera 85 in the virtual space 80.

[Results screen]
17, when the second part ends and the game moves to the first part, the monitor 166 of each of the terminals 100A and 100B displays the first result screen 55. The first result screen 55 may include various objects. The first result screen 55 may include information such as an icon indicating the camp that won the second part, an icon indicating the user who has obtained the most scores, or an icon indicating the user who has defeated the most avatars.

When the second part ends and the first part begins, the second result screen 60 is displayed on the monitor 166 of the viewing terminal 100C. The second result screen 60 may include various objects. The second result screen 60 may include information such as an icon indicating the camp that won the second part, an icon indicating the user who has obtained the most scores, or an icon indicating the user who has defeated the most avatars.

As shown in FIG. 18, the second result screen 60 includes an earned points panel 605. The earned points panel 605 is an example of information that allows the viewing user to recognize the reward points P that the viewing user has earned through the current witnessing mission game.

When the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C receives distribution information indicating the end of the second part, the rendering module 104 displays the second result screen 60 on the monitor 166. The distribution information may include the reward points P acquired by the viewing user through this witnessing mission game. The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C displays an acquired points panel 605 on the monitor 166 according to the reward points P indicated in the viewing information.

The effects of the first embodiment will be described.
(1-1) As a viewer, the viewing user can watch a gameplay video distributed by a distribution user. The distributed gameplay video includes the gameplay of the distribution user in the virtual space 80. The viewing user can earn a reward when an aiming state is established at a specific object placed in the virtual space 80. In other words, the viewing user does not need to take his or her eyes off the distributed gameplay video in order to earn the reward. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the viewer has difficulty paying attention to the distributed gameplay video.

(1-2) In order to establish an aiming state for a specific object, the viewing user needs to adjust the position and angle of the virtual camera 85 so that the specific object is kept within the shooting range 85D1 of the virtual camera 85. As a result, the viewing user will focus on the gameplay video being distributed.

(1-3) It becomes easier for viewers to pay attention to the gameplay video, which can increase the motivation of each user to distribute the gameplay video.
(1-4) The viewing user can change the reference character from among the avatars of the friendly camp. This allows the viewing user to establish an aiming state for a specific object from various viewpoints. In addition, the viewing user can increase the opportunities to watch the broadcasting user's play from a viewpoint based on an avatar different from the broadcasting user's avatar.

(1-5) The star 709 and the focus cursor 707 are not displayed on the monitor 166 of the broadcasting terminal 100B. The monitor 166 of the broadcasting terminal 100B does not display information indicating the position and orientation of the virtual camera 85 in the viewing terminal 100C. In other words, the broadcasting user cannot identify which specific object the viewing user is focusing on.

Second Embodiment
In the above embodiment, the specified time T is constant, but it may be changed according to a predetermined condition. As an example, the specified time T may be changed according to one or more of the attributes of the specific object, the state of the specific object, and the number of times the aiming state is established for the specific object. In other words, the specified time T may be a first time or a second time longer than the first time, depending on the predetermined condition.

The memory 120 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the memory module 105, stores, for each specific object, information indicating the attribute, information indicating the state, and information indicating the number of times the aiming state was established. In step S308, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, identifies, based on the information stored in the memory 120, the attribute, state, and number of times the aiming state was established of the specific object for which the aiming time Ta is being measured. The processor 110 identifies the specified time T based on the attribute, state, and number of times the aiming state was established of the identified specific object. The processor 110 determines, based on the identified specified time T, whether or not the aiming time Ta has reached the specified time T.

To establish an aiming state, the viewing user needs to maintain the state in which the specific object is within the aiming range 85D2 for a specified time T. Therefore, it is easier to establish the aiming state when the specified time T is the first time than when it is the second time.

By using a character change operation, the viewing user can select a reference character that determines the position of the virtual camera 85 from among the camps to which the broadcasting user to be viewed belongs. This allows the viewing user to search for a specific object that is easy to establish an aiming time for and switch the reference character. This allows the viewing user to unconsciously obtain an opportunity to watch the broadcasting user's play from a perspective based on an avatar that is different from the broadcasting user's avatar.

As shown in FIG. 19, as an example, the specified time T for an avatar of a user belonging to the friendly camp may be longer or shorter than the specified time T for an avatar of a user belonging to the enemy camp. As an example, even for the same specific object, the specified time T for a first state (survival state) may be longer or shorter than the specified time T for a second state (death state).

As an example, even for the same specific object, the specified time T when the aiming state is established a first number of times may be longer or shorter than the specified time T when the aiming state is established a second number of times, which is greater than the first number. Without being limited to this, the specified time T may differ depending on one or two of the attributes of the specific object, the state of the specific object, and the number of times the aiming state is established, which can be selected arbitrarily.

For example, the reference time of the specified time T is T0. The specified time T may be the reference time T0 multiplied by a predetermined parameter value. As an example, the parameter value relating to the attribute of the specific object is m. The parameter value relating to the state of the specific object is n. The parameter value relating to the number of times the aiming state is established for the specific object is o. In this case, the specified time T may be calculated using the relational expression [T (seconds) = m x n x o x T0 (seconds)].

As an example, if the specific object is the avatar of a user belonging to the friendly camp, the value of parameter m is 1, and if the specific object is the avatar of a user belonging to the enemy camp, the value of parameter m is 2. If the specific object is in the first state, the value of parameter n is 1, and if the specific object is in the second state, the value of parameter n is 2. If the number of times the aiming state has been established is 0, the value of parameter o is 1, and if the number of times the aiming state has been established is 1 or more, the value of parameter o is 50.

The effects of the second embodiment will be described.
(2-1) The specified time T varies depending on the attribute of the specific object, the state of the specific object, or the number of times the aiming state is established. Therefore, the viewing user pays attention to the gameplay video in order to search for a specific object for which the aiming state can be established as efficiently as possible. This can increase the motivation of each user to distribute the gameplay video.

(2-2) The viewing user can arbitrarily change the reference character that determines the position of the virtual camera 85. This increases the opportunities for the viewing user to watch the broadcasting user's play from a viewpoint based on a different avatar.

Third Embodiment
A broadcasting user or a general user may be able to change the character used as an avatar. As an example, characters that can be used as avatars include a first character and a second character that is more difficult to obtain than the first character. As an example, the first game includes a gacha. A broadcasting user or a general user can obtain a character that can be used as an avatar through the gacha. The gacha is a game that provides a user with a character determined by lottery. As an example, the second character may have a lower probability of being obtained through the gacha than the first character. As an example, the second character may have the lowest probability of being obtained through the gacha among the characters that can be used as avatars.

As shown in FIG. 20, as an example, the specified time T may differ depending on the type of character used by the broadcast user as an avatar. In other words, the specified time T may be a first time or a second time that is longer than the first time depending on the type of character used by the broadcast user as an avatar. The specified time T may be a first time or a second time depending on the difficulty of obtaining the character used by the broadcast user as an avatar.

The memory 120 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the memory module 105, stores information indicating the type of character used by the broadcasting user as an avatar in the battle game. In step S308, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, identifies the type of character used as the broadcasting user's avatar based on the information stored in the memory 120. The processor 110 identifies the specified time T based on the identified type of character. The processor 110 determines whether the aiming time Ta has reached the specified time T based on the identified specified time T.

To establish an aiming state, the viewing user needs to maintain the state in which the specific object is within the aiming range 85D2 for a specified time T. Therefore, it is easier to establish an aiming state when the specified time T is the first time compared to when it is the second time. In other words, the difficulty of establishing an aiming state changes depending on the type of character used as the broadcasting user's avatar.

As shown in FIG. 20, as an example, the specified time T may be longer or shorter when the type of character used as the broadcast user's avatar is type C or type D compared to when the type is type A or type B. As an example, the specified time T may be longer or shorter in the order of when the type of character used as the broadcast user's avatar is type C or type D, when it is type B, and when it is type A.

For example, the reference time of the specified time T is T0. The specified time T may be the reference time T0 multiplied by a predetermined parameter value. As an example, the parameter value relating to the type of character used as the broadcast user's avatar is p. In this case, the specified time T is calculated by the relational expression [T (seconds) = p x T0 (seconds)].

As an example, the difficulty of obtaining a character increases in the following order: character type A = type B < type C < type D. In other words, the rarity of a character increases in the following order: type A = type B < type C < type D. As an example, when the type of character used as the broadcast user's avatar is type A or type B, the value of parameter p is 1; when it is type C, the value of parameter p is 3; and when it is type D, the value of parameter p is 4. In this way, there are a first character and a second character as characters that can be placed in the virtual space 80 as the broadcast user's avatar. The rarity of the second character is higher than the rarity of the first character. The specified time T when the broadcast user's avatar is the second character is longer than the specified time T when the broadcast user's avatar is the first character.

The effects of the third embodiment will be described.
(3-1) By using a rare character, the broadcasting user can lengthen the specified time T, which is the specified period of time that must be paid attention to in order to establish an aiming state. The broadcasting user wants to be noticed for being able to use a rare character. This increases the broadcasting user's motivation to broadcast videos.

Fourth Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 21, similarly to the third embodiment, the broadcast user or general user may be able to change the character used as an avatar. When an aiming state is established for a specific object, the benefit given to the viewing user may differ depending on the type of character used as the broadcast user's avatar. In other words, depending on the type of character used as the avatar by the broadcast user, the reward points P may be either first points or second points that are greater than the first points. Depending on the difficulty of obtaining the character used as the avatar by the broadcast user, the reward points P may be either first points or second points.

The memory 120 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the memory module 105, stores information indicating the type of character used by the broadcasting user as an avatar in the battle game. In step S310, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, identifies the type of character used as the broadcasting user's avatar based on the information stored in the memory 120. The processor 110 identifies reward points P based on the identified character type. The processor 110 transmits a point grant request indicating the reward points P to the server 200.

As shown in FIG. 21, as an example, reward points P may be greater or less when the type of character used as the broadcast user's avatar is type C or type D compared to when the type is type A or type B. As an example, reward points P may be greater or less when the type of character used as the broadcast user's avatar is type C or type D, greater or less when the type is type B, and greater or less when the type is type A, in that order.

For example, the reference point for reward points P is P0. Reward points P may be the time obtained by multiplying reference point P0 by a predetermined parameter value. As an example, the parameter value relating to the type of character used as the broadcast user's avatar is p. In this case, reward points P are calculated using the relational expression [P=p×P0].

As an example, the difficulty of obtaining a character increases in the following order: character type A = type B < type C < type D. In other words, the rarity of a character increases in the following order: type A = type B < type C < type D. As an example, if the type of character used as the broadcast user's avatar is type A or type B, the value of parameter p is 1; if the type is type C, the value of parameter p is 2; and if the type is type D, the value of parameter p is 5.

Furthermore, the reward points P may include various parameter values related to the specific object for which the aiming state has been established. As an example, the parameter value related to the attribute of the specific object is m. The parameter value related to the state of the specific object is n. The parameter value related to the number of times the aiming state has been established for the specific object is o. In this case, the reward points P are calculated by the relational expression [P=m×n×o×p×P0].

As an example, if the specific object is the avatar of a user belonging to the friendly camp, the value of parameter m is 2, and if the specific object is the avatar of a user belonging to the enemy camp, the value of parameter m is 1. If the specific object is in the first state, the value of parameter n is 2, and if the specific object is in the second state, the value of parameter n is 1. If the number of times the aiming state has been established is 0, the value of parameter o is 2, and if the number of times the aiming state has been established is 1 or more, the value of parameter o is 1.

In this way, there are a first character and a second character as characters that can be placed in the virtual space 80 as the avatar of the broadcasting user. The rarity of the second character is higher than that of the first character. Reward points P, which is an example of a reward, include first points, which are an example of a first reward, and second points, which are an example of a second reward. The value of the second reward is higher than the value of the first reward. Granting a reward to the viewing user (S314) means granting the first reward when the avatar of the broadcasting user is the first character, and granting the second reward when the avatar of the broadcasting user is the second character.

The effects of the fourth embodiment will be described.
(4-1) By using a rare character, the broadcasting user can increase the value of the reward that the viewing user can obtain. The broadcasting user wants to be noticed for being able to use a rare character. The viewing user wants to obtain a reward of higher value. In other words, the desires of the broadcasting user and the desires of the viewing user match. The broadcasting user is more motivated to broadcast videos. And the viewing user pays close attention to the gameplay video being broadcast.

Fifth Embodiment
The establishment of the aiming state for the specific object may be determined when a specific scene occurs in the aiming range 85D2 during the aiming time Ta in addition to when the aiming time Ta reaches a specified time T. As an example, the specific scene may be a scene in which the specific object is performing a specific action.

As an example, the specific action may include an ally avatar performing a normal attack on an enemy avatar. The specific action may include an ally avatar hitting an enemy avatar with a normal attack or an attack skill. The specific action may include an ally avatar putting an enemy avatar into a second state. The specific action may include an ally avatar using a recovery skill to restore the hit points of the ally avatar.

The specific action may include an enemy avatar receiving a normal attack or attack skill of the broadcasting user's avatar. In this case, the enemy avatar is an example of a specified object. Without being limited to this, the specified object may be a field object, an enemy character common to both the friendly camp and the enemy camp, or a special object. The specific action may include an ally avatar receiving a recovery skill of the broadcasting user. The specific action may include an ally avatar praying at a gravestone object of the ally avatar. The specific action may include an ally avatar praying at a gravestone object of the broadcasting user's avatar.

The specific action may include a first effect of a special object placed in the virtual space 80 by the broadcasting user being exerted on an ally avatar. The specific action may include a second effect of a special object placed in the virtual space 80 by the broadcasting user being exerted on an enemy avatar. As an example, the special object is an item object, a weapon object, or a terrain object. It is preferable that the special object can be placed by the user who was operating the avatar when the avatar enters the second state.

The first effect of the special object may be to recover the hit points of an ally avatar, to improve the status of the ally avatar, or to increase the types of skills that the ally avatar can use. The second effect of the special object may be to decrease the hit points of an enemy avatar, to lower the status of the enemy avatar, or to reduce the types of skills that the enemy avatar can use. As an example, the special object is an object that assists the broadcasting user in playing the game.

In step S306, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, determines whether or not the specific object that has entered the aiming range 85D2 is performing a specific action. If the specific object is performing a specific action, the processor 110 stores information indicating that the specific action has been performed in the memory 120. If the specific object is not performing a specific action, the processor 110 does not store information indicating that the specific action has been performed in the memory 120.

In step S308, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, determines whether or not a specific action has been performed based on the information stored in the memory 120. If a specific action has been performed, the processor 110 in step S310 transmits a point granting request to the server 200. If a specific action has not been performed, the processor 110 does not transmit a point granting request to the server 200.

In this way, the establishment of the aiming state for a specific object is further specified when a specific object that is in the field of view of the virtual camera 85 is performing a specific action. As one example, the specific action is when a character that can be placed in the virtual space 80 as an avatar of a broadcasting user attacks a specific object . An avatar of an enemy user is an example of a specific object.

The effects of the fifth embodiment will be described.
(5-1) In order to establish a state of aiming at a specific object, the viewing user needs to search for the moment when the specific object performs a specific action. Therefore, the viewing user is forced to continuously pay attention to the distributed video.

(5-2) A scene in which something is being attacked is one of the scenes in which the broadcasting user wishes to draw attention. In other words, the scenes that the viewing user wishes to draw attention to are the same as the scenes in which the broadcasting user wishes to draw attention. This increases the broadcasting user's motivation to broadcast.

The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.
The method for determining whether the aiming state has been established may be changed to a different form from that of the above embodiment. The following describes in detail the differences from the above embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 22, in step S300, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, accepts camera operation. The processor 110 updates the placement information of the virtual camera 85 in response to the camera operation. In step S301A, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, transmits the updated placement information of the virtual camera 85 to the server 200.

In step S301B, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 204, receives the placement information of the virtual camera 85. The processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 201B, executes the same contents as steps S302 to S308 described above based on the received placement information of the virtual camera 85.

In step S308, if the processor 210 of the server 200 determines that the aiming state has been established as the distribution module 201B, the process proceeds to step S314. In step S308, if the processor 210 of the server 200 determines that the aiming state has not been established as the distribution module 201B, the process proceeds to step S324. When the processor 210 of the server 200 ends step S304 as the distribution module 201B, the process proceeds to step S324. When the processor 210 of the server 200 ends step S316 as the distribution module 201B, the process proceeds to step S324. In steps S302 to S308, S314, and S316, the processor 210 of the server 200 executes the same content as steps S302 to S308, S314, and S316 in the above embodiment. Therefore, detailed explanations are omitted.

In step S324, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 201B, determines whether or not the end condition of the second part of the game has been satisfied. If the end condition of the second part of the game has not been satisfied, the processor 210 returns to step S301B and waits until it receives placement information of the virtual camera 85. If the end condition of the second part of the game has been satisfied, the processor 210 ends the aiming process.

In this case, the processor 210 of the server 200, acting as the distribution module 201B, may transmit a request to end the second part of the game to the viewing terminal 100C when it determines that the end condition for the second part of the game has been satisfied. Then, in step S322, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, acting as the viewing module 101C, may determine that the end condition for the second part of the game has been satisfied when it receives the request to end the second part of the game.

In this modified example, step S301B is an example of receiving aiming information transmitted by the viewing terminal 100C when the viewing terminal 100C receives an aiming operation. The camera operation received by the viewing terminal 100C is an example of an aiming operation. The placement information of the virtual camera 85 is an example of aiming information. Step S308 is an example of determining whether an aiming state for a specific object is established according to the aiming information. Step S314 is an example of providing a reward to the viewing user when the establishment of an aiming state for a specific object is determined according to the aiming information.

- The specific objects may include objects that can establish an aiming state a first number of times, and objects that can establish an aiming state a second number of times that is greater than the first number of times. As an example, the first number of times may be one, and the second number of times may be two or more. In other words, there may be objects that can earn reward points P only once, and objects that can earn reward points P two or more times. This allows for variation in play in which an aiming state is established.

- The specific object or target avatar may include the broadcast user's avatar. In this modified example, the establishment of the aiming state may be specified when an avatar different from the broadcast user's avatar is selected as the reference character. In other words, when the reference character is an avatar different from the broadcast user's avatar and the broadcast user's avatar is within aiming range 85D2, an aiming state for the broadcast user's avatar may be established. In this modified example, the specified time T for the broadcast user's avatar may be longer, shorter, or the same as the specified time T for the avatars of other users.

- The reward points P when it is determined that an aiming state has been established for the broadcasting user's avatar may be greater than, less than, or the same as the reward points P when it is determined that an aiming state has been established for another user's avatar.

- When the avatar of the broadcast user being viewed enters the second state, the reference character does not have to be selectable from among the avatars of users belonging to the camp to which the broadcast user belongs. In this modified example, the reference character may be fixed to a gravestone object 81D representing the avatar 81 of the broadcast user who has entered the second state. In this modified example, the reference character may be selectable from among special objects placed in the virtual space 80 by the broadcast user.

The specific object is not limited to being an avatar. As one example, a specific object may be placed in the virtual space 80 when a friendly avatar or an enemy avatar performs a specific action. As one example, the specific object may be an object (hereinafter, referred to as an additional object) that is different from the avatar, such as a star, coin, or balloon. As one example, the additional object may move in the virtual space 80. In this modified example, the viewer can be actively involved in an operation of moving the virtual camera 85 to follow the additional object, which is an example of a specific object.

- Specific objects may be arranged in multiple stages in the virtual space 80. As an example, the processor 210 of the server 200 may award reward points P1 to the viewing user when it is determined that an aiming state has been established for the target avatar. The target avatar is an example of a first specific object.

When an aiming state is established for a target avatar and the target avatar is performing a specific action, an additional object different from the avatar, such as a star, coin, or balloon, may be placed in the virtual space 80. The additional object is an example of a second specific object. As an example, when the processor 210 of the server 200 determines that an aiming state has been established for the additional object, it may award reward points P2 to the viewing user. In this modified example, the reward points P2 may be more, less, or the same as the reward points P1.

- The second specific object may be displayed only on the viewing terminal 100C that has established an aiming state toward the first specific object. As an example, the second specific object may be displayed only on multiple viewing terminals 100C that are being used to watch the broadcasting user's gameplay video. The second specific object may further be displayed on the general terminal 100A and the broadcasting terminal 100B. The second specific object may be placed in a virtual space 80 defined on the terminal 100 that is intended to display the second specific object.

- The specified time T may be shortened as more time passes since the establishment of the aiming state was last identified. The specified time T may be lengthened as more time passes since the establishment of the aiming state was last identified.

- The specified time T may be shortened as the specific object moves away from the virtual camera 85. The specified time T may be extended as the specific object moves away from the virtual camera 85.

- In the sighting mission game, a predetermined reward point P may be awarded to the viewing user as an example of a basic reward. As one example, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 201B, may award the predetermined reward point P to the viewing user when the second part of the game ends, regardless of the number of times the aiming state is established.

- Reward points P may be awarded each time the auxiliary points Pa reach a specified point. As an example, the processor 210 of the server 200 awards the auxiliary points Pa to the viewing user when it is determined that an aiming state has been established for a specific object. The processor 210 may award the reward points P to the viewing user when the auxiliary points Pa reach a specified point.

- The conditions for determining that the aiming state has been established are not limited to the above embodiment. As an example, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 201B, may determine that the aiming state has been established when the aiming time Ta has reached the specified time T and a predetermined operation (hereinafter, referred to as a specific operation) has been performed by the viewing user. As an example, the specific operation may be a tap operation on a portion of the monitor 166 of the viewing terminal 100C on which a specific object is displayed. In this modified example, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, may display information on the monitor 166 indicating that the aiming state will be established if a specific operation is performed when the aiming time Ta has reached the specified time T. Furthermore, when the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C receives a specific operation, it transmits specific operation information indicating that the specific operation has been performed to the server 200. When the processor 110 of the server 200 receives the specific operation information, it determines that the specific operation has been performed.

- The reward points P may be increased when the broadcast user is a specified user, compared to when the broadcast user is not a specified user. As an example, when the processor 210 of the server 200 has determined that the broadcast user is a specified user, the processor 210 may award more reward points P each time the establishment of an aiming state is identified, compared to when the broadcast user has not been determined to be a specified user. The processor 210 of the server 200 may determine one or more specified users by lottery from among multiple broadcast users.

The general terminal 100A, the distribution terminal 100B, and the viewing terminal 100C may be realized as computers having different configurations.
The processor 210 of the server 200 may be configured as the distribution module 201B to generate game play videos in accordance with the received play information and distribute the game play videos by streaming. The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C may be configured as the viewing module 101C to display the game play videos to be distributed by streaming in the viewing window 701.

- The viewing content may include the voice of the broadcasting user. The processor 110 of the broadcasting terminal 100B, as the broadcasting module 101B, converts the voice signal received from the microphone 160 into voice data and transmits the voice data to the server 200. The processor 210 of the server 200, as the broadcasting module 201B, generates broadcast information according to the received voice data. The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, outputs voice according to the broadcast information from the speaker 162.

- The viewing content may include the voice of the general user. The processor 110 of the general terminal 100A, as the distribution module 101B, converts the voice signal received from the microphone 160 into voice data and transmits the voice data to the server 200. The processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 201B, generates distribution information according to the voice data received from the general terminal 100A.

- The viewing content may include text data. When the processor 110 of the distribution terminal 100B, acting as the distribution module 101B, accepts an input operation for text data, it transmits the text data specified by the input operation to the server 200. The processor 210 of the server 200, acting as the distribution module 201B, transmits the received text data to the viewing terminal 100C. The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, acting as the viewing module 101C, displays the received text data on the monitor 166.

One or more modules included in the control modules 101 and 201 may be realized by circuits such as an ASIC, a PLD, an FPGA, or an MCU.
One or more modules included in the control modules 101, 201 may be realized by software using a processor. A computer including at least one of the control modules 101, 201 includes a processor, a memory, and a storage. The above programs and various data are recorded in the storage so that they can be read by the processor. The programs are deployed in the memory. The processor then reads and executes the programs from the storage, thereby realizing the effects of the present disclosure. As already explained, the storage may be realized as a non-volatile storage device.

The program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the program (such as a communication network or broadcast waves).
The program may be recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, MO, etc.), or a semiconductor memory (ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.).

This disclosure includes the following examples, in which elements of the embodiments are numbered as an aid to understanding and not by way of limitation.
(Additional Note 1) A program that causes a computer (200) to execute the following steps: define a virtual space (80) for providing a game (S210); place one or more objects (81) in the virtual space (S212); transmit distribution information corresponding to game play of a first user in the virtual space to a terminal (100C) used by a second user, thereby enabling the second user to watch a video corresponding to the game play using the terminal (S128); receive aiming information transmitted by the terminal when the terminal accepts an aiming operation (S312, S301B); and, when it is determined that an aiming state for a specific object has been established according to the aiming information, grant a reward to the second user (S314).

(Appendix 2) The program described in appendix 2, in which a portion of the virtual space (80) that is within the field of view (85D1) of a virtual camera (85) placed in the virtual space is displayed as the video on the terminal (100C), the aiming operation is changing one or both of the position and angle of the virtual camera in the virtual space, and the establishment of an aiming state for the specific object (81) is determined when the state in which the specific object is within the field of view of the virtual camera is maintained for a specified period of time.

(Appendix 3) The program described in Appendix 2 further includes establishing a state of aiming at the specific object (81) when the specific object enters the field of view (85D1) of the virtual camera (85) and is performing a specific action.

(Appendix 4) The program described in Appendix 3, wherein the specific action is an attack by a character that may be placed in the virtual space (80) as the first user's avatar (81) against a specified object (81).

(Appendix 5) The program according to any one of appendices 2 to 4, in which the characters that can be placed in the virtual space (80) as the avatar (81) of the first user include a first character and a second character, the rarity of the second character is higher than the rarity of the first character, the rewards include a first reward and a second reward, the value of the second reward is higher than the value of the first reward, and granting a reward to the second user includes granting the first reward when the avatar of the first user is the first character, and granting the second reward when the avatar of the first user is the second character.

(Appendix 6) The program described in any one of appendices 2 to 5, in which there are a first character and a second character as characters that can be placed in the virtual space (80) as the avatar (81) of the first user, the rarity of the second character is higher than the rarity of the first character, and the specified period when the avatar of the first user is the second character is longer than the specified period when the avatar of the first user is the first character.

(Appendix 7) A computer (200) comprising a storage device (220) that stores a program described in any one of appendices 1 to 6, and a processor (210) that executes the program stored in the storage device.

(Supplementary Note 8) A system (10) comprising the computer (200) described in Supplementary Note 7.
(Appendix 9) A method in which a computer (200) defines a virtual space (80) for providing a game (S210), places one or more objects (81) in the virtual space (S212), transmits distribution information corresponding to game play of a first user in the virtual space to a terminal (100C) used by a second user, thereby enabling the second user to watch a video including the game play using the terminal (S128), receives aiming information transmitted by the terminal when the terminal accepts an aiming operation (S312, S301B), and grants a reward to the second user when it is determined that an aiming state for a specific object has been established according to the aiming information (S314).

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, some of the components described in the embodiment (or one or more aspects thereof) may be omitted, or several components may be combined. The scope of the present invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Dh...horizontal direction, Ds...line of sight direction, Dv...vertical direction, 10...game system, 40A...home screen, 40A...first home screen, 40B...home screen, 40B...second home screen, 45...matching screen, 50A...first battle screen, 50A...battle screen, 50B...second battle screen, 50B...battle screen, 55...first result screen, 55...result screen, 60...second result screen, 61...HP bar, 62...HP bar, 65...list screen, 70...viewing screen, 80...virtual space, 81...avatar, 81D...gravestone object, 82...terrain object, 82 A...field, 85...virtual camera, 85A...virtual sphere, 85C...center, 85D1...shooting range, 85D2...aiming range, 85P...shooting point, 90...network, 100...terminal, 100A...general terminal, 100B...distribution terminal, 100C...viewing terminal, 101...control module, 101A...game module, 101B...distribution module, 101C...viewing module, 104...rendering module, 105...memory module, 106...communication module, 107...input/output module, 110...processor, 120...memory, 130...storage , 140...communication interface, 150...input/output interface, 160...microphone, 162...speaker, 164...touch screen, 166...monitor, 167...touch sensor, 180...communication bus, 190...input/output device, 200...server, 200A...game server, 200B...distribution server, 201...control module, 201A...game module, 201B...distribution module, 204...distribution module, 205...memory module, 206...communication module, 207...input/output module, 210...processor, 220...memory, 23 0...storage, 240...communication interface, 250...input/output interface, 280...communication bus, 304...step, 401...avatar window, 404...battle icon, 406...character icon, 407...streaming start icon, 451...avatar window, 605...earned points panel, 701...viewing window, 703...member icon, 704...chat window, 705...button, 707...focus cursor, 708...aim time gauge, 709...star, 811A...avatar, 811B...avatar, 812A...avatar.

Claims (7)

Computer,
an execution means for executing a game event in a virtual space in which an object is placed so that a first user can play the game event;
a distribution means for distributing distribution information corresponding to play of the first user in the virtual space to a second user;
a reward granting unit that grants a reward to the second user in accordance with an aiming state at a specific object based on an aiming operation by the second user ;
A portion of the virtual space that is within a field of view of a virtual camera disposed in the virtual space is viewable by the second user as a video;
the aiming operation is changing one or both of a position and an angle of the virtual camera in the virtual space;
the aiming state for the specific object is a state in which a state in which the specific object is within a field of view of the virtual camera is maintained for a specified period of time,
A program in which the aiming operation does not affect the outcome of an event played by the first user . The program according to claim 1, wherein the aiming state for the specific object is a state in which the specific object is within the field of view of the virtual camera and maintained for the specified period of time, and the specific object that has entered the field of view of the virtual camera is performing a specific action. The program according to claim 2 , wherein the specific action is an attack by a character that can be placed in the virtual space as an avatar of the first user against a predetermined object . There are a first character and a second character as characters that can be placed in the virtual space as an avatar of the first user;
The rarity of the second character is higher than the rarity of the first character;
The reward includes a first reward and a second reward;
The value of the second reward is higher than the value of the first reward;
The program according to claim 3 , wherein the reward granting means grants the first reward when the avatar of the first user is the first character, and grants the second reward when the avatar of the first user is the second character. There are a first character and a second character as characters that can be placed in the virtual space as an avatar of the first user;
The rarity of the second character is higher than the rarity of the first character;
The program according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the specified period when the avatar of the first user is the second character is longer than the specified period when the avatar of the first user is the first character. the event is a competitive event,
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein not influencing the outcome of an event played by the first user means not influencing the outcome of a match. an execution means for executing a game event in a virtual space in which an object is placed so that a first user can play the game event;
a distribution means for distributing distribution information corresponding to play of the first user in the virtual space to a second user;
a reward granting means for granting a reward to the second user in accordance with an aiming state at a specific object based on an aiming operation by the second user ,
A portion of the virtual space that is within a field of view of a virtual camera disposed in the virtual space is viewable by the second user as a video;
the aiming operation is changing one or both of a position and an angle of the virtual camera in the virtual space;
the aiming state for the specific object is a state in which a state in which the specific object is within a field of view of the virtual camera is maintained for a specified period of time,
An information processing system in which the aiming operation does not affect the outcome of an event played by the first user .